Fire Giant Tokens by Cypirate
Today we showcase a blazing Community Spotlight! Test your players’ mettle against these intimidating fire giants in your next boss battle! (Map Included)
The Cosmic Cantina is a system-neutral tavern setting built to be dropped into your campaign at a moment’s notice, complete with characters, backstories, your choice of adventure tangents, and cantina menu!
The thick metal doors slide open with a satisfying whoosh… click, revealing a dimly lit interior bathed in the soft glow of blue neon lights. As you step through the threshold, the atmosphere is jovial yet peaceful: the clinking of glasses, the murmur of conversation, and the rhythmic hum of the ship’s various systems. The air is thick with the scent of bleach, a hint of motor oil, and a strange, almost metallic tang that you can’t quite place.
The cantina is packed with patrons from all walks of life, their faces illuminated by the flickering lights. A motley crew of humans, aliens, androids, and service bots mingle freely, their laughter and chatter filling the air.
The Cosmic Cantina
The Cosmic Cantina is just one of the many vibrant spots to unwind on the colossal starship known as The Empyrean. This vessel, a testament to human ingenuity, boasts a history as rich and storied as the cosmos it navigates. Constructed in the sprawling shipyards of the Rock of Bral, The Empyrean was a marvel of engineering, fitted with the latest advancements in technology and designed to be a beacon of humanity’s strength and curiosity.
However, the ship’s construction was not without its controversies. The extensive resources poured into its creation caused tension between the Rock of Bral’s ruling class and the common people, who felt that the money could have been better spent on addressing the planet’s pressing social and economic issues. Despite these protests, The Empyrean was eventually completed, a shining example of human ambition.
Over the centuries, The Empyrean has served a variety of purposes. It has been a vessel of exploration, venturing into the uncharted depths of space in search of new worlds and civilizations. It has also been a ship of war, participating in countless battles between rival factions and alien empires. Today, The Empyrean remains a formidable force in the cosmos. It serves as the flagship of a small fleet of starships, dedicated to protecting the trade routes between the major spacefaring civilizations. While its glory days may be behind it, The Empyrean continues to inspire awe and respect in those who witness its majesty.
Key Cantina Staff
TipsyTron
Bartender, Medium Construct
Silver-colored metal skeleton with the upper torso and head covered in off-white armor plating. Glowing blue eyes, 6ft. in height. Passive, non-threatening stance, stiff movements, lanky skeletal build
The bartender’s head swivels 180 degrees, its metal body following suit with a stiff, squeaky creak. As it approaches the bar, a mechanical voice emanates from a speaker where a human mouth would normally be. ‘Greetings, esteemed patron. How may I assist you today in selecting a cool refreshing beverage?’
TipsyTron was a cost-effective upgrade to the outdated bartender bot, BoozeBucket. However, the frugal design came with its own set of problems. Despite its modern programming, TipsyTron’s cheap construction led to frequent breakdowns, requiring extensive repairs. Despite this, the patrons have grown fond of TipsyTron’s quirky personality and clunky movements, and any plans to replace TipsyTron would likely meet with resistance from the bar’s loyal customers.
Programmed to Like
- Clearly-worded requests
- Polite customers
- Patriotic speech and behavior
Programmed to Dislike
- Slurring patrons and unclear speech
- Being touched
- Slander against fleet leadership or government figures
- Vandalism
Cuppy
Waiter, Small Construct
Two-toned copper plating over a small mechanical build. Bright glowing yellow eyes, 3ft. in height. Squeaky energetic movements, stocky short-limbed build
As you settle into the cantina, you can’t help but notice a small, copper blur darting between the tables. It’s another service bot, but this one is much smaller and more nimble than the bartender. With a series of erratic pitter-patter steps, the bot approaches your table. Its bright yellow eyes, like headlights, peer over the edge as it addresses you. A high-pitched robotic voice emanates from a grate in its torso: ‘Greetings, valued patrons! Would you like to enhance your relaxation and enjoyment with a cool refreshing beverage or a delectable salted snack this evening?’ The bot eagerly turns its head from one party member to the next, awaiting your response.
Cuppy was designed to assist BoozeBucket, the previous bartender, in tasks that BoozeBucket found difficult due to its bulky frame. While Cuppy was initially intended as a supplementary droid, its compact chassis and sturdy construction have proven so effective that it has become an integral part of the cantina’s staff. Though its copper shell remains filled with the same soulless machinery as the day it was built, Cuppy’s energetic and friendly demeanor often gives it the impression of having sentience. Many of the cantina’s regulars treat it like a little brother, forming a strong bond with the diminutive droid.
