It was the year of fire,
The year of destruction,
The year we took back what was ours.
It was the year of rebirth,
The year of great sadness,
The year of pain,
And a year of joy.
It was a new age.
It was the end of history.
It was the year everything changed.
The year is 2261.
The name of the game Babylon 5.


It is the beginning of the Earth year 2261, and the galaxy is entering a new age; the age of the ‘younger’ races. The Vorlons are gone, the Shadows have left, and all the ancients that once proved such a mystery have left the galaxy, to live with those who left for beyond the Rim so long ago. But that doesn’t mean the galaxy is any quieter or more peaceful. Governments still conspire against one another. Fleets still meet and do battle amongst the stars. If anyone thought that the departure of the 'older' races would bring some sense of peace or calm, then they were sadly mistaken.

The humans are embroiled in a deep and bitter civil war, something that has been brewing for years. Breaking away from Earth in an act of open defiance to the bombings of civilian targets Captain John Sheriden leads a band of renegades and like-minded individuals in a coup to over-throw the dictatorial President Clarke. With support from the Rangers and a few of the other races he forges an armada with one purpose, to liberate his people from a tyrant’s grasp. Meanwhile, through the use of the relentless Night Watch and the ever present Psi-corps, President Clarke rules Earth with fear and misinformation. Working under the guidance of Shadow agents he began a campaign of hatred and xenophobia, bringing about an enforced period of isolationism. But now it slowly winds towards a head, like the calm before the storm. Niether side is willing to roll over and surrender, this will only end in death.

The Mimbari are a people in shock, with the Grey Council broken the castes and clans are falling apart as the old rivalries surface from beneath their placid veneer. No Mimbari has killed another for nearly a millennia; not since the coming of Valen, but all that has the potential to change. Only Delen and the respect she has earned through her command of the Rangers has managed to keep the powerful race in check throughout the Shadow war. Unfortunately, the war is over now and little can hold in check the more ambicious and extreme of ‘certain’ elements of the Mimbari race, most notably the powerful and rightfully feared Star Rider clan of the Warrior caste; still fuming over the surrender at the ‘Battle of the Line’.

With the death of Emperor Cartagia the Centauri are in an unusual position, having no Emperor and no clear heir. On the advice of the newly elected Prime Minister Londo Mollari they have recalled their forces from Narn and only narrowly escaped what had seemed like certain destruction at the hands of the Vorlons. Centauri Prime is their main concern now, under the leadership of Prime Minister Mollari and in the care of Regent Virini they seek to strengthen and rebuild their loses from the Shadow war and the hostilities with almost every other sentient race. Something dark and sinister lurks in the palace on Centauri Prime though; the twisted servants of the Shadows have dreams of power for themselves and know how ‘amicable’ the Centauri can be. As the Houses vie for power and dominance over one another, an altogether darker agenda weaves its way in.

For the second time in a little over a hundred years the Narn have been enslaved by the Centauri and were freed from their cruel clutches, and the Narn homeworld has paid the price. Their planet and infrastructure in tatters they seek refuge from the other races whilst they can lick their wounds and rebuild. Growth, however, requires resources and their homewrld has been all but stripped bare meaning they have to look elsewhere in order to survive the coming years. Vengence and anger still fills the heart of many a Narn, and with the Kha’Ri having been all but hunted down and destroyed rebel factions can easily form around a strong leader.

Though once united in the fight against the Shadows and Vorlons the League of Non-Aligned Worlds has largely returned to its old ways. Bickering and politicing are on the rise again as each government tries to carve up the galaxy and stake their claim on the universe, determined not to be ignored or walked over. The peace was great whilst it lasted, but old wounds soon open up, if not sealed properly.

The Shadow/Vorlon war had little effect on the splintered Raider fleets, except to generate an increase in abandoned hulks and salvageable scrap. If anything the Raiders benifitted from the war, governments turned their attentions and forces away from dealing with them and pulled away their defences to engage in the war for survival. From the time the first race crawled to the stars till the time the universe gasps its last breath the Raiders will always exist in one form or another.

With their masters gone and Z'ha'dum destroyed the Drakh are a race without home or purpose. However, they are driven by an insatiable appetite for power and now desire to be masters themselves. Launching raids and attacks from huge Motherships and even the vast Clanships, capable of supporting hundreds of thousands of Drakh, they have the ability to attack anytime, anywhere. Having lived in close proximty to the Shadows for so long they are bitter and have become adept at bending people in power to their will and their aims. Their ships are sleek, manouverable and powerful, benifitting from direct technology sharing from their old masters, they are definitely not a race to be ignored or taken lightly.

