Well my thought was that the campaign would be fought in sections, with storyline centric goals rather than specific moves dictated by a leader. Each game would be targeted at achieving a specific goal. Goals would be established each round, which could last a month or so. A game’s stated goal would be established before a game started and the results would be reported afterward. With the strife gripping the galaxy, clashes between members of the same race would not be uncommon. Here’s an example of how I was thinking it would work.
Round 1
Possible goals for a game
Expansion – Any race can attack any one else as a goal of expanding their territory. This will be reflected in storyline updates by having the best three win loss percentage factions take territory from the worst three.
Attack or defend convoy – The Dilgar convoy is valuable to attack from all sides. Losing now will drive them into the arms of their defenders. If the win loss record goes against the Dilgar, the defending race with the best win - loss record in convoy defense becomes their salvation. They start heading for that race’s territory. If the Dilgar lose, but were their own best defenders, they chose to go it alone and pursue a new, desperate agenda. If the Drakh defend them the most, they permanently join the forces of darkness.
If the Dilgar win, they stay neutral and begin an open negotiations on Babylon 5 to establish a new homeworld.
Uncover Shadow Ship plot – If the win - loss record favors the Drakh, their plot remains uncovered and fear takes over the motivations of the younger races and the ISA will soon be in danger of collapsing all together. Uncovering the plot will result in strengthening the ISA and lessening the fear galaxy wide. The Drakh will still have their Shadow Ships, but their usefulness will be diminished.
Support or oppose the Seekers of Truth – The win - loss record will determine if the seekers of truth can gain any support for their cause on a galactic scale. If the ISA is their main supporter, the Seekers start to take over the political system. Any other race gains a powerful new ally, but risks losing control of their government. For their own good, of course. If the Seekers of Truth have a losing record, they begin to radicalize and see all the races as disloyal inheritors of the great Vorlons.
A few basic rules. The Drakh, Shadow Fleet and Dilgar can only support the Dilgar. The Drakh and Shadow fleet always oppose the uncovering of the Shadow fleet. The Drakh and Shadow fleet always oppose the Seekers of Truth. Any other faction can try to prevent the uncovering of the Shadow fleet, representing the dark forces within their own government. The Drakh, Shadow Fleet, Seekers of Truth, Combined League Fleets, ISA and Dilgar can not play expansion games.
All results will be determined by a win loss percentage rather than total numbers. To qualify for a story prize a faction must have played at least 4 games relating to that story line.
I think this format would be a lot of fun, because two players could pursue a verity of goals with one fleet each, even if they’re both EA players. It also cuts down on book keeping and means that as long as a GM is around the campaign doesn’t stall, like it would if one of the faction leaders dropped out. Hope I’m not stepping on your toes too bad EP. Of course I don’t mind if just my setting idea gets used. I’m flattered people like it so far.
Here’s an example how the first round could go.
Over all win loss records for expansion result in the following.
Winners
EA 10-3
Minbari 12-5
Narn 8-4
Losers
Centauri 4-6
Brikiri 2-3
Drazi 1-4
The Drazi, Centauri and Brikiri each lose a system, which is given to one of the victors. This does not necessarily represent a direct attack as they could be ‘relief’ forces trying to protect the system after another race’s attacks. Needless to say, the race who has lost territory won’t see this as particularly helpful.
Dilgar convoy
Over all win – loss
15-18
Best win loss percentage for support, Minbari
The Dilgar start running for Minbari space, hopping they can survive their escape.
Uncover Shadow Fleet
15 – 12
The Shadow threat is widely believed to be real and strife and panic escalate.
Seekers of Truth
12 – 6
Best win loss percentage, Drazi
The Drazi have a powerful new allie and the Seekers of Truth are well on their way to becoming a force in galactic politics. At the cost of the Drazi’s old political system.
So, do people like this idea for a campaign system, or just the setting?
Oh, and if nothing else, Minbari killed Minbari all the time, before Valen. :wink: