I keep hearing about the iridium system. My question is, since it sounds like a SF game does it do SF very well or it it more of a medieval/fantasy system? Can it handle cybernetics, cyborgs, high tech devices, etc? Does it have a vehicle system that can handle starships?

Well, it is available for free to check out.

In my opinion, its a very good universal system.  I've run Roma Imperious with it, as well as Hinterwelt's sci-fi/space RPG, Nebuleon.  As far as starship, Neb comes with a Starship Builder's guide, which should handle those needs nicely.  Consider this a prologue; I'm sure Bill will be along shortly to put everything in its proper context.

Yes, yes, and yes.



-clash

And man, because I just found out about it: if you're really interested in the Iridium system and want to see it do some sci-fi, Nebuleon is currently only $5--print copy. :haw:

So now the truth comes out - Zardoz is Bill's sock puppet.

:haw: :haw: :haw:

Quote from: James J SkachSo now the truth comes out - Zardoz is Bill's sock puppet.

:haw: :haw: :haw:

I figured he was one of Bill's trained squirrels... Do squirrels have sock puppets? :O

-clash

I looked at the free version, seemed to be centered on medieval/fantasy settings.

Quote from: ZardozI looked at the free version, seemed to be centered on medieval/fantasy settings.

I have to disagree here--did you look at the skills list in the ISCR file?  A pretty mixed bag.  I don't think any of the mechanics lean towards a particular setting--you just plug in the elements you want to use.

Anyway, Nebuleon, Shades of Earth--games that are sci-fi and alt-history, repsectively, that use Iridium.  One of those might give you the dedicated look at it employed that way you seem to be looking for (Also, there's Supers, Inc., which uses Iridium Lite).

Quote from: ZardozI keep hearing about the iridium system. My question is, since it sounds like a SF game does it do SF very well or it it more of a medieval/fantasy system? Can it handle cybernetics, cyborgs, high tech devices, etc? Does it have a vehicle system that can handle starships?

I am not sure how I miss these threads but I seem to do so regularly.

So, with the understanding I wrote the system, on to your questions.

Since it sounds like a SF game does it do SF very well or it it more of a medieval/fantasy system?
Well, I designed it as a skill based universal system. Iridium Standard has skills based in six types (Fighter, Thief, Movement, Intellect, Craft, and Performer), some minor class usage but very minor, ablative armor, hit locations and a fairly high lethality. So, I don't know if you would call that "Fantasy" or "Sci-Fi" system but I have not built anything into the system that is tied to any particular genre. The ISCR (the free download) is somewhat derived from the rules as they appear in Roma Imperious so you might be picking that vibe up.

Can it handle cybernetics, cyborgs, high tech devices, etc?
Most equipment is pretty straightforward in that is modifies skills or abilities. We currently have a guy working on a detailed cybernetics system for a game he wants to write using Iridium. I have an AI build system in Nebuleon but it is also going under and overhaul for V2. With the system, you are able to play Artificial Entities that you "construct". The system lends itself to modification very easily if there is something specific and I am always available for questions (assuming I see the thread )

Does it have a vehicle system that can handle starships?
Nebuleon comes with a system. Some folks are less than pleased with it so we worked up a Ship Gen system until we can come out with Nebuleon V2. You can download it here. Generally, starship combat works like player combat. That is to say a ship has a Defense, you try to roll that number or higher on a d20 with any pluses to hit. If you hit, you roll targeting and are able to target locations like "Engines", "Weapons" or the like. Miss your targeting and you roll randomly. Reduce the area to 0 and it no longer works.

Does that help?

Thanks for your interest.

Quote from: flyingmiceI figured he was one of Bill's trained squirrels... Do squirrels have sock puppets? :O

-clash

Excuse me but it would be a Squirrel Puppet and it would take your sock-puppet, run off with it and hide it in a tree.

Thank you very much.

Bill

one day I'll form a band and name it 'Shaolin Squirrel Attack'

Quote from: Zachary The FirstAnd man, because I just found out about it: if you're really interested in the Iridium system and want to see it do some sci-fi, Nebuleon is currently only $5--print copy. :haw:

Woot, sold! That's a buy-in for a game I can get behind Looking forward to it arriving. I've needed a new sci-fi game.

Quote from: SigmundWoot, sold! That's a buy-in for a game I can get behind Looking forward to it arriving. I've needed a new sci-fi game.

It will ship either today or tomorrow. Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks Sigmund!

Bill