The campaign is set in 2261 which somewhat restricts the playable races, but only a handful of them. The playable races are as follows, note that multiples of each race will be allowed (if there is already a Mimbari player then there is nothing stopping someone else being Mimbari aswell), and all are balanced enough for campaign play:

Earth Alliance (Sheridan or President Clark's side),
Mimbari,
Centauri,
Narn,
Abbai,
Brakiri,
Drazi,
Gaim (unless I say otherwise),
Pak'Ma'Ra,
Vree,
Raiders,
And the informous Drahk.

The Earth Alliance fleet has certain different branches and elements to their organisation, such as those under the command of President Clark or Sheridan and with the release of the new books possibly the Psi-Corps. If you're looking for a bit of a challenge then look towards the fleets of the league (e.g. Vree, Drazi, etc) and if you're suicidal you might want to try the Raiders. These fleets are not bad fleets and they are more than capable of being evenly matched against the other fleets of the universe, they are however limited in their fleet selection especially at the higher prioity levels.

For those of you who have participated in a demo game or who have some knowledge of the system you should already know that A Call To Arms games are not based on a strict points system. Rather the fleets size and composition is based on the importance of the mission being fought and the number of fleet allocation points available. Basically, each ship in a fleet is given a priority rating from Patrol right through to Armageddon, as is each battle. A Raid level ship (about average) in a Raid level mission would cost you one fleet allocation point (usually you have between 3 and 10 points). However in a Skirmish level mission a Raid level ship would cost 2 fleet allocation points, but you would get two Raid level ships for 1 fleet allocation point in a Battle level mission. This is the basics of the system, and about all that you need to know to play a basic game.

For the purposes of the campaign each player will need a starting fleet using 10 fleet allocation points at Battle level. The individual battles within the campaign will each have their own number of fleet allocation points and priority level rolled pre-battle. As such though your fleet is a 10 point battle level fleet but the mission may only be a 3 point Patrol level so you would have to sellect your fleet for the battle from your fleet roster. Whereas if the battle is a 10 point armageddon level battle, larger than the starting fleet, you would be low on ships but remember that each ship can only be used once per campaign turn however many battles you have.

If people are interested in sorting out fleets for themselves and don't have the books come and get me and I'll be happy to either advise you or just let you thumb through the books and pick out the pretty ones. Please note that stations may not be bought for a starting fleet list as they have to be placed on a specific strategic location.

For those of you looking at participating I thought I'd put together a sample starting fleet list, just so you could see what it looked like. I'll also run through the breakdown of each of the points so you can see roughly how it goes together.

Centauri starting fleet:
Octurion-class Battleship (2 F.A. points)
2x Secundus-class Battlecruisers (2 F.A. point)
Primus-class Battlecruiser (1 F.A. point)
2x Vorchar-class War Scouts
4x Vorchan-class Warships (the Vorchans and Vorchars and the same priorty level and so I spent 2 F.A. points at Skirmish level to buy a total of 6 ships, 2 Vorchars and 4 Vorchans)
2x Demos-class Heavy Warships (1 F.A. point)
4x Dargan-class Strike Cruisers (2 F.A. points)

Hopefully you can see where all the points went and how the list went together, if not then feel free to ask me. Fleets don't have to be comprised of fully painted models and if you have the card counters then they are also a viable option as a fleet. This is so that the campaign can be more accessible, especially as it is the first one being run and there is limited time before it begins. If future campaigns are run then I may have a requirement that the starting fleet be fully painted and represented with approriate models, but we'll have to see how this one goes first.

*1st Pip*
12/07/07
Are we going to need our own fleets, or can we use counters and/or other peoples models?

Assuming I don't need to buy a fleet, as already stated, I opt to support the loyalists, supporting President Clark.
To Insanity.... and beyond!

13/07/07
As it is the first time the campaign has been run and the system is a fairly new one to most then I will do what I can to make the counters available for people to use on a battle by battle basis, obviously they'll have to be back with me by the end of each evening. Of course if people can organise collecting their own fleets then that would be easier, but I also understand that it won't always be feasible for everyone. But as mentioned earlier it is highly unlikely that you would ever need the entirety of your fleet for a single engagement. The one limitation of the counters is that they were put together with the origional box set as a basis and the fleets have expanded considerably since then, especially the league forces. This means that some ships may not have representation, or people will have to use 'stand-ins'. Not ideal I know, but there isn't exactly much else we can do.

Either way a fleet will be available for you if necessary, but as stated it would be easier if people could get there own fleets. If your in need of using the counters for your fleet then feel free to ask me, and I'll do what I can.

As per your sign up, I'm not officially opening sign ups til mid August but I'll make a note of choice. May the White Stars pass you over on your way to galactic enslavement.


