X-Plorers!

Relaxo · Post by **Relaxo** » Wed Jun 08, 2011 3:43 pm

You have heard of X-Plorers, right? The retro-clone-esque Sci-Fi RPG?

If not, or you want news about its imminent reissue, head over to www.bravehalfling.com to get official news and announcements, but also please check out my little blog about the development of the reissued version, including a limited edition boxed set, and the FLGS edition that will be released this year. This book will be followed by two adventure modules I wrote, and about which I’m very psyched (hence, the blog and my shameless pimping of it).

So if you’re interested in a rules light, old-school feel Sci-Fi game, please take a look. It’s like everything you love about C&C, but in a Sci-Fi game (it does not use the Siege Engine, but it’s rules-light and feels old school, is what I mean). You can roll up characters and be playing in 5 - 10 minutes.

Posts relevant to X-Plorers began on May 25, 2011.
http://willyoueatthemeatloaf.blogspot.c ... -geek.html

You can join the fan club Yahoo Group here: http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/X-plorersRPG/

Tadhg · Post by **Tadhg** » Fri Jun 10, 2011 1:30 am

Very interesting . . yes!

tylermo · Post by **tylermo** » Fri Jun 10, 2011 9:28 pm

It's certainly tempting.

Relaxo · Post by **Relaxo** » Sat Jun 11, 2011 1:32 am

only 200 will be made! (boxed sets, that is) and you can WIN ONE FOR FREE!

Per John Adams, Head Halfling:

John Adams
X-plorers Boxed Sets are now available!
You can find them here: http://bravehalfling.com/?p=676

I am giving away two X-plorers Boxed Sets in a random drawing on the 30th of June. Sign up for the BHP newsletter and you are automatically entered!
www.bravehalfling.com

Relaxo · Post by **Relaxo** » Sat Sep 03, 2011 1:18 am

http://willyoueatthemeatloaf.blogspot.c ... le_02.html

concobar · Post by **concobar** » Sat Sep 03, 2011 2:41 am

what are the mechanics like? I am pretty much a die hard CT/MpT fan so it would have to be really good to draw me away.

Relaxo · Post by **Relaxo** » Sun Sep 04, 2011 12:20 am

Not sure what game CT/MpT is, but you can check out the free version of XP by following the links above. We'll have a Quick Start ready for Free RPG day 2012 with a short intro mission/adventure by yours truly, and two modules by me publishing by end of 2011, (barring unforseen disaster, of course).

Anyway, it's a class/level game... Like if OD&D was more d20ish and scifi instead of fantasy.
It's all d20 rolls, all weapons are d6 with some having modifiers. (so d6 and d20 are the only dice in the game)

The classes are basically Han Solo, Spock, Scotty or Chewbacca, and a space Marine. (that's Scout, Scientist, Technician, Soldier. Your Scientist is also your doctor/healer, so I guess that's Spock and McCoy in one (that guy would have some serious internal conflicts, LOL)

Each has skills that are very broad (examples: Pilot, Science) and most are predefined by a number you try to roll equal to or higher than on d20 to succeed. These all improve by one point each level (which is basically the same as Siege engine). Modifiers for high/low abilities (like d20).

So if you've played D&D or C&C it will immediately be familiar.
What's the best part is the space ship combat which involves the entire party (that is, all four classes) and is robust yet simple.

So if that appeals to you, you'll like it.

Like C&C, I almost thought it was too simple on my first reading, but actually, it totally rocks. (IMO)

If you're on the fence, Here’s a review from Grognardia.http://grognardia.blogspot.com/2009/12/ ... orers.html

kreider204 · Post by **kreider204** » Sun Sep 04, 2011 1:46 am

CT/MpT = Traveler?

