Hi everybody,
I was holding my breath on the way into the cinema, as I was not exactly enamored with the previous two offerings from Disney in this franchise and had avoided watching the trailers for the film to avoid spoilers. In case you are holding your breath too, you can relax now, this is a good one and is well worthy of being in the collection.
It finally sews the threads of the plot together, I think most of the long term fans will approve. The graphics and special effects are superb as always, with lots of new aliens to spot here and there among the crowd. There is another robot for the youngsters to cheer on, as well as the usual gang, but they may miss some of the plot points in the story. It is a certificate 12A
This closes the chapter for most of the original cast, so Disney can take us where they will and develop the storyline how they please, but I hope they do keep faith with the fans. I saw the 2d version of the film, but I plan to see the 3D version too.
Review 5/5 - For seeing sense and coming back to their roots.
"May the force be with you, always."
Ivor Cogdell
P.S. - The new trilogy does not suit everybody, one of my other mates has refused to watch the last couple out of disgust.
This is for my war gaming and Role Playing exploits, settings include SF worlds, fantasy lands and Post-Apocalypse vistas, with a dash of historical goodness. It is a mix of solo and group game play. Commercial and D.I.Y. terrain making are also included in the Blog, with a few reviews of figures, TV shows and films. I support Green Climate Change Policies. A big round of applause for our emergency services and all those who are working, "Smashed it" for everybody staying in. Black Lives Matter.
Monday, 30 December 2019
Thursday, 26 December 2019
Thoughts On - Merry Christmas, Free Stuff and Climate Change. (Updated 2020.11.19)
Merry Christmas
Hey everybody,I would just like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and New Year. May you and yours be safe. I hope the world will have less tension in it. The world leaders need to stop ignoring climate change, (YES, they Do believe it, They Just Don't Care so long as THEY are still in power), if they want to prove us wrong, let us see action, not words. But until then we must each do what we can to fight the problem. Even if it is just turning lights off while we are watching tv, it is something you can do. Remember to reuse plastic bags and recycle where possible.
19 November 2020 Update - Things are looking a bit brighter on the Climate Change front - Firstly, Joe Byden has become President Elect of the USA and has stated that he will rejoin the Paris Climate Change Accord. Secondly - "The UK is set to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030" - Financial Times.
I would have preferred 2025 myself, but at lease its a start. Let's see what else they come up with in the 2021 G7 summit.
As a Christmas Pressie from me to you, you can use it for personal use only, providing you give me credit. Please let me know if you find it useful.
Regards to all,
Ivor Cogdell
P.S.This will be updated later if there was enough interest, possibly on Drive through RPG community section. Drop me an email if you would like me to continue - ivorcogdell"at"hotmail.com
.
Free stuff
I have been playing about with the space RPG, Stars Without Number by Sine Nomine Publishing (free and Delux versions) and mixing it with the 5 Parsecs rules and the supplement "Every Star an opportunity" by Nordic Weasel Games. I have been throwing together a Space Sector. It is also compatible with Gurps space, Traveller, etc. Here is a look at what I have created so far.As a Christmas Pressie from me to you, you can use it for personal use only, providing you give me credit. Please let me know if you find it useful.
Stars Without Number - Sector: 043, 565, 285 - "Beowulf".
2019.12.26-8h
Key PG = Planetary Government.TF = Terraforming. C OS = Civilian Orbital Station, D OS = Derelict OS. M OS=Military OS.
0101 A-Vagrek -TL4, 0.9g, Higher oxygen level - meaning reduced recovery times, but explosions/flames are bigger and
harder to get under control.
harder to get under control.
Revanchists, A Pleasure world.
It wants to gain power and control of other worlds. The world is comprised of main oceans, with assorted Islands and ice
caps. Venues - notably "The Ice Paradise" and "The Undersea World"pleasure parks. It has a low population. The main
continent is Splatan, the smaller continent is Bruffis. It has floating cities moored to undersea peaks, sea fish farms, undersea
mining operations. It hosts a colony of Dolphins, who do make excellent space pilots.
caps. Venues - notably "The Ice Paradise" and "The Undersea World"pleasure parks. It has a low population. The main
continent is Splatan, the smaller continent is Bruffis. It has floating cities moored to undersea peaks, sea fish farms, undersea
mining operations. It hosts a colony of Dolphins, who do make excellent space pilots.
