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Page 1 is entirely taken up by a full-body picture of the new Carrien, in typical Dave Allsop style. It's well done and evocative. From appearance, the Ursa is a carrion troll-type of creature. This image captures the niche that we learn from further reading the Ursa Carrien is meant to fill - that of the solitary territorial predator.
Page 2 sets the scene for the Data Packet and provides context for its use. Here's a reminder that the hellish environment of the Cannibal Sectors creates incredible pressure for the fittest to survive. Add to this the genetic crap-shoot that Carrien's breeding can throw up (there are already Lesser Carrien, Greater Carrien, random Mutant Carrien and the PC-playable race Advanced Carrien already) and you have justification for the recent appearance of the Ursa into the SLA world.
This section gives us more information about Cannibal Sector Two, which is the Sector most infested with Carrien, in addition to the Ursa Carrien itself. This also gives a few setting notes about the role Carrien usually play in SLA games (cannon fodder to be easily slaughtered).
Page 3 starts giving us detail about the Ursa Carrien, marked GM Only, which is strange because while the first paragraph of this section describes the Ursa with general 'roleplaying' notes for the creature - not that any of them couldn't be available as a PC in-game download - the next six paragraphs are an italicised, in-character report describing early Operative reports of the Ursa, which make much more sense as player-available information handout rather than something marked for the GM.
Pages 4-5 devote several more paragraphs to the behaviour, combat tactics and origin of the Ursa, this time in a manner that makes more sense as a GM only section. This is capped off by game statistics for the new creature, which carry over the page.
Pages 6-7 give a Blueprint Newsfile (BPN - SLA's term for a company mission, or in other terms, an adventure for the characters). As you would guess from the subject matter of this product, the BPN involves Operatives being sent to clear out an Ursa nest, which at this stage should still be an unknown quantity to the characters, as SLA is using the mission to gather more information on the new Carrien.
Page 8 is the credits page.
Overall, this is a good first effort from Nightfall coming out of years of uncertainty as the game line changed hands several times. Nightfall has clearly stated that it is working to reestablish SLA and expand the player base beyond the dedicated fan base that has followed and sustained what was essentially a game on life support for many years, and this product sets the scene for this goal.
The subject matter of the first Data Packet is interesting and well written and there is enough information to drop the new Ursa Carrien into most games as something a little different from the usual pack-creature Lesser Carrien that appear frequently to waylay Operatives and distract them from their mission.
I am very impressed by Nightfall's new product line. Like the name 'Data Packets' suggests, these are short, sharp detail-filled products that can be dropped into existing games without any problems. The style of presentation and artwork are eye-catching and clear.
My only critique for Nightfall when writing more of these product is to look closely at what information really needs to be 'GM Only' and to present the rest as easily-printed and distributed handouts for the players.
At less than $1.50 these Data Packets are great value and by releasing them as small, focused products the GM can pick and choose what fits the style of game being played.
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