Programmed to Like
- Clearly-worded requests
- Polite customers
- Patriotic speech and behavior
Programmed to Dislike
- Slurring patrons and unclear speech
- Being touched
- Slander against fleet leadership or government figures
- Vandalism
Cormac O’Brien
Bot Repairman, Male Human
Middle-aged, auburn-colored hair with mutton chop-styled facial hair, light-grey eyes. 5ft. 10″, athletic broad-shouldered build
Lounging lazily in a corner of the cantina, perched atop a stack of storage crates, you see a gruff, auburn-haired man with thick red mutton chops. Surrounded by a blanket of cracked and empty peanut shells, he reaches into a foil bag, pulls out another peanut, and cracks it open on his knee with a satisfying snap. He tosses the peanut into the air and catches it with ease. As TipsyTron becomes stuck in an audio loop, the man sighs, rises from his perch with a stiff grunt, whips the oily rag off his shoulder, and begins to tinker with the droid. With a few swift movements, he repairs the malfunction, returning to his crate with a lazy yawn as though he believes the task he just performed to be beneath him.
Cormac O’Brien joined the space fleet as a young officer, feeling obligated to follow the failed dreams of his withholding father. However, his career took an unexpected turn when he was assigned to a small, remote space station. During his time there, he developed a fascination with the intricate workings of the station’s various systems. With his natural mechanical aptitude and a thirst for knowledge, he began to spend his off-hours tinkering with the station’s machinery.
One day, the space station suddenly lost power, and the next supply delivery was still a month away. Cormac’s mechanical skills proved invaluable during this crisis, helping to keep the station operational and ensure the safety of its crew. Overcome with a small amount of guilt and a much larger desire to bury the story, the governor at the time offered Cormac a favor of his choosing. A week later, Cormac was being trained as a bot mechanic aboard one of the most famous flagships in Wildspace.
Despite his role in saving the space station, Cormac’s career stagnated, and he eventually became known simply as “The guy that fixes the bots.” Without the lasting valor or wealth he had hoped for, Cormac’s dreams of greatness faded. However, deep down, the spark of ambition that once fueled his dreams of creation still flickers, momentarily buried beneath the weight of tedious mechanical tasks.
Likes
- Figuring out and fixing challenging mechanical problems
- Understanding complex mechanical systems
- Other people who enjoy creating and repairing complex machines
- Having his true potential recognized
Dislikes
- Tedious and easily fixed mechanical faults
- Working below his skill level
- His inability to gain additional valor due to not coming from a powerful or wealthy family
Additional Cantina Patrons
BoozeBucket, Large Construct, Obsolete Bartender
Zoe, Sentient Android, Captain’s Aide
Davon, Middle-aged, Male Vedalken, Starship Archivist
Rusty, confused, and short-tempered. Often found at The Cosmic Cantina attempting to resume its original bartending programming. Patrons frequently calm them down by pretending it is bartending at their table.
Cheerful, quick-witted, and friendly. Has a special way with calming down patrons and robots alike.
Intelligent, quiet, and timid. 6’8″ in height, known as a gentle giant.
Hank Silas, Young Adult, Male Human, Cargo Handler
Null, Age Unknown, Gender Unknown, Shadow Market Specialist
Miza’ell, Young Adult, Female Vedalken, Starship Security
Strong, aggressive, and distrusting of newcomers. Holds record for being banned from the most cantinas on the ship.
Mysterious, enigmatic, and tells a great story. Some rumors that they make all their stories up, happy to tell you a story if you buy them a drink.
Awkward and dry sense of humor with a monotone voice. Lets people get away with minor misdemeanors, but gets strict real fast if a line is crossed.
Optional Encounters & Opportunities
BoozeBucket Has Gone Haywire. BoozeBucket, a malfunctioning droid known for its aggressive behavior, has escalated its antics to dangerous levels. Instead of its usual squabbles with its replacement, TipsyTron, it has begun attacking the cantina patrons! The usual tactic of having BoozeBucket “bartend” at a table has failed to pacify it.
To resolve the situation, the party must engage BoozeBucket in a fight and temporarily disable it. This will allow Cormac O’Brien to safely repair the malfunctioning droid. However, the party will quickly discover that BoozeBucket is not as easy to defeat as they might expect. Built with heavy materials, this droid poses a significant challenge.
Hank Has a Problem with the Newcomers. Hank Silas, a regular patron at the cantina, is having a particularly rough day. His temper is threatening to boil over, and he’s been antagonizing other patrons with his aggressive behavior and excessive drinking. The other patrons, aware of Hank’s tendencies, have wisely chosen to ignore him and avoid provoking a confrontation.
However, the arrival of newcomers has ignited Hank’s aggression. With a belligerent expression and a spilled drink, he approaches the strangers, intent on starting a fight. The party has the option to try and reason with Hank, but their chances of success are higher with an intimidation check than a persuasion attempt. Given Hank’s current state, it’s unlikely that he’ll be receptive to reason.
If a fight ensues, Hank will likely initiate the confrontation by swinging his iron club but will refrain from killing or maiming the players. He’ll only resort to using his boot knife if his life is threatened.
TipsyTron is Malfunctioning Again. TipsyTron, the cantina’s often-malfunctioning bartender, has once again broken down. Cormac O’Brien, the ship’s bot mechanic, is frequently found at the cantina due to TipsyTron’s frequent issues and BoozeBucket’s erratic behavior. However, on this occasion, Cormac is nowhere to be seen, likely attending to another job elsewhere on the ship.
