The bulk of the text deals with the new
alien races, presented with enough detail for the referee to pick up
and run with them as NPCs right away. There is also advice given for
players who want to try out a Cicek or Ssesslessian as a PC. The
humans get some new career options, and the 'standard six' are
re-skinned to fit with the setting background.
While the book describes “Known
Space” the setting as presented is smaller than the 3I, and smaller
than Clement Sector. It's almost three subsectors worth of worlds,
but as Chris Kubasik points out over at Tales to Astound!, small
is good. Even so, there is still more than enough room for a
player group to spend years of game time rocketing around without
anywhere getting stale.
The book is rich with adventure hooks
from the history, flavor text, and world descriptions. Find out what
'Nine Talons' is up to. Tangle with the Empress' Own Legion if you
dare. PCs can avoid politics and get into a trade war with the
Zhuzzh, or go on an archaeological expedition to learn more about the
legendary Precursors!
The book goes into a good level of
detail about the setting's history. The current situation between the
various races/factions is clear, yet complex. At the same time, it is
not so detailed that the referee will feel railroaded into running
the game 'just so'. The history is set, but there's no grand
narrative for the players to follow. The setting is wide open so they
can pursue their own goals, whether they may be.
The book includes some new ship
designs, with some excellent deckplans to go with them, and some
variant rules for ships. There is little in the way of new equipment,
and the setting TL is 11-12, with a sprinkling of TL13.
These Stars are Ours is written for the
Cepheus
Engine OGL rules set. For those who, like me, prefer Classic
Traveller, the setting works with only the smallest of adjustments.
I have already seen TSAO up close, as I
provided the index at the back of this 200 page book. Since I've
already read it, I can say it is worth picking it up. Use the
setting, or (like me) borrow bits to add to your own setting. These
Stars are Ours is a great setting for Traveller, whatever edition you
play with.
I know that nobody buys a book for the
index, but it has been mentioned in a review: https://rockymountainnavy.wordpress.com/2017/03/11/tsao-these-stars-are-ours-a-setting-for-cephesusengine-or-travellerrpg/#comment-1114
If you do buy it, take a moment to explore the index. I take this opportunity to say that I'm available to work on your next RPG product as a freelance indexer. You can reach me on G+, here at the blog, or by email if you have a project that I can help you with.
"The last part of TSAO is an index. This is one of the best indexes I have ever seen in a book."
If you do buy it, take a moment to explore the index. I take this opportunity to say that I'm available to work on your next RPG product as a freelance indexer. You can reach me on G+, here at the blog, or by email if you have a project that I can help you with.
Thanks you for the excellent review!
ReplyDeleteRegardind print, however, it is not available YET - but Stellagama Publishing is working on it! Should be out soon.
ReplyDelete