The government is a bureaucratic form of communism. It has a large Intelligence gathering network, it seeks to exert control
with blackmail, bribery, truth drugs, etc. to extract secrets and future plans of visiting dignitaries and military personnel.
with blackmail, bribery, truth drugs, etc. to extract secrets and future plans of visiting dignitaries and military personnel.
.B-Moon-Vagbos 0.7g - Military Base. Building Mechs and other stuff for covert operations. On the other side, a
Civilian Dome with low z sports.
Civilian Dome with low z sports.
C-C OS - "The Viewpoint". Low / zero-g sports.
Corporation - Grabber Products (Miners).
D-M OS - "The Spear" 1.05g - .Off-limits to civilians.
E-Gas Giant Moon - Ingot. Industrial Production by GP.
Military - Peace Givers.
Factions - Planetary Government, GP. Union of Dolphins.
0102 A -Tupreen TL3 - Anarchist, Battleground. Extensive terraforming did not go well. The polluted
atmosphere caused wide variations in temperatures. Slightly reduced O2 levels and higher CO2. Runaway
greenhouse effect, but not totally uninhabitable. High mortality rate - Life is cheap.
atmosphere caused wide variations in temperatures. Slightly reduced O2 levels and higher CO2. Runaway
greenhouse effect, but not totally uninhabitable. High mortality rate - Life is cheap.
The Tuprini live in coastal communities so that they can put out to sea when the Mechs arrive to settle their squabbles, then
scavenge parts of them to sell. There is no insignia on the mechs, all pilots/bodies are picked up unless they are taken by a
Downtrodden Snatch Squad. They are building their own war fleet in secret.
scavenge parts of them to sell. There is no insignia on the mechs, all pilots/bodies are picked up unless they are taken by a
Downtrodden Snatch Squad. They are building their own war fleet in secret.
Who controls the mechs? Vagbos Peace Givers.
B - DOS.
C-Asteroid Belt. (Mined by Grabber Products from 0201).
Military - Downtrodden, the troops are fanatics.
Factions - Downtrodden.
0105 A - Jofir TL3 0.8g, Slightly less O2, A C.O.W. controlled planet.
Misandry, Heavy mining. (Controlled by 0206). The dusty atmosphere creates mixed colours.
Co-operative Ethos, but males are not allowed in positions of power. They are just treated as a musclebound beast of
burden.
burden.
Boulder Mining Inc. is the main driver of the economy. (Side Effect - Working down the mine dulls the senses, due to
hazardous gasses. Bringing in mining machinery would cause economic chaos). It has a monopoly on Faugemite
Crystals, which are used in ship navigation on pre-tech starships. Warring corporate entities keep altering regs. An
underground rebellion is brewing-The Worms.
hazardous gasses. Bringing in mining machinery would cause economic chaos). It has a monopoly on Faugemite
Crystals, which are used in ship navigation on pre-tech starships. Warring corporate entities keep altering regs. An
underground rebellion is brewing-The Worms.
Main Continent - Jodong. Spaceport at Mashkot.
B - "Top Spot" - C OS.
Military - The Amazonian Legion.
Factions - The BMI, The AL, The Worms.
0108 A-Sculam TL4.5 -1.1g Slightly high O2. Moderate weather. Friendly foe, Pleasure world. ZCU.
The world is mainly oceans, with assorted Islands and small ice caps. Sea fish farms. Undersea colony and mining
operations. It has a slightly higher level of tech resources, as it is also a colony world of the Zothini Confederated
Unit. All law personnel / Embassy staff are ZCU. Bureaucratic system. Potentially shorter recovery times for medical
patients are
offset by the higher gravity.
operations. It has a slightly higher level of tech resources, as it is also a colony world of the Zothini Confederated
Unit. All law personnel / Embassy staff are ZCU. Bureaucratic system. Potentially shorter recovery times for medical
patients are
offset by the higher gravity.
Alien - Zothini -
Military - (ZCU) The Presence. Located in non-tourist areas.
B-Sculampti - 0.6g Moon Base "Death" TL? Multiple military bases of the ZCU.
C & D - COS "Welcome 1 & 2". Slightly high O2. Available g levels =0 > 1.2. No non-ZCU shuttles are
allowed on the planet. They must dock at C or D and go down on the ZCU shuttles provided.
allowed on the planet. They must dock at C or D and go down on the ZCU shuttles provided.