Relaxo · Post by **Relaxo** » Sun Sep 04, 2011 3:55 pm

Here's more, from fellow Brave Halfling, Jay:
The game is rules-light and can be played as-is, but it's REAL strength is in it's ability to be fiddled with under the hood.
+
Publisher John Adams is holding a new character sheet design contest. The winner will receive a FREE box set of the game! So submit your designs to Brave Halfling.

http://exonauts.blogspot.com/2011/09/x- ... lable.html

Sir Ironside · Post by **Sir Ironside** » Sun Sep 04, 2011 4:49 pm

Late to the party, but I've looked over both; Swords & Wizardry and X-Plorers and after reading reviews and what not, it occurred to me that these two systems might be a draw for those rpg players that are willing to dive into its routes and would want to give it a try. I haven't any real other system that could do the same thing and that is why I have been reluctant to try. My FLGS is pretty much D&D 4e and little else and to suggest another system might just be wasting my time.

I've never actively tried to ingratiate myself into the rpg scene, simply because of above. Maybe this will be the tipping point. Soon as I get $ from TLG I'll probably buy both (Not interested in the box set of either) Swords & Wizardry Complete Set and the X-Plorers softcover.

Relaxo · Post by **Relaxo** » Wed Sep 14, 2011 11:05 am

SHIPPING FRIDAY 9/16/11!

Less than 25 limited edition boxed sets remain!

http://willyoueatthemeatloaf.blogspot.c ... u-can.html

tylermo · Post by **tylermo** » Wed Sep 14, 2011 1:34 pm

Forgot about that. I did download the free version. That might have to get me by.

Sir Ironside · Post by **Sir Ironside** » Wed Sep 14, 2011 5:25 pm

Relaxo wrote:SHIPPING FRIDAY 9/16/11!

I guess your contest for a character sheet is over.

I didn't see it until about a week ago and had a pretty cool idea.

Oh, well.

I might just wait for the book rather than the boxed set. It might be sacrilegious as an old schooler, but I prefer books over boxed-sets.

Relaxo · Post by **Relaxo** » Wed Sep 14, 2011 8:38 pm

Actually, there's no deadline for the character sheets last I checked.

Just email john@bravehalfling.com

Apparently, they're not necessarily FOR the boxes, so go nuts!

Sir Ironside · Post by **Sir Ironside** » Wed Sep 14, 2011 11:57 pm

Relaxo wrote:Apparently, they're not necessarily FOR the boxes, so go nuts!

Well it does make a difference because of layouts/ideas are different for digest size vs. letter size.

I'll do the digest because the original idea was for digest.

Coleston the Cavalier · Thu Sep 15, 2011 12:44 am

Sir Ironside wrote:
Relaxo wrote:Apparently, they're not necessarily FOR the boxes, so go nuts!
Well it does make a difference because of layouts/ideas are different for digest size vs. letter size.

I'll do the digest because the original idea was for digest.

Please do! I can still use a good digest, black and white character sheet.

Relaxo · Post by **Relaxo** » Thu Sep 15, 2011 11:06 am

Sir Ironside wrote:
Relaxo wrote:Apparently, they're not necessarily FOR the boxes, so go nuts!
Well it does make a difference because of layouts/ideas are different for digest size vs. letter size.

I'll do the digest because the original idea was for digest.

You make a point, sir.

I wasn't very clear, but as you can see, John is looking for digest sized sheets.

TheMetal1 · Post by **TheMetal1** » Tue Sep 20, 2011 11:01 pm

X-Plorer's Box Set unveiling video is up at the Brave Halfling Website. Looks like they'll be shipping out this week. Hoody Hoo!

You get a sneak peak at the character sheet as well.

redwullf · Post by **redwullf** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 2:26 pm

After the downloading the PDF, I went ahead and ordered the boxed set. This slick little SFRPG was just too good to pass up. I'm iffy on the starship combat and can see some serious tweaking at my table, possibly a completely different strategy. As written, ship-to-ship combat is certainly quick and easy, but it accomplishes this pace by sacrificing too much realism, or too many variable options, IMO. I'll have to fart around with it, maybe compare it to Traveller, to see if I can find a middle ground.

My favorite feature is the creature-creation system. Rather than providing 50 pages of "monsters" the relatively quick creature/NPC creation rules allow for unlimited creativity in making aliens and encounters. I dig it.

