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Classic Traveller and this Mongoose Traveller product wonderfully complement each other that one could almost ignore the distinction between the two. First, it groups all alien animals into their animal kingdom classification – Avians, Mammals, Reptiles, etc. interesting was the inclusion of Fungals. While, I completely approve of Fungals, I would wonder why there would not be an appendix covering botany (maybe a whole new supplement, appendix or S&P article is planned around it – hint, hint August). Therefore, if you want Triffids then you will have to settle that they belong the Fungal Kingdom otherwise adapt some of the rules till we get that appendix. Subsequently, there is a small discussion of the dietary preference of the animal (carnivore, herbivore, omnivore) which in gives the terms of reference for the animal’s behaviour.
It then proceeds with a discussion into the fit of the animal into its particular ecological niche by citing their behavioural model (carrion-eater, chaser, killer, pouncer, reducer, etc.) which was the brilliance of Classic Traveller thereby allowing one to populate an entire ecology and see the relationship that animals may have to each other without going the route of just plain and misleading Terran analogues (e.g. Mongoosoid or Cobroid). An extensive and nice set of rules are inserted to handle evolution and instinct similarly Quirks is a nice feature of common things that just explain some of the more everyday exotic idiosyncrasies that we observe in the Animal World. Naturally, included are the defence capacities (armours, scales, exoskeletons, etc.) of different animals and offensive capacities (claws, teeth, tentacles, etc). The rules presented are solid and are as good as in any previous editions of Traveller, if not better. For they are realistic and do not stray really into the realm of the fantastic by staying close to the science. Although, science can explain the platypus does not mean it did not confound the first scientists trying. So, a Referee is advised to keep an element of mystery – no need to blurt out that it is a Hunter Carnivore. Just you need to say that you see something blending almost imperceptivity in with the jungle foliage just a few meters behind you with razor sharp claws and glistening teeth emitting a slight murmur when it cannot be seen. The section provides lots of examples of Terran animals. But, please don’t call it a Tigeroid.
Then what follows is: pages upon pages and pages upon pages of random encounters for almost any possible environment and terrain along with sample representations of animals that could be found in that terrain. What is nice that there is also appreciation of different climatic zones/worlds and develop unique ecosystems around that. Also, listed on the 2D6 scale is something called Event which is Animal or Sophont or Natural Phenomena not otherwise accounted for. These are replete with fixed examples but clearly the onus is on the Referee to create their own Events. So this part of the book is the most intimating but at the same time the part that is most needed.
The book is illustrated but most of the illustrations are just more artistic doodles than serious art. Which I can accept (although normally I would call it amateur) this time, as to do otherwise would render this book into a Monster Manual of sorts. And, make no mistake; this is no Monster Manual, it is a Supplement to the Core Rules to help you play a better game of Traveller – a game grounded in Hard SF not Fantasy. It is the skeleton of making a better and fully fleshed out universe and in typical Mongoose Traveller fashion leaves the meat for the Referee to fill in. This can be troubling and adding to the complexity that Traveller is allegedly is famous for the new Referee but I do think unlike many other systems – it is more akin to riding a bike – difficult at first but once you get it, you never forget. And, Mongoose makes it even easier than other incarnations of Traveller but with same errata and contradictions that drive us all barmy in this grand old game. The same thing with the purple pose, it is very nice and good it is there but is it Traveller? Everyone’s Traveller game is different. IMTU, there are many bumbling Dr. Pangloss types running around but don’t let the purple pose deflect you if your Traveller game is more Star Trek: The Next Generation were the Science Officer would be a walking mentat, just go with it and try not to be annoyed by it. Maybe, what Mongoose authors could do for their purple pose is insert a number of different voices.
The last section includes a Monster Menagerie with full fledged examples fleshed out. This section is helpful but is just gravy topping. It gives substance and form to all the rules that went on before. So, at the end of the rules, it might have people asking for more and this section is clearly designed for them.
What are the drawbacks? Very few, if you are looking for a way generating alien animals - this yet another solid Mongoose Traveller product. As noted above, it is some way superior to the Classic Traveller offering of the same type. However, if want something ready made that will do all the work for you aka Monster Manual then this is not a product for you. Not to nitpick, but the failure to include the Plant Kingdom was a drawback not really compensated by the Exotic (i.e. Science Fiction) Terrain which was, needed, otherwise again it would not be Science Fiction.
Hopefully, someone gets a hold of the great BBC series – that deals with divergent or future evolution. For there are lots of critters in that series just waiting for a Traveller treatment in order to give your players the willies. So, now that we do have this supplement – there is a logical question are we going to see an Animal (Monster) Manual from Mongoose? Probably not. When we cannot really fathom the countless variation that exists on our own planet trying to do it and illustrate it beautiful for a mere fraction of the 11,000 worlds+ of the Imperium and beyond would seem a colossal wasted exercise. Would I buy such a waste? Well, if it were based solely on this product – you bet ya. But, in the meantime, Mongoose has provided an excellent and easy to use set of rules governing the creation of Animals (not sophonts and may they never go down that path – for it is too fraught with danger).
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