Introduction

Worldlines is a tabletop roleplaying game set in a distant future where humanity has spread across the stars, fractured politically, and entangled itself with species, technologies, and events far beyond its original reach. The setting is ultimately about survival, identity, consequence, and momentum. The worlds and systems featured in this game are based on real astronomical data. The history behind it is speculative but grounded in actual planetary data. Many of the events, while imagined, follow a logical path from climate collapse, migration, and frontier colonization.

At its core, Worldlines is about agency. Players take on the roles of characters shaped by biological design, political systems, and planetary culture. The game is designed in such a way that each player is not a hero. You are instead the technicians, mercenaries, scholars, smugglers, and outliers who populate this crowded galaxy.

Unlike some other roleplaying systems, Worldlines does not assume a universe of magic or mythical creatures. Every planet in this manual is based on real-world science. The planets orbit real stars. The cities are drawn from plausible colonization routes and expansion timelines. The technology is speculative, but never arbitrary. Faster than light travel exists, but it is difficult. Artificial intelligence is advanced, but not omniscient. Most ships, weapons, and stations are worn down, salvaged, or secondhand. Culture shifts by sector and language matters.

There is no alignment system. Morality is cultural. Most factions operate in shades of gray. You are not here to save the galaxy, but rather to survive it, explore it, and possibly shape a small corner of it before someone else does.

What Makes Worldlines Different

Worldlines is built on three core principles that set it apart from other science fiction RPGs:

Consequences Matter. Every choice ripples outward. The weapon you choose affects how others see you. The faction you trust shapes your opportunities. The implants you install change not just your capabilities, but your place in society. Nothing is without cost.

Science Grounds Fantasy. The planets in this game orbit real stars. The physics work, even when they're stretched. Faster-than-light travel exists, but it's difficult and dangerous. Artificial intelligence is advanced but not omniscient. Technology feels lived-in, used, and often barely functional.

Survival Over Power. You begin as capable individuals, not demigods. Combat is fast and lethal. Resources are scarce. Information is valuable. Your greatest weapon is often knowing when not to fight at all.

How to Use This Book

This manual contains everything you need to create characters, explore the galaxy, and survive its dangers:

Foundations Ch. 1-4 establishes the core mechanics such as how dice work, what makes characters different, and how the game flows.

Character Creation Ch. 5 walks you through building your character step by step, from choosing your species and homeworld to selecting your job and equipment.

Skills and Techniques Ch. 6-7 covers the detailed rules for skills, techniques, and advancement.

Gameplay Ch. 9-16 explains combat, spacecraft operations, crafting, and all the fun things you and your character can do in this universe and the general rulesets behind it.

The Galaxy Ch. 17-18 describes the lore and worldbuilding aspects of the game.

Game Architect/Manager Guides Ch.19 provides principles, ideas, framework and campaign building strategies.

New players should read chapters 1-6 to get started. Experienced roleplayers can skim chapters 1-4 and dive into character creation. Game Architects should read the entire book, paying special attention to Chapters 5-15.

A Note on Tone

Worldlines is meant to be a story about people trying to build something meaningful in an unforgiving and complicated universe. Your characters will face impossible choices, moral ambiguity, and the weight of unintended consequences.

But it's also a story about hope. About the bonds forged between people who have nothing left but each other. About the stubborn human refusal to give up, even when the universe seems stacked against us.

The galaxy is vast, dangerous, but also beautiful. Go take a piece for yourself.

Key Abbreviations

Abbreviation	Meaning
GA	Game Architect / Game Master
TD	Task Difficulty
HW	Homeworld
TP	Technique Points
LVL	Level
OHK	One-Hit-Kill
HP	Health

Reference the Appendix section for additional abbreviations and terminology.