Dragonstar: Any opinions?

[ced1106]

Currently reading the Guide. As an rpg grognard I find it kinda generic. It's unusual that it doesn't follow the conventional "universe-reaching influence of a particular technology (or lack thereof)". OTOH, Most fantasy and superhero rpg's work just fine in a generic universe.

So what do you enjoy and dislike about Dragonstar?


Cedric.
aka. Washu! ^O^

 

[trancejeremy]

Most of the setting info is in the Galaxy Guide. (Though it's also not terribly detailed, either. But a lot more than in the Starfarer's Guide...)

 

[Psion]

I like some of the basic concepts in DS, and think that the Starfarer's Handbook was really well done.

That said, I really expected a lot more depth in the GttG, more details about the universe, more fodder for plots. You have to do a lot of your own work as far as I see it. Further, they really botched planet/system generation by over-simplifying it.

 

[dkilgo]

I haven't put my finger on it just yet, but I hav eonly playe da few games thus far. We just recently got the books, and are trying hte system out. I will agree that the system while interesting is very lacking in solidity. The encroach upon many intersting ideas and concepts, but they just haven't followed through with them, yet. I hope that they do in future releases.

 

[Mystic Eye]

Our adventure/sourcebook Raw Recruits for Dragonstar might give you a jump start there. It presents a solid background for a DS campaign theme and has enough adventure material to take characters to around level 6.
Check it out at your local game store.

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

We don`t use the Dragonstar Universe itself, but much of the rest of the content.

The Spellware rules give a good idea how to make cybernetics work.
The new classes Mechanist and Pilot are well thought, even though they may perhaps need some fixes.

The weapon damage is too high - though I agree that "modern" firearms and energy weapons should deal some more damage than melee weapons (if you didn`t do this, everybody would stay in melee and that is not so great), 3d8 for a simple Blaster Pistol is to much. (we toned down damage and range of most weapons, making the blaster pistols the most deadly ones, but less precise ones, and give lasers and rifles the greatest range)

The rules for vehicles are interesting, though I don`t like the rules for space vehicles - shield, natural armor and armor boni seem to be erratic, guessed values and seem to follow no real pattern. (I suggest dropping the "one size system for everything" idea when getting into space).
Making a space combat system is difficult, but Dragonstar provides some very important ideas how to involve everybody (except, perhaps, the Monk and spellcasters) - using stations to allow different people do different parts of the job to fly the ship. (In my campaign, I added Spellbanks to modern warships, that also allow for spellcasters to use their spells in space)

For the setting:
I think it is quite interesting, but unfortunately, I had something else in mind when creating my own RPG Universe - and at the time we started with Dragonstar, the first DM used it for the Space Gothic Setting (he had several interesting adventures, but didn`t like the original system).
If there had been some good adventures to start with, maybe we would have a DS campaign.
(I really suggest to make more adventures for the setting, at least enough to get from level 1 to level 20 with the characters. Obviosuly, the adventures must be good and creative)

Oh, you can find some of our ideas on our website (given below), but be aware - it is in German.

Mustrum "http://www.gweb.de/ttt/index.htm" Ridcully

 

[Eye Tyrant]

I kind of like the setting, especially the idea of the ISPD. I have yet to play, but plan to soon. My normal group has been perusing my books and seems really interested. I am waiting on my copy of Raw Recruits to come in before starting the game though. I have little to no experience when it comes to running a Sci-Fi/Fantasy game like DS, but I am eager to give it a go.

 

[Neo]

I am quite partial to Dragonstar (DS) myself, it gives you just enough to set you thinking. As things stand you have the Dragon Empire the Dragon Houses, the ISPD and numerous regions etc.. and the rest you can cater to suit your own groups needs. One of the biggest plusses for me with DS was that everything wasn't explained completely, and as a resuly our own DS campaign ended up specifically catered to the kind of game we wanted within the Dragon Empire.

If anyone wants access to a mass of free Dragonstar related race conversions, new weapons, monsters, equipment, armours, Prestige Classes, vehicle and the like as well as my much acclaimed Neo's Custom Computer rules (N.C.C.R) and Neo's Custom Ship construction rules (N.C.S.C.R) then all can be downloaded via the downloads page of my website (URL in the sig below).

 

[dkilgo]

Now I never said that it wan't a fun campaign, but I still think that for a fledgling system that there should be a little more structure to the campaign setting. That is all.

Also, thanks for the link. I will have to try and fully implement these things in to my campaign.

 

[dglass]

I love DragonStar! I found it easy to just drop whatever I wanted in there. Right now I am doing an Everquest RPG game that may turn into a DragonStar crossover depending on the player choices. The world of Norrath is in peril. The characters are currently on the inhabited moon of Luclin trying to figure out what to do. I was planning on introducing the Evarstanza (( http://www.mysticeyegames.com/DSrawrecruits.html )) a ship from the Dragon Empire that has arrived in system to help. After they save the planet the party could continue to adventure in the DS universe or return to Norrath.