D20 Spelljammer

I wonder if they'll do anything with dracons, or all the old Star Frontiers critters that made it over. (I liked the Hadozi?/deck ape)

I still have my Complete Spacefares Handbook too.

I still like the Giff! ... better than the Gromman (apes) at least.
 

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Spelljammer: Shadow of the Spider Moon

I think that y'all will be pleasantly surprised by the Spelljammer game presented in the next issue of Polyhedron/Dungeon.

It represents an attempt (by a long-time Spelljammer fan, no less) to capture many of the cool elements of the original setting--magical flying ships, swashbuckling space pirates, alien worlds, and of course the dreaded illithids--while at the same time giving it a feel that's more in tune with the latest incarnation of the D&D game (with a weird "John Carter of Mars"-ish feel layered on top of it all).

Old-school SJ fans should get a kick out of seeing familiar concepts presented in new ways, while those who liked the concept but couldn't wrap their minds around the admittedly "wacky" nature of some SJ tropes can feel reassured that this is as serious a game as they want it to be. (And hey, if you really dig giant space hamsters, nobody's stopping you from putting 'em back in, right!)

Technically speaking, Spelljammer: Shadow of the Spider Moon is both a new D20 "game" and a "D&D" campaign setting rolled in to one. But if either one of those elements doesn't work for you, it should be pretty darn easy to steal the "other half" for your home game.

Is it unique from Dragonstar? Sure it is, if for no other reason than it relies on less wholesale alteration of your campaign world to "port over" elements of the game. (That's not to diminish the creativity of Dragonstar in the least, mind you--everything I've seen indicates that DS has a wealth of original and exciting concepts just waiting for players to try 'em out.)

How do I know all this? Because I'm the big SJ fan who wrote it, based on a concept that Erik and I first started discussing well over a year ago.

So buckle on your swordbelt and hoist the mainsail, 'cause we're goin' Spelljamming!
 

I always hated Spelljammer. I can't believe WotC is wasting their time on this.

3E players should go for Dragon Star instead.

Edit: I just noticed the very nice post right before this one. Andy, please take no offense.
 
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A few thoughts:

- I wouldn't judge the article without seeing yet. Several of you seem to have done so based on a teaser, either for or against.

- The "sillyness" factor of Spelljammer, which is very subjective, can easily be left out of the article. Fans can add giant space hamsters and giff without much trouble. I'm sure fansites will, in fact, if they haven't already. Given the limited space, it's better if they concentrate on the core of the setting and leave out the fringe stuff that may or may not appeal to the masses.

- It's not going to be a boxed set or hardcover. Don't take it so seriously. You can modify it or ignore it.

Wonder if the evil spider-like race will be in, can't remember the name. (It's an N word, definitely an N word...) Probably, given the title.
 
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Re: Spelljammer: Shadow of the Spider Moon

Andy_Collins said:
It represents an attempt (by a long-time Spelljammer fan, no less) to capture many of the cool elements of the original setting--magical flying ships, swashbuckling space pirates, alien worlds, and of course the dreaded illithids--while at the same time giving it a feel that's more in tune with the latest incarnation of the D&D game (with a weird "John Carter of Mars"-ish feel layered on top of it all).

Okay, I feel better. Especially since you mentioned John Carter.
 

Well I would add space hamsters... but never having the original makes it a bit harder (that's what's stopping me!). Would Wizards consider an online supplement? :b
 


I'm certainly going to hunt down this issue, even if I don't get a full subscription. Thanks for dropping in Andy! I'm guessing you'll be willing to discuss the article once this issue is out, right?
 

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