The Babylon 5 Companion

[KDLadage]

Pardon my ignorance, I am begining to hate this when it happens, just what is

"the SRD"

It is a topic I have agreed to drop. So without getting into specifics of the argument, the SRD is the System Reference Document. It is the "free" version of the complete d20 rules (less the ability score generation and xp application rules) available on the Wizards of the Coast website.

It consists of some 400-500 pages of material (if printed); of which, 40 pages or so are relevant to the B5RPG and were not reproduced within the Core Rulebook. This would include the combat chapters, character stat information, skills and feats, and a few other minor areas.

 

[Darke]

To all the "put the SRD stuff in Bab 5"'ers:

Wouldn't work because the SRD are not all vital rules - the advancement/XP table & stuff is not in the SRD and a d20 product cannot contain advancement/XP stuff at all.

The only way to make Babylon 5 a standalone game would had been to make it OGL (like Mutants & Masterminds). That way there wouldn't be the d20 logo on it and that would possibly drop sales (a lot more than the completness perhaps would add).

They chose d20 over OGL - I don't think they will now change from d20 to OGL, sorry.

das Darke

 

[KDLadage]

To all the "put the SRD stuff in Bab 5"'ers...

I have explained and answered all of the questions raised by this post earlier in this thread and in other places. As I agreed to drop this subject in the interest of the sanity of those that frequent these boards, I will not get into this here yet again.

I have answered this in a Private Message to you. If you wish or have further concerns, you may respond in kind. Again: most all of your concerns are unfounded and are against the grain of what I am suggesting and advocating.

Now... I ask (nay, I beg) all of you: if I am to be asked to keep my tongue (keyboard?) still on this issue, then you will all need to do the same.

After all, this seems only fair.

 

[Darke]

Ok, I answered you via PM.



das Darke

 

[Lesandira]

I would like to read more about Life & Lifestyle in the 2250s (if not already covered in the EA Sourcebook) such as film & music genres and stars (Rebo & Zooty...) new religions (Church of Foundation), architecture...

Also similar things for the Alien Races. (also if not covered in the Sourcebooks) It would be nice if one could make out an religious event like the "Day of the Dead" in Season 5.

That would be my wishes...I am coming up with (much) more later...

Just my 2 Centauri Ducats,

Lesa

 

[KDLadage]

I would like, either in this companion volume, or as a book in-and-of itself, a "Who's Who" of the Babylon-5 Universe. For an example of the sorts of things I would like to see in this book, check out the Steve Jackson Games' WHO'S WHO I and WHO'S WHO II books.

In these cases, I would like to have prominant political figures; various heads of state; who is the figure in charge of Psi Corps?; Celebreties, Sports Stars, heads of a few Fortune 500 companies, individuals of note from other races and cultures...

A big book of pre-generated NPCs.

In the back of this material (as a section of a seperate book, or in addition to a few lisings like this in the companion): generic stats for generic character types: thugs, smugglers, confidence men, a few typical Raider types, some of the more common "commoner" types in each race...

 

[Lesandira]

@KD:

Great idea, that would also fulfill my wish in a way

 

[KDLadage]

Next wish:

Before I explain this one, I have another couple of Steve Jackson Games products I would like you to give a look-see. These would be: (1) The various GURPS Traveller: Planetary Survey books; (2) GURPS Traveller: Rim of Fire. These are two styles of product that, in the case of Babylon 5, can work very well together.

Rim of Fire is a sector book for the GURPS Traveller line. This is the area in the Traveller Setting called the Solomani Rim. It is really an exceptional book. Previous to this was the Behind the Claw book; but as this was a rather ill-thought out regurgitation of the classic original, it does not function as a great role-playing aid. Rim of Fire is a model that all sector-style books should follow.

Planetary Survey is a series of books that are handled in more of a comic-book-sized format. 32 pages or so, card stock cover in color with b/w pages in between. The color cover allows for a planetary map to be provided with some real beauty, clarity and detail. The staple-bound, 32-page b/w pages allow the book to be made inexpensively. each gives some real detail on a single planet and/or system.

Now... using these as a template (and not the final design), I would suggest combining the two:

Release a series of books (160 pages each, soft-cover -- but see below). These books would deal with something like 3, 4 or 5 systems. The systems should all have some dealings with each other (giving them a reason for being in the same book). Use the Rim of Fire books as a model for the level of detail that each system should get -- some details on all of the planets in each system, with one given the spotlight and given more detail.

This spot lighted planet (or asteroid mining colony, or space station, or what-have-you) -- the primary one in the system -- is then treated to the level of detail that you might find in the Planetary Survey books. Maps. Adventure hooks. More.

Now... the book itself is as 160 page soft cover. But... wrapped around this is a card stock portfolio... this portfolio should be in color, have 3 (or even 4) panels (such that it wraps completely around the book), include the maps and such and could even act as a "GM Screen" for the information dealing with that set of systems. With three panels, two sides, minus 1 cover shot -- this gives you 5 "pages" of maps to work with for the systems in question and would allow for a lot of information. With four panels, two sides, minus one cover shot -- this gives you 7 "pages" of maps.

 

[KDLadage]

Next wish:

Right now we have a series of maps in the B5 RPG. Two in particular are very important: the star map (which claims only shows "major" systems and capitals), and hte map of the B5 Station.

