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
This is for my war gaming and role-playing exploits, including SF worlds, fantasy and post-apocalyptic settings, with a dash of history. A mix of solo and group gameplay. Terrain making is also included, with reviews of figures, TV shows and films.
Thursday, 10 September 2015
Wednesday, 9 September 2015
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 !"
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."
 |
| 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".
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 ?"
(Here are two shots from the upcoming episode with the improved layout.)
"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
Ivor Cogdell
Tuesday, 8 September 2015
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".
"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.
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 ......
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 !"
Regards,
Ivor Cogdell
Monday, 7 September 2015
5P - Starship Magic Carpet
Hi Everyone,
Its finally revealed, our ship, "The Magic Carpet."
 |
| "The Magic Carpet" (Actually, it's The Delta Flyer from Star Trek Voyager Star Trek Official Starships Collection No.38 by Eaglemoss Collections (TM) and (C) 2015 CBS Studios Inc.) STAR TREK and related marks and logos are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc. All rights reserved. |
This is our faithful Starship, "The Magic Carpet", home and workplace
to
Captain Martin Taggart and her crew. A delight to her passengers and visitors.
Registered: Ek'grat, Ethaniel's Rock.
Original Designation: Vlook Troop Transport - (In the Dornath War).
Previous Owners:
Garst Radek, (Race : Human). Planet Refnas.
Jaylek Irgnas (Race : Vlook) Planet Tirlang.
Originally fitted with 50 Stasis Pods.
Garst Radek, (Race : Human). Planet Refnas.
Jaylek Irgnas (Race : Vlook) Planet Tirlang.
Originally fitted with 50 Stasis Pods.
Refitted: Deloth.
Designation: Cargo / People Transport. Hull Points = 35.
Life Support: 15 Human or equivalent.
Transponder Beacon: ER TT 74656.
AI designation =: Melody.
Components: Medical Bay. - 5 Stasis Pods.
Regards,
Ivor Cogdell
Saturday, 5 September 2015
Pause 1
Hey folks,
I just had to take a quick pause, in order to print out the Nordic Weasel complete supplement of 5 Parsecs From Home (91 glorious pages), then stuff them into Poly Pockets, so they stay nice and clean.
I have an idea of what I think should occur, in the next scene, but that said, I've still got the quest/job scenario to go through. They may not go as expected. More rolling to do before that happens.
I had gotten in a few supplies, paper, base card, glue, Blue tac, and poly pockets. Got to get some more ink though. Been looking at a few sites out there, some very good artists and modellers. If you know of good sites, please add them to the comments, please.
I'm just wondering how to do the next scene with absolutely no props at all. I thought about using Blender Rendering software, or a free mapper. I have tried battle chronicler, which may have uses but did not gell for me. I think crude comic style may have to do.
In the end, I converted a poly shape into a warehouse, so it all ended well. As you can see if you follow the links to Job 1.
Ivor Cogdell
I just had to take a quick pause, in order to print out the Nordic Weasel complete supplement of 5 Parsecs From Home (91 glorious pages), then stuff them into Poly Pockets, so they stay nice and clean.
I have an idea of what I think should occur, in the next scene, but that said, I've still got the quest/job scenario to go through. They may not go as expected. More rolling to do before that happens.
I had gotten in a few supplies, paper, base card, glue, Blue tac, and poly pockets. Got to get some more ink though. Been looking at a few sites out there, some very good artists and modellers. If you know of good sites, please add them to the comments, please.
I'm just wondering how to do the next scene with absolutely no props at all. I thought about using Blender Rendering software, or a free mapper. I have tried battle chronicler, which may have uses but did not gell for me. I think crude comic style may have to do.
In the end, I converted a poly shape into a warehouse, so it all ended well. As you can see if you follow the links to Job 1.
Ivor Cogdell
Thursday, 3 September 2015
5P - Character - Reginald "Pinky" Farnsworth
Here are his stats.
Origin - He grew up on a military base 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.
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.
- Science Outpost Tesla, orbiting Doppleganger.
Decorated - Army Star and Bar (Mastrecct.)
Discharge - Medical. (Now exempt from call up.)
Special Circumstances - Slightly Unhinged.
If the Event roll =6 he will move 1d6 " in a random direction, but can act normally.
Kit - Uniform, Auto Rifle, Hunting Rifle and Stim Pack.
The details will change according to how the campaign evolves.
Ivor Cogdell
Origin - He grew up on a military base 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.
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.
- Resupply Station Raleigh, orbiting Faraday.
- Science Outpost Tesla, orbiting Doppleganger.
Decorated - Army Star and Bar (Mastrecct.)
Discharge - Medical. (Now exempt from call up.)
Special Circumstances - Slightly Unhinged.
If the Event roll =6 he will move 1d6 " in a random direction, but can act normally.
Kit - Uniform, Auto Rifle, Hunting Rifle and Stim Pack.
