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Author Topic: 5E Science Fiction Systems  (Read 2382 times)

Aglondir

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5E Science Fiction Systems
« on: September 04, 2019, 01:45:11 AM »
By now, someone has probably created a system for science-fiction games using the 5E rules. Anything good?

remial

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« Reply #1 on: September 06, 2019, 05:11:00 AM »
what I'd love is if WotC just went ahead and did a whopping big space opera setting, that was designed using the 5th ed rules and such, but was in no way balanced in any way against anything in the D&D settings.  Yes, you still need the player's handbook, or at least the basic rules, but everything in the space opera book is very much its own creature.  attributes and savings throws work the same, as do skill checks. Humans aren't that different, but classes, weapons, and everything else is all new.
It would still be sold under the D&D umbrella, but that is only because of the rules system.

then a couple years later, maybe do a pulp game or modern era, or supers.

jeff37923

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« Reply #2 on: September 06, 2019, 06:31:59 AM »
Quote from: remial;1102685
what I'd love is if WotC just went ahead and did a whopping big space opera setting, that was designed using the 5th ed rules and such, but was in no way balanced in any way against anything in the D&D settings.  Yes, you still need the player's handbook, or at least the basic rules, but everything in the space opera book is very much its own creature.  attributes and savings throws work the same, as do skill checks. Humans aren't that different, but classes, weapons, and everything else is all new.
It would still be sold under the D&D umbrella, but that is only because of the rules system.

then a couple years later, maybe do a pulp game or modern era, or supers.

The last time they did that, it was called d20 Star Wars and played like DnD in Spaaaaaaacccccceeeeeeeee.....
"Meh."

Opaopajr

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« Reply #3 on: September 06, 2019, 06:48:31 AM »
I doubt it, besides the Star Wars 5e D&D conversion... The widget factory is plowing full steam ahead, doing the MMORPG "arms race vs. balance whinging." I'd be plenty surprised if there's anything worthwhile beyond "101 Sci-Fi Widgets to Pwnz Ur Table!"

Which does not stop us from sketching our own! What sort of Sci-Fi should we whip up? What sort of Technology-to-Humanitarian question should we explore? :) Should it be non-human-centric exploring alien values?
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S'mon

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« Reply #4 on: September 06, 2019, 09:10:39 AM »
Quote from: remial;1102685
what I'd love is if WotC just went ahead and did a whopping big space opera setting, that was designed using the 5th ed rules and such, but was in no way balanced in any way against anything in the D&D settings.  Yes, you still need the player's handbook, or at least the basic rules, but everything in the space opera book is very much its own creature.  attributes and savings throws work the same, as do skill checks. Humans aren't that different, but classes, weapons, and everything else is all new.
It would still be sold under the D&D umbrella, but that is only because of the rules system.

then a couple years later, maybe do a pulp game or modern era, or supers.


Yeah, I'd definitely buy that!

S'mon

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« Reply #5 on: September 06, 2019, 09:11:56 AM »
Quote from: jeff37923;1102687
The last time they did that, it was called d20 Star Wars and played like DnD in Spaaaaaaacccccceeeeeeeee.....


Yeah, but that is what I'd be looking for. Unlike with Star Wars where I wanted Star Wars not D&D.


Rhedyn
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« Reply #6 on: September 06, 2019, 02:32:50 PM »
Ok. Don't people just play Esper Genesis to get that D&D 5e Sci-fi feel?

RandyB

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« Reply #7 on: September 06, 2019, 02:45:51 PM »
So, DragonStar? Buy the rights, convert to 5e, and publish. No one is stopping you.

S'mon

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« Reply #8 on: September 06, 2019, 04:58:18 PM »
Quote from: RandyB;1102751
So, DragonStar? Buy the rights, convert to 5e, and publish. No one is stopping you.

Personally the Dragonstar setting doesn't interest me. I'd prefer something like Fading Suns meets WH40K maybe - WH40K is very much a D&D IN SPAAAACE setting in conception.

Edit: Most likely, since I prefer adapting published adventures, if I ever do 5e IN SPAAAACE I'll just adapt some Starfinder adventures.

Edit 2: One thing I'd like to do some time is expand a regular D&D campaign into SPAAACE - not Spelljammer, but something like Gygax's ideas in the 1e DMG, the non-existent Krull sequel where their son conquers the Galaxy, or the 2nd Gloryhammer album that takes Zargothrax from conquering Dundee to  conquering the Goblin King of the Darkstorm Galaxy. Or Poul Anderson's The High Crusade. Toyed with the idea of doing this in my Wilderlands game.

