30th Anniversary Module

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous
September 22, 2011 - 6:56am
Inigo mentioned producing a module for the 30th Anniversary, at first I was opposed to this due to my limited hobby time. I think if we can pull together the following areas in the next 3 months we'll be on track to deliver Issue 18 of the Star Frontiers and a Module.
  • Cartography (Bill or Nicolas)
  • Cover art (GJD, Shell, CJ, Wayne, Ryan, Scott)
  • Interior art (see above)
  • Module layout (Larry)
  • Adventure design (Community, project lead TBD)
  • Editing (SFman staff)
The module will be available in PDF and print format (saddle stitched with pullouts).

The Adventure 
Post or link here if you have an adventure for consideration. It should tie into the canon material as presented by TSR. Don't worry about rules or including options from the Star Frontiersman, we'll work that out later. Publishing adventures with different rule-sets is an option. 

Project Funding
I believe we can do this in-house. If we decided to hire professional art and editing services I estimate we'll need 800-1,200 CR. I would craft a Kick-Starter project and offer a modern rule-set conversion to gather more support for the project (not sure if we have 1,000 CR in our local community, I don't really expect the other SF communities would contribute).

Comments:

jedion357's picture
jedion357
September 22, 2011 - 12:52pm
Well I'd like to nominate Bounty on Death adventure for this. I'm just about to write act2 and have a solid foundation for the beginning. Plus there already has been some community input on it.

EDIT:
see download of current work
I might not be a dralasite, vrusk or yazirian but I do play one in Star Frontiers!

Anonymous's picture
w00t (not verified)
September 22, 2011 - 9:05am
Great idea for community involvement. I'll update my post with "nominations".

jedion357's picture
jedion357
September 22, 2011 - 12:32pm
Re: Bounty on Death thread- the positives with this idea is that 1. its a starting level adventure though easily scaled up for advanced characters 2. a substantial amount of work is gone into it 3. It already has 1/2 a sequel already written (abandoned module that I thought my current ending stunk but starts out on the same planet as Bounty on Death and moves to New Pale for the bulk of the adventure.

Other possibilities for a 30th anniversary adventure:

something involving a Recreation station see the following



Another possibility is a fugitive on the run style adventure involving mentalist powers

Down side is not every one likes the mentalism rules, not much done with this yet and it will require dedication to finish it, I think

Another possibility is woot's Ghost Station
Refer to: Ghost Station

The scope is quite large I'd hate to be the one mapping it.

This is a fresh idea
fresh in that nothing has been done with it yet.

There is also the Black Hole discussion:


Not sure if the 30th An module should be a rip off of a disney movie though.

There is the Mercy Mission to Madderly's Star adventure as well, which had some imput from people but that might not be suitable and I was letting it sit to seek new inspiration for handling an adventure for 4-6 PC with a Battalion of troops involved.

Bounty of Death would be my choice though.
I might not be a dralasite, vrusk or yazirian but I do play one in Star Frontiers!

Ascent's picture
Ascent
September 22, 2011 - 12:50pm
If you wanted a cover out of me, I'd not only need to know exactly what the module is about, but a key scene within the module, as well and FAST. I need to know like yesterday in order to provide it by release time. I don't have a Wacom, so it takes me forever to do an image. With a Wacom it would take me a day or two to do an image, but because I'm stuck with a mouse, I have to battle feelings of fatigue, self-defeat and impending failure for weeks and sometimes months on end. I've shed many tears over the few paintings I've provided to the FrontierSpace project and am still doing so. I have 3 FS paintings on my computer right now that are causing me coronaries.
View my profile for a list of articles I have written, am writing, will write.
"It's yo' mama!" —Wicket W. Warrick, Star Wars Ep. VI: Return of the Jedi
"That guy's wise." —Logray, Star Wars Ep.VI: Return of the Jedi
Do You Wanna Date My Avatar? - Felicia Day (The Guild)

Anonymous's picture
w00t (not verified)
September 22, 2011 - 1:09pm
Ascent, 
Why can't you craft drawings in pencil and scan? 

Shadow Shack's picture
Shadow Shack
September 22, 2011 - 1:20pm
Let me know what you need for interior art, I can free-hand some stuff for the cause.
I'm not overly fond of Zeb's Guide...nor do I have any qualms stating why. Tongue out

My SF website

jedion357's picture
jedion357
September 22, 2011 - 2:47pm
@ Ascent and Shadow; thanks for the offer of art but we need some feed back on what should be the 30th aniversary module; especially if we need to tell an artist right away what to draw.
I might not be a dralasite, vrusk or yazirian but I do play one in Star Frontiers!

