In the Light of a Ghost Star
In the Light of a Ghost Star is a rules-lite sci-fi RPG set on a frozen, abandoned Earth lit by a dead white dwarf. Scavengers from Martian cities brave ghosts, machines, and strange life to recover ancient treasures. With streamlined mechanics, inventory rationing, and a hex crawl, it emphasizes exploration and survival in a weird, post-human world.
Science Fiction / NSR • d20 roll-under • 2-4 players + GM • Low prep • Rules-lite • 2-4 hour sessions
Earth was abandoned ages ago during the sun's red giant expansion. Now, dimly lit by the ghost light of a dead white dwarf, it lies frozen and layered with eons of forgotten civilizations.
Theme and Setting
From the warmth of Martian reactor cities, scavengers hire illegal transportation to Earth to delve into its depths, searching for ancient treasures. There they must contend with ghosts of the past, dormant machines, and the strange life that has evolved on humankind's abandoned home world.
How Play Feels
The setting blends science fiction with post-apocalyptic survival and cosmic weirdness, creating an evocative backdrop for exploration-focused play. Ghost Star uses a streamlined, rules-lite system similar to Into the Odd but with slightly more mechanical depth.
What Makes It Distinct
Characters have ability scores and hit points, with a d20 roll-under resolution mechanic for uncertain actions. The game emphasizes player ingenuity over complex rules—gear is important and inventory space is rationed, giving play a distinct survival feel.
Where It May Not Fit
You mainly want short standalone sessions with minimal carryover You want the system to stay almost invisible at the table.
What this game is about
A strong fit for groups that want science-fiction ideas to shape the actual play experience, with exploration-Driven helping define the experience.
Structured data and an explicit decision profile JSON document are available for remote agents.