ANSI A (US Letter) format - Freelance Traveller

Critics’ CornerThe Third Imperium: Sector Map Packsreviewed by Jeff ZeitlinThe Third Imperium: The Spinward Marches Map Pack. Nick RobinsonThe Third Imperium: The Trojan Reaches Map Pack. VariousThe Third Imperium: The Gvurrdon Map Pack. Nick RobinsonMongoose Publishing http://www.mongoosepublishing.comeach 1p, unbound poster (22"x25½")UK£5.00/US$9.99 eachMongoose Publishing has released three (so far)poster-sized maps of sectors that have been developedfor their Third Imperium setting. The threemaps are generally similar, and thus are all treatedtogether in a single review.On the ShelfMaps of sectors are inherently setting specific,and these three maps are all for the "standard" ThirdImperium setting. As such, they have the Third Imperiumsetting logo at the top, the Traveller line logoat the bottom, and a snapshot of part of the sectordescribed in the item in the middle.On Closer InspectionIt is perhaps misleading to call these map packs,as they each contain only a single map. That map ison slick paper, of a weight that suggests that theywill be reasonably durable. The finish is highlyglossy, with a black background. Each map has thesector name across the top. Text is generally readable,in white, with selected world names in red. Theactual map extends across four-fifths of the unfoldedsheet, with the remainder - along the right edge - setaside for the legend. Symbols (for bases and otherinstallations) and border colors for the various politieson each map are color-coordinated, though someof the colors chosen are difficult to see against theblack background. The maps generally follow longestablishedTraveller conventions for the meaning ofsymbols and the color of the world symbol, but providelittle useful information without the associatedsector data from other setting volumes.There are minor errors; for example, severalworlds in Subsector P of the Spinward Marches maphave had their names omitted entirely.The actual size of the map hexes is just a bit toosmall to allow the map to be a reasonable 'board' fora strategic-level wargame.ConclusionAs standalone products, these are not really aworthwhile purchase; they should really be treated asadd-ons to their respective setting books (The SpinwardMarches, Alien Module 1: Aslan, and AlienModule 2: Vargr, in order), for which they are suitedas astrography overviews. The utility, and to someextent the visual attractiveness, is marred by thechoice of colors, the errors, and the size, but not tothe point of an active disrecommendation of purchase.2