Tracking down Cormac and persuading him to fix TipsyTron could earn the party favor among both the cantina patrons and fleet leadership. After a search, the party eventually locates Cormac in a different cantina on the ship. To their surprise, they find him intoxicated and in high spirits. Their requests for him to fix TipsyTron are met with stubborn refusal and frustration over the droid’s constant breakdowns.
A simple insight check will reveal that Cormac’s behavior is solely due to his alcohol consumption. The party’s best course of action is to sober him up as quickly as possible. Once sober, Cormac will likely feel ashamed of his actions and agree to fix TipsyTron as soon as possible.
Null Has a Task For you. Null, a mysterious figure known for their connections in the shadow market, has a task for the party. The nature of the task is open-ended, allowing you to tailor it to your desired direction for the story.
Null requires the party to deliver a package to a specific location. The contents of the package, the destination, the individuals they encounter, and the potential rewards or consequences are entirely up to you to determine. Use this opportunity to drive the adventure forward and introduce new elements to the story.
The Cosmic Cantina Menu
Drinks Menu
| Item | Cost | Description |
| Cosmic Fizz | (tall glass) 4 cp | A refreshing, non-alcoholic sparkling elixir. The clear, syrupy texture bursts with bubbles, providing a cool and invigorating sensation with every sip |
| Glimmerwake Nectar | (glass) 5 cp (pitcher) 2 sp | A light golden, sweet carbonated drink that packs a subtle alcoholic punch and a momentary burst of energy (1 hour) |
| Ionforge Reserve | (small glass) 3 sp (bottle) 4 gp | A smoky, dark golden beverage that delivers a potent alcoholic kick. It can be experienced neat, on ice, or with a touch of filtered water |
| Solar Flare | (cocktail glass) 4 sp | A glowing orange cocktail, infused with the bright, juicy flavor of Earth’s finest peaches, delivering the sensation of basking in pure sunlight. Served with a curly straw and a slice of local fruit |
| The Mindflayer | (tall glass) 2 sp | A clear, syrupy base with a denser, pink layer that swirls and creates the effect of a wriggling worm within. Garnished with a rambutan, and leaving you with a tingling sensation in your brain |
| Krynn and Tonic | (glass) 1sp | A refreshing blend of Krynn-flora-infused gin, tonic water, and a wedge of Krynn-grown lime. Enjoy the citrusy and botanical notes of the gin, balanced by the subtle bitterness of the tonic |
| Neverwinter Mule | (mug) 1sp | A cocktail inspired by the icy city of Neverwinter. Crafted with premium vodka infused with the essence of Neverwinter’s frozen landscapes, offers a perfect blend of spicy and sweet notes. Served over ice with a ginger beer and garnished with a slice of lime |
| The Intellect Devourer | (highball glass) 5sp | A potent and flavorful cocktail crafted with four spirits of your choice, mixed with cola and lime. This drink is guaranteed to leave you with a foggy memory of the night’s events |
Barsnack Menu
| Item | Cost | Description |
| Moonrock Pastry | 2 cp | A small crumbly pastry suitable for 1 person |
| Bral Bites | 3 cp | A bowl of crunchy round pretzels, a popular salted snack originating from the Rock of Bral |
| Fraaz’s Fries | 1 sp | A tongue-in-cheek nod to the infamous space pirate Fraaz, these fries are coated in a spicy seasoning and served with Realmspace Relish |
| Githyanki Ears | 4 cp | A tough and salty jerky made from game meats that vary depending on supply (Not actually made from Githyanki ears) |
| Illithid Tentacle Tendies | 2 sp | Thick, chewy octopus tentacles, crumbed and deep fried, served with Astral Aioli |
| Greyspace Goobers | 2 sp | Gooey, sweet treats filled with a variety of sweet and tangy fillings |
Afterword
This article provides a detailed environment you can either use as is, adapt to your campaign, or simply draw inspiration from. Feel free to pick and choose the elements you like, discard those that don’t fit, and even use the free map and tokens to create your own unique story.
I’m sure that you can find a use for this cantina in your game, we hope you’ll share your story in the comments below. 🙂
Downloads
You can use the button above to download The Cosmic Cantina map, and I have listed many of the map asset packs used below. You can also find many more on our Map Gallery.
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The Everything PackOriginal price was: $366.00.$70.00Current price is: $70.00. -
Living Depths Pt.2 Pack$5.00 -
Sci-Fi Industrial InteriorsPWYW: $1 or FREE $1.00 -
Sci-Fi Industrial Interiors Pack$5.00 -
Sci-Fi Map AssetsPWYW: $1 or FREE $1.00 -
Sci-Fi Map Assets Pack$5.00
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About the author
James
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Published: September 24, 2024
Tagged: alien, android, bar, bot, characters, droid, fleet, james wolfe, module, restaurant, robot, sci-fi, scifi, setting, space, spaceship, spelljammer, starship, system neutral, tavern, tokens, wildspace
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