Preference: OTU or Original Setting?

[GMSkarka]

(I've posted this over at RPGnet, but wanted to get a wide opinion, so....)

Adamant has been thinking of dipping our proverbial toes into Traveller support, via Mongoose's open license, and it got me thinking about my own past history with the game. I've probably only played Traveller in the default "Traveller Universe" (Third Imperium, mostly) a couple of times. The rest of the times I've played the game, it's been emulating some well-known SF universe (I've done Trek, BSG and Firefly), or in an original universe of the GM's creation.

So, that begs the question: What do people really prefer? If I'm going to do Traveller support, should I do generic, plug-and-play stuff that can be slotted into a house campaign (since the OTU is off-limits, so generic is essentially the "core universe" option), or should I come up with a groove-tastic original SF universe, and set the projects there?

Thoughts? Opinions?

 

[rust]

While I prefer generic material as a part of my "toolbox", enabling me to
choose the elements I like and introduce them into my setting and cam-
paign, I also do not find it difficult to "mine" a setting / universe for such
interesting or useful parts - I have done this with the OTU and other set-
tings for quite some time.
The really important thing for me is whether the idea is good and new (at
least new to me ... :wink: ), not how it is "packaged".

 

[Emperor Herdan]

/start Opinion

I would prefer a "generic" as it would be easier to incorporate into my existing game.

Having said that, I also want you to know that if you base it on some unique universe, depending on the item/idea/scenario/etc, I may very well buy it anyway (and incorporate it into MTU).

/end opinon

Really its the idea that would intrigue me. If I like it, I'll buy it and adapt (if not already adapted). So put me down for "generic" side of the fence, but also be aware that if the ideas cool, and the presentation is good... I'm likely to get it anyway (and adapt it to fit)

Take care

E. Herdan (Emperor of the Waffles!)

 

[EDG]

For supplements, generic all the way.

An original setting using Traveller rules would certainly be nice to see though.

 

[SnowDog]

I would say that I prefer a whole new original setting. While I like toolbox approach so I can use them on my own settings I have to face the reality and just accept that I don't have all that much time to develop a setting of my own. So, if you come up with a new and engaging setting for Traveller then I'm in

 

[tneva82]

So, that begs the question: What do people really prefer?

Babylon 5!

My favourite RPG rules combined with favourite setting. What could go wrong?

Well lack of players for a start...Ah well. I can always roll up new characters and create history for them. Atleast I have library of ready made characters for the future. Good thing traveller atleast has this mini-game to keep me entertained

 

[kafka]

I would go with Plug & Play...you never know what gems might be found in a supplement that is generic and similarly a setting might offer something quite unexpected. However, the OTU is only off-limits, if you are planning to be a publisher. Otherwise, it is fair game.

 

[Rikki Tikki Traveller]

I think Traveller needs some different settings. The only one out there right now is the OTU or someones personal TU. Babylon 5 is possible, but with only two books, it won't be supported much longer.

Several companies have hinted that they are creating, but nothing has actually hit the internet.

I would really like to see a NEW, UNIQUE and ORIGINAL setting using the Traveller rules.

Generic will probably sell better though, to be honest.

 

[DCAnsell]

I think Traveller needs some different settings. The only one out there right now is the OTU or someones personal TU. Babylon 5 is possible, but with only two books, it won't be supported much longer.

Several companies have hinted that they are creating, but nothing has actually hit the internet.

I would really like to see a NEW, UNIQUE and ORIGINAL setting using the Traveller rules.

Generic will probably sell better though, to be honest.

I second all of this.

 

[kristof65]

Traveller really needs some good original settings - D&D has (or has had) Greyhawk, Forgotten Realms, Dark Sun, Planescape, Eberron and a bunch of others from 3rd party publishers.

If you do an original setting, do try and make at least some of the stuff - a few careers, equipment, aliens, etc - generic enough that they can be grabbed for the OTU or other stuff.

 

[Madarin Dude]

I think a new setting for traveller would be cool. You could make the setting smaller in scope with more exploration use some of the alternative rules for spacecraft. Get some inspiration from different sources like Larry Niven's known space or some of Poul Andersons works. I think having one of the alternative starship systems as a standard woudl definatly give it a different flavor.

 

[Ishmael]

generic and original so it doesn't have to follow the same old stuff from canon.
That'd allow for fresh ideas.
It should be kept small too

 

[AndrewW]

I think Traveller needs some different settings. The only one out there right now is the OTU or someones personal TU. Babylon 5 is possible, but with only two books, it won't be supported much longer.

Well there are more coming out like Judge Dredd and Hammer Slammers which could be considered along the lines of a setting.

 

[captainjack23]

Generic, or new setting specific. Absolutely.

 

[BP]

Boy, seems there is a definite pattern here :wink:

The OTU perhaps has too much history - attached baggage that can't be all things to all people.

The Traveller-esque feel is setting independent. Tying it down to a setting confines the imagination - the original Traveller books did not have much of a setting (just a true, gritty Sci-Fi feel) and were very open ended. I think this is what made it successful - one could make it one's own.

So give me the open framework, building blocks, and micro-settings. I'll take care of assembly and decorate the place to fit me. Just my 2 bits...

 

[Flynn]

I personally am going with a new setting of my own creation around which to publish my work, simply to give it a framework. I intend to use enough tropes from classic science fiction that many of the elements can be pulled and used in the OTU or any other Traveller setting, if so desired. However, as is the nature of such things, as the universe grows, it will take on a life of its own.

With Regards,
Flynn

 

[Infojunky]

I ran in the OTU for years, and then I got better. If it was just a large sandbox that would be fine, and that is how I generally ran things in the day, then Mega Traveller rolled out and I began to get demands to integrate the larger Meta-plot into my games and it got less and less fun to run. Every time I rolled out some bit of oddness of my own someone would bitch...

Then TNE rolled out, and we were back to the sandbox, but by then the bloom was off, every time I run a game I just want to ditch the OTU and just do it my way.

So now I am all about the my own Traveller Universe.

 

[Vile]

Well, I have nothing new to add. :?

So I'll just repeat what everyone else seems to be saying: a new setting might be nice, but generic supplements would most probably be a better commercial decision.

 

[Klaus Kipling]

Maybe a setting that is fully engaged with the sf tropes that the OTU is supposed to eschew.

Something that reflects P F Hamilton, Vorkosigan, Takeshi Kovacs, etc.

Maybe get some Iain M Banks endorsement for a book that tries to put the Culture in a playable Traveller form.

 

[grendal]

Just finished "Fallen Dragon" by PFH...would make a great setting