Review: Blue Max Studios: Ships of the Black Desert

Detail and precision are the foundations of almost every design choice made by Blue Max Studios. While the only current product line is the "Ships of the Black Desert" series, every ship released is a fascinating window into the politics, engineering, and personal lives of the humans inhabiting his upcoming hard sci-fi setting. In addition to the background material, each ship has detailed floor plans, technical discussions, and an explanation of the role the ship plays in the universe. The results are a consistently fantastic product and a disappointing wait until the official campaign book is released.

While many of the ship stats use an OpenD6 variant designed for his setting, most of them are multi-statted. D20 Future, OpenD6, and Classic D6 are all systems that receive attention. The only real problem is the sporadic nature of the multi-statting. The systems featured vary between ship releases and change at random. This is the only inconsistent aspect of the series. Down the line, after he has released enough material, I hope to see the ships arrive in a collected volume that consistently multi-stats them for OpenD6 and The Black Desert.

Even if a collected volume is never released, the wealth of information provided can be used in any system. The detailed floor plans and maps allow for each ship to be used as an adventure location. The political system can be mined for factions to be lifted for a home campaign. The scientific and engineering details can be used to create more vivid space scenarios, with the characters using realistic technology.

Each ship retails on RPGnow for $4 -$5 apiece, however the first 10 can be bought as a bundle for only $10. At that price, the ships are a bargain because of the versatility and depth found within each file. Please keep making more ships Blue Max, just don't keep me waiting for the setting forever.

First Sketch Returned

Along the way, my plans for this blog changed. A simple blog where I could create interesting character builds was the extent of my ambition. Had I not read Blue Max's blog, it is very likely my plans would have remained unchanged.

Blue Max is a start-up OpenD6 designer and creator of the upcoming "Black Desert" hard science setting. Many of his ship designs are for sale on RPGNow, and I strongly recommend any fan of OpenD6 investigating his work further. His products are of very high quality, but I would rather save an in-depth discussion of his work for a proper review. As I investigated his work, I was drawn to his posts that detailed his design process. He describes how he was able to utilize an affordable publishing process to create an indie studio and then encourages others to do the same.

After reading his post, I couldn't shake the idea that publishing an OpenD6 supplement of my own was more than a daydream. Sensing that publishing had become a tangible possibility. I started the early phases of writing an Alien sourcebook. I then contacted an artist.

I have just received any early sketch for one of the aliens. I am thrilled by the work, and promise to post a playtest version of one of the aliens once the commissions are paid for and distribution rights secured. My job involves artistic copyrights so I intend to be a stickler for attribution and rights.

I look forward to giving another update on the project soon.

Sample Character-A-Day: OpenD6 Squint

While there are many games I have played over the years, my very first one was d6. As soon as I saw the core book sitting on a shelf at Barnes and Noble, I knew I had to play it. My brother (the middle child) chipped in. We played it immediately upon returning home. We even still play it some today. The game has faded in popularity over the years, but it will hopefully never die thanks to Eric Gibson. As West End Games was in his death throes, Gibson released the system as OpenD6 under the OGL for everyone to use.

While I enjoy Pathfinder and True20, my heart will always be with OpenD6. In preparation for my Character-A-Day project I am releasing the stats for an OpenD6 character. His Stats are OGC, but name and description are IP.

In a few weeks I will start the Character-A-Day project proper. Until then, here is a sample.

Squint

Type: Scrounger (Rodent Alien)

Agility: 2D
dodge: 3D
Running: 3D

Strength: 2D
Climbing: 3D

Perception: 4D

Know How: 5D
Sneak: 5D

Knowledge: 2D
Scholar: Entomology: 4D
Scholar: Herpetology: 4D
Scholar: Hydroponics: 4D
Survival: 3D

Mechanical: 3D
Piloting: 3D

Technical: 4D
Computer Interface/repair: 5D
Flight System Repair: 5D
Robot Interface/repair: 5D
Security: 5D

Other Stats:
Funds 3D
Move: 8
Body Points: 27
Fate Points: 1
Character Points: 5

Advantages:
Trademark Specialization: Scholar: Hydroponics
Trademark specialization: Scholar: Entomology
Size: small (r2)
Quick Study: Technical

Disadvantages:
Hindrance (R1): Short Stride:Climbing/jumping +1, Running +1, Move -2
Quirky (R3)



Special Abilities: None

equipment:
Makeshift Armor: Armor Value +1, a handful of assorted bugs, 1 soft drink of choice, assorted robot spare parts (+1 to 1 skill when installed with a Very Difficult Robot Interface/Repair roll), clothing (1 size too big)

Squint would consider himself an optimist if he understood that pessimism existed. Endlessly happy, Squint is pleased with finding a dry place to sleep and a supply of bugs to eat. When sleeping and food are not enough to entertain him, tinkering on nearby appliances and robots keeps him occupied. Occasionally, he earns some money with his repair prowess, however, his inability to focus has made such endeavors semi-profitable at best.

Note: Squint has the unusual habit of using broad, and simplified terms to discuss subjects (sometimes interchangeably). When he is speaking about complex technical or scientific subjects the characters listening must succeed at a Very difficult Languages check to understand what he is saying. Squint cannot buy down his Quirky(R3) disadvantage, however other characters may learn enough of what he says to improve their understanding over time. (Languages: Squintspeak)

Squint,copyright July 19th, 2011. No Dan's Land blog. Daniel Loyd
Character-A-Day is IP.