So, you’ve decided to jump into the gritty, Cylon infested universe of Battlestar Galactica via its role playing game (RPG), but you’re not quite ready to commit to the full sourcebook? Well, buckle up, Viper pilot, because the Battlestar Galactica Quickstart Guide (Margaret Weis Productions, 2007, ISBN 1931567549) is your ticket to a thrilling, low commitment adventure in the Twelve Colonies. Written by Jamie Chambers, this slim yet punchy companion to the officially licensed Battlestar Galactica RPG (based on the reimagined 2003 – 2009 series) is like a perfectly brewed cup of ambrosia: quick, satisfying, and just enough to make you crave more. In this blog post, we’ll take a deep, humorous, and informative look at what makes this guide a gem for both RPG newbies and seasoned Game Masters (GMs). So say we all, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
What Is the Quickstart Guide, Anyway?
Picture this: you’re stranded on Caprica, Cylons are knocking, and you’ve got nothing but a pencil, some dice, and a dream of surviving the apocalypse. The Battlestar Galactica Quickstart Guide is your survival kit. Published by Margaret Weis Productions in 2007, this 36 page booklet (available in print and PDF) is designed to give players and GMs a taste of the Battlestar Galactica RPG without overwhelming them with the full Cortex System rulebook. It’s like a test flight in a Raptor nimble, accessible, and packed with just enough firepower to get you through.
The guide includes simplified rules, four pregenerated characters, a short introductory adventure called “The End and the Beginning,” and ideas for spinning your own stories in the BSG universe. It’s a preview of the full RPG, which promises deeper rules, character creation, and lore galore. Think of it as the two part 2003 miniseries before the full four season epic: it sets the stage, hooks you, and leaves you yelling “Frak!” when it’s over.
The Cortex System: Rules So Simple, Even a Cylon Could Get It
At the heart of the Quickstart Guide is a stripped down version of the Cortex System, the same ruleset powering the Serenity RPG. If you’re new to RPGs, don’t panic this system is as user friendly as a Viper’s cockpit (well, maybe not that intuitive, but close). The guide dedicates about seven pages to explaining the mechanics, complete with examples that make it feel like you’re learning to dodge Cylon Raiders while sipping coffee.
Here’s the gist: characters have six Attributes (Agility, Strength, Vitality, Alertness, Intelligence, Willpower), rated by dice types (d2 to d12+). Higher dice mean better abilities. A clumsy nuggets might have Agility d4, while Starbuck’s probably rocking a d12. Skills, like Pilot or Dodge, work similarly. When you attempt an action, you roll your Attribute die plus your Skill die, add the results, and compare them to a target number set by the GM. Easy peasy, right?
But wait, there’s more! The guide introduces Traits Assets (positive) and Complications (negative) to give characters depth. For example, President Roslin’s intelligence might be an Asset, while her illness is a Complication. These can grant bonuses, penalties, or special abilities, like rerolling a failed check. You also get Plot Points, which let you nudge fate by boosting rolls or dodging a Cylon’s gunfire. The rules are flexible, emphasizing storytelling over number crunching, so GMs can keep the game moving without getting bogged down in rule disputes. As the guide wisely notes, “The story comes first.”
Humour check: the Cortex System is so streamlined that even a Centurion with a missing arm could run a session. Just don’t let it GM it might decide the humans lose by default.
Pregenerated Characters: Meet Your Ragtag Crew
The Quickstart Guide serves up four pregenerated characters, each with a two-page spread featuring stats, Traits, a meaty backstory, and a snazzy illustration. These folks are a mix of civilian and military types, perfect for capturing the BSG vibe of unlikely allies thrown together by catastrophe. They’re designed for the included adventure but versatile enough for your own stories. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Military Types: You’ve got a hotshot pilot (because what’s BSG without a Viper jockey?) and a grizzled officer, ready to bark orders or dive for cover when Cylons attack.
- Civilians: There’s a doctor to patch up the wounded and a tech savvy engineer who’s probably muttering “Frak” while fixing a busted radio. Each has a unique perspective, like what they’re thinking when the adventure starts, which is a nice touch for role-playing.
Each character sheet lists Attributes, Skills, Traits, and equipment, plus a paragraph of flavor text to get you in their headspace. For example, the pilot might be itching for action, while the doctor’s worried about the chaos unfolding. The only downside? There are only four characters, so if your gaming group is larger than a Raptor’s crew, you’ll need to get creative or check the BSG RPG website for extras (fingers crossed they posted some).
Pro tip: If you’re playing with a BSG fan, let them grab the pilot and channel their inner Starbuck. Just don’t be surprised if they start gambling with Plot Points like they’re in a Triad game.
The Adventure: “The End and the Beginning”
The star of the Quickstart Guide is its 13-page introductory adventure, “The End and the Beginning,” set during the Cylon attack on the Colonies. The player characters (PCs) are working on the Griffon Project, an experimental upgrade to the Raptor, when they get chewed out for delays. Before they can sulk, the Cylons launch their apocalyptic assault, and all hell breaks loose. Sound familiar? It’s timed to sync with the 2003 miniseries, so fans will catch clever nods to the show’s prologue, like the destruction of the Arm ailable in the full sourcebook, including ship combat and detailed lore on the Twelve Colonies. For now, the Quickstart Guide keeps it grounded, focusing on survival and tough choices.
