Silver Age Sentinels d20 Superhero RPG Launches in August

[Guardians Of Order]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Guelph, Ontario
19 April 2002

Contact: Mark C. MacKinnon, President

SILVER AGE SENTINELS D20 SUPERHERO RPG LAUNCHES IN AUGUST

Guardians Of Order, Inc. announced today that they will release a d20 Edition of their
new superhero role-playing game, Silver Age Sentinels, in August 2002. This new core
rulebook, published under the Open Gaming License, will follow the premiere of the
Tri-Stat System Edition of Silver Age Sentinels in July. Developed by a talented team
of Origins Award winning and nominated writers and game designers, both editions of
Silver Age Sentinels will feature one of the most comprehensive, flexible, and
easy-to-use character creations systems ever released.

"Superhero RPG fans now have a choice between two great systems: Tri-Stat and
d20," said President Mark C. MacKinnon. "Although Tri-Stat has been the company’s
system of choice since our inception five years ago, we recognize that a large
community of gamers would also like to play a superhero campaign using the d20
mechanic. Silver Age Sentinel’s point-based power creation system fits perfectly with
d20, and helps players create characters of any ability level. The d20 Edition will
outline how to convert between d20 and Tri-Stat, and will be compatible with the wide
range of other d20 products. This summer, it’ll be a great time to be a superhero
fan!"

Silver Age Sentinels invokes the themes and ideals of Silver Age comics (such as
heroism, teamwork, and good versus evil), placed in a modern context. The game is
also ideal for a wide range of superhuman campaign types, including: far-future
Earth, high-fantasy, World War II, modern-day urban darkness, near-future fascist
America, Gold Age pulp, Victorian steampunk, and many others. The d20 Edition
features new character classes, dozens of customizable powers and abilities,
template-based vehicle and weapon creation, the campaign world setting of Empire
City, and details on dozens of sample characters. This 300-page hardcover core
rulebook (Product #13-201) will be available in August 2002 for $34.95 USD/$52.95
CAN.

Founded in 1997, Guardians Of Order, Inc. is a Canadian publishing company
specializing in authorized Japanese anime Ultimate Fan Guides and
superheroic/cinematic role-playing games. In addition to their Origins
Award-nominated Big Eyes, Small Mouth RPG, they currently publish licensed anime
RPGs and resource books for Tenchi Muyo and El-Hazard. In summer 2002, they will
debut two editions of Silver Age Sentinels: The Superhero Role-Playing Game.
Guardians Of Order is headquartered in Guelph, Ontario. For more information,
contact Guardians Of Order at info@guardiansorder.com, or visit the company's
website at http://www.guardiansorder.com.

"d20 System" is a trademark of Wizards of the Coast.

 

[Guardians Of Order]

Silver Age Sentinels FAQ (Tri-Stat/d20)

Silver Age Sentinels Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Updated 22 April 2002

A. General Questions
1. What is Silver Age Sentinels?
2. What are the product codes? Prices?
3. When will the books be released?
4. What is the difference between the "Deluxe Limited" and "Standard" Editions?
5. How does Silver Age Sentinels differ from Big Eyes, Small Mouth?
6. Does the "Silver Age" mean the book is set in the 1950s-60s?
7. Do I have to use the Empire City Setting to play?
8. Can Silver Age Sentinels be used for role-playing campaigns that do not feature
superheroes?
9. How will the game be supported?
10. Are there any fan sites for Silver Age Sentinels yet?


B. d20 Edition Questions
1. Why is Guardians Of Order doing d20?
2. Does this mean you’ll cancel the Tri-Stat Edition?
3. What if I don’t like the d20 system (or Tri-Stat System)?
4. Will the d20 Edition have character classes? Feats? Skills? Levels?
5. Does the d20 Edition use d20 Modern?
6. Will there be conversion notes? How easily can I convert from d20 to Tri-Stat?
7. How will you support the d20 Edition?
8. Does this mean I’ll be buying books with extra material for the system I won’t be
using?
9. I thought Green Ronin was doing the d20 superhero game?



