Old School Renaissance – Other Dust: A Post-Apocalyptic Sandbox RPG Compatible with Stars Without Number

Old School, stars without number

Publisher: Sine Nomine Publishing

Introduction

Other Dust is a post-apocalyptic sandbox RPG compatible with Stars Without Number, a free sci-fi RPG by Kevin Crawford. It is set in the year 2664, after an apocalyptic event that destroyed most of the human civilization and left behind a ruined world full of mutants, psychics, and scavengers. Other Dust allows you to create your own survivors, communities, and adventures in this harsh and dangerous setting, using a simple and flexible system that encourages creativity and improvisation.

System

Other Dust uses the same core system as Stars Without Number, which is based on the classic old-school D&D rules. You roll 2d6 + modifiers for skill checks, 1d20 + modifiers for combat, and use six attributes (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma) to define your character. However, Other Dust also introduces some new mechanics that are specific to the post-apocalyptic genre, such as:

  • Enclaves: These are the communities that your characters belong to or interact with. They have their own stats, resources, problems, and goals that affect the game world and the survival of your characters. You can use the random tables in the book to generate enclaves or create your own using the guidelines provided.
  • Mutation: This is the result of exposure to radiation or contamination from the apocalyptic event or other sources. It can grant your characters some beneficial or harmful effects, such as enhanced senses, extra limbs, or deformities. You can roll on the mutation table in the book or choose your own mutation with the GM’s approval.
  • Psychic Powers: These are the rare and dangerous abilities that some survivors possess, such as telepathy, telekinesis, or pyrokinesis. They are similar to the psychic powers in Stars Without Number, but with some differences and limitations. For example, psychic characters in Other Dust have to roll for psychic backlash every time they use their powers, which can cause them physical or mental harm or attract unwanted attention from other psychics or mutants.
  • Scavenging: This is the main activity that your characters will engage in during the game. It involves exploring the ruins of the old world and looking for useful items, such as weapons, armor, tools, or technology. You can use the scavenging tables in the book to determine what you find or create your own scavenging scenarios using the guidelines provided.

Setting

Other Dust does not have a fixed setting or a detailed timeline of events. Instead, it gives you a general overview of the world after the apocalyptic event and some tools and tips to create your own setting or adapt an existing one to suit your preferences. You can choose where and when your game takes place, what kind of threats and factions exist in your region, and what level of technology and civilization remains in your world. You can also use the optional rules and supplements in the book to add more flavor and variety to your setting, such as:

  • The New Earth: This is a sample setting that covers North America after the apocalyptic event. It provides some background information, maps, locations, factions, and adventure hooks that you can use as inspiration or as a starting point for your own setting.
  • The Perimeter Agency: This is an optional faction that you can introduce in your game. It is a secret organization that operates from hidden bases around the world and tries to preserve and restore the remnants of human civilization. They can be allies or enemies to your characters depending on their goals and methods.
  • The Mandate Archive: This is a series of free supplements that expand on some aspects of the setting and provide more options and resources for your game. They cover topics such as aliens, robots, nanotechnology, cults, and more.

Conclusion

Other Dust is a great game for fans of post-apocalyptic fiction and sandbox RPGs. It offers a lot of freedom and flexibility to create your own unique and immersive experiences in a rich and diverse world full of challenges and opportunities. It is also compatible with Stars Without Number, which means you can combine both games to create epic campaigns that span across different genres and settings. If you are looking for a game that lets you explore the ruins of humanity and rebuild it from scratch, Other Dust is definitely worth checking out.

Stars Without Number – Other Dust on DrivethruRpg