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Cepheus Engine System Reference Document

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Suggested Price $9.99

The Cepheus Engine System Reference Document comprises the core rules for a Classic Era Science Fiction 2D6-Based Open Gaming System. Inspired by the original three books of the oldest 2D6-based science fiction roleplaying game, the Cepheus Engine system incorporates elements of Open Game Content from previous releases of that game of intergalactic drifters and wanderers to create a basic system that will allow players and Referees alike to create their own science fiction universes or play in the ones they are already familiar with.

You'll find the core essence of your favorite sci-fi game here. You can explore interstellar space, make a ton of Credits on speculative trade, find yourself halfway across the sector after a serious misjump, or blow people up with your mind, if you can find training. You can even die during character creation. This stand-alone manuscript provides all the rules you need to play the game. The Cepheus Engine rules were intentionally designed to integrate well with other 2D6-based science fiction gaming systems, especially your favorite Classic Era modules and supplements. All of the material in the Cepheus Engine rules is considered Open Game Content.

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Discussions (20)
Customer avatar
Christian N July 27, 2023 6:35 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Hi, I want to publish some spacecraft designs/maps using the Cepheus Engine stats. Am I allowed to use the rules from the Spacecraft Design Guide book too (I will of course mention it in the OGL)? And may I use the Cepheus Engine logo? If so, where can I get it? Thank you.
Customer avatar
takanori H July 06, 2021 4:57 am UTC
PURCHASER
I am planning to produce an original RPG using the Cepheus Engine, and I need a logo to prove that I am using the Cepheus Engine. Where can I download the logos displayed by other publishers?
I'm sorry for my poor English.
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Customer avatar
Ian S June 29, 2022 9:58 am UTC
Hi,
I can sort you out. Send me an email biomassart @ gmail . com (no spaces) :)
Customer avatar
Charles M March 03, 2021 12:10 am UTC
PURCHASER
I need to contact Jason Kemp about some open source software I'm planning on writing as game aids for the Cepheus Engine. How can I contact you Jason?
Customer avatar
Newbie F October 09, 2019 7:33 am UTC
PURCHASER
Will the PDF ever get updated? I think it could benefit from a double column format and some minor corrections brought up by users here.
Customer avatar
Trent S September 19, 2018 7:40 am UTC
PURCHASER
Are the Highguard and Mercenary SRDs from Mongoose Traveler 1st ed. going to get Cepheus Engine treatment. Do you know where I can find complete HTML or PDF (but preferable HTML) versions of the Traveler, Highguard, and Mercenary SRDs? I can only find versions split up by chapter heading online.
Customer avatar
Dillard R June 05, 2018 3:20 am UTC
PURCHASER
Under Personal Combat Checklist Step 4 says, "repeat steps 4 and 5", but there are only 4 steps. I imagine you meant repeat steps 3 and 4. Page 90
Customer avatar
Robert R March 25, 2018 10:35 pm UTC
PURCHASER
On pages 24 & 24, the Characteristic Modifiers and it's table are in error.
The Formula as stated is "calculated by dividing the ability score by three, dropping all fractions, and then subtracting one"
However the printed result, and all results in the table are wrong.
Right after it lists the formula, is concludes "so that the average characteristic score of 7 has a DM+0"
However, 7/3 = 2.33333 Drop the fractions = 2 and finally 2-1=1
Definitely not 0.

It can be brought into alignment if you change the (-1) to (-2), or if you increase the DMs listed in the table and the text by (+1) each.

Which is supposed to be correct?