30/07/07
For those of you who have had demo battles and those with whom I have had conversations regarding the basics of the system what follows should be fairly familiar, I hope. As mentioned previously each player in the campaign will select a starting fleet and compose his roster, your basic ship list, including names and such-like. Don’t worry, I’ll make a template roster with the necessary information on for you all to fill in, much a long the lines of the Blood Bowl team rosters used in the Gobstykup. This is the list from which you will draw your ships for your campaign battle, and the roster sheet is also where experience, damage, special features and such will be recorded, along with any other fleet relevant information. I’ll sort out rolling up the crew qualities of each of your ships before the first turn, unlike in the demo games each ship has a crew quality from 1-6 and this affects certain things that they can do during the course of the game but shouldn’t alter your fleet selection. I’ll sort the rosters out a week or two before the first turn, obviously making sure mine is done first so I can’t decide what to take based on what other people have. Please note if every ship on your fleet roster gets destroyed then you automatically lose the campaign.

The Campaign turn’s phases run in a near identical manner as the game’s phases.

Firstly initiative is rolled up by each participating fleet, using 2d6 and adding your fleet’s base initiative modifier ; re-rolling ties and adding an addition -1 modifier for each strategic target you own (so it’s important that everyone participating is there for the initiative phase of the campaign turn). For example a Centauri fleet has a base initiative modifier of +3 but if they owned 2 strategic targets they would suffer a -2 modifier, meaning that the have a total bonus of +1 on top of their dice roll.

Second is the selection of targets, starting with the person who won the initiative roll off and continuing in descending order. If the target is unoccupied; which they all are in the first turn, then the next player gets to decide whether or not to intercept him which would ensue in a battle. If he chooses not to then the option is passed to the next player and the next. If he isn’t challenged then he gains control of that strategic target without a fight. This process is then run through for each player though you may only attempt to occupy one strategic target per turn and my not attempt to occupy one that has been occupied earlier this turn (unless you challenged them earlier). As such if you issue a challenge you can’t also try and take another strategic target, but if you win the battle you will gain the one you fought over. This means the first and possibly subsequent turns may have no fighting in them at all in which case once the campaign turn is wrapped up we will move straight on to the next. One final note, no matter how many battles you have each ship on your roster may only participate in one battle per campaign turn.

Next the specific scenario is rolled for by the player who nominated the target to be fought over and they will be regarded as the attacker. The priority level is rolled for by each of the participants rolling 1d6 and combining the result, however each player may subtract up to -3 or +3 from the final result, I suggest making a note of it on a scrap of paper before rolling. Some missions have a pre-set number of Fleet allocation points whilst others a randomly rolled for by each player taking a single d6 and adding the results together before consulting the necessary table.

Next comes the fighting, the part everyone looks forward to. The winning player will either come away having retained or gained a strategic target, which is instantly added to his spoils, but if the result is a draw then the strategic target remains in the hands of who ever originally possessed it (so unoccupied if it was unoccupied). Any destroyed ships are crossed off the roster and any damage or effects of critical hits are noted down as well.

After all battles have been fought then we move onto the experience phase. Ships earn experience for a variety of things, from destroying an enemy ship to forcing it to surrender. No experience is earned for destroying civilian ships. Auxiliary craft (fighters) may never earn experience and nor does their destruction warrant any. Experience points equate to experience dice and may be spent or saved for future expenditure, and each ship may only benefit from its own experience points. You may attempt to increase crew quality, make hasty repairs, allow re-rolls for rolls directly affect that ship, or you may roll on your fleet’s Refitting or Other Duties table. When we run through this the first time I’ll explain it all in detail.

Finally there is the Repairs and Reinforcements phase where RR points, generated by your strategic targets and earned or lost through battle, may be spent to repair or re-crew your damaged ships and add to your fleet by purchasing new ones. As well as buying ships you may spend your hard earned RR points on a station to guard your worth while acquisitions, they are incredibly hard to shift however they come at a cost. They cost twice as much as a ship bought for that priority level, may only ever be applied to a specific strategic target and apply an additional -5 penalty to your RR points generated each turn.

The campaign itself will run in a three week cycle. The first week battles are drawn-up and you will then have that night and the next two Gobstyks evenings to fight your battles. If they haven’t been fought then, depending on the circumstances, I’ll make a judgement and then we’ll move on. After which we’ll start the process over again. The first campaign turn will take place on September 27th and depending on what transpires the second may also occur that week, either way I official stake a claim to the 27th of September as the start date for the Babylon 5 Campaign.

More information and taster material to follow.

