Traveller Book 4: Mercenary

Classic Traveller Books #4

by Frank Chadwick

Genres: Gaming, Science Fiction, Role Playing Games

52 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1978

Reviews

[Forrest · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first Traveller expansion from the LBB (Little Black Book) core set of rules (comprising Books 1-3). Purists hate it. Monte Haul players and referees love it. I fall somewhere in between, but definitely more on the love side. The problem is, if you use this in your game, you're probably going to have to go through and collect the other LBB expansions (such as Book 5: High Guard, or your gameplay balance will get all out of whack.

For all you non-gaming readers, keep in mind that this book might have affected every portrayal of a combat-power-suited Space Marine's gear that came thereafter. While the idea of such tech pre-dated Traveller, this little black book sunk the notion deep into gamer's heads. And some of those impressionable young gamers later became writers *cough, cough*.

[Little Timmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

You know sometimes you just need a little help and gotta hire out. Nice source/reference book for Traveller. Recommended

[Andrew · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s the supplemental superset I’d skip unless I wanted to play a wagame. Traveller’s roots show clearly in this book, but the most interesting detail is the combat group makeup and character generation (as always with Traveller). The remaining rules are incredibly “crunchy”.

[Mark Singer · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the first supplements for the Classic Traveller RPG, this book adds details for characters with Army and Marine backgrounds, as well as the working of mercenary organizations.