Review of Strange Stars

     First I owe Trey Causey an apology, I should have done a review for Strange Stars way before now, the only excuse that I can offer is that I have honestly been swamped with work , school and family stuff. But Strange Stars is so cool that even those reasons are insufficient.  Strange Stars deserves to be talked about, discussed and most of all played!

This retro style sci-fi gazetteer draws from some great resources; Star Trek, Micronauts, Star Frontiers, there is even a subtle but strong dose of Talislanta in there (Talislanta IN SPAACE!). All good stuff!  And if you enjoyed Guardians of the Galaxy then I think you will enjoy the ideas presented in this tome of Sci Fi coolness!

If you are looking for a resource of stat blocks, hyper detailed NPC's, extensive world information and such then you need to keep in mind that this isn't that kind of resource, instead it is a great snapshot of what looks like a really cool galaxy of adventure, that you will want to play in and make your own.  Each page is jam packed with snippets of the setting and just perusing this tome will give both you and your players ideas for your own Sci Fi campaigns.  The artwork is fantastic and really helps to capture the feel of the setting and get you immersed into it quickly. This resource gives you the right mix of ideas to grab a hold of and jump right into the setting.

Given that this is a system neutral setting book, I now just need to decide  what game system to use to run it? There is a Fate version due out soon, to be followed by a Stars Without Number version.  But I can see using this setting with Traveller or Savage Worlds.  Hmm...decisions decisions... In case you couldn't tell I'm very happy to have this as part of my collection.

Oh and Trey has added a ton of additional resources (including some game stats) for this setting over on his blog.  So check it out for more information.  

You can grab a copy HERE

Guardians of the Galaxy

Jay has been posting up a storm about the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy movie, this movie is really getting me excited.  I've been a big fan of The Guardians of the Galaxy comics (old and new) for a long time, so this should rock!  I don't see Bug from the Micronauts in the lineup though so that's a bit disappointing.  Anyways I think this will be my next Sci Fi Campaign!  Now to decide on the rule system to use; X-plorers, Stars Without Number, Rogue Space, Machinations of the Space Princess, Savage Worlds..so many choices!!  I did do an X-plorers conversion for Rocket awhile back, course I've also done a ton of Marvel  Aliens conversions for Stars Without Number...my recent foray into Rogue Space showed me I can run crazy off the cuff adventures (which is very much in the spirit of Guardians of the Galaxy), hmmm decisions decisions...

Long time followers of my blog know I'm a fan of Sci Fi and Lego and I just saw where there will be Lego sets for Guardians of the Galaxy!  Can't wait to see how these look!  I'll be using them for minis in my Campaign!

Rocket Raccoon! (for the X-plorers RPG)

As I mentioned earlier, my copy of the X-plorers RPG came in the mail today. So as a little experiment I thought I'd see if I could stat up one of my favorite characters from a great comic series I've mentioned; Guardians of the Galaxy.

                           So without further ado I present:
                                     Rocket Raccoon

AGI 17 +2 Saves, Class: Soldier (multi-classed w/ Piloting skill)
INT 14 +1 Saves Level: 8/4
PHY 11 +0 Saves, To Hit/Dmg Melee, HP Race: Raccoon!
PRE 16 +1 Saves
Basic Hit Bonus +5 (+7 Ranged, +8 Ranged Heavy Weapons)
Saving Throw 8+
Hit Points: 38
Armor Class: 15

Racial Abilities: Acute Senses (Hearing,Vision) Any saving throw or skill check that involves either sense is at +5, (example listening at a door +5)

Areas of Expertise
Skills
Demolition: 8+
Martial Arts 1d6x2
Survival 6+
Weapon Specialist (Hvy. Weapons +1 to hit & +2 damage, 2 attacks)
Pilot 11+
Equipment
Mesh Suit (looks like regular uniform, AC12), Force Screen (AC +1), Laser Pistol (x2), various grenades, ammo, power cells and other weapons and gear depending on the needs of the mission. In the past he was known to wear a pair of rocket skates.

He is an accomplished starship pilot, an excellent marksman with the two laser pistols he carries as well as having an affinity for heavy weapons. He's also an excellent military tactician and leader.

 Please note even though I gave him several class levels, the power level of X-plorers is lower than that of Mutant Future.  For a Mutant Future character he'd have more hit points and his heightened senses would be more impacting. + I'd probaby make give him Martial Affinity. Overall I'm quite pleased with the X-plorers system.  -B