Mothership

Mothership TTRPG · Mothership Roleplaying Game

Mothership

Board a failing ship, sift through a haunted derelict, or respond to a distress signal that should have remained silent. Mothership delivers tight, modern sci-fi horror with a focus on tension, teamwork, and poor choices that feel all too human. You play working-class spacers, marines, androids, or scientists trying to complete the job and make it out alive. People appreciate its sharp pacing, bleak atmosphere, and how every tool or clue is significant. A professional Game Master ensures the fear remains enjoyable and safe, adjusting intensity for your group.

A session feels like a thriller in slow motion: flickering lights, the hiss of air, motion tracker pings, and the clock always ticking. You explore, improvise, and decide when to push forward and when to cut your losses. Ideal for horror fans, team offsites seeking cooperative problem-solving under pressure, or adults planning a spooky night. Beginners are welcome. Veterans face challenging decisions and real consequences. Book a one-shot or start a campaign with our Game Masters in person or online.

How to play Mothership

In Mothership, you roll percentile dice to resolve risky actions. You describe your actions, the Game Master sets out the stakes, then you roll to see if your training and nerve hold. Stress increases as things go awry, and panic checks can cause you to scramble, freeze, or lash out. In fights or other crises, the game employs clear rounds and turns, ensuring everyone acts in order. Resources are crucial. You keep track of ammo, air, patches, and time, which turns small choices into life-or-death decisions.

Players bring a character idea, a willingness to communicate comfort levels, and a taste for tense teamwork. The Game Master provides the scenario, maps, handouts, safety tools, and the creeping unknown. One-shots dive straight into the mission and conclude in 3 to 4 hours with high stakes. Campaigns introduce downtime, advancement, ship upgrades, and mysteries that unfold over multiple sessions. Inform your Game Master of your preferred vibe, from investigative dread to creature feature, and they will match a style that fits how our GMs run.

Team-building session during a corporate event with a tabletop RPG, players immersed in a D&D-style campaign.
Team-building session during a corporate event with a tabletop RPG, players immersed in a D&D-style campaign.
Green spectator miniature with one central eye, eyestalks, sharp teeth, and a red tongue, designed for dungeons and dragons.
Green spectator miniature with one central eye, eyestalks, sharp teeth, and a red tongue, designed for dungeons and dragons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do we need to know any rules to try Mothership?

No. A professional Game Master teaches you everything you need at the table. You describe your actions, they explain the stakes, and you roll percentile dice to see how it unfolds. Character creation is quick, with clear roles such as Marine, Teamster, Scientist, or Android. The stress and panic mechanics are straightforward and explained as they arise. All materials are provided. Come prepared for tense teamwork, clear communication, and a touch of grit. Beginners settle in quickly and feel useful from the start.

How frightening or dangerous is it, and how do you ensure it remains safe?

It is survival horror, so injuries, equipment loss, and even character death are genuine possibilities. Your Game Master establishes the tone you desire, ranging from suspenseful and investigative to creature-focused and intense. They implement safety practices such as content check-ins and clear consent, and can provide quick backup characters if necessary. You are always aware of the risks before you roll. To find a GM whose style matches your group, browse GM playstyles.

Which edition shall we play, 1e or the original 0e?

Both 1e (2023) and 0e (2018) work brilliantly. 1e is the refined version, featuring clarified rules, updated panic results, and streamlined character options. 0e has a lean, zine-era feel that some groups appreciate for quick pickup play. Most scenarios convert easily between editions. Inform your Game Master of your preference when you book. If you're uncertain, they will suggest an edition that suits your group size, experience level, and the scenario’s pacing.

What group size and session length are most effective?

Mothership is best enjoyed with 2 to 5 players. For a first game, 3 or 4 is ideal so everyone has their moment in the spotlight and decisions remain focused. One-shots typically last between 180 and 240 minutes, including a short break. Campaign sessions follow a similar duration, with added downtime and ship maintenance between missions. Two-player sessions can feel very personal and intense. Five-player groups enhance teamwork and communication under pressure. Let your Game Master know how much intensity you desire, and they will adjust the pacing accordingly.

