Five Torches Deep vs Stars Without Number
Compare Five Torches Deep and Stars Without Number side by side. See differences in complexity, dice, genre, and more.
| Five Torches Deep | Stars Without Number | |
|---|---|---|
| Genre | Fantasy | Sci-Fi |
| Tags | Dungeon Crawl, Tactical, Resource Management, Rules-Light, Gritty, Ascending AC, Vancian Casting, Roll to Cast | Sandbox, Exploration, Low-Prep, Faction Play, Tactical, Ascending AC, Vancian Casting |
| Core Mechanic | Roll d20 + modifier vs DC 11 (most checks). Four classes (Warrior, Thief, Zealot, Mage), levels 1–9. Supply (SUP) abstracts consumables, load limits gear, and equipment can break via durability rolls. Magic carries mishap risk. Compatible with both 5e and B/X adventures. | 2d6 + skill + attribute ≥ target for skills; d20 + modifiers for combat. OSR-inspired. |
| Dice | d20 | 2d6 / d20 |
| Complexity | Low | Medium |
| Availability | Free core rules | Free core rules |
| Runnability | 4 of 5 book tools | 5 of 5 book tools |
| License | OGL 1.0a | Proprietary |
| Third-Party Publishing | Not yet researched | Not yet researched |
| Publisher | Sigil Stone Publishing | Sine Nomine Publishing |
| Year | 2019 | 2017 |
| Languages | English | English |
| Best For | Groups who like 5e's core d20 feel but want OSR resource scarcity, simplified classes, and deadlier dungeon crawling. | Sandbox sci-fi campaigns with comprehensive GM tools for faction turns, sector generation, and adventure creation. |
| Highlights | Bridges 5e familiarity with OSR lethality, supply system elegantly handles torches and rations, fits in 48 pages, dual-compatible with 5e and B/X content | Free version is generous, comprehensive sandbox tools, faction system |
| Considerations | Very slim: GMs may need to house-rule gaps, limited character options compared to full 5e, magic mishap table can feel punishing, no bestiary included | OSR combat can feel flat compared to modern tactical systems, B/X heritage means limited mechanical support for social or narrative play |