Space and First In

[elv]

Originally Posted by joncarryer (in another thread)

I have just recently bought the 4E Space book and, as much as I like it, my planetary system/government/culture creation will definitely still be using many elements from First In. Space updated a lot of the physical stuff very well, but it also left out some of the finer details from First In that I have always liked and used, and for all of the societal details, I just find the stuff in First In a lot more satisfying.

I have recently received Space, and having now read the world building chapters I must agree with this, particularly regarding the social aspects.

Sticking strictly to the worldbuilding, Space 4e has the following major advantages:

1. Good discussion of the dramatic role of worlds and societies.
2. Improved system generation (especially full star range and replacement of Bode's Law).
3. More interesting animal generation.

First In has the following:

1. Extra detail throughout, but especially social.
2. Better bibliography.
3. Quicker animal generation, and encounter table generation.

Other opinions welcome.

One thing I would particularly miss if I had to give up T:FI is the social parameters. Uplift 2e introduced a 9th personality trait, Playfulness, which Space has kept. I've been thinking about a corresponding social parameter, and the best I can come up with is

Productivity
This parameter measures how much of their time and effort the members of the society will spend working. A high productivity (Utilitarian) society spends little on culture and entertainment, while a low productivity (Frivolous) society will tend to produce no more than is necessary to support their other interests.

Suggestions for modifiers welcome.

John


John