Campaign ideas??

[garibaldi]

Greetings all,

Charles and I were playing this past Saturday and he mentioned that Dale (insert Londo accent here) was "thinking about a great battle" also known as a campaign! I heard that Dale was thinking of 10 battle points with an additional Armageddon level ship (free). Well, I would be willing to play this campaign. However, those nasty Drakh get free ships, so Charles would have 16 battle points and an Armageddon level ship at the start...TOO MUCH!

If that can be addressed, and everyone is willing...I'd love to play a campaign and I would be willing to help run it (kinda like last time). Unless you would like that job, Dale-sama? Just wondering what all you Babylon 5 players think. I know that we have several people who play, and several who are thinking about playing.

I address that issue in another thread (Babylon 5 community) so read that one too!! If anyone would like to do a campaign, post something here (Name, race, interest level...stuff like that) If that's cool with everyone.

P

p.s. Dale, I hope I'm not stepping on your toes here, if I am...not my intent, really!

P

[garibaldi]

Having posted this...I will be the 1st one to respond to the poll...:)

Answer is (ding) Heck Yes!!

My Race is (of course) Vree!

P

[FormShaper]

As long as I have ships to fly, I will be there to punish the vile Centauri.

G'Baz

[squevitch]

I would love to take part, but can only come down on weekends so I would just be holding it up.
Maybe you can fit me in with some guest appearances as the Psi-Corps!

-Steve

[garibaldi]

I'd be happy to have the Psi-corps arrive at random times to mess with everyone!
Did you vote in the poll??

[Lawrence]

Im interested but i haven't been able to decide what fleet to take yet. My first inclination was Vorlons but I think that the time frame for the campaign would have them already left. Is there any fleet we are lacking?

[garibaldi]

This is just in the planning stages so far. No service dates at all. I'm sure that if you wanted to play Vorlons it would be OK.

As to fleets we are lacking...so far we have Vree and Narn. Dale might play Centauri, Charles might be Drakh...so the field is wide open!

Remember to vote in the poll folks. (I'm interested in the final results!)

[Rorschach]

Hi Pat,

I'm VERY keyed up for a League. I would play Centauri or Drazi for starters, likely Centauri.

Look at the 10BP + 1 Armageddon closely though. That's pretty much the standard start with the ability to actually FIELD our Armageddon ships. If your fleet doesn't have them or you don't own any, then go to 2 War, or 4 battle (no lower).
As for Drakh Carriers...that's their "thing" - they always get extra ships, but remember they MUST be launched from the Carrier, they're lost of the Carrier is lost. And they repair separately! Leave as is and see what they can do.

Steve, if you can make it down for moves, or proxy some weeks, go ahead and play. T'would be awesome.

Lawrence - Stephan might have some Vorlons to lend on a limited basis if you can't get all you want before the taps turn off. Personally, I LOVE the Vorlon box set, and think its one of the best Fleet in a box deals you can get. Just add some more Fighter stands, and the Vorlon Armageddon choice, and your set for under $120!

As for League start, Pat, you should wait until late April..after all final orders have arrived.
Also, everyone, don't feel you must have all your ships to field at ONCE. Just enough for a 5 battle is the usual default. Counters are always a fill-in option too.

-Dale

[squevitch]

I would love too, but since I am more than sure gas will be $4.00 a gallon soon, that's an awful lot of driving for moves and games.

Anyway, I do like the idea of Psi-Corps showing up every now and again to meddle with everyone. Maybe you can think of a way to fit me in within the campaign context??????

Also, I have a bunch of Vorlons as well if anybody would like to borrow them.

-Steve

Also, before I forget:
The Corps is Mother. The Corps is Father.

[Rorschach]

Gas is a concern...we'll at least have some big game or Tourney days you could come down for.

[umbraedominus]

i am always up for a good campaign, and im not sure that it would be drahk i would field remember i have a complete white star fleet and have been looking at getting the two ranger ships and a couple of blues so right now its 50/50 on my fleet

[garibaldi]

Well, to be honest Charles, if you don't take your mean, evil Drahk, it makes things a little easier. HOWEVER, please feel free to play what ever fleet/race you chose!