A. General Questions

1. What is Silver Age Sentinels?

Silver Age Sentinels is a new role-playing game system for the superhero genre and
beyond from Guardians Of Order! The game will be released for two separate
systems: Tri-Stat and d20. Silver Age Sentinels invokes the themes and ideals of the
Silver Age of comics placed in a modern context, and contains everything you need to
play the entire range of superhuman power levels in your adventures -- from street
vigilantes to spandex-clad heroes to galactic entities! Silver Age Sentinels also
includes: an exhaustive add-on mechanic for superpowers, the complete world setting
of Empire City, a quick play character generation option (Tri-Stat only), new character
classes and skills (for d20), dozens of sample characters, and a template-driven
vehicle and weapon creation system. Guidelines for converting between d20 and
Tri-Stat are also included in the d20 Edition.

2. What are the product codes? Prices?

The Deluxe Limited Edition (Tri-Stat) is GUA13-001. $39.95 USD/$59.95 CAN.
The Standard Edition (Tri-Stat) is GUA13-002. $29.95 USD/$44.95 CAN.
The d20 Edition is GUA13-201. $34.95 USD/$52.95 CAN.

3. When will the books be released?

The Deluxe Limited Edition (Tri-Stat) will launch during a world-wide release weekend:
20-21 July 2002. We are offering special "sneak-peek availability" at the Origins
Game Fair (4-7 July 2002) in Columbus, Ohio.
The d20 Edition will premiere in August 2002.
The Standard Edition (Tri-Stat) will be available once the Deluxe Limited Edition has
sold through its print run. Projected release month is October 2002.

4. What is the difference between the "Deluxe Limited" and "Standard" Editions?

The Deluxe Limited Edition will be printed in full-colour throughout, on premium
glossy paper, with a hardcover binding. There will only be one printing of this edition,
and once it is sold out, Silver Age Sentinels will never be available in this format
again.
The Standard Edition will be identical to the Deluxe Edition in all respects, except it
will be printed in black and white, on standard paper stock, with a softcover binding.
The Standard Edition will replace the Deluxe Edition (once it is sold out) and be kept
in print for years.
The d20 Edition will be printed in black and white, on standard paper stock, but will
include a hardcover binding.

5. How does the Silver Age Sentinels system differ from the Big Eyes, Small Mouth
system?

The biggest difference is scale: Silver Age Sentinels uses 10-sided dice (d10 Tri-Stat)
while Big Eyes, Small Mouth uses 6-sided dice (d6 Tri-Stat). Change from d6 to d10
allows Silver Age Sentinels to expand the range of superhuman power levels
necessary for a superhero game. The game mechanics are very similar, but d10
offers more dice combinations.
Additionally, Silver Age Sentinels features a customization option for Attributes called
Power Modifier Values. This addition helps differentiate multiple characters with the
same powers (like Teleportation or Mind Control), making each player’s character
distinct and unique.
The two games will be compatible for those who want to convert between systems.
There are some other minor rule changes as well, but those are the two major
differences.

6. Does the "Silver Age" mean the book is set in the 1950s-60s?

No. We use the term "Silver Age" to evoke the themes and ideals, rather than time
period, of that comic era. We have wrapped these ideals (such as heroism,
teamwork, good versus evil, etc.) in a framework of guidelines and suggestions for
players and GMs. The Empire City campaign world included in the core book recounts
global history up until the current day for the setting -- January 1, 2001.

7. Do I have to use the Empire City Setting to play?

No. Empire City can be used as the backdrop for your campaign as presented, or as
an example of how to create your own setting. Since Silver Age Sentinels covers the
entire range of superhuman abilities from sidekick to galactic entity, you can also use
the rules to simulate your favourite comic book universe.

