Dragonstar d20 vs Spelljammer d20

[Randolpho]

http://www.enworld.org/messageboards/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9702

I posted this thread in the d20 games forum, but I haven't been getting as much traffic as I'd like, so I thought I'd give a quick post in General RPG.

Here's the delio -- I have Dungeon #92, and I like what I see of Spelljammer. I have not read up on Dragonstar.

What's the diff? Good/bad? Should I get Dragonstar? Why?

Feel free to direct replies there.

Thanks,

 

[Derulbaskul]

Dragonstar is good, except that at the moment there is only one of the three (?) books published that you will need to run the setting.

Dragonstar is more futuristic, in that it combines magic and far-future technology. SJ, assuming it's like the original (I may have Deities & Demigods but it's a couple more weeks until I see Dungeon), is more the magic plus medievel technology.

Personally, I am more interested in SJ as it can be more easily integrated into a "normal" campaign but that's no slight on DS.

Cheers
NPP

 

[Zarrock God of Evil]

Both can complement each other actually, but I find Dragonstar to be the superior setting IMO. Dragonstar meshes perfectly with any other campaign world and doesn't use the strange physics of the SJ galaxy (though for those who like that - implementing it would be very easy). Most traditional settings are considered to be part of the Outland worlds - eg. primitive worlds that have not yet made contact with the Dragon Empire (which encompasses a limited area of space - but is the centre of the Dragonstar setting) and it is easy to guide "traditional" adventures towards a journey to the stars. Dragonstar is one of the most promising settings around and with the upcoming release of Guide to the Galaxy, Imperial Supply (equipment book) and DS: Player's Companion we'll see if the potential will be fully realised. The Starfarer's Handbook is definitely worth your quid if you are interested in taking DnD into space..... (on the other hand - if you don't like Space Opera - SJ might be more for you).

-Zarrock

 

[Erifnogard]

Dragonstar is D&D as space opera. Still high in fantasy elements but in a 'Star Wars' kind of high tech fantasy way.

Spelljammer is swashbuckling fantasy in space. For some reason makes me think of 'John Carter of Mars' (more of a feel than an actual match).

 

[d20Dwarf]

Just to clear something up, you can run a DS game with just the Starfarer's Handbook. I've been doing it for quite some time now.

There is also a free adventure on our Website that can help kick off a campaign, and if you join the Yahoo! Group "DSD20" you'll find a LOT of useful info in the files section. Those guys are awesome!

 

[d20Dwarf]

Just to clear something up, you can run a DS game with just the Starfarer's Handbook. I've been doing it for quite some time now.

There is also a free adventure on our Website that can help kick off a campaign, and if you join the Yahoo! Group "DSD20" you'll find a LOT of useful info in the files section. Those guys are awesome!