RuneQuest and Traveller

Cardboard Carnage · 24th January 2009, 02:18 AM

Greetings all...

I am a long time gamer (since the early 80's), and although I've only consistently played D&D over the years, back in the 80's our gaming group was pretty heavy into RuneQuest and Traveller as well.

Now that I am getting my feet with on the internet with forums and groups of people (like here), I've started to think back at those old games and decided to try and get some info on them both now. The main reason being that I have four sons, and the two oldest are becomming gamers, so the fun I had in my youth is something I'd like to relive with them now.

I've gathered a little info online and have some questions, I was hoping someone who was familiar with RQ and Traveller could give me some help.

------====== TRAVELLER QUESTIONS ======------

First, I notice on the Traveller game, there are reprints of the originals being put out by the original creator Marc Miller (Are his reprints the "Classic" version I played, or are they different in some way?), also he has a new 5th edition too, it is supposed to be coming out sometime soon... also it looks like he is reprinting MegaTraveller.

Further investigation has brought the new Mongoose version to my attention. Digging even further, have found there were GURPS versions, D20 versions, New Era and Twilight versions, yada, yada. --- I am confused! The last time I saw Traveller it was just "Traveller", it looks like the license has been handed out to anyone who wants to take a jab at it.

Can someone streamline a quick summary of each version? Is Mongoose the only "Current" version? How much material does each version have available? In your opinion, which is the best and why? I explored the Mongoose website, and all it really says is that Traveller has been 'updated' for the 21st century, no solid details on what that means.

I'm wondering if I should just go with the new Mongoose version, or go with the reprints Marc Miller is selling (which I think are the ones I remember as a kid unless he has changed them), or wait on the 5th edition, try the D20, GURPS, etc, etc, etc.

------====== RUNEQUEST QUESTIONS ======------

My questions for RuneQuest are about the same as Traveller. I did an ebay search and can't really locate any of the original versions I played in the 80's. I noticed one of the original creators has a modified version of the rules, but his site looks very out of date and without much content, so I think that option is out right off the bat... I noticed Mongoose is also redoing this game, and from what I saw it looks like they have done an amazing job, (I downloaded their preview PDF files, but they don't give much info or show you enough to get a good feel for the whole game).

I assume buying the original RQ is not an option for me since I can't locate it for sale on the net, which leaves me with the new Mongoose version - how is it? Can anyone who is familiar with the original system offer some insight on the changes? Were there other versions of RQ after the original but before the Mongoose?

As I said, I'm a 1e D&D player from way back, but the new 4e system is great and the kids have a lot of fun, I'm hoping that Traveller and RQ have been given the same treatment and the new systems are good as well, it will be nice to step back into my childhood and open these worlds up to my boys!

Thanks in advance!
D.

Achan hiArusa · 24th January 2009, 03:38 AM

Have you downloaded the Runequest SRDs from the Mongoose site. If you had a problem finding them here is a link to the MRQWiki: Main Page - MRQWiki

I have the big 3rd Edition RQ boxset that I scored from a Con for about $50. And I have the new edition of Traveler (which plays very well, better than the d20 version) but I can't do much in the way of comparing it to the original (I have all the chapbooks except the original three and I own Megatraveler). I would comb through it and tell you the differences if had time to, but I have classes to work on and a campaign to plan (and webcomics to read ._.).

I can't share your sentiment with hopes that the games are updated like D&D has been to 4e (not a fan). All I know is that Traveler has been cleaned up a bit and there are some complaints that some of the changes in going from Spirit Magic to Rune Magic has caused problems with the Gloranthan storyline.

Cardboard Carnage · 24th January 2009, 04:28 AM

Thanks for your info and that link, that site looks like it has a lot of good info for me to read though! I'm leaning towards going with the Mongoose RQ and Traveller because I have read only positive things about them, and they seem quite easy to get.