What distinguishes Mothership from Dungeons and Dragons?

Mothership is survival horror science fiction, not heroic fantasy. You roll percentile checks, manage limited resources, and confront threats that are often best avoided. Stress and panic influence behaviour under pressure. Progression is modest, and your crew survives through planning, caution, and teamwork rather than accumulating powers. Roles such as Marine or Scientist are based on equipment and training, not magic. Missions resemble tense investigations and crisis responses rather than dungeon crawls and lengthy combat sequences.

Is it appropriate for children or sensitive players?

This game is aimed at adults. Themes frequently involve fear, isolation, body horror, and difficult decisions under time constraints. If anyone in your group is sensitive to particular content, please inform the Game Master beforehand. They can offer content warnings, adjust what is presented, and focus on mystery, exploration, and problem-solving rather than graphic detail. For groups seeking a more light-hearted experience, the GM can facilitate a cleaner salvage or rescue scenario. It is not suitable for children.

Can we play online, and what technology do you use?

Yes. Sessions run smoothly online using video chat and a virtual tabletop for maps, handouts, and dice. Your Game Master provides pregenerated characters if needed, digital sheets, audio ambience, and simple tools like fog of war for added tension. All you need is a stable internet connection, a microphone, and a modern browser. To explore common video and tabletop options and choose what works best for your group, check our online play platforms overview.

Booking Form


Click to select dates

0/1500
Illustration of a dragon perched on a rock, with wings spread and detailed line art, similar to a dragon from lotr.

Sent!

Illustration of a dragon perched on a rock, with wings spread and detailed line art, similar to a dragon from lotr.

Natural 1, give it another go!

Please try again or email info@storyforgers.uk

Genres you can play in Mothership

What players think

  • First of all, I want to say that Sebastian was really great as a DM. For his first run as a booked DM, he did a really good job. The 3 stars refer to the following: 1. We were disappointed that the adventure was labelled a One Shot and yet wasn't a complete story. Discovering that there are two more parts wasn't very positive for us, as it meant there was no satisfying conclusion to the story. 2. As new players, it was difficult for us to understand the English character sheets in such a short time. In German, it would have been much easier. Even receiving the character sheets a few days in advance would have been helpful for preparation. 3. More guidance would be beneficial. Especially for beginners, a more linear one shot would have been preferable. We wasted a large portion of the adventure time doing unnecessary things because we didn't really know how the game worked. Overall, I think the StoryForgers concept is really good and I see a lot of potential in it, especially for introducing new players to D&D. I hope you don't take my feedback the wrong way but as honest criticism. Best regards, Mario

    Mario

  • Bryan was exceptional. We had a group with varying levels of experience, and he managed to keep everyone engaged and involved. His attitude was fantastic, and he made the game enjoyable for all. I particularly appreciated how he could clearly explain what was required from our less experienced players while keeping our more seasoned players on their toes with his extensive knowledge of the game. Everyone in our party had a wonderful time thanks to Bryan.

    Jeremy

  • Dayron was fantastic. Well-prepared, punctual, and had a brilliant sense of humour.

    Corey

  • Dayron was fantastic; he provided an excellent experience. Thank you!

    Casey

    The Merry Meeple

  • The game was incredibly engaging. I arranged a session as a gift for my boyfriend, who is very enthusiastic about it, and he was thoroughly pleased and appreciated Leonardo's professionalism. I don't have much experience with DnD, but I found the game to be quite straightforward and enjoyable.

    Marina

  • A very good GM, Baptiste adapted well to our group and helped us progress in this one-shot. One issue was with the character sheets provided, which were not complete or clear. Some of the French translations were rather approximate. For instance, our cleric was missing spells (no healing spell) even though they were meant to have some.

    Pierre

  • Rachel was fantastic; my daughter and her friends left their game saying it was the most fun they'd ever had, and my daughter wanted to sign up for another game with her straight away. She was friendly, and her approach enabled the players to fully immerse themselves in the game by allowing them to control how they wanted their actions to be carried out. I would certainly work with her again.

