I've been skimming quickly, so some of this might be old hat.
Nevertheless, what I'd like to see in the new Traveller is:
1) The MT task resolution system
I almost can't say this enough. This was probably the single
best overall RPG innovation since the Original Traveller came
out in '76. It beats *everything* TSR has ever done.
It works, and works well for GM's and players alike.
"Simple", "Normal", "Difficult", "Formidable" are terms
that make sense intuitively. I suppose you could design
this into a differnt randomness system, but it would
mean re-training a lot of people.
2) Solo Adventuring
In '77, when I started, I was the only RPGer around. Trav's
solo adventuring ability has always been limited, but is
vastly superior to anything else's (that I've found). Please
try to keep or improve this, or make solo adventures.
3) Levels of Gaming Progession
Got yer attention huh? :=) Actually, I mean, make it possible
for a beginning gamer, or a once-in-a-blue-moon gamer to get a
small, single set that covers almost all (s)he needs. Then, for
us die-hards, a possibility exists for getting "meaty" updates.
For instance how 'bout a "Cosmic Explorer" set that covers Scouts,
and all the things they do in detail, and alludes to expanded
commerce rules in the "Merchant Prince" set, and expanded combat
rules in the...
Sort of like what GDW started out with, only never really got to
do. If I can invest in a complete game system that is expandable
in a truly meaningful way, I'm going to be more inclined to spend
$$ on it. Here's some thoughts for modules:
Scouts
includes World Builder's Handbook, ref material,
and player material. Maybe even a few minatures.
Merchants
includes a reworked trade rules set.
Navy
Army
Marines
(Look familiar?)
Ship Design
Weapons Design
Adventure Design
includes lots of ideas (lists?) of possibilities for
plots, twists, devices, NPC design, etc.
4) Software
I'd love to have most of the routine bookkeeping tasks available
on an "approved" disk. Make a lot of stuff nicer.
- --
Richard Johnson [email removed]
Sue Congress!