Archive through February 19, 2011
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Archive through February 19, 2011
Well no wonder I was having so much touble setting up my game, this campaign U10.0 isn't in my rulebook. I may have to drop out of the Survey Game with no rules to look at. I am good on the one Tugger is running, I have the Fleet list for the Admirals game. So ill probably just go with that and hopefully the Abbotoir later on, in 2012 when the world ends.
So for that game you are doing Tugger who got the high roll and first pick. Ill look at ships for it. You can just take you revenge out on me there Teemo. With Three or 4 Tournaments and 2 campaigns I want to get eliminated from a few so I guess bring in on and get even. I know you were tired and had work, didn't realize you had dropped tracking on the SS for me. I thought im Pirate scum, he blew up a large freightor, lets kill his biggest toy. I mean ECF shot me that turn, and you and i split my fire between you both also. I know the TB had to be annoying, thats why we all pay so much for the dang things. I wanted to use them, didn't care what i blew up, but you got to admit between those two TB I killed 9 shuttles and damaged 2 shields thats 74 total damage, I got 9 ph 3's of his, and only did shield damage i thought, Its just a bloodthirsty little scenario. Three ways where you can change side from impulse to impulse are not my favorite, I would prefer a good team fight whenever possible. But it looked interesting, and was worth a try.
I wasn't happy about ECF chaining up all the freighters, to stop me grabbling the light freighter. If we play at this point ill be gunning for him again, I owe him for egging our little dispute on. 
It was a cluttered map, a real mess to sort out and I may have been off track shooting you when im supposed to be capturing ECF's ships. I thought it was fair game shooting a down shield here and there, we weren't allies I didn't think I did appreciate the damage you did to the Fed. I circled my BR around so you would have time to fight with ECF, that left it all of its phasers left and i got some good positions. I don't expect you to hold fire on me in similar conditions, id be disapointed if i didn't get shot.
And about tractor beams hey if i have the power and the tractors to do it i should get to grab whatever i wanted. It forced you to drop a mine, and that made me not want to hold on. Using up your enemies resources is just part of the game.
Anyway you can always get your revenge on me in any old game. And ill be waiting for it, working up more diabolical plans into the wee hours of the morning here. Not just for you, lol. I think we were all tired and hope to fight you again soon.
Best wishes, see you tonight hopefully
So again I am quitting the Survey Captain Crunch Bown (ScCB) So I look forward to the Admirals Game with you all. Lets work on our fleets and the final rules on a napkin or something.
Anyway preparing Fleets for Tugger, Teemo, and Troy to blow up.
Ill get you a race for that as soon as I hear whats been taken.
Yeah, I don't have U10 in my book either... What product was it in?
U10.0 Survey Captains Game in Module S2.
Christopher
Captain Tugger, of the Peladine SR Cruiser, Seer, has completed 2 missions so far. In the first, I managed to defeat a Frax SR, crippling it, to no lasting damage on my end, and in the second, the Space Amoeba proved no match for my info gathering sensors, and my well aimed Suicide Shuttle. I am now looking for a match for SG24 Survey Encounter.
Tugger
Cpt. Tugger...Once I return from hiatus, if you have not found a willing combatant, I can play your opponent...I'll look for you next week...
Lol GFB...At least Tugger let you escape..My opponent was merciless!...And instead of a tractor next time to kill shuttles while forcing my ship to participate, maybe just hit the T-bomb yourself is my suggestion I wasn't into the madness! So I start at -20...Hopefully I don't face a Space Dragon or this is a short campaign indeed...Anyways my race selection choices for the modified EoF are submitted to Tugger in advance of my sabbatical in case Jungletoy shows up and rolls. So that's where I'm at..Have a good weekend gents and good gaming! Cheers!
Alas, a 4 day party is my kind of Sebatical.
He let me excape but I took a ph 2 on the bridge, between the heat and vacume. My eye is gone. Ill be wearing a patch for the rest of my career. And Im one of the lucky ones on this ill fated exploration cruise. Even my secret APR is gone.
Contact was made earlier with a space ameoba, were approacing cautiously. See if that makes a difference.
I have submitted my three picks to Tugger.
And thank him for running this also.