16/08/07
“…so if you’re out and about in Moscow today remember those winter coats. That’s all for the weather, now back to the studio for our ISN special report with Dan Randall.”
“Thank you Debbi. Today reports have been released detailing the apparent discovery of a new interstellar neighbour, an entirely uncharted and previously unidentified solar system. Some may say ‘what’s one solar system more or less’; others will wonder ‘why haven’t we seen it before, solar systems aren’t exactly small’. Well, we here at ISN have got all the answers and more for you. In an ISN exclusive interview I discussed the ramifications and importance of this fascinating discovery with Dr Elizabeth Trent, of IPX. So, all will be revealed after this short break.”

************************************************************

“You’re back with Dan Randall here at ISN, as we uncover the truth about our new interstellar neighbour. I talked at length with Dr Elizabeth Trent about this new discovery and just what it means to mankind.”

“So Dr Trent, this morning humans were waking to the news of this ‘amazing new discovery’. Surely new systems are identified from time to time, and generally these discoveries warrant little more than a passing mention. In which case just what, exactly, is it about this system that has the scientific community in such a fevered state?”
“Well, as you said new systems are discovered from time to time, but almost exclusively by Explorer-class Survey ships on the Rim or by deep space arrays and probes. This system was found practically in our own backyard.”
“Well in that case, shouldn’t we be asking not ‘what’s so amazing about this system’ but why hasn’t it been seen previously? After all, a solar system of this magnitude isn’t exactly small now, is it?”
“It simply wasn’t there before, not that we could see at any rate. If you’d have cast sensors or deep space telemetry probes, or even a traditional telescope, at that point of space, even a few days ago, nothing except a large dust cloud would have registered; which is what makes this the discovery of a life time. Anyone who has passed even the basic levels of education knows that nebulae don’t just ‘vanish’ over night.”
“In which case, what happened to the nebula and why did it disappear so suddenly?”
“At the moment we don’t have all the answers, analysts are pouring over reams of sensor information and readings from long range probes but we won’t know the full details until a thorough survey can be undertaken. As for what exactly happened, well we could well have witnessed the formation of a new system; complete with planets and other orbiting bodies, maybe it has been there all along; hidden by this nebulous mass of unfathomable depths and proportions. Whatever the cause for this sudden emergence is we’re breaking new scientific grounds here?”

“An entirely new system, spawned from the depths of an immense nebula. It sounds like the stuff of fantasies, but as you’ve seen it’s real and it’s close. The survey expedition mentioned by Dr Trent will be making a complete and indepth study of this new system, and the reasons behind its startling appearance, over the coming days. So, for more on the developments in this ‘scientific phenomenon’ stay right here with us as we continue our exclusive coverage of this unfolding mystery. This Dan Randall for ISN, goodnight.”


Alright, just to remind people the new books come out on the 27th of August and to give people a chance to peruse the new fleets I'll probably open up the sign-ins the thursday of that week; so the 30th. One more advanced bit of warning, I'll be bringing the fleet book in the week or so before the starting date on the 27th of September so people can sort out their fleet rosters. Although because of the celebrations I'll probably fore-go bringing them on the 13th unless specifically asked. As stated these are advanced notices and I'll make an announcment at the club before officially starting the sign up process. As always if you have any questions; about the system, the campaign, the fleets or any other aspect of the game feel free to ask me.

Finally one quick adendum to the previous post; the experience and repairs/reinforcements phases of the campaign turn will take place before the start of each new initiative phase as some of the experience rolls can take effect on other fleets and their available points for R&R. Don't worry about the time, working quickly we should be able to get the initiative phase and the other stuff done relatively quickly. It'll just mean taking you all to one side for a bit whilst the dice are rolled and battles organised on those specific nights. Please note it will be the players responsibility to note down the individual experience garnered by each ship in their fleet during the battles, I suggest noting it down as you go along rather than hoping you can remember by the end.





23/08/07
“This is an Inter Stellar News network special report, live from ISN headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Your host Allison Higgins.”

“Good evening. As you may remember, several days ago we reported on the discovery of a new solar system. Well, we are now capable of bringing an exclusive update on this unexplained scientific phenomenon. One week ago today we sent reporter Dan Randall to join up with the IPX exploration and survey team investigating this new discovery, headed up by Dr Elizabeth Trent. We’ll have that story for you later in our broadcast; first these headlines.”
“Terrorists and dissidents on Mars today claimed the lives of fifty nine service men and women and Mars born civilians in a random act of violence. Explosives were used to seriously damage one of the main docking facilities used to ferry supplies and aid for the Mars citizens left beleaguered and homeless by the violence of a few fanatical terrorists. As Earth Force personnel work tirelessly through the Martian night to excavate the site and rescue any survivors the death toll is only set to rise.”
“Sentence was passed earlier today in the highly anticipated and followed trial of former transport secretary Abrahamo Lincolni. A charge of guilty on all counts of sedition, abuse of power and the illegal transport of dangerous anti-Earth dissidents to ‘sanctuary’ within alien governments was brought against him. Lincolni will be transferred to a hospital where he can receive proper care and treatment so that he may one day return to society an active and productive member.”
“And finally, since the inception of the state issued curfew crime rates have dramatically fallen for the third consecutive month. This decrease in criminal activity has been attributed to an increase in the security and policing presence, combined with the successful implementation of work programmes and correctional facilities to care for the mentally unstable. To celebrate President Clarke has marked the occasion by extending the curfew by one full hour, to 8 pm Earth Standard Time, so go out and enjoy.”