[garibaldi]

Squevitch, We would not expect you to come down every week! I mean...gas is not $1.99 a gal. :(

However, I think it would add some unexpected...complications, if the the Psi-Corps popped in now and then. If...(and I do me IF) I get tasked with running things, I will coordinate your coming down (when you are able and who you would fight...um...disrupt! yeah...that's it!). Again, that is up in the air.

So far the poll looks overwhelming...5 to 0. WOW!!

[FormShaper]

Steve -
Remember, I'm in Denver too. I'd mainly be down there on weekends. We could, you know, carpool. use the HOV lane for a change.

MB

[FormShaper]

Patrick, I think you're acting in your own self interests here. I mean, don't the Vree secretly control the Psi Corps anyway? And if not, what's with all the anal probes, anyway?

MB

[FormShaper]

I feel suddenly compelled to say that I completely agree with the idea of Psi Corps being involved. Further, I think they're swell, kind people, and all very good looking.

Also, anal probes never happened. That's just bad press.

MB

[garibaldi]

As a Spokesperson for the Vree conglomerates, I can neither confirm or deny and rumors about the Psi-Corps. They are a totally free and independent entity from Earth Force....Um...I mean Us...yes...US.

And once and for all I have been asked to set the record strait on this whole "anal probing" rumor. I have seen the ancient Vree records for the period in question. There is no truth what so ever to this "urban legend", as seen in that new ISN show "Myth Refuters".

[squevitch]

Good deal Baz! We could switch off driving down to ease the burden.

Of course I still like the Psi-Corps guest appearance idea and it could work as long as each campaign player gets a Psi-Corps visit at least once. I like the idea of playing the weird stuff in the galaxy. Rumour has it I am also in possession of several Techno-Mage ships as well. :eek:

The Psi-Corps denies the allegation of actual anal probe usage. We just make you think that has happened to you.

-Steve

P.S. Obey the Corps. Trust the Corps. No Independent Thought.

[garibaldi]

Well, I was thinking about adding a little something to the campaign...(if it happens)...

How about this...you can have either 2 refit rolls for your flagship OR one duties roll...one or the other...not both...(unless there is real money in it for me!)

What do you all think?

[Rorschach]

Well, I was thinking about adding a little something to the campaign...(if it happens)...
How about this...you can have either 2 refit rolls for your flagship OR one duties roll...one or the other...not both...(unless there is real money in it for me!)
What do you all think?

I think Refit and Duties Rolls are about equivalent, really, but the Flagship SHOULD be special...so how about this:
--------------
Designate any one ship in your fleet (Raid Level or Higher) as your Flagship. Note: this does not have to be your Armageddon choice.
This ship gains several benefits, set before the 1st Campaign Turn and Moves:
-- +1 To QC score
-- One free roll on the Refits Chart
-- One free roll on the Duties Chart
-- One Fleet Admiral attached to the ship

The Flagship will still take up the same Allocation Point Slot as normal, however, it will be worth one slot higher when calculating VPs. So a Battle woulw VP as a War, War as an Armageddon, and Armageddon as (Arm+ 2 Battle).
If the Flagship becomes destroyed or captured during the campaign, choose a new Flagship from within your fleet, and ROLL a new Fleet Admiral for it. This ship gains NO other benefits, but provides extra VPs as above.

If you Capture an Enemy Flagship, roll make an Opposed crew quality check, using the highest QC involved in the Capture. If you win, you also capture their Admiral. After some vacuum-boarding, he provides vital secrets.
Every Ship in your fleet gets one free roll on the Duties chart.
----------------
Sure, this may seem over the top, but it gives everyone something special right at the start. Imagine the dread of facing the enemy flagship! Imagine the horror and shame of losing your own flagship! Imagine the Glory of Destroying or Capturing the enemy Flagship!

