Forum

Apologies if this is covered in the book, and if so please refer me to the relevant sections. But here is my comprehension problem:

The star chart of Charted Space shows stars. Stars are light years apart. The claim is that they've discovered a whole new technology that allows them to go faster than light on these 'slipstreams'. Only extremely large ships can do this. They are the Greatships. Once in a system explorers use the shuttles to get around. Are the paths drawn the only slipstream paths? In which case how does anyone ever get to the stars that are off the paths? And if in fact the greatships can go anywhere, then what's the point of the paths?
Only the greatships can use the slipstream. Shuttles (character ships) cannot. There are only 11 greatships. What's the chance of a greatship going to a place that the characters want to go to that's off the beaten track?

Sincere apologies again if this is covered in the book and I've missed it.

Yes, only the paths with slipstream currents are reachable. Greatships and Slipstream Cruisers can travel down the Slipstream unhindered, smaller ships can also do that, but its very dangerous, hence the need to tag along with a bigger ship. Discovering new Slipstream routes and reaching unknown stars is a big part of the game and will be covered in future adventures and campaigns (and is indeed covered in upcoming The Flowers of Algorab).

Yes, only the paths with slipstream currents are reachable. Greatships and Slipstream Cruisers can travel down the Slipstream unhindered, smaller ships can also do that, but its very dangerous, hence the need to tag along with a bigger ship. Discovering new Slipstream routes and reaching unknown stars is a big part of the game and will be covered in future adventures and campaigns (and is indeed covered in upcoming The Flowers of Algorab).

Thank you. So, specifically, Malhaut (or Regutsin etc.) is not known to be reachable. But a crew can choose to explore to find a slipstream that will take them there?

Yes, indeed, but finding a new route is not easy and should be a fairly big deal in any campaign (of course at your table, feel free to adjust this). One of the major points of the game is the death of the portals and how difficult and dangerous this makes space travel. Also, remember that there are plenty of worlds and systems that have barely been discovered in the Charted Sphere.

Yes, indeed, but finding a new route is not easy and should be a fairly big deal in any campaign (of course at your table, feel free to adjust this). One of the major points of the game is the death of the portals and how difficult and dangerous this makes space travel. Also, remember that there are plenty of worlds and systems that have barely been discovered in the Charted Sphere.

That's great. Thanks for clearing that up for me.