Beyond

Flexible Science-Fiction Roleplaying

Beyond is a science-fiction roleplaying game centered on capable characters, fast resolution, and a universe defined by connection rather than calculation. It is designed to support a wide range of science-fiction play, from free traders and explorers to agents, soldiers, and diplomats moving between worlds.

The game focuses on what characters have done, what they are able to do now, and the situations they choose to involve themselves in. It avoids unnecessary detail in favor of clarity at the table, allowing play to move quickly without losing depth.

Characters

Characters in Beyond are defined primarily by their Attributes and Careers.

Attributes describe fundamental capabilities such as physical ability, agility, intellect, and presence. Careers represent a character’s background and experience, covering broad areas of knowledge and competence rather than narrow skills.

A character’s combination of Careers suggests both what they can do and how they approach problems. A Soldier, a Mercenary, and a Marine may all be capable fighters, but their training, expectations, and methods will differ in play.

Boons and Flaws further distinguish characters, adding advantages, complications, and narrative texture.

Resolution

All uncertain actions are resolved using a single roll:

2d6 + Attribute + Career

The result is compared to a Target Number:

9+ Routine
12+ Difficult
15+ Extreme

This structure allows most situations to be resolved quickly, while still supporting meaningful differences in capability.

The Setting

Beyond does not assume a single fixed setting. Instead, it provides tools for creating and running science-fiction campaigns with different tones and structures.

Worlds are defined using simple descriptive Codes and Tags rather than detailed numerical profiles. This allows a Referee to establish the essential character of a world at a glance, while leaving room for interpretation and development.

Interstellar travel is treated as a network of connections between worlds rather than a strict physical map. The exact nature of faster-than-light travel may vary by setting, but in all cases it serves to link worlds into a playable structure.

Starships

Starships are central to many Beyond campaigns. Rather than being constructed from detailed components, ships are defined by their capabilities and roles.

A ship represents mobility, access, and opportunity. It allows characters to move between worlds, pursue jobs, and engage with the wider setting.

Equipment and Wealth

Equipment is handled abstractly. Characters are assumed to possess the tools and gear appropriate to their backgrounds and current situation.

Wealth represents access to resources, credit, and influence. It replaces detailed accounting with a simple system that determines whether a character can obtain something when it matters.

Play

A typical Beyond game follows a crew of characters as they move between worlds, take on work, and interact with factions, organizations, and individuals.

Play may focus on trade, exploration, investigation, conflict, diplomacy, or any combination of these. The structure of a campaign depends on the group and the setting they choose to emphasize.

The system is designed to support this flexibility without requiring extensive preparation or complex subsystems.

Using the Codex

This Codex provides the core rules and tools needed to play Beyond.

Players should begin with Character Creation and Careers.

Referees can use the Worlds, Starships, and other sections to build a campaign suited to their group.

Beyond Codex Home • Player Guide • Character Creation • Careers • Edges • Drawbacks • Morphotypes • Arms & Equipment • Tactical Combat • Worlds • Spacecraft