Publisher: Angry Golem Games
Introduction
Stars Without Number Compatible is a sci-fi role-playing game that allows you to create and explore your own star systems, planets, factions, and characters. It is based on the original Stars Without Number game by Kevin Crawford, but with some modifications and additions to make it more compatible with other sci-fi settings and systems.
One of the most exciting aspects of Stars Without Number Compatible is the starship creation and customization. You can design your own starships using a simple and flexible system that lets you choose the hull, fittings, weapons, and other features of your vessel. You can also use pre-made starships from various sources, such as the core rulebook, the Starship Codex supplement, or the online Starships Database tool.
In this review, I will focus on one of the latest additions to the Starships Database: the Aephestus Shipyard Class Cruiser. This is a new starship supplement by Angry Golem Games that provides you with a detailed and ready-to-use starship for your Stars Without Number Compatible campaigns. I will examine the features, benefits, and drawbacks of this supplement, and give you my personal opinion on whether it is worth buying or not.
Overview
The Aephestus Shipyard Class Cruiser is a frigate-class starship that is designed for exploration, combat, and industrial purposes. It has a unique modular design that allows it to assemble and disassemble various components, such as engines, weapons, sensors, and cargo holds. This gives it a great degree of versatility and adaptability to different situations and environments.
The supplement provides you with a full description of the starship, including its history, specifications, layout, fittings, crew, and maintenance. It also includes a set of deck plans that show you the interior of the starship in detail. You can use these deck plans to visualize the starship in your games, or print them out and use them as maps for your tabletop sessions.
The supplement also includes a simple and quick ruleset to build starships in the shipyard. It employs skill checks and building advancement expressed in credits. This allows you to create your own custom starships using the same modular system as the Aephestus Shipyard Class Cruiser.
Pros
The Aephestus Shipyard Class Cruiser is a well-designed and well-written supplement that offers you a lot of value for your money. Here are some of the pros of this supplement:
- It is compatible with Stars Without Number Compatible and other sci-fi settings and systems. You can easily integrate it into your existing campaigns or use it as a starting point for new ones.
- It is versatile and adaptable. You can use it for various purposes and scenarios, such as exploration, combat, trade, mining, salvage, or research. You can also customize it to suit your preferences and needs by changing its components and fittings.
- It is detailed and immersive. It gives you a lot of information and flavor about the starship, its crew, its operations, and its history. It makes you feel like you are really aboard the Aephestus Shipyard Class Cruiser.
- It is visually appealing. It includes high-quality deck plans that show you every inch of the starship in detail. You can use these deck plans to enhance your games or as maps for your tabletop sessions.
- It is easy to use. It provides you with a simple and quick ruleset to build starships in the shipyard. You can create your own custom starships using the same modular system as the Aephestus Shipyard Class Cruiser.
Cons
The Aephestus Shipyard Class Cruiser is not without its flaws. Here are some of the cons of this supplement:
- It is complex. It requires you to have a good understanding of the starship creation and customization system in Stars Without Number Compatible. You may find it difficult or confusing to use if you are not familiar with this system or if you prefer simpler rules.
- It is niche. It may not appeal to everyone’s tastes or preferences. You may not like the modular design or the industrial aesthetic of the Aephestus Shipyard Class Cruiser. You may also not find it useful or interesting for your campaigns or scenarios.
Conclusion
The Aephestus Shipyard Class Cruiser is a starship supplement that offers you a detailed and ready-to-use starship for your Stars Without Number Compatible campaigns. It has a unique modular design that allows it to assemble and disassemble various components, giving it a great degree of versatility and adaptability. It also includes a simple and quick ruleset to build starships in the shipyard using the same modular system.
The supplement has its pros and cons. It is compatible, versatile, detailed, immersive, and visually appealing, but it is also expensive, complex, and niche. Whether you like it or not depends on your personal tastes and preferences.
Stars Without Number Compatible – Aephestus Shipyard Class Cruiser on DrivethurRpg
