It's a wee bit hard for some people to conceptualize, but you can represent it to a point on a 2d map as long as the area isn't too huge - (stars are VERY far apart). I think the XYZ axis method is probably the best route to go in terms of accuracy (such as it is). Talk to them to see what their characters are interested in doing, and have a clear introductory scenario that will at least allow them to begin exploring the setting and their characters. It will help if you can stay a few steps ahead of the players. There are so many things that characters in Sci Fi settings can do and so many places that they can go, it can be overwhelming for the players and frustrating for the GM when the players decide to leave Planet A where the GM has extensive notes and NPCs for unknown planet B. Star Trek).Īlso, a word of warning, my experiences with sandbox Sci Fi games didn't work very well. Traveller) or than an FTL with unlimited range (i.e. Fading Suns) the map is going to look completely different than an FTL with limited range (i.e. So, if FTL is by established jumpgates (i.e. This highlights the key issue with the OP's question: How you handle starcharts and navigation depends greatly on the method for FTL in the setting and in some cases the design of the galaxy, particularly the distance between planets (i.e.
