Tuesday 21 November 2023

Thoughts On - The Free Stargazer App for Starforged

  Hi everyone,

                      Thanks for stopping by today. I was just digging about in "Netland", wondering if the "Ironsworn: Delve supplement" was suitable for use with "Ironsworn: Starforged" or if it had been superseded with the Explore mechanic in the rules.

                      As it turns out "The Stargazer" is a Virtual Table Top App made specifically for the Starforged RPG. It has the Moves, Combat etc. enabled for the Starforged game engine in drop down menus You can paste dice results and text into your campaign journal. It is hex-based and can auto-generate planetary surfaces, planets, ships in orbit, maps of ships, dungeons, robots, NPCs etc.  

It is currently at https://nboughton.uk/apps/stargazer/#/campaign

Donations are accepted but not obligatory.

It looks well worth your consideration if you use these rules. I am running a campaign on it for myself.


Ivor Cogdell

Mini Review - Zombicide The Board Game

 Hi Everyone,

                        Yesterday, I unexpectedly joined in on a game of Zombicide. I did not get to take any photos, as I did not want to interrupt the flow of the game for the others. You are in a house with 6 rooms.  Each player begins in a different room, armed with one weapon. Zombies come in various types, Breakers can break baracades at windows and doors and get inside. Relatives are inside the house and can spawn within the house (blocking you from making any searches), "Fatties" move slower, and normal zombies begin at three "Spawn points" surrounding the house.

There is a weapons cache inside the house, which players can gain access to, as well as searching the rooms they are in with one of their three basic actions per turn. Wood can repair windows. Weapons have different stats - number of shots, range, to hit number and damage.  You destroy spawn points by throwing molotov cocktails at them, made by finding flammable liquid and mason jars.

Players gain experience for doing tasks, one a player has passes a certain level, they get bonus actions, but they also unlock a zombie ability, such as the number spawning each round. 

Objectives per game increase in complexity, Destroy spawn points, get cars etc.


Thanks to Alice, Steve, both Dave's, Martin and our host, Richard for a fun time I next had a game of Carcosonne with Richard and Dave. Another great game.


On another note, my "Alien" GM Richard (another one), loves the electronic version. He has been giving us blow-by-blow accounts of his progress or lack of it for the last few weeks before we start our Alien session over the airwaves. 


Regards all,


Ivor Cogdell

Sunday 17 September 2023

Thoughts On - An Eco Warrior Special

 Hi Everyone,

                     Today, I bring you an ECO WARRIOR special announcement, not that it will be a surprise to most if not all of you reading this, but I just wanted to wave my arms about, shouting it from the rooftops one more time.

NASA Scientists announced that it has been the HOTTEST EVER SUMMER since records began in the 1800's.

All of you know the reputation that NASA has for truth and honesty in the community. Governments and scientists have used their data for baseline measurements. They are peer-reviewed, meaning that everything is cross-checked for accuracy by the finest brains in science.

You may dispute the how of it,

But whatever caused it - "Global Boiling" is here.

 RIGHT NOW!

IT HAS ARRIVED EARLY.

What are WE going to do about it?

What are YOU going to do to help?

RIGHT NOW?

I have just got a job working from home to reduce my carbon footprint. I appreciate that everybody cannot do that.

How about getting together with your neighbours and sharing a car to go to work. (Put a note in your local store with contact details). You save a few bucks on gas that you can spend on hobbies or other things later, and you spill a few yarns on the way.  Fewer cars on the road mean the journey is less snarled up and takes less time.

 You arrive less stressed at work, so everybody is happy. Same on the way home, more energy to do stuff. What's not to like.

No doubt you can think of other things too. Ask around. It is the future of the planet that is at stake here. Don't leave it up to the government, some of them are trying, but they are just fighting with each other most of the time.

PLEASE ACT NOW.

You will feel better about it.

So will the planet.


Ivor Cogdell

Check it out on the Space.com website.

https://www.space.com/nasa-2023-summer-hottest-on-record



Friday 15 September 2023

Thoughts On - Wargamers Show - 1 October 2023 (Updated with photos).

 Hi Everyone,

                       Just a quick shout-out to the Wargamers Show 2023. 

The venue for the show is the 100-acre Scout Hut, Aldridge Road, Streetley, Sutton Coldfield, B74 2EB. Sunday, 1st October 2023, 9.30 - 16:00. 60 parking spaces are available on site. 


The 937 and 997 buses are on a Sunday limited timetable. It is not exactly Wembley Stadium, but better than nothing. No information about entrance fees. There are 9 traders on the list so far. I don't know about any bring-and-buy tables, but if not, set up in the car park.

Source - bhgs.org.uk/calendar.

I did manage to attend the show, but I was not feeling at my best, due to having the Covid 19 vaccine and Flu jabs in both arms the day before. (The journey on public transport took about two hours each way for me, so I was rather shell-shocked, through being bounced around by the time I arrived). Some of the other Battle Circle members were there, having arrived earlier. I tried to order food from the pub next door, but they were too slow, so I left, unimpressed.

I was hoping for more magazines and rule books in the second-hand section. They did have large collections of painted figures and vehicles, just not what I was looking for at the moment. I did purchase some scout figures for my 5 Parsecs game. Other things in the main hall were out of my price range or covering subjects I had already had rules for.







I think this was a Zombies game of some sort, run by "The Guards Club".

I think they can be found at "Thye Church of Saint Thomas Moore Parish Hall or possibly next door in the Primary School on Friday nights. Please confirm the details before going.
Corner of Horse Shoe Lane and Church Road. (71 and 60 bus routes).




A WW II aerial dogfight game of some sort.



Thanks to the show organisers and all who came along to support it or sell us goodies.

Regards,


Ivor Cogdell

Friday 18 August 2023

Thoughts On - The Augur VTT

 Hi everyone,

                      Thanks for stopping by today. I was just digging about in "Netland", wondering if the "Ironsworn: Delve supplement" was suitable for use with "Ironsworn: Starforged" or if it had been superseded with the Explore mechanic in the rules. I found a couple of comments on Reddit and one of them mentioned "Augur". I just thought it was an oracle that someone had made for exploring. I decided to click on the link and find out more.

                      As it turns out "The Augur" is a Virtual Table Top setting for Starforged, Ironsworn and other Sci-fi and fantasy games. It has the Moves, Combat etc. enabled for the Starforged game engine. It is hex-based and can auto-generate planetary surfaces, planets, ships in orbit, maps of ships, dungeons, robots, NPCs etc. Another feature is that ChatGPT is built into the text area so that it can generate relevant content in response to what has gone before. 

It is currently priced at $24.99, as of 18th August 2023. There is also a free mode that you can try out too. I plan to dig into that later.

https://www.augurvtt.com/

It looks well worth your consideration if you use these rules or if you play solo games in general.


Ivor Cogdell

Wednesday 12 July 2023

Stargrave Character Sheet and Battle Report 01a (Part completed.)