D.

dmccoy1693 · 24th January 2009, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cardboard Carnage

------====== TRAVELLER QUESTIONS ======------

First, I notice on the Traveller game, there are reprints of the originals being put out by the original creator Marc Miller (Are his reprints the "Classic" version I played, or are they different in some way?), also he has a new 5th edition too, it is supposed to be coming out sometime soon... also it looks like he is reprinting MegaTraveller.

Further investigation has brought the new Mongoose version to my attention. Digging even further, have found there were GURPS versions, D20 versions, New Era and Twilight versions, yada, yada. --- I am confused! The last time I saw Traveller it was just "Traveller", it looks like the license has been handed out to anyone who wants to take a jab at it.

Can someone streamline a quick summary of each version? Is Mongoose the only "Current" version? How much material does each version have available? In your opinion, which is the best and why? I explored the Mongoose website, and all it really says is that Traveller has been 'updated' for the 21st century, no solid details on what that means.

I'm wondering if I should just go with the new Mongoose version, or go with the reprints Marc Miller is selling (which I think are the ones I remember as a kid unless he has changed them), or wait on the 5th edition, try the D20, GURPS, etc, etc, etc.

Here's the low down on Traveller. Stick with Mongoose. All others are sunsetting (save GURPS and T5, which I'll get to in a moment). Mongoose has the license for 10 years and they are not being shy about wanting that edition for be around for 10 solid years (instead of making a new edition in 5 years).

The Mongoose Traveller system (or MGT for short) lies closest to original Traveller in its design, but it has been streamlined for a more modern design. Its been updated to reflect a more modern sense of how the future will look (i.e. computers no longer take up tons of space). Mongoose also went back to the original idea of making Traveller a rules set and not a rulesset and setting bundled together. They published The Spinward Marches and continue to develop the setting, but they also are using the MGT rules for other settings as well. Stranium Dogg, Hammer Slammers, Babylon 5, are Judge Dredd are just some of the settings that will use this rules set.

Additionally, Mongoose released the rules under the Open Game License. This means that any other company may produce material for the system (but not the setting). Other companies have already released star ships and book of additional careers. Reviews of such material have been overwhelmingly positive.

There is still material for previous versions still avilable. The d20 version of Traveller and the Hero version of traveller had their licenses not renewed. But GURPS is allowed to have their license renewed. Also, T5 has been promised, but not much has been delivered to date on it (with endless delays going on for years). What little has been seen has not had the greatest reviews. I do not know anything more specific than that since I had not seen it first hand.

Lastly, the Mongoose version was widely a major seller. Mongoose commented that it may very well be their best selling book of all time. They're on their 4th (or more) reprint in less than a year.

Korgoth · 24th January 2009, 06:50 AM

My thoughts regarding Mungoose: caveat emptor.

Traveller: The reprints of "classic" Traveller from Far Future Enterprises / Marc Miller are the old Traveller books, just like they were in the old days. The game still holds up exceedingly well after all these years and the other editions that I've seen (Mega, T4, D20 and Gurps... I haven't looked over the others) just don't hold a candle to the original. The original is a rules light, adaptable sci fi game that you can use for anything.

I just ran a one shot set in the near future, dealing with ecoterrorism and artificial intelligence. I only used the 3 Little Black Books. It went great and left the group wanting more.

RFisher · 24th January 2009, 07:43 AM

Traveller was the first RPG I played on a regular basis.

I’m not crazy about any editions except classic. I bought the reprints to use as reference. At the table, I use my old Starter Traveller set supplemented by select LBBs acquired via second-hand bookstores and eBay.

That said, what I’ve seen of the Mongoose edition looks pretty good. And I think T5 is going to have some ideas worth stealing though I don’t expect to like it more than classic.

Here’s a brief rundown of the Traveller history, from memory...

cT: Classic Traveller. The original.

MT: Megatraveller. Although published by GDW, it was written mostly by the DGP. It was essentially a re-org of cT with an expanded version of the DGP task system. Core book ended up with a reputation of having a lot of errata. I guess they used the Striker rules for combat and startship construction, which is what turned me off about it. Some people really hated the “Shattered Imperium” changes to the official Traveller universe. Personally, I just ignored that stuff.

