FrontierSpace Ruleset

[LordEntrails]

Description
This ruleset is for the FrontierSpace RPG by DWD Studios. “A roleplaying game of science fiction action and adventure.” A modern opera style sci-fi RPG inspired by the classic Star Frontiers.

“FrontierSpace is built upon the foundation of the d00lite system, the same game engine used to power BareBones Fantasy and Covert Ops roleplaying games. Years of feedback and continued game system development has evolved this product into something that flows at the game table while getting out of the way of a good story.” – Bill Logan

Features


Character Sheets w/ attributes, skills, inventory, combat actions, & notes
NPCs, both Minor & Major
Items w/ support for fields by Type
Vehicles sheets
Starships sheets
Benefits
Skills w/ support for Specializations
CoreRPG features including: Parcels, Images, Encounters, Player Notes, Stories, Locations, Quests & Sound Sets


User Guide
Quick Start Video Tutorial (https://youtu.be/P9sM1pyHdKs)
Also see attachment

Acknowledgements
We want to say a special thank you to the following people who played key roles in helping this ruleset become a reality; Damned for his work getting us started with the character sheet, unique rolls and the majority of the theme. Psicoledix for Ruleset Wizard and his assistance throughout the project. Moon Wizard and Dominick for their coding advice and problem solving.

Important Notes
This ruleset includes images (but no other content) that are the Copyrigyht ©2017 b DWD Studios and are used with permission.
Though we consider this ruleset functional with all the capabilities needed to play FrontierSpace, we are still actively improving upon it and welcome feedback. See our Forum Thread link (top left) for more information.
Additional Licensed FrontierSpace content including the core rules can be found on the FG Forge.

Screenshots may differ from what you see in game due to updates to the ruleset or extensions you may have loaded.

Get the Ruleset for free here: https://forge.fantasygrounds.com/shop/items/2176/view

Get content for the RPG from the Forge and listed here: https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showthread.php?84706-FrontierSpace-Content-(Rulebooks-Adventures-amp-Other-Modules)

[LordEntrails]

Version Log
Version 1.0 4/3/2025 Initial Release
Version 1.1 4/27/2025 Added; NPC Creatures, Item Vehicle components, cleaned up deprecated messages, cleaned up Item resize behavior
Version 1.2 5/13/2025 Added: ADV/DIS rolls for Major and Creature NPCs
Version 1.3 5/26/2025 Added: Starship Combat tab. Changed: Character sheet moved Benefits to Main tab, removed Abilities tab.
Version 1.4 8/9/2025 Fixed: Combobox issues to support FG 4.8.0 changes. Updated: NPCs & Items.
Version 1.5 8/24/2025 Fixed: various errors and warnings. Added: Starship and Vehicle creation by Players, Standardize frames, Library filters
Version 1.6 9/21/2025 Fixed: buttongroup_counter error, NPC visibility on combat tracker, ADV/DIS triangles on charactersheet

In addition to the core rules and adventures that are being converted (see above link to DLC thread), some additional things that are being worked on include;

Improved theming. Cleanup of general windows with object spacing and sizes as well as a cohesive graphical and coloring theme.
Automation around targeting, damage types and defense calculations.
Implementation of MAP automation
Icon health indications on tokens
Addition of Party Benefits to Party Sheet
Roll modifier buttons; +/- 5, 10, 20


Other things of note:


A Quick Start video for those familiar with FrontierSpace and Fantasy Grounds giving a brief intro to the features that are unique or unusual with the ruleset. https://youtu.be/P9sM1pyHdKs

[LordEntrails]

Added User Guide as a PDF attachment to the first post.

[LordEntrails]

Updated ruleset to version 1.1
Added Vehicle Item Type for equipment that is integrated or added to vehicles and starships.
Resolved Deprecated messages for Skills & Benefits, reverted to default window templates
Added NPC Creature type
Themed NPC fields by adding Body Point and Init field icon frames
Minor Character Sheet updates, resolved Portrait and Token deprecated messages, still need to increase portrait and widget sizes
Improved Item resize behavior
Added Rie Rolls fields on item damage fields.

