Narrating FASA games, but willing to move

[EricB007]

Greetings Everyone:

I've been narrating a successful string of FASA TOS RPG sessions (we're finishing up our third week of "The Vanished." We will be doing "A Doomsday Like Any Other" next) With the adventure book, I've found very little need to wrangle with the rulebooks. The most we role the dice for is skills saves (D100).

Other than that, it's been more of talking and using the map included with the adventure to explain where and what is happening. We have 4 players (2 male/2 female) that are having lots of fun.

My question is how necessary would it be for me to buy the new Decipher (or LUG?) rule books and convert all the characters over? So far, it seems like everything is going by easy. Would I want to really convert to something that doesn't have any published adventure or campaign books (Decipher)?

I appreciate your comments!

[Capt Daniel Hunter]

Well, having used FASA, PD1, ICON and the new CODA system, I'd say CODA is the better system.

But I'd also say, that if the FASA system is working well for you, and you ave no trouble finding material for it, then there's no pressing reason for you to change.

Now that said, I loved FASA, but I think it the mechanics are extremely flawed. So if it was me, I'd switch to CODA in a heartbeat. But this isn't me. So if you're happy with the system I'd say stick with it.

[Darth Sarcastic]

There's an old Klingon saying "Touch my pizza and I'll..." OOPS. Wrong Klingon saying....let's see here..."If it ain't broke don't fix it (unless it's Kirk's head)."

If you're doing good with FASA, don't change a thing. If you do, however, go for the Coda system and then come back here and we'll load you up with conversion stuff and ship ideas..etc...

I myself am running (soon hopefully) a FASA-made adventure using CODA-Trek...The Natural Order...and I've only had to convert very minor stuff.

[EricB007]

'If it ain't broke...' was my initial thought too! Thanks! However, when I have the money ready, I'll order the new books (but I'd still like to see adventure books like FASA's).

By the way, what makes CODA so great--compared to FASA Trek role playing? How does it make the game easier or better?

[Darth Sarcastic]

In going over my FASA stuff, I don't think its a matter of better...more like similar. The character creation of CODA reminded me of the FASA system to a certain extent. The CODA system also provides more character options, although I think FASA originally was just working with the military aspect of Trek. The combat system (personal and ship) is also more straight forward (I think), especially giving/taking damage...I seem to remember (in FASA) that phasers really didn't do much to people..or objects for that matter. I also like that there are flaws and advantages for your characters (and ships too).

[Capt Daniel Hunter]

Well I was never hugely enamoured of the FASA rules. Of course, I hated the role under rule, and I just felt it was a very hit and miss system. But I loved their adventure modules, and have gone to some time and expense collecting the ones I don't have off of eBay. But I was never fond of the rules (in fact I thought PD1 was a better system).

I did like the ship combat system though. And when I get the chance, I'm going to merge the FASA system with the CODA one, and hopefully get a ship combat system that fits the bill for me (ie, a bit less work that FASA's and a bit more complex that CODA's).

[Darth Sarcastic]

Originally posted by Capt Daniel Hunter
Well I was never hugely enamoured of the FASA rules. Of course, I hated the role under rule, and I just felt it was a very hit and miss system. But I loved their adventure modules, and have gone to some time and expense collecting the ones I don't have off of eBay. But I was never fond of the rules (in fact I thought PD1 was a better system).

This is all too true. As for finding the "lost stuff" on ebay...I just procured the Trek 3 Sourcebook (...hope you weren't looking for that...) I was just viewing the new PD from GURPS...it looks ok, but I'm not spending $$$ on it.

I did like the ship combat system though. And when I get the chance, I'm going to merge the FASA system with the CODA one, and hopefully get a ship combat system that fits the bill for me (ie, a bit less work that FASA's and a bit more complex that CODA's).

When you're done with your FASA/CODA combat system, I hope you'll share it...I find there is something missing from the CODA combat system, I haven't figured out what yet...I have to attack my player's ship. You know how cranky players get when another ship attacks....

[Capt Daniel Hunter]

Originally posted by Darth Sarcastic


This is all too true. As for finding the "lost stuff" on ebay...I just procured the Trek 3 Sourcebook (...hope you weren't looking for that...) I was just viewing the new PD from GURPS...it looks ok, but I'm not spending $$$ on it.

When you're done with your FASA/CODA combat system, I hope you'll share it...I find there is something missing from the CODA combat system, I haven't figured out what yet...I have to attack my player's ship. You know how cranky players get when another ship attacks....

I finally got my hands on the ST III sourcebook a couple months ago, after 3 failed attempts. The adventure in it's a good one.

When I finally get my hybrid ship combat system ready, I'll be happy to share it (assuming it's to anyone's taste)

[AslanC]

Before CODA came out I was very keen on making a Hybrid FASA/ICON system, with some other stuff thrown in for fun.

I may still do that, since the CODA ships actually translate well

Cap, if you get it done I would love to take a look

[Capt Daniel Hunter]

If I get it done, I'll post it.