“Good evening, I’m Dan Randall. Today we are able to bring you an exclusive update to the story surrounding the mysterious appearance of our new interstellar neighbour. One week ago myself and my team departed Earth to join the IPX survey team as they worked tirelessly to uncover the answers to the literally hundreds of questions raised by this systems appearance. Though this could hardly be classed as a standard, run of the mill, survey mission it started as any other would with simple system scan. Normally performed by a ‘freelance’ operative in nothing more than a modified shuttle, the sight of three highly modified and specialised IPX ships spreading out across the solar system meant it was already obvious that this was no ordinary survey run. Within hours it became all too clear that this system truly was something special, we’ll find out just how special directly from Dr. Elizabeth Trent; the woman heading up this scientific survey mission, when we come back.”

************************************************************

“ISN special report on the IPX scientific survey mission continues, with Dan Randall.”

“Welcome back. Dr Elizabeth Trent, as mentioned in our last segment this system truly is something special. Please, if you would, explain just what makes this system so special.”
“Even after only a couple of hours into the survey it became glaringly obvious that this wasn’t going to be like any other previous expedition. For hundreds, thousands, maybe even tens-of-thousands of years an entire solar system has been lying hidden from the rest of the galaxy; thriving eco-systems on planets we’ve never heard of, evidence of a civilisation or civilisations that could well predate our own or possibly even the Minbari.”
“Civilisations you say? But Dr, if this system shows evidence of life, of civilisations, then surely would they not have contacted us by now? Or are they in such a primitive state of development that they are incapable of communication with us?”
“We’re yet to take a thorough examination of the planets themselves, but our orbital sensors and atmospheric probes have detected signs of structures, settlements and low level energy readings indicative of an advanced culture. However, due to the interference from the remnants of the nebula we haven’t been able to clear readings on organic life. The traces we’re getting could be a population numbering in the billions or could simply be a dense mass of vegetation. But the rest of the solar system shows definite signs of previous habitation.”
“‘Definite signs of habitation’; could this not then be considered evidence then of life on these planets?”
“Normally, maybe, but this isn’t exactly your normal run of the mill discovery. Throughout the system there are signs of habitation by space fairing race, quite an advanced one so far as we can tell. However, the installations are all abandoned, void of life and power. Though we haven’t been able to access the internal structures of any of these places I feel positive that they haven’t been occupied for years. Add to that the smattering of damaged and destroyed clusters of ships, and the fact that this system has been cut off from the rest of the galaxy, one or more races may have evolved, gained sentience, developed interstellar travel and died out; possibly due to some ancient war, whilst the rest of the galaxy didn’t even notice.”
“So, after a weeks frantic searching, scanning and analysing what exactly have you and your team uncovered for certain about this system and the mysteries that surround it?”
“At some point this system was occupied by one or more races at least technologically on par with races like the Drazi or the Brakkiri; the benefits of which could be numerous once we’re able to run a full and comprehensive examination of the planets. You have to remember that we’re examining an entire, previously unexplored solar system. The answers aren’t going to leap out and grab us by the throats and certainly aren’t floating around in an easy access, multi-lingual manual that we can just plug into our computers. An expedition of this magnitude hasn’t been seen for decades, if ever. What we’re doing is nearly unprecedented and it’s going to take time to workout all the whats, wheres, hows and whys.”
“Thank you Dr. Trent. So there you have it, one or more possibly ancient civilisations, likely long-dead, or possibly just lying dormant, biding their time. Instead of answers, we are left with more questions. The mystery of the miraculously appearing solar system has indeed deepened, but the members of Dr. Trent’s expedition will not rest until these questions have been answered. And like any good journalist, my team and I will be here to exclusively bring you the answers to these scientifically perplexing questions. This is Dan Randall for ISN, goodnight.”