[vegaserik]

I have had a problem with damage. It doesn't roll dice, numbers just pop up in the chat, but it also doesn't apply to the npc after rolled. One other thing is if I drag the target icon from the tracker onto the map it works but if I drop it on an npc in the combat tracker it throws an error.

[LordEntrails]

I have had a problem with damage. It doesn't roll dice, numbers just pop up in the chat, but it also doesn't apply to the npc after rolled. One other thing is if I drag the target icon from the tracker onto the map it works but if I drop it on an npc in the combat tracker it throws an error.
Correct. See the PDF attachment on the first post with some of the current limitations.

Targeting is not yet working as we have to get damage types processing along with defenses. There will be changes to the PC combat tag soon that has better fields for the weapon damage. Right now I'm only able to have them use the random number generator to simulate rolls. But that will be changed shortly (See how items>Vehicles>weapons are handled as of last night's update.)

[LordEntrails]

Multiple times I've been asked about what is FrontierSpace like? So here's what I've written elsewhere and figured it should be here as well;

FrontierSpace in Comparison to Star Frontiers

In short, FrontierSpace (FS) a more modern system in that a lot of the idiosyncrasies of Star Frontiers (SF) are resolved. It is still rules light and pretty open ended while being designed to keep a future opera/cinematic feel.

Its a roll under D00 lite system. With checks typically being Ability score (1-100) plus skill bonus setting the target number to roll under. With both the possibility of referee applied modifiers and an advantage/disadvantage mechanic for character situations. Criticals are when doubles are rolled so that they scale with target numbers. i.e. the higher your chance of success, the higher the chance you roll a critical success and a lower chance of a critical failure. Criticals are open ended for the referee to use as story and dramatic intro’s and are not proscribed as to what occurs when a success happens.

FS is a classless system. There are no PSA's like in SF. There are no special "spaceship" skills, just the same -20 difficulty to do spaceship things (piloting, weapons) unless you have a "Skill Benefit" that removes that penalty for you. Ability and skill progression is very similar and the higher you increase the score, the more experience or Development Points it requires. The rate of growth over an adventure is close to identical. Though since spaceship skills are not a thing, one can start new players off in a space ship adventure without giving them massive Alpha Dawn basic skill levels.

Character creation in FS is simple and straightforward, just like in SF. The races that are included have some resemblance to those in SF, but are not exactly synonymous. All the races are bipedal, which facilitates the equipment interchangeability that was often ignored with the vrusk in SF. For those that want to use the classic SF races, they can easily be converted or the FS author published in the fan magazine Frontier Explorer, Issue 23, Winter 2018 his conversion of the four core SF races to FS races.
Another item of note that FS rules provide are several “Benefits” that characters or parties can acquire. These can be skill based benefits such as the Gunnery benefit of a Marksman, or the Violent Plan benefit for those with a Command skill that players can get with their Development Points. Or they can be “Renown” (experience) or “Loyalty” (faction) benefits awarded by the Referee as players gain patrons or favor with governments, corporation or just become more capable and known in the Frontier.

FS has it’s own setting detailed in the Player’s Handbook that can be used if desired. It is a space frontier type feeling similar to the setting outlined in Alpha Dawn, though it does have multiple governments to allow for both a government and mega corporation dynamic. Nothing in the rules prevent or hinder the use of the Star Frontier’s (or some other) setting.

Right now our group is running a Firefly inspired pseudo western almost outlaw spaceship campaign in the FS setting with some classic SF touches that I won’t spoil. It would be just as easy and fun to run a more traditional corporate troubleshooter or do-gooder campaign as well. The Referee’s Handbook even has advice on running other campaign types such as hard science, apocalyptic, cyberpunk, and others.
In summary, I’ve found the system to be clean, easy and fun to use for rules lite campaigns that take a cinematic with a soft set of rules for randomization approach to challenge resolution. It’s a great way to run a Star Frontiers campaign with a system that has cleaned up mechanics and the same level of operatic feel.

