D20 system to play Firefly?

[KidCthulhu]

If you were going to run a game based on Firefly, what system would you use?

I know there's a Buffy/Angel system, but this is going to be a one shot for a con, and I don't want to buy or learn anything. I'll have enough challenge riding herd on the complicated plot I've got planned without adding fumbling through the rule book.

I though D20 Modern. Any thoughts?

 

[Crothian]

D20 Modern works, but for a con game I'd actually be more tempted to go with a rules lite system. I playted in a Firefly con game 2 years ago that had a very simple ruleset and worked well sicne the game was mostly role playing and just fun. It was QAGS Firefly if you happen to have a copy of that. Its been floating around the newt for a while now.

 

[Henry]

If you don't use Grim Tales, Wulf may shoot you.

Seriously, Either GT or d20M would do the trick. Depending on if you wanted true to the TV Show, I'd say put Massive Damage at 10, ignore the advanced and prestige stuff, and just make 'em all strong/smart/tough/ etc. heroes, under 10th level, allowing a limited pool of Action points to stabilize and stave off death. Using some of the cooler talents added to GT would allow the psychic and super-ninja types like River.

 

[Kid Charlemagne]

I've always thought that Firefly fits very well with the Traveller level of tech and psionics, so Traveller d20 might be a good choice, though I've never used it myself.

 

[Dragonhelm]

If you were going to run a game based on Firefly, what system would you use?

I'd just wait for Margaret Weis Productions to put out the Serenity RPG, which should be available at GenCon this year.

 

[KidCthulhu]

I'd do that, but I've already promised to run the game in June. So unless I want some very unhappy guests, I've got to get crackin'

 

[Dragonhelm]

I'd do that, but I've already promised to run the game in June. So unless I want some very unhappy guests, I've got to get crackin'

Perhaps try d20 Future. I've heard of people using that before for Firefly.

 

[Black Pharaoh]

Sidewinder: Recoiled, combined with D20 future would probably work pretty well.

 

[Ranger REG]

Any thoughts?

d20 Modern would be my preferred choice.

Before d20 Modern, I would have used Traveller20 ruleset.

 

[fanboy2000]

d20 Future all the way...

I just wrapped my tenure as DM on a combo Firefly/Star*Drive campaign. My suggestions d20 Future, early PL 6/Late PL 5 for the outer worlds, and late PL 6 for the core worlds. I pegged Firefly ships as a class of fast freighter. I'd heavily edit the equipment list to keep in line with the gritty nature of the show. PL 5 guns should still be common. I wouldn't make anything cheeper because it's in a lower PL, different worlds are in different stages of development and prices should reflect that.

As my last hurrah, I had Reviers board the ship they ended-up on (long story involving Blue Sun and the Shroud of Turin). I gave them 6 levels in Tough Ordinary, immunities to radiation and massive damage, frightful presence (Will save DC 16 or become panicked), and I armed them with what I called Revier Swords. Revier Swords are made from scrap metal and deal 2d8+Str points of damage.