Has there been any word from Troy. If your out there Troy Tuggers taking your die roll and top three choices to his email.
I have seen Troy now, and gotten his roll. I will be working on fleet construction rules, and will ask players to confirm their choices after I finish those.
Tugger
Sorry I didn't have this thread tagged for updates. :-)
Okay, EoF players, I had a pretty good concept break though over the last few days, and am much closer to kicking this thing off. I need to make a few notes, then will be asking for a Campaign subfolder, titled Masters Playground. This campaign should feature 3-4 battles per round for each player, in combinations of 1v1, 1v1v1, and 2v2, with teams being random for each battle. I am invoking the Masters, so I can just focus this campaign on making lots of battles happen.
Three things.
First, all records for this campaign will be public, on shared Documents. So, make sure you have a google account, or access to google docs.
Second, please respond here, or email me your vote on battles involving Bases. I can easily design it where battles involving BATS are, or are not, involved.
Third, also in that post/email, let me know how you would feel fighting a Old Romulan force. I ask, since it might well involve longer games, with a good amount a cloaking on my part. If fighting that kind of battle will drive you to drink...well, will drive you to tearful boredom, let me know, I can choose a different empire or fleet to play with.
Tugger
I have no problem with a few bases and or auxiliaries cropping up now and then. If they make the setting a bit more interesting, and don't totally interfere with the game no problem. As for old style romulan cloak battles, my feeling is they had to fight that enemy in the old days, we may as well learn to sub hunt with the best of them. I need work on sub hunting, My ASW skills are not where I would like them. So please take the old Roms if you would like.
No to BATs/SBs (some races are slightly disadvantaged in a siege role).
Old Roms new Roms, eating plasma is fun. I need to work on my sub hunting skills as well.
;-)
How about a lowly Base Station, I wouldn't mind something on that scale but yes a BATS and SB are a can of worms we need not open. Ive seen it base assault is what it is. I don't think we need to do one every round of the game, but I also think that something to protect is important in EoF. Whatever the unit may be, I think scenarios are more interesting if they have better vicotory conditions. So give us an objective to capture or destroy in a scenario or two, just not a BATS or SB. When Im looking for a trench warfare game SFB isn't where I turn, so no need for the big bases to please me. A raid on a neighbors dilithium mines would be fun however, give the vicoty a larger meaning on the strategic scale and you have a good scenario to incorporate into EoF. The key will be putting together the right sequence of scenarios with victory conditions that change the strategic outlook for the winner and loser. Some battles would just be normal stand up fights, where the only effect on the larger war would be loss of units. But a raid deep into someones interior hitting a key strategic target could alter that empires strategic plans for a round or so. It would add a bit more realism to our game. I know finding the right scenario's would be alot of work, but I think these type of concerns are what the SFB campaign is all about.
Nods, working on just those kinds of things, GFB
Tugger
Outstanding news Tugger
I know that you know whats enjoyable in a SFB campaign, and im looking forward to seeing your ideas in this game. I appreciate your hard work in setting this game up.
GFB
Folks,
I'm an old hand at SFB, but due to our gaming group moving into D&D and then myself shuffling half way across Canada, I haven't had the opportunity to play in years. I'm debating getting into SFB Online, but have some concerns about time commitments (ie six kids can be awful distracting in the eve).
I am currently considering putting together a campaign to at least live vicariously...and perhaps join in the occasional battle via some hired Orion goons. I do have some questions/concerns though, as I'm fairly new to the community and would rather ask than soak significant time for naught. If folks could indulge, it'd be appreciated. :-)
* It appears that there is a fairly small but dedicated group of folks on here. Is there the (long term) interest or enough players available for another campaign?
* Have GMs noticed game burnout occurs easily, due to players "jumping out?" The Blackjack timer seems like a good idea, IMHO...
* Are any GMs available for a few mentoring questions? (Note: I have DM-ed D&D quite a bit, but different games demand different interventions)
* Is there interest in a semi-automated system for the campaign view (ie fleet movement)? Assuming well programed, it would take some GM burden away and hopefully speed the game.
Thanks,
- Plotty
Hi Plotty
Ill do my best to answer your questions.
* It appears that there is a fairly small but dedicated group of folks on here. Is there the (long term) interest or enough players available for another campaign?
