From the front cover:
You are the master of your destiny, venturing across the sea of stars meeting the challenge of alien worlds...
UNIVERSE
The Role-Playing Game of the Future by SPI
From the back cover:
Seek your own destiny among the stars in quest of wealth, knowledge,
and glory. Plunge boldly into adventures on unexplored planets,
confronting the unknown armed with your own unique skills and the
marvels of 25th Century technology. Designed as the definitive game of a
whole generation of science-fiction adventure products, Universe is now
complete in this one book, with a huge full-color Interstellar Display
and four pages of color adventure log sheets included. Although we are
continuing a program of fascinating supplemental material, you need
nothing more than this book and two decimal dice to play a lifetime of
complete and enjoyable games.
From the web:
Become the master of your destiny as you journey amid the stars in
search of wealth, glory, and wisdom. Share the trials and triumphs of
adventures on unknown worlds, boldly confront the dangers of deep space,
and revel in the satisfaction of quests attained in the glittering
cosmos of Universe. Designed as the definitive game of a whole new
generation of character action adventure products.
SETTING: Universe is set in a 24th century where the nations of Earth
have peacefully explored and settled many star systems within 30 LYs of
Earth without discovering intelligent alien civilization. Some of the
star systems closest to Earth are quite populous and prosperous, but the
settlements further out amount to tenuous, speculative colonies or even
mere research facilities . Many systems beyond 20 or so light-years
from Earth are unexplored altogether . The inhabited planets are
governed loosely by the "Federation of Planets" (primarily through its
overwhelming military might and its monopoly control of starports),
while maintaining most of the nationalities and languages extant in the
20th century.
CHARACTERISTIC RATINGS: Universe does not feature character races or
classes that delineate exclusive access to particular capabilities. All
characters are humans, and are represented by nine innate
Characteristics (values 1-12) and a varying mix of several different
Skills. The nine Characteristics are described below. Note that the
descriptions are not merely loose guidelines on "how to roleplay" the
character; they refer to specific game mechanics (invariably requiring a
die roll) whose outcome is directly affected by the Characteristic in
question.
Strength: Affects how much a character can lift and carry, how far he can throw objects, and the damage he deals in close combat
Endurance: Affects how long a character can maintain physical activity
(eg running ), how much physical punishment he can take and how quickly
he heals
Dexterity: Affects character's shooting accuracy and other tasks that require hand-eye coordination
Agility: Ability to run quickly, climb, dodge in combat, etc
Intelligence: Intellectual capacity as well as general ability to
"notice things". Augments (or limits) scientific skills (eg Astronomy,
Chemistry)
Mental Power: Willpower and self-control (especially during combat or
similar duress). Very high MP ratings allow the cultivation of psionic
powers (eg mind control, telekinesis, hyperjump navigation).
Leadership: Affects the designated team leader's situational awareness
and ability to keep his/her comrades level-headed during firefights.
Also affects the Space Tactics skill
Empathy: Basically "people skills"; the ability to "read" and
successfully interact with fellow humans and semi-intelligent aliens
Aggression: Affects character's involuntary reaction to being shot at
(ie either cower on the ground or charge and attack his assailant -
though note that such rash actions can be obviated by combat experience
or a high Mental Power). Aggression ratings of NPCs and creatures affect
their initial approach during an encounter (eg, flee, interact
peaceably, or attack).
