Sail the galactic seas of Lodestar in a swashbuckling space-fantasy campaign setting for 5e that evokes the magic of Treasure Planet and Spelljammer, finally bringing the glory of "D&D in space" to your table as it was always meant to be!
Inspired by the vast expanse of space fantasy, Lodestar: A Spacefarer's Manual is a 5e sourcebook that takes you to the galaxy of Beyond, this tome is carved in a nautical "Treasure Planet" style aesthetic combined with comprehensive 5th edition mechanics for charting your adventure across the stars! Space-Fantasy is brought back to tabletop in all its glory with Lodestar: A Spacefarer’s Manual! Explore the stellar seas of the Beyond, a galactic setting steeped in maritime myth, where the Golden Age of Piracy takes to the stars! The Beyond is a galaxy in flux, filled with beings maniacal and malevolent yet also benign and benevolent. Whether you wish to be freedom fighters raging against the tyranny of the Amalgam Empire or humble Space Pirates simply pillaging and plundering to survive, Lodestar has room in the great inky expanse for everyone.
This fully illustrated 250+ page manual provides all you need to run and play your adventures across the galaxy, expansive setting lore and player options, a cosmic bestiary of ships & monsters, and an entirely new ship system for managing, upgrading, and battling with your very own siltsail!
Here's a look at the plunder you can acquire alongside your copy:
Journeying across Beyond will require more than a plucky attitude and a heading, you'll need a crew. That crew can be populated with 5 entirely alien player lineages, and 10 spacefaring subclasses. Will you harness the power of the stars themselves with your bloodline as a Solar Sorcerer, divine the future from the shifting of the galaxy itself with the Coven of Spheres Witch, or just decide that when spells don't work, try the boomstick with a Spellpowder Wizard!
And what shape does your character take? Will you choose to be a Dreg, ooze-like symbiotic creatures that latch onto a living host to survive and fight? Or perhaps you'll be a Sameling, a part-plant part-reptile clone race that have taken to the stars? Or if you wish to journey with a little more protection maybe you'll choose a Chitan, squid-like creatures that whilst once water-bound now journey inside their bio-mechanical suits of chitinous armour.
Regardless of your choice, Lodestar also features a literal pirate's hoard of Spells and Magic Items to equip yourself with, be it the deeply necessary Space Walk spell, or the whimsical Chronometer of Anchorage you're sure to find something amongst our coffers to suit your needs.
Lodestar takes you to Beyond, a galaxy filled with life and conflict. Beyond contains innumerable peoples and places that all traverse the stars aboard their Siltsails, ships that sail along the vast flows of Silt. A magical remnant of a titanic species of creatures long since hunted to extinction, Silt is all that remains, their powdered bones flowing between planets and systems guiding sailors across the galaxy. But Beyond is not all trade and piracy, some crews choose to brave the void and sail into Void Space, the empty space between systems full of supernatural horrors and long lost booty...
You have a crew, but what is a crew without their vessel? Whether you intend to 'appropriate' a tiny sloop from an unsuspecting trader, or 'acquire'a vast siltcatcher, Lodestar has it all. The Lodestar Ship System is comprehensive without feeling like a slog, minimal micromanagement and maximum customization. Contained within the manual are the rules for players to manage, crew, and upgrade their own ship alongside evolving officer roles for them to adopt. Though all is not smooth-sailing atop the deck of your Siltsail: Lodestar is jam-packed with enemy ships, hazards, and even dreaded titanic foes, huge ship-sized creatures that you must fight or flee using the fluid ship combat system! Though once you've staked your claim to a vessel you'll be wanting to make it your own of course, we also provide a vast trove of ship upgrades, both magical and mundane, from the Spellshot Cannon to the dreaded Barrel 'o' Mimics.
Featuring the Art of Spelljammers Earliest Contributors!
It's no surprise that Lodestar, in part, draws inspiration from Spelljammer. Some of the original TTRPG space fantasy was built upon the shoulders of these giants, yet these giants walk amongst us. Lodestar features illustrations from some of the greats across Spelljammer's history, namely Paul Abrams (Skull & Crossbows, TSR 1990., Crystal Spheres, TSR 1990.) & David O. Miller (Rock of Bral, TSR 1992., Krynnspace, TSR 1993.). These wonderfully talented illustrators have brought life to some of the terrifying beasties and fearsome allies within Lodestar.
What's a pirate's tale without atleast one terrifying sea-monster? Lodestar features a whole bestiary of alien and space themed creatures for players to pit blade and magic against, from the dreaded Asteroid Mimic, to the great and powerful Starwyrm. Alas, not all conflict can be blamed on the creatures of the stars and Lodestar features swaths of fearesome foes aboard their own Siltsails ready to leave the foolish and ill-prepared adrift in the void...
These estimated prices are done by weight and provided to us by our distributors
Lodestar is planned to begin distribution in Autumn 2026. All throughout the process we'll be giving you monthly updates giving you an insight into our process and progress as we piece together this manual and the rewards. We'll keep you abreast of any adjustments or changes made that will be relevant to you, as well as provide access to early play test material (with an opportunity for you to provide feedback and potentially guide the balance process!). The Dragons Vault works with multiple distribution partners across the US and UK to make sure we get Lodestar into your hands as safely and affordably as possible!
Shipping Policies:
Shipping Details: Shipping costs are not included in your pledge level and will be charged separately through BackerKit after the campaign ends.
International Backers: Those outside the UK may be subject to additional charges such as VAT, taxes, or customs fees. For UK residents pledging for the non-book related rewards, VAT may be applied during the pledge management process.
Our shipping process, handled by BackerKit, starts from the UK & US. Review the provided estimates for your region. Keep in mind that adding extras or changing your pledge tier may impact your shipping rate.
Terms and Conditions:
By pledging to our project, you understand that the final product may vary in some aspects from what is shown during the campaign. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality items, but changes in design, size, or content may occur.
Refunds are available up to 7 days from the end of the campaign. Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds on collected pledges after that date.
Fulfillment is planned for Autumn 2026, but this is subject to change. Monthly updates will keep you informed of any adjustments.
By pledging you also agree to the estimated pricing for shipping and taxes provided above.
Shipping and Fulfillment Agreement:
By finalizing your pledge before the last address confirmation, you agree to our shipping terms. Ownership and risk of the package transfer to you upon its handover to the carrier. You are responsible for any import duties or taxes. Please ensure your delivery information is accurate.
Update and Confirmation Responsibilities:
Keep your email information up to date in BackerKit and stay informed through our updates. Tracking information will be sent to the email you provide. It's your responsibility to track and manage the delivery of your package. Non-confirmation of your mailing address by the final deadline will be deemed as your acceptance of complete fulfillment.
Communication and Issue Resolution:
We will contact you via email before distributing rewards. After making all possible efforts, we will move on to other business aspects.
Report any damaged or missing items to [email protected] within 30 days of receipt. For lost or misdelivered packages, report within 60 days of the shipping date for our follow-up or reshipment.
