Woohoo! Mongoose to do CLASSIC Traveller!!

Treebore · Post by **Treebore** » Sat Aug 04, 2007 6:32 pm

http://www.mongoosepublishing.com/news/ ... d_news=166

This is the best news I have heard since Mega Traveller came out!
_________________
The Ruby Lord, Earl of the Society

Next Con I am attending: http://www.neoncon.com/

My House Rules: http://www.freeyabb.com/phpbb/viewtopic ... llordgames

Traveller · Post by **Traveller** » Sat Aug 04, 2007 7:04 pm

I guess Mongoose is stripping down Traveller 5th edition, with MWM's permission.
They have a lofty goal in trying to stop the fragmentation of the fanbase caused by the various rule systems. Unfortunately, they seem not to understand that it isn't so much the rules that caused the fragmentation, but what GDW did to the universe itself. The misnamed rebellion of MegaTraveller and TNE's virus were missteps that people did not want. Steve Jackson realized this, and this is why GURPS Traveller takes place in an "alternate" Traveller universe where that stuff never happened.

Nevertheless, I wish them success in that goal, since their supplements are going to be set in the (Fourth) Imperium.

One other thing about that announcement that I like is their intention to introduce other settings. The core rules of Traveller encouraged people to create their own universes, but I never saw anyone publish their own background to Traveller. This idea of introducing other settings takes everything full circle, at least to me.

Most of all, the thing I enjoy most? NO T20!

[EDIT: I was mistaken regarding the milieu in use for T5. The milieu is the early Imperium, c. 200, not the reconstituted 4th Imperium of QLI's 1248 sourcebook for their abomination T20.]
_________________
NOTE TO ALL: If you don't like something I've said, PM me and tell me to my face, then give me a chance to set things right before you call a moderator.
My small homage to E.G.G.

Treebore · Post by **Treebore** » Sat Aug 04, 2007 8:18 pm

Yeah, I look forward to the Starship Troopers setting.

The only thing I like about Mega Traveller over Classic is the Task Resolution system. Plus I liked the ship creation rules once I got hold of the errata.

I ignored the history myself. Myself, and my players, determined the history of my campaign as well as the history I use for Traveller when I run it.

So I ignored that as well. My campaign, even though I use the MT core rules, historically is more in line with Classic.
_________________
The Ruby Lord, Earl of the Society

Next Con I am attending: http://www.neoncon.com/

My House Rules: http://www.freeyabb.com/phpbb/viewtopic ... llordgames

Post by **Breakdaddy** » Sat Aug 04, 2007 8:18 pm

Pretty cool stuff. I haven't played a game of classic traveller in over a decade, but I remember it being an absolute blast.

Traveller · Post by **Traveller** » Sat Aug 04, 2007 11:53 pm

The task resolution system of MT is the basis of the C&C system I use, but since I am strictly a Classic Traveller person, I don't use it. I use something similar...but I have to find it in my pdf files in order to describe it.
_________________
NOTE TO ALL: If you don't like something I've said, PM me and tell me to my face, then give me a chance to set things right before you call a moderator.
My small homage to E.G.G.

andakitty · Post by **andakitty** » Sun Aug 05, 2007 12:22 am

I wouldn't get too excited. Just ask some old RQ/BRP fans...Mongoose will have created a game and system called 'Traveller', don't you know?

Treebore · Post by **Treebore** » Sun Aug 05, 2007 8:16 am

andakitty wrote:
I wouldn't get too excited. Just ask some old RQ/BRP fans...Mongoose will have created a game and system called 'Traveller', don't you know?

True, but Marc Miller is actually involved in developing this.
_________________
The Ruby Lord, Earl of the Society

Next Con I am attending: http://www.neoncon.com/

My House Rules: http://www.freeyabb.com/phpbb/viewtopic ... llordgames

Barrataria · Post by **Barrataria** » Sun Aug 05, 2007 12:48 pm

Traveller needs a new edition like... well, insert joke. I never looked at anything but Classic or MT. I assume D20 was just like every other D20 game. I always assumed that the GURPS version would be interesting.

I started with MT and played more than a few good games. We ignored the rebellion bit mostly- just as a backstory reason that the Imperium was weak in the Spinward Marches and went on from there.

BB

Traveller · Post by **Traveller** » Sun Aug 05, 2007 6:03 pm

Treebore wrote:
True, but Marc Miller is actually involved in developing this.

To chime in on what you both have said, the rights to the game system reside with MWM. Ever since the debacle with Imperium Games and T4, he has kept a rather close eye on the system and is very guarded about licensing it to anyone. That he apparently has licensed Mongoose to publish Traveller means he is likely very confident that Mongoose won't botch the production to the extent that Imperium Games did with T4.