Thoughts? :D

[garibaldi]

Ok...I'm cool with the +1 to QC, refit and duties rolls. However, most races do not have a fleet admiral. So I'd take that one away. Cool with the extra VP for the flagship. Ok with the capturing flagship...But a free duties roll for every ship in that fleet??!! Are you high?? That is WAY too much! So, I would say a free refit or duties roll for the actual capturing ship.
Much more realistic.

Remember in the last campaign we played, we started out with a (I think) 9 planet system. Cause of the duties rolls, we ended up with a 15-16 planet system at the end.

My two cents worth

[garibaldi]

OK...I don't know about you all...but I'm up for a campaign! So does anyone have a proposed start date in mind?? If you have one (or two-better) post them here. And we can see if one works for everyone...then go from there.

P

[garibaldi]

Ok...Here is what I was just typing up. All interested in playing in the campaign please read and see if this makes sense AND if you all agree. If you have proposed revisions please PM me and I'll get it corrected (after we talk about it, unless it's something glaring obvious!). Here ya go...kinda long...


Proposed Campaign setup/rules:

No service dates.
10 battle points (+ 1 Armageddon ship/2 war ships or 4 battle ships-at no cost)
If your race has an Armageddon level ship you MUST take it.
Flagship will get one free refit roll/Race will get one free duties roll.
Flagship will get +1 to Crew Quality (max 6)

Flagship will still take up the same Allocation Point Slot as normal; however, it will be worth one slot higher when calculating VPs. So a Battle would VP as a War, War as an Armageddon, and Armageddon as (Arm+ 2 Battle).
If the Flagship becomes destroyed or captured during the campaign, choose a new Flagship from within your fleet and add +1 to Crew Quality. This ship gains NO other benefits, but provides extra VPs as above.

If you capture an Enemy Flagship (Using the stand down & prepare to be boarded SA), roll make an Opposed crew quality check, using the highest QC involved in the Capture.
The capturing ship gets one free roll on the refit or duties charts for their race.

Campaign meetings will be on Saturdays (unless another day is arranged before hand w/ approval of all players) at the Gamers Haven (of course!). All refit/duties rolls for the initial meeting (flagship) will be done at that time. All others will be done (if chosen) after individual scenarios, during resolution of said fights. There will be a weekly update provided to all players on Saturdays. Updates on individual battles will need to be in N.L.T. the Friday before Saturdays meeting. Results can be emailed to the campaign coordinator, but a paper report must be given as well (All forms will be forthcoming).

The Psi-Corps will be making “special appearances” through out the campaign. They are not an official race in the campaign. Therefore, any strategic targets they take/retake or prevent from being taken, will be classified at neutral for that campaign turn. Said target may be taken the next round. The Psi-Corps will visit every player in the campaign at least once (time/visits from Denver permitting).



There you have it as of now. Let me know if anything is really out of whack. Thanks for your time folks!!

P

[umbraedominus]

sounds good so far

[Rorschach]

Me Likee!

[garibaldi]

OH BTW Dale, I forgot one VERY important one. VERY Critical! If you play Centauri , you must note MUST, do a Londo voice at least once during the scenario. If you don't, you loose 50RR points!

LOL!!

P

[FormShaper]

By the same logic, do I have to smoke a cigarette whenever I'm not actually in character?

If so, I nominate Charles as my proxy.

G'Baz

[squevitch]

Thanks for fitting me in guys!
I'll try and get battles in with everyone right after campaign meetings and will pick strategic targets with some kind of campaign fluff in mind instead of just random targets.

I also promise to say the Corps' motto at least once during the game.

So, if you ever feel you might be a telepath, too -- remember, kids, you've got friends, even here on Babylon 5! One of us is always stationed here to help you. Come talk to us any time! With Psi Corps as your friend, you never have to feel... all alone in the night.


http://www.infinicorp.com/VEX/organizations/images/psi-corps_01.gif

Psi-Corps. We are everywhere for your convenience.