E - J - ZCU Orbital Defence Platforms 1.3g "Warning 1 - 6".
Military - (ZCU) Deathwings.
Factions - Crime - Smuggling Zothini off-planet (Why? No one is saying). ZCU.
0201 A-Divos TL4 1.1g Cool climate overall, apart from the equator. Cyborgs, Altered humanity.
Variable Star - (Harsh UV radiation flares - Thick shielding needed,). Terra-forming was unsuitable to this world. Cool winds
above grounds, apart from the equator.
above grounds, apart from the equator.
Chaldor Cave Colony and Spaceport, Penguin Mine, Moles Inc, Stonkers Wetware Ltd., Based underground it is hot and
stuffy, outside transport - you need tank-like transports with 6 legs. Democratic system. Corporations - Stonkers, Wetware
Additional.
stuffy, outside transport - you need tank-like transports with 6 legs. Democratic system. Corporations - Stonkers, Wetware
Additional.
Floating / Shallow Undersea Platforms - Crab Bay, Sulak cove.
Military Complexes -Bunkers.
B - COS, Moored behind a tethered comet for shielding/mining.
C - Asteroid Belt. TL 3.5, 0g >0.2g Augmented Dwarfs work in the asteroid mines. Asteroids have their spin stopped
so that habitats can be placed on the dark side, for protection against flares. A rescue shuttle is always on standby alert.
so that habitats can be placed on the dark side, for protection against flares. A rescue shuttle is always on standby alert.
D-Haloos TL4, 0.5g - A colony is on the largest planetoid in mid-belt area, with a comet anchored nearby. Asteroid
miners. Good Medical facilities, including organ banks/printing.Bureaucracy.
miners. Good Medical facilities, including organ banks/printing.Bureaucracy.
Faction - Crime.
E - G - Military Bases - Protecting the miners from attack and early warning outpost in hollow comets.
Military - The Order.
Factions - The Order, Crime. Clunk Investors Ink. IN-Corporates Medical, Optical research, Up_Grade Cargo, Recycle
Funerals.
Funerals.
0202 A- Pitron TL 4, 0.9g Moderate weather. No TF needed.
Pilgrimage Site, Eugenics cult.
The landing site of the first colony in the sector. The Colony ship "Beowulf" is still partially intact and the old library is
still partially working. You can submit your questions to acolytes, but there is no physical access allowed.
still partially working. You can submit your questions to acolytes, but there is no physical access allowed.
There are good hospitals running organ banks, retirement is at 60, but it has mandatory euthanasia (going into the organ
banks) for over 70's, with exceptions for high intelligence and the members of the Ruling Council. It is ripe for smuggling
people of middle age off-planet. Main industries kept off-planet to keep it as pristine as possible.
banks) for over 70's, with exceptions for high intelligence and the members of the Ruling Council. It is ripe for smuggling
people of middle age off-planet. Main industries kept off-planet to keep it as pristine as possible.
The first Dolphin Colony was established here.
Floating / Shallow Undersea Platforms - Blueplace, Dancing Wave, The Cone.
B - COS "Highgrove"
C - Dilbrin TL5 1.05 g. A corrosive atmosphere, mineral-rich volcanoes. Large mining operations. Dome settlements.
Military - The Wolves.
Factions - PG. CF. RHO Industries Conglomerate, Pitron Uni Research. Spectrum Mining, Chemicals Unlimited, Med Tech,
Union of Dolphins, Crime.
Union of Dolphins, Crime.
Rebels - Crinklie Front.
0203 A-Arelenta TL3, 0.8g - Sectarians, Anthropomorphs, Partial pleasure planet (according to season).
Atmosphere freezes out at the far end of Elliptical orbit
People adapted to a partially frozen climate, by using polar bear genes - with molting fur and partial hibernation.
Unfortunately, this brings reduced intelligence and increased aggression. One section of the population could not be
genetically engineered. More resources have to be used to protect them from the cold, automated food drops, very
deep caverns - "The Street", "The Cabin", "The Snug", "The Igloo", "The City","Fortress of Solitude", "Zebra",
"Beaver", "Pyramid". These folks study while the others go into hibernation, to become teachers, scientists, and
bosses, etc. that run the world. This is now leading to conflict.