Inigo Montoya's picture
Inigo Montoya
September 22, 2011 - 4:11pm

I was actually thinking a out a Y3X (like Y2K for the 30th anniversary edition) module at my new job over the last couple of weeks. A lot of mindless manual labor leaves one time to ponder. I thought that a Y3X module should mirror an original game as much as possible while still being original. Here are some thoughts.

Introduce new species, sentient and non.

Introduce a new world.

Designed for beginning level party.

The first time that we all played SF, there was a sense of wonder to the newness. I remember how cool I thought the alien races were. I think that adding the new races pre-generated characters would be a way to allow former players to experience that sense of wonder again. The Y3X would be a product for both those who have never played SF as well as veterans of the game.

It would also need to be balanced between all skill areas so that no matter what field a player chose, its skills at some point in the game would be needed.

The module should also introduce a few new items; weapons, ships, and equipment.  Also, I think that it should be one, as Jedion pointed out, that could be added to  with sequels.

Just my two creds worth.

  


Anonymous's picture
w00t (not verified)
September 22, 2011 - 5:29pm
Indigo, I'm in agreement with the exception of adding a new race. However, what if we provide not just a few pre-gens but several that included one of each Zeb's races and a handful from the Star Frontiersman? 

I believe many have read about the Sfman races but never ran any of them. This would feel like a "new" race, wouldn't you say?

The pre-gens could come with statistics, how to role-play and a suggested background. Then offer "packages" of skills. A player can therefore 1.) choose a race, 2.) choose a skill package, 3.) determine skill chances and 4.) pick some gear. 

A few thoughts...
  • Starting level characters for an Alpha Dawn adventure (no Knight Hawk encounters)
  • The first of three modules
  • Pre-generated characters

Anonymous's picture
w00t (not verified)
September 22, 2011 - 5:34pm
Actually, there isn't a lot of options in SF, you could almost make 6 "skill packages" and have everything the game offers starting level. 

Inigo Montoya's picture
Inigo Montoya
September 22, 2011 - 5:38pm

I agree w00t. When I use the term “new”, I am meaning anything that has been ‘fan created’. There have been many items as well as races displayed there. This would be a fantastic way to showcase how alive this dead game is.


Anonymous's picture
w00t (not verified)
September 22, 2011 - 5:45pm
"How alive this dead game is."
Priceless! Smile




jedion357's picture
jedion357
September 22, 2011 - 5:49pm
Inigo Montoya wrote:

Introduce new species, sentient and non.

I'm really down with most of what Inigo proposed but half of the above, I'm not so sure we need another sentient species  thouth new non sentient species is always good.

Inigo Montoya wrote:
Introduce a new world.

yes this is good but equally we could develop an existing world that has not been used much at all for instance: Adventure on Clarion- bad idea for this but on say Triad? that could work since its in effect a new world to everyone since we've not really visited it in any of the modules or in any of the fan adventures on the site.


Inigo Montoya wrote:
Designed for beginning level party.
Yes 100% on that as the purpose of the module should be to encourage play.

Inigo Montoya wrote:
The first time that we all played SF, there was a sense of wonder to the newness. I remember how cool I thought the alien races were. I think that adding the new races pre-generated characters would be a way to allow former players to experience that sense of wonder again. The Y3X would be a product for both those who have never played SF as well as veterans of the game.
Again I'm just not sure we need the new aliens but I do see your point.

Inigo Montoya wrote:
It would also need to be balanced between all skill areas so that no matter what field a player chose, its skills at some point in the game would be needed.

Yes absolutely, I think this is very important but also that there can be multiple ways to advance the story so that if you lack a roboticist that this doesn't kill your chances from succeeding.

Inigo Montoya wrote:
The module should also introduce a few new items; weapons, ships, and equipment.  Also, I think that it should be one, as Jedion pointed out, that could be added to  with sequels. 

Naturally new gear is a positive and that isn't all that hard to create. And of course sequels are good. I've been toying with ideas for prequels to Volturnus that could stand on their own or be a lead into the volturnus series.
I might not be a dralasite, vrusk or yazirian but I do play one in Star Frontiers!

Shadow Shack's picture
Shadow Shack
September 22, 2011 - 5:51pm
Well, I can volunteer my expanded rules rendition of the Pan Galactic Security Breach...unless of course that would be defined as plagarized copyrighted material. Nah, probably not a good idea.
I'm not overly fond of Zeb's Guide...nor do I have any qualms stating why. Tongue out

My SF website

Shadow Shack's picture
Shadow Shack
September 22, 2011 - 5:56pm
jedion357 wrote:
yes this is good but equally we could develop an existing world that has not been used much at all for instance: Adventure on Clarion- bad idea for this but on say Triad? that could work since its in effect a new world to everyone since we've not really visited it in any of the modules or in any of the fan adventures on the site.


