Introduction to Stargrave

 Stargrave is a science fiction wargame, by the same author, and borrowing some rules, from Frostgrave.  In Frostgrave, a player controls an adventuring party with a Wizard, an Apprentice, and up to 8 hired soldiers, each with different skills and specialization.  In Stargrave, the player controls a crew, led by a Captain, a First Mate, and up to 8 crew.

The Captain selects a Background (from 8 available). Then the Captain selects 5 Powers. These are special abilities, that could represent innate skills or powers, alien abilities, strange technology, etc. at the players choice, either 3 or 4 (out of the total of 5) from a list associated with the background. The other 1 or 2 Powers come from the overall list of Powers, but cannot be ones from the character’s Background. This ensures that all characters are very individualized.

The 8 Backgrounds are interesting.

1. Biomorph - genetically modified or strangely alien body
2. Cyborg - part machine, with all the perks
3. Mystic - space wizards, like Lensmen or Jedi
4. Robotics Expert - robot creation, robot control, etc.
5. Rogue - Han Solo and his ilk
6. Psionicist - mind powers 
7. Tekker - use and pursue technology
8. Veteran - former military, with associated skills

The Captain starts out at level 15, which is represented by an advanced set of stats, and of course the five Powers.

Once a Background and Powers are selected, then the Captain can choose any equipment they like. The Captain has six slots for equipment, but can change what they carry each game. Normal equipment is not paid for.

Once the Captain is done, then the player can build the Second Mate. Unlike Frostgrave, where the Apprentice has the same school of magic as the Wizard, in Stargrave the First Mate can be the same Background as the Captain or a different Background.  The First Mate then chooses 4 Powers. Again, at the players choice, either 2 or 3 come from the Background, and the remaining 1 or 2 come from the open list.  Finally, select equipment, the First Mate has 5 equipment slots.

The First Mate is considered to be level 0, unlike the Captain, and this is reflected in a lesser stat line.  The character levels are important for campaign play.

Finally the player has 600 credits to hire up to 8 crew.  Up to 4 of those can be from the Specialist Soldier List, and the remainder are from the Standard Soldier list.