GeekyBugle

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« Reply #9 on: September 06, 2019, 05:06:19 PM »
Quote from: S'mon;1102777
Personally the Dragonstar setting doesn't interest me. I'd prefer something like Fading Suns meets WH40K maybe - WH40K is very much a D&D IN SPAAAACE setting in conception.

Edit: Most likely, since I prefer adapting published adventures, if I ever do 5e IN SPAAAACE I'll just adapt some Starfinder adventures.

Edit 2: One thing I'd like to do some time is expand a regular D&D campaign into SPAAACE - not Spelljammer, but something like Gygax's ideas in the 1e DMG, the non-existent Krull sequel where their son conquers the Galaxy, or the 2nd Gloryhammer album that takes Zargothrax from conquering Dundee to  conquering the Goblin King of the Darkstorm Galaxy. Or Poul Anderson's The High Crusade. Toyed with the idea of doing this in my Wilderlands game.

So you want space elves, dwarfs, halflings, orcs etc.?

Why?

Also I seem to remember a game just like that, not sure of the name or which rules it used. It was very gonzo tho.
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Aglondir

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« Reply #10 on: September 06, 2019, 05:17:48 PM »
Quote from: remial;1102685
what I'd love is if WotC just went ahead and did a whopping big space opera setting, that was designed using the 5th ed rules and such, but was in no way balanced in any way against anything in the D&D settings.  Yes, you still need the player's handbook, or at least the basic rules, but everything in the space opera book is very much its own creature.  attributes and savings throws work the same, as do skill checks. Humans aren't that different, but classes, weapons, and everything else is all new.
It would still be sold under the D&D umbrella, but that is only because of the rules system.

then a couple years later, maybe do a pulp game or modern era, or supers.

I like this idea.

Aglondir

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« Reply #11 on: September 06, 2019, 05:18:18 PM »
Quote from: Rhedyn;1102747
Ok. Don't people just play Esper Genesis to get that D&D 5e Sci-fi feel?

Esper what now? Link?!

jhkim

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« Reply #12 on: September 06, 2019, 05:41:18 PM »
Quote from: Aglondir;1102784
Esper what now? Link?!


I'm not familiar with it, but here's the link.

http://espergenesis.alligatoralleyentertainment.com/

Quote
Esper Genesis is a science-fiction RPG powered by the 5th Edition rules engine and inspired by the legendary works of sci-fi greats. Take on the role of a galactic hero within a universe of advanced technologies and hidden mysteries.

Galaxies at war, high-tech gadgets and weapons, robots, aliens, starfighters, and ancient machines with the power to shape reality – All of these and more make up the core of Esper Genesis.

The fate of the galaxy depends on the Espers, beings gifted with the ability to channel cosmic energies, producing spectacular feats of gravity control, psychic ability, and the power to shape the very fabric of space-time.

These rare individuals are empowered with the will to stand vigilant against galactic threats that would strike fear into the hearts of all those within the great expanse. Destiny calls for those who would change the fate of worlds. Will you decide who they will be, and if so, what they will become?

Forge your own sci-fi legend with Esper Genesis

Aglondir

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« Reply #13 on: September 06, 2019, 05:50:00 PM »
Quote from: Opaopajr;1102689
Which does not stop us from sketching our own! What sort of Sci-Fi should we whip up? What sort of Technology-to-Humanitarian question should we explore? :) Should it be non-human-centric exploring alien values?


I'm thinking of "D20 Future done right" more than something like DragonStar (Elves and Dwarves in space.)

Aglondir

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« Reply #14 on: September 06, 2019, 06:00:44 PM »
Quote from: jhkim;1102789
I'm not familiar with it, but here's the link.

http://espergenesis.alligatoralleyentertainment.com/

Thanks for the link! Based on the brief preview on Drive-thru:

  • Production values and art look great
  • Stand-alone, does not require 5E books to play
  • 8 classes and 9 races (but I don't know what they are)
  • Unique setting element, Crucibles, which contain an element called Sorium, which is an omni-power source
  • Prolonged exposure to Sorium gives you Esper powers (earth, air, fire, water, space time, gravity)

I'm intrigued, even if it looks a bit "softer" than I usually like. I'm guessing the Espers fill a wizard role.