Mongoose gets Babylon 5 license

[Ranger REG]

And that's a bad thing, why?

Because I live in westernmost part of the US ... worst yet, in the middle of the Pacific.

 

[trancejeremy]

To be fair, I think the previous B5 rpg was hamstrung by weird conditions from JMS (like having it set before the TV show...), and financial restraints.

Since the show is now over, I imagine they have a lot more freedom.

I've always found Mongoose's stuff to be well, of mixed quality, but their licensed stuff has been pretty impressive.

 

[Dark Psion]

But what about the most important question?

Will the Rangers get the shaft?

Thank you, I'm touring with Rebbo and Zooty

 

[Kahuna Burger]

But what about the most important question?

Will the Rangers get the shaft?

I'm more interested in how they will deal with the psi corps. Maybe its just me being contrary, but I always saw them as the "vital organisation with typical politics and some problems" than "evil nazi oppresser of teeps". I would want to be able to play a psicop doing an important job, and face at least a few evil rogue teeps, as well as those who just don't want to be forced into the organisation.

Kahuna Burger

 

[Deadguy]

I'm more interested in how they will deal with the psi corps. Maybe its just me being contrary, but I always saw them as the "vital organisation with typical politics and some problems" than "evil nazi oppresser of teeps". I would want to be able to play a psicop doing an important job, and face at least a few evil rogue teeps, as well as those who just don't want to be forced into the organisation.

Well, this I think is one of the wonderful things you can examine in a role-playing game that no other medium really allows you to do. Mongoose can get a look around and about the setting, exploring the offbeat aspects of the universe. The PsiCorps is an interesting place to start, if you give more background a history from a neutral perspective (neither Bester nor Ivanova are exactly unbiased in their opinions, are they?! ). Examine things like teep lynchings, mental rapes, paranoia in high places, that sort of thing, and give a rounded organisation. Of course, there's no doubt they were manipulated mercilessly by certain factions, but that's what you get for being a strategic resource!

Now imagine the same for say the setup of Mars (are all Mars Independce figters really noble freedom fighters?). Or EarthForce (what really goes on in the farflung reaches of this massive military organisation?). And how has Earth thrown its weight around after the defeat of the Dilgar?

See, there's a HUGE potential that lies beyond just recreating the series! And so I am very glad that the setting has been resurrected by a gaming company, and particularly pleased that it has gone to a British company (which, will I suspect, have a slightly different perspective on the B5 universe to its creator). So all told well done Mongoose!

 

[LightPhoenix]

Let me guess, LightPhoenix, you didn't like their Judge Dredd and Slaine RPGs.

No need for the rolling eyes.

I've read some of Mongoose's stuff, and it just doesn't appeal to me. Like I said, I'm a fan of B5, and I'll probably look through the book when it comes out - note the part where I say I hope they do it justice. It just doesn't have me messing my pants in anticipation.

 

[Mongoose_Matt]

I would want to be able to play a psicop doing an important job, and face at least a few evil rogue teeps, as well as those who just don't want to be forced into the organisation.

Kahuna Burger

Well, that kinda depends which side you are on - this is the thing about B5, you may very well consider yourself a noble Psi Cop doing your best for your own kind. However, there will always be people who hate you and what you represent, no matter how kind you are to children and pets. That is something , as a character, you are going to have to find a way to deal with.

 

[Dracolich]

so I'm going to give them my support. If I don't like the way that a certain rule was written, I can change it to something I prefer, or change it back to standard D20 mechanics.

I guess that was the point I was trying to make in my first post. I will definately buy it and give it a try because of my like for B5, but if I don't like something with the rules I'll use d20 Modern to fill the gap. I guess my feelings of MP's other products persuaded me to make a rash decision that the rules wouldn't be good. This is all, of course, if Matt lets me buy a copy.

 

[Mongoose_Matt]

You've twisted my arm

 

[tabrumj]

I guess my feelings of MP's other products persuaded me to make a rash decision that the rules wouldn't be good. This is all, of course, if Matt lets me buy a copy.

Hmm good point. As much as I have disliked mongooses stuuuff in the past I might just have to pick up the first B5 book and see how it does. I can always replace rules if I need to, and I can ignore Mongooses minor editing problems. I guess it really depends on the writer.