The adventure’s structure is linear, which makes it ideal for beginner GMs but might feel restrictive for veterans. You’ll guide the PCs through tense scenes, from dodging Cylon gunfire to making gut wrenching decisions about who to save. The guide includes sidebars with tips for new GMs, like how to role play NPCs or set the mood (hint: dim the lights and queue up Bear McCreary’s soundtrack). One standout feature is the inclusion of original elements, like the Griffon X7, a souped-up Raptor prototype, and the Archimède, a luxury transport ship. These additions keep the adventure fresh while staying true to the BSG vibe.
Humor alert: The adventure’s pacing is so intense, you’ll feel like you’re running from a Cylon Basestar with a busted FTL drive. Just don’t let your PCs try to negotiate with the Centurions they’re not big on diplomacy.
What’s in It for Game Masters?
If you’re stepping into the GM’s chair, the Quickstart Guide has your back. The adventure includes detailed instructions on setting scenes, playing NPCs, and handling combat, with examples like a Cylon attack on a character named Helo (no, not that Helo, but close enough). The guide encourages GMs to prioritize drama and tough moral choices, which is peak BSG. Should the PCs save a group of civilians or secure a ship to escape? Every decision feels like it could tip the balance of survival.
The guide also offers tips for running a session, from pacing to improvising when players inevitably do something crazy (like trying to hotwire a Cylon Raider). For new GMs, the sidebars are a lifeline, breaking down complex tasks into bite-sized advice. Experienced GMs might skim these but will appreciate the adventure’s fidelity to the BSG timeline and its open ended conclusion, which lets PCs join the Galactica’s fleet, become Caprica resistance fighters, or lead their own ragtag group.
Strengths: Why You’ll Love It
Let’s break down why the Quickstart Guide is worth your cubits:
- Accessibility: The simplified Cortex System is a breeze to learn, making it perfect for RPG newbies or BSG fans who’ve never rolled a d12. The rules are clear, with examples that feel like a friendly GM walking you through a session.
- Immersion: The adventure captures the BSG tone gritty, desperate, and morally complex. Fans will love the references to the miniseries, while newcomers will feel the weight of the Cylon apocalypse.
- Originality: The Griffon X7 and Archimède add fresh elements, proving the guide isn’t just rehashing the show. The pregenerated characters are fleshed out, with backstories that spark role playing ideas.
- GM Support: The sidebars and structured adventure make it easy for new GMs to run a session, while the open-ended ending offers flexibility for campaign starters.
- Price: At $10 for print or $7 for PDF in 2007, it’s a steal for a one shot or campaign launcher. Plus, it’s a free PDF on some sites now, so you can try before you buy the sourcebook.
Weaknesses: A Few Cylon Glitches
No guide is perfect, not even one blessed by the Lords of Kobol. Here are a few hiccups:
- Limited Characters: With only four pregenerated characters, larger groups might feel cramped. The guide doesn’t include character creation rules, so you’ll need the full sourcebook for custom PCs.
- Linear Adventure: The adventure’s straightforward plot is great for beginners but might bore experienced players looking for more sandbox style freedom.
- Slim Scope: At 36 pages, the guide can’t cover everything. Ship combat, detailed lore, and full character creation are teased but reserved for the sourcebook, which might leave you hungry for more.
- Missing Stats: Some reviewers noted that starship stats, like those for the Griffon, are on the GM screen, not in the guide. A minor annoyance, but odd for a self contained product.
Who’s It For?
The Quickstart Guide is a perfect match for:
- BSG Fans: If you’ve binged the reimagined series and want to live in its universe, this guide lets you experience the Cylon attack firsthand. Familiarity with the show enhances the adventure, but it’s not required.
- RPG Newbies: The simplified rules and structured adventure make it an ideal entry point for first time players or GMs. You don’t need to know the difference between a d6 and a DRADIS to have fun.
- One-Shot Enthusiasts: If you want a quick, self contained session for a game night, this guide delivers a 2-3 hour experience with minimal prep.
- Campaign Starters: The open ended adventure can kick off a full BSG RPG campaign, especially if you grab the sourcebook for more rules and lore.
Tips for Running a Stellar Session
To make your Quickstart Guide session soar like a Viper, try these tips:
- Set the Mood: Play the BSG soundtrack or describe the chaos of Caprica’s fall in vivid detail. Make players feel the stakes humanity’s on the brink!
- Lean into Role Playing: Encourage players to embrace their characters’ backstories and Traits. Reward creative choices with Plot Points.
- Improvise: If players go off script (and they will), use the Cortex System’s flexibility to keep the story flowing. The guide’s GM tips are gold for this.
- Tease the Future: Hint at the Galactica’s fleet or the Cylon pursuit to get players excited for a campaign. The guide’s story ideas section is a great starting point.
Final Verdict: So Say We All?
The Battlestar Galactica Quickstart Guide is a frakkin’ fantastic introduction to the BSG RPG. It’s accessible, immersive, and packed with just enough content to satisfy without overwhelming. The simplified Cortex System is a breeze, the pregenerated characters are flavourful, and the adventure captures the desperate, morally gray tone of the reimagined series. Sure, it’s got a few glitches limited characters, a linear plot, and a tease of the full sourcebook’s depth but these are minor compared to the fun it delivers.
Whether you’re a BSG diehard itching to dodge Cylon Raiders or an RPG newbie looking for an easy entry point, this guide is worth your time. It’s a one shot thrill or a launchpad for epic campaigns, all for the price of a few cubits (or free if you snag the PDF). So grab your dice, rally your ragtag crew, and get ready to fight for survival. The Cylons are coming, and the Quickstart Guide is your first step to outrunning them.
If you enjoyed this article you might want to check out A Comprehensive List of Every Cortex System Book Ever Published Next
