New Edition of Spycraft

[Ghostwind]

The last I heard, the new version was designed to be very backwards compatible with all of the existing supplements. As for release date, Gen Con was what I was told earlier this year. I think there may be a new Spycraft CCG expansion released at Origins.

 

[Keeper of Secrets]

My only problem with the game is this: (a) it is really hard to run the game with more than a small group of people - like it is with any spy game, and (b) the villain creation system is kind of nightmarish as it presumes that you, the GM are going to have most details of the game set out from start to finish, without having any variation or potential side adventures.

I guess I had such a bad experience building the villain and his henchmen.

 

[uraniumdragon]

...is one being released at Origins?

This is a rumour I've heard and am looking for confirmation.

Sure it isn't just a new set of Spycraft Cards?

 

[Macbeth]

My only problem with the game is this: (a) it is really hard to run the game with more than a small group of people - like it is with any spy game, and (b) the villain creation system is kind of nightmarish as it presumes that you, the GM are going to have most details of the game set out from start to finish, without having any variation or potential side adventures.

I guess I had such a bad experience building the villain and his henchmen.

Really? i had always seen the mastermind system as one of the greatest points of the system. It's some great guidlines/ideas for making a baddy just tough enough to be around for a while, but not overwhelming. I thought it was great.

And as for a second edition: Damn them for making me want to spend more money

 

[(Psi)SeveredHead]

For the mastermind system (I run D20 Modern), I just used it as advice for what level to make the BBEG and his minions.

 

[MugMug]

Spycraft 2.0 - Some Answers (long)

Sure it isn't just a new set of Spycraft Cards?

Hey everybody. I'm a Regional Branch Director for Living Spycraft. That means I am a volunteer for the Living Spycraft campaign. I do not work for AEG (the publisher of Spycraft), but I am close enough I can answer some basic questions.

Spycraft 2.0 *is* slated for a "Summer 2005" release. A couple months ago the idea was to aim for Origins, but to expect GenCon Indy. I have no additional information on release dates, other than we're close enough that additional "suggestions" for the game are unlikely to be considered (books get written *months* before being published, and this book is probably in its final editing stages).

Spycraft 2.0 will be based around a single core book, which is expected to include all the information necessary to play the game. The book was originally expected to be 400+ pages (they are serious about it being inclusive); through the magic of standardization and modularity this was brought down a bit, and current expectations place it at over 300 pages. One example of this standardization/modularity thing in D&D would be to give a single explanation of the Uncanny Dodge class ability, and then all those classes and p-classes that use this ability would refer to the one explanation. Another exmple would be that the Confusion spell cause a particular pre-defined state (e.g. panicked) rather than having its own "run away" mechanic.

My understanding is that follow-up books will be modular campaign-style books. That could probably use some explaining. Let's say you wanted to run a generic modern espionage campaign. If one of your players wanted to be a martial artist they could build that from the core book. If, however, you wanted to run a martial arts-centric campaign, whether cinematic or otherwise, maybe you pick up the Martial Arts module. This would contain greater detail and flavor than is found in the core book. Note this was an example; I don't know if they are actually planning a Martial Arts book. Furthermore, this example is based on my probably flawed understanding of the business model they will be pursuing, but there it is.

I *have* heard the book will be OGL rather than d20, but cannot confirm that (I didn't hear it from the right people, but I believe it to be true). My guess is this is being done so that character creation rules can be included -- something not allowed under the d20 license.

The rules are changing, and probably more than "minor" changes, but many elements will be the same or similar. From what I've seen the changes make Spycraft more "Spycrafty" than before. The developers are excited about the new versions; most fans I've spoken to are excited about the new version; and *I'm* excited about the new version.

Sorry for the long post; I wanted to pass along as much information as I could. I'd be happy to take a stab at answering any of your questions.

Walter Christensen

Living Spycraft
U.S. Regional Branch Director
walter @ hotie . org

 

[qstor]

Hey everybody. I'm a Regional Branch Director for Living Spycraft. That means I am a volunteer for the Living Spycraft campaign. I do not work for AEG (the publisher of Spycraft), but I am close enough I can answer some basic questions.

whats going to happen to Living Spycraft if the books goes OGL?

Mike

 

[MugMug]

whats going to happen to Living Spycraft if the books goes OGL?

I'm not sure why Spycraft being OGL (assuming that is actually going to happen) should affect LSpy. Anyway, 2.0 should provide better support for LSpy than did the first version.

The single book should make the table run a little smoother. Also, certain changes in 2.0 -- such as, I'm told, the way equipping will work -- will fix some of the inefficiencies in LSpy.

Walter

 

[The Shaman]

Hmmm..sounds like d20 Spycraft books will be going on sale soon...

 

[King of Old School]

I'm not sure why Spycraft being OGL (assuming that is actually going to happen) should affect LSpy.

Because the RPGA no longer supports non-d20 Living campaigns. That said, I can't recall offhand whether or not LSpy is run through the auspices of the RPGA.

BTW, it's been officially confirmed that Spycraft 2.0 will be OGL (YAY!).

KoOS