Hey guys! So, you're diving into the vast expanse of sci-fi tabletop RPGs, huh? Excellent choice! Two names that often pop up in these discussions are Traveller and Stars Without Number. Both offer unique takes on interstellar adventures, but which one is right for you? Let's break down these two titans of the tabletop and figure out which one will fuel your next campaign.

Core Concepts and Gameplay

When comparing Traveller and Stars Without Number, understanding their core philosophies and gameplay mechanics is super important. Traveller, the granddaddy of sci-fi RPGs, emphasizes realism, character skills honed through a life path system, and the gritty realities of space travel. Think Han Solo trying to make a living in a vast, uncaring galaxy. The game focuses on trading, exploration, and sometimes, just surviving. Traveller's mechanics often involve skill checks against target numbers, and while the rules have evolved through various editions, the core gameplay loop remains consistent: manage your resources, navigate interstellar politics, and try not to get eaten by space pirates. The life path system is a big draw, as it allows players to create characters with rich backstories shaped by previous careers and experiences.

Stars Without Number, on the other hand, is a love letter to old-school gaming with a modern twist. It blends the sandbox style of classic RPGs with streamlined mechanics and a focus on player agency. Imagine Firefly meets Dungeons & Dragons. While it draws inspiration from Traveller, it simplifies many aspects and introduces elements of fantasy, such as psychic powers (psionics). Stars Without Number uses a 2d6 system for skill checks and combat, making it relatively easy to pick up. One of its key features is the sector generation system, which allows the GM to quickly create a detailed star cluster with planets, factions, and adventure hooks. This makes it fantastic for creating emergent narratives driven by player choices. Stars Without Number provides tools for GMs to build compelling worlds and encourages players to explore them freely.

Character Creation: Lifepath vs. Direct Build

Character creation is a fundamental aspect of any RPG, and Traveller and Stars Without Number take very different approaches. Traveller is famous (or infamous, depending on your perspective) for its lifepath system. Instead of simply assigning stats and skills, you guide your character through a series of career terms, each with its own risks and rewards. You might start as a naval cadet, become a merchant marine, and end up as a grizzled space pirate – or you might die during your first term! This system creates characters with detailed histories and a sense of having lived a life before the game even begins. However, it can also be time-consuming and frustrating if you have a specific character concept in mind. The lifepath system can lead to unexpected outcomes, forcing players to adapt their visions or risk early retirement (or worse).

Stars Without Number opts for a more direct character creation method. Players choose a background, allocate skill points, and select foci (special abilities that define their character's role). This approach is much faster and allows for greater control over the final product. You can easily create a skilled pilot, a charismatic diplomat, or a deadly assassin without relying on the whims of a lifepath system. While it might not generate the same level of detailed backstory as Traveller, it allows players to jump into the action more quickly and with a character that closely matches their vision. The foci system adds a layer of customization, allowing players to tailor their characters to specific roles and playstyles.

Setting and Scope

Traveller offers a vast and detailed setting, typically focusing on the Third Imperium, a sprawling interstellar empire with a rich history and complex politics. The scope of Traveller is generally grand, encompassing entire star sectors and dealing with themes of exploration, trade, and conflict on a galactic scale. While the core rules provide a framework, the setting is often filled in by the GM and players, allowing for customized campaigns within the established universe. Traveller encourages players to engage with the setting's history and politics, often involving them in the power struggles between factions and empires.

Stars Without Number provides a more generic setting, focusing on the remnants of human civilization scattered across the stars after a cataclysmic event known as the Scream. This allows for greater flexibility and customization. The game includes tools for generating entire star sectors, complete with planets, factions, and adventure seeds. The scope of Stars Without Number can be as broad or as narrow as the GM desires, ranging from small-scale adventures on a single planet to epic quests involving entire star systems. The game's emphasis on sandbox gameplay encourages players to explore the setting and shape it through their actions. The Scream provides a compelling backdrop for stories of survival, exploration, and rebuilding civilization.

Complexity and System Mastery

In terms of complexity, Traveller tends to be more intricate than Stars Without Number. Traveller has a long history, with numerous editions and supplements, resulting in a wealth of rules and options. While this can be a boon for experienced players who enjoy detailed simulations, it can also be overwhelming for newcomers. Mastering Traveller requires a significant investment of time and effort to learn the nuances of the rules and the intricacies of the setting. However, the depth of the system allows for a high degree of realism and customization.

Stars Without Number is designed to be more accessible and streamlined. The rules are relatively simple, and the game emphasizes player agency and GM improvisation. While it might not offer the same level of detail as Traveller, it is much easier to learn and play, making it a good choice for beginners or for groups who prefer a faster-paced game. The game's focus on sandbox gameplay and GM tools makes it easy to create compelling adventures without getting bogged down in complex rules.

Community and Resources

Both Traveller and Stars Without Number have dedicated communities and a wealth of resources available online. Traveller, with its long history, has a large and active fanbase, with numerous websites, forums, and online communities. There are also many official and unofficial supplements available, providing additional rules, settings, and adventures. The Traveller community is a valuable resource for players and GMs, offering advice, support, and inspiration.

Stars Without Number also has a thriving community, particularly on platforms like Reddit and DriveThruRPG. The game's creator, Kevin Crawford, is actively involved in the community, providing support and answering questions. There are also many fan-made resources available, including adventures, supplements, and tools. The Stars Without Number community is known for its helpfulness and creativity, making it a great place for new players to get started.

Which Game Should You Choose?

So, Traveller or Stars Without Number? Ultimately, the choice depends on your preferences. If you crave a detailed, realistic simulation with a rich history and don't mind a steeper learning curve, Traveller might be your game. If you prefer a more streamlined, sandbox-style game with a focus on player agency and GM improvisation, Stars Without Number could be a better fit. Both games offer fantastic opportunities for sci-fi adventure, so why not give them both a try and see which one sparks your imagination?

• Choose Traveller if: You want a detailed, realistic sci-fi simulation, you enjoy character creation through a lifepath system, and you are interested in exploring a vast and well-established setting.
• Choose Stars Without Number if: You want a streamlined, sandbox-style game, you prefer faster character creation, and you value player agency and GM improvisation.

No matter which game you choose, get ready for some awesome interstellar adventures! Happy gaming, everyone!