Star*Drive

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Star*Drive is a science fiction campaign setting published in 1998 by TSR, Inc. for the role-playing game Alternity. Its creators were David Eckelberry and Richard Baker. This setting requires the use of the Player's Handbook and Master's Guide for the Alternity game system, slightly different from Dungeons & Dragons. The game was not published in Spanish. The d20 Future manual for the d20 Modern system does reference Star*Drive as a possible campaign setting.

Atmosphere

We are in the 26th century, at the beginning of the year 2501. Humanity has gained access to the technology that allows us to exceed the speed of light in interstellar travel, called stardrive (which we can freely translate as stellar engine) thanks to to a technological exchange between humans and the alien race known as the Fraal. After a period of stellar colonization of worlds that met the habitability conditions necessary for human beings, six large power groups were established. Little by little, new powers are born that constitute the Terran Empire in 2250. The tension between the colonies leads to the first galactic confrontation in 2299, which ends 13 years later, in 2312 with the breakdown of the world order in 26 star nations.

A second, even bloodier war begins in 2346, fueled by a mutant rebellion. This will stop the expansion of humans, distancing them from their evolution and isolating many colonies. The confrontation will continue for more than a century, leaving devastated worlds, alliances, and nations in serious economic difficulties. Finally, in 2472, the war ends with the signing of the Galactic Concord. This agreement has maintained peace, barely, for the last three decades.

Over the course of the last five centuries, humans have contacted various alien races. The first were the Fraal in the solar system, precursors of the stories of "little gray men" of the 20th century, followed by the brutal Weren, the cybernetic Mechalus, the reptilian T'sa, and the elusive Sesheyan. In total there are more than 50 sentient species, with varying degrees of development. Some are considered limited life forms.

At the beginning of the twenty-sixth century, the political and social structure of Humanity was constituted by Star Nations, countries, rich corporations or federations that tried to recover their former colonies. The main ones are: Austrin-Ontis Unlimited, Borealis Republic, Hatire Commune, Insight, Nariac Dominion, Orion League, Orlamu Theocracy, Rigunmor Star Consortium, Thuldan Empire, Solar Union, Voidcorp...

Contents

The book has 256 pages bound in hardcover and illustrated in color. It is divided into chapters covering the history of the campaign; a description of the conditions, economy and technology of the 26th century; the description of several star nations; a more detailed description of the mysterious region known as The Verge, and finally specific gameplay details covering player character races, occupations, skills, equipment, etc. The game world includes quite a few sci-fi stereotypes: psionics, cybernetic implants, robots, mutants, spaceships, and advanced medicine. The technology level is Progress Level 6, with some devices and weapons at Level 7 in certain places. Characters are usually part of a corporation or the government, although that depends a lot on the playing group. They can also follow one of the religions described in the book.

The following occupations are permitted:

  • Combat Specialists — bodyguard, corporate security specialist, gunman, police, martial artist, combat specialist with alien races, mercenary, soldier and space explorer.
  • Diplomatic — Ambassador, clergyman, Concordian administrator, corporate executive, artist, first contact consul, trader, military officer, naval officer, noble star and negotiator.
  • Free Agents — hunt-gap, explorer, courtier, scammer, guide, researcher, outlaw, reporter, contraband, spy and thief.
  • Technicians — crewman, technician, grid pilot, doctor, engineer, independent pilot, nuts, school and scientist.
  • Mentalists — biokinetic, biowarrior, PSIon, mystical, telekinetic, pssionic guard, telepath, and mental knight.

In addition to humans, players can take a character from one of the alien races with which humanity maintains alliances.

The Rim is described, in most cases, planet by planet. The most important planet is described enough to get an idea of the world, the government and the places of interest. Large-scale maps are included in many cases.

Novels

Several authors have written novels based on this universe, among which is Diane Duane.

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