I think the concept of Gnu Traveller is terrific. I would be more
than willing to contribute to the project in any way that I can. I
have a few concerns though. Every role playing game is unique, not
because of the system of rules used but because of the background detail.
The flavor and soul of Traveller are its background and history as well
as its game system. While rewriting the game system is a great idea it
can also destroy much of what it is about Traveller that attracted all
of us to it and to this list. I think what we are proposing is a huge
project that I find very exciting. There are numerous and obvious places
where Traveller needs to have its system patched or replaced but the
patches or replacements need to "fit" into traveller without massive
restructuring of the other pieces. I guess what I'm saying is "if it
ain't broke, don't fix it".
With that cautionary note firmly in place here is a partial list
(off the top of my head) of places that need to be looked at for possible
patching or replacement:
1) Man-to-man combat (with and without weapons)
I like combat systems that have a feel of realism but realism
like in the movies. Combat should be fast and furious. Players
should be on the edge of their chairs not boredly looking up
charts and tables. The current system is interesting (using
interrupts) but I'm not sure I like it.
2) Trade and Commerce
I think this one is obvious. Star Trek has an interesting
system for dealing with this aspect of the game including
playing the stock market.
3) Internal Consistency
From the talk on the list, the vehicle design system suffers
from this problem. Does anything else?
4) Physical Consistency
While SF-RPG games by their very nature must violate "known"
laws of physics, it is best if they are done as cleanly as
possible. The recent Black Globe discussions are an example
of the problems of not thinking through the physical ramifications
of a "high tech toy".
And I am sure there are others. Two areas that I like they way
they are are:
1) Psionics
Not very powerful or very abundant which can quickly turn a
good SF game into a fantasy game with psionic-magic! I
know because I made this mistake once. It was fun for awhile
but...
2) Character Generation
The addition of some truely alien races would be nice (I have
a couple that I could contribute if anyone is interested) but
the basic system is fairly good. This is a case of "it ain't
broke". Its not the best system I've seen but there's really
nothing "wrong" with it.
Anyway, these are just my humble thoughts on things. As I said
earlier, I am very excited about Gnu Traveller and would be happy to
aid in any way possible.
Tony L. Hayes
PS Maybe it could be called ... Voyager ... or maybe not.
- - --
T.L.Hayes |
MIT/Lincoln Laboratory |
Lexington, MA |