Re: [OFFICIAL] Colony lists?

>1) What do we want? ("We" being the list membership, as a particularly
>enthusiastic cross-section of FT/DS/SG players). A star map/colony list
>that is as close to known astronomical data as possible, or one that
>applies a bit of artistic licence (as most SF authors do) and allows
there
>to be planets wherever they best suit the storyline? If the latter, do
we
>stick to "real" stars only, or make the whole thing up once we get past
a
>few LY out?

Given the zeal with which players seem to chase old games with accurate
(or
close to accurate) starmaps, I	think that an accurate map would be an
asset to the FT universe.

Not only would it add weight to your future
histories, but once word got around that you could get such a map from
GZG,
I am sure you would find another source for sales.
>
>2) Of those people who use the "official" background, or a minor
>modification of it (on the assumption that those who hate the
background
>won't be interested in all this anyway!), do you actually WANT to see
it
>defined in this sort of detail, or left loose (as we have done so far)
to
>allow more freedom to come up with your own colonies, campaigns etc.?

Tighten things up a little.  We can always add to what is official.  As
for
detail, the old Traveller UPP (Universal Planet Profile) was detailed
enough
to provide a lot of info in a short space.  Something like this with
expanded detail on fleet/troop strengths -  the background info on the
ships
in the Fleet book give an insight into the Naval strengths of each
power.
I'd like to know more.

>Would you want to see detail of specific events/places in the timeline,
and
>exhaustive lists of whose settlements are on which worlds etc.?

Expansion on what you have in your future history is a must.  What you
don't
give to your players, they will create for themselves.	At least give us
the
bones to build on.

>This sort of background "fluff' is fairly easy to produce once you get
it
rolling
>(provided it is carefully cross-checked for contradictions - I'm sure
you
>guys (and girls - sorry Beth....) will gleefully go through it all with
>fine-tooth combs... <grin>), but I am aware that some people can also
see
>it as too restrictive on their creativity.

The force has power over weak minds .... :)
I'd like to see it anyway.  It gives a framework for people to work
with,
common grounds for all FT/GZGers to froth about at conventions, and
territory for your gamers to fight over.    Once a line is drawn in the
sand, there is every excuse to step over it and fight.
I'd certainly like to know where the colonies mentioned in you histories
are, and where the Lafayette sector is (or where its new position will
be
once you go 'realspace').

One thing I would like to see, is a tech level chart for the GZG
universe.

Thanks for asking.
:Tron