General Technology Level Assumptions
- The general tech level of Strange Stars is higher, and TL5 equipment is more common. TL3/4 tech gives you more "bang for your buck" (i.e. semi auto pistols may include biometric security, and AR communication for ammo/weapon condition, ect.) Artifacts are still typically not available on the market, and are only found though scavenging.
- Cyberware is interestingly both more common, but also external or obvious cyberware is considered tacky, or outright offensive in many cultures. most people choose to have cyberware installed in ways that are discreet, or take the bioroid genengineering path instead (see below). Some societies such as The Scavangers and Star Folk do not hold any such prejudices.
- This tech assumption does not extend to ship engines, and the rules for system travel from 'Engines of Babylon' are in use. FTL travel is done through The Hyperspace Network. Generally, moving between star systems is relatively fast, while moving through them usually takes much longer. ship combat uses SWN Revised rules, with Engines of Babylon combat rules used on top of that.
- AI Armature Rules (SWN: Core Original) are used to play moravecs.
- Transhuman/Gengineering Rules (MA: Transhuman Tech) can be used to play baseline trans-humans or near-baselines (Basic Hull) or bioroids. Baselines from privative worlds would not start with even a basic hull, while near-baselines like Smaragdine always start with specially modified basic hulls. (reflecting this in the rules is a WIP)
- Most of the setting economy is considered to be a "Soft Singularity", where matter compilers are commonplace, but currency is still in use, opposed to a "social currency system". (some exceptions exist, such as Zyanthion). Generally a matter compiler will allow somebody to "purchase and fabricate" items on demand, with some restrictions, and has become a ship/household item. This is accomplished with the SWN Core Revised Transhuman rules, Mandate Archive: Transhuman Tech, Strange Stars Rules, and additional modifications.
Sources
Stars Without Number - Core Original - Free
Stars Without Number - Core Revised - Free
Stars Without Number - Core Revised
Stars Without Number - Transhuman Tech
Stars Without Number - Engines of Babylon
Strange Stars - Setting Book
Strange Stars - OSR Rules
Strange Stars - Fate Rules
Strange Stars - Trey Causey's Blog