May 7, 2009: Call For Playtesters: GURPS Low-Tech Series

GURPS Low-Tech will be taking players and GMs on a guided tour of past technology. If you're well informed about tools, weapons, armor, vehicles, and other technologies, in any era from the Stone Age to the Age of Sail, come join the expedition. Help us find our way through the winding paths of technological evolution -- and keep us from getting lost.

The playtest will cover GURPS Low-Tech itself as well as three GURPS Low-Tech Companion PDFs to be released on e23. The core book is devoted to equipment lists and game mechanics; the Companion volumes provide cultural and historical context, additional and alternate rules, and construction systems for several types of equipment. Thus, while we'll expect a careful review of game mechanics and historical accuracy, an additional important goal is to check for consistency between these four related works.

Places will be reserved for new playtesters, both to find out how clear the books are to readers with less GURPS experience, and to expand the pool of experienced playtesters for future books. Don't hesitate to apply!

The one-month playtest will depart on May 15.

Playtesters will need access to and familiarity with the GURPS Basic Set, and we'll give extra weight to applicants who are conversant with GURPS High-Tech (for cross-TL comparisons) and/or GURPS Martial Arts (to check weapons, of course!). Familiarity with Bio-Tech, Ultra-Tech, or the Third Edition version of Low-Tech can be an asset, as well. Prospective playtesters will also need to be registered e23 customers who have spent more than $50 at e23 in the past 12 months.

Prospective playtesters should e-mail jwilson@io.com with [LT] (for "Low-Tech") in the subject, and include your preferred e-mail address for the closed playtest mailing list, correct spelling of your name as it may appear in print, your e23 login name, and a few words about your qualifications, experience, and current gaming group(s). Information about preferred submission formatting is in the forum post for this playtest call.

-- Steven Marsh