Boldly Go: A Guide to Playing the FASA Star Trek RPG Part 1

The Star Trek universe has always captivated fans with its vision of the future, exploration of the cosmos, and the enduring spirit of adventure. For those who wish to step into the shoes of Starfleet officers and embark on their own missions of discovery, the FASA Star Trek Role-Playing Game (RPG) offers an immersive and rewarding experience. In this guide, we’ll delve into the basics of how to play the FASA Star Trek RPG and explore the universe as a member of Starfleet.

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Rules

Before you can embark on your journey in the FASA Star Trek RPG, it’s essential to have a firm grasp of the game’s rules. The rulebook provides comprehensive guidance on character creation, starship operations, and the mechanics for resolving challenges and conflicts. Take the time to read and understand these rules, as they will serve as the foundation for your adventures.

2. Create Your Starfleet Officer

In the FASA Star Trek RPG, you’ll create a unique character who will serve as a member of Starfleet. Character creation involves selecting a species (Human, Vulcan, Klingon, etc.), career (command, science, engineering, etc.), and attributes (strength, intelligence, charisma, etc.). These choices will define your character’s strengths, weaknesses, and abilities.

Consider your character’s backstory, personality, and motivations as you craft a compelling narrative for your Starfleet officer. This will not only add depth to your role-playing experience but also influence your character’s decisions during gameplay.

3. Assemble Your Crew

The FASA Star Trek RPG is often played collaboratively, with each player taking on the role of a different Starfleet officer. Work with your fellow players to create a diverse and well-balanced crew for your starship. Communication and teamwork are crucial as you’ll rely on each other’s skills and expertise to navigate the challenges of deep space.

4. Explore the Galaxy

One of the most exciting aspects of the FASA Star Trek RPG is the opportunity to explore the vastness of space. The game provides detailed starship rules, allowing players to operate their vessel and engage in interstellar adventures. Whether you’re exploring uncharted sectors, negotiating with alien species, or engaging in starship battles, the universe is yours to explore.

5. Engage in Diplomacy and Role-Playing

Star Trek is renowned for its emphasis on diplomacy, ethics, and moral dilemmas. The FASA RPG captures this spirit by encouraging players to engage in role-playing and ethical decision-making. As you encounter various alien species and navigate complex situations, consider the values and principles of Starfleet when making choices.

6. Resolve Challenges and Conflicts

The FASA system employs a percentile-based dice mechanic to resolve challenges and conflicts. When faced with a task or obstacle, you’ll roll two ten-sided dice (2d10) and compare the result to your character’s relevant skill or attribute. A gamemaster (often called a “referee” in FASA RPGs) will determine the outcome based on the roll.

7. Embrace the Star Trek Spirit

Above all, remember that Star Trek is about hope, exploration, and the pursuit of knowledge. Embrace the spirit of the series by seeking peaceful resolutions, valuing diversity, and promoting cooperation. The FASA Star Trek RPG allows you to embody these principles as you navigate the challenges of the final frontier.

8. Join a Campaign or Create Your Own

You can experience the FASA Star Trek RPG by joining an existing campaign or creating your own with friends. The sourcebooks and adventures may be available somewhere on the internet…

In the FASA Star Trek RPG, you’ll have the opportunity to boldly go where no one has gone before, facing challenges, forging alliances, and unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos. With a commitment to the values of Starfleet and a sense of adventure, your journey in this iconic universe will be a thrilling and memorable one. So, set a course for the stars and prepare for a truly immersive role-playing experience!

Addition Information:

For a good intro to the classic FASA Star Trek game from the 80’s the following two videos are relatively good for an introduction.