NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) has delved into a surprising new endeavor and is exploring an entirely new frontier – the realm of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) with the release of The Lost Universe.
TTRPGs have hit an all-time zeitgeist in the past decade. Wizards of the Coast’s Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game surged into the mainstream thanks to the popularity of its Fifth Edition. Actual play podcasts and streaming shows like Critical Role helped push the popularity of the hobby further, especially during the pandemic era. Even so, who could have thought NASA would join in on the fun?
Available for free on NASA’s website, this innovative game intertwines real scientific concepts with fantastical elements, offering players an immersive experience that challenges them to employ their scientific acumen to overcome obstacles and solve mysteries.
Calling all adventurers! 🐉
NASA’s first tabletop role-playing campaign is ready for download! In “The Lost Universe,” @NASAHubble has disappeared from Earth’s timeline. Embark with your party to restore what was lost: https://t.co/3SakbgeQbF pic.twitter.com/wnDptZXi3Q
— NASA (@NASA) March 4, 2024
Set in the fictional city of Aldastron on the rogue planet Exlaris, The Lost Universe presents players with a compelling narrative. Exlaris, once a bastion of knowledge and progress, fell into disarray when an Armageddon-like cataclysmic event — a black hole altering its trajectory — transformed it into a hostile environment.
Against this backdrop, a group of intrepid researchers, along with the iconic Hubble Space Telescope, vanished without a trace. Players assume the roles of adventurers tasked with uncovering the truth behind these disappearances and restoring order to Aldastron.
The game, meticulously crafted by NASA, is designed to be accessible to both newcomers and seasoned TTRPG enthusiasts alike. With all game documents available as downloadable PDFs, including a detailed 44-page instructional booklet replete with lore about Exlaris, players are equipped with the knowledge needed to navigate the intricacies of the game world.
Meanwhile, the lore encompasses various scientific disciplines similar to Bethesda’s Starfield such as Astrophysics, Solar Science, Biological Systems, Planetary Science, and Aeronautics, enriching the gameplay with educational elements. Obviously, part of NASA’s goal is to promote knowledge and learning among youngsters who might enjoy playing the game.
While the game has its own rules, The Lost Universe boasts flexibility, allowing it to be seamlessly integrated into different tabletop RPG systems such as Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, Call of Cthulhu, and many others. Tailored for parties of 4 to 7 characters ranging from level 7 to 10, the game offers two distinct parts, each manageable within a single session lasting approximately 3 to 4 hours.
The introductory segment acquaints players with the world of Exlaris and facilitates character creation, while the subsequent journey beyond Aldastron presents formidable challenges, culminating in a climactic confrontation with the antagonist.
NASA’s venture into TTRPGs represents a novel approach to engaging audiences with science, blending entertainment with educational value. By melding real-world scientific principles with imaginative storytelling, The Lost Universe not only entertains but also fosters curiosity and learning.
Plus, players can further immerse themselves in the game’s universe and are encouraged to share their adventures using the hashtag #NASATTRPG on social media platforms. Hopefully, this helps foster a community of TTRPG enthusiasts eager to explore the cosmos together.
NASA’s The Lost Universe beckons players to embark on a thrilling quest through the depths of space, one cannot help but wonder: Are you prepared to unlock the mysteries of Exlaris and venture into the unknown realms of science and fantasy, and maybe learn actual science along the way?
