Michael: Gareth, thank you for joining me on Continuing Missions! Your fan art and designs for Star Trek Adventures (STA) and Captain’s Log Solo RPG have inspired a lot of players. What initially drove you to start creating these visual elements?
Gareth: Thanks for having me, Michael! The main reason I started making these designs was to immerse myself in the universe—like I’m really there, looking at LCARS screens. As much as I love solo RPGs, I’m not a huge fan of consulting tables all the time. Captain’s Log is already ahead of others since it doesn’t rely on tables, but for me, it’s even better when I can generate random events visually.
Michael: You’ve definitely created a range of tools. Can you tell us more about the kinds of things you’ve made?
Gareth: Absolutely. I’m a fan of board games, so I’ve enjoyed experimenting with card-based mechanics. So far, I’ve made talent cards for players and ships, LCARDS (a card-based pun for oracles), Incoming Transmission story primers, and trackers for every station in the game—things like power counters, tactical monitors, and damage control. I even have extended task trackers for activities like beaming and piloting. There’s also “Stellar Cardography,” a random stellar encounter generator. It’s all aimed at mixing the theatre of the mind with the “theatre of the table.”
Michael: That sounds fantastic! You’ve also worked on other RPGs. How did you bring your ideas from other projects to STA?
Gareth: Yeah, I did some work for Blade Runner RPG by Free League, developing part of the chase system they used. When I discovered STA and especially Captain’s Log, I thought, “What can I bring from my experiences to this?” I started designing things that would hold my interest and make the game even more exciting. I also connected with neurodiverse friends who are visual learners, so I realized these tools could be engaging in new ways.
Michael: Your passion for Star Trek is clear. What’s your history with the series?
Gareth: Star Trek has been huge for me. My dad introduced it to me in the ‘70s, and one of my earliest memories is him taking me to see The Motion Picture in theaters. Then in 1987, just as The Next Generation started, I joined the Royal Navy. That year, I also attended my first Trek convention! I even joined a fan club and cosplayed as a Klingon now and then. TNG got me through some tough times, and it’s still my favorite series, though DS9 comes close because it delved into politics and religion.
Michael: TNG and DS9 are iconic. So, how did you go from being a fan to discovering RPGs?
Gareth: Funny enough, it started with E.T. in 1982. There’s that scene where they’re playing D&D in the kitchen, and I was fascinated. That led me into RPGs, where I explored worlds like Middle Earth and Mega City One. Over the years, life, family, and work took over, but I returned to RPGs when I noticed my favorite sci-fi franchises were getting RPG releases. That’s when I discovered STA. I loved it, though I added a few personal tweaks.
Michael: So when Captain’s Log came out, it must have felt like the perfect fit?
Gareth: Absolutely. Captain’s Log took the best parts of STA and streamlined it. It’s easy to play, easy to carry, and captures the essence of Star Trek. My mods, boards, and trackers are a testament to how much I enjoy it. I don’t get to play as often as I’d like due to work and family, but when I do, it’s immersive and time flies at warp speed. That’s when you know a game is truly something special.
Michael: Your story really captures what Star Trek means to so many of us. Thanks for sharing, Gareth. I can’t wait to see what else you create for the community!
Gareth: Thanks, Michael! It’s been great talking with you, and I’m thrilled to contribute to this amazing fandom.
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