From: duncanj@snoopy.umd.edu (James Duncan)
Subject: GURPS: GURPS FAQ version 2.1 Part 2 of 8
Followup-To: rec.games.frp.misc
Organization: University of Maryland, College Park
Date: Wed, 6 Jan 1993 19:07:28 GMT


Part 2 of 8 of GURPS FAQ

  General
  -------
  GN1: What is GURPS?  
	GURPS stands for Genric Universal Role Playing System.  The game
	system is published by Steve Jackson Games and the core rules (GURPS 
	BASIC) were written by Steve Jackson. The first GURPS Basic set was
	released in 1986. The current version GURPS Basic 3rd Edition was 
	published in 1988.
	
	GURPS is a 3d6 skill based system. It uses a point-based character 
	creation system, and represents characters using four basic stats
	(Strength, Dexterity, IQ, and Health)along with advantages,
	disadvantages, and quirks. GURPS is designed to allow
	roleplaying in any genre. The same game mechanics are used
	regardless of the genre.
  
  GN2: What is required to play GURPS? 
	Only the GURPS Basic book is required to play GURPS. Various source 
	books may be useful depending on genre. Along with the Basic book
	the following are recommended for the genre listed.

	Fantasy: GURPS Magic; GURPS Fantasy 2nd Edition is useful
		 for GMs who want a ready made campaign setting.
	Science Fiction: GURPS Space; GURPS Ultra-Tech is useful.
	Swashbuckling: GURPS Swashbucklers
	Martial Arts: GURPS Martial Arts; GURPS Japan or China may be
		      useful as campaign settings. 
	Cyberpunk: GURPS Cyberpunk; GURPS Ultra-Tech useful for TL9+ campaigns.
	Superhero: GURPS Supers
		Wild Cards: GURPS Psionics needed for many characters.
			    Martial Arts may be useful.
		Four-color: GURPS Psionics and Martial Arts highly 
			    recommended. GURPS Ultra-Tech may be useful.
		       IST: The International Super Teams source book
			    may be useful GMs looking for a ready made
			    campaign background. GURPS Psionics is
			    also useful for GMs running IST campaigns.
	Time Travel: GURPS Time Travel; Any of the historical books
		     (Japan, China, Imperial Rome, Middle Ages, ect)
		     may prove useful.
	Alternate Dimensions: GURPS Time Travel
	Horror: GURPS Horror. GURPS Magic may be useful.
	American Western/Cowboy: GURPS Old West; GURPS High-Tech may
				 be useful.
	Conspiracy: GURPS Illuminati; GURPS High-Tech may be useful.
	Counter-Terrorism: GURPS Special OPs; GURPS High-Tech recommended.
	Modern era: GURPS High-Tech
	Espionage/Spies: GURPS Espionage; GURPS High-Tech recommended.	
	
  GN3:  What GURPS books are available?
	
	A complete list of all GURPS products is maintained by
	Jeffrey H. Johnson (jjohnson@ccscola.columbiasc.ncr.com).
	He will be posting the list to rec.games.frp.archives
	approximately every 6-8 weeks (about the same schedule as this
	list will be posted).	

  GN4: Is there a GURPS electronic mailing list?

       Yes, there are actually two GURPS mailing lists. Both are run
       by Laird Popkin and are described below.
       (Note: The GURPS Digest formerly run by Walter Milliken is no
	      longer in existence). 
 	
	Name:           gurps-announce-ext
	Subscription:   laird@think.com
	Posting:        on approval of subscription
	Moderator:      Laird Popkin (laird@think.com)	
	Notes:          gurps-announce-ext, is for occasional GURPS
			product and playtest announcements.

	Name:           gurps-ext
	Subscription:   laird@think.com
	Posting:        on approval of subscription
	Moderator:      Laird Popkin (laird@think.com)
	Notes:          gurps-ext is for general GURPS discussion.
			It's a small list right now, intended for
			"serious" discussions of GURP issues.

  GN5: Does Steve Jackson games publish a magazine for GURPS?
	Yes, _Roleplayer_ is the SJ Games GURPS magazine.  Issues are
	supposed to be published approximately bimonthly and are 32
	pages in length. Last year very few issues came out. No
	advertising included except Steve Jackson Games products -
	mostly GURPS.
	Latest Issue: 29

  GN6: Does Steve Jackson games have a BBS? 
	Steve Jackson Games' official bulletin board system (BBS) is known as 
	the Illuminati BBS. It can be reached by modem and may be accessed by
	PC Pursuit (Sprintnet for non-business). The BBS is located in Austin,
	Texas U.S.A.:

		Phone: 512-447-4449
		Speed: 1200, 2400 bps
		Parity: even or none

		Note: There is no Internet access to the BBS.	
		      The BBS hardware and software may change in the
		      near future. I think the hardware may be moved
		      to an Amiga 2000(?). 

  GN7: Where can I get GURPS Errata, SJ Games catalogs, and other
       GURPS information?
       The address for SJG is Steve Jackson Games, Box 18957, Austin
       TX 78760.  Write to them for errata sheets, catalogs, GURPS
       questions or subsciption information. Please include a Stamped
       Self Addressed Envelope (SASE) when requesting errata sheets
       and specify which book or books you for which errata is
       requested. They will not give you every errata sheet ever
       printed so be specific. A SASE is also required to get back
       answers on rules questions (it's best to use the Illuminati BBS
       or rec.games.frp.misc for this if you want a quick response). 
 
End of Part 2 of 8 of GURPS FAQ

Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.archives