[LordEntrails]

Released version 1.2.
Includes ability to set Advantage and Disadvantage on NPC rolls (Major and Creatures)

[LordEntrails]

Created a Combat tab for Starships. Updated items to support unique values for various Item variables to support Starships.
Character sheet - moved the Abilities and Benefits to the main tab and removed the Abilities Tab. All existing entries should move without issue.

[LordEntrails]

Published a short (< 10 minute) Quick Start video. Targeted for those who already know FG and FS rules and want to get up and going with the ruleset as quickly as possible.
https://youtu.be/P9sM1pyHdKs

[LordEntrails]

NOTE IF YOU USE THIS RULESET, PLEASE READ!

With the update to version 4.8.0 of CoreRPG, the combobox template has changed and results in errors in the current code. The places this is used in the FrontierSpace Ruleset are:
- NPCs for selecting Type
- Items for selecting Type and Sub-Type
- Vehicles for selecting Type

I have two options and would appreciate your feedback. (NOTE, this needs to be determined in the next 24 hours so that I can implement the fix to support those who have upgraded.)

Option A: Use the new combox so that this doesn't happen in the future AND we automatically get future CoreRPG updates to any functionality. BUT, this means that ALL data in these combo boxes in current campaigns WILL BE LOST. (I will update all Forge products as needed.)

Option B: Continue to use the combobox in RSW legacy mode. No data will be lost, but we will not receive further enhancements to the combobox as RSW will not add new capabilities to the box.

I strongly prefer Option A as we are working towards as much CoreRPG compatibility as possible. But please let me know your preferences and thoughts.

[dittotb]

I would like you to update to the new combo box standard.
BTW your work on this is greatly appreciated.

[LordEntrails]

Thanks for your feedback. I'm planning on updating the ruleset (A or B) tomorrow (my time) and then will follow-up with any changes to the other published books as needed.

[LordEntrails]

We moved forward with Option A.
Version 1.4 released on the Forge, please update for these fixes and improvements.

Testing shows we were able to make the changes with no data loss. Please let me know if you encounter any. No updates to the supporting products should be needed.

Other changes, updates and improvements:
- Item>Dear, added subtype of Attachment (to support upcoming Frontier Gear Guide)
- Fixed drag and drop items onto NPCs and Starships
- NPC: Actions table updated, windows grow automatically
- Items>Implants: text outside field fixed
- Benefits: Species type added
- CS: MAP button added to CS Combat Tab in preparation for CT linking
- Wounds and BP linked between CS & CT
- Fixed error when PC had no portrait
- NPC: Attack & Defense tables added, NOTE existing text strings are deprecated will be removed in a future version.
- Fix: Adv/Dis "dead click" on CS & Starship rolls

[LordEntrails]

I will be running a one-shot this Saturday at FG Game Days. Sign-up here: Fantasy Grounds Game Day: FrontierSpace: Starship Down! [Play to Learn] | Warhorn (https://warhorn.net/events/fantasy-grounds-game-day/schedule/sessions/6fd30522-337a-40dc-b970-45db093da2f2)

[LordEntrails]

Version 1.5 released on the Forge. Please let us know any questions or issues

Features Implemented:
- Item>Vehicle implemented with sub-types
- Enable player create/edit of vehicles and starships
- Library filters for NPCs, Benefits & Items
- Standardize rollable and editable boxes to consistent looks
- Character Sheet Combat Table, replace string with die rolls
- Theme Sidebar Buttons
- Enable ADV/DIS for NPCs
- Enable Zero Display Values


Bugs Resolved:
- Chat Languages
- Encumbrance Warning
- Replace Deprecated Close Buttons with WindoMenuBar
- Remove unnecessary iEdit buttons
- Remove Inaccurate Tooltips
- Minor NPC ADV/DIS Rolls
- Un-editable Major NPCs Fields

[LordEntrails]

Ver 1.6 updates 9/2025
- Fixed: Anchoring of Footer for Host Combat Tracker
- Fixed: Misc window anchoring
- Fixed: buttoncontrol_counter error
- Fixed: ADV/DIS triangles not showing upon initial Character creation
- Fixed: NPC individual visibility icon not working
- Removed: Destiny Points tracking from combat tracker

[LordEntrails]

My players and I were talking last night about where all they have travelled. So I put together this little route map of where they been. Starting with Green at Neriph and using a new color from the ley each time they had a significant encounter or adventure. This is after about 9 months of playing 2 hours weekly.
65547

[superteddy57]

My players and I were talking last night about where all they have travelled. So I put together this little route map of where they been. Starting with Green at Neriph and using a new color from the ley each time they had a significant encounter or adventure. This is after about 9 months of playing 2 hours weekly.
65547

Pretty Colors!

