Star Frontiers (URS) Projects needs you

Deryn_Rys's picture
Deryn_Rys
February 1, 2011 - 9:32am
The Star Frontiers (URS) Project has just made available to members an updated set of core rule books (Core Rules), Administrators guidebook, and Knight Hawks rulebook that offers an alternative set of rules (based loosely on the d20 system) for playing our favorite game.

Now we are looking to expand opon those rules with new Projects that will be based on those rules, and its your chance to get involved. It's an opportunity to help shape the Star Frontiers (URS) Project into something great. So if you haven't joined the Project come on over and see what we have to offer, and if you like what you see, or want to contribute by all means join up and join the fun!

Lets spread the revival to uncharted corners of the Star Frontier's Universe!
"Hey guys I wonder what this does"-Famous last words
"Hey guys, I think it's friendly." -Famous last words
"You go on ahead, I'll catch up." -Famous last words
"Did you here that?" -Famous last words
Comments:

SMKSensei's picture
SMKSensei
February 1, 2011 - 11:21am
I'll check it out! I have to admit, I'm waiting for a d00 mechanics, but I'm always interesting in other people's efforts!

Will the Stampede's picture
Will the Stampede
February 3, 2011 - 5:17pm
I'll say right now, I like the d10+9 alternative method of generating character attributes. More of a heroic range of stats all round(I mean, honestly, who the hell wants to play any character with a stat below 9?!), and, it's two less dice to roll.

The ship construction rules are very well thought out, and make for a more interesting range of starships than in the original rules. 

More input, in the right thread, as I tinker with this some more.
" 'Beware the Beast, Man, for he is the Devil's pawn. Alone among God's primates, he kills for sport, for lust, for greed. Yea, he will murder his brother to possess his brother's land. Let him not breed in great numbers, for he will make a desert of his home and yours. Shun him; drive him back into his jungle lair, for he is the harbinger of death."

Deryn_Rys's picture
Deryn_Rys
February 3, 2011 - 7:34pm
I had to read Will's comments twice, and I am very thankful so far for the Will Endorsement, I am very interested in what he has to say about the rest of the rules, when he finishes his accessment.

SMK sensei I want to welcome you to the project and I hope that you will stick around for a while. I will say here that even though this project is geared towards a version of the d20 rules I have every intention of giving back to the community by making Classic Star Frontiers versions of some of the more interesting aspects of the star Frontier's (URS) project (like the creatures for instance).

I also want to extend a thank you to the rest of the members of the group who may not have been vocal in their support but knowing that there were people who were interested enough in what I was working on pushed me forward because I didn't want to disappoint them.

There's still a lot more things to look forward to in the future, because there is great deal more that I have planned for this project, so feel free to join the expanding universe of the Star Frontier's (URS) project.
"Hey guys I wonder what this does"-Famous last words
"Hey guys, I think it's friendly." -Famous last words
"You go on ahead, I'll catch up." -Famous last words
"Did you here that?" -Famous last words

jedion357's picture
jedion357
February 3, 2011 - 8:46pm
sorry Deryn_Rys; I'm going to be a bit of a lurker on this one as I really dont like d20- personal thing.


I might not be a dralasite, vrusk or yazirian but I do play one in Star Frontiers!

Anonymous's picture
w00t (not verified)
February 4, 2011 - 8:46am
I've been involved from the start, but more in an offline capacity.
My time is very limited - what I've seen so far I like. It was fun rolling up a character!

Suggestion: Downloads do not get indexed by the site (just the name), if you put the key elements of the system in the Documents and arrange them by chapter this site and Google would index. A broader range of people would find the project. Note that you need PUBLIC/OPEN membership in the project - Read Only for this to happen.

Great that your getting attention - Will is a good tester. 


Deryn_Rys's picture
Deryn_Rys
February 4, 2011 - 10:08am
Jedion I understand the dislike for the d20 system , in fact there were a slew of issues I had with it when I first looked at Dungeons & Dragon's 3rd edition and the players that I was getting involved with seemed to love it. After reading the core books I made the decision that I would have to roll up my sleeves and almost completely overhaul the rules to fit it to my style of play (classic role playing with no miniatures, or game board required and a relatively quick yet efficient combat system with some pseudo realism thrown in like broken bones, and scaring).

This massive overhaul was the seed that started this whole project, and I think that with each successive rewrite there's been less in there that is d20, which is why I say loosely based as opposed to based on or using the d20 system.