 Hi everyone,

                    Here is my Character Sheet from the short Stargrave Battle I took part in a few days back. The rules are similar to Frostgrave, free reference sheets can be found on the Stargrave website. Starting Credits for the Captains = 400. 


May I present - MacDougals Misfits (My forces).

Our Ship: The Upgraded Balloon.

Captain: Jim MacDougal. Level 15.  Cost Credits 50.

Move     Fight    Shoot    Armour    Will    Health

    7           +3       +3            11          +4        17

Rogue Powers

Name            Activation        Strain

Data Jump          10                    0

Fortune               12                    0

Quick-Step         10                    0

Void Blade          10                   0

Power Spike          8                    1

Gear / Notes

Rapid Fire, Heavy Armour, Frag Grenade, Knife.

====================================

First Mate: Baxter Wilde, a Veteran, Level 0.

Move     Fight    Shoot    Armour    Will    Health

    5           +3       +3            11          +2        15

Veteran Powers

Name                    Activation        Strain

Concentrate Fire            10                0

Energy Shield                10                0

Armoury                        10                0

Target Designation         8                 0

Bait & Switch                12                2

Gear / Notes

Heavy Armour, Flame Thrower +2 shoot, Frag Grenade.

=================================================

Crew:  Hooper Peters                                Hacker    Cost   Credits 20

Move     Fight    Shoot    Armour    Will    Health

    6           +1       +1            10          +1        12

Gear / Notes

Light Armour, Pistol, Knife

==================================================

Crew:  Fiona Robbins                                Medic    Cost   Credits 100

Move     Fight    Shoot    Armour    Will    Health

    7           +2       +2            10          +3        10

Gear / Notes

Light Armour, Pistol, Medic Kit

===============================================

Crew:  Wally Baker                                Sentry    Cost   Credits 50

Move     Fight    Shoot    Armour    Will    Health

    4           +3       +2            11          +0        14

Gear / Notes

Carbine, Heavy Armour, Hand Weapon.

===============================================

Crew:  Dodger Harris                                Runner    Cost   Free

Move     Fight    Shoot    Armour    Will    Health

    7           +2       +1            9          +1        12

Gear / Notes

Pistol, Knife.

=================================================

Crew:  Barney Short                                Chiseler    Cost   Credits 20

Move     Fight    Shoot    Armour    Will    Health

    6           +1       +1            10          +1        12

Gear / Notes

Pistol, Lock Pick, Light Armour, Knife.

==========================================

Crew:  Andy Fox                                Recruit    Cost   Free

Move     Fight    Shoot    Armour    Will    Health

    6           +2       +2            10          0        12

Gear / Notes

Cosh.

===================================================

Crew: Humanoid Robot                               Commando    Cost   Credits 75

Move     Fight    Shoot    Armour    Will    Health

    5           +3       +3            11          +1        14

Gear / Notes

Carbine, Heavy Armour, Knife.

==============================

I think I'm missing one here.

Remaining Credits to Jim = 145.

There is no battle video, I'm afraid, only a couple of pictures taken at the start of the day. I did not take more snaps as my pc will not receive any downloads from my mobile camera, even though I have downloaded the drivers for it. The scanner did not pick up the colours of the photo as I was scanning them from my phone, but, at least you can see how much effort Martin, our host, put into the table. 

Starting positions - I am top-centre and will come on the board in that corner. Richard is on the left and will come in behind the Med Bay with the red cross on its roof. Martin is centre-right in this photo and will come on the table from the right of the brothel and to the left of the tree.


One objective is in the offices behind the saloon on the first floor, accessed by a circular aerial ramp, partially visible, going to the ground and the rear of the saloon. One is in a tree behind the saloon.


It is a desert setting, with sand on the base. The building at the lower centre is the Brothel, painted red, naturally. The multi-storey building in the middle is the saloon (Orange). This has the prime objective placed on its roof. Minor objective markers are placed at its left corners. Mid Left is the car park. Left (pale blue) and mid-right are warehouses with assorted storage containers scattered around, adding cover. Vegetation counts as soft cover. (Lower left = orange). (Grey = Mid-right.) A minor objective was placed on its roof. One objective was at the front of the warehouse mid-left.

Turn 1

Martin wins the initiative and his Captain and three troopers move North. His sniper climbs onto the brothel roof and his other forces move around the left side of the brothel.

Richard brings his forces to either side of the Medbay. 

I advance my troops forward, Captain Jim, Fiona, the Medic and Wally the Sentry, go towards the tree with the objective in it, to the left of the ramp. Baxter, the First Mate, flicks on his Energy Shield.  He joins the others to get in cover below the walkway on the right. Hooper, our hacker, is going towards the circular walkway ramp along with our shiny robot.

Dodger Harris, our runner and Andy, the Recruit go up the hill, difficult ground, so half movement distance, on our left. Barney, our chiseler, is not needed to open anything yet, so hangs back.

Shooting

All were out of range of each other.

Turn 2

Martin's Captain climbs up the roof and heads for the objective. Another climbs up after him and pauses there. The Sniper moves forward to the roof line in the middle. The rest move towards the Saloon.

Richard's Captain heads towards the loot token at the back of the saloon. His first mate moves towards the front of the saloon to collect the other objective. The others take cover in the car park and spread out.

My troops advance forward. Captain Jim, Fiona, the Medic and Wally the Sentry, get to the tree with the objective in it. Baxter, the First Mate, grunts, as the weight of his flamethrower's straps dig into his collarbones. He jogs right, below the walkway, towards the cover of the cargo containers that the offices are supported by. Hooper, our hacker, starts to ascend the ramp, difficult ground, to its halfway-level point, followed by the robot.  Dodger Harris, our runner and Andy, the Recruit go up the hill on our left, to get into cover. Barney, our chiseler, is not needed to open anything yet, so hangs back.

Shooting

Assorted pot shots went off, no damage.

Turn 3

Richard's Captain reaches for the loot token at the back of the saloon and tries to unlock it. His flamethrower advances towards the front of the saloon. 

Martin's Captain reaches the objective. Another soldier moves halfway along the roof in support. The sniper advances to the front of the roof of the Brothel. The rest advance towards the Saloon in two waves.

 My troops advance forward. Captain Jim uses the tree as cover. Fiona climbs into the tree to unlock the data token and Wally the Sentry splits off to the left into cover of the offices. Baxter gets into the cover of the containers. Hooper gets to the top of the ramp and heads right towards the loot, followed by the robot.  Dodger and Andy get to the top of the hill and into cover. Barney, our chiseler, is not needed to open anything yet, so hangs back.

I had rolled a low number for the initiative roll (<5), so was allowed to put our first local on the board. I put him coming out of the brothel.

Shooting

Assorted shots went off. After much soul searching, Richard's second in command fired the fragmentation grenade into the group of Martin's soldiers advancing towards the Saloon, scoring "First Blood" points. Martin's Captain got wounded on the container as he unlocked it by Dodger. My Sentry got wounded, as Martin's soldier returned fire from the rear end of the container. Baxter used his flamethrower on Richard's Captain and got wounded by return fire from the car park. The local shot one of Martin's other Crewmen.

