Skyfarer 2024

Skyfarer is a steampunk tabletop roleplaying game set in a world shattered into floating islands. Players crew a skyship. They explore, fight other ships, and between voyages repair the ship, craft tools, and chase personal goals.

Personal responsibilities

• Project lead: concept, iteration, scheduling, deadlines, and rules QA.
• Designed rules for a ship-to-ship combat system from scratch
• Designed rules for skyship creation, and modular components, suites, and systems
• Created a dynamic downtime system with multi-resolution outcome that encourages roleplay and new story hooks.
• Designed a structured economy based on a three-tiered currency.
• Created an expansive catalog of standard items with clear mechanics, pricing, and utility.
• Designed refitting and docking rules to balance and enhance recovery, ship upgrades, and downtime.
• Created an event clock to build narrative tension and create new story beats.

System highlights

• Skills-Based Resolution: Use skills across Body, Mind, Social, and Combat.
• Morale Management: The crew’s mood influences success and story outcomes.
• Downtime Activities: Repair your ship, craft tools, or pursue personal goals between voyages.
• Dignitaries: Unique NPC companions who provide abilities and roleplay depth.
• Travel, crafting, navigation, factions, and more.

Themes

• Exploration & Discovery: Uncover lost islands, chart the skies, and face the unknown.
• Crew & Camaraderie: Build bonds, keep morale high, and survive the dangers of the skies.
• Steampunk Fantasy: A blend of mechanical ingenuity and ancient mysteries

Skyfarer’s first playtest is available now.