As a beginner I posted a message here asking what is in your opinion the best set to start for a beginner and I received the answer I was searching; Supp4 also pointed me to the differences between the sets.
But I was curious ... why GDW published 4 sets of rules?
I have just received from FFE the complete set of CT publications on CDROM and there is also a document stating the differences from the sets of rules from the GDW point of view:
"For gamers just beginning to play Traveller, we have four sets of rules that explain the game. Each set is aimed at a somewhat different audience, although every set contains all the rules necessary to begin playing published adventures or devising your own adventure scenarios.
BASIC TRAVELLER is the original rules set, first published in 1977. It contains three books - Characters and Combat, Starships, Worlds and Adventures - which address the entire spectrum of rules required for Traveller. The Basic Set presumes some player knowledge of role-playing, and does not include any ready-to-play
adventures or information on the background of the Traveller universe.
STARTER TRAVELLER is the newest rules set. This edition presents a streamlined, slightly
simplified version of Traveller and is aimed at a younger, less experienced audience.
The most complex (and least necessary) rules for Traveller have been deleted, leaving a game that is easier to learn but still entirely compatible with all the other Traveller sets, adventures, supplements, rules, and boardgames. The Starter Edition also includes ready-to-play adventuring material and some background information.
DELUXE TRAVELLER is a large, more expensive package that includes the full range of Traveller rules, a special Introduction to Traveller booklet for new players, an Introductory Adventure, and a special map of the Spinward Marches region of the
Traveller universe. Although there is no background information on Traveller, this set is suitable as an introductory package (even though the rules are unabridged), or as a gift set.
THE TRAVELLER BOOK is the "BEST BUY" of Traveller sets. It contains the complete, unabridged rules to Traveller, special introductory information for new players, two adventures, suggestions for other adventure situations, and a wealth of background
information on the Traveller universe. The Traveller Book is suitable for new gamers
(although the rules are unabridged), but is especially aimed at experienced roleplayers
who are getting into Traveller and demand all the information on the Traveller
universe."
Hope it can be useful for other newbies like me!
Roberto
But I was curious ... why GDW published 4 sets of rules?
I have just received from FFE the complete set of CT publications on CDROM and there is also a document stating the differences from the sets of rules from the GDW point of view:
"For gamers just beginning to play Traveller, we have four sets of rules that explain the game. Each set is aimed at a somewhat different audience, although every set contains all the rules necessary to begin playing published adventures or devising your own adventure scenarios.
BASIC TRAVELLER is the original rules set, first published in 1977. It contains three books - Characters and Combat, Starships, Worlds and Adventures - which address the entire spectrum of rules required for Traveller. The Basic Set presumes some player knowledge of role-playing, and does not include any ready-to-play
adventures or information on the background of the Traveller universe.
STARTER TRAVELLER is the newest rules set. This edition presents a streamlined, slightly
simplified version of Traveller and is aimed at a younger, less experienced audience.
The most complex (and least necessary) rules for Traveller have been deleted, leaving a game that is easier to learn but still entirely compatible with all the other Traveller sets, adventures, supplements, rules, and boardgames. The Starter Edition also includes ready-to-play adventuring material and some background information.
DELUXE TRAVELLER is a large, more expensive package that includes the full range of Traveller rules, a special Introduction to Traveller booklet for new players, an Introductory Adventure, and a special map of the Spinward Marches region of the
Traveller universe. Although there is no background information on Traveller, this set is suitable as an introductory package (even though the rules are unabridged), or as a gift set.
THE TRAVELLER BOOK is the "BEST BUY" of Traveller sets. It contains the complete, unabridged rules to Traveller, special introductory information for new players, two adventures, suggestions for other adventure situations, and a wealth of background
information on the Traveller universe. The Traveller Book is suitable for new gamers
(although the rules are unabridged), but is especially aimed at experienced roleplayers
who are getting into Traveller and demand all the information on the Traveller
universe."
Hope it can be useful for other newbies like me!
Roberto
