Archives of the Sky

Archives of the Sky:

Publisher: Aaron A. Reed

A million years from now, humanity has spread across the galaxy and taken countless forms. Vast empires have come and gone like waves against an unimaginable shore. But some strange voyagers chose to remain outside the churn of civilizations, pursuing a greater purpose. When a new force comes to the galaxy, will these eternal wanderers remain who they are--or, at long last, change?

Archives of the Sky is a tabletop storytelling game with an epic sci-fi backdrop and a focus on very human stories. No gamemaster or advanced preparation is required. You and some friends will collaboratively create a great House, a group of interstellar wanderers with a set of inviolable core beliefs--and then, like any good storytellers, devise a conflict that pits those beliefs against each other.

Game Features:

• Epic sci-fi stories on a grand scale, in a galaxy you create at the table
• 3-6 players collaborate to create Episodes of around four hours each
• GM-less, story-focused rules in the tradition of games like Microscope, Downfall, and Fiasco
• Create a deck of words from your favorite sci-fi novels, and draw from it when you need inspiration or a random outcome (or use a sample list of 800 juicy words if you don't have a stack of books handy!)
• Play meta-roles like the Epic and the Intimate in addition to your character, focused on making the story breathtaking and huge in scope, or keeping it grounded in sensory details and emotion
• Use tokens to threaten Values that connect to the developing plot, eventually positioning two Values within a Dilemma that puts them into conflict
• Supports one-off or campaign play

The 103-page rulebook (full color throughout) includes the complete rules plus a collection of useful bonus material:

• Sample names for characters, stars, and planets
• A read-aloud Quick-start Guide that introduces new concepts gradually as you play your first few scenes
• Actual play examples (edited for clarity) to show key rules and mechanics in action
• Four alternate settings and tips for making more of your own
• Rules for a quicker "Fast Play" mode, ideal for one-shots or conventions
• Awe-inspiring sci-fi art throughout

If you just want to give the game a try with the bare-bones rules, check out Archives of the Sky: Free Version, a 20-page PDF with a basic layout and no art. 

Price: $10.00