The first release from Nightfall Games since they regained full publishing independence in 2011, Ursa Carrien is a Threat Analysis file -- a self-contained briefing about one particular issue facing the World of Progress.

The eponymous Ursa Carrien are a new stable mutation thrown up by the ever-fluid Carrien DNA pool. They're a strong addition to the species, adding an extra niche -- and an interesting new challenge for the players, particularly ones that think they've seen all there is to see. The briefing is detailed and thorough, and peppered with the quotes and snippets that make SLA Industries so vivid. It includes information on the Ursa's environment, Cannibal Sector 2, along with full background, typical behaviour, origins, combat tactics and full stats. There's also a dangerous little BPN to introduce the Ursa to the PCs. The content, written by RPG veteran James 'Grim' Desborough, is engaging and useful throughout.

As you'd expect from a Nightfall product, the design is gorgeous, and the briefing is peppered with lovely bits of original Dave Allsop artwork. If there's a fault, it's simply that it leaves you wanting more SLA Industries. Still, for 92p you most certainly won't feel cheated -- and other Threat Analysis files are available, with more on the way.

TL,DR: A lovely addition to the SLA Industries canon.

The Ursa Carrien are a great new addition to the monstrous inhabitants of Cannibal Sector Two and the opening illustration by Dave Allsop is a stunning piece of work. After the cover page there is a one and a bit page description of the new Carrien for players and GMs. The rest of the PDF is GM only including statistics for these new creatures, the weapons they use and a BPN “Armed for Bear”. Ursa Carrien will provide a new and interesting challenge for players and are an excellent addition to the game.

GM’s will find the material useful. The Ursa Carrien’s behaviour, combat style, life cycle and relations with other Cannibal Sector inhabitants are fleshed out. The BPN is well thought out and nicely focused on the Ursa Carrien. They feel located in the game universe not just a random addition. It’s good to get a chance to see how Nightfall themselves set up a straightforward BPN.

Full review on my website http://www.impworks.co.uk/2011/04/ursa-carrien-for-sla-industries-review/

While I have always loved the carrien, I find it refreshing that a new addition is finally here. The carrien has for a long time been the creature you've thrown at the players when you feel it is time for an encounter, or when felt like ambushing the squad.

The book/pdf is of high quality, and the BPN that comes with it is well constructed and very entertaining. Without a doubt it should be an addition to every SLA Industries GM out there.

For years Carrien have been the default cannon fodder for SLA Operatives. This datasheet turns the tables slightly more in the favour of the creatures. While short, the Ursa Carrien supplement is a concise and well produced piece of work which provides a GM with something new and interesting to throw at the players, and something more for the players to worry about. Alongside the detailed game mechanics and description, there are snippets of in-character reports and a small pre-written adventure. At such a low price Ursa Carrien is an excellent addition to the SLA Industries set and well worth buying.