[Tempered7]

My players and I were talking last night about where all they have travelled. So I put together this little route map of where they been. Starting with Green at Neriph and using a new color from the ley each time they had a significant encounter or adventure. This is after about 9 months of playing 2 hours weekly.
65547

Stellaris Tabletop.
This kinda pictures always amazes me!

[LordEntrails]

Stellaris Tabletop.
This kinda pictures always amazes me!
The base map is from DWD and comes with the PHB. It's really well done IMO. Not just from a artistic view, but in how it has lots of areas that can be used for campaign prompts. Like the Nagol Dust Cloud right in the center. It would be so much more efficient if a freighter crew could find a way straight through. Imagine the profits they could make!

And the Asimaar Prelacy has a choke hold on transit between the Feds and the Council. And they are ruled by religious fanatics, so what might happen if the Prelacy decides to embargo transit?

And of course, all the mysterious locations, like the Great Wall, and the Ship Graveyard, etc. I'm having a great time adding in things to my campaign, And some of them I'm even going to publish so others can leverage my work.

[Tempered7]

The base map is from DWD and comes with the PHB. It's really well done IMO. Not just from a artistic view, but in how it has lots of areas that can be used for campaign prompts. Like the Nagol Dust Cloud right in the center. It would be so much more efficient if a freighter crew could find a way straight through. Imagine the profits they could make!

And the Asimaar Prelacy has a choke hold on transit between the Feds and the Council. And they are ruled by religious fanatics, so what might happen if the Prelacy decides to embargo transit?

And of course, all the mysterious locations, like the Great Wall, and the Ship Graveyard, etc. I'm having a great time adding in things to my campaign, And some of them I'm even going to publish so others can leverage my work.

My ADHD is going in warp speed on all the colorful lights and I don't understand anything but I checked every word 1 by 1 and it sounds like this space genre has way more than just pew pew ships. :D

Nagol Dust Cloud for example. Wiki says "The dust particles in the Solar System play a significant role in scattering sunlight and emitting thermal radiation." Freighter ships would need anti-radiation thingies and push through to see what happens. I wonder if the PHB has some upgrades, as in space 4X games, like a perk tree?

Religious fanatics in space. I thought they were only in Warhammer. If they'd use the embargo card, Feds and the Council would join forces to play the Dandelion card to poke a hole in it? But how would they communicate?

Add Gravity Nexus to the mysterious places. Man, I shouldda paid attention in science classes. Is it like a parts of space in different gravity intensities connected somehow? You enter it, you walk in the spaceship, 5 meters later Weeeeeeee!

Yeah, when it's about space and science Im on the "bonk efficiently" level, half past stone age. But I'm progressing. :D Jokes aside, thank you for all this. Especially for the map. It reminded me times I had enough energy to play complex games <3

EDIT: Btw, in 9 months, you guys literally circled the universe.

[LordEntrails]

My ADHD is going in warp speed on all the colorful lights and I don't understand anything but I checked every word 1 by 1 and it sounds like this space genre has way more than just pew pew ships. :D

lol, even a good Star Wars game has more than pew pew :) Here's the White version of the map, might help your ADHD :)
65554


Nagol Dust Cloud for example. Wiki says "The dust particles in the Solar System play a significant role in scattering sunlight and emitting thermal radiation." Freighter ships would need anti-radiation thingies and push through to see what happens. I wonder if the PHB has some upgrades, as in space 4X games, like a perk tree?
So no perk trees. But the PHB and Referee's books have ship upgrades. The Nagol Dust Cloud is more of a nebula, so an area of concentrated space dust or other anomolies. In general this means FTL travel through is dangerous or impossible. The Ref Book has suggestions on what might happen if trying to travel through a nebula at FTL. As part of a module I'm writing, I'm doing specifics for this nebula. In short FTL has to be done in short hops, with the clouds blocking sensors beyond a short range so you have to jump 1/2 LY, scan, jump etc and hope that you find a way through. Trying to go faster risks engine damage, ship damage etc.