Well there are a group of us putting together several campaigns right now. I think there is a base of players that can support multiple campaigngs on SFBOL. As for adding a new one right now, I think finding players could be hard. But its important to realize that there is a bit of turnover of players on SFBOL. We get old SFB'ers join all the time. So by the time you got your system worked out its quite possible you would find players.
* Have GMs noticed game burnout occurs easily, due to players "jumping out?" The Blackjack timer seems like a good idea, IMHO...
Im not a GM, so cant really answer this question very well. Sure the two large campaigns that are either started or about to start have had a few players need replaced. Both of these campaigns are supposed to have alternates who step in when a player cant continue. Diplomacy by Other Means(DBoM) lost two players near the end of last year, its taken them a bit of time to get back on their feet but a new turn will start in days.
* Are any GMs available for a few mentoring questions? (Note: I have DM-ed D&D quite a bit, but different games demand different interventions)
Well there are a few people I could refer you too. KenBurnside is the creator of the DBoM system, and has played in many campaigns. He is always a great source of information. Also there is the Farthest Stars campaign which I don't know alot about but they have a large following.
* Is there interest in a semi-automated system for the campaign view (ie fleet movement)? Assuming well programed, it would take some GM burden away and hopefully speed the game.
Well both the DBoM campaign and TAoC have a semi automated system, its built around the spreadsheet. It is tied to the game map and helps the overseer to do less work to process the turns.
As one of the players who is into these sorts of SFB games, I have some ideas whats most important in a campaign.
1 Most important the battles the campaign system generates must be playable and enjoyable. If they arn't having a good time they will probably leave the game.
2 There are rules in SFB that do slow the game down considerably. Im referring mostly to EW rules, which in our campaigns are very limited. A big part of what will draw players to your campaigns is the rules. If they are clear, and generate fun battles, and being a GM/Overseer is something your determined to do, I think you will be sucesful. Its the determination of the players to play in the game thats gotten DBoM back on its feet.
3 Think about what makes for a good SFB campaign. Some include economics, and building of units, others don't. If you look in the SFB products at the campaigns there they give alot of good ideas on making your own. In my opinion, battles must have some consequence for the players involved. This could be just the ships they will lose, in a non map based game. Or in DBoM there is a map, and there are valuable pieces of territory. So give the players objectives, and consequences for them not suceeding at the mission and you have something that will hold players interests. We do these because we get so tired of playing tournament games over and over.
This is a great place to discuss campaign rules. Guys like KenBurnside can probably see some of the unintended consequence of rules you propose. Anyone thats played in a few of these will have opinions on what looks good, and what looks like it could be an issue. I just don't know if you could get another campaign started right now, we are stretching the limits of the SFBOL community by having all of these running at once. Its not easy to fill a campaign and keep it full of players.
Well, I hope that answered a few questions. Im no authority on campaigns on SFBOL, but I think with persistance and time you can start one. Take the example of Teemo, he joined last fall, wanted a campaign of some sort that didn't have regular rules changes. He chose the survey captains game, and started a play at your own pace game within weeks.
A great resource would also be either Valonqar or Tugger, who are both starting new campaigns now. Valonqar is determined to start his, im sure Tugger is too. Valonqar is the Overseer of The Abbotoir of Compromise, where im a future player.
We need more alternates in both campaigns, you could consider taking one of those spots. It would get you farmiliar with the rules we are using, and that would help you decide on your rules, and make contacts with players who may want to be a part of what you create.
I wish you luck, don't make your game too good or ill have to sign up as a player, and that would be 4 simultanious campaigns for me. I say don't give up on your dream of running a campaign, SFBOL has ebbs and flows of players coming and going. I have no statistics on number of total players and how many actually have an interest in campaign type games. Alot want to play tournaments, and watch a few games. Some of our fleet battles have drawn a big crowd of observers, they are fun to watch.
