Ironsworn: Starforged spin-off RPG swaps dark fantasy for a sci-fi setting inspired by The Mandalorian

Build bonds in a dangerous and disturbing galaxy with Ironsworn: Starforged, an upcoming RPG that takes place in a world inspired by The Mandalorian, Alien and Guardians of the Galaxy.

Starforged is a roleplaying game that centres on a setting filled with ancient lost civilisations floating in the void of space. Players find themselves as humans drifting in an uncaring world where they must face all manner of threats, from pirates to warring factions to enormous beings of unknowable origin. Humankind has managed to establish themselves by using whatever salvage they can get their hands on, surviving on the harsh planets found in Starforged’s solar system. To survive in this galaxy, players will need to forge bonds with each other, and whatever allies they can find, by completing quests they’ve sworn to do.

The system for Starforged is based on that of Ironsworn, with players creating their characters using stats, which will gradually improve as they gain experience in their various quests. Characters will also have access to assets - such as vehicles, companions and deeds - and abilities they can use throughout the campaign.

A key aspect of the Ironsworn system are Moves, which can be performed to complete an action, resolve a scene or answer a question. Moves need a trigger to be used, with some requiring the player to make an action roll which will determine the outcome of the move. Action rolls involve the player rolling a d6 against two d10s, with the result shown on the d6 - plus the relevant stats and bonuses - needing to beat at least one of the d10s to be successful.

Another element of Starforged is momentum, which can be spent to prevent potential failures or ensure a positive result on future Moves. Momentum is gained whenever a player’s Move yields a certain outcome, such as acquiring new insight or making progress on a current quest. Starforged can be played as a guided RPG - meaning that one player is a GM - as a co-op game or as a solo roleplaying title.

Ironsworn: Starforged was created by Shawn Tomkin, the designer behind the original Ironsworn - a fantasy roleplaying game about becoming a group of sworn heroes attempting to complete quests in a vicious world of danger - as well as the Ironsworn supplement about exploring underground caverns called Delve. The digital version of Ironsworn is free to download from the RPG’s website.

The Kickstarter campaign for Ironsworn: Starforged is live until May 27th, with a pledge of $40 (£29) getting backers a copy of the physical edition that’s set to be released in May 2022. Alternatively, the digital version of the RPG is available at a pledge of $20 (£15), with backers who are struggling financially able to get the digital version for $10 (£8).