One thing the gaming industry knows all too well is that you cannot please everyone. Everyone involved with Traveller understands this, which is why unlike certain game systems all previously published material for Traveller is compatible with the new system (possible exception: T20, but T20 isn't Traveller, despite having the name).
_________________
NOTE TO ALL: If you don't like something I've said, PM me and tell me to my face, then give me a chance to set things right before you call a moderator.
My small homage to E.G.G.

Jyrdan Fairblade · Post by **Jyrdan Fairblade** » Mon Aug 06, 2007 12:31 pm

Interesting. I liked Classic much more than MegaTraveller and TNE.

I'm glad to see that Mongoose has been moving away from d20. I wasn't sold on their Runequest revamp at first, but after seeing the slightly skimpier treatment in the Elric of Melnibone RPG, I'm feeling much more appreciative of its ideas.

serleran · Post by **serleran** » Mon Aug 06, 2007 1:37 pm

Pass.

Omote · Post by **Omote** » Mon Aug 06, 2007 2:12 pm

I'll also have to pass. To be honest, Mongoose's system (Elric, etc) just doesn't do it for me. I like the concept as it's good, old-fashioned goodness, kinda, but meh. Total meh.

I'll take a look at Traveller, but unless it really jumps off the page at me I can't say I'm excited. I like Starship Troopers just fine, but... *shrugs*

.............................................Omote

FPQ
_________________
> Omote's Advanced C&C stuff <
Duke Omote Landwehr, Holy Order of the FPQ ~ Prince of the Castles & Crusades Society

Traveller · Post by **Traveller** » Mon Aug 06, 2007 8:03 pm

All Mongoose is doing is taking out the apparently copious amounts of explanatory material and releasing a rulebook. Smart Traveller fans will be buying the CD-ROM and book that Marc himself is publishing, rather than relying on Mongoose to do justice to the system. So, look at Traveller 5 rather than Mongoose's offering, because while I do think Mongoose will do the system justice, by my interpretation of the press release they're only using the game mechanics and none of the in-depth explanatory material that Marc is making available in the CD-ROM and the Traveller 5 rulebook.

I'm just wondering if the lukewarm reactions I'm seeing here are out of concern that this edition of the game is going to be a repeat (printing-wise) of T4, or the fact that Mongoose is publishing it, and by getting their hands on it, will end up changing the system somehow?
_________________
NOTE TO ALL: If you don't like something I've said, PM me and tell me to my face, then give me a chance to set things right before you call a moderator.
My small homage to E.G.G.

Omote · Post by **Omote** » Mon Aug 06, 2007 11:05 pm

Traveller wrote:
...or the fact that Mongoose is publishing it...

My initial reaction for sure.

.................................................Omote

FPQ
_________________
> Omote's Advanced C&C stuff <
Duke Omote Landwehr, Holy Order of the FPQ ~ Prince of the Castles & Crusades Society

Eisenmann · Post by **Eisenmann** » Mon Aug 06, 2007 11:38 pm

I'm going to give Mongoose Traveller a spin. It'll be my first leap into the Traveller universe.

I picked up Mongoose's Runequest and I'm liking it.

Treebore · Post by **Treebore** » Tue Aug 07, 2007 3:38 am

Eisenmann wrote:
I'm going to give Mongoose Traveller a spin. It'll be my first leap into the Traveller universe.

I picked up Mongoose's Runequest and I'm liking it.

'

I agree that there are some rules issues that needed clearing up, and they have if you can access the internet and their website.

Still, the system is pretty good, and a lot "cleaner", or easier, than the old system. Then again, I may be a bit unfair there since I haven't looked at the old Runequest in 15+ years.

Still, the new Runequest looks very playable, and some of the "flavor" definitely appeals to me.
_________________
The Ruby Lord, Earl of the Society

Next Con I am attending: http://www.neoncon.com/

My House Rules: http://www.freeyabb.com/phpbb/viewtopic ... llordgames

anonymous · Post by **anonymous** » Tue Aug 07, 2007 5:38 pm

andakitty wrote:
I wouldn't get too excited. Just ask some old RQ/BRP fans...Mongoose will have created a game and system called 'Traveller', don't you know?

I am one such. I tried to like MRQ but it was broken and before very long did begin, as others warned it would, to drift towards D20 style gameplay. Therefore, I am now rather cynical about them starting on Traveller.

concobar · Post by **concobar** » Tue Aug 07, 2007 6:54 pm

better than nothing. I use lejendary adventures rules in my traveller games.