Religious fanatics in space. I thought they were only in Warhammer. If they'd use the embargo card, Feds and the Council would join forces to play the Dandelion card to poke a hole in it? But how would they communicate? Dragon cultists no less who fear psionics no less. But yes, how would the Feds and Council poke a hole?


Add Gravity Nexus to the mysterious places. Man, I shouldda paid attention in science classes. Is it like a parts of space in different gravity intensities connected somehow? You enter it, you walk in the spaceship, 5 meters later Weeeeeeee! It's not defined in the books, so yea, what it means is up to the referee. I'm not sure what I'm going to use in my campaign. Though RAW it is the location of a former stable wormhole where one of the races came into the sector through. But the wormhole has been lost or collapsed or is no longer stable. Another possible campaign hook.


Yeah, when it's about space and science Im on the "bonk efficiently" level, half past stone age. But I'm progressing. :D Jokes aside, thank you for all this. Especially for the map. It reminded me times I had enough energy to play complex games <3

EDIT: Btw, in 9 months, you guys literally circled the universe.
I did the map cuz I wanted the players to get the sense of just how much they have travelled and explored. Glad you have enjoyed!

[Tempered7]

Yep, now I can see better xD and just noticed aty the mid-east, there's Nagol's dusty space so wide that it means no going there.

Ah, that's the word! By perk tree I meant upgrades.
Your new module on the nebula and all this FTL reminds me Dune series. In it, spice is the crucial factor on traversing the unknown space by making the user see the future.

But what about instead of substance, an alien life form (making it cute would be super cool!) that can "calculate" the future? Like, as mysterious and esoteric it speaks, its words are always about future. Down to where the last dust particle will be in which second --So that the crew can set the engines accordingly. I don't know how to "use" it (and if it's ethical to do so) but that would be cool to explore.

Baby Vrusk?

As to the Dandelion card, they're gonna need to either;

1) Leave crumbs (com devices) in southwest sectors (Faranis being fair mid point) for communication and meetings,
2) Even plant a bait at the Graveyard to lure the cultists' forces there, while the actual meetings take place somwhere else. (Stigya / Duergan are good places to support this)
3) Or spread false info ("flotsam in cultist territory") for the Pirates --which doesn't just make them leave the Feds / Council alone, but also stall the cultists while Feds/Council enjoy exchanging goods.
4) Or simply use politics (read: spies) to appeal to a higher force if there is one.

EDIT:

It's not defined in the books, so yea, what it means is up to the referee. I'm not sure what I'm going to use in my campaign. Though RAW it is the location of a former stable wormhole where one of the races came into the sector through. But the wormhole has been lost or collapsed or is no longer stable. Another possible campaign hook.

That would be a nice space-mystery (find the source) for parties who need it get to the bottom of some big events, and bring the war back to the source. Like in Mass Effect.

Ohh, It just gave me a plot twist idea: "We're still here"
Spoiler: "Unstable wormhole sucks and spits the crew at the (seemingly) same place and time. Until they notice some things have changed. Which leads to bigger differences from their earlier experiences. Because they are in the 10% different alternative reality.

Or what about a wormhole that gives birth to wormholes?" /Spoiler.

[LordEntrails]

See, a good map sparks imagination. Love all this. You'll have to run your own FrontierSpace campaign one of these days!

[Tempered7]

See, a good map sparks imagination. Love all this. You'll have to run your own FrontierSpace campaign one of these days!

xD Exactly! Hopefully, one day.
It'll take more time to recover from this Summer. And there's still the Mad Mage campaign.
Hope the things I wrote helps.