 Goto [ Index ] |
The quality cover art by A.C. Farley features some hardened rebels posing with the tattered remains of an Imperium flag. Dare I suggest they look very North American? The interior art of the 96pp softback however is average at best. As per the other books, the text is sans-serif and in a formal style. The book's organisation however is far superior to the previous publications with a comprehensive table of contents explaining the numerous short chapters in an order that makes sense to read and with material easily found.
The "story" starts with the assassination of the Emperor Strephon by Archduke Dulinor, who claims ascension by right of assassination. This is disputed by Prince Lucan, who avoided assassination by Dulinor's agents and also seems to have assassinated his own brother in the process. Many of the nobles would have liked to call a Moot to discuss the process but it was dissolved by Lacan who quickly grasped the reigns of power and engaged in a hunt for Dulinor. With the lack of a clear choice, the Imperium fragmented and in doing so, dragged military forces from the borders to the core, leading to invasions by the Aslan, penetrating raids by the Vagr, the isolation of the Spinward Marches, and reclamation of lost territory by the Solomani. History, motivation, strategy and tactics employed in the rebellion are described in significant detail. Too much space however is dedicated to the improbable distribution of Imperial fleets on the eve of the rebellion, and there is more than just a hint of wargame development on the chapter concerning Armies of the Imperium.
The Agencies and Factions are the real blood and bone of the document with two pages of details for each significant participant, including the alien forces. The basis and history of each group is described, along with the strengths and weaknesses, and allies and enemies. Apart from the aforementioned Lucan and Dulinor, there is also Margaret of Anaxias, supported by the moderates; a support group for the assassinated Prince Varian; the reappearance of Emperor Strephon (claiming that a double was killed instead) in the Gushemege sector; the re-established Vilani Empire; Antares, who has declared independence and aligned itself with the Vagr; Norris of the Spinward Marches, who by force of circumstance is taking an independent path; the Aslan who are making gradual colonial incursions into the marches; the corsair raiders of the Vagr; the independent Daibei sector, who has declared "armed neutrality", and an independent and federal government; the Zhodani Consulate, who are happy to watch and let the Imperium fall apart; and finally, the Solomani Confederation, whose diverse and largely benevolent single-party state appears to be satisfied with regaining old territory.
Does anyone notice that no-one supports a democratic government?
The final chapters include a historical atlas of the rebllion, from the eve on mid-1116, the major clashes between Dulinor and Lacan and movement of the fleets in 1117, the establishment of the factional borders in 1118, and the establishment of holding patterns by 1119-1120. This is followed by an "equipment catalog", which in reality is several pages of ships (each taking a full page), and finally an oddly-named ("Nail Mission") campaign, which leaves a lot of detail to the Referee, but otherwise is quite interesting with good narrative development.
The Megatraveller Rebellion Sourcebook is the best of the core books for this game. It provides a wealth of information, both static and dynamic, and is well organised. There are style, substance and content flaws, but these a minor compared to the quantity of good material in the book itself. This book is certainly essential for any Megatraveller campaign and is strongly recommended.
Help support RPGnet by purchasing this item through DriveThruRPG.