Triad figures rather prominently in my Space Rats game...Boneyard Station orbits Triad's moon (Evergleem).

If you like, I could flesh out Triad and Evergleem like I did with Minotaur. Sadly I lost my blank folded d20 template so that won't be feasible for either. http://www.starfrontiers.us/node/3116
I'm not overly fond of Zeb's Guide...nor do I have any qualms stating why. Tongue out

My SF website

CleanCutRogue's picture
CleanCutRogue
September 22, 2011 - 5:55pm
I would avoid adding zeb's stuff if you're using pure AD rules.  otherwise you'd have to use zeb's stats, skills, gear, etc. 

I think we should be celebrating the anniversary of Star Frontiers, not the sfman.  I don't think we should be considering material from the webzine for this adventure.  If this is to be the first of a trilogy or something, we can consider cameo appearances by stuff from the webzines in the second and third ones.  I like the idea of pregens. 

I personally used pregens from adventure modules as NPCs, to fill in the gaps in the skill coverage of the players (for instance, if the players lack a techy character, I would add a pregen techy type).  I'm pretty sure that's how most folks end up using those pregens.  At least the Referees I've played with.  With that in mind, I recommend using the formula that has worked before and should work again: predefined pregens, complete with specified skills and gear, name and brief background and image.

A lot of adventures in SF centered around the concept of a new world or new life found on a new world.  Nothing wrong with embracing what has worked; this module (if done well) is likely to end up feeling and being embraced as Star Frontiers cannon material.  But there's also nothing wrong with thinking outside the box some.  It's a busy, industrious frontier... no reason at least some of the adventure can't show some of that.

I haven't read Jedion's module premise, but I intend to.  I'll comment more on it when I do :-)

On a personal note, perhaps ill-suited for this topic... I built this site to facilitate community development and ownership over the revival of Star Frontiers, and to be honest I've been a little let down over how little finished material has resulted.  But I've been just as guilty as the next guy, since I've migrated over to working on FrontierSpace mostly.  If this is a genuine opportunity to build something finished and tangible through collaboration, I'm all for it and will contribute much effort if others do as well.  Who's on board?
3. We wear sungoggles during the day. Not because the sun affects our vision, but when you're cool like us the sun shines all the time.

-top 11 reasons to be a Yazirian, ShadowShack


jedion357's picture
jedion357
September 22, 2011 - 6:04pm
I'm on board

I hate using pregens as a player but like them as a referee for the very purpose Clean Cut Rogue stated.

I absolutely think we need to avoid Clarion and the White Light system like the plague for this project. Paint something new, new planet or just fill in some details on one not so well filled out.

Edit: second the statements about this being about the original game and stuff from the SFman is incidental- semi automatic pistols included because you needed to include them sure but not making it a show case of the SFman at this time. Later on yeah- when does the SFman turn 10?
I might not be a dralasite, vrusk or yazirian but I do play one in Star Frontiers!

Shadow Shack's picture
Shadow Shack
September 22, 2011 - 6:24pm
Well, in that case what is finished here? What IS available? Let's pool from that.


> On behalf of my projects, Basically Speaking is a wrap. The KH expansion part? Not so much.
> My Deck Plans project has a slew of offerings, but in of itself it isn't a "completed" project per se as I have many more in the works. Technically, it never will be a completed project as long as people keep submitting more deck plan goodness.
> My pre-UPF "Adventures in History" project is barely begun.
> And the Online SF Gaming project is little more a listing of...online games. Plenty of plot lines can be garnered there.


As far as what I've contributed to other projects ---
> A fair shake of House Rule Wiki stuff - probably not a good idea for a commemorative 30th Anny game. I say stick to canon.
> A fair amount of KH ship specs in the Online Ship Generator
> Expanded Rules rendition of Port Loren Security Breach (where is that, Fistful of Credits?) that could be easily finished, but like I said that could be construed as copyright infringement so not a good idea.
> Not to pat myself on the back, but I probably have a good majority of the entries in the Character Generator project. Regardless of that, there's a slew of possible pre-gens that can be collected there.
> Probably other things I've forgotten in other projects, such as artwork in the Orignal SF Art project (pretty sure I uploaded some stuff there) and my forgotten Pirate Sector that Tom/Jedion recently uncovered, just to cite a couple examples.


Anyways, completed or not, there's plenty of material here to draw from amongst all the projects. For instance, fleshing out a world or system that hasn't been seen yet...my Adventures in History project has a completed Truane's Star system brief that can be easily updated for a more modern setting. Just one of many possible examples of stuff we can incorporate.

