ZSF is the future-past
We are spacers,
planet chasers,
desperate fools searching for gold.
We are killers,
starlight thrillers,
beautiful strangers in a strange, strange world.
ZSF is a new sci-fantasy TTRPG I’m working on. Key words: space, cosmos, robots, wizards, demons, blasters, corporations, and outlaws.
It is an original system utilizing all the classic dice, but leaning heavily on d6s for basic game mechanics. It has a gambling mechanic, meta points called Aces, and exploding dice rolls.
Currently this is the planned cover for the book. It could change.
Page from an old comic where the idea took root. A space fantasy world! My favorite kind.
The first "official" character sheet. After making a dozen or so smaller ones, I think this one strikes a good balance between vibes and utility.
Game notes.
ZSF is inspired by Heavy Metal, Vaughn Bodé, Ice Pirates, Wizards, Looney Tunes, Firefly, old Marvel Comics, Star Frontiers, and… oh hell, I admit it, a little Star Wars is gotta be in the mix. Probably a lot of other stuff too. The game system is influenced heavily by The Black Hack, Into the Odd, and Troika!, as many of my game designs tend to be. But also, I’m riffing on my own game The Pool with a few of the elements here. But ZSF is an adventure game, not a story game. It just has some elements I dig from that style of play.
Speaking of Troika!, this idea is in fact the same as Supercalla and Cozmic Metal Heads. Those books, which I’m very proud of, are Troika! compatible but this game stands alone. The setting you find in those books is ZSF.
The game’s final form is not yet known. My thinking is that it will be something like an A5 or digest sized book. It will not be hand-scrawled like GOZR. I’m very proud of that game, but this one will be laid out with text in a more traditional manner. It will be a bit more expansive since I don’t have to worry about killing my fingers literally drawing every letter. I will write and illustrate it.
I’ll add more notes later. Keep your eyes peeled.