Turn 4


This is only part done, but I wanted to show you that I am working on something for you.

Thanks again to Martin and Richard for a fun game. I have no doubt got some of the moves and shooting wrong, but it is as close as I can get it.

(Apologies for not finishing this bit off yet. I am doing a course online currently and my notes have gone walkies.)

Ivor Cogdell



Wednesday 14 June 2023

In the Wars 3 - Updated

Hi folks,

               Good news - I have just been cutting my 72 mm Viking models from my sprues. Bad news, the primer flaked off all over the place. I had previously washed them in detergent to get rid of the release agent that is put on them to aid detachment from the moulds. I thought I had swilled them off thoroughly before I dried them, but apparently not. I will give them another couple of coats of thin primer and then try a thin coat of black to seal them.

            I was flicking through my rule sets and wondering what bases to use to go with which ruleset. I have Armati, Hail Caesar by Warlord Games, Battleblade, De Bellis Magistrorum Militum V 2.0, Fields of Glory - Wolves from the Sea and Scimitar. Ravenfeast by Little TV Wars (Which is a FREE .pdf from their website, with supplemental scenarios to download too). Warhammer Ancient Battles, Rally Round the King, Swordplay and Chain Reaction 3.0 by Two Hour Wargames. (The last two rules are a FREE .pdf from their website.).

            25 mm Base fronts are the norm, I believe. You have to take into account the javelins etc sticking out and generally getting in the way of the other figures. This will be a test of my painting skills, as I have not done any models of this scale for a while.

https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/11388/armati-2nd-edition-rules-and-lists-ancient-and-med

https://fightingfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Battleblade_Warrior_(book)

https://store.warlordgames.com/

http://www.ravenfeast.com/free-downloads.html 

https://www.littlewarstv.com/

https://www.twohourwargames.com/fataga1.html

I see in the free Metro paper that they have cast the latest Doctor. Ncuti Gatwa is his name. Good luck to the gentleman. He said that he binge-watched the BBC Doctor Who series from 2006 onwards. He has missed so much. The first episode of Doctor Who was aired on 23 November 1963 He should have started from the beginning and watched all 26 series and the two movies.

https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=41&q=new+dr+who+actor&cvid=edba1fc634ec4d3bbf39cfa55440c123&aqs=edge.4.69i57

I have just downloaded from drivethruRPG "Radd Infinityum", one of the SOLO pocket RPG entries. I have only had a quick glance at it, but I hope to try it out soon. Probably after our local 39th Birmingham Jazz and Blues Festival has come to an end. I will be sketching the bands I go to see and doing some in watercolour.

A Stargrave battle Report is next. 

Regards all,

Ivor Cogdell




Thursday 1 June 2023

In the wars 2

 Hi folks,

               After recovering from a wonky back, I have a PC problem. I get locked out of my PC. It refuses me access to the login screen. I had to take it to the local PC Repair Dude and get him to fix it. "Thanks, Kevin of Chandler's Computers." Along with an SSD upgrade to speed things up a bit. You do notice the difference to loading times, so do go ahead if you are thinking of having one installed.

                  I am just catching up with my Job search and reinstalling my progs on to the faster system at the moment. I had a nice day out at the local Sea Life centre yesterday with a couple of pals.

                 Google Analytics say I need to tweak something in the settings on here, so I will give it a bash now.


Regards all,


Ivor Cogdell



Friday 5 May 2023

In the wars

 Hi Everyone,

                   This is just a quick status report for you. Unfortunately, I have been unable to post for the last three weeks, due to sustaining a back and leg injury, which was keeping me out of action. Touch wood, I am over the worst, it is just affecting my mobility at the moment.

                   I have been making Eco Warrior notes on my phone and I have been starting to type those up. Thanks to all the Youtubers that have entertained me over the months and years and keep my spirits up. I have watched a couple of reports of SALUTE 2023 Wargame Show. Great as ever, folks.

                  Have you tried any of the Artificial Intelligence chatbots that are springing up on the internet, Google and Bing? What do you think ? Will you be using them to generating anything for your settings ? Plots, layouts etc.


Regards all,


Ivor Cogdell

Monday 17 April 2023

5P - House Rules for Five Parsecs From Home 3rd Edition.

 Hi all,

          Here is my list of Five Parsecs 3rd Edition House Rules, they are not very long at the moment.

Scoring First Blood - Xp = 1.5.

Hit a target - Xp = 1.

Causing a Knock Down - Xp = 0.5.

Becoming a Casualty - Xp = 1

Giving assistance to PC / NPC after the battle (e.g. Medic) - Xp = 0.5.
Exploring / Trading / Decoy / Finding a Patron / Training before the battle etc. - Xp = 0.5.

Using a skill - Xp = 0.5.

I hope the give you some ideas for your game.

Regards all,

Ivor Cogdell

Friday 7 April 2023

Thoughts on - US Gun Laws - Updated 8 May 2023.

 Hi Everyone,

                    I got onto this topic when I was replying to a friend's Facebook note, regarding Covid 19 and its effects on all our lives.  A reply was made by a lady to cherish what you have and be kind to everyone. This is a sentiment which I totally agree with. But some do not. For them, it is too easy to turn that reaction into rage and hate. I replied as follows.

" Yet there are still mass killings of kids and teachers in the States. Their Gun laws are total madness. If the laws don't work to protectSource you, what good are they? Corruption and big corporations run the show. The political parties need to take a long hard look at themselves and rethink their priorities. I am surprised that the parents do not sue the congressmen who keep voting the gun laws, whenever there is a shooting. They need a real-life "Jason Bull" to charge them with "Accessory to murder, before the fact". Fine them directly and throw some in jail, then they would not be so keen to evade their duties to the public."

The President has tried to do the right thing, but he is foiled by the gun lobby and their friends at every turn. When anyone can buy an assault rifle with no checks in place, like the latest case. this will keep happening. They feel they cannot trust the law to protect them. But there is protection and there is destruction. Their history has not done them any favours. 

Now more than ever before, they need to see the bigger picture. Global Warming is here NOW, never mind 2050. If we do not share the resources wisely, they will surely wreak a bloodbath as they fight the rich for what they will not give up. Lessen the loss of life and do the right thing. Otherwise, we will all have a lesson on Evolution in Action.

08 April 2023 - Kentucky Bank robbery - 6 shot dead, including the shooter.

14 April 2023 - Five more people killed in a bank robbery gone wrong, including the bank robber, with others injured. It just goes on and on and on.

07 May 2023 - Shopping Mall, Dallas, Texas - Gunman kills 9 and wounds 7 and is then shot dead by a passing policeman. - Source Sky News.

08 May 2023 - President Joe Biden has asked the Republican Party to help pass gun control laws, in the wake of this latest shooting. - Source Sky News

Stay safe,

Ivor Cogdell



Thursday 6 April 2023

5P - Character Reginald "Pinky" Farnsworth - 3rd Edition Update

 Hi Everybody,

                      Here are the new stats for Reginald "Pinky" Farnsworth.



