Thoughts On - Choices

Hi everyone,

                   I have been slightly disheartened by the time it takes from deciding to try a new setting, to actually generating your first battle report. You may have terrain that is suitable from other sources, if not, you may decide to do your own, if you have the skills, you may go the paper terrain route or buy it.
                      The same goes for your miniatures. What scale shall I go for? (54,28,15,10 or 6mm). Shall I stick to what I am used to or try something new? How many minis do I need? (An army or a few characters and monsters?). Am I going for a fast-paced skirmish game or a full-blown battle with loads of scenery? Where do I get them from? - online or at your local game store if you have one in your area, possibly at a Wargaming show? (If you can wait that long). If it's a local store or show, there is your journey time and browsing during a precious day off, but that does have the bonus of meeting up and chatting with like-minded people, even possibly having a small game.

                         If it is the net, you are in multiple-choice mode. How many companies do stuff for that setting? How complicated is their website? What Minis are available? Should I opt for plastic or lead minis? Which looks the best when painted? Are there reader reviews available? (Yes, usually on the company website or youtube). What are the costs? How long do to wait for delivery times? Are you stuck on finding the right mini to suit your character?

                         Once you finally have your miniatures to hand, there is the task of painting them. Are you any good at it? Clean and primed, good. Unfortunately, the better you are, the longer they take to paint because you lavish more detail on them.
                          At last, you are ready to go, you have your minis sitting on your nicely laid out terrain, all you need now is an opponent to show up at the appointed hour, unless you are playing in Solo mode. Have you printed out the rules or got the book handy? Are character sheets all in order? Are tape measures handy? Are templates and status markers sorted? Have you got enough dice of the right type? Do you have refreshments to hand? Great, Away you go.....

                          Hang on, you do want a record of this epic battle, right? Have you got your camera or mobile on a stand? Click, (What is the best shot for this scene ?) Click (Flash or not ?) Click, blurred, and do it again. Scribble down some notes down, (try not to lose them afterwards) what turn was it, how the dice landed and who moved where and shot XYZ. 

                          (TIP: At the start of each turn, I advance the "Turn Dice" by one and then take a photo of it. It helps in the editing process later, no wondering if a gangster got killed in turn three or four).

                          Finally, Victory, or not. Shake hands with your opponent and thank him/her for a good game. Packing it all away, unless you have a dedicated area for gaming (lucky you). Next is sorting out what pictures to use, do I need to add speech bubbles or captions to them? Lastly, turn your notes into an action-packed story of heroic and good deeds. Do another edit or two, with the spell checker, turned on this time. Are you happy?  Super, Hit the Publish button. Bing. All done.

                          If you do one-offs, you can relax for a bit, but if you do a campaign, you have some working out to do. What are the implications of the result? Did our heroes get to their goal and get the treasure? Did the forces of evil triumph? Is there character rolling for possible upgrades? New weapons to dole out to the party? Were any vital supplies used up? Do any of your forces need to be "healed" or replaced? (Does this mean some more minis to buy or just do a repaint job on the losers?)

                            Do you know where are your characters going to go next? (Does this mean more terrain to design/build/buy? or have you got the very thing from another project you can tweak). Consult those plot tables, decide what works best for the story and scribble some notes for the next chapter. Phew.

                         It all takes time, that's before you slot real-life events in the way too, hopefully, the delays will get fewer and the actual games will get more frequent, real-life permitting. So, when you play your next game, enjoy it, win or lose, because you have worked jolly hard to get there.

Regards,

Ivor Cogdell

Just for the record

Greetings fellow bloggers and visitors,
                                                         I am not sure if I am the norm or the exception to the rule, being a newbie to reading and writing Blogs, but I amend my posts to keep them up to date, rather than just posting a few lines in a new entry. So, you may not see a new post on my site very often, but it does not mean that the blog itself has not been changed in some way, shape or form. I don't think the status reflects whether the file has been amended or not, you just get the original blog posting date and that's that.
                         For instance, as I have been gradually painting up my Gang miniatures, I have been adding the pictures to the original Gang entry, not posting about the characters individually, plus I have been keeping the Pause 3 entry up to date, reflecting how far I had come and what I was planning to do next. I have amended the character information, which will constantly change over time according to the circumstances in which they find themselves.
                                     
What it boils down to is this, if you are following a particular story arc or section, (thank you very much for that), please review the previous pages every so often, just in case I have added some more details in there to add to the spice of the piece. I would hate for you to miss something because you did not know to look out for it.

If you are a blogger too, which is quite possible, what do you do on your site? Are there any other tips you would like to share with us?

It seems that the bloggers are all too busy writing their own stuff to be reading my flannel, as there have been no other thoughts posted here. Are you going to be brave and be the first?


