The Stellar Beacon:Fanfiction

The Stellar Beacon is a zine that supports the sci-fi RPG Return to the Stars with new adventures and which also explores the gamer and geek culture more broadly. This issue includes:

Fanfiction: The Infinite Free Buffet 2019 Hugo nominee Alexandra Rowland celebrates fanfiction, explores its significance, and defends it against those who shallowly dismiss it.

The Undying Elite A scenario for Return to the Stars that examines what the corrupt are willing to do hold on to power, and the price others are willing to pay to resist.

Yes, And… Gaming! Learn how techniques from theatre can help players and gamemasters enjoy a more constructive, team-orientated form of roleplaying.

Framing the Future: the uses of Optimism Optimism is having a moment, But, beyond escapism, what can optimistic speculative fiction accomplish? Mark Sabalauskas, designer of Return to the Stars, delves into one of the game’s core themes.