Background - He grew up on one of the many military bases on Gefan. His mom was a mechanic in the motor pool. His father was away a lot, in the transport section, shipping supplies to where they were needed, but there was lots of support from the other soldiers families. Since he likes traveling, he became a tour guide, but when the market flopped he lost his business, so he went back to what he knew best, the army. Now he is back on the street again.

Motivation - Originally, to be the best. Now, to do what needs doing.

Character Class - Soldier.

Military Service - Trained with the 2035th Regiment. Private.
Boot Camp - Camp Robson, planet Pinto.
Zero G - Station Fort Worth, orbiting  planet Pinto.
Low G - Camp Fortitude, on Pinto's moon Pegasus.

Active Duty - Mastrecct Campaign - (wounded - left little finger shot off, replaced by prosthetic one).
                               - Resupply Station Raleigh, orbiting Faraday. - Shuttle loader.
                               - Science Outpost Tesla, orbiting Doppleganger.- Quartermaster.

Decorated - Regimental Medal (Unity 2035). Army Star and Bars (Mastrecct.)(Wound), Fleet Medal (General Service) and Bar (Raleigh), Science Medal (General Service) and Bar (Tesla).

Discharge - Medical. (Now exempt from call up.) Army Pension - Credits -98.

Medical Record
Reactions = 1    Speed = 4   Combat = 3    Tough = 4    Savvy = 0    Experience = 3.0   Luck = 0
Special Circumstances - Slightly Unhinged. In need of counselling.

If the Event roll = 6, he will move 1d6" in a random direction, but he can act normally.

Kit - Uniform, Auto Rifle, Hunting Rifle and Stim Pack. Travel clothes.

The details will change according to how the campaign evolves.

Ivor Cogdell

5P - Five Parsecs From Home 3rd Edition - NPC List 2

 Hi Everyone,

                     Here is an NPC list for my "Five Parsecs From Home" campaign. It's just a bit of flavour to add to the setting. 

Planet Hougemonte  - Port Rudolfus 

Roger Harris, Philleas Basin News Broadcaster.

Rowan Purlen, the Agriculture Minister - Blamed for crop growing problem.

Chris Don Royton, Freelance Reporter. Going to KR 16 on the Magic Carpet.

Eric Vickers, Cameraman.    

The Admiral's Table - Restaurant.

                       Pilot's Bar.

Rostof Mines

Joe Murphy - Rostof Mine 1, Liason Officer.

Gaz Brartson - Rostof Mine 2, Liason Officer.

Spaceport - Rudolfus

Air / Space Traffic Control - George Polanski.

blogger Maintenance, Depot 3 - Director Miss Alex Hanson.

Security - Pat Clark. Officer Benson. Officer King.

Veteran's Motel - Bell Droid 437, Room Interface 798.

Companies

Ace Couriers

Carrington Warp Engines. Carrington Spacecraft Museum.

Med Flyers


Unity

Unity Bio Lab - Reception -  James Dobson.
Minny Pook - Security Liason.

Hilton Stayright - Tax Inspector.


Gangs

Hammerheads
Jays
Odins
Reileys
Scum of the Planet - See Entry.

        Pete, The Poacher - Xp = 3.5. In custody, Med-block with a broken wrist, awaiting charges.

        Suzy, The Slasher -  Xp = 3.0.  In custody, Med-block with head wounds, awaiting charges.

        Jessica, The Pony -  Xp = 3.0. In custody, awaiting psyche evaluation and charges.

        Simon Bannister, Alias Specs.  Xp = 3.0 - Wanted for Attempted Armed robbery, Property damage, and Disturbing the Peace. Bounty Reward = 2 Credits.

Tramps
Tigers

Underworld 

"Fence" - "Rusty".

"Safe House" - Slinky -  Xp = 0.5.  and Frank -  Xp = 0.5 

(House Rule - Assistance after the battle - Xp = 0.5). 

That's got the people straight.

Regards,

Ivor Cogdell


Monday 3 April 2023

5P - Five Parsec From Home Character Upgrade For 3rd Edition

Hello Everyone,

I am doing a Character upgrade from Version One to Edition Three of Five Parsecs from Home by Nordic Weasel Games. Ivan Sorensen still does a blog for his work. I have pasted the original stats here and then modify as I roll.

5 Core Rules,

5 Parsec From Home V1.0 by Ivan Sorensen, plus expansions. 

Every star is an opportunity supplement.
Version 2 of Five Parsecs From Home is available from Nordic Weasel Games.

"Five Parsecs From Home Third Edition" and two supplements are available from  https://www.modiphius.net/en-us/collections/all/five-parsecs-from-home_all-products

My Five Parsecs From Home Campaign

Characters

Captain Martin Taggart

Background - He was brought up by Brent Farlane, the First Officer on The Rising Tide, a deep-space survey vessel after his parents were killed in a gravity sledge accident. His first job was in the Laundry, which at first he thought was pure drudgery, but it built up his muscles and he could see the benefits of it. He was later helped by a buddy who had a cargo haulier, The Big Fist. He was able to sign on with him and learn the trade from the inside, what to do and not to do. He found out that the cook was smuggling diamonds via some of the food crates. He spent most of the reward buying The Magic Carpet. He likes the spacer way of life.

Petty Criminal - He has bent the law on occasion to earn enough credits to get by. So long as no one gets hurt, he is willing to be flexible with the law when it suits him. Now he has his own ship he is trying to tread a straight path. 

(House Rule - Reinstate 1st Edition rule - When arriving on a planet Petty Criminals get free roll on Trade Table. Also knows one Criminal NPC, not a patron).

Motivation - Political. He is sick of the corruption in the world. He wants to help the little man.

Character Class - Starship Crew. 

Medical Record
Reactions = 1    Speed = 4   Combat = 0    Tough = 3    Savvy = 1    Experience = 3.5   Luck = 1

Current Status -  Mental - Shock (Killed an attacker) - Rest, limited duties. Counselling is to be given by Lucy and David.

Weapon - Blast Pistol - Range = 8". Shots = 1. Damage = 1. Notes - Pistol.

Dave "Shorty" Muldoon (Mercenary)

Background - He is from the Blue Bandana Tech Guild, on Hougemont. His family are merchants. He scavenges old equipment and turns them into items people can use again. He has been caught up in assorted skirmishes, which taught him how to take care of himself and his friends. He likes to go hunting alien life forms, not that he gets much chance to do so.

Motivation - Glory.  He believes in a supreme being that is out there somewhere, laughing at the rest of us.

Character Class - Nomad.

Rocker - He wears his hair short and plays oldie rock music loudly in his cabin, soundproofed naturally.

Medical Record
Reactions = 1    Speed = 4   Combat = 1    Tough = 3    Savvy = 0    Experience =4.0   Luck = 0

Recovered - (Plant reaction) Jellytosis. Symptoms - a loss of balance and uncontrollable shaking. Severe forms can last for three days.
Current Status - Fit for Duty. He is contributing to Martin's counselling sessions.

Commendation (Hougemont) - He tracked down a child who had gotten lost in the bush.

