Category: Science Fiction

Day 21 Prompt: Charity

Week 4 Prompt: Instinct

Weekday Prompt: Loving and Giving

A special day today. Charity is the prompt for Day 21 of the RPGaDAY 2026 Challenge. Here is an idea that spans from Fantasy to Science Fiction. I hope that you enjoy it.

A popular spacer’s song heard in freeports, frontier taverns, and aboard merchant vessels throughout the sector. Every singer seems to know a slightly different version. Some musical historians point back to ballads spanning the ages. Was the Black Almoner a long lived individual? Was it a family tradition? Or did a new person wishing to help others take on the mantle of the Black Almoner when the previous one retired? Scholars, lawmen, corporations and governments disagree.

The Ballad of the Black Almoner (variant song 24,376 on record)

Verse I

When Promise was a docking ring,

And Far2Go a charted thing,

The governors took their share and more,

Till hunger walked from door to door.

A dark ship slipped through customs’ light,

No transponder shining bright,

The cargo gone before the dawn,

The poor awoke to find it drawn.

Chorus

Oh, raise a glass and pass it on,

To the Black Almoner gone and gone,

Steals from lords and leaves no name,

Yet every child recalls the same.

Take what is hoarded, give what’s due,

Leave before they thank you, too.

The stars are wide, the road is long,

And still the Black Almoner sails on.

Verse II

The merchants swore they’d caught him twice,

The admirals named a proper price,

A thousand warrants crossed the skies,

Yet none could claim the bounty prize.

One year old, the next year young,

With a deeper voice or different tongue,

No two reports were quite the same,

Yet all agreed upon the name.

Chorus

Oh, raise a glass and pass it on…

Verse III

A mining moon ran out of air,

No government was bothered there,

Yet life support arrived one night,

Packed neat and clean, secured just right.

The captain asked, “Who paid the fee?”

The answer read quite simply:

“A debt was owed. The debt is done.

Remember this when your turn comes.”

Chorus

Oh, raise a glass and pass it on…

Bridge

Was it one? Was it ten? Was it twenty more besides?

Was it blood or oath that kept the legend alive?

Some say ghost and some say king,

Some say neither of those things.

For every time the question’s asked,

Another takes the mantle, mask.

Final Verse

Now children point to passing stars,

And dream of mending others’ scars,

The old folk smile, the traders grin,

And wonder who now wears the skin.

For somewhere past the shipping lanes,

Beyond patrols and profit chains,

A dark ship rides the solar foam,

Making strangers feel at home.

Final Chorus

So raise a glass and pass it on,

To the Black Almoner gone and gone,

Steals from greed and answers need,

A pirate born of generous deed.

Take what is hoarded, give what’s due,

Leave before they thank you, too.

The stars are wide, the road is long,

And the Black Almoner sails on.

This article is open for discussion on the TardisCaptain dot Com Discord server. You can also email me at Carl (at) TardisCaptain.com or click on my social media links with any comments.

Day 20 Prompt: Promise

Week 4 Prompt: Instinct

Weekday Prompt: Far to Go

Well, I’m taking the prompt of Promise for Day 20 of the RPGaDAY 2026 Challenge and I’m applying it to an idea that I’ve had for a science fiction TTRPG setting. This could easily be adapted for Star Frontiers, Traveller, FrontierSpace, Stars Without Number or a host of other SF based systems.

The short-range radio crackles a bit before the last words of docking control cuts through. “Affirmative Golden Instinct, you are cleared for open port 47 with the Independent Captains’ League berth. Welcome to Promise Station.”

“Thank you docking control, proceeding to 47.” Captain Leonath reaches over and disconnects the line. He looks at Dale Harth, the newest member of his crew. “So kid, did you have any questions about that interaction?”

“Uh… no. It seemed pretty straight forward. You were a lot nicer to her than you were with the dockmaster at Regulath Section Command.” Harth gulped.

“Yea, those government controllers think that they are a gift from the gods when it comes to docking regulations. Betty here at Promise Station is like you and me, just someone getting a job done for an honest day’s work. I give her respect, and she respects us back. You’ll find it’s the same for a lot of the inhabitants of Promise Station.” Leonath adjusts the control as he calmly guilds his trading vessel into the approach orbit. “That reminds me, this is your first time to Promise Station isn’t it?”

“I guess there’s a good reason the planet it orbits is called Far2Go. This is the furthest I’ve been into the Outer Reaches.” Harth states. “What’s it like out here?

“I’m glad you asked kid.” Another course adjustment. “I’ve been wanting to give you the lowdown about this place. As a member of the Golden Instinct crew you carry the reputation of the ship here. There are a lot of temptations here being a free trading station. Like any place, there is a shady side, but we don’t run that way. Ready for the infodump kid?”

“Oh yea, I’ll ask questions as things go along.” Harth pulls out his datapad. “Ready”

“Well first, don’t be flashing too much tech. Yea there are thieves, but there are also datajackers who will try to probe your systems. Make sure you’re security apps are up to date before you leave.”

“Check.” Replied Harth.

