1 Introduction
1.1 The approach
The system has been inspired by a number of things including the Battlefleet Gothic
campaign system and Net/PC exploration games like 'Stars!' and 'Planets'. A map is
generated with a number of star systems. The details of the system - what type of planets
it has, how the occupants will react and so on - is generated by the first player to get
there. You may have to fight the natives for control of it, win it from other players, or
if you are lucky the inhabitants might accept your occupation (though they may send out a
distress call and reveal your position to everyone else!). The star system will gradually
be mapped out as players explore and annex more planets. In doing so they gain the ability
to control passage around the star map and build up an empire of planets. But the players
do not know where their opponent's fleet is, or the locations of their developing empire.
They can only deduce this through exploration, technology rumor and bribery…
The rules presented here are a 'core' rule set, and can be expanded with more advanced
rules as the Gamesmaster sees fit. We encourage you to send us your ideas for rules
add-ins.
1.2 The campaign background
It is always more fun if there is a background story to set the scene for a campaign.
This is a bit of a problem if you have lots of Imperial players in your group (as you
probably will have) because Imperial armies wouldn't normally fight each other. If the
numbers permit it you could always let the Imperial players form an alliance against the
alien races, but this isn't always entirely satisfactory for the Imperial players because
they'd like to have an overall winner.
Our suggested background for Galaxy of Damnation is that the Imperial fleets have been
drawn out of warp space unexpectedly by a massive disturbance in the warp. They have no
idea why they have ended up in this galaxy, which is at the extreme edge of charted space.
They find a system of unexplored worlds and alien antagonists. Suspecting that the hand of
Chaos has been at work the Imperial fleets decide that they can trust no one, not even
those with the appearance of loyal Imperial troopers.
As Gamesmaster you can embellish this basic theme in any way you like, or add optional
sub-plots and mission objectives for extra interest.
1.3 The Gamesmaster's role
Galaxy of Damnation is designed to be run by a Gamesmaster (GM). This person sets up
the campaign, manages the movement of the player's fleets and developing empire, tells the
players what they can or cannot see and do, and what games they need to play. The GM has a
God-like knowledge of the game universe…which is a bit of an advantage where he to
play himself. However, he can still join in with a rebel fleet and by playing the defender
during invasions of neutral worlds or taking the place of absent players. The GM's role is
to:
- Set up the star map
- Allocate starting locations
- Manage player movement and work out the consequences
- Help players organise games where invasions and conflicts occur
- Introduce extra interest with events, special locations and sub-plots.
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Galaxy of
Damnation