True Believer - A true fanatic with a cause, "we are in the right, so don't mess with us".
If a Bail result is applied against this figure, immediately move 6” towards the nearest enemy and attempt to initiate a Brawl.

Weapon - Hand Cannon. - Range = 8. Shots = 2. Damage = 1. Notes - Pistol.

Rose "Spike" Sharpe (Pilot) - 2nd in Command
Alien Screand


Background -She is from Purgalis, an isolationist planet. A member of the wealthy Sharpe family, merchants who transport Unity gear about the systems. She is a survivalist and wants to make her own way in life. She was arrested for underage flying, but Daddy's money made the charge go away. She is a very good pilot. She has not seen any of her family for three years.

Scoundrel - She has falsified information about rivals in the past, to get where she is now, just to make sure the job would be hers. She likes to keep an eye on what other pilots in the area are doing. Planting rumours here and there, nothing specific or anything that could be traced back to her. She has a contact in the control tower who feeds her any interesting information he comes across.

Motivation - Loyalty. She wants to make up for her past deeds by being loyal to this new crew.

Character Class - Scavenger.

Medical Record
Reactions = 1    Speed = 4   Combat = 0    Tough = 3    Savvy = 0    Experience =0   Luck = 0
Current Status - Fit for Duty.

Weapon - Hand Gun. - Range = 12". Shots = 1. Damage = 0. Notes - Pistol.


Ted "Cracker" Greene (Tech expert)
Alien Orakkg

Background - It is from the continent of Tremis on the planet Craagie, which has been classed as a Primitive level. It is currently in the "Wanderlust " stage of its development. It is another of the Blue Bandana Tech Guild graduates. It uses a variety of Martial Arts to keep fit. It fell out with the rest of its family, who do not work, sitting about playing holo games.

Motivation - Truth.  It believes that Order is the way forward for mankind and that things, in general, are getting worse rather than better.

Character Class - Soldier.

Medical Record
Reactions = 1    Speed = 4   Combat = 1    Tough = 4    Savvy = 0    Experience =3.5   Luck = 0
It was refused permission to Bond with a female because it had poor prospects for advancement. It aims to prove them wrong on that point.
Current Status -  Wounded right arm - Light duties. (It is not suffering from any shock for killing another being - It sees it as bringing Order to mankind, weeding out the defective units.)

Traits

Primitive - The old ways were best. It likes dishing out justice personally. It took a personal survival course, living off the bush with no modern technology, it passed with no problems.  It collects old ceremonial knives for the cabin wall.

Terrifying - Roll a Shock die against each enemy when approaching within 4”.

Peculiar habits (Loud Singing) - No game effects but can be uncomfortable for the rest of the crew. Extra soundproofing has been requested for his quarters.

Weapon - Engraved Blast Rifle - Range = 16". Shots = 1. Damage = 1. Notes - 
Weapon - Blade. Range = Brawl  Damage = 0.  Notes - Melee. 
 
Lucy Ronin (Nurse)

Background - She comes from the overcrowded planet of Mastrect. It also holds Isolationist views. She grew up in the gang wars that plagued the planet. She was trained in the 4078th M.A.S.H unit. She saved a patient's life by giving her a dose of an expensive drug intended for a rich senator. (The hospital had to get another dose for the Senator). She was sacked for Gross Misconduct. The unions fought her case and she won ("Treat everyone equally") and with her compensation money, she bought a ticket off-planet.
Motivated by what she had missed out on in her earlier life, wanting a slice of adventure, she came to the frontier planets.

Working class - Has done quite a few jobs. Has a wide skill set.

Motivation - Fame. She wants her deeds to be known across the planets. She is keeping a diary that she is sure one day will become a best-selling book.

Character Class - Ganger. Scythe tattoo on her left arm. Three drops of blood dripped from the blade.

Medical Service -   Unity Mobile Base (Mastrect 4078) - 2 years service.
Dishonourable Discharge - Gross misconduct (Not Guilty). Damages Awarded - Credits 50.

Medical Record
Reactions = 2    Speed = 4   Combat = 0    Tough = 3    Savvy = 0    Experience =0.5   Luck = 0
Current Status - Fit for Duty.
Traits 

Stalker - No one is sure where this breed came from. Likely a mutation or military experiment, Stalkers have spread throughout the Fringes. They have dark blue, crimson or purple skin tones with gleaming, unnatural eyes.
On any event roll of a 6, the Stalker may teleport to another location within 3”. This does not prevent its normal activation.

People Skills - One other figure in the group may ignore 1 Shock die result per game.

Lack of initiative -
If more than 4” away from friendly figures, she may not move except to seek cover. She will only fire if an enemy is within 12” or if returning fire.

Counter Attack - If attacked in Brawl, may re-roll dice roll. She has been taking martial arts lessons from Ted, she is a natural at it.

Weapon - Blast Pistol - Range = 8". Shots = 1. Damage = 1. Notes - Pistol.
Weapon - Hand Lazer. - Range = 12. Shots = 1. Damage = 0. Notes - Snap Shot, Pistol.

First Contact

They all met on a rainy evening in a starport bar, "The Light Show", on the planet Hugemont. They were taking part in the regular quiz night. They won, celebrated and realized that they all got on well together. Martin saw an opportunity since he needed a crew and they were all looking for work, so they decided to see how things worked out by doing a contract together on the Magic Carpet.

See also - Reginald "Pinky" Farnsworth.

The Magic Carpet is an alien vessel that the Used Transport dealer thought was haunted, so he was willing to sell it at a knockdown price just to get rid of it. It was a troop transport in a former alien war. In fact, the ghost was the ship's Artificial Intelligence malfunctioning and producing a holo-image of itself, it is now repaired and called Melody.

See also - The Magic Carpet information.

Droids 834 and 811.

Droid 834 has now been fitted with an upgraded memory and operating system, plus override commands from Melody. Droid 834 is now doing light maintenance tasks, getting to know the ship operations.  

Droid 811 is being worked on by Pinky in his spare time.

STATUS

Passenger Information

 Chris Don Roytona -  A freelance news reporter.
 Eric Vickers - his cameraman.

Reactions = 1    Speed = 4   Combat = 0    Tough = 3    Savvy = 0    Experience =0   Luck = 0

Equipment

Analyser. - Add +1 to see if Rumours result in a quest and when rolling for quest resolution.
Dazzle grenade - Range = 6". Shots = 1. Damage - Nil. Notes - Area effect, Stun, Single use.
Scanbot. - Add +1 to Seize the Initiative rolls.

Trade Goods
Alien shiny bits.
500 Copper Bar Ingots.
13 Humanoid Droids.

Credits Current  9.
Bounty                8
Air filter Repairs -6.
Passengers x2      ?
-----------------------
Total =               11

Planet                                Patrons                            Rivals
Hougemont                             2                                     0

Quest Log
Roumours = 3.
Quest Roumours = 3. 
1). Recover a Data File.
2). Recover a transmission.

Story Points = 7.