Ivor Cogdell

5P - Hougemont - Rostof Mine Spaceport Cast - Updated 2023.04.14

Hi everyone,

                   Here is my NPC list 1 for the Port Rudolfus and Mine area.

Planet Hougemont

 Rostof Mine

Joe Murphy - Rostof Mine 1, Liason Officer.
Gaz Brartson - Rostof Mine 2, Liason Officer.

Spaceport Rudolfus

Dr. Agrav Blink  - Director of Maintenance Bay 2.
Cy Bowman - Security Officer.
Pat Clark - Security Officer.
George Chun - LC Tower Ops.
James Dobson - Unity Lab Reception.
Jane Erickson - PA to Mrs. Hanson.
Dr. Alex Hanson - Director of Maintenance Bay 3.
Rick King - Security Chief.
Kong Yi Wang - Bartender at the Square Helmet.
Colonel Hassan Malik - Spaceport Controller.
Carver Matcherson - Director of Maintenance Bay 1.
Harry Richards  - Security Officer.
Pete Robson - Customs Officer.
Dave Whittington - Duty Controller.

Unity

Minny Pook - Security Liason.
Hilton Stayright - Tax Inspector.

Gangs

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

Underworld

The local "Fence" - Someone who buys stolen goods at a reduced price. Rusty "Gold" Fenton.

Safe House - 

A few more positions filled in for you.

Regards all,

Ivor Cogdell

5P - Gang - Scum

Hugemont Gang - The Scum of the Planet

Pete

Leader - Peter Janse, Alias The Poacher.

Background - He came from a mining area, but ran away to find "better things." Not that he found much of it.

To start with, he tried the lawful profession of Bounty Hunter, he caught some of the crooks he was after and missed others, some by just bad luck
            The ones he did capture, he got talking to them and kept getting the feeling that he would have done the heists in a much better fashion than they had done. Possibly, it was that he was just catching up with the losers of the gangs.
          He is the one who tracked down Pony to the Hugemont Spaceport bar. It was she who had heard of the robot exchange through hacking a local spaceport computer and they agreed to hit it together and split the profits. The others he recruited the same way.

Motivation - Survivor.

Talent - Evasive Move (Not subject to Guard fire).

Weapon - Shotgun (Range 12" = 1 Kill Dice, 1 Shock Dice or Range 4" = 2 Kill Dice).

Simon Bannister Alias Specs.

Specs 1

Specs 2

Background - His first job was as a laundry worker on a deep space Science Vessel. They were on a science mission, looking for Gravitational Wave Anomalies in nearby galaxies. He was thrown off at the first opportunity, which was at Hougemonte, for putting forward his political views and annoying everybody in sight.
         His platform was that males over 21 should only get any voting rights, as teens were too boozed up to the eyeballs to think straight and women had to look after the youngsters and were too emotional anyway, so did not deserve the vote. He has been causing trouble and being disruptive. Naturally, his ideas did not get along with the women and teenagers of the mission or later, the women in the gang. But his services did come cheap.

Career - Mercenary.

Wanted (Hugemonte) - For disrupting Women's rights meetings, damage to property etc.

Weapon - Blast Pistol and Blade. (Range 8" =  1 Kill Dice, 1 or 6 = OOA).

Joseph Morales - Alias The Blade

Blade 1

Blade 2

Background - He was just another down-trodden low-life resident of Hougemonte Habitat Ring Number 1.

He, like many others, was bored senseless with the same old humdrum life on the Habitat 1 ring, so he took matters into his own hands. Hacking the console with a stolen pass key, he stole an emergency lifeboat and went planetside, looking for some action. He found it.

Motive - Fame.

Wanted - 

1a). Assault (Habitat Ring 1) - James Morey.

1b). Theft (Habitat Ring 1) - Qty 1 x Pass Key Lifeboat Area.

1c). Theft (Habitat Ring 1) - Qty 1 x Emergency Lifeboat.

1d). Piloting an Emergency Lifeboat without permission.

1e). Endangering the lives of citizens (Habitat Ring 1) -  Through Count 1a-1d.

1f). Emigration Law (Habitat Ring 1) - Assorted Customs Violations.

1g). Immigration Law (Hougemonte) - Assorted Customs Violations.

2). Murder 2nd Degree. (Hougemonte) - A bar fight that went wrong and he killed a Lab worker.

Weapon - Blade.

Jessica Raffles Alias Pony

Pony 1

Background - She is from the subjugated colony of Brevan on the alien world of Ristavn. She belongs to a middle-class family, who are working in the Chemical industry. She invented a fuel-enhancing additive. With her last funds, she managed to buy her way off the planet. 

