Heliosail: A whimsical space pirate game for 2025
Experience the thrill of a classic swashbuckling adventure, the bonding that turns crew into found family, and an uplifting sense of hope for the future.
Heliosail is a brand new solarpunk adventure TTRPG about space pirates, intended for campaign-length games, for groups of 2-7 people (including the "Captain.") The project has recently become part of Gamefound's new RPG Party initiative; one of a couple dozen winners chosen from several hundred submissions.
The game's rich lore combines classic pirate fantasy, including supernatural elements, with a vision of a sustainable future inspired by real science. It takes inspiration from classics like: Treasure Planet (2002), the Mass Effect trilogy (2007-2012), Red Dwarf (1988-1999), Our Flag Means Death (2022-2023), and Cutthroat Island (1995).
The fully illustrated rulebook is available for free on DriveThruRPG and Itchio. A crowdfunding campaign for printed versions is currently in preview on Gamefound.
"Overflowing with charm and panache. Heliosail captures the dream of a future whose beauty and wonder will surprise you."
- Michael Bilker, writer for Dystopia Rising Colorado
Features
• Core game materials are forever free.
• 5 original character archetypes, each with a uniquely formatted character sheet
• Breathtaking original artwork by Emely Pascual, Noah Collins, Maria Klippert, Luna Skelton, Phineas Sargent, and Quinn Martin.
A Message from Quinn
Heliosail has been my passion project for six years. Like many people who get into game writing, I originally wanted to make video games. When I began, that’s all it was: just a game.
The romance of piracy, in fiction, is the ability to leave your old life behind and remake yourself on the high seas. As someone who is LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent, this trope speaks to me in a deep way. Heliosail isn’t just an escape, though. It has an optimism about what we can achieve that our culture hasn’t enjoyed in a long time. Post-apocalyptic, gritty narratives have ruled the science fiction genre in recent decades, crying a warning that it feels like we have not heeded. I think we’re at a place now where we need something with a pervasive and unapologetic belief in humanity; an uplifting sense of adventure that inspires us as much it consoles us. I have no idea what the future holds for Heliosail, or for me. My only desire is that you find the same solace and joy in this game that I do.
May the winds forever blow in your favor,
- Quinn (They/Them)
Press Inquiries
Quinn Martin is the principle designer at QuinnSilver Studios. They are happy to answer any questions, provide interviews, or just chat privately about the game. You can reach out via email to heliosail@heliosailgame.com.
