So, as a thought exercise (since I don't currently have a gaming group), I've been working out thoughts on a new campaign setting to play with.
General idea currently is to use Cepheus Engine/Hostile/Near Space as my rules sources, as I like the vibe it comes up with & the way it simplifies some stuff. Possibly some elements from Outer Veil as well... but also combined with some homebrew thoughts. General LBB 1-3 vibe, small ships, edges of explored space sort of thing.
Timeline/tech idea is late 2100 to mid 2300 range, near-Earth (so, while I like what has been done with Clement Sector, that's not the route I'm going). Still 50/50 on if I'm going to include other sophonts or not. Also, planning to use as much "real world" astronomy as possible without getting insane about it. Star travel isn't brand new, but only a few ships have Jump-2 capability. Because I still want comms to be at the speed of travel, and colony worlds are more than just a few days away from Earth.
Anyway - the spot I'm stuck on - Jump Travel/Hyperspace and the like...
I am a *big* fan of using the rule that starships require a gravity mass to enter and exit jump space. I like how this reinforces the importance of trade and communications routes, or can close of areas that are beyond the limits of Jump-1 ships etc... So - no "jump into empty hex with extra fuel, then jump again" in the campaign.
Options, as I see them currently (particularly since this would influence the very first jump out of Sol system to even get anywhere):
- Near Space postulates some conveniently located brown dwarf systems which at least build a few corridors of travel. Has anyone used this bit of handwavium, and any thoughts on it? My only concern is this populates Sol subsector with a large number of systems; which I would then have to extrapolate equally to others as I move out on the map.
- Or, do I use Hostile's "hyperspace" drives and put an upper limit on parsecs/week? Does this throw a wrench in the ship design process and game mechanics too much?
Anyone with any experience or suggestions?
Also - may do a short write-up on setting concept and politics, if any interest out there.
General idea currently is to use Cepheus Engine/Hostile/Near Space as my rules sources, as I like the vibe it comes up with & the way it simplifies some stuff. Possibly some elements from Outer Veil as well... but also combined with some homebrew thoughts. General LBB 1-3 vibe, small ships, edges of explored space sort of thing.
Timeline/tech idea is late 2100 to mid 2300 range, near-Earth (so, while I like what has been done with Clement Sector, that's not the route I'm going). Still 50/50 on if I'm going to include other sophonts or not. Also, planning to use as much "real world" astronomy as possible without getting insane about it. Star travel isn't brand new, but only a few ships have Jump-2 capability. Because I still want comms to be at the speed of travel, and colony worlds are more than just a few days away from Earth.
Anyway - the spot I'm stuck on - Jump Travel/Hyperspace and the like...
I am a *big* fan of using the rule that starships require a gravity mass to enter and exit jump space. I like how this reinforces the importance of trade and communications routes, or can close of areas that are beyond the limits of Jump-1 ships etc... So - no "jump into empty hex with extra fuel, then jump again" in the campaign.
Options, as I see them currently (particularly since this would influence the very first jump out of Sol system to even get anywhere):
- Near Space postulates some conveniently located brown dwarf systems which at least build a few corridors of travel. Has anyone used this bit of handwavium, and any thoughts on it? My only concern is this populates Sol subsector with a large number of systems; which I would then have to extrapolate equally to others as I move out on the map.
- Or, do I use Hostile's "hyperspace" drives and put an upper limit on parsecs/week? Does this throw a wrench in the ship design process and game mechanics too much?
Anyone with any experience or suggestions?
Also - may do a short write-up on setting concept and politics, if any interest out there.