30/08/07
Alright, due to unforseen circumstances I'm going to have to put the official sign-up date back to this Saturday as I haven't been able to get my hands on the new books yet. Don't worry the campaign will still go ahead as planned and the other dates already mentioned, and those that should be appearing in a news letter near you, will remain unchanged. By all means if you're sure about the fleet you wish to use then feel free to sign-up from Saturday, but be aware that the specifics of your ships and in some cases those available to your fleet may well alter.

*Pete Delafield*
30/08/07
The newsletter should be out next week.

If you want to e-mail me a campaign introduction with any dates for members (yes I have some dates somewhere, but it'll save me the job of digging them up) that'd be great.

Any pics would be good too? Link to a site with some B5 models piccies?

Cheers,

Pete

01/09/07
“This is an Inter Stellar News network special report interrupting our regular broadcast, live from the IPX survey ship Beagle. Your host Dan Randall.”

************************************************************

“Good evening, I’m Dan Randall. We are able to bring you an exclusive update to the story and discoveries surrounding the mysterious appearance of our new interstellar neighbour. Today we’ll hear from Dr. Elizabeth Trent herself on the amazing discoveries and finds that are abound in this previously unexplored region of space.”
“Dr. Trent, hours ago reports came flooding in from ground survey crews to the communication stations here on the Beagle. Please, elaborate on what has the scientific crew of the IPX Beagle in such a state of excitement.”
“Our ground survey teams just started an atmospheric sweep earlier this morning and within an hour they were making discoveries we hadn’t even dreamt about. The survey scans were bouncing back images of previous habitation and surface structures; and not just hovels, mud huts or wooden shacks. The structures speak of an ancient but advanced culture, one at least on a par with current Earth Alliance tech levels; if not years ahead of us.”
“So, apart from being of interest to the archaeological society what does the discovery of this potentially ancient, and seemingly dead, civilisation actually mean? What could we learn of value from a culture that has apparently died out years or possibly even centuries ago?”
“Even on a social and cultural level the information we could gather is potentially unparalleled; not to mention the technological and scientific leaps we could make. Whether they are technologically on a par with us or years, decades or centuries ahead there will almost definitely be something we can learn. Each of the space fairing cultures has developed in a technologically unique way; their own distinctive cultural, militaristic and ecological factors influencing the direction of their scientific advancement. However, the real excitement occurred just an hour ago when we received a report from one of the survey teams.”
“What exactly was this discovery then? Something that could top the uncovering of an entirely previously unknown culture must be quite a significant find.”
“Hidden within the previously inhabited worlds of this system we have discovered several large pockets of the rare isotope of potassium, Quantium-40; an essential component of the inner workings of jumpgates. A concentration of Quantium-40 in this magnitude has never been discovered to our knowledge; this could be a tremendous boon to Earth’s economic prowess.”

“Thank you Dr. Trent. In response to the discovery of this repository of Quantium-40 officials at Earth Dome have despatched a task force to secure the system, for the benefit of humans everywhere. Just what the alien governments are going to make of this bold move is unsure; however there have been rumblings of the formation of fleets behind the boarders of alien worlds. We will be attempting to secure an interview with the task force’s commander as he prepares his forces to take hold of this system and defend it against possible hostile incursion. This is Dan Randall for ISN, goodnight.”


Campaign sign-up is officially open. If you’re sure about which force you wish to use in the campaign then go ahead and sign-up, otherwise wait ‘til I have the books and give them a once over. When you do sign-up please post the name of the race you will be fighting for (remember multiples of the same race are allowed) and introduce the Admiral, Captain or whatever in charge of your task force along with some background flavour text. Remember the introductions are supposed to be in the form of an interview; however don’t worry about the reporter’s part as I’ll do what I can to fill in those parts. Previous battles, achievements, reasons for taking this assignment are all welcome, but remember to be realistic.

Also, although I don’t know the majority of the rules updates and changes in the new books I do know that there is now room for the creation of characters that can take charge of ships within your fleet and have a variety of potentially wide ranging affects. Once I fully understand and know how this element of the game works I’ll post further on it. For now simply be aware that each fleet may well, if I’ve understood what I’ve read correctly, that each fleet will have a character generated to participate within the fleet and should be the character you introduce when you sign-up. If you want ideas of names and such I’m sure wikipedia should have a fair few suggestions.

*1st Pip*
01/09/07
Admiral Kent McCord, command of the Earth Force fleet loyal to President Clark, will lead the 'colonisation' of this new world, and bring it into the fold of Earth Alliance.
To Insanity.... and beyond!

02/09/07
"So Admiral McCord, you have been selected to lead the brave and valiant task force sent to lead the 'colonisation' of Earth's new interstellar nieghbour. Now then, although expansion is an essential part of the developement of any leading culture, such as ours; but is it not usually left to civilian or scientific branches of the government to establish a colony with the military lending little more than cover from the everpresent threat of Raiders? Could you then elaborate on why exactly this endevour is of such importance for the people of Earth, why Earth Dome believes that an Earth Alliance task force is necessary for it and why an admiral of your calibre has been selected for the honour of commanding this mission?"