TNE: Traveller the new era. Converted to GDW’s “house system” mechanics. That’s about all I know about it.

T4: Marc’s attempt to bring cT up-to-date. Lots of people hating Marc’s new task system. I gather there were various business and quality problems with the company that published it.

GT: GURPS Traveller. Basically, the original Traveller universe for GURPS.

T20: A d20 version. I actually think this is a decent d20 sci-fi system. It’s not really Traveller to me, though. (And I’m no longer crazy about the d20 system for D&D, so it’s unsurprising it’s not my first choice for Traveller as well.

T5: I’d call it a second attempt at T4, with any new ideas Marc’s had since then.

MGT: Mongoose Traveller—the lastest incarnation.

Cardboard Carnage · 24th January 2009, 08:41 AM

Thansk for all of the posts about Traveller, it has given me a lot to look into. I am leaning towards going with the Mongoose version, although I wouldn't mind getting the reprints of the classics as well from the Marc Miller website.

Question for those of you who have purchased the reprints... what is the quality? Are they of a standard production quality or lower quality like cheap photocopies or something?

Thanks,
D.

Korgoth · 24th January 2009, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cardboard Carnage

Question for those of you who have purchased the reprints... what is the quality? Are they of a standard production quality or lower quality like cheap photocopies or something?

Excellent quality. I've had no problems using them (I actually have a bunch of copies of original Traveller in various forms... Starter Traveller, the Traveller Book, a couple different reprints, etc.).

Achan hiArusa · 24th January 2009, 04:49 PM

For some comparative reviews of Runequest you can look at rpg.net:

RPGnet : Review of RuneQuest (Mongoose Edition)

RPGnet : Review of RuneQuest and RuneQuest Companion

Cardboard Carnage · 24th January 2009, 07:45 PM

Excellent links Achan hiArusa, that is exactly what I was looking to read on the Mongoose version of RQ.

Thanks!
D.

Glyfair · 24th January 2009, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cardboard Carnage

Gy questions for RuneQuest are about the same as Traveller. I did an ebay search and can't really locate any of the original versions I played in the 80's.

Here is RQ2, here is the 3rd edition update (the one put out by Avalon Hill) for a great price.

The Avalon Hill was an update, with some controversial changes that many ignored. Still, very few changes from RQ2 (the version you almost certainly played).

All of the books besides the rules have been reprinted recently in large collections. Each is between $50-$100, but has tons of information and new stuff in the collections. For example, Pavis and the Big Rubble are one book, all of the cults are in one book, etc. I had the main site for these, but am not sure where it is now. Steve Jackson's site has most of the readily available Glorantha stuff at the page I linked.

Cardboard Carnage · 25th January 2009, 12:34 AM

Thanks for the links... In looking over all of the info from you and previous posted, I can say almost certainly that I played RQ2 and the original Classic Traveller.

Right now, I am considering going with the new Mongoose versions and possibly picking up the original reprints.

D.

**Plane Sailing** · 25th January 2009, 02:23 AM

I would recommend the Mongoose Traveller - it feels like a nicely enriched version of classic traveller.

I wouldn't recommend Mongoose RQ though - they've made a number of changes to the mechanics in poor directions, and the books need major errata for contests between people with high skills and low skills! The supplements may be OK for information, but I've not looked at them.

I'd strongly recommend getting hold of the original RQ2 from ebay if you can. If you find you can't, then I'd recommend going for Chaosiums recently printed "Basic Role Playing" (not to be confused with the version from the early 80's - this is a thorough and detailed system based on RQ2 but extended for science fiction and superhero campaigning as well as fantasy campaigning.

Some other things that might be of some interest:

My campaign rules when I started running a RQ game set in the "Dark Sun" setting
Bookshelf - FRPG

My campaign rules when for our RQ2 campaigns
Bookshelf - FRPG

Cheers

Achan hiArusa · 25th January 2009, 04:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmccoy1693

Additionally, Mongoose released the rules under the Open Game License. This means that any other company may produce material for the system (but not the setting). Other companies have already released star ships and book of additional careers. Reviews of such material have been overwhelmingly positive.