[garibaldi]

I was looking at the other duties tables for all races and had a thought. I would like to minimize the over abundance of extra strategic targets. So, here is what I propose adding to the above rules:

Each race may only have result #11 on their other duties table only once per campaign.

What this means is that if 6 people play and we have a 12 system map at the start, we could only end up with a total of 18 targets max. I like that much better than one person getting result #11 5 times and automatically getting 5 new planets. What do you all think??

P

[Genestealer]

Maybe I'll play as well.

[garibaldi]

Something else I just though of concerning the strategic map.

Only the strategic target category will be available to chose from. Further details about said target will be revealed at campaign meetings when chosen.

There ya go...So, looks to me (at least now) like 5 players in the springs, 2 from Denver (one Psi-Corps-not an official player in campaign) giving us a total of 6 full time players, YES? Is this correct? I have rolled up several "test" maps to refresh my memory on the ins and outs of that process. I will make 2 "official" maps, one for 5 players and one for 6 players. If I need to make one for more that 6...that would be great! Hope this all makes sense.

P

[Lawrence]

Actually Im from Pueblo but my weekends are generally free so I can make it up for meetings and games.
Though at the moment im leaning more towards Minbari than Vorlons. Anyone have any spares I can borrow?

[garibaldi]

I don't think that would be too much of a problem. Of course...I'm very free with other peoples mini's...aint I!!

Also, Remember folks, To vote in the poll if you have not done so already!!

[Genestealer]

I'm fleetless, but don't mind using counters if people have them. When are you looking at actually starting as that might factor into my playing.

[garibaldi]

Well, Currently I'm looking at the start of May (A little down the road!) As to using counters, no problem... I know that I have them, so does Dale, Stephen and a few others. Again, no problem! :)

[Genestealer]

Cool. What fleets come with the counter packs and how big a fleet can you build with them? Do they provide multiple counters of the same ships? Thinking about picking one or two of them up.

[garibaldi]

All of the fleets in the 1st edition book. You want the Sky full of Start counter pack to get all of these. Minbari, ea, narn, centauri, vree, abbai, brakiri, ISA, Drazi, Raiders (I think), shadows and Vorlon. I don't remember how big a fleet you can make with them...at least 5 battle...most likely more...but I don't think you could field 10 battle.

There are also links on the mongoose forum where you can DL counters for Drahk and Gaim.

P

[Lawrence]

Those sheets I saw you and Charles using are online somewhere?

[garibaldi]

yes...here is the link...

http://www.geocities.com/stephan1313/B5/B5.htm

Once there chose the Standard lists link. Then chose and DL which ever you want. Stephan has done a FANTASTIC job on those (YOU RAWK, DUDE!!)

P

[Lawrence]

Excellent! Thank you and Thanks Stephan

[Rorschach]

Each race may only have result #11 on their other duties table only once per campaign.
What this means is that if 6 people play and we have a 12 system map at the start, we could only end up with a total of 18 targets max. I like that much better than one person getting result #11 5 times and automatically getting 5 new planets. What do you all think??
P


That does cut down on the ever increasing Victory Condition....in fact, we should either:

1) Set a Total # or Percentage of Strategic targets required to "Win".
or
2) Set a time limit on the campaign, at the end of X weeks, whoever has the Most Strategic Targets wins.

-D

[Rorschach]

Maybe I'll play as well.

If you want to play "Counter" Gaim, be prepared for more than a few House Rules. :-) They have balance issues:-)

[Rorschach]

Though at the moment im leaning more towards Minbari than Vorlons. Anyone have any spares I can borrow?

Talk to Stephan or Forrest...not sure what they're using though.

[garibaldi]

Dale, I'm OK with either option. I think that the x number of weeks is the easiest. That way we have a set time to play. THAT way, after I win....ummm.....I mean who ever wins, We can get a new one set up based of of the 1st one..kinda like a series!! :)

P

[Genestealer]

Whatever. ;) I'm probably going to play using counters. Not sure which fleet yet though the Gaim intrigue me.

