Best source material for B5 game?

[crazy_cat]

I'm looking forward to the B5 Traveller book as I've never really liked any D20 variant as a system for a SF game (that's just a personal preference)

Anyways, enough introductory stuff. What, if anything, from teh Mongoose B5 range would you recommend as good background material for fluff rater than crunch?

Beyond any Mongoose books what else would you recommend as good overall campaign background materials? Yes, before anyone mentions it I have the complete DVD set.

If it makes any difference I'm most interested in the time period covered by series 1-3.

 

[Valarian]

There's a chronology book coming out, which has been mentioned in some other threads recently: http://www.cafepress.com/thejoestore

Online websites are another good resource.
I've bought books from the 1st edition (not usable with 2nd edition) for background such as Psi-Corp and Technomages. I've heard good things about the First Ones book, but I've not bought that as yet.
The Pak'mara book is a good resource for that race, some system stats but also a good background book.
The Drakh book is excellent, again some stats but a lot of detail regarding the race and their relationship with the Shadows.
The Galactic Guide is system neutral, definitely worth getting.

 

[tzunder]

I also am keen to understand which of the Mongoose B5 OGL books (either edition) deliver a core structure for the B5 setting and the timelines.

I am NOT interested in lots of rules or stats, just core useable material by any system.

Any chance of a thumbnail guide from some of you B5 rpg old hands?

(Yes, I have all the DVDs..)

 

[lastbesthope]

The Galactic Guide would be useful to you, info on a lot of planets and systems, 98% or more rules neutral.

LBH

 

[Greg Smith]

I'm not sure what you mean by a 'core structure'.

The first and second edition rule books both have an overview of the B5 universe, as well as a GM section on running games in that universe. The first edition rules is set firmly in season 1 (2258) and doesn't detail events after that. Second edition rules is a little bit broader in scope, but doesn't expand much beyond season 2 (2259). The first edition season books expand the events of later seasons in greater detail.

The Earthforce sourcebook has details of running an Earthforce campiagn, as well as an actual short campaign.

The Crusade book has material on running campaigns in the Crusade era.

Actual campiagns: first edition Fiery Trial and Into the Crucible. Second edition The Ragged Edge (with Cold Equations).

I hope that helps.