The Episode List

Ship Log 1 - Out and About.
Ship Log 2 - A Guest Arrives.
Job 1 - Droids Part 1.
(Here is the news 1) insert.
Job 1 - Droids Part 2.
Job 1 - Droids Part 3.
Job 1 - Interlude.
Job 1 - Departure for CL.
Job 1 - Trouble Pts 1 + 2.
Job 1 - Holo-game Pts. 1 - 4.
Job 1 - Holo-game Pt. 5.

An NPC List.

Regards all and stay safe,

Ivor Cogdell

5P - Thoughts On - The Third Edition of 5 Parsecs from Home Pt2, plus Mindjammer

 Hi Everybody,

                       The first article on this subject was typed in December 2021, a while back now. The reason for revisiting the topic is that I have finally bought a copy of the third edition in hardback from my local gaming store, Weyland's Forge. Here is their  Facebook Page, in Birmingham UK. As a bonus, I found some mercenary and Goblin figures. They have loads of books and board games to choose from. Brushes and paints for models too.

                     You can find a breakdown of the book https://hws3.wordpress.com/2022/11/22/review-five-parsecs-from-home-3rd-edition/  on Andy Slack's gaming blog. I have only had one read through so far, so I am not sure of what they have left out of the early versions of Five Parsecs. I have the "Salvage Jobs" expansion, plus "Another Star" world creation kit and the Play Aids 0.12, but I have not checked to see if they are compatible with Edition 3. It may be possible that "Starport Scum" has been added to it in some form or another.

 I have joined the "Five Parsecs Fans" Facebook page. I do not know if there is a conversion sheet for the different versions. There was a small part from converting two to three in the book. There are now two expansion packs on the Modiphious Entertainment webpage. I will add a link later. 

The next day - I was looking for the link when I stumbled across the mini review of the old Mindjammer RPG. It looks interesting, so I am going to take a quick look on Youtube and see what some of the gang on there make of it. There may even be actual play sessions, if I'm lucky. I did find a couple of reviews and an actual play to have a look at.

 LATER - After watching the first episode. -  The setting looks interesting, but the game uses FATE rules, which I am not overly keen on. I did find some info on drivethroughrpg to dig into.

I have some bits of Warhammer scenery to glue and paint to add to my terrain scatter.


Regards all,


Ivor Cogdell

Monday 13 February 2023

Thoughts on - Alien RPG pt 4 (No spoilers) - Updated 18.0.2023.

 Hi Everyone,

                 It was another mad one on Friday night. We had dissension in the ranks, not a good thing. Items of a dangerous nature were stolen (not by us, this time). A suspicious explosion happened in the Chemistry Lab, thanks to one of our group's actions (See below). The ammo supply has also gone up in smoke, not of our doing.

 Aliens have reached our area and have started to munch on colonists. We seized control from the authorities, declared martial law (One of our team is a Colonial Marine) and decided to put the base under lockdown and evacuated one section, for "safety reasons". The base is split into habitat units with the ground and first floors, connected by walkways, plus utility sections, a vehicle bay and a landing pad.

We managed to corner and squish one alien, but people still seem to go missing despite our best efforts, so there is at least another one out there. Our synth, "Eva 6" has been taking rather a battering, needing repairs to assorted components.  (Naughty GM dice). Our contraband that we obtained last week went bad and is now useless to us. (You try to make a buck and the universe stomps on you). 

The base communications are ok (so far), we have alerted our company back home to our plight, so help is on the way, but they will take a distressingly long while to get here. Our Meds are running short, as you may expect. What will happen next?

I will have to leave you wondering about the details at that point. Richard, our GM is recording everything, but I am not sure if he will ever get around to editing it and posting it on the net. He does have a full-time job and a missus to keep sweet. Hi Kitty. She has been playing a starring role as Edan, the pyromaniac 10-year-old.

I can tell you that we have progressed to other locations, where we are trying to keep the populations from taking a nose dive, due to the actions of various forces at work, we have not always been successful, and casualties have sadly occurred. There is always something to plan and look forward to in the following session. We have not gotten near to using the expansion box sets yet. VTT compatible.

As you can tell, we are loving this game to bits. Go on, buy it, your GM will thank you for it, and they will have so much mayhem to create they will be jumping up and down with glee. It's true to the original setting. You will not be disappointed. Nightmares are optional. Have you started a game yet?

Regards,

Ivor Cogdell

For more information go to https://www.alien-rpg.com

Alien RPG (C) by Free League Games




Tuesday 7 February 2023

Thoughts on - Shows 2

 Hi Everyone,

                          I had hoped to go to the Penkridge Wargame Tabletop Bring and Buy on January 15, but the public travel situation was too iffy, as the rail strike had disrupted the area, so the busses would have been a nightmare too. Sadly, my local Wargaming show, Alumwell 2023 in Wolverhampton, looks like it is not happening, so I hope Barrage at Stafford is on. I may consider Salute, in London, if it is easy enough for me to get there and at a reasonable cost. That is one that I have not done before.

    

Regards all,

Ivor Cogdell


Update 15 Sept 2023 - See the "Thoughts on - Wargamers Show - 1 October 2023."




Thoughts on - Alien RPG pt 3 (Slight Spoiler)

 Hi Everybody,

                      Just a quick update. We survived our first adventure and made it to a space station above a colony. After minor mishaps, we have transferred to the colony and did a job for the administrator, checking on "information received". We had NPC character fatalities along the way. Once at the designated location, we discovered the item and also hid some "contraband" for later collection. We returned to base with the requested item, only to discover another problem.....

                     There seems to be competing companies for assorted resources, which adds to the overall situation and its complications. The richness of the characters are enhanced and the plot can be expanded.

I hope this whets your appetite to try the game for yourself.

Regards,


Ivor Cogdell

For more information go to https://www.alien-rpg.com

Alien RPG (C) by Free League Games


Wednesday 18 January 2023

Red Alert Board 2 - January - December 2023

  Hi Everybody,

                     This is the second of my Red Alert Board Posts, the first was for 2022. Depending on the number of items and the news topics I hear about will dictate how often it gets updated. I will do backdated posts too if I hear relevant information on stories I have already covered.

4 January - California flooding180,000 homes and businesses have been affected.

                - Bosnia. No snow at all on the ski resort due to the warm December. Europe experienced the warmest January ever - 10 'C.

6 January - The Great Bustard is being reintroduced into Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire, UK. Russian eggs were brought here and a breeding colony has been introduced.

                - There are calls to add nature information onto company accounts so that a record can be kept of the impact they have on wildlife.

10 January - Southern California is expecting more flooding and landslides after another 9 hours of rain fell on already saturated ground. 19 people have died.

13 January - 2022 is tied for the fifth warmest year on record. Source - NASA.

https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/150828/2022-tied-for-fifth-warmest-year-on-record

14 January - Protesters, including Greta Thurnberg, were detained when they protested against the expansion of a German coal mine which would destroy a village. ,https://www.theguardian.com/global/video/2023/jan/14/germany-is-embarrassing-itself-greta-thunberg-joins-climate-protesters-at-lutzerath-video 

 https://www.voanews.com/a/german-police-remove-climate-protesters-from-abandoned-village-/6915942.html

I'm sure both the protesters and the police wish they were doing something more productive, but that's what you get when governments do not see the big picture, and just make knee-jerk reactions.