Trust me, there's plenty of material here. It's just a matter of deciding what and how much of it we need, and what/how much needs to be created, in order to assemble a finished product. After all, I just belted out what I have from the top of my head, and I'm but one active member here...
I'm not overly fond of Zeb's Guide...nor do I have any qualms stating why. Tongue out

My SF website

Anonymous's picture
w00t (not verified)
September 22, 2011 - 6:45pm
  1. The rule-set has not been determined and in my opinion shouldn't be a factor at this time. We might offer several rule-sets depending on who can contribute. I can see Alpha Dawn, Skilled Frontier and SF 2000 used. The Zeb's races have come a long ways due to the SFman and this site and ppl enjoy them. I'd feel like we were throwing them under the bus if we didn't offer them.
  2. Let's enjoy SFman and celebrate it as well, we tote is options for Star Frontiers, so why not use it?
  3. We could offer a Basic adventure in this module for those with kids who want a toned down version. 
    1. Core Four
    2. Basic Rules
    3. Etc.

Ascent's picture
Ascent
September 22, 2011 - 6:48pm
w00t wrote:
Ascent, 
Why can't you craft drawings in pencil and scan? 

What do you think I do? But you can't exactly stick a pencil drawing on the cover.
View my profile for a list of articles I have written, am writing, will write.
"It's yo' mama!" —Wicket W. Warrick, Star Wars Ep. VI: Return of the Jedi
"That guy's wise." —Logray, Star Wars Ep.VI: Return of the Jedi
Do You Wanna Date My Avatar? - Felicia Day (The Guild)

Shadow Shack's picture
Shadow Shack
September 22, 2011 - 7:02pm
So use oil paint like everyone else does. Sheesh, I gotta think of everything?! Foot in mouth

(I wish I had an ounce of color painting ability)
I'm not overly fond of Zeb's Guide...nor do I have any qualms stating why. Tongue out

My SF website

Ascent's picture
Ascent
September 22, 2011 - 8:20pm
Harhar. The reason I do digital with a mouse, as you've probably guessed, is because I can't afford any kind of painting tools.
View my profile for a list of articles I have written, am writing, will write.
"It's yo' mama!" —Wicket W. Warrick, Star Wars Ep. VI: Return of the Jedi
"That guy's wise." —Logray, Star Wars Ep.VI: Return of the Jedi
Do You Wanna Date My Avatar? - Felicia Day (The Guild)

Shadow Shack's picture
Shadow Shack
September 23, 2011 - 1:48am
Yep, I'm all too familiar with that tune. The art supply stores here mandate at least three credit references before you can even get in the door.
I'm not overly fond of Zeb's Guide...nor do I have any qualms stating why. Tongue out

My SF website

Ascent's picture
Ascent
September 23, 2011 - 4:50am
ROFL. Yep. Laughing
View my profile for a list of articles I have written, am writing, will write.
"It's yo' mama!" —Wicket W. Warrick, Star Wars Ep. VI: Return of the Jedi
"That guy's wise." —Logray, Star Wars Ep.VI: Return of the Jedi
Do You Wanna Date My Avatar? - Felicia Day (The Guild)

Ascent's picture
Ascent
September 26, 2011 - 11:17am
I recommend that you keep this thread moving if you really want this to happen.

I'm available for line inks, and if I have enough time alotted to sweat it out, to do the cover.
View my profile for a list of articles I have written, am writing, will write.
"It's yo' mama!" —Wicket W. Warrick, Star Wars Ep. VI: Return of the Jedi
"That guy's wise." —Logray, Star Wars Ep.VI: Return of the Jedi
Do You Wanna Date My Avatar? - Felicia Day (The Guild)

Anonymous's picture
w00t (not verified)
September 26, 2011 - 11:23am
I'm backing off this idea for now waiting for a response to the SF retro clone thread. Jedion has a vision for a 30th SF revival and almost ready to go modules, just needs a few tweaks. 

So... I guess, stay tuned.

Bilygote's picture
Bilygote
September 29, 2011 - 5:23pm
I'll help with what ever I can, I'm not an artist though.

Anonymous's picture
w00t (not verified)
September 29, 2011 - 6:28pm
I'm not confident I want to lead this project.
If someone has the drive, I've complied a list of people that can assist in various areas.




jedion357's picture
jedion357
September 30, 2011 - 9:00pm
So I suppose were at the stage of nominating something so this can go forward.
I might not be a dralasite, vrusk or yazirian but I do play one in Star Frontiers!

Anonymous's picture
w00t (not verified)
September 30, 2011 - 9:28pm
I would just nominate someone to be a project lead, vote on a story line and get crack-a-lackin. It will take someone with motivation to see a full module completed. I gave a pretty good outline for adventures in Issue #13 if someone wants to follow that. 

Speaking of modules... Dark Times in Brighton is due out next week. :-)