In a galaxy torn apart by the Last War, vast pirate fleets roam from system to system, robbing, extorting, and enslaving. Amidst this chaos, thousands of independent operators - smugglers, relic hunters, freedom fighters, and mercenaries - roam the dead stars in small ships, scratching out a living any way they can.

In Stargrave, players take on the role of one of these independent operators, choosing from a range of backgrounds each with their own strengths, weaknesses, and associated powers. Next, players must hire a crew for their ship, recruiting a lieutenant with a unique skill-set and a handful of soldiers, mechanics, hackers, and other specialists. Some captains may even recruit strange alien lifeforms with abilities no humanoid could ever possess.

Once the players' crews are assembled, they are ready to dive into a campaign. Over a series of games, their crews will have the chance to carry out a variety of missions - recovering lost technology, stealing data, freeing slaves, and fighting back against the pirate fleets. In time, as the crews gain experience, they will become more powerful and hire more talented specialists. The more they grow, however, the more likely it is that a pirate fleet will take note of their activities and come after them!

Joseph A. McCullough is the author of several non-fiction books including A Pocket History of Ireland, Zombies: A Hunter's Guide, and Dragonslayers: From Beowulf to St. George. In addition, his fantasy short stories have appeared in various books and magazines such as Black Gate, Lords of Swords, and Adventure Mystery Tales. He is also the creator of Frostgrave and Oathmark: Battles of the Lost Age, and co-wrote The Grey Mountains, a supplement for the Middle-Earth Role-Playing Game. His continued ramblings can be read at: therenaissancetroll.blogspot.co.uk

Based in Germany, Helge C. Balzer spent his teenage years creating short films and advertising spots and working as a storyboard artist. He studied 3D animation and concept art at the University of Television and Film in Munich, and since finishing his studies has worked as a matte painter, sculptor, animator, and as a concept artist for a number of international game companies, as well as directing and producing several short films.

Sam Lamont is a ENnie Award-winning illustrator, concept artist, and games designer. He has worked on a wide variety of projects including Doctor Who, Total War: Warhammer, Call of Cthulhu, and Star Wars. He loves creating expansive worlds, intricate games, and horrifying monsters. Find his work at: moonskinned.co.uk