16 January - 3 metres of snow fell across the States following weeks of rain and flooding.

                    - UK Electric Car battery manufacturer start-up company British Volt goes into administration, laying off most of its workforce. Some are saying a lack of assistance from the UK Government has not helped the situation. They were due to pump £30 GBP into the company.

21 January - Four red squirrels being reintroduced into a forest in northern Ireland, with more to follow in England.

27 January - Flooding in Auckland NZ. Three feet of water in some places. Three people died.

3rd - 4th February - There were over 200 wildfires raging in Chile. 23 dead, and over 1,000 injuries were reported.

                - New Hampshire, USA, new record low wind chill temperature, would have felt like -108'F.

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/02/04/weather/winter-storm-northeast-new-england-saturday/index.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/04/nyregion/mount-washington-cold-new-hampshire.html

6th February - Cornish Lithium have a start-up company that aims to be able to extract Lithium from underground aquifers. It filters it out of the water, which is then treated at a waste company.

https://cornishlithium.com/

10th February - Islands of Abandonment by Cal Flynn - Life in the post-human landscape. How nature reclaims old areas and buildings.

https://buuks.co.uk/shop/islands-of-abandonment-423698p.html?gmsp=1&campaign=UK&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkbuwwdqS_QIV9pBoCR14dw5-EAQYASABEgKU6PD_BwE

20 February - San Paulo, Brazil - Landslides and flooding after record rainfall. 40 are dead.

An alligator was captured in Brooklyn Lake.

Korok, Afghanistan - Rains cause landslides which kill 13 people.

Chilie - Over a million hectares of trees were destroyed in fires which are still raging.

New Zealand - Cyclone Gabrielle is causing havoc, 11 are dead. Flooding has caused 4,500 out-of-contact. Looters are taking generators.

22 February - Belize has found a new way of making charcoal, This will stop deforestation there. (I did not see the full article.)

23 February - There are low river levels in Europe already. It is similar to summer. Venice canals have run dry. The Swiss Alps need 56 days of rain to resupply the rivers. Source - METRO.

27 February - Winter storms batter the USA. California has been hit for the first .time in 30 years. A similar situation is happening in the Balkans. Canada is having the third warmest winter ever. The World's largest skating rink will not open due to safety concerns over thin ice. The Canal Rideau will not be able to support the machinery and people that normally flock to the event. - Source EURONEWS. 

Africa's Pangolin is under threat from animal poaching, which is on the increase, there are also problems with habitat loss. - Source EURONEWS. 

3 March - Argentina - Fires cause blackouts across the country.

Andalucia - Wind turbines are being turned off when migratory birds are passing over to Africa, then turned on again. This has a negligible effect on the overall power supply. It takes one minute to turn them off.  - Source BBC RADIO 4.

4 March - The Ocean Protection Treaty has finally been ratified. It protects 30% of the world's oceans.

9 - 11 March - Mozambique is hit with a return of the tropical storm for the second time. Mud huts have been washed away by flooding and landslides. Water sources have been contaminated.  

24 March - A tornado in the USA killed 30 people in Mississippi and Alabama. It was a supercell, travelling at 100 km per hour. It covered a 100-mile-long stretch of devastation. - Source BBC News.

31 March - Another tornado hit Little Rock, Arkansas.

Oil production is being cut by 1 million barrels to raise prices for OPEC. Further cuts are expected.

12 March - Climate gasses have been reduced by about 5% as more UK energy is produced by renewable sources. - Source BBC.

14 April - Germany shuts down its last three nuclear power plants. France still has 6 active plants running.

17 April - The first partial flight of Starship 1. I was not aware of the fuel composition and the soot components that it would be spreading into the upper atmosphere, damaging the ozone layer. What with the satellite constellation problem, we seem to be getting unwanted consequences from these projects. 

22 April - President Obama announces new emission capture laws. Source BBC.

25 April - Spain is 15 degrees hotter than usual. A new record April temperature was 38.8 'C. This is causing crop losses.

Italy is also having problems. Drought, Olive Oil and wine prices have shot up.

1 May - The Emirates are testing a "green" aviation fuel - SAF Sustainable Aviation Fuel was used to power one engine through a flight of an hour over the Dubai area.

3 May - Dry lake Tulare in Tulare County may be regenerating after high water events in the area. Source WION - Climate Tracker.

 Update - The lake bed has been used for crops with levees around the edges to protect the two towns situated around the edge. Stratford and Corcrane. Source - Youtube.

A tornado flips cars on a freeway. Roofs were ripped off in the area. Source WION - Climate Tracker.

MEXICO - They are driving a rail track through forests containing destruction to cenotes and Maya ecosystems. Source WION - Climate Tracker.

4 May - If you voted GREEN in the UK local elections, I would just like to say a big THANK YOU. They won outright control in Mid Suffolk They have 481 seats in total, up by 241. Source BBC.

5 May - Rwanda flooding. Source - WION. 

             Spain - The wetland in Donna is drying out because of droughts. 60% of the lagoons have been lost. Source - WION. 

            Italy - Sea level surface temperatures have made a record rise. Topless protestors have blocked roads. They say not enough is being done. Source - WION. Bologna - Flooding.

            India - They have announced that they will not be sanctioning any new coal mines.

6 May - CONGRATULATIONS to King Charles III and Queen Camilla on your Coronation. King Charles III is a staunch Eco Warrior. His estates in Cornwall have been Eco-friendly for many years. He has passed this mantle to The Prince of Wales. Source BBC.

7 May - Democratic Republic of Congo - Flooding, 400 killed. Source BBC.

9 May - Landslide at a mine traps over 100 men.   At a gold mine near Kamituga town in the Democratic Republic of Congo collapsed on Friday amid torrential rain. Rescuers are digging through rubble after the incident, leaving about 50 people feared dead. Local officials say most of those feared dead are young people and have called for two days of mourning. 

Source BBC.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-54132354

More information - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-49912811

The mine was not located on the Kamituga gold concession owned by Canadian miner Banro Corporation, the company’s chief executive said.

Source - The Guardian.com  https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/11/at-least-50-killed-in-collapsed-gold-mine-in-east-congo-says-ngo

Video of some escaping in a similar collapse.

Source - CNN https://edition.cnn.com/videos/world/2023/03/28/congo-gold-mine-collapse-rescue-lon-orig.cnn

8 May - Alberta, Canada - 108 wildfires are burning, and a State of Emergency has been declared. Source SKY News.

11 May - Nigeria  - Shell escaped liability for oil spills in Nigeria for years. Then four farmers took them to court – and won.

