spelljammer

Spelljammer is a campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game. It is set in a fantasy universe where ships powered by magic sail through the void of space, called Wildspace. This space is not the vacuum of the real universe but a breathable, albeit empty, medium that surrounds celestial bodies.

The setting was originally published by TSR in 1989 and later revised. Spelljammer adventures typically involve space piracy, exploration of new worlds, and encounters with alien creatures. The ships themselves are often fantastical, ranging from modified sailing vessels to living creatures. Common inhabitants of Wildspace include various spelljamming races like humans, elves, dwarves, giff (hippopotamus-like humanoids), and autognomes (mechanical beings).

The core concept of Spelljammer is the melding of high fantasy with space opera. It offers a unique playground for Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, allowing for adventures that extend beyond the traditional terrestrial setting. Players can pilot their own spelljamming vessels, chart unknown nebulas, and engage in epic battles between starships. The magic system is adapted to allow for spellcasting in the vacuum of space, often with unique challenges and considerations. The setting emphasizes a sense of wonder and discovery in a vast and often dangerous cosmos.