Leonath looks at the motley assembly of different starship hulls, science stations, cargo containers, repair docks, luxury yachts and more, all connected together. “This is a station independently run by different organizations and guilds. Each of these sections are mechanically joined together by the Brakka Structural Consortium. They love to say, “The Consortium doesn’t own Promise, just the bolts that holds her together.” the computer beeps as a few more buttons are pushed. “The Brakka are hardworking, but will drink you under the table if you get involved with one of the beverage battles. Don’t let their size fool you, they come from a high gravity world and could probably bend you in half just as fast as they bend a hull plate.”

“I heard that if there is too much trouble with the location due to pirates or the like, the whole station can break down to the vessels and transported by their independent owners to a new location.“ Harth smiled. “Aurora Station in the Nox sector uses the same concept.”

“Right” Leonath smiled. “But Promise is slightly better than other modular stations. And that is probably because of the new row of official government consular vessels that have set up office here.”

“Consular stations? I thought that this type of place wanted to get away from the eyes of different governments.”

“Yea, they wouldn’t have been caught dead here. But they paid the price to connect. I think the sudden interest is because the first consular office was from the Aurel. This is their first ever ambassador undertaking. And that suddenly made the Terran Confederation, the Kethari Guild Assembly, the Brakka Republic and even the Tri-Dak Empire wanted to set up shop. They were all interested in why a mysterious reclusive power like the Aurel was suddenly interested in opening a consular office.”

Harth looked surprised. “Wow, a confederation and empire ambassador within shooting distance of each other? That must be fun?” He looked around. “So why are the Aurel here?”

“Well one rumor is the archeological find down on Far2Go had something to do with it, but the Aurel aren’t saying. Which is par for the course with them. I’ve never even seen one in person. But they are wrapped up in their protective clothing and silvery veilmasks. No one knows what they look like without their garments or if the electronic voices are actually their own.“ Leonath looks down at the desert planet below them. “The scientists, archeologists and treasure hunters are having a field day down there. Most are legit, some not so much. Don’t be fooled by anyone selling ‘genuine’ souvenirs from the surface.”

Harth chuckled. “I don’t know if I’d have room for them in my cabin.” He smiled.

As the Golden Instinct glides around one of the refurbished cargo pods, a brightly lit luxury space yacht comes into view. “Oh yea, that reminds me. That’s called The House of Fortune. But if you go in there, you’ll probably lose yours. It’s a gambling location that usually caters to high end clientele. There are definitely some humans, moxmar and kethari who would try to entice you into one of the different attractions there. Perhaps when we are done with our cargo runs, we can check it out on a supervised basis. But they tend to prey on the unknowing.”

“So, all we do here is cargo runs?” Harth asked.

“Mostly, but this is a place that has resources we can’t get anywhere else or are too expensive anywhere else. The merchant houses, the guilds and even the whisper market has been good for both buying and selling. For the many different races who come here, it’s pretty much kept under control. Mostly.” Leonath looks up. “Almost there. Go help Wig-Sok with the docking hatch and I’ll join you guys there.”

“Sure thing boss.” Harth jumps up and leaves the control cabin.

After the door closes, Leonath pulls out his personal communicator and dials into an encrypted frequency. He states in a monotone voice “Code 12, 14, 48 and 59.” After receiving two beeps in response, he closes the device. A few moments later, a metallic clunk shakes the Golden Instinct as it connects to docking port 47 on Promise Station.

Leonath checks his beam weapon in the holster before standing up. “Let’s get this over with.”

Carl sits back at the keyboard. Did he plant any seeds today? Tell me about where you’d take this game environment. This article is open for discussion on the TardisCaptain dot Com Discord server. You can also email me at Carl (at) TardisCaptain.com or click on my social media links with any comments.

Day 16 Prompt: Composure

Week 3 Prompt: Associates

Weekday Prompt: Blessed

For Day 16 of the RPGaDAY 2026 Challenge and I’m going to be twisting the prompt of Composure from something vague to something directional. And this could fall in most RPG genres that I’ve already used several times this month. Gee, it’s almost like I’m interested in playing in these particular genres. So, for your sci-fi, pulp or fantasy game please consider the use of The Five Bearings of the Compass Guild.

North Bearing

Virtue: Endurance Color: Deep Blue Motto: “Hold Fast.“

North members are explorers, scouts, and guides who refuse to quit.

When others turn back, the North continues.

Associated with: Survival, Perseverance, Long expeditions and Frontier exploration

East Bearing

Virtue: Knowledge Color: Gold Motto: “Seek Understanding.“

These are the cartographers, scholars, translators, and researchers.

The first to study a map. The last to stop asking questions.

Associated with: Intellect, Discovery, Learning and Investigation

South Bearing

Virtue: Service Color: Green Motto: “Leave Others Better.“

The most community-minded Bearing.

Members often become: Healers, Diplomats, Relief workers & Pilgrim guides

Associated with: Giving, Compassion, Charity and Stewardship

West Bearing

Virtue: Adventure Color: Crimson Motto: “Beyond the Horizon.“

The daring members.

Explorers. Pathfinders. Treasure hunters.

Often blamed for incidents.

