LBB edition of Traveller

ShawnDriscoll

Cosmic Mongoose
Does the LBB edition of Mongoose Traveller have the original artwork (from the original Mongoose hardcover edition), or does it have the new artwork that is now used?
 
ShawnDriscoll said:
Does the LBB edition of Mongoose Traveller have the original artwork (from the original Mongoose hardcover edition), or does it have the new artwork that is now used?

Last I checked, it had very little artwork at all, and what it had came from the HC. Course that was long ago...
 
The LBB version of the Traveller rules was essentially a copy of the new layout - not the old - and includes all the artwork you'd expect from the latest edition of the rules. There were some of the insert boxes removed, as the text font was too small to read - but these were given out as a free pdf.

However, this does highlight the major issue I had with the lbb core rules (I haven't checked out the rest) - that the text font and layout wasn't originally designed for a smaller book, and they are just a bit hard on the eye and there were large margins on the top and the bottom. They seem to have made a much better job with the Legend books - which are very readable and look cool.

Personally, I have the hardback Traveller core book and have downloaded all the other supplements as pdfs. I only make exceptions with some of the setting books, occasionally - but I would prefer the smaller version of the books, if they formatted directly for that size. They'd actually sit on the shelf very nicely alongside the Legend books, while they are obviously much more portable and (usually) cheaper to buy.
 
TrippyHippy said:
However, this does highlight the major issue I had with the lbb core rules (I haven't checked out the rest) - that the text font and layout wasn't originally designed for a smaller book, and they are just a bit hard on the eye and there were large margins on the top and the bottom.

I would whole heartedly second that. I've only got one LBB, Library Data, and the printing is tiny. Really puts you off reading it. I can use it in daylight but any kind of dim artificial light makes reading it practically impossible. If you want the rules get the Core Rule Book definitely. If its just a second version to carry around with you you could get the LBB but it wont be much use I doubt many of the tables will be very usable.

Mongoose could have reduced the margins in the LBBs significantly and altered the text size to make it far more practical as a book. But as a supposed reproduction of the original Classic LBBs its not anywhere near. In fact they just look like its just a straight photocopy reduction of a full size book to me! I love the original CT LBBs - I hate the Mongoose new version I have.

Also the quality of the paper, binding and covers are really cheaply done.

If you can get a copy for £5 it could be worth that but don't spend anything more than that on it. I would do yourself a favour and get a good sci-fi novel instead. Or even better put the money into getting the very good new Naval War: Arctic Circle PC game instead 8)
 
Ok, thanks. My idea was to buy the core rulebook LBB and the library data LBB just to have in my backpack when asked what RPGs I play. I could quickly show them Traveller and its setting and maybe get them interested in a future Traveller game.

90% of the stores I find seem to be Warhammer 40K caves where D&D 4th seems to have killed off role-playing in general for the next 15 years.
 
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