    John

  • A pleasant and straightforward introduction to D&D. Amber was adept at explaining and guiding the game, allowing us as players to quickly get into the rhythm and concentrate on the narrative. Collaborating with my colleagues to devise attack strategies was an enjoyable experience and provided valuable insights into each other's characters, thought processes, and differences. Overall, I found it to be a highly enjoyable session.

    Jens

    Triodos Bank N.V.

  • Pim is truly brilliant as a DM! Cheerful, adaptable, and exceptionally experienced. With a group of novice players, he managed to create an amazing experience in just a few hours. He maintained control in an enjoyable manner and engaged every player in the story, regardless of whether they were vocal or reserved. If you embark on an adventure with him, it will certainly be unforgettable!

    Jens

    Triodos Bank N.V.

Similar gaming systems

  • Call of Cthulhu

    • Cosmic Horror +7
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Moderate rules

    Call of Cthulhu is the classic game of investigative cosmic horror. Take on the roles of doomed investigators delving into occult mysteries and the fragility of sanity.

    View system: Call of Cthulhu
  • Delta Green

    • Cosmic Horror +7
    • 2 – 5 players
    • Moderate rules

    Delta Green is a contemporary cosmic horror and conspiracy game. You take on the role of agents confronting insurmountable threats, concealing them, and bearing the personal consequences. Imagine The X-Files with a more sinister edge, where triumphs are tenuous and sanity hangs in the balance.

    View system: Delta Green
  • ALIEN: The Roleplaying Game

    • Survival Horror +7
    • 2 – 5 players
    • Moderate rules

    Stalk the darkness between the stars with ALIEN: The Roleplaying Game, a cinematic survival horror experience. Stress fuels panic and difficult choices as you fight to survive. If Ridley Scott's Alien captivated you, this offers that same cold-sweat dread at the table.

    View system: ALIEN: The Roleplaying Game
  • Dread

    • Survival Horror +6
    • 3 – 5 players
    • Simple rules

    Dread is a one-shot survival horror RPG that replaces dice with a tumbling block tower. Each pull heightens the tension and quickens your heartbeat. Imagine The Thing at your table, where fear, difficult decisions, and human weaknesses determine who survives.

    View system: Dread
  • Ten Candles

    • Tragic +7
    • 3 – 6 players
    • Simple rules

    Ten Candles is a one-shot, tragic horror story set in a room illuminated by candles. With each scene, another light extinguishes and the darkness encroaches. Imagine The Mist, but everyone is aware it concludes poorly, and that is what makes the experience compelling.

    View system: Ten Candles
  • Candela Obscura

    • Occult +7
    • 2 – 5 players
    • Moderate rules

    Step into a gaslit city filled with occult investigations and perilous deals. In Candela Obscura, you are part of a sworn circle tasked with hunting down breaches between our world and the uncanny. Imagine Penny Dreadful at the table, complete with tense mysteries, creeping dread, and difficult choices.

    View system: Candela Obscura
  • Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay

    • Dark Fantasy +7
    • 2 – 6 players
    • In-depth rules

    Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay immerses you in the Old World, a bleak, disease-ridden realm filled with cults, corruption, and difficult decisions. Imagine The Witcher, but with darker humour and even tougher odds. Expect gritty investigations, deadly battles, and chaotic magic, all overseen by our Game Masters.

    View system: Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay
  • Mörk Borg

    • Dark Fantasy +7
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Simple rules

    Mörk Borg is a rules-light, doom-metal fantasy where the world decays and you strive to survive another night. Brutal, fast, and stylish, it plays like Dark Souls seen through a tattered black-metal zine. Ideal for grim one-shots or a doomed mini-campaign.

    View system: Mörk Borg
Black diagonal cross icon, commonly used to close popups or dismiss notifications on websites.

We’re Looking for Dungeon Masters!

StoryForgers is on the hunt for passionate and creative Dungeon Masters to join our team.
Are you interested?