8. Can Silver Age Sentinels be used for role-playing campaigns that do not feature
superheroes?

Absolutely! The flesh we are wrapping around the game system skeleton details the
superhero genre, but the core rules are perfect for an immense range of campaign
types, including: far-future Earth, high-fantasy, World War II, modern-day urban
darkness, near-future fascist America, Gold Age pulp, Victorian steampunk, and many
others. If you are looking for a great universal, multi-genre game engine, Silver Age
Sentinels may be exactly what you want.

9. How will the game be supported?

Guardians Of Order has an aggressive supplement release schedule for the game
that features at least one new product every month for the first year. This includes:
fast play rules, character record books, Game Master’s screen, NPC books, adventure
modules, hero’s almanac, villain’s almanac, and other products that will be
announced later. Additionally, our website will host special features and contests
regularly to support the line. We have set up a mailing list and message board
(including a shared world board for Empire City) to foster a player network as well.

10. Are there any fan sites for Silver Age Sentinels yet?

Yes, there are, with more popping up regularly. Some sample sites include:
www.sascharacters.com; hometown.aol.com/libertycitynj/;
www.geocities.com/elmo4266/SAScharlist.html.

B. d20 Edition Questions

1. Why is Guardians Of Order doing d20?

Although Tri-Stat has been Guardians Of Order’s system of choice since our inception
five years ago, we recognize that a large community of gamers would also like to play
a superhero campaign using the d20 mechanic. Silver Age Sentinel’s point-based
power creation system fits perfectly with d20, and helps players create characters of
any ability level. The d20 Edition will be compatible with the wide range of other d20
products.

2. Does this mean you’ll cancel the Tri-Stat Edition?

No. The Tri-Stat player network is vast and dedicated, and we will support Tri-Stat for
many years to come. Tri-Stat and d20 Silver Age Sentinels will co-exist.

3. What if I don’t like the d20 system (or Tri-Stat System)?


Since the core rulebooks will be separate, you only need to purchase the one that
interests you. If you like Tri-Stat and d20, you might want to pick up both.

4. Will the d20 Edition have character classes? Feats? Skills? Levels?

Naturally, we needed to make some change to the core d20 elements to mesh with
the superhero genre. Silver Age Sentinels will feature character classes, skills, and
levels, although the application of those elements will differ slightly from other d20
games. Feats have been subsumed by the more expansive power-creation rules.
In short, d20 Silver Age Sentinels will be very familiar and comfortable for d20
players, but will offer adaptations appropriate for a superhero RPG.

5. Does the d20 Edition use d20 Modern?

No. Silver Age Sentinels will debut before d20 Modern, and is based on the Open
Gaming License version 1.0. This is the same version that all current d20 products
use.

6. Will there be conversion notes? How easily can I convert between d20 and Tri-Stat?


Converting between d20 and Tri-Stat is exceptionally easy, and full guidelines will be
provided. Since the power-creation rules are virtually the same for both systems, the
main thrust of the conversion is Stats/Character Abilities and combat-related
mechanics.

7. How will you support the d20 Edition?

Most Silver Age Sentinels supplements will be dual system, with support for both d20
and Tri-Stat. The systems work together elegantly, which allows us to provide for all
customers.

8. Does this mean I’ll be buying books with extra material for the system I won’t be
using?

There will be minimal rules and text that apply to only one system. Silver Age
Sentinels is a rules-light game, and consequently the majority of the text in
supplements is not system specific. Including support for both d20 and Tri-Stat will
increase the word count/page count only slightly. Everybody wins with this
presentation.

9. I thought Green Ronin was doing the d20 superhero game?

Yes, Green Ronin is also publishing a d20 superhero game (in Fall 2002) called
Mutants and Masterminds. Steve Kenson, who contributed to Silver Age Sentinels as
well, is the line developer and primary writer for that game. Although Silver Age
Sentinels and Mutants and Masterminds are not directly related products, they will be
compatible through the d20 system. See www.greenronin.com for more information.

 

[Dartnet X]

Question

How close will the d20 SAS be to the Tri Stat play test?? Will it go to the Pyamid for playtest?