[garibaldi]

I played the Gaim against Dale (he was Drahk). Emines and GEG don't mix well...I was not able to hurt him at all...Till I was able to get breaching pods in range!! Got messy fast then! Tip about breaching pods for Gaim: Put a fighter on CAP with the breaching pod! That way if enemy fighters come in...you can engage their fighter and keep your pod alive to get the big ships!

Important safety tip!

P

[Lawrence]

It is with great pride that I will submit to the whims of the warrior caste and lead the Minbari into battle.

[umbraedominus]

its still 50/50 for me, Sheridan calls for the fleet, but the drahk call for revenge

[garibaldi]

OK, So we have Vree, Minbari, Narn, Psi-Corps for sure. Possiable Centauri, abbai, gaim, ISA/Drahk. Anyone I'm missing??

P

[Genestealer]

I would actually be willing to play just about anyone. My B5 skills are a bit rusty since it has been awhile since I played a game so I'll need to get in some practice before we start.

[Rorschach]

OK, So we have Vree, Minbari, Narn, Psi-Corps for sure. Possiable Centauri, abbai, gaim, ISA/Drahk. Anyone I'm missing??


What...no EA?!? :-)

I'd recommend you play them. Ray, but they are a more subtle fleet...managing all those boresights will take some practice.

[garibaldi]

I had a thought today...we have not addressed crew quality yet. We could go with a default of 4 (military), but I think it will be more interesting is we would go with the random CQ roll chart. What do you all think?

P

[Genestealer]

Nothing written in stone...we'll have to see.

[Lawrence]

Random (with the exception of the Flagship) sounds good to me.

[Rorschach]

I had a thought today...we have not addressed crew quality yet. We could go with a default of 4 (military), but I think it will be more interesting is we would go with the random CQ roll chart. What do you all think?


Use the Campaign Rule as is...roll on the chart for each ship, and you can make ONE swap between ships. This is in addition to the Flagship rule.

[garibaldi]

I like it...sounds good to me!

P

[garibaldi]

OK...How about this language put in the campaign rules:

All players will roll for individual crew qualities at the initial campaign meeting using the table on pg. 80 (B5 ACTA 2n edition rule book). Each player is allowed to swap any two crew qualities (this does not include the flagship CQ switch).

I will get this put into the "official rules" asap.

If anyone thinks of anything else we are missing, please speak up! As stated before, start date for this is currently slated at the start of May. I would recommend the 3rd of May (1st Saturday of that month). If that date doesn't work, please post an alternate date (s). Thanks!

P

[garibaldi]

Dang...should have put this in the previous post (grumble).

I will create a Babylon 5 Campaign thread in a little while. I will post the whole "official rules" there. Once that is done, please PM me with:

your chosen race/fleet, name, contact info (email address)

I will post a listing of all races/fleets in the campaign once I have all this info. I know we are a month away, but hey...life happens! So...work with me folks! If you know what fleet you are going to play...please PM my the above requested info a.s.a.p. Thanks!!

P

[FormShaper]

a month away is perfect as far as I'm concerned. April gon' be busy, yo.

MB

[Genestealer]

I'll have a final or two about the second week of May, but should be good as well.

[squevitch]

I had a thought today...we have not addressed crew quality yet. We could go with a default of 4 (military), but I think it will be more interesting is we would go with the random CQ roll chart. What do you all think?

P


I think this is a terrible idea! Psi-Corps is supposed to be "The Best of the Best" and knowing how I roll dice that means we will be: "Slightly better than the absolute lowest class of people who should not be in space to begin with".
:D

Questions:

Baz: I'm still interested in the Nemesis. Hopefully, we can trade up before or at the beginning of the campaign.

Everybody: I haven't reviewed the campaign rules again, but since I am going to be the fly in the ointment and not actually in control of stuff, I'm not sure how many points my entire fleet should be everytime I show up to pester you guys. I'm assuming that the entire points allotment can be split up into smaller sub-fleets?
Just not sure how that will work since I am assuming you don't want me showing up with 14 Battle points worth of stuff everytime we play a scenario.

