3rd Imperium books for newbies
- Thread starter Shonner
- Start date
Really, there is only one that does that; Mongoose's 3rd Imperium.
I haven't come across a good 3I book, yet. GURPS Traveller (the core book for GURPS 3e) provided a pretty solid set of cleaned up library data entries with several explanatory side bars explaining the hows and whys.
I've said elsewhere that 1248 is the only set of products that clearly lay out all of the Traveller meta-plots and does something with them. Everything else deals with the 3I sort of as a not quite articulated default or else as something you interpret from a mass of contradicting data points. Or even... you learn about the 3I by learning how it contrasts with the Zhodani, Hivers, etc.
Historically, traveller referees have their own interpretations of various bits and pieces from the Classic Traveller rules and adventures. They weave them together into their own vision of the 3I... and none of them are in sync with where GDW actually went with the universe.
That said... for referees, I suggest the CT "books", the CT adventures, the CT alien modules, the various references to the Spinward Marches in the early GT books and the early SJG-JTAS articles... and Rim of Fire and GT:IW for more background details.
For players, I would avoid having them drink from the fire hose. They need to have a feel for the broad strokes of what's going on in their subsector. From there... feed 'em library data and TAS entries as needed to flesh things out. Let 'em dig into the GT core rule book if they want a *really* high level picture of the setting.
I've said elsewhere that 1248 is the only set of products that clearly lay out all of the Traveller meta-plots and does something with them. Everything else deals with the 3I sort of as a not quite articulated default or else as something you interpret from a mass of contradicting data points. Or even... you learn about the 3I by learning how it contrasts with the Zhodani, Hivers, etc.
Historically, traveller referees have their own interpretations of various bits and pieces from the Classic Traveller rules and adventures. They weave them together into their own vision of the 3I... and none of them are in sync with where GDW actually went with the universe.
That said... for referees, I suggest the CT "books", the CT adventures, the CT alien modules, the various references to the Spinward Marches in the early GT books and the early SJG-JTAS articles... and Rim of Fire and GT:IW for more background details.
For players, I would avoid having them drink from the fire hose. They need to have a feel for the broad strokes of what's going on in their subsector. From there... feed 'em library data and TAS entries as needed to flesh things out. Let 'em dig into the GT core rule book if they want a *really* high level picture of the setting.
For short descriptions of the setting:
http://traveller.wikia.com/wiki/Third_Imperium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traveller_(role-playing_game)
Scroll down to setting.
I recall something nice on the CT CD that would make a good hand-out, but can't really copy it here. Someone wrote up a nice introduction and I think posted it at this forum some place? Been a while back.
http://traveller.wikia.com/wiki/Third_Imperium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traveller_(role-playing_game)
Scroll down to setting.
I recall something nice on the CT CD that would make a good hand-out, but can't really copy it here. Someone wrote up a nice introduction and I think posted it at this forum some place? Been a while back.
Bob Weaver
SOC-12
Try reading CT Supplements Library Data A-M & N-Z. (Numbers 9 &11, I think) The Spinward Marches Campaign book also has lots of historical data to bring new players up to speed.
Cheers,
Weaver
Cheers,
Weaver
Starviking
SOC-13
MT's Imperial Encyclopedia would do too, seeing as it has most (if not all) the CT Library Data.
spinwardpirate
SOC-13
What about Understanding Traveller? It has been awhile since I looked at it, was it just a about the game? Or did it it include background on the 3I as well?
Gents,
Hans Rancke has an excellent 4-page convention handout that covers exactly what you're looking for. While it does contain information regarding the Duchy of Regina where Hans' adventures and campaigns are mostly set, it also provides a nice succinct explanation of the Third Imperium for people new to Traveller.
I'm very certain that Hans would be happy to share the document with anyone who asks and may also be convinced to upload a copy to the Files Library here.
Regards,
Bill
Hans Rancke has an excellent 4-page convention handout that covers exactly what you're looking for. While it does contain information regarding the Duchy of Regina where Hans' adventures and campaigns are mostly set, it also provides a nice succinct explanation of the Third Imperium for people new to Traveller.
I'm very certain that Hans would be happy to share the document with anyone who asks and may also be convinced to upload a copy to the Files Library here.
Regards,
Bill
