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

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

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

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

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