Prepare for interstellar adventure! Maelstrom: Space Operas in Cairn hurls the beloved rules-light system into the cosmos. Explore distant worlds caught in intergalactic strife, pilot star-fighters, and fulfill your destiny with "The Thrum," a mysterious universal phenomenon.
Inside, you'll discover new character backgrounds, vehicle rules, an alternative telekinetic magic system, a biome-specific bestiary, and a planet generator. Reinterpret iconic sci-fi IPs for your table with the included adventure set a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away:
The Intergalactic Autarchy's reign of fear has been challenged by the idealistic Galactic Free Coalition, yet the Thrum has grown discordant. The galaxies fracture further as the morally ambiguous Galactic Secessionists Caucus and the mysterious, ruthless Restoration also vie for control. The universe is a maelstrom of conflicting ideologies. Will you align with the forces of Harmony, or will you embrace the Dissonance to seize power and rewrite humanity's destiny amongst the stars?
‘Descent’ Cover Art for ‘Maelstrom: Space Operas in Cairn’ Generated with AI by Daniel Reynolds August ‘25
Whether you have the trekking heart of an explorer, or that of a star crusader Maelstrom has the tools to fuel your adaptation!
At time of writing there are 12 developed backgrounds for the Maelstrom setting. Today I present to you, dear reader, the darker facets of the Thrum, as we explore the enigmatic Anko Background.
‘Discord’s Call’ Generated with AI by Daniel Reynolds August ‘25.
You are the chosen student of a powerful Ankensho, a master of the Dissonance. Your training has been brutal, not just in combat, but in the ruthless philosophy of power. You have been forged into a weapon, a perfect instrument of your master's will, yet your ambition burns brighter than any star in the galaxy. You know the Anken way is to one day usurp your master, to seize their power and status for yourself. You see the so-called "Harmony" of the Koken as a foolish lie, a crutch for those too weak to embrace their own strength. For you, the Dissonance is not chaos— but brutal, honest truth. The universe is one power-struggle for dominance, and you are determined to be the victor.
Trait: Ruthless Ambition. When you inflict Critical Damage on a single enemy, all other enemies within Near range must make a WIL Save or gain 1 Fatigue from fear. This can only trigger once per encounter.
Our first Summer Zine, a collection of Cairn-compatible content based on North American folklore, is coming to life. We need YOUR help to give it a title and a striking visual identity. The winning entry will be featured on the final product, so get your creative gears turning!
“Dice Beholder’ Generated with AI by Daniel Reynolds August, ‘25.
To submit an image for consideration:
Make your submission either in a paint program, or by hand. Hand-made submissions must be in ink and or color.
Send your submission digitally to editorbehindthescreen@gmail.com with ‘Zine Cover’ as the subject line.
Make your submission before 11:59 on September 4th.
To submit a title for consideration:
Send your submission to editorbehindthescreen@gmail.com with ‘Zine Title’ as the subject line.
Make your submission before 11:59 on September 4th.
Make as many submissions in either category as you wish!
‘RPG HQ Jobs Board’ Generated with AI by Daniel Reynolds August, ‘25
RPG HQ is starting up again on September 13th! Get your calendars ready and join us at the Hennepin County Library - Rockford Road, 6401 N 42nd Ave, Crystal, MN 55427, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. We can't wait to see you back at the table!(RSVP for this event here!)
Can you help run a game?
RPG HQ is a community event, and we rely on the generosity of our volunteer game runners to make it happen. If you're interested in running a game of Cairn or any other RPG, please reach out to us! You'll be helping to create a welcoming space for new and veteran players alike!
What kind of Cairn do you want to play?
We're putting together our schedule and would love to know what you want to play. The month of September is reserved for Cairn, and Cairn adjacent rule sets. There are a lot of options, from vanilla Cairn 2e to the new Maelstrom setting, or even other games that use the Cairn system, like We Deal in Lead. Please take a moment to vote in our poll and let us know what you'd like to see at the table!
