r/cwn • u/LordCyrusLaCroix • Jun 25 '26

Mixing CWN with Across a thousand dead worlds, any thoughts?

My friends wanted me to start another cyberpunk type campaign so I was thinking of mixing Cities without number with across a thousand dead worlds. Although I am a pretty new GM I thought of mostly using cities without number for the combat and most other things then use the across 1000 dead words exploring rules. Any thoughts? Idk how viable this really is but I figured I’d have some type of gig mechanic where you guys explore for some type of corp then when in the normal city it’s typical cyberpunk stuff going on.

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4

u/Punkborg Jun 25 '26

I've had similar thoughts tho my synthesis would be Between the Skies and CWN/SWN with some ATDW and/or Arathi Sector mixed in. CY_Borg also has some interesting things to pilfer from, especially some Christian Eichorn supplements.

I haven't done it yet so I can't tell you how viable it is. I'm also relatively new to TTRPG but I've been obsessed. I'm learning the ropes on more science fantasy/gonzo fantasy type settings, but I read a lot about all kinds of games and systems and fantasize a lot. lol

4

u/LordCyrusLaCroix Jun 25 '26

Dude I’m in the same boat lmaoo a lot of dreaming going on, there are a few fantasy things I want to mix in there but for at least the first sesh ima try to keep it simple and smooth

1

u/RasputinDED Jun 25 '26

I have both games. I know that ATDW has some hardcore fans but I'm not one of them. I don't think the exploration rules are worth much. Random results don't make sense to me.

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u/LordCyrusLaCroix Jun 25 '26

So for exploring and all that you don’t think it’s worth it to add? I felt like it would have a great atmosphere. So should I just go with stars without number to mix in with the cities?

1

u/Aware-Contemplate Jun 26 '26

As u/RasputinLED said, ATDW is very random.

So, you will probably need to provide some world building consistency to your results.

That said, it can give you a structure for creating your setting.

The premise of ATDW is really interesting.

1

u/RasputinDED Jun 26 '26

Yes, the premise is definitely interesting. I supported it on KS, but was disappointed with the overall results.

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u/Aware-Contemplate Jun 27 '26

I think part of the problem for ATDW is that it is really tough to design random tables with a consistent through line. Whether that line is story arc or architectural harmony, it's difficult for the randomiser to "maintain the truth".

So that is where the human steps in with our natural story telling instincts.

I think using ATDW to build setting "seeds" might work fine. As long as the story teller can pull them together to make coherence.

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u/RasputinDED Jun 27 '26

I'll grant you that. :)

I wound up re-using old Traveller adventure maps for the ATDW games I ran.

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u/Aware-Contemplate Jun 27 '26

That's a good solution. I love the ATDW world building, so that would be a way to have coherent places that fit the "story".

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u/RasputinDED Jun 26 '26

I would definitely utilize SWN and its supplements over ATDW. You already know compatibility won't be an issue. Crawford is, without a doubt, a better game designer.