What would it take to get Mongoose to publish a full-sized poster version of the starmap on high-gloss paper (suitable for framing)? And when I say a poster sized map, I mean one that includes all of the inhabited worls, a bunch on non-inhabited ones, minor worls used as filler for additional adventure hooks, extends a bit beyond civilized space... I mean a real eye-catcher...

I want a big one.

A HUGE one.

A very well made one.

One that I would be willing to pull down my cut-away Enterprise-D in aluminum frame and put this on the wall instead...

That's right: THAT GOOD.

 

[KDLadage]

Next wish:

And in the vein of the previous wish: I want a large, poster-sized cut-awat version of the B-5 Station...

 

[Lesandira]

Which leas me to the poster-sized cut-away version of the White Star *drools*

 

[redlaco]

:idea: Really good ideas from KDLadage & Lesandira.

I also play Star Wars d20 and just received my copy of "Galactic Campaign Guide" which aim to help GMs to capture the feeling of that setting for even the most novice GM. It has received glowing reviews so far and it would be a good model if the "B5 Companion" is conceived as a GM aid. Just take a look at D20 Magazine Rack Review to see what it includes.

Well if you don't have time to read the review, let me summarize : this book contains a lot of material to be used on the fly (maps, planet generator, name generators, tables (for critical hits and more), statblocks, optional rules, etc.) as well as discussions on how to recreate the Star Wars feeling in your campaign. I especially appreciate the "100 adventures ideas" section.

I will use this book a lot...

 

[Anonymous]

I was thinking the same thing. I thought, I would love to see this galactic campaign guide with a B5 slant.

That is what I would like to see.

Also, maybe a more rules light virtual ship combat system.; the one in the book is great, but we found it still slowed down quite a bit. i would love a very relative rules light system.

Razuur

 

[Sommers]

Hi guys,
A little later this week, we'll be posting some new rules that expand the Worker class a little further, and would welcome comment on them as they are a possibility for inclusion in the Companion.

Any idea when this is going to go up?

 

[Traveller-61]

Really good ideas from KDLadage & Lesandira

And I could not agree more!

But those are for lines of suppliments to come, if they are to be done justice to.

What you like to see in the B5 Companion though? What is the top priority?

I'd like to see more general npcs, some more on the ships and operating them for profit (or piracy) and perhaps a mini scenario or two to round things off.

That's my 1cr worth, now over to you!

DW

PS. The map idea was floated on the old forum and rejected by Mongoose on the grounds of cost.

 

[redlaco]

About scenarios, I think they can be covered in Signs & Portents, remember the great Lizard's Whispers in Darkness in the first issue.
But B5 really shine with story arcs. We need more supplements like Fiery Trial which really impressed me.

Since NPCs and scenario hooks will mostly be provided in seasons and races sourcebooks, I would prefer to get stuff like a compiled errata, optional rules, planet generator for those uncharted sytems, etc.

Oh, and I'd buy a collector's edition if it 'd come with a real Den-Bok; it would look great for Halloween 2004 :wink:

 

[MongooseMatt]

Hi guys,

Just to keep you informed. . .

A lot of these ideas are indeed going into the Companion, though many are also being funnelled away into other projects (the trading rules, for example, or information on Crusade). Provisionally (you read it here first!), the B5 Companion will be a January release.

As for the Worker's update, apologies for that, but I got tied up with a Super Secret Project this week - I am hoping to nail the rules down for workers this weekend. Everything is in place, they just look a little 'light' at the moment. . .

 

[Darke]

One question:

If the Bab5-Companion will be a January release, what about the League Book? Before or after...?

Please let it be before.. please!

das Darke

 

[AnlaShok Lynx]

Ok I was really avoiding this thread myself but now that things are going great. I think I will add my 2 Minbari credits in as well. I'm in agreement with the pullout posters of the ships and B5 Station, I think it would be awesome to hang up on walls, but also use in the game your running.

Now I would love to have a Pullout poster of THE WHITE STARS!!!!!!!

But anyways, I would love to see more things about the Rangers. I'm a HUGE Ranger fan, as are others and yes I know they mentioned in the Coming of Shadows, Minbari Federation Book and the Season Three book. But for me I would like to see more info about them in the MFB becuase they were created by Valen and the Minbari so it's more fitting there.

For the Compaion, I would like to see more plot hook, scenarios. Also I would like to see a list of all the races listed in B5, including the Non-Aligned Worlds, and the race that Dureena was, as well as the supposed extinct Dilgar. Though the Third Space Aliens would be awesome to see. I would like to see a list of all the main characters from the show as they went through the series, seeing how they changed and so on.

I would like to see more about the Teeps, unless you will be releasing a PsiCorp book which would be great too. As for anything else, rules clarifications, and maybe some errata to the current rules. Other than that, thats all I can think of for right now. Main reasons is, everyone has done a awesome job with giving out ideas. I'm new to GM'ing and actually, I would like to see a GM beginner guide or something for us beginners to get our feet wet.

What else, more worlds, space lanes, and so on.

Well thats my 2 Minbari credits.

 

[Anonymous]

As well as Crusade stuff, I'd like to see material based on The Legends of The Rangers movie (particularly the enigmatic Hand who are supposed to out-Shadow the Shadows) and the other movies and possibly - although there are probably copyright issues - the books and comics. Hey, I'm a completist!

What I wouldn't like to see: reams and reams of more feats and any major tampering with the rules (they seem to work perfectly well as they are).