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A [[Table Top Role Playing Game]] published by TSR, Inc. (then newly a subsidiary of [[Wizards of the Coast]]) in 1998. Just as TSR's flagship RPG, ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'', provided a way to play almost any kind of [[Fantasy]] campaign, ''Alternity'' was intended to do the same for [[Science Fiction]], with rules and scenarios for [[Faster-Than-Light Travel]], [[Psychic Powers]], [[Alternate Universe]]s, and other common sci-fi tropes. Unfortunately for sales, the game was hindered by a clunky ruleset. <!-- Please expand on this!%% -->
The core product line gave general rules for various different kinds of sci-fi genres, but like ''D&D'', ''Alternity'' offered players a variety of premade campaign settings. Four were published:
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''Alternity'' was discontinued around the same time as ''D&D'''s 2nd edition. Because Wizards still owns the intellectual rights to ''Alternity'', some of its elements have cropped up in later products, including remakes of ''Star*Drive'' and ''Dark•Matter'' in ''[[D20 Modern]]'' and another new edition of ''Gamma World'' based on ''D&D'' 4th edition rules.
The strong (and ground-breaking back then, though even now few games pay attention to these thing) sides of ''Alternity'' are hierarchical skill system and great capability for scaling <ref>shown off in ''Warships'' free sourcebook - you use the same mechanics for everything from a space golf cart to fleet carrier, and it remains compatible through every step</ref> - both good for expansion.
* Ability scores: the same 6 as in ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'', but Wisdom is called Will and Charisma is called Personality.
* Secondary abilities: "Action Check Score" (initiative) = (Dex+Int)/2 + profession bonus and "actions per round", based on Constitution and Will.
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The "official" fan site is [http://www.alternityrpg.net/ AlternityRPG.Net] - it also hosts free fast-play booklets and some of the supplements.
Sasquatch Game Studio [http://www.sasquatchgamestudio.com/alternity-design-blog-1-why-alternity/ announced in August 2016] that they are developing a new version. Time will tell. Links to beta versions are posted and discussed [http://www.enworld.org/forum/showthread.php?528022-Take-Your-First-Look-At-The-Upcoming-ALTERNITY-RPG! on EN World forums]. ''[https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sasquatchgamestudio/alternity-2017-a-science-fiction-roleplaying-game
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