TheMetal1 · Post by **TheMetal1** » Fri Oct 21, 2011 4:27 pm

Came home last night and sure enough, sitting there on my kitchen table was the X-Plorers Box set (#102), along with the latest Crusader issue, waiting to be opened.

Post by **finarvyn** » Sun Nov 13, 2011 4:21 am

kreider204 wrote:CT/MpT = Traveler?

CT is standard for "Classic Traveller" (e.g. the three little black book boxed set) and I'm guessing that MpT is "Mongoose Published Traveller" or something simliar.

Relaxo · Post by **Relaxo** » Sun Jan 29, 2012 3:00 pm

{casts: Raise Dead on this thread}

X-plorers Rule Book and Adventure Modules to be in FLGS this year!

Cross post from BHP forum <a href="http://bravehalfling.forumotio ... -up-next">
(edit: I so totally suck at html....

)

John tells me the X-p rule book is at the printers, so it will be in FLGS (in USA at least) in 3-4 weeks.

My first module, The Deadly Dawn (You've seen a mock up of the cover), is in layout this weekend. I think that means the art is done (I haven't even seen all of it and I can't wait! (hint hint - Steve and John!)) and so that will have 1-3 weeks of proofing, finalizing, etc. and then off to printers for FLGS distribution as a full sized book by... spring/summer?
Knowing John, I bet there will be a digest version by years end, but that is not a promise coming from me, just an educated guess.

Another module I wrote, Wreck Tech, set in the reaches and involving lots of corporate backstabbing and, well, exploration, is written and mapped, and is really just ready to get art and maps and layout and stuff, so that will probably be next(ish).

I'm finishing a third Module called Letter of Marque, which has grown larger than I planned, and is more of a sandbox adventure-building kit than a plotted story-type module. It's got several neat-o options and optional rules for new stuff, and I dare say it will be spiffy. I've been crushed with lots of mandatory overtime at the day job and my writing (and all my free time activities) have taken a hit, so it's only crawling along now. But it's almost done, and I am grateful to have gainful employment in this current economy.
What's cool about LoM, is that it may serve as a good background for the other two modules and give a Referee lots of seeds to plant their own story ideas and go nuts. (That said, the other two are not railroad plot heavy things you can only do one way, I've made an effort to write in lots of options so you can run them several ways and have ideas for follow ups or sequels).

So I'm totally pumped that these three should all be published in 2012, and help X-plorers grow!

There's also a Free RPG day version of X-p that I -- what's the word; not 'wrote' ... maybe, "condensed" or "edited" -- with a short adventure in the back (I wrote the adventure). No space combat rules in it (I guess that could change by June) but it's a good intro to the full X-p experience, I like to think. I'm happy with how it turned out and I hope it gets more people interested in X-p. and hey, it's free.

Shameless plugs: after I wrap up Letter of Marque, I'm sinking my teeth into Oriental Adventures for the Castles & Crusades game by Troll Lord Games. I hope to have a manuscript completed by year's end, but honestly, since this will be my largest writing project to date, I remain cautious against making predictions (right now I'm outlining the book. I have the classes and races nearly complete and have begun working on monsters... so I'd say the rough draft is about 1/3 done so far).

There's also projects I've submitted to Arcana Creations (partners of Brave Halfling) for the Castles & Crusades game that may come to fruition in 2012 (a supplement product and 1 or 2 adventure modules (I have notes for like, four sequels if they sell).
We'll have to ask Pat (Moriarity) for clarity on these projects, as it's really out of my hands at this point. Big plans are afoot at AC, however, and I know Pat has announcements forthcoming.

Need I say I'm very pumped about all of this?

Sir Ironside · Post by **Sir Ironside** » Sun Jan 29, 2012 4:20 pm

Still waiting to get mine. It'll be 2 months in a week. Wondering if it will ever show up. Since I ordered X-Plorers I've received two packages from TLG. Canada customs can be real jerks about these things, but 2 months is unprecedented even for them.

Relaxo · Post by **Relaxo** » Sun Jan 29, 2012 6:07 pm

What did you order? the Boxed set?
I'll let John know. Though he reads these boards too, so he'll probably see this post.

