Creating a character for Stardust Liar follows the Stars Without Number process with some campaign-specific flavor.

Step 1: Roll Attributes

Roll 3d6 for each attribute in order (or use point-buy if your GM allows):

  • Strength
  • Dexterity
  • Constitution
  • Intelligence
  • Wisdom
  • Charisma

Calculate modifiers for each:

  • 3: -2 modifier
  • 4-7: -1 modifier
  • 8-13: +0 modifier
  • 14-17: +1 modifier
  • 18: +2 modifier

Step 2: Choose a Background

Backgrounds represent your life before the campaign. Each grants:

  • Free skill levels in 2-3 skills
  • A quick-pick skill option
  • Background-specific benefits

Backgrounds That Fit Stardust Liar

  • Spacer: Born on stations and ships, comfortable in zero-G
  • Technician: Worked maintaining dying infrastructure
  • Criminal: Survived by breaking the law
  • Soldier: Served in military or mercenary units
  • Merchant: Traded goods across corrupt sectors
  • Vagabond: Drifted from place to place, never settling

Step 3: Choose a Class

Select from the core classes:

Warrior

Combat specialists with high HP and superior attack bonuses.

  • Best for: Fighters, guards, enforcers
  • HP: 1d6+2 per level
  • Combat: Add full level to attack rolls and damage

Expert

Skill masters who excel at non-combat challenges.

  • Best for: Pilots, mechanics, hackers, traders
  • HP: 1d6 per level
  • Skills: Reroll any failed skill check once per scene

Psychic

Possess psionic powers through mental disciplines.

  • Best for: Mind readers, telekinetics, precognitives
  • HP: 1d6 per level
  • Powers: Access to psychic disciplines and techniques

Adventurer

Multiclass option combining two classes (partial benefits from each).

Step 4: Pick Skills

  • Your background gives you starting skills
  • You have additional picks based on your class
  • You can improve existing skills or learn new ones
  • Level 0 in a skill means you’re trained (no penalty)

Key Skills for Stardust Liar

  • Pilot: Flying ships through dangerous space
  • Fix: Keeping aging equipment operational
  • Shoot: Staying alive in firefights
  • Program: Hacking systems and bypassing security
  • Connect: Finding contacts and gathering information
  • Trade: Negotiating deals and spotting scams
  • Notice: Spotting danger before it’s too late

Step 5: Choose a Focus

Foci are special abilities that define your unique capabilities. Choose one at level 1.

Useful Foci for the Campaign

  • Armsman: Better with weapons and armor
  • Starfarer: Expert spacer and pilot
  • Tech Specialist: Master of technical systems
  • Die Hard: Harder to kill, more HP
  • Connected: Know people everywhere
  • Alert: Never surprised, better initiative

Step 6: Buy Equipment

Start with 600 credits. Priorities:

  • Weapon: Laser pistol (200cr) or shotgun (50cr)
  • Armor: Armored clothing (50cr) or woven body armor (100cr)
  • Tools: Compad (50cr), repair kit (25cr)
  • Survival: Rations, medkit, spare parts

Campaign Note

Most starting characters in Stardust Liar are broke, desperate, and using second-hand gear. Your equipment should reflect that reality.

Step 7: Final Details

  • Name: What do people call you?
  • Description: What do you look like? How do you carry yourself?
  • Background: Where are you from? What brought you here?
  • Goal: What are you trying to achieve? What keeps you going?
  • Connection: How do you know the other PCs? Why do you trust them?

Campaign-Specific Considerations

In Stardust Liar:

  • You’re broke and desperate—start with minimal resources
  • The galaxy is corrupt—connections and reputation matter
  • Technology is aging—Fix skill is invaluable
  • Violence is common—combat skills keep you alive
  • You’re crew—decide how you met and why you stick together

“Out here, your character sheet is your lifeline. Choose wisely.”