Traveller · Post by **Traveller** » Tue Aug 07, 2007 9:38 pm

Tenser's Floating Disk wrote:
I am one such. I tried to like MRQ but it was broken and before very long did begin, as others warned it would, to drift towards D20 style gameplay. Therefore, I am now rather cynical about them starting on Traveller.

T20 already had d20 style gameplay.
I can understand the cynicism, given how badly the last published edition of Traveller flopped due to the publisher's inability to produce a rulebook with all the rules in it. I personally will stick with Marc's T5, which will have much more information in it than what Mongoose will leave us with.

In the end, if the Mongoose edition fails, I still have four copies of Classic Traveller to fall back on (LBBs, The Traveller Book, Starter Traveller, reprint volumes).
_________________
NOTE TO ALL: If you don't like something I've said, PM me and tell me to my face, then give me a chance to set things right before you call a moderator.
My small homage to E.G.G.

Eisenmann · Post by **Eisenmann** » Wed Aug 08, 2007 12:37 am

Tenser's Floating Disk wrote:
I am one such. I tried to like MRQ but it was broken and before very long did begin, as others warned it would, to drift towards D20 style gameplay. Therefore, I am now rather cynical about them starting on Traveller.

Huh... I'm gonna have to inform my group that we couldn't possibly have been havin' a good time with MRQ 'cause it's broken.

mordrene · Post by **mordrene** » Wed Aug 08, 2007 2:13 am

concobar wrote:
better than nothing. I use lejendary adventures rules in my traveller games.

tell me more. how do you do spaceships and ship combat?

Korgoth · Post by **Korgoth** » Wed Aug 08, 2007 4:05 am

Omote wrote:
My initial reaction for sure.

.................................................Omote

FPQ

Same here. Mongoose = poison to me, having been burned several times.

I think they write rules without ever testing them in play. It's bizarre.
_________________
"I despise all weavers of the black arts. Speaking of which, can you pass the gravy?"

----------

"I didn't know there would be this much talking."

Treebore · Post by **Treebore** » Wed Aug 08, 2007 5:50 am

Well, I have heard a good number of people who are happy with Conan, Paranoia, and Babaylon 5. So they apparently do some things right. For some people.

I have even heard a number of people who are happy with their Runequest.

Plus I have heard a number of people say very similiar (bad) things about TLG and Castles and Crusades.

So I'll give their Traveller a look.
_________________
The Ruby Lord, Earl of the Society

Next Con I am attending: http://www.neoncon.com/

My House Rules: http://www.freeyabb.com/phpbb/viewtopic ... llordgames

Eisenmann · Post by **Eisenmann** » Wed Aug 08, 2007 10:03 am

Treebore wrote:
Well, I have heard a good number of people who are happy with Conan, Paranoia, and Babaylon 5. So they apparently do some things right. For some people.

I have even heard a number of people who are happy with their Runequest.

Plus I have heard a number of people say very similiar (bad) things about TLG and Castles and Crusades.

So I'll give their Traveller a look.

Same here. I was told that C&C was broken. I found out quite to the contrary. I love it!

Omote · Post by **Omote** » Wed Aug 08, 2007 2:30 pm

I think Conan is a spectacular game as is, especially the Atlantean Edition. However, Mongoose has produced some spectacular crap too.

........................................Omote

FPQ
_________________
> Omote's Advanced C&C stuff <
Duke Omote Landwehr, Holy Order of the FPQ ~ Prince of the Castles & Crusades Society

serleran · Post by **serleran** » Wed Aug 08, 2007 2:35 pm

I like the concept of Paranoia, but not any of the latest versions... I just prefer the "mysticism" of the first edition, for some odd reason. Maybe because it was unique then, and I prefer to keep it that way? Anyway, the MGP Conan stuff is interesting, so its not like they can't make good stuff... but for me, I've never been into this new game, so I don't see why I'd want to try it now. But, like most things, I'll look it over when I can and decide then, but for now... I'm passing on any kind of order.

Omote · Post by **Omote** » Wed Aug 08, 2007 2:39 pm

Mongoose produces a lot of stuff for the Paranoia line... is Paranoia really THAT popular?

Speaking of GOOD Mongoose products, the d20 LONE WOLF RPG that they produces is very good. It does well to go along with the old Lone Wolf and Grey Star books, even while being d20. Matter of fact, the best thing about Mongooses' Lone Wolf is that while it is d20, you don't even need to buy another d20 book to run or play it. The d20 mechanic is in there, but scaled back to fit a more basic version of the game, and of course tweeked to fit the Lone Wolf setting.

