After re-reading this thread, I think this new campaign system should maintain the mantra of "simple but not simplistic". I think SovStar is an already made basis from which a campaign game/scenario generator could be developed. I believe that a core game based on SovStar with optional modules/rules to customize your campaign to whatever level of details you need (like "weapons traits" for Starmada). Hex or jumplanes/nodes could just be another options to customize your game. Supply can be adjusted to the level desired from abstract to "counting beans and bullets" (ok, let's not get that crazy). Let's not forget that this could be a scenario generator for other MJ12 games like Quantum Legions or Defiance. Anyway, I would love to hear from the regulars on this thread.

Jimbeau,
Do you have an updated link to this PDF?

I prefer a hex based system. But, I have played others that use jump lanes. Each has its own merits and drawbacks. Hex has more freedom of maneuver especially for exploration and tile based flexibility. Jump lanes allows quicker play as it limits fruitless exploration.

Mundungus,
Your link to OOM is not working. I sent a PM to you, requesting a copy of OOM for review. I am interested in beefing up SovStar and would like to see what you have created.

BTW, lots of really good discussions here. My sense is that some folks are interested, like me, in an upgraded version of SovStar. I have two old copies of SovStar. One was an e-copy version and the other is the hardcopy Twilight Imperium integration version. The original SovStar had a hex-tile laying mechanism like TI with systems generating resources, etc. etc. I think I may still have the pdf files for the tiles. We use to play a set gameboard, and the players get dealt hex-tiles face down. Each player would then take turns flipping over one of their tiles and placing it on the board.

I like the thought of trade routes between systems, both internal and between players, generating income and providing opportunities for commerce raiding (for income).

I propose a simplified combat system mentioned on another post for encounters that the players choose not to use Starmada to resolve (craziness not to use Starmada, but ok perhaps too many battles to resolve for turn).

That's a funny coincidence. I just made a similar move across country, twice in the past 24 mos. East coast to west coast and back. Didn't have a child though. I totally understand the Real Life intrusion, as I have mentioned, I am back after a few years off due to Real Life. I plan on participating in any SovStar development given the opportunity.
- Ken

I prefer a simpler combat resolution for a SovStar strategic game linked to the tactical SAE or SNE. Add ORAT of all ships in the fleet and divide by 500, round down. The result is the number of d6s that fleet has for combat. Roll opposing d6s, sixes are kills, opponent then loses a single die for every kill. Roll until one side has the last d6 standing.

Just re-engaging this forum after a long hiatus. I like your tech tree. Have you link this to some sort of research point cost per tech relative to empire resources/production in SovStar?

I came up with an abstracted tech development using the tech levels in SAE. Everyone starts at TL -3 across all techs and have to apply research points from their empire resources/productions. Set research points thresholds for each TL...
RP:     10 -> 20 -> 40 -> 80
TL: -3 -> -2 -> -1 -> 0 -> 1 -> 2
i.e., 10 research points to advance from TL -3 to -2, for one type of tech such as engines or weapons or shields

Paul and Dan,
Thanks for your responses. I am always looking for simpler games as I get older, so when I saw Assault Corps a few years ago, I was intrigued by the premise of the game. I guess I wrong when I said it resulted from AC, since the two are significantly different, as Dan said. Regardless, I appreciate the information.

Regards,
Ken