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HARD VACUUM

Boondock

SOC-9
From the developer of the Scoundrels of Brixton setting comes HARD VACUUM, a new series of action-packed science-fiction adventures for use with Cepheus Engine and adaptable for different versions of popular 2D6 role-playing games. Each short scenario contains enough mayhem, intrigue and shady characters to challenge and entertain your players. Referees will appreciate the compact format, with every issue easy to digest for use in a one-shot session or even an on-going campaign with minimal preparation.

In issue 01: Pirate Bait, the player characters are hired by a corporation to pose as scientists in need of rescue—a ruse intended to lure pirates into a trap. But when the mercenaries supposed to capture the pirates fail to show, the PCs find themselves defending an asteroid base, forced to use their wits and will to survive.

HARD VACUUM is scheduled to launch in mid-January 2025 from Boondock RPG Adventures, with new issues released each month. Currently, the adventures will only be available in PDF format on DriveThruRPG. However, each document is print-ready, with blank pages for easy printing into an A5-size book format, if desired. Print, omnibus editions are planned in the future.

Here's a few more details about what referees and players can expect from the content:

- Each scenario is a stand-alone, although the plots are somewhat connected, and can be played in any order and run in almost any Cepheus/Traveller setting.
- PCs are not required to have their own starship or specific skills/backgrounds. A ship, NPCs and special equipment are provided to round out any shortcomings.
- Dice will be rolled. There will be skill checks. Expect a fight. Survival is not guaranteed.
- The series has been in development for months. Writing and layout for the first six issues is complete. I expect a smooth roll out and timely release schedule.
- If you're a fan of the Michael Brown Cepheus shorts, I'm confident you'll really enjoy these adventures.

Appreciate the opportunity to start spreading the word about this product. I'll post updates in this thread as they come. Feel free to reach out with questions or comments. Here's a cover image for the first issue, trying to keep things clean, simple and, hopefully, elegant. Art by the talented Laura Helsby.

Best,

Adam


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"Hard Vacuum 01: Pirate Bait has a little bit of everything that makes a good Traveller adventure. While trying to avoid spoilers, suffice it to say that if you like your adventures a bit more on the hard sci-fi side with ships and vacc suits (do you have the Vacc Suit skill?) and guns and…pirates then hard Vacuum 01: Pirate Bait is for you…all for $5."

Appreciated this excellent review from Rocky Mountain Navy's gaming blog: https://rockymountainnavy.com/2025/...bait-adam-kovac-boondock-rpg-adventures-2024/
 
Are you going to continue this line along with Scoundrels?

Any chance there will be printed versions in the future?
Hi Mike!

I plan on publishing a HARD VACUUM adventure on DriveThru every month throughout 2025, and likely will continue to do so after that, based on my ability to generate new scenarios. Expect to see a lot of content from this series.

I'm considering print versions. I'd like to compile several issues into print omnibus editions, but I'm still learning to ropes of being a publisher so it'll be a while. However, each issue is designed to be printed at home and folded into a handy little pamphlet.

As for Scoundrels, the first draft of issue four is almost done and tentatively set for publication in late summer, with plans for a fifth issue in the future. Since I'm not the publisher/owner, it's unclear what's next in the Scoundrels line.

Scoundrels of Brixton is RPG Ramblings' least profitable product. They make 10x more selling fantasy. Short answer: Want more Scoundrels? Spread the word and hopefully more people back the project on Kickstarter.

But if you really like Scoundrels, I'm confident you'll get a kick out of HARD VACUUM.

Appreciate the interest. Feel free to ask more questions in the future.

Adam
 
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