.....................................Omote

FPQ
_________________
> Omote's Advanced C&C stuff <
Duke Omote Landwehr, Holy Order of the FPQ ~ Prince of the Castles & Crusades Society

Traveller · Post by **Traveller** » Wed Aug 08, 2007 2:52 pm

Eisenmann wrote:
Same here. I was told that C&C was broken. I found out quite to the contrary. I love it!

No 1337 skillz, uber featz, or kewl powerz must mean that C&C is broken.
I'm curious though as to what the reasons were for C&C being so "broken".

Now...for the wary out there who are concerned that Mongoose is going to wreck Traveller...

1. It's not Mongoose's stable of writers who are writing Traveller, if I have read the press release properly. It's Marc W. Miller himself writing it. Any Traveller fan should know that name.

2. Traveller 5 is a "superset" of Mongoose Traveller. This can be interpreted a couple different ways. Either Mongoose Traveller will be a heavily-edited version of Traveller 5, or it has been written independently by the Mongoose stable (invalidating point 1) and is indistinguishable from Traveller 5. I believe Mongoose Traveller will be a heavily-edited version of Traveller 5, and don't believe the Mongoose writers had anything to do with it.

3. Mongoose Traveller has gotten Marc W. Miller's seal of approval, or else the system would NOT be carrying the Traveller name. As part of the foursome that made up Game Designers' Workshop, Marc stepped away from Traveller after classic was created to focus on other GDW projects. It wasn't until after GDW folded that Marc went back to Traveller, writing T4, and watching as Imperium Games botched the presentation of it.

From the playtest material I have seen (not much, admittedly, but the material is still available for download to the best of my knowledge at http://www.traveller5.com ) T4 was simply a "dry run" of the T5 rules, without the additions to character generation that will be in T5, like "life pursuits". Mongoose Traveller could very well be a cleaned up and edited version of T4, since from what I recall, the core systems of T4 and T5 aren't going to be radically different.

This is what I see from Mongoose Traveller in regards to how well the game system will be presented and/or written. However, I am NOT familiar with Mongoose the company. So why don't you guys explain to me just HOW Mongoose is going to break Traveller by explaining to me how they broke RuneQuest, because given the tight control Marc has over the Traveller IP, I don't see it happening.
_________________
NOTE TO ALL: If you don't like something I've said, PM me and tell me to my face, then give me a chance to set things right before you call a moderator.
My small homage to E.G.G.

andakitty · Post by **andakitty** » Thu Aug 09, 2007 2:55 am

MRQ isn't broken, it works. It even has some very good material, such as the very best chargen I have seen in a BRP game, derivative or not. The mechanics have some bumps, nothing that can't be fixed. Mongoose is even taking care of my biggest gripe, by combining the three core books into one, which IMO is how it should have been to start with.

But Mongoose is very uneven. Some of their books are great...Lone Wolf, Conan Atlantean edition, the Glorantha books. Sometimes they put out books with very low production values and major editorial gaffes...witness the Hawkmoon book with the dark greyscale background, the first Conan rulebook, the low quality of the artwork in most of the EC and Lankhmar books. They do *sometimes* fix things, as Troll Lords did the first ed. C&C PHB. Or not. Just don't get too excited until you see what they come up with (take the news with a grain of salt, and get excited when they actually come through). Miller may be 'on board' for Traveller, and that is good. I just can't help remembering their claim that Greg Stafford, was it, was on board for MRQ, a year and a half ago. I've been burned that way so many times by Mongoose I don't even think about ordering something they make promises about, not until I actually see it. A word to the wise, in a friendly way.

Traveller · Post by **Traveller** » Thu Aug 09, 2007 5:49 am

Well, one thing I've said a couple of times on this thread applies then. If Mongoose has you worried that they're going to botch Traveller (and if they do, I'll actually go back to the QLI forums and form a lynch mob), save yourself the hassle and pick up the Traveller 5 rule book when it's released, since that 350 page rule book is going to have a lot more in regards to explanatory material than the Mongoose edition.

Me, I'll be buying the CD-ROM and the book from Far Future Enterprises when they are released. There shouldn't be an "unevenness" issue if I get the rules straight from the source. On the flip side, I've been waiting for T5 for six years now, since I have all editions of REAL Traveller in my possession and want the latest one to add to the collection. If it never does show up, I've lost nothing.

Now, does anyone else out there, especially those that believe Mongoose RuneQuest is broken, have anything else to add regarding Mongoose, so y'all can get the loathing out of your system?
_________________
NOTE TO ALL: If you don't like something I've said, PM me and tell me to my face, then give me a chance to set things right before you call a moderator.
My small homage to E.G.G.