And w00t has done more for this project then he takes credit for. His urgings and occassional offline imput (He is the busiest robot on the board you know) have pointed out things I'd missed, or showed me better ways to present material to make it easier to understand, and had he not suggested it this project might still be just that family Skyhopper sitting in my garage that I tool arond with every now and then, and no one ever gets to see, or ride in.  

Anyway its back to putting together two new supplements for the system for me, One expanding the scope of the game, and the other the first creature collection for the game (this one which will undoubtedly require a classic Star Frontiers version to be done as well).

As for the members only thing, It's just my way of knowing who has access to the stuff I'm putting out there while everything is still in the experimental stage, and nothing against anyone. Things might change later on and things might end up in the SF wiki if they pass the stringent quality test of people like Will and W00t. So don't let the membership equals access thing keep you from joining up.
"Hey guys I wonder what this does"-Famous last words
"Hey guys, I think it's friendly." -Famous last words
"You go on ahead, I'll catch up." -Famous last words
"Did you here that?" -Famous last words

jedion357's picture
jedion357
February 4, 2011 - 3:34pm
I'd probably have more interest if it was d20 converted to AD but then it's be AD!

I've tried d20 for an online SF game and character gen was confusing and I just could not get into it.
I'm forced to play 3.5 since its the one night I get out of the house and if I give that up the wife will take over and monopolize that night.

Its just that the word "d20" leaves a bad taste. I'll try to take a second look though.
I might not be a dralasite, vrusk or yazirian but I do play one in Star Frontiers!

Anonymous's picture
w00t (not verified)
February 4, 2011 - 7:20pm
SF URS isn't "d20"
It's a.... a .... conglomerate!

Maybe you don't like using a d20 vs difficulty class to resolve a skill check?

Deryn_Rys's picture
Deryn_Rys
February 4, 2011 - 9:29pm
Yep, its like gumbo, its a bit of this and that all mixed together and cooked at the right temperature to make something tasty.


"Hey guys I wonder what this does"-Famous last words
"Hey guys, I think it's friendly." -Famous last words
"You go on ahead, I'll catch up." -Famous last words
"Did you here that?" -Famous last words

Anonymous's picture
w00t (not verified)
February 4, 2011 - 9:56pm
You should use that in the game. :-)

Also, we have a Star Frontiers page on facebook if anyone wants to get the attention of a larger crowd. This goes for all the projects/initiatives on this site. Zeb's guide, CRM, Savage Star Frontiers, yada.

Deryn_Rys's picture
Deryn_Rys
February 23, 2011 - 10:53pm
I just wanted to say that I've just put up the newest book in the Star Frontiers (URS) Project. In addition to the 3 core books we now have the Expanded Universe Guidebook, which has 179 pages of new options for expanding your Star Frontiers (URS) games.

So If you haven't yet come aboard there's plenty of room.
"Hey guys I wonder what this does"-Famous last words
"Hey guys, I think it's friendly." -Famous last words
"You go on ahead, I'll catch up." -Famous last words
"Did you here that?" -Famous last words

Deryn_Rys's picture
Deryn_Rys
February 25, 2011 - 11:22pm
I think that perhaps I might have to reveal alittle bit about what the Star Frontiers (URS) Project has to offer its members and why it is different from most projects. First of all the rules sets that have been developed in the project aren't the usual 20 or so page conversion documents, that require access to store bought books to play. The Rules sets in the project are complete stand on their own rule books.

The Core rule book clocks in at 194 pages and includes a class-less hero generation system that allows for an incredible diversity of characters, while being quick and easy to use. The Combat system is fast, but offers enough options to make everyone happy. There are even rules for Robot and vehicle creation and even rules allowing players to play heroic robots if they want.

The Administrator's Guidebook is 117 pages of rules and options allowing Administrators to create everything from exceptional opponents for his players to creatures, Alien races, Star systems and more.

The Knight Hawks guidebook is 148 pages of information on Spacecraft in the expanded Frontier and includes rules for the creation of spacecraft, and space stations. The Combat system is based on the combat systems that players should recognize from the core rules and there are even guidelines for playing out combat using counters and a hexegonal board.

The recently added Expanded Universe guide adds 179 pages of more options for the game.

In addition to these books there are a series of guidebooks being written which will add everything from hundreds of animals for the Star Frontier's (URS) to new vehicles, starships, and over 100 new Alien races spanning the 2,000+ lightyear area of space that encompasses the scope of this project.

But more than that the Star Frontiers (URS) project is only one aspect of a multi genre rule set called the Universal Role Playing System which includes many diverse campaign models that are 100% compatable with each other and are based on the core mechanics of the Star Frontiers (URS) rules.