             She wants to start a new life, but the local "Energy Boys" don't want her messing up their nice setup here. They have been hacking her project to make it look like she is testing a bomb. They turned her into their worst nightmare. For bombing an Eenergy Company Research Lab, to disrupt the opposition. 

Motive - She wants fame and due recognition for her invention. She needs money to pursue the project and complete her tests.

Pony 2

Class - Scientist.

Wanted -

1a). For Unlawful manufacturing explosives.  (Hougemonte) - Class 2.

1b). Destruction of Private Property (Hougemonte)  - Eenergy Company Research Lab.

1c). Theft of Intellectual Property - (Hougemonte) - Data Protection.

1d). Disturbing the peace.

Weapon - Blast Pistol.

Suzy Singleton Alias The Slasher

Suzy 1

Suzy 2

Background - She escaped from a Science Vessel -UT DSS 590 "The Borderlander", that was mapping the local system's Oort Cloud, aboard a cargo pod heading for Hougemonte. For hacking into energy company Research Lab records (before it was blown up). She was seeking info for Pony to see if they were going to use her formula on this planet too.

Motive - She dislikes authority and authority figures.

Talent -  Hacker
Able to get into places and computers.

She was hired by Pony, but they are not friends.

Wanted - 

1a). Unlawful Termination of Employment Contract.(UT DSS 590 "The Borderlander")

1b). Unlawful  Stowage Aboard a Cargo Pod.(UT DSS 590 "The Borderlander")

1c). Immigration Law (Hougemonte) - Assorted Customs Violations. 

2a).Theft of Intellectual Property - (Hougemonte) - Data Protection.

2b). Aiding in Destruction of Private Property (Hougemonte)  - Energy Company Research Lab.

Miniatures made by -(C) eM4 Miniatures.

The Aftermath of the Attempted Robbery

Pete Janse - The Poacher - In custody, Med-block with a broken wrist, awaiting charges.
Suzy Singleton, The Slasher -  In custody, Med-block with head wounds, awaiting charges.

Jessica Raffles, The Pony -  In custody, awaiting psyche evaluation and charges.

Joseph Morales - Deceased. Case Closed.

Extra charge of Attempted Robbery, attempted murder, and Trespass of Private Property.

Simon Bannister, Alias Specs - Wanted for Attempted Armed robbery, attempted murder, Aiding in Destruction of Private Property (Hougemonte)  - Energy Company Research Lab, Trespass and Disturbing the Peace. (Did not become a Rival).

Regards all,

Ivor Cogdell

Pause 2

Hi all,
         I have just got some foes for our heroes to battle. All have now been painted, but not to any great standard- see my Gang entry), I have done the backgrounds for each one. I have also added a picture of Tim in the Character section.

         The last few days, things have been on hold, I have a few days off work and doing a bit of walking and visiting with mates. (I want to see what happens with the shoot-out too).

           Another job done is I have bought the 5 Core (C) rules from Nordic Weasel Games (C), to go with the 5 Parsecs From Home Supplement, so that I can continue studying how to play the game. I also bought the Every Star an Opportunity supplement for 5 Parsecs From Home.

            I have added a Planetary Data Page And a Hougemont Cast Page, which I will update as needed. My newly constructed ruin from 4Ground now has a DIY addition to the layout, from foam board.

Regards,

Ivor Cogdell

5P - Job 1 - Droids Part 2

Hi Everyone,

                     Previously  - An electronic voice piped up from the back of the droids, "I'm not going anywhere !"

In the Maintenance Warehouse, a collection of droids.

(Actually Cybermen models from the Dr. Who collection), Copyright (C) BBC.
The BBC is not responsible for external sites.

It continued, "I like it here, there are all the nice pipes and floors I get to clean. I see interesting life forms. I can repair all sorts of machinery. That is Final !"

Alex said, "Oh dear, it must have got bumped on the head on the way over here. One of its command circuits must have got crossed."

Ted replied, "Don't worry, boss, I can fix it in no time".

On hearing this, the droid starts to back away from the trio, "No-one is going to "FIX" me!" 

The captain waves Ted down, "I can handle this.", he raises his voice," There is no need to worry, we won't try to fix you."

The droid asks, "Promise ?".

"I promise. Nobody is going to harm you. If you don't want to come with us, that's fine, we won't force you to come with us. But, have you thought of what you are missing out on ?".

He pauses to see if this gets a reaction.

After a few more moments, the droid pipes up, "Uh, missing out on ? What do you mean by that statement ? Explain, please".

The Captain smiles, "Sure, did nobody tell you where you are going?"

The reply came back, quieter, "No, they did not. Just "Get in the van. Get out and stand there. Wait for further orders.".

