Sci-fi - system?
The idea for doing some sort of ongoing series of sci-fi short-shots still appeals to me, and as there appears to be at least marginal interest from others (and I'm sure that Sean wouldn't mind the breaks from time to time) I'd like to figure out what sort of system that people might want to use for something along those lines - which would impact the sort of campaign that would be run, obviously.
- We could stick to something d20 related (I'm leaning toward True20 with d20 Future / Future Tech as supplements)
- Pros: People are familiar with the basics of the system, which means that not only chargen would go smoothly but also running combats for the most part; also lots of support for various mechanical options
- Cons: Could just feel like "D&D in Space!"; as a lot of d20 is combat-centric might be less than optimal if combat is desired to have more deleterious consequences for the participants; at higher levels can be tricky between balancing a challenge for the party while avoiding a TPK
- Go with something super light (Risus, FATE, etc.)
- Pros: Most conflicts are all resolved in the same manner in lighter systems, meaning that the same resolution mechanics would apply to both wearing someone down in a debate or trying to cut off his head with a laser sword; minimal bookkeeping for both sides
- Cons: I get the feeling that a lighter system would leave quite a few folks wanting more mechanical heft
- Modifying Shadowrun 4E to be more sci-fi, less sci-fantasy
- Pros: As a completely different system, would provide mechanical distancing from other games which would help in getting into the feel of the game better; uses dice pools which I know at least Ray would enjoy; has options for the various "realism dials" of the game which provide existing playtested mechanical support to any possible from-the-go houserules to be implemented
- Cons: Would require some conversion (at the very least changing the metatypes to something more alien, less Tolkien-esque); system would require somewhat of a learning curve as there's a lot to digest
I'm leaning toward the last option myself, if for nothing else it'd be different; if you want to check out the basics of the system they have the quickstart here. However, I'm not 100% sold on it as it would require some tinkering and if there's an option that folks would prefer more I'm not averse to doing something else.