[edit: I just noticed that others have noticed the issue, but were far less verbose in explanation than I was. I'd delete this, but I do have additional relevant details, the page numbers, that I still haven't spotted in other posts. Sorry for the partial duplication of info]
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Customer avatar
Shawn D March 26, 2018 1:22 am UTC
PURCHASER
The rules that this game is copying from uses char/3, rounded down, minus 2 for its math.
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Customer avatar
Jason K March 26, 2018 12:07 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
Corrections are forthcoming, but yes, it's -2.
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Customer avatar
Robert R April 16, 2018 2:56 am UTC
PURCHASER
Thanks for the reply
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Customer avatar
Robert R April 16, 2018 2:57 am UTC
PURCHASER
Also, thanks for the reply, and glad corrections are happening. :)
It's always better to get the fixes before the printing if possible :)
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Customer avatar
Danny S September 06, 2022 4:42 am UTC
PURCHASER
4 years later and I came here to mention this error. Still no update. An errata sheet would be good.
Customer avatar
Wesley M February 27, 2018 2:11 pm UTC
Are rules for cybernetics included? I didn't find ant listed in the TOC shown in the preview. If not should I just import cybernetic devices from another version of 2d6 sci-fi?
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Customer avatar
Jason K March 26, 2018 12:08 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
None are in the core rules, so please feel free to import from another version of 2d6 sci-fi. This will be addressed in an upcoming release.
Customer avatar
Shawn B September 27, 2017 5:51 am UTC
Hi Jason, I noticed your comment from March 31, 2017 about a print version that was in the works. Are there any updates on that product? Thank you
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Customer avatar
Morris S September 27, 2017 2:36 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Would like to add my +1 to this question.
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Customer avatar
Justin S September 27, 2017 7:48 pm UTC
PURCHASER
I would also like to +1 this.
Reply
Customer avatar
Jason K March 26, 2018 12:09 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
Moon Toad Publishing has been given permission to do so, and it was released this last week.
Customer avatar
HIROSHI I April 21, 2017 2:59 am UTC
PURCHASER
Thanks for the excellent ruleset. What is "Prospecting" and "Perception" skills appearing on Skills and Training Table for Belter and Bureaucrat?
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Customer avatar
Jason K March 26, 2018 12:11 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
Holdovers from previous versions of these tables. Use Physical Sciences and Recon, respectively.
Customer avatar
Frank S March 31, 2017 12:32 am UTC
PURCHASER
There are some typos I think - to find the CharMod you divide the Char by 3 then subtract one? Shouldnt that be subtract 3?
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Customer avatar
Jason K April 01, 2017 3:28 am UTC
PUBLISHER
Technically, it should be subtract 2. 7/3 is 2.333, rounded down to 2. Subtract 2, and you've got a mod of +0.

I'll fix it in the errata'd version.
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Customer avatar
Frank S May 02, 2017 5:00 pm UTC
PURCHASER
oh sorry, that's what I meant but couldn't edit it after I posted it.

Thanks!
Customer avatar
Chip W February 01, 2017 7:28 pm UTC
PURCHASER
I'd also gladly pay for a nice printed version.
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Customer avatar
Jason K April 01, 2017 3:30 am UTC
PUBLISHER
I'm working with a layout expert to get a print version ready. I'm hoping we'll have it ready soon.
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Customer avatar
John L April 05, 2017 12:03 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Excellent!
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Customer avatar
Morris S April 05, 2017 1:44 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Great. That'll be nice to have.
Reply
Customer avatar
Chip W July 29, 2017 1:26 am UTC
PURCHASER
Any update on a POD version?
Customer avatar
Morris S January 13, 2017 1:47 pm UTC
PURCHASER
I'd really like to have a printed version of this on Lulu.com or similar. My over 40 eyesight would really find that to be practical and useful.
Customer avatar
Matthew T December 21, 2016 4:24 pm UTC
PURCHASER
I've often heard that the rules for economics and trade in Mongoose Traveller are "broken." Does this rules set provide a viable substitute or are they basically the same?
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Customer avatar
Jacob R December 21, 2016 4:36 pm UTC
PURCHASER
They are different. Mostly the same but with mods. It works well. I don't see why people consider the trade rules to be broken. Sure, it's easy to make a fortune but that's just how the game goes. If there isn't a constant threat of losing that fortune to Pirates debt collectors and other nasties then you aren't playing Traveller right. :D
Reply
Customer avatar
Mike S June 20, 2023 7:29 pm UTC
The Imperial Ministry of Taxation word like a word with you, citizen.....
Customer avatar
Gerald S November 15, 2016 11:47 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Also posting to request a print version
Customer avatar
Michael C October 19, 2016 5:56 am UTC
PURCHASER
I'd like to echo the print request, plus I'm also seeing a compatibility logo on some people's stuff. I must have missed something, but how do we get that for our products?
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Product Information
Platinum seller
Author(s)
Rule System(s)
Pages
207
Publisher Stock #
CE-SRD
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File Last Updated:
July 02, 2016
This title was added to our catalog on July 02, 2016.
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Samardan Press
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