"Well, we live in a starship, that has lots of intricate parts and things that need cleaning and occasionally fixing. Some of that you could help with. We get to see lots of new worlds and meet interesting life forms, like Ted here.", He points to his crewmate.

The droid contemplates for a moment, "It does look nice." 

It paused a moment and considered, "So, the facts are these, that if I come along, I can stay with you and see lots of interesting planets and people ?".

"Yes, you can stay with us."

The droid advanced through the pack, "It's a deal. I have seen a custom among you humans. Shake on it ?" It held out its hand.

"Sure", said the Captain. They shook hands.

Ted is surprised at how well and quickly the boss managed to defuse the delicate situation. "Can we go now ?".

The droid shakes its head, "No".

"No, why not, Droid ?"

"Droid number 47546811 reports that it is rather low on power and needs to recharge.", complains the droid.

Ted gives the equivalent of a smirk, one lip raised, "We can soon fix that for you on the ship we are going to now, we have standard charge points fitted, it can top up there."

The droid copies his gesture, "That is acceptable. I like you, you can call me 47546834". 

It looks at Alex, "Can we go now ?".

She replies, "Sure, But how about we call you 834 instead. COMMAND: Lead the way outside to the hopper pad 1 departure point, 811, then stop. All other droids, proceed in good order and form up behind 811.END COMMAND".

Droids Going Outside (old layout)

(Cybermen from Dr.Who)
Copyright (C) BBC.
The BBC is not responsible for external sites.

Droid 811 marches outside into the warm sunshine, followed by the other droids in double file, who were keeping up with it easily.  Alex, Ted and Martin followed afterwards.

Martin remarks to Ted, "I think you have made another friend."

Ted shook his head, "When I see a droid looking like me, then I'll celebrate."

Martin froze, "That's brilliant. It could be a whole new industry. Custom-made droids for sentients, looking like those sentients, not just us. It might take a while to take off. I wonder if we could get some design engineers out here to check what could be altered easily? The programming software would have to be altered too,  that might be the harder part, but it's possible."

He caught up with the others and slapped Ted on the back, "Well done, You've just earned a bonus.".

They had just emerged into the daylight again, when suddenly a harsh voice rang out across the plascrete, "Hold it there, fools! Those droids are ours !"

(To be continued in part three.)

"Who is it, I wonder, that dares take on our brave heroes ?"

Long range shot of them emerging

Alex Hanson on left, Martin, Tony and Droids.

(Here are two shots from the upcoming episode with the improved layout.) 

Regards,

Ivor Cogdell

5P - Job 1 - Droids Part 1

Hi Everyone,

                   Five Parsecs From Home continues - 

"The next day was clear with no forecast of rough weather. Leaving the others behind in the Magic Carpet to get the cargo space ready, Martin, Dave, Ted and "Pinky" depart in the hired hopper and head for the small Maintenance Hangar No.3, where part of the general AI repair and recycling takes place. They pulled up at 10:15, slightly early than the agreed time of 10:30.
                "It's always nice to see the lay of the land before doing a job. You can sort out any loading problems that may crop up and still leave on time," said Martin. "Come on, Ted, you can introduce me to Alex, while the others stay here."
               Dixie remarked with a smile to Pinky, "It's "Captain's Perks" again, they always get the girl. We might as well relax for a bit. Let's see what's on the internet". 

"Hopper, put the news on.".

The windscreen becomes a large holo-display.

The presenter, Roger Harris appears, wearing a dark blue suit over a pale blue shirt and a medium blue tie. "Good Morning, here is the 10:30 News from Philleas Basin."

(See entry - Here is the news 1).

Ted and Martin went into the aft compartment, pressed the button and the back opened with a swish, letting a warm breeze circulate through the hopper. The ramp shock absorbers clinked on the plastocrete, wobbled slightly and then were still. They walked into the sunshine for a few yards and then into the dimmer seeming, smaller office unit facing the big main hangar building.

Hangar 3 and surrounding area
"Office 1a" by Ivor Cogdell

Zoom 1
"Office 1b" by Ivor Cogdell

Zoom 2
"Office 1da" by Ivor Cogdell

There, they were met by Miss Hanson. "Ted, nice to see you again. Captain, lovely to make your acquaintance. We usually only get the lower ranks down this part of the port. Do come into my office where we can settle the details."

Ted said, "I'll go and check out the droids, Captain."

Half an hour later, Martin and Alex came out of her office. "That's all of the paperwork done and the credits transferred. All you need to do now is take your droids to their new home, wherever that may be."

Just then, an electronic voice piped up from the back of the droids, "I'm not going anywhere !"

Continued in 5P - Job 1- Droids Part 2 ......

Regards,

Ivor Cogdell