Rogue Planet

You guys notice that a lot of things are named "Rogue" something these days?  I don't think it's because of Rogue One.  I think it's because of Rogue Trader.

Hitch a ride on the Rogue Planet as it flies by....

In the last few years a number of games have included that word in the title, such as Rogue Stars, which I have posted about recently.  Rogue Planet is another such title, with the word included to hearken back to the wild, wild wargames of Rogue Trader.  As such, both these games are pretty much setting agnostic, and you can field pretty much any force of models you like.

I got a printed copy from Wargames Vault, but there's not much to the book itself.  A mere 24 pages, it's definitely worth the time you'll spend reading it.  With only a few simple illustrations within, there's a surprising amount of content.  Along with a few really neat mechanics in there, and plenty of room for pretty much any conflict you want to have..  I haven't put this on the table yet, but soon...

Some of it is a little problematic, but for me the biggest gap is the measuring system for FX.  Basically, you use three fingers to create a 'standard' measurement...even though there is no way that is standard.  It's also unclear how exactly you measure...these things.  Is it within a standard measurement or...?  For clarity and standardization, we're just going to use a number for the standard measurement.  It's unclear what that should be, honestly, as no other indicators of intent are given but in the FX section.  If we are going to say that a standard measurement is, say, 2"...then that means maximum FX range is 6".  Seems a little...short.  Perhaps 3", for a max FX range of 9"?

No one wants to look at my fingers every time we have to measure 2".

In practice, it seems like you're supposed to move it from one side to the other, a la 3" move.  We'll go with that, since otherwise my extra long index finger will get in the way EVERY TIME.  I'll be using my normal measuring tools with a standard increment, thanks.  Inventive, but no.

The test system is a little basic:  2d6, target number 7+; apply modifiers for different levels of success.  However, I really like how units are compared and profiled, and I can see it used for a variety of things.  I may or may not collect forces that are specifically for Rogue Planet, but right now I'm definitely using it for both Star Wars and D&D (yes, fam...fantasy only is ok) tabletop battles.  Really, it can do whatever you want.

One thing about tests is you're supposed to stop counting once you reach +3 or -3, but that's silly.  The way it's worded you could just read off the bonuses first and stop.  Of course, determine the total modifier every time and simply apply it as + or -3 if it would be greater.  Yes, this has to be said up front.

In all, it will be a welcome addition to pretty much any campaign.  The concepts here are similar to those that are gaining popularity across the wargames spectrum, so it will be easier to introduce some concepts with 24 pages instead of hundreds, as in the case of Tomorrow's War.  I'm especially looking forward to using it for D&D miniatures, because no one expects you to do that.