Ive watched a few farthest stars games, they are fun to watch too. I think as a future Overseer/GM you could benifit from watching a few of these battles. Were all using different rules, and you could see how the rules change the tempo of games by watching. Im pretty sure that FS is using a much more robust set of EW rules. It seems to be working for them, our games have alot less EW, and that does seem to keep the game flowing along. Im assuming here, ive not actually spoken to the Overseer of FS, or seen the rules, I have seen units that are not allowed in our game because they are big EW producers. I think I saw a few MRS shuttles and probably ECM drones and ECP torps. We don't have these, and you know what so long as the enemy doesn't get them when you don't the game is very fun without all that EW. We don't have self generated EW either, only scouts lending of EW is allowed other than tournament EW.
Well Chris good luck to you.
I hope we see you online and on the BBS more, and again you could consider being a part of an existing game while you get your game setup. Right now there are only alternate jobs available in both DBoM and TAoC, Tugger may want to pick up one more alt for his game which is like yours in development.
Josh-GaiusFBaltar on SFBOL
Survey Captain's Game
Hi all,
I have to ask some questions on the setup of my Survey Ship a Frax SR Y164.
First the drones, as I understand it the Frax use Klingon drones, have 12 spaces in the 2 racks, so would have 8 space general, 3 space restricted, and 1 space limited.
Hope this fits in that restriction.
General
3 * I-xS :speed 12, 1 space, explosive 12, cost +.5 per for 1.5
1 * I-x : Speed 8, 1 space, explosive 12, cost 0 per for 0
2 * IV-XXXS :speed 12, 2 space,Exp 24,Ext rg, cost 1 per for 2
Restricted
2 * III-CS :speed 12, 1 space, ECM drone, cost 1 per for 2
1 I-PXXATGS :speed 12, 1 sp, Probe, ATG, Ext rg, cost per 1.5
1 I-PXXATG :speed 8, 1 sp, probe, ATG, ext rg, cost per 1
For 8 points of drones above the 12 points of standard type i's.
Second dose this add to my BPV of 160/140 or subtract from my 28 points of CO's
Assuming its 24 in CO's - 8 for drones this leaves me with 20 co's i would have to spend.
12 for 3 set's of t-bombs
2 for 2 Commandos
4 for 8 ext Boarding Parties
2 for one extra Admin shuttle stored as cargo
That brings me to cargo, I have 6 cargo boxes for 300 spaces of cargo. Under U10.3321 do i have to account for the ready for use items like t bombs and reload drones or just campaign stores and my extra shuttle, and is this where the 2 spare shuttles from the MSC are kept?
This is my first Campaign load-out so any help would be appreciated.
Christopher
Hey ECF. How goes it? The Frax!....ready to survey imaginary distant star systems I see...Your questions to the best of my knowledge
(1.) Your drone restrictions for Y164, selections and cost look correct to me. (2.) I subtracted from CO's, not addition to my BPV, for my drone costs under Annex #6 but then my drone selection was not as in depth and (3.)Under U10.3321 I understood as cargo items that which could not be used during a scenario and for reload after a scenario..hence my spare shuttle and my CO purchased drones were recorded...mines and drone reloads available for use in a scenario must be available in the shuttle bay or other storage area with deck crew action...I may be incorrect in my interpretation of the rules and I invite input but probably won't spend a whole lot of time debating correct or incorrect...Anything we can agree with will work for me and we can continue onto actual game time...
Welcome back Tony, aka Teemo
I have done the setup for SG24 Survey Encounter and look forward to flying against the Kzinti SR with you at the helm. I have not done the drone loadout for the Zin and leave that to your discersion.
Christopher
Hi Josh,
Thanks for the detailed reply!
It's one of my boys birthday parties tonight (10th, so at a hotel), so I'll be up all night as find ways to amuse themselves and hopefully not drive other guests crazy. ;-) I'll take the chance to review the other campaigns more closely.
Cheers,
- Plotty
Plotty, I might be interested in working with you on the campaign I am putting together. Lets get together and chat come time.
Tugger
Shore - if nothing else, getting a detailed look behind your campaign design wouldn't hurt either of us for ideas. Feel free to catch me at my gmail address (linked to this account).
- Plotty
Questions!
First, fighting the Energy Monster...evil.
However, to get my 5 points from the campaign, I need to -destroy- it...and this monster cant be destroyed in game. So, delaying that encounter till I hear back.
Next up for me is Raid on a Survey camp.
Vs a Hydran TR
Which is not in service till y169, and I am in y165.5
So, what do I throw in as a sub?
Tugger