Sir Ironside · Post by **Sir Ironside** » Sun Jan 29, 2012 8:21 pm

Relaxo wrote:What did you order? the Boxed set?
I'll let John know. Though he reads these boards too, so he'll probably see this post.

Yes the box set, and the referee's bundle. Thanks for the offer, but John has been very good at answering my e-mails. I'm sorry if it came off me trying to make John and BHP look bad, that wasn't my intent. I was releasing some frustration about the whole thing. With Canada customs, you just never know with them. It is a crap shoot.

One instance it took over 2 months for me to get; Evil Hat Games "Don't Rest Your Head" rpg. I'll wait awhile longer and see what happens.

Coleston the Cavalier · Sun Jan 29, 2012 9:11 pm

Sir Ironside wrote:
Relaxo wrote:What did you order? the Boxed set?
I'll let John know. Though he reads these boards too, so he'll probably see this post.
Yes the box set, and the referee's bundle. Thanks for the offer, but John has been very good at answering my e-mails. I'm sorry if it came off me trying to make John and BHP look bad, that wasn't my intent. I was releasing some frustration about the whole thing. With Canada customs, you just never know with them. It is a crap shoot.

One instance it took over 2 months for me to get; Evil Hat Games "Don't Rest Your Head" rpg. I'll wait awhile longer and see what happens.

Well that sucks. Half the time I send stuff to Pat (Moriarty) it takes four weeks. I can ship stuff to Australia and it will arrive in ten days. I think they must put packages on the back of mules and send then north to Canada.

Four weeks is long enough. If it has been more than that, shoot me another email and I will send another one your way.

Relaxo · Post by **Relaxo** » Mon Jan 30, 2012 2:30 am

Sir Ironside wrote:Thanks for the offer, but John has been very good at answering my e-mails. I'm sorry if it came off me trying to make John and BHP look bad, that wasn't my intent....(snip)

I didn't take it that way. I was just trying to be helpful. John is truly Johnny On-the-spot with customer care.

So.... anyone excited about X-p modules?

Sir Ironside · Post by **Sir Ironside** » Mon Jan 30, 2012 4:17 am

Coleston the Cavalier wrote:Well that sucks. Half the time I send stuff to Pat (Moriarty) it takes four weeks. I can ship stuff to Australia and it will arrive in ten days. I think they must put packages on the back of mules and send then north to Canada.

I really don't think it is the U.S. Postal system. I think there is a Warehouse 23 type thing at the border and my book(s) are in some crate marked with some number that everyone has forgot what was in it.

Four weeks is long enough. If it has been more than that, shoot me another email and I will send another one your way.

Like I said, I'll wait a couple of more weeks and hope it comes in that time. I wouldn't want you to unnecessarily send another package, if it isn't needed.

TheMetal1 · Post by **TheMetal1** » Mon Jan 30, 2012 6:19 pm

Relaxo wrote:So.... anyone excited about X-p modules?

+1 on the XP mods!

Looking forward to hearing about the Arcana Creations stuff as well. Not much news on the AC blog or website as of late.

moriarty777 · Post by **moriarty777** » Tue Jan 31, 2012 4:47 am

TheMetal1 wrote:
Relaxo wrote:So.... anyone excited about X-p modules?
+1 on the XP mods!

Looking forward to hearing about the Arcana Creations stuff as well. Not much news on the AC blog or website as of late.

Hey there!

Though I'd chime in here. First of all, thanks for the support -- I'm in the middle of writing another post for my blog (it's still in draft right now), but my blog hasn't been the highest priority. In it, there will be a better semblence of where AC is going in 2012. You should see this by Wednesday at the latest and, going forward, about a post a week at the very least. The site is also needing a teardown.

In short, Bill is right. There is at least two specifcally designed scenarios for C&C due out in the months ahead and along with that, another big project related to Ballista I alluded to a few months ago.

Keep the faith. 2011 was a year of setbacks but 2012, AC will make its stand!

M

Troll Lord Games

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