-Steve

The Corps is Father. The Corps is Mother. Now clean up your room!

[Rorschach]

I think this is a terrible idea! Psi-Corps is supposed to be "The Best of the Best" and knowing how I roll dice that means we will be: "Slightly better than the absolute lowest class of people who should not be in space to begin with".

Want some cheese with that? :-)

[quote]Everybody: I haven't reviewed the campaign rules again, but since I am going to be the fly in the ointment and not actually in control of stuff, I'm not sure how many points my entire fleet should be everytime I show up to pester you guys. I'm assuming that the entire points allotment can be split up into smaller sub-fleets?
Just not sure how that will work since I am assuming you don't want me showing up with 14 Battle points worth of stuff everytime we play a scenario.
/QUOTE]

You make your list in each battle out of your surviving ships each turn. And thus yes, the order you play your battle might matter in the same turn.
This also means it *really* sucks if the game is at Patrol or Skirmish level. But thems the breaks of Fleet Management. :-)

BTW, Steve - are you still coming down Saturday for a game? How much do you want to do, and any fleet opponent requests? Or shall I just bring Centauri?

-Dale

[FormShaper]

I've had a slight inconvenience thrown at me, folks.

Work is asking for Saturday overtime hours. More, they're *paying* for the Saturday hours. The way it's looking, I won't be able to head down there til after 5 PM or so, at least two Saturdays a month.

I'd still like to be involved. Are people willing to schedule some of their games on Saturday nights? If the consensus is that this is going to make scheduling too difficult, then I'll opt for a lesser role, and maybe play Clark loyalist Earthforce instead - the better to integrate with the part-time Psi Corp. (-;

MB

[squevitch]

...better to integrate with the...Psi Corp.

MB

This is wise.





Remember the Psi-Corps Pledge!

- Never question authority
- Follow those who lead without hesitation.
- Know your place
- Obedience is freedom


http://www.sybertooth.com/babylon5/psicorpposter2.jpg

[squevitch]

Dale,

Yup. I was planning on showing up around 11 when the store opens.

I wouldn't mind a re-match of the EA-Crusade / Centauri game that was over too fast when you nuked the Marathon on the first shot.

Let me point that out again as I would like to try some of the War and Battle level ships as well.

[Rorschach]

If the consensus is that this is going to make scheduling too difficult, then I'll opt for a lesser role, and maybe play Clark loyalist Earthforce instead - the better to integrate with the part-time Psi Corp. (-;


I can usually deal with Saturday Evenings. In fact, I look for game reasons then often :-)

[Rorschach]

Yup. I was planning on showing up around 11 when the store opens.
I wouldn't mind a re-match of the EA-Crusade / Centauri game that was over too fast when you nuked the Marathon on the first shot.
Let me point that out again as I would like to try some of the War and Battle level ships as well.

Sounds great...we could just go to 5 War if you want. Or 6 Battle + 1 Armageddon, if you wish to test the Nemesis versus my Adira!

[squevitch]

As long as you promise not to throw the Adira at me if you lose!


Also, everyone should review the thread "Important Public Service Announcement - Please Watch" in the Lounge forum as soon as possible. Your own children may benefit.

[FormShaper]

Steve - still got that nemesis, and it looks like a Hyperion would be a welcome addition to my EA fleet after all. Seems a shame, giving up this lovely lump of metal for something so tiny... I'm sure I'm not being compelled though. Psi Corp would never... nah.

MB

[squevitch]

Cool! The Corps will float you some cash as well (or at least we will make you think we did).

[squevitch]

Dale. I just want to try a pure EA-Crusade fleet right now. How does 6 Battle sound?

[Rorschach]

Dale. I just want to try a pure EA-Crusade fleet right now. How does 6 Battle sound?

6 Battle? Sure.
Bring your Vorlons and PSi Corps too though, in case there's a Round Two and Three :-)

[squevitch]

Roger. Wilco. Out.

[Rorschach]

Roger. Wilco. Out.

I forgot - I have Precinct Training until 11:30, so I'll be there at Noon.