There are several active threads that have intersected or at least glanced off each other in terms of topics around Traveller rules, how the Third Imperium can/should be distinct from the rules, tech discrepancies in the books (weapons, vehicles, ships), and how updates are introduced in the Update volumes and potential corrections or changes would be introduced in future books or a new edition.
Rather than derail those conversations or post the same feedback multiple times, I’m starting this thread for how I feel about the game and it’s future:
1. I love Mongoose 2e. I’m prepping for my first real campaign and am still learning, but this is the best edition of Traveller I’ve ever owned. The books are of great quality, I love the Update format and new art, my books arrive quickly. They’re some of my most prized RPG possessions. Thank you all.
2. I appreciate the Third Imperium for its rpg legacy, but I don’t care about it. In 3 previous campaign attempts over the years, 3 separate groups all bounced of the setting - Not Traveller; not the rules; the setting. I love the 2300 setting but like Jump Drive and horizontal deckplans. I'm glad the TI is there for those who use it.
3. I’m firmly in the Rulebook vs. Setting book camp. I buy sourcebooks and adventures for inspiration or adapt them to MTU. I buy both TI & 2300 supplements. I prefer books like Robot Handbook that can be used regardless of setting.
4. I much prefer the Update approach that is underway vs. an edition reboot. I want tweaks, not surgery. I’m always up for new books (3 arrived today), but I don’t see a new edition investment in my foreseeable future, if ever.
5. I struggle with the appreciation of the insane effort it must take to create starship, vehicle, and weapon systems vs. the bickering about things that are “useless” or “broken” or "filled with errors". I don’t have enough direct contact at the game table to know where the truth lies, unfortunately. I hope that the claims are incorrect or overblown. I’m not seeking real-world accuracy: it IS a game. But it’s disheartening to read that my AEH is “useless” and my Vehicle book “doesn’t work”. I’m NOT saying those are true statements. I haven't been able to verify or refute. But I've seen multiple posts along those lines, and it makes me pause and consider if I should look at a different ruleset. Yes, I'm aware that the last point is a failing of mine, not the game. Regardless, it happens.
6. I do know this, however, if I’m investing this much money, time, and effort for a fleshed-out science fiction rules set, I want to be able to use it without glaring inaccuracies. If “it’s a game, design systems with glaring flaws are good enough” is where we land, there are far cheaper & easier alternatives: various Cepheus rules, and the current Savage Worlds Science Fiction Companion Kickstarter come to mind. Note: I'm saying that I don’t want that to be true for any of the Traveller books I buy. Otherwise, why shouldn’t I just go for a “good enough” option?
In any case, thanks to Team Mongoose. I love this game and want to support it for years to come.
Rather than derail those conversations or post the same feedback multiple times, I’m starting this thread for how I feel about the game and it’s future:
1. I love Mongoose 2e. I’m prepping for my first real campaign and am still learning, but this is the best edition of Traveller I’ve ever owned. The books are of great quality, I love the Update format and new art, my books arrive quickly. They’re some of my most prized RPG possessions. Thank you all.
2. I appreciate the Third Imperium for its rpg legacy, but I don’t care about it. In 3 previous campaign attempts over the years, 3 separate groups all bounced of the setting - Not Traveller; not the rules; the setting. I love the 2300 setting but like Jump Drive and horizontal deckplans. I'm glad the TI is there for those who use it.
3. I’m firmly in the Rulebook vs. Setting book camp. I buy sourcebooks and adventures for inspiration or adapt them to MTU. I buy both TI & 2300 supplements. I prefer books like Robot Handbook that can be used regardless of setting.
4. I much prefer the Update approach that is underway vs. an edition reboot. I want tweaks, not surgery. I’m always up for new books (3 arrived today), but I don’t see a new edition investment in my foreseeable future, if ever.
5. I struggle with the appreciation of the insane effort it must take to create starship, vehicle, and weapon systems vs. the bickering about things that are “useless” or “broken” or "filled with errors". I don’t have enough direct contact at the game table to know where the truth lies, unfortunately. I hope that the claims are incorrect or overblown. I’m not seeking real-world accuracy: it IS a game. But it’s disheartening to read that my AEH is “useless” and my Vehicle book “doesn’t work”. I’m NOT saying those are true statements. I haven't been able to verify or refute. But I've seen multiple posts along those lines, and it makes me pause and consider if I should look at a different ruleset. Yes, I'm aware that the last point is a failing of mine, not the game. Regardless, it happens.
6. I do know this, however, if I’m investing this much money, time, and effort for a fleshed-out science fiction rules set, I want to be able to use it without glaring inaccuracies. If “it’s a game, design systems with glaring flaws are good enough” is where we land, there are far cheaper & easier alternatives: various Cepheus rules, and the current Savage Worlds Science Fiction Companion Kickstarter come to mind. Note: I'm saying that I don’t want that to be true for any of the Traveller books I buy. Otherwise, why shouldn’t I just go for a “good enough” option?
In any case, thanks to Team Mongoose. I love this game and want to support it for years to come.
