Concept - A Options and Expanded Rule Book ?

[Marachai]

I was talking with my group this week and having to alter and change some of the rules to fit better with our own style of gaming, and the thought occurred to me just how much I'd like to see a supplement for Traveller that gave expanded and optional rules for all aspects of the system. So I thought I'd ask if anyone else would like to see such ?

This thought wasn't born just because of my groups desires for some rule changes, but also because of the fact that Traveller is being used to emulate multiple settings. Now, not all the settings are going to work perfectly with the system in place, and it would be nice to have rules on hand to help adjust to get the right balance for those other settings.

I know there are some optional rules in the main rule book, but I'd love to see expanded ways to do character creation, giving optional rules for more skilled characters, or variant ways to deal with skills. New rules on ways to skill up characters perhaps. Way to make combat less lethal for games where it isn't hard sci fi. Just a bunch of choices which would allow any games master to tailor things more to their groups liking.

Just a random thought I wanted to put out their to see other peoples interest. I know for sure it would help me out, especially as I don't have the time any more to do it for myself.

Mara.

 

[Rikki Tikki Traveller]

The OGL rules allow just about anyone to make expanded rules, sell them etc.

Spica Publishing has released a Career Book that has new careers and expansions of existing careers. Other such works are hinted at from other publishers (a robot book, a beastie book etc).

Go for it. Write up your setting or house rules and publish them!

 

[Marachai]

Thanks for the reply

I have to admit, I'd much prefer someone with, more time and a much better understanding of the rule system to create an options book. I'm fairly new to Traveller, still running my first campaign as we speak, and don't feel in the best position to create rules with the depth of balance that would be needed.

Mara.

 

[Gaidheal]

You learn how to do it well by trying and failing, then adjusting in light of how you failed and why. :¬)

 

[Marachai]

Right now I've got my hands full with not wiping out my small group of players heh . I'm thankful for the years we all played Cyberpunk 2020, as it got me familar with rather lethal games.

 

[Gaidheal]

Ah, yes... the first game where I said something like "I shoot him" and the GM glanced at a chart on his page somewhere and said "Okay, he's basically dead or soon will be..."

I later got my character's arm blown off, as I recall. Happy Days...

 

[Infojunky]

While my first response is to publish what you have got.

That isn't what you are looking for.

Maybe some sort of net book is what is called for, listing out peoples house rules.

I know I have more than a few that I am considering.

 

[phild]

This sort of publication, if done well, can be a really good read. For example, Green Ronin's Mastermind's Manual for the superhero game Mutants & Masterminds is an excellent collection of GM hints, tips and clarifications, including a vast number of optional rules that can help you to define a particular style or sub-genre for your game.

For something like Traveller, which covers a myriad of possible sci-fi settings, I think it could be a really good option. I would definitely buy it.