The Cosmic Codex

By Rick Van Loon

The Cosmic Codex: A Master Guide to Intergalactic Adventure brings together a comprehensive suite of random tables and ideas for running your epic space-faring RPG campaigns - either as a solo player or a traditional GM-Player experience. This tome, complete with its detailed sections and versatile elements, makes crafting your universe and its adventures a seamless endeavor.

The Cosmic Codex

Over 55 pages of interstellar exploration: a comprehensive system that YOU control.
Free PDF updates for life (all past Cosmic Codex buyers will receive a FREE core rules update PDF)
Extensive coverage of five primary domains: Alien Races, Personal Equipment, Ships, Rumors, and a set of instructions to be used as an automa for ship battles.
The Cosmic Codex's commitment to in-depth world-building and dynamic gameplay makes it a must-have for veteran spacefarers and new explorers alike playing either solo or traditional games. Your journey across the stars, filled with daring battles, alien encounters, and the discovery of ancient artifacts, awaits. Will you take up the challenge and shape the cosmos? Play to find out.

NOTE: The Cosmic Codex is not a standalone RPG system. It should be used in combination with your preferred Sci-Fi RPG game system(s).

This supplement includes:

Detailed tables for creating diverse and complex universes with unique alien races, planets, space stations, and more.
Extensive lists and descriptions of personal equipment and starships, from small scout vessels to mighty capital ships.
A wide array of rumors and plot hooks to inspire quests, adventures, and campaigns.
Comprehensive mechanics and tables for space battles, allowing for exciting and tactical encounters.
Quest starters, sample locations, and an assortment of new oracles to keep your story moving.
Inspirational tools for zero-prep gameplay—with or without a GM.

Are you ready to command the cosmos? This comprehensive guide offers everything you need, whether you're a solo explorer, a co-op crew, or a GM guiding a crew of interstellar adventurers. The Cosmic Codex—your adventure begins here.

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Canadian Gamer's Codex
• Release date: Jun 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9781738001002

Book preview

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© 2023 The Canadian Gamer's Codex. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

For inquiries, please contact [e-mail].

The tables and content within this publication have been carefully developed by The Canadian Gamer's Codex. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information presented. However, due to the constantly evolving nature of gaming and the potential for human error, The Canadian Gamer's Codex cannot guarantee the absolute accuracy of the content. The publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions, or for any consequences arising from the use of the information contained herein.

The Canadian Gamer's Codex and its logo are trademarks of The Canadian Gamer's Codex. All other trademarks, service marks, product names, and company names or logos mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.

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Table of Contents

Introduction

How To Use This Book

Section 1: Basic Elements

Table 1.1 - Alien Races

Table 1.2 – Planets

Table 1.3 - Space Stations

Table 1.4 - Spatial Objects

Table 1.5 - Space Travel Events

Table 1.6 - Interdimensional / Multiverse Events

Table 1.7 - Non-Player Characters (NPCs)

Table 1.8 - NPC Reaction to Player Characters

Putting Section 1 All Together

Section 2: Personal Equipment

Table 2.1 - Hand Weapons

Table 2.2 - Personal Protection

Table 2.3 – Special Items / Artifacts

Putting Section 2 All Together

Section 3: Ships

Table 3.1 - Generic (PC & NPC) Ships

Table 3.2 - Pirate Ships

Table 3.3 – Security/Escort Ships

Table 3.4 - Capital Ships

Table 3.5 - NPC Ship Status

Table 3.6 - Crew Member Actions

Putting Section 3 All Together

Section 4: Rumors

Table 4.1 - Planet-based Rumors

Table 4.2 - Space Station-based Rumors

Table 4.3 - Spatial Object-based Rumors

Table 4.4 - Artifact-based Rumors

Table 4.5 - Ship-based Rumors

Table 4.6 - Politics-based Rumors

Table 4.7 - War-based Rumors

Table 4.8 - Dimensional/Multiverse-based Rumors

Section 5: Battle Actions

Section 5.1: Battle Action Entries

I.      Attempt a Kamikaze Maneuver

II.      Evade / Do Nothing

III.      Surrender

IV.      False Surrender

V.      Flee

VI.      Attack with Primary Weapon

VII.      Attack with Secondary Weapon

VIII.      Combat Tactic - Primary

IX.      Combat Tactic - Secondary

X.      Attempt to Board / Disable Ship

Section 5.2: Tables when Enemy Ship Power Level < PC Ship Power Level

Table 5.2.1 - Enemy Ship(s) Power Level less than PC Ship(s) Power Level - Action

Table 5.2.2 - Enemy Ship(s) Power Level less than PC Ship(s) Power Level - Target

Section 5.3: Tables when Enemy Ship Power Level = PC Ship Power Level

Table 5.3.1 - Enemy Ship(s) Power Level similar to PC Ship(s) Power Level – Action

Table 5.3.2 - Enemy Ship(s) Power Level similar to PC Ship(s) Power Level – Target

Section 5.4: Tables when Enemy Ship Power Level > PC Ship Power Level

Table 5.4.1 - Enemy Ship(s) Power Level greater than PC Ship(s) Power Level – Action

Table 5.4.2 - Enemy Ship(s) Power Level greater than PC Ship(s) Power Level – Target

Section / Table 5.5 - Kamikaze Maneuvers

Section / Table 5.6 - False Surrender Tactics

Section / Table 5.7 - Combat Battle Tactics

Section 6: Putting it all Together

Section 6.1 - Quest Hook

Section 6.2 - NPC Encounter

Section 6.3 - Battle

Section 6.4 - Loot

Introduction

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Welcome to The Cosmic Codex, a compendium of tables designed to enhance your science fiction role- playing game experience. This book aims to provide solo Role-Playing Game (RPG) players and Game Masters (GMs) with a wealth of tools and inspiration to generate encounters, quests, characters, and more as well as guidance at running battles.

While this book is focused on the Solo RPG Player, it can be just as useful to GMs, providing inspiration and a little emulation. This book is intended to be system-agnostic and not meant for any specific RPG game.

Navigating the vast expanse of the universe can be daunting, but with The Cosmic Codex by your side, you'll never find yourself at a loss for ideas. Within these pages, you'll discover a myriad of tables covering various aspects of your game world, including planets, space stations, aliens, artifacts, spaceships, and events. Additionally, it provides an Automa for ship-based battles.  Each table has been carefully crafted to spark your imagination and add depth to your campaigns, all while maintaining the unpredictability that makes role-playing games so enjoyable.

Whether you're a seasoned solo RPG player/GM or a newcomer to the world of science fiction RPGs, The Cosmic Codex will prove an invaluable resource. The tables presented in this book are adaptable to a wide range of game systems, allowing you to customize and expand your adventures across countless galaxies.

In addition to the wealth of tables, The Cosmic Codex also includes tips on incorporating the content into your game sessions and advice on balancing aesthetics and readability in your final document. My goal is to help you create memorable and immersive experiences for your players while streamlining your world-building process.

So, strap in, power up your warp drive, and prepare to embark on a thrilling journey through the stars. With The Cosmic Codex as your trusty guide, you'll have everything you need to create unforgettable science fiction adventures that will captivate your players and leave them eager for more.

May the cosmos be ever in your favor, fellow traveler.

How To Use This Book

As a Solo RPGer myself, I created this book with the Solo RPG player in mind..  However, the Solo RPG Player is mostly just somebody splitting their time as GM and player making more use out of random tables / oracles to keep the narrative unpredictable. 

For