Source CNN https://edition.cnn.com/2022/05/25/africa/shell-oil-spills-nigeria-intl-cmd/index.html

Above average UK rainfall. Source BBC

21 May - China suffering under a heatwave, and power grids are under pressure.

22 May - UK - The Lychen and Footman moths numbers have increased by 84,000 since the clean air Act was introduced in 1984. Source BBC 4 Radio.

23 May - 13.20 - Saw a fox in my back garden, going towards the top fence. Not much hair in its brush, sadly.

24 May - COP 28 will be chaired by a member of an oil company, who is an expert in finances - what a farce. Source BBC Radio 4.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jun/07/uae-oil-firm-cop28-climate-summit-emails-sultan-al-jaber-adnoc  Source - The Guardian.

30 May  - Saw a fox in my back garden, going towards the top fence.

4 June - German spruce forests are dying because of drought and beetles attacking the weak trees. It is not helped by being a monoculture cash crop. Farmers will get a subsidy if they replant mixed woodlands, but they worry about where the needed timber will come from. Source - BBC Radio 4.

4 June - Hati, Flooding and landslides. International aid requested. Gang violence is endemic in the area. Source - BBC Radio 4.

14 June - Scientists beam solar power from a satellite to a receiver in space and down to Earth. For full details, click the link below. Source - Space.com

https://www.space.com/space-solar-power-satellite-beams-energy-1st-time?utm_term=9E58C20A-CAF0-430B-9CCA-2EF6E44AB3F4&utm_campaign=58E4DE65-C57F-4CD3-9A5A-609994E2C5A9&utm_medium=email&utm_content=5515ECA1-F93D-461C-966E-9047980AFE0E&utm_source=SmartBrief

23 June - Flooding in the streets of Oman.

4 July - The UK has recorded the warmest June temperatures since records began in 1881. Source: BBC Radio 4.

5 July - The World average air temperature topped 17 C for the first time on 4 July, reaching

 17.04 'C, then on the 5 July reaching 17.18'C or 62.9'F. 

Sadly this is in line with the predicted climate models. When will the Government people wake up and do something about it? When it is too late, as usual. Source - BBC.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/05/tuesday-was-worlds-hottest-day-on-record-breaking-mondays-record

I have posted this to my Facebook page to get better coverage. Make some noise, write to your Member of Parliament, and demand to know what they are doing NOW to help the situation. Show them that we expect action from them on this matter, not just vague woolly promises. 

https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/515/environment-and-climate-change-committee/

 9 July - The fox was back again today. Happily taking a snooze in the sun.

10 July - I have written to mine now - The Rt. Hon Lyam Byrne, Hodge Hill MP and The Right Hon. The Lord Deben, formerly Chairman of the Environment and Climate Change Committee.

USA, Londonderry - Berkes County flooding. 7 inches of rain fell and the river burst its banks. Part of the road was washed away. In Hudson Valley, one woman was washed away and drowned and 2 were rescued. Flooding in West Point. Historic buildings may be damaged.

SW Iceland - A volcano erupts NE of previous outpourings, 16.40 local time and lasts for 22 days. 

11 July - Last year's summer heatwave killed 61,672 people. SOURCE - Barcelona Institute of Global Health, using data from 35 countries, 3,469 in the UK and 18,010 in Italy.

 12 July - The fox was back again today. Happily taking a snooze in the sun and getting rid of some fleas.

Photo Copyright (C) 2023 Ivor Colin. Cogdell. All Rights Reserved.

19 July - Flash floods in Mayfield, Graves County, Kentucky, Paduka are knee-deep in water. 5 feet deep in Arlington. 11.28 inches of rain fell in 24 hours, a new record. SOURCE -  US National Weather Service.

22 July - GREECE, Longest heatwave prediction, 16 days at 39'C.

25 July - The fox and a cat were warming themselves in my garden with no animosity between them today. Fairytale stuff.

30 July - China suffers flooding after severe rainfall after a heatwave earlier this month. Typhoon Doksuri caused flooding, and cars were swept away. Rivers burst their banks. Diverted waters made the situation worse. People were evacuated by rescue services using boats, but not enough of them to go around. Ropes, pulleys and slings were used to evacuate people over flooded streets. People's Liberation Army were using helicopters for rescues. Landslides and mudslides were reported. Other provinces were also hit as well. Flooding is common at this time, but not as strong as this.

UK, Manchester - Wettest July on record.

7 August - Australia has enacted a new law that all new projects must take into account all climate effects that they may cause.

10 August - Hawaii, Maui - 93 people dead in wildfires. Lahaina was partially evacuated. 2,000 buildings have been destroyed. Now declared a Major Disaster.

20 August - There is a wildfire in Tenerife. 26,000 people have had to be evacuated from the area.

Canada - Wildfires at Yellowknife, 30,000 people evacuated. Worst known in their history. Two people have been arrested for starting fires in the City Limits.

China - Flooding in one of the provinces.

11 September - Lybia. Flooding due to Storm Daniel. Two of their dams burst the next day. 13,000 people are missing.5,300 are dead in Durma. 4 bridges have collapsed.

15 September - The Orkneys in Scotland are to trial electric ferry boats to cut pollution, if they are a success they will begin operation in 2024. Source - The Guardian.

25 September - The fox was back again today.

27 September - Bolos, Greece, Flooding after Heavy rainstorms. 3 inches per hour in some places.

17 - 19 October -Cork, Southern Ireland  Storm Babet with 80 mph winds and rain caused havoc. A month's rain fell in 24 hours. Flooding in the streets. The River Lea burst its banks. The electricity was knocked out. The sea was over a meter high.

    Aberdeen, Scotland - 70 mph winds were recorded. 250 mm rainfall expected. 120 mm of rain was expected in Manchester.
20 October - 3 died in the flooding.

29 October  - Loo and Seaton were flooded.

 4 November - Tuscany flooding.

 5 November - River Rother burst its banks.

 10 November - It is now official, the West Antarctic Ice Sheet is doomed to collapse, which will eventually cause a FIVE METRE sea level rise. Source -   journal Nature Climate Communications
 NBC NEWS - 

Iceland - Magnitude 5.0 Earthquake in Grindavik fishing town.

 19 November - Brazil is having a heatwave in its spring. temperatures have reached 60'C. At least one person has died.

21 November - Catalonia - Their water reserves are only 19% full after a drought lasting three years so far. One of the water safety measures now going into effect is to stop the fountains being filled.

2 December - Tanzania flooding kills 47, with 87 getting injured.
Indonesia - The Marafi Volcano erupts, killing 11 people.

8 December - Panama Canal - Drought in the area is causing delays in the lock system, the two lakes that feed it are very low. There are fears that delays may run all through 2024.

9 December - Somalia Worst drought for 30 years, followed by a flood. The seasonal rains did not arrive, and some bridges were destroyed when the rains did come. Livestock lost.

18 December - Iceland A 4.5 km long volcano fissure opened up near the fishing village of Grindavik. The village had previously been evacuated due to many thousands of minor earthquakes in the area. No one was injured in the eruption, which spread lava over a 4.5 square kilometer area. Roads had been closed in the area. It was the shortest eruption on the island.

Regards all,


Ivor Cogdell