Thanks, downloaded and read. It has set the wheels turning.

Cardboard Carnage · 25th January 2009, 08:29 AM

Plane Sailing, thanks for the reply and info... I did read elsewhere that there was an issue with the Mongoose RuneQuest with skills hitting over 100% or something (not quite sure the deal since I haven't read any of the rules on it myself), you mentioned it needs some major errata, but did you mean it needs it (as in 'someone needs to do it'), or did you mean it like "there is a lot of errata you need to download and read to make it work?"

I'm just confused if it has been officially corrected/addressed by Mongoose, or if it is just a broken element of the rules that everyone just kind of avoids because it is either unfixable, or not easily fixable?

I'll check out your links as well!

Thanks,
D.

RFisher · 26th January 2009, 03:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cardboard Carnage

Question for those of you who have purchased the reprints... what is the quality? Are they of a standard production quality or lower quality like cheap photocopies or something?

The quality is fine. (IIRC, Marc & his wife actually run a print shop as their day jobs.) The format is a bit unwieldy. (Binding on the short end.)

The reprints are great buy, though. Even adjusted for the cost of inflation, they’re still cheaper than the originals were. Much of it, I would think, could prove useful no matter what rules you went with. And MgT was aiming to be very close to cT.

Cardboard Carnage · 26th January 2009, 07:11 AM

Thanks for the reply and info RFisher, I assume the strange layout of the reprints is because the pages are printed next to eachother? Making the book longer than taller? I don't that would bother me too much...

I think I've decided to go with the new Mongoose version as the version we'll play, but purchase the reprinted "Classic" version that I remember playing in my teen years to have for reference and to bring back memories, give me ideas, etc.

With that being said, I have a few questions if you or anyone else can answer... Is there any benefit to having any of the books from the other editions? I am reading that there are MegaTraveller and GURPS and D20 editions out, whats the deal with them as far as having useful material? Are there any good adventures from any of these editions that would be worth getting to use as ideas on the new Mongoose version?

Thanks,
D.

Philotomy Jurament · 26th January 2009, 11:23 AM

Plane Sailing already said it, but I'll weigh in with the same basic recommendations:

Runequest 2, with the new BRP from Chaosium being a fallback position. (Avoid Mongoose RQ and AH RQ)
Classic Traveller, with Mongoose Traveller being amazingly close

RFisher · 27th January 2009, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cardboard Carnage

Thanks for the reply and info RFisher, I assume the strange layout of the reprints is because the pages are printed next to eachother? Making the book longer than taller? I don't that would bother me too much...

Yep. Also, having a bunch of LBB in one BFB can make it harder to find the page you need quickly.

Quote:

Is there any benefit to having any of the books from the other editions? I am reading that there are MegaTraveller and GURPS and D20 editions out, whats the deal with them as far as having useful material? Are there any good adventures from any of these editions that would be worth getting to use as ideas on the new Mongoose version?

Assuming that what works with cT works with MgT...

I have the MT core books & T20 main book. I never referenced them in the recent cT campaign.

But, I did use Personal Weapons of Charted Space published by the T20 company but dual-statted for cT & T20. I used a couple of the BITS books. (Which are intended to be edition-neutral through the BITS Task System.) I came very close to buying some of GT ship deck plans. The GT book on the Glisten system also looked useful.

So, there’s what I know...FWIW.

Has anyone pointed you to the Citizens of the Imperium forums yet? I found the cT forum useful when during my cT campaign.

Cardboard Carnage · 27th January 2009, 04:21 AM

Dang, I was holding out some good hope for the Mongoose RuneQuest, the PDF previews I saw looked pretty good. I am a bit bummed there is negative reactions to it because it seems like it is going to be kind of hard to track down the old versions of the game I used to play (the one before AH's version)... Is the AH version decent? I have seen a few of those items for sale and it may be an alternative.

I will check out the Citizens of the Imperium Forum, it looks like a place I could get some good info from.

D.