Unfortunately, this brings reduced intelligence and increased aggression. One section of the population could not be
genetically engineered. More resources have to be used to protect them from the cold, automated food drops, very
deep caverns - "The Street", "The Cabin", "The Snug", "The Igloo", "The City","Fortress of Solitude", "Zebra",
"Beaver", "Pyramid". These folks study while the others go into hibernation, to become teachers, scientists, and
bosses, etc. that run the world. This is now leading to conflict.
Military for each independent cave system.
B-MOS "Dalbrin Grove" TL5. It has multiple backup power generators.
Military - The Claws.
Factions - The Furries, The Snoots, Swipe for victory, The Hunters.
0206 A - Nunnast TL4 0.7g - C.O.W. planet, Good air.
Regional hegemony, Civil War - Male uprising taking place. Controls 0305, 0105,
(There is a long preparation time needed for going off-world unless native is going into a controlled g environment or
already high g adapted).
already high g adapted).
Military bases. Amazon Legion.??? Matriarchy ??? Ruling over Mega Corp Buildings.
Military - The Protectorate (Policy - Expand Now). The Will (Consolidate). The Phoenix (Seek allies).
Factions - PG is The Protectorate. Petri Inc. (Crime - Selling intel to each of the factions and other interested
parties. Getting tech in exchange.)
parties. Getting tech in exchange.)
Rebels - The Will and The Phoenix. The Worms.
0301A - Gronreesh TL 4.5, 1.025g - Regional hegemony, Area 51.Successful TF, moderate weather.
(Controls 0302 & 0501)
Surviving pre-tech in orbit - Tender - "Luxury", used for the nobility only. Landing area in a secret location. Transport -
Gouthos Corp. Church of the Sacred Relic.
Gouthos Corp. Church of the Sacred Relic.
Military bases.
Military - The Lancers.
Factions - PG. The Junta.
Rebels -
B - "The Lounge" Civilian OS.
0302 Cacheeb TL3-0.9g Holy War, Dying Race.
Star is going red giant. A TF disaster, varied climate, on the hot side. Low water, one small salty ocean. Underground
canals of water. There is a lack of resources. Low, scattered, population, wars over old tech sites and oases. Domed
settlements.Recycling mandatory, suppression of tech.
canals of water. There is a lack of resources. Low, scattered, population, wars over old tech sites and oases. Domed
settlements.Recycling mandatory, suppression of tech.
Would make a good hideout, as long as you were self-sufficient.
Military - Iron Fist.
Church - The Sacred Relic Of Garth.
Rebels - The Users.
Crime - Major base of operations.
0303 Secran -TL5 (Not compatible) 0.9 g Friendly foe, Perimeter agency.
A colony of the Skeritt Alien Race -
Military - The Gleb.
Rebels - Sapiens United Front.
Factions - Skeritt PG, SUF.
0304 Ralat Dank TL2, 1.2g - Anarchist's, Social despair.
Tech ruins - lost the ability to use it. Dotted city-states, squabbling amongst each other over resources.
Military - No planetary military. Each City stands alone.
Factions - Each City. The Torch (Seeking to gather tech together, recruit off-world scientists/outsiders to help.)
0305 A- Kraktak TL3.5 - Badlands world. Hostile biosphere. COW.
The planet is close tidally locked orbit around its parent star.
Primitive aliens (The Il-Wacheem). Supervised by the other alien races to make sure they are not being exploited.
Military - The Wind. Human military training base.
Factions - PG.
Rebels - Humans, not allowed to expand, just limited mining for minerals.
0404 Vuspleng TL 4 - Good atmosphere. No TF was needed.
Cyborg, Anthropomorphs.
A mainly water world, cybernetic gills, and other water adaptations. Another Dolphin Colony. Animal/ back to nature
worship.
worship.
Military - The Trident.
Factions - PG. Union of Dolphins.
Rebels -
Ship - Cast Your Net. Shuttle - Beach Comber.
0501Jevanit - Great work, Taboo treasure. The Junta.
Attempting to become Empire builders again. Pre-tech stash, not sure what it will do though. Intelligence gathering
scientists.
scientists.
Military -
Factions - PG.
Rebels -
0507 Snartvir - Preceptor archive. Mutants.
Either variable star or radiation from tech.
