B5 - too close to the show?

[Kahuna Burger]

From the excerpts and reveiws I've seen, I'm a little concerned about the B5 game... While I'd love to roleplay in the "Babylon 5 universe", I don't neccassarily want to run or play in the show Babylon 5.

For instance, even though the Psi Corps was often an adversary in the show, I highly dislike the fact that the game seems to have based their "factual reality" on the worst biases of the show's anti-corps characters. (again, this is my impression from excerpts and such). The idea that the Rangers will only be introduced as they entered and related to the plot of the show also strikes me as limiting for a roleplaying universe.

Now, it may be within the "vision" of writer/producer JMS that the perspective of the main characters on the show really is the objective truth of the universe (Deconstruction of Falling Stars sort of implied that) but it doesn't make for a RPG I'm interested in.

So for those who have seen more of the book, is it accurate that the adversaries of the show have become the objective 'bad guys' of the rpg, or can I use it to run a game with a different perspective?

Kahuna burger

 

[Ashrum the Black]

Yes, and no. (so definite I know! )

Yes, the psi corp is still portrayed as a villianess group. The villians of the show are the villians of the book. But the wealth of information given in the books is more then enough to build a campaign revolving around another group.

So I would say that you are accurate in saying the perspective of the book is the same as that of the show. But you also have such a wealth of information in there that designing a campaign that is told from a differnet perspective, that of the corp, or a group of drazi, or whatever, is do-able with a little work on the DM's part to come up with the story arcs.

Just so you know the book does address these as viable campaigns and gives some beginning story arc seeds for DM's to ge their creative juices flowing in that direction. Don't want to play out the shadow wars? Then set them out on the rim and let them deal with threats and adventures there using the shadow war and the events of it as window dressing.

Just my 2 cp on the subject.

Hope this is useful.

-Ashrum

 

[Falanor]

There are always exceptions to the rule. Not all Psi-Cops are evil Alfred Besters' waiting to happen, even then Bester was far more than a clear cut baddie. JMS' B5 universe also has a great stigma placed on those that can feel others with their mind, personally I don't see the nickname 'Teep' as a very positive nickname. Look at the life the Telepaths have to lead as well, either be heavily hated for being born a Teep, and then become sedated because of your government (assuming your human since we are talking about Psi-Corp here), or become a member of Psi-Corps because they are pretty much the only group that will be acceptable of you, other than run a way Teeps (in which case you live life as a on the run criminal).

While I do agree about having to wait for the next season book to get our hands on Rangers, it does however give one a vast, in depth outlook on each season, which to me, balances it very well.

 

[Kenpo Wolf]

Quote by Falonor
While I do agree about having to wait for the next season book to get our hands on Rangers, it does however give one a vast, in depth outlook on each season, which to me, balances it very well.
End Quote

You mean the B5 core book does'nt cover Rangers? Man, that sucks big time.

 

[TheAuldGrump]

B5 is covering the show season by season, so until the Rangers show up in the show they don't get mentioned. Lots of books in the works, so they will get to it. (I am waiting for the Techno Mages.)

For what it's worth neither do the Shadows.... Except fo a picture right at the end of the book.

For the campaign I am converting over from the Chameleon Eclectic version I am going back about 12 years to the design phase of Babylon Station... Where most of the heros and villains wear the same uniform. And there will be a boom today...

 

[mossfoot]

Oooooh, can't wait! B5 aholic here...

... but d20 levels for it? John Sheridan: 20th level Captain? Personally I think some games are best played without levels... Oh well

 

[Aulayan]

... but d20 levels for it? John Sheridan: 20th level Captain?

Well, if they have they're following the show right enough, he better have Weapon Focus and Weapon Specialization: Nukes.

 

[tetsujin28]

I hated the Rangers. They were the ultimate in cheese.

 

[Kenpo Wolf]

I hated the Rangers. They were the ultimate in cheese.

You have the right to have your own opinion but I thought the Rangers on B5 were cool with their philosophy and their preference of the staff over the the common firearm. I can't say the same thing about them from 'The Legend of the Rangers', I think that's what that show was called, telefilm . I thought parts of that were dumb

BTW, can anyone tell me how psionics works in B5? I'll have my book in a few days but I'm the impatient type who can't wait

 

[Khorod]

Some big glimpses of the telepathy system were in the previews. Check the B5 site.