The details will change according to how the campaign evolves.
Ivor Cogdell
Wednesday, 2 September 2015
5P - Ship Log 2 - A Guest Arrives
Hi Everybody,
The next installment of the Five Parsecs from home RPG / Wargame.
It begins as Melody, the Ship Computer, alerts them to an incoming call, for Lucy.
Lucy, "I'll take it here, Melody."
On the table n front of Lucy, a two foot tall hologram shimmers into being, showing the HoloVid Logo, a H V with a Lightning bolt joining the two letters. After three seconds it then becomes the head and shoulders of a well built man, wearing a green t-shirt, with Army written on it.
"Hi Lucy, I said I would look you up when I got out."
"Pinky !! How are you ?", she yells in delight, "Where are you ?"
"I'm doing just fine, I just set down at the spaceport, I've just booked in to the Veteran's Motel."
"Well, come on over here. We are parked in bay 61."
"Thanks, I'll do that. See you soon. Out."
The image dissolves into static and was gone.
She looked at the others, "As you can gather, we are old friends."
A short time later, Pinky arrives. Lucy meets him at the passenger lock and escorts him up to the lounge.
"Everybody, this is Pinky."
He gives a slight bow, "Reginald Farnsworth, at your service. Everyone calls me Pinky on account of this."
He holds up his left hand to show his robotic little finger. "It got shot off in the troubles on Mastrecct, and Lucy patched me up."
"He was my very first patient and we have always kept in touch, even after he was pronounced fit for duty and shipped back to his Regiment and the rest of his time in the army. Sit down, sit down."
She pointed at the large sofa.
"Now, I'm discharged, I thought I would meet up with my old Flo Nightingale again. It seems like you have done well to find such a nice bunch of people to work and play with. I still have your vids stored."
The group greet him warmly.
Captain Martin gets up and shakes his hand, sizing him up as he does so. "It seems you have perfect timing Mr. Farnsworth, or may I call you Pinky ?"
He smiles, "Please do."
The Captain continues, "We have just been discussing a business deal, it all looks above board, but it always helps to have a little extra muscle about. Its even better when you know their background and I would imagine Lucy would give you a glowing recommendation."
Lucy nods, "I certainly would, Captain."
"The fee is usually 2.5% of the profits, but since you are a pal of Lucy's, I'll call it 3%."
Pinky replied, "Always glad to help a pal, even better when I get paid to. I'm in."
"Great, lets get you a drink and you can get to know everybody. We can have your stuff transferred over here, save you paying hotel bills."
Dave starts chatting about war stories, then they start explaining the job and chatting in general......
Ivor Cogdell
Lucy, "I'll take it here, Melody."
On the table n front of Lucy, a two foot tall hologram shimmers into being, showing the HoloVid Logo, a H V with a Lightning bolt joining the two letters. After three seconds it then becomes the head and shoulders of a well built man, wearing a green t-shirt, with Army written on it.
"Hi Lucy, I said I would look you up when I got out."
"Pinky !! How are you ?", she yells in delight, "Where are you ?"
"I'm doing just fine, I just set down at the spaceport, I've just booked in to the Veteran's Motel."
"Well, come on over here. We are parked in bay 61."
"Thanks, I'll do that. See you soon. Out."
The image dissolves into static and was gone.
She looked at the others, "As you can gather, we are old friends."
A short time later, Pinky arrives. Lucy meets him at the passenger lock and escorts him up to the lounge.
"Everybody, this is Pinky."
He gives a slight bow, "Reginald Farnsworth, at your service. Everyone calls me Pinky on account of this."
He holds up his left hand to show his robotic little finger. "It got shot off in the troubles on Mastrecct, and Lucy patched me up."
"He was my very first patient and we have always kept in touch, even after he was pronounced fit for duty and shipped back to his Regiment and the rest of his time in the army. Sit down, sit down."
She pointed at the large sofa.
"Now, I'm discharged, I thought I would meet up with my old Flo Nightingale again. It seems like you have done well to find such a nice bunch of people to work and play with. I still have your vids stored."
The group greet him warmly.
Captain Martin gets up and shakes his hand, sizing him up as he does so. "It seems you have perfect timing Mr. Farnsworth, or may I call you Pinky ?"
He smiles, "Please do."
The Captain continues, "We have just been discussing a business deal, it all looks above board, but it always helps to have a little extra muscle about. Its even better when you know their background and I would imagine Lucy would give you a glowing recommendation."
Lucy nods, "I certainly would, Captain."
"The fee is usually 2.5% of the profits, but since you are a pal of Lucy's, I'll call it 3%."
Pinky replied, "Always glad to help a pal, even better when I get paid to. I'm in."
"Great, lets get you a drink and you can get to know everybody. We can have your stuff transferred over here, save you paying hotel bills."
Dave starts chatting about war stories, then they start explaining the job and chatting in general......
Ivor Cogdell
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