Associated with: Courage, Curiosity, Risk-taking and New frontiers

Center Bearing

Virtue: Composure Color: White or Silver Motto: “Remain True.“

The rarest Bearing.

Center members train as: Mediators, Leaders, Masters and Judges

Like the pivot point of a compass, they remain steady while others move around them.

Associated with: Balance, Wisdom, Leadership and Calmness

Founder’s saying that is recited upon initiation or at the start of meetings:

“North endures. East learns. South serves. West ventures. The Center remains true.“

Which Bearing house would your character be in? Tell me about it. This article is open for discussion on the TardisCaptain dot Com Discord server. You can also email me at Carl (at) TardisCaptain.com or click on my social media links with any comments.

Day 6 Prompt: Reach
Week 2 Prompt: Intellect
Weekday Prompt: Far to Go
Another entry in the RPGaDAY 2026 Challenge; for Day 6, I’m not changing the prompt. After the creative enjoyment from the Burden or Burned entry on Day 5, I’m writing another entry by just putting my fingers on the keyboard. The prompt is enough without having to twist it around, and I was able to add the Weekday prompt for once.

The following RPG blog post is system agnostic. I hope it inspires GMs for science fiction games like Star Trek Adventures, Traveller, FrontierSpace, Stars Without Number or Star Frontiers.

Dataset Report: Far-Reach Station and Colony
Location: Marcus III, Marcus System, Kestrel Expanse
Number of Planets: Six full sized planets, unknown number of dwarf planets
System Breakdown: Marcus I (Rocky, No atmosphere, No moons); Marcus II (Rocky, Thick atmosphere, No moons), Marcus III (Rocky, Standard atmosphere, Two moons), Asteroid Belt, Marcus IV (Gas giant, 12 moons), Marcus V (Gas giant, 17 moons), Marcus VI (Ice giant, Two moons)

History: Fifty years ago, a one-way transport arrived at Marcus III to start up a colony of human survivalists. They used the hull components of their vessel as the building blocks for the first colony, and were able to eke out a living. The group, known as The Children of Mankind, had been able to grow the colony. Fifteen years after planetfall, a second group of colonists arrived with additional followers. This also included a few non-human residents. Primarily, the group just wanted to be left alone from the core-worlds. When there was vessel from Earth, they greeted them, showed them that they were self-sustaining and in no need of follow up. Secretly the group feared that a life-ending disaster was about to befall the core worlds. By setting up a colony in a remote region of space, they could ensure the survival of the species.

Then, a disaster did strike, but not the one they were expecting. A group of colony prospectors came across an alien ship of unknown origin that had crashed before they had arrived. When they opened it, delta radiation was released and was starting to expand from the still active reactor. The colony lost several educated members who were attempting to seal the vessel off. The colony had no means of leaving Marcus III as they had cannibalized their vessels for planetary use. Merchant vessels were rare to stop by a remote colony and their radio transmitter only covered the area of the solar system.

Colony leaders were attempting to see if they could reassemble the FTL transceiver when a miracle happened. Or was it a curse? Infamous scientist Dr. Antonio Kron arrived in the system with several of his followers. While their vessel was too small to evacuate, he did offer them his services. Dr. Kron and his assistants had the equipment and knowledge needed to re-seal the unknown alien vessel. It would take several years for the delta radiation to dissipate, but with the source cut off, it wouldn’t expand any more, no longer threatening the colony or its agricultural sources.

Had the colony known of Dr. Kron’s crimes in the core worlds, they probably wouldn’t have agreed to reward him. Dr. Kron needed a place to hide from the authorities, and he wanted to continue his banned experiments. He had found that one of the moons around Marcus IV had the materials needed for his research. He wanted to set up Far-Reach Station on the surface of the ninth moon. If needed, the colony could reach the station with their transmitter if another emergency came up. Dr. Kron was able to discreetly use his resources to build Far-Reach Station. And he was willing to purchase fresh foodstuffs from the colony in exchange for their continued silence to the station’s location. If anyone came searching for Dr. Kron, the colony leaders only informed them that he had stopped by then continued on his way after helping them with the radiation issue.

Stephen Milken, one of Dr. Kron’s assistants, discovered that the left-over residue of the softwood tree found on Marcus III contained properties that would imitate one of the illegal narcotics in the core worlds. The fruit of the softwood tree was one of the foodstuffs that helped the colony survive and was held in high regard with the colonists. The residue had no value to them, so when the station requested it “for research purposes”, they gladly sold it to them. The Doctor’s team used the profits from selling the narcotic as a way to fund their research.

At the time this report was compiled, the following questions had not been answered.
1- What was the unknown alien ship found on Marcus III?
2- What medical crimes (besides narcotics) had Dr. Kron and his associates been charged with?
3- How far did the narcotics network reach into the core worlds?
4- Would the disaster that The Children of Mankind feared come to pass?

Answers that a good GM might be able to use for a science-fiction roleplaying campaign. Which one was your favorite? This article is open for discussion on the TardisCaptain dot Com Discord server. You can also email me at Carl (at) TardisCaptain.com or click on my social media links with any comments.