Sorry for all the questions Pip, just thought it would be nice to have a bit more background to the illustrious Earth Alliance Admiral. Besides, no interview is quite complete without a couple of probing questions. Oh, and kudos for taking on the potentially unpopular but always interesting Clark loyalists.

*1st Pip*
02/09/07
Sorry, I did post on here before I read your bit of blurb in the newsletter, so yes, just as soon as I have had a thought about it, I will provide the background.

And it wouoldn't be the same without the evil earth forces, with patriots fighting for a corrupt president ...
To Insanity.... and beyond!

13/09/07
Alright, sorry it's been quiet for a while but there is good reason for that. Which brings me to an unfortunate announcement; don't worry the campaign is still going ahead (providing the world doesn't end tomorrow) but I am going to have to put it back. Due to supply issues my books haven't arrived but Mongoose promise they are on their way, however even if they arrive tomorrow it won't give me enough time to run through the new rules 'til I could quote them in my sleep, have the necessary test games and organise the fleets with everyone participating; because the only Gobstyks' left before the campaign are tonight and next week during which time people would need to sign up and I'd need to sort out all the starting fleets with people.

As such I've come to the decision, and believe me it wasn't an easy one or one I am happy about, to push the campaign back. So as not to invalidate everything that Pete so kindly put into the newsletter to promote it the campaign will be pushed back one campaign turn. So the first campaign turn will now be on the 18th of October; possibly accompanied by the second, and all other dates after that still stand as written.

Sorry it had to happen this way, but circumstances beyond my control have forced my hand. So, again, the campaign will now begin on the 18th of October; with fleet lists into me the week before, and the other dates after that still stand as written. Thanks for your patience and understanding in the matter, it is greatly appreciated; hopefully this means I'll have time to make it that bit extra special.

One quick note, for all those interested in the campaign; now or possible future ones, may I again suggest that you download the FREE monthly magazine (Signs & Portents) from the mongoose website and join up to their forum. The forum is free and the B5:ACTA section is always filled with lively conversation and people willing to help explain things.

*Dr Stubbsberg*
05/10/07
"I’m sorry Dan but I’m going to have to interrupt you for a second, for breaking news. It seems that EarthGov are not the only people who have noticed the new system, as this open threat has just been received."

'Click click whistle screech…This is Gaim Ambassador Ispotera speaking on behalf of Her Majesty Queen Hymono Ptreia. All Mammals are ordered to remain at least 10 light-years from the newly appeared system designated N’Char’Tren. This star system rightly belongs to the Intelligence and we will stop any who attempt to usurp us. This has been your only warning.'

05/10/07
“Well, you heard it here first. The human race has received a violent and unprovoked threat from an alien government, a direct strike at the sovereignty of Earth over our new interstellar neighbour. Truly this demonstrates the underhanded and dangerous nature of the alien. A government that previous administrations would have called friend, has shown it true nature, a nature of violence, aggression, and loath for our very existence. At this point I’d like to introduce Dr. William Indiri, Dean of psychiatry at Hazard Medical School and a leading expert on xeno-psychology and Minbari war syndrome. Dr. Indiri, you’ve just seen the same announcement that we have, perhaps you could shed some light on this breaking development and sudden open hostilities from the Gaim Intelligence.”

“Well Dan, this certainly is a worrying development. For an alien government to suddenly take such an aggressive and hostile stance after years peace and co-operation, and I must say that the concept is a little bewildering. Unfortunately if you look back through the history of Earth’s dealing with alien powers it has been fraught with sudden and inexplicable changes of political stance, though this hasn’t always been in our worst interests. Take the Earth-Minbari war, the Minbari were in an unenviable military position and they simply decided to cease their actions. And we are all acutely aware of the sudden alien influenced switch from loyal Earther to anarchistic rebel of the alien sympathiser former Captain John Sheridan.”

“So what you’re saying is that we shouldn’t be so surprised about this seemingly sudden change, and that it is merely part of the nature of alien, part of what makes them alien. If that’s the case, then perhaps we should have expected such a reaction from one of the alien governments. Maybe it’s something that was simply waiting to happen? The Gaim after all are a notoriously aggressive and unpredictable civilisation, even in their dealings with other alien races. Upon their first encounter with the Narn; who came to the Gaim home world of N'chak'fah as explorers, they turned on them in an act of unprecedented and unforeseen violence; slaughtering the peaceful and unprepared Narn travellers. If they can’t even be trusted to behave in a responsible, peaceful and non-aggressive manner with other alien races then why should we have expected them not to act-out in such a hostile manner?”

