A few questions about starting the B5 RPG

[big-gazza]

Hi,
might get tempted back into running RPGs after a some time so I thought of the B5 game.

Couple of questions.

1. I will be doing this on a budget. What are the essentials needed to play other than the rule book?

2. If I had extra cash which of the books would you suggest getting first?

3. Are the books with the black cover still valid in the current edition?

thanks

Gazza

 

[Yrtalien]

Hi,
might get tempted back into running RPGs after a some time so I thought of the B5 game.

Couple of questions.

1. I will be doing this on a budget. What are the essentials needed to play other than the rule book?

2. If I had extra cash which of the books would you suggest getting first?

3. Are the books with the black cover still valid in the current edition?

thanks

Gazza

1) Really nothing more than the rule book is needed...

2) If you like running pre-prepared module I would suggest the Ragged Edge... dollar for dollar the best damn prepared module I've ever run. Manages to get you involved in the B5 world without you constantly bumping into Garibaldi or Ivanova, etc. and by the end your players have a real oppurtunity to be movers and shakers in the galaxy.

If you want a game not set on B5 itself then I suggest the Freedom Station book... I got it and ran with it...

If you plan to run a game that looks beyond the years covered in the B5 series try the Legends of the Rangers book... I personally like pushig past that time into the future and seeing what my players do and LotR has a nice backdrop of info and presents a new enemy and technology to throw at your players (I do so like having the group technomage say... uhmmm I don't recognize it!)

3) The first edition books still translate well. I use mine all the time... the prestige classes are a bit of a pain converting but not that much. Beyond that the 1st edition books are chock full of info. If you are planning on having the Psi Corp heavily involved in a game try to find the Psi Corp book... I loved it and still pull it out to when I want to think of evil things to throw at my players.

 

[Shadow Queen]

I was flipping through the Earth Force Campaign book last night if you wanted to do something pre B5

 

[FuryMaster]

1. I would recommend the Guide to the Galaxy and Ships of the Galaxy. These 2 books along with the core book will have you covered for most situations.

2. If you want a great advenutre go with the Cold Equation and the Ragged Edge...these 2 adventures will show you how to integrate events from the show into your own campaign , it's great stuff.

I would also add that Freedom Station gives you a living setting besides B5 and offers new criminal groups, a base class (raider), prestige classes such as the smuggler, and a whole lot more.

Other great books are Lurker's Guide to Telepath's (if you have non-human telepaths there are a variety of prestige classes), Legend of the Rangers, IPX, Bounty Hunter's, and of course the Guide to the Station. Frankly there is so much good stuff that its hard to choose, it depends on where you will be starting from.

3. I still use all of my 1st edition materials, the information within them is still good and most of the stat materials have appeared in second edition books by now...Even though the Techno-Mage has recieved the 2nd Ed treatment in signs and portents you need the 1st ed book for spells, feats, and items.