Military - The Watch.
Factions - PG.
Rebels -
0604 Chodok - Mandarinate, Theocracy.
(In control of 0605, 0606).
Major construction facilities.
Military - Shogunate.
Factions - PG.
Rebels -
0605 Laspin - Mandarinate, Xenophiles. Shogunate.
A colony world of 0604. Major construction facilities.
0606 Rispad - Mandarinate, Man eaters. Shogunate.
Another colony world of 0604. Mainly jungle plant life. Construction just beginning here. Hostile life
0701 Ungratch - Tomb world. Sole supplier.
Ruined colony world, wiped out when the Scream hit. Automated planetary defenses still running.
Faction -Planetary defenses AI Droids.
0704 Grantun. This is a Prison Planet for 0604. Great work.
It is used as a breeding ground for soldiers.
Military - Restored.
Factions - PG.
Rebels -
0801Eppis Dareet - Mutations, Refugees.
Military - The Rangers.
Factions - PG.
Rebels -
0802 Particle 8571 - Sectarian, Unbraked A.I. The Overseer. (Under Quarantine).
(It is controlling the robots on 0803). The planetary economy is controlled by the overseer. Islands are not in its control.
. Obey its instructions, or file a complaint, judged, appeal - or starve.
. Obey its instructions, or file a complaint, judged, appeal - or starve.
Military - Link.
Factions - PG.
Rebels -
0803 Particle 8572 - Tomb world. Battleground. (Under Quarantine).
Robot Wars. Originally just a small part of the planet was affected but it soon outgrew the boundaries and became
planetwide. Scrap and active models abound on the planet. City ruins dot the surface. Still life in the oceans.
planetwide. Scrap and active models abound on the planet. City ruins dot the surface. Still life in the oceans.
Military - The Plebs.
Factions - PG.
Rebels -
0804 Polyp 0.95g - Cheap life, Minimal contact.
Low tech, feudal economy. Slavers raid here. Psychic defenses are being developed.
Military - The Plebs.
Factions - PG.
Rebels -
0901 Ispant Local specialization. Primitive aliens
The Yamana-Dil, Insectoids, heat seekers. Supervised by the other alien races to make sure they are not being exploited.
Military - Sting.
Factions - PG.
Rebels -
0904 Gerlick - An Outpost world of the Asha- Veen. Hostile biosphere ( Acid rain).
Alien Race - Asha - Veen. (Tradition, Domination).
Mammalian with 4 tentacles for locomotion on the ground and treetops. Its natural defense-thick outer layer of skin. Natural
attack-electrical discharge. Psychic ability to track intruders.
attack-electrical discharge. Psychic ability to track intruders.
Healers of Psychic Trauma. (Others call it Brain-Washing.) Tribal Rule-Responsible banter.
A forested planet, tree roots able to filter out harmful substances.
Main Predator - An Omlungis - (Non-sentient, Giant spider, natural attack - shoots poisoned darts.)
Prey - Jeront, bird species.
SECRET- (House Rule) These are the Aliens that caused THE SCREAM. (Reason - The Humans were getting too pushy and
warlike. Humans are still being steered into a more passive form, by weeding out the aggressive genes. Human Psions are
being molded into a force for good and benevolence, to disrupt evil in all of its forms).
warlike. Humans are still being steered into a more passive form, by weeding out the aggressive genes. Human Psions are
being molded into a force for good and benevolence, to disrupt evil in all of its forms).
Military -
Factions - PG.
Rebels -
0905 Valtish TL3 - Taboo Treasure.A Sealed Menace.
Colonized.
Secret - A Colony ship homing beacon is on the surface, its power pack depleted. If found, it may give a clue, where to
search and another wavelength to transmit on.
search and another wavelength to transmit on.
Secret - A Colony ship is stuck in the Oort cloud with its main transponder broken.
Military -
Factions - PG.
Rebels -
1006 Facteen TL4 -
Fearful of Psionics. Post-Scarcity.
Industrial planet. Fears espionage and takeover from other sectors.
Military - The Hammer.
Factions - PG.
Rebels -
Ivor Cogdell
P.S.This will be updated later if there was enough interest, possibly on Drive through RPG community section. Drop me an email if you would like me to continue - ivorcogdell"at"hotmail.com
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