Shadows Over Sol: Second Edition is in development, being prepared for a Summer 2025 kickstarter. This is the third in a series of blog posts highlighting the upcoming game's features, as well as its various changes compared to the first edition.
You can read our previous posts about its core mechanic and character creation here.
In Shadows Over Sol 2e, psychological strain is not just a narrative backdrop—it is a critical tool the GM can use to emphasize the horror aspects of the game. The Stress & Panic system offers a structured and immersive approach to representing the emotional toll of surviving in hostile environments, from the void of space to encounters with terrifying monstrocities. This system ensures that mental resilience is just as critical as physical endurance.
Characters accumulate Stressed consequences when exposed to particularly intense or harrowing experiences. These might include witnessing disturbing events, failing crucial tasks or coming under unexpected attack. Each Stressed consequence reflects the mounting psychological pressure a character is under, tracking how close they are to a panic response or mental collapse.
While stress can be debilitating over time, it also introduces an element of tactical risk. Characters under stress may voluntarily invoke a Stress Boon—a bonus that can be used during important tests. However, if the die or card associated with the boon yields a result equal to or lower than the character’s current stress level, they panic. This creates a high-stakes decision point: Do they accept the temporary benefit and risk losing control?
When panic is triggered, characters must pass a Willpower test to maintain composure. Success results in the acquisition of an additional Stressed consequence but avoids immediate disruption. Failure, however, introduces a wide range of escalating effects—from hesitation and tremors, to total collapse or uncontrollable outbursts. These effects can impair a character’s actions, compromise group safety, and in extreme cases, lead to full-blown mental breaks.
A mental break marks a significant psychological event. When it occurs, a character acquires a persistent condition—such as a phobia, fixation, or other mental weakness—that remains until resolved through dedicated treatment. This aspect of the system emphasizes the long-term consequences of trauma and adds narrative depth to character development. Treatment, while possible, requires time and professional support, further integrating mental health into the game’s survival themes.
Shadows Over Sol is an award-winning sci-fi horror tabletop RPG where you and your team venture into the hungry void of outer space. You'll explore derelict spaceships, make deals with shady corporations and try to survive the creeping horrors encroaching upon your every move.
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