“To try and understand the apparently irrational behaviour of the Gaim Intelligences Hive-queens you have to look at where they have come from. In less than two decades they have grown from a scattered, divided race, locked in a perpetual state civil war and totally oblivious to the existence of any race outside of their own, they have grown to become a powerful member of the League of non-aligned worlds. After having such a small existence they have been thrust into a galaxy full of other species and have grown in strength and influence at an alarmingly high rate; and it would seem that their lust and desire for power has caused them to believe they are capable of laying claim to any sector of the galaxy they wish. Though considering their insectoid nature it is hardly surprising, especially when you look at their closest cousins throughout the known galaxy. In the Amazon rain forest swarms of ants and termites occupy large stretches of land and bring death and devastation in their wake, and every year we have to push them back and thin their numbers to ensure growth and survival. Though we should not have expected much more, or less, than such an act to be waiting in the wings, we should not take such threats lightly and nor should we allow them to continue in their belief of dominance and power.”


“Thank you Dr. Inidiri. At times like these, it is essential to give our support to our leaders and the people that keep us safe from the terrors of these alien aggressors. There may be some out there that would try and put down our leaders, the very people that are working to protect them and their families. But now, more than ever our leaders and Earth Force needs your support. Together we can stand against the alien menace, stand alone in the night as a shining example of decency and civilisation, but only if we are united in backing those that work for our benefit. Without our support, our dedication, our loyalty and patriotism we will not be able to hold back the threat of the alien menace waiting on the doorstep.”


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All right, the books are in and the campaign is starting on the 18th of October as stated at Gobstyks last week. On thursday I'll be sorting out fleet lists with people and arranging the final details with those who wish to play. Oh, and just to confirm each starting fleet will be a 10 point battle level fleet from the year 2261 and each fleet will also require the creation of an Admiral for your fleet. Don't worry I'll run through the process with you at the club, it's a relatively simple and potentially quick process. As for the rules updates, they are all fairly straight forward, and there are no major alterations to the majority of the rules so there shouldn't be anything too difficult to pick up. The races themselves are almost the same, except for a handful of new ones. So please try and find time on Thursday to construct the fleets with me, as the week after I intend on running through the first turn. Thank you and I look forward to talking to you all and getting the campaign off to a smashing start.

07/10/07
“This is Commander Suzanne Ivanova of Babylon5, bringing you ‘The Voice of the Resistance’. Our best wishes go to our brothers and sisters on Mars and Proxima III, who are fighting for their freedom against overwhelming odds. Our regards to those aboard Earth Alliance star ships who risk being arrested and court-martialled for listening to these stellar casts, your loyalty to Earth and to freedom is appreciated. The emergence of the new and previously uncharted system has not escaped our attention, both what is being reported by ISN and what they aren’t telling you. We have received solid and reliable information that the system was home to one of the ancient and advanced races that left for beyond the Rim. Unfortunately as the events surrounding the Thirdspace gate; just a few months ago, have shown us they did not take all of their advanced and potentially dangerous technology with them. Though this may sound like a blessing, an easy leap up the technological ladder, this belief couldn’t be further from the truth. Often the technology is booby trapped or something that seems innocuous and harmless could turn out to be a Pandora’s Box deadly enough to wipe-out a small portion of galaxy in the blink of an eye. The technology held within those planets could well spell the doom of anyone who tries to take possession of or utilise it. It is too dangerous to fall under the possession and control of one single government.”

“In response to the rash actions of tyrannically controlled and manipulated Earth Alliance and the hostile and unprecedented actions of the Gaim Intelligence we have been forced to act, not for our betterment but for that of the entire galaxy. An expeditionary force will be dispatched under the command of General Alexander Dimitriov, a decorated veteran of both the Dilgar and Earth-Minbari wars, and a man as loyal to Earth as any one alive. This, unlike the other forces dispatched, will be a holding force. The force is one to defend and protect the system from governments that may wish to take advantage of the technology, and use it against the other governments or destroy themselves in the rush to uncover the answers. We are not sending a war fleet, however they will defend themselves if provoked. It is essential that this technology does not fall into the hands of the corrupt dictator Clarke, and that it is studied carefully and with patience. Our request to the fleet commanders being sent there by their respective governments is to think and use reason; the technology will be of more benefit to us all if it can be understood as it is without being taken apart and damaged. Stand-down or join with us in the defence and protection of the system, or keep out of our way.”


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Just to let you all know fleet rosters will be provided for your convenience when sorting out your starting fleets, and I'll keep hold of them during the course of the campaign.