Which System Should I Begin With?

[Stule]

Well this is my first post.

Just recently I bought alot of the Babylon 5 1st Edition books (for a steal!). My group likes Sci-Fi and I really don't want to do Traveller or Star Trek (Coda). So I was thinking of B5. With that said, which system is better to start with? Should I run down to my local hobby store and purchase the 2nd Edition (50 buckaroonies) or is the 1st Edition good enough to try it with my players?

If I should get 2nd Edition, the next question is why? Are the rules better? Classess different? Better Prestige Classess? Combat more streamlined?

I have looked over the 1st Edition Space Combat System and it seems simple enough. Normal combat system looks similar to 3rd ed AD+D so that shouldn't be a problem?

What say you guys?

 

[frobisher]

Quite simply you've got first edition, like the look of how it works - go with that.

If I was buying the books for the first time I'd go with second edition, but the first edition rules aren't "broken" (some could be better, but that's about it). The main thing second adds is that it doesn't require the D&D Players' Handbook as it has all the rules in it, plus the telepathy rules are better. Jury's out on the Starship Combat Rules - the new ones give "odd" results but are more abstract, the old ones more tactical (like normal D&D combat...).

If you're comfortable with d20, then you'll be happy running either edition, you own first edition, so run with that

 

[FuryMaster]

I highly recommend the 2nd edition. The biggest thing for me between the 2 editions is that character base classes are superior in 2nd edition. Telepathy class and powers are WAY better in second edition and your players can start with the new Ranger base classs as an option also. The influence system adds a whole new element to the game that makes it more B5 than in 1st edition.

Get the 2nd edition book along with the Cold Equation and Ragged Edge and Guide to Babylon 5 and you will be set with an awsome campaign for probably close to a year depending on how often your group meets (mine meets once a week and I figure it will be roughly 7 months to get through that material)....The Guide to the Station is a must havee for whatever system you are using.

FM

 

[Shadow Queen]

with the 2nd edition the CON now adds to the hitpoints witch is a plus, and welcome to BABYLON 5.

 

[FuryMaster]

Shadow is correct but keep in mind that the Con bonus is only applied at first level...not a huge change but it does add some xtra hp in some cases....this is a rule easily applied to 1st edition however...whats not so easily transferred without the core book is the class changes, new Telepathy rules and Influence.

FM

 

[James McMurray]

While Con now adds, each class's base hit points has changed, so you may end up with less, the same, or more.

I'd definitely suggest 2nd edition. I went the same route as you, albeit much cheaper because a friend already had the first edition books for me to read. I greatly prefer the 2nd editions's base classes, telepath rules, startship combat, skills, and influence.

It's a shame our schedules have meant I've only ran one four hour session so far.