COMET: Journey Through the Cosmos

Witness the birth of stars, the forming of planets, and the secrets of the universe along your vast journey. 

COMET: Journey Through the Cosmos is a role-playing journaling game for one to two players in which you become a comet on its epic journey through the universe. Utilizing a standard deck of playing cards, you’ll explore new solar systems, discover forgotten civilizations, and encounter other cosmic entities. You’ll feel the passing of time as your comet continues on its age-long orbit, while the memories you’ve gathered from your experiences slowly slip away.

Unravel an odyssey across a vast and unfamiliar universe you can create anew with every playthrough.

Game designed and written by Shana Targosz.

Booklet includes art from the public domain. No AI was used in the making of this game.

COMET is a solo journaling game in which you roleplay a comet chronicling their odyssey across the universe. The cosmos is vast and unknown; your comet will travel its own unique path and every journey you embark on will reveal new encounters. Over the course of the game, you will document the other cosmic objects you pass and cosmic events you witness, along with your reflections on these encounters and how each has left you changed. 

This game asks you to step away from the day to day experiences of being human and instead turn your mind to the beauty of the universe and reflect upon how you are one of its marvels.

MATERIALS

In COMET, you will follow a series of writing prompts as you document your journey through the cosmos. Encounters range from moments of discovery to confronting danger. Comet‘s intent is to inspire creative thinking while also encouraging players to consider the wonders of the universe we live in.

To play Comet you will need:

• A journal or alternate method of chronicling your journey
• A document on which you’ll draw a map (optional*) 
• A writing instrument of your choice 
• One standard deck of playing cards, jokers removed
• A coin, button, or other object with two distinct sides

*As a game option, you may document your comet’s orbit on a map using simple notations and shapes, marking down what you find along the way. A pre-made Comet Orbit Map is included in this booklet, or you can draw your own map on a material of your choosing. 

This RPG experience takes approximately ninety minutes to three hours, depending on the cards drawn and the time spent on each journal entry.

GAME STRUCTURE

COMET  is a rules-light journaling game. You do not need to be an astrophysicist or have extensive knowledge of the universe, and you won’t need to spend too much time setting up before you begin. In this game you will draw cards, follow prompts, and log your experiences as you travel on your trajectory through space.

TWO-PLAYER OPTION

You may choose to play the game with a trusted companion so your journey feels a little less lonely.

If you play the game with the Epistolary Experience option, in addition to documenting your experiences and tracking your gameplay in a journal, you will also write summaries of your Encounters in a letter and send it out into the cosmos (or other method of delivery so your message reaches its destination).

The rules are the same for solo play as they are for the epistolary game option—the only difference is that you will be sharing your game encounters with another player, and in return you will learn secrets from one another that will aid you in your game and potentially build a deeper, richer story together.

PHYSICAL COPIES

Physical softcover copies of COMET will be available in early 2025.