Dartnet X

"Were doomed"

C3P0

 

[Guardians Of Order]

Re: Question

How close will the d20 SAS be to the Tri Stat play test?? Will it go to the Pyamid for playtest?

The power system will be very close, since it is effectively the same. The core d20 will obviously be different (Levels, classes, stats, etc.) but the conversion is nearly seemless.

The playtest is closed, and not on Pyramid.

 

[Dahak]

Re: Silver Age Sentinels FAQ (Tri-Stat/d20)

9. I thought Green Ronin was doing the d20 superhero game?

Yes, Green Ronin is also publishing a d20 superhero game (in Fall 2002) called
Mutants and Masterminds. Steve Kenson, who contributed to Silver Age Sentinels as
well, is the line developer and primary writer for that game. Although Silver Age
Sentinels and Mutants and Masterminds are not directly related products, they will be
compatible through the d20 system. See www.greenronin.com for more information.

This is the kind of goodwill I like to see between companies. I havn't bought a GOO product yet, but I think I'll be picking up both the d20 and Tri-Stat versions of SAS.

 

[baseballfury]

Re: Re: Silver Age Sentinels FAQ (Tri-Stat/d20)

This is the kind of goodwill I like to see between companies. I havn't bought a GOO product yet, but I think I'll be picking up both the d20 and Tri-Stat versions of SAS.

This doesn't look like good will to me. Green Ronin announced Mutants & Masterminds many months ago. Now these guys, who aren't even a d20 company, are going to bum rush GR and squeeze out their conversion first. That is simply rude and strikes me as a blatant attempt to cash in on d20 by a company that has nothing to do with it.

While I had previously considered getting the Tri Stat version of SAS, now I will be getting neither version.

 

[Ranger REG]

Sorry you feel that way. But it's business. And in business, you're going to have to be competitive.

I'm all for competition, especially when that means that the companies involved will have to work harder on the material to get my money.

So what if SAS is going d20? At least we now have four products in the d20 superhero genre: Green Ronin's Mutants & Mastermind, Hobgoblynn Press's GODLIKE (okay it has its own rules system, but also contains a d20 conversion), and a product from Natural 20 Press (sorry, Morrus, forgot the title).

Now if only someone has the guts to compete against Rokugan, the only sole product for the d20 asian-fantasy genre. So far no one, not even Chainmail Bikini's Beyond Monk nor Avalanche Press's Jade & Steel (the first to highlight China fantasy setting).

 

[tensen]

Won't that actually make 6 before the year is out?

Guardians of Order's Silver Age Sentinels d20
Green Ronin's Mutants & Mastermind
Hobgoblynn Press's GODLIKE
Natural 20 Press's Product

Team Frog's Foundation
Vigilance


Personally I like the variety that will be presented and I think there will be a lot of mixing and mathcing between systems, if they aren't completely imcompatible.

I just hope everyone releases supplimental adventures that are easy to tweak between settings.

 

[Dahak]

Re: Re: Re: Silver Age Sentinels FAQ (Tri-Stat/d20)

This doesn't look like good will to me. Green Ronin announced Mutants & Masterminds many months ago. Now these guys, who aren't even a d20 company, are going to bum rush GR and squeeze out their conversion first. That is simply rude and strikes me as a blatant attempt to cash in on d20 by a company that has nothing to do with it.

While I had previously considered getting the Tri Stat version of SAS, now I will be getting neither version.

Ah, a differing viewpoint from my own. Kind of like how M&M will have a differing viewpoint on how the genre would work than SAS.

I stand by my initial statement. There was a time when most companies would not even acknowledge that there was competition, much less tell the reader where to find information on the competitors.

 

[Ranger REG]

Won't that actually make 6 before the year is out?

Guardians of Order's Silver Age Sentinels d20
Green Ronin's Mutants & Mastermind
Hobgoblynn Press's GODLIKE
Natural 20 Press's Product

Team Frog's Foundation
Vigilance

You have to mention Foundation? (No offense, Team Frog.)