And this project is w00t approved to boot. 

So here's an opportunity to be a part of a huge Project with a lot of stuff waiting to be used, and with a growing library of supplemental material that could always use some talented and creative people to help expand their scope.

So if you're still on the fence about joining this or any other project here we (that is me and everyone else actively creating material for Star Frontiers, and its inspired projects) could always use your support. So why not join a project and give us some input and maybe a helping hand, because the potential for making this revival something great is in your hands as much as it is in ours.
"Hey guys I wonder what this does"-Famous last words
"Hey guys, I think it's friendly." -Famous last words
"You go on ahead, I'll catch up." -Famous last words
"Did you here that?" -Famous last words

AZ_GAMER's picture
AZ_GAMER
February 26, 2011 - 10:39am

Ooops never mind, I posted a question but read a little more carefully and was able to find the answer


Deryn_Rys's picture
Deryn_Rys
February 26, 2011 - 11:30am
I wanted to include a list of the other sourcebook that will eventually(and if you know how fast I work, that means soon) will be released in support of this system. Here they are.

Zebulon’s guide to Frontier Space

These guidebooks present materials pertaining to the known Frontier, including information on all the (new) races of that section of Frontier space and details about the star systems in that sector of the Frontier. It is not a complete guide to the Frontier, but should offer enough Information to jump start Administrators and Players imagination. These guidebooks are:

Zebulon’s guide to Frontier space: Volume One: the Core Star Systems (30% complete at this time)

Zebulon’s guide to Frontier space: Volume Two: the Central Star Systems (10% complete at this time)

Zebulon’s guide to Frontier space: Volume Three: the Outer Star Systems (5% complete at this time)

Zebulon’s guide to Frontier space: Volume Four: the Rim Coalition (5% complete at this time)

Zebulon’s Guide to Frontier Vehicles (30% complete at this time)

This guidebook presents dozens of Vehicles, System ships, and Starships used throughout the Frontier are included in this supplement. This book also provides details for vehicles and spacecraft used by alien races in the Frontier.

 Zebulon’s guide to Cybernetics in the Frontier

This guide provides rules pertaining to cybernetics, robots, mechs and drone vehicles, and spacecraft in the Frontier. This book provides stats for dozens of robots, mechs, drone vehicles and space craft.

Zebulon’s Guides to Animals of the Frontier

These guidebook presents stats for a wide variety of animals that exist in the Frontier. This guide is not a complete listing of every type of animal in the Frontier, but gives enough of a variety to jumpstart an Administrator’s imagination.

Zebulon’s Guides to Animals of the Frontier; volume one (30% complete at this time)

Zebulon’s Guides to Animals of the Frontier: volume two


Zebulon’s Guide to Creatures of the Frontier: volumes one to three

These guidebooks offer stats for many creatures that are found both within the Frontier, and outside of Frontier space. The first volume focuses on creatures that have appeared in the various adventures created for the Star Frontiers game. Additional volumes of these guides will give statistics for new creatures that the Administrator can use in his adventures.

Zebulon’s Guide to Monsters, Mutants, and other Aberrations

Though the Frontier has many challenges, and the creatures found in this guidebook are bio-engineered, genetic aberrations, and/or mechanically enhanced creatures. These creatures are presented to help Administrators creating adventures in the Frontier to add a whole new level of challenge for his players to overcome.

Zebulon’s Guide to Worlds Outside of the Frontier

These guides details many new alien cultures that exist in the great expanse of space beyond the Rim. Some of these cultures have created vast empires spanning several dozen star systems. These guidebooks also provides overviews of many of the star systems found outside the Frontier. These guidebooks include:

Zebulon’s guide to worlds outside of the Frontier: the Badlands (10% complete)

Zebulon’s Guides of Heroes and Villains

These guidebooks provide stats for many pre-generated characters that are ready to be inserted into any Star Frontiers adventure. These guides are a series of supplements to help Administrators and Players get the most out of Star Frontiers.


But more then this there will be complete modules being written and produced for this game system, and several completely different campaign models using the Star Frontiers (URS) rules set as their base. So again the opportunity is there for anyone who has a passion for Star Frontiers or gaming in general to really be a part of the revival, and either join the Star Frontiers (URS) project or any other project here, because Star Frontiers should continue to grow and evolve, and we have the opportunity to make that happen. 
"Hey guys I wonder what this does"-Famous last words
"Hey guys, I think it's friendly." -Famous last words
"You go on ahead, I'll catch up." -Famous last words
"Did you here that?" -Famous last words