Happy thanksgiving everyone!

By Jean Sexton (Jsexton) on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 - 06:00 pm: Edit

Last day for shipping this year is December 20, 2019. We will resume shipping January 2, 2020.

By Jean Sexton (Jsexton) on Friday, January 10, 2020 - 06:01 pm: Edit

Check out the new Hailing Frequencies! http://www.starfleetgames.com/federation/Newsletter/January-2020/index.html

The extras this month include: SFB Tholian PDS, FC Tholian PDW, and the story "The Dice Must Roll."

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Friday, January 10, 2020 - 06:27 pm: Edit

In the past, HF didn't have extras and Communique usually had an FC ship and an FC Scenario.

The new combined newsletter will have two (rarely three) items, but not two for each game. This month we did one SFB ship and one FC ship. Next month we might do a scenario for FC and playtest rule for Starmada. The next month we might do a new ship for ACTASF and a scenario for SFB. Or we might do something else. Variety is the order of the day and every month will be unpredictable.

Sorry, but it's not going to be possible to give you an SFB ship, and SFB scenario, an FC ship, an FC scenario, a Starmada ship, a Starmada scenario, an F&E playtest rule, a Marine scenario, and a new fiction story all in each issue.

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Friday, January 10, 2020 - 06:52 pm: Edit

http://www.starfleetgames.com/Hailingfrequenciesextras/169_Extra_Dice_Must_Roll.pdf

By Nick Samaras (Koogie) on Saturday, January 11, 2020 - 04:37 pm: Edit

I have long been waiting for something like this to happen. Not quite Star Fleet Times but not bad.

By Jean Sexton (Jsexton) on Saturday, January 18, 2020 - 03:07 pm: Edit

New Laminated Booster Packs for Federation Commander

You have been asking for new laminated cards for Federation Commander and now you have them. Booster #37 and Booster #38 each have eight double-sided laminated cards and are now available in our online shop. Here are the ships you get in each one.

Booster #37 has Federation, Kzinti, Tholian, and Hydran ships to command your squadrons and help you defeat your enemies. Here you will find the Federation Light Command Cruiser, Federation Command War Destroyer, Kzinti Medium Command Cruiser, Kzinti War Destroyer Leader, Tholian War Cruiser Leader, Hydran Lion Hunter War Destroyer Leader, Hydran Warrior Destroyer Leader, and Hydran Apache Medium Command Cruiser.

Booster #38 has ships to oppose the ones in Booster #37. This pack features Klingon, Lyran, WYN, and Vudar leaders for your squadrons. Defeat your enemies with the Klingon D5L War Cruiser Leader, Klingon F5L Frigate Leader, Klingon F5WC War Destroyer Leader, Lyran Jaguar War Cruiser Leader, Lyran Alleycat War Destroyer Leader, WYN Cluster War Cruiser Leader, Vudar War Cruiser Leader, and Vudar War Destroyer Leader.

Booster #37 is available here: https://www.starfleetstore.com/new-products-c-7/fc-booster-37-p-1273.html.

Booster #38 is available here: https://www.starfleetstore.com/new-products-c-7/fc-booster-38-p-1274.html.

By Jean Sexton (Jsexton) on Wednesday, February 05, 2020 - 12:03 pm: Edit

Due to icy road conditions, ADB is closed today. That likely pushes the release of ships on Shapeways to Monday.

By Jean Sexton (Jsexton) on Thursday, February 13, 2020 - 05:12 pm: Edit

ADB Releases Ships for February, 2020

On February 11, 2020, ADB released a total of 41 new items to its shop on Shapeways with nearly 2,000 items in total available. There are some styles of ships designed to work within the price increase that Shapeways imposed. We also added more ships in the 7000 Scale that is designed to allow you to play with multiple ships on a "regular" map with 5/8-inch hexes. Please note that all ships are available in both 3788 and 3125 scales unless specifically noted. Then they are only available in the scale noted.

The Federation starts with another collection of ships: the New Light Cruiser Collection which has two New Light Cruisers, a New Scout Cruiser, and a Light Command Cruiser. The Light Command Cruiser was also released as a single ship. These are available in both the Federation (gridded saucer) and Fed Classic (smooth saucer) styles.

The Klingons also have a collection, the F5-Based Frigate Collection. This collection includes the F5L Leader, F5S Frigate Scout, and two F5 Frigates. The F5L is also available as a single ship. The F5KL Refitted Frigate Leader was also released. The F5LB was released in the 3125 Scale only as it is designed to go with the original metal Starline 2500 F5.

The Kzintis get their New Drone Bombardment Cruiser.

The WYN gain two money-saving kits for the 3125 Scale Pocket Battlecruiser and 3125 Scale Pocket Battleship.

The Andromedans have two collections in the 7000 Scale. One collection is an Andromedan Dominator with its four satellite ships (three Mambas and a Python) and a Satellite Base. The other collection is an Andromedan Intruder with four satellite ships (three Cobras and a Terminator) and a Satellite Base.

The simulator empire known as the Frax get ships in the 7000 Scale. The Core Collection (dreadnought, heavy battlecruiser, heavy cruiser, war cruiser, war destroyer, and frigate), Builder Collection (war cruiser, war destroyer, war drone destroyer, missile destroyer, frigate, and drone frigate), and Submarine Collection (submarine missile cruiser, submarine war cruiser, submarine light cruiser, submarine destroyer, and two submarine frigates) combine to make a powerful challenge. Add to it the 7000 Scale Battleship and you have a force to be reckoned with.

The Flivvers, another simulator empire, also get a good number of ships. In the 3788 Scale, they get their Frigate, War Destroyer, War Destroyer Scout, War Cruiser, and Dreadnought. They get some of these ships in money-saving combinations: the War Destroyer and Frigate, the Heavy Cruiser and War Cruiser, and the War Cruiser and War Destroyer. They also get some ships in 7000 Scale: their Core Collection (dreadnought, heavy cruiser, war cruiser, war destroyer, war destroyer scout, and frigate) and their Builder Collection (war cruiser, two war destroyers, and three frigates).

The Omega Octant Iridani Questors get their Man-O-War, Tugboat, and Supply Dock.

Check all these out here: https://www.shapeways.com/shops/amarillo-design-bureau-inc
Don't forget to follow us: https://www.shapeways.com/designer/adbinc

By Jean Sexton (Jsexton) on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 - 05:30 pm: Edit

GURPS Prime Directive 4e Revised

Long in coming, GURPS Prime Directive 4e has been revised. It is available as one massive PDF (over 360 pages) or broken down into two volumes: GURPS Prime Directive 4e Revised, Volume 1: Creating a Character and GURPS Prime Directive 4e Revised, Volume 2: Playing the Game. The set of books is powered by GURPS. (If purchasing the cheaper "combined volume" in print, you get a copy of each volume bound individually.)

Volume 1, Creating a Character has everything you need to create a character (equipment and weapons are in the second volume). Powered by GURPS, this book includes information about the species inhabiting the Alpha Octant of the Milky Way Galaxy, including "normal" height and weight ranges. Information about the species of the Inter-Stellar Concordium has been greatly expanded from the original edition. Academy templates are included for characters who are part of the Federation.

Also expanded are the lists of advantages, disadvantages, and skills found in GURPS. We have chosen the ones we feel are best suited for the Star Fleet Universe and think you can play with just these; however, more are included in GURPS Basic Set Characters. When we reference one of these advantages, disadvantages, or skills it will be clearly marked. (These are mostly references to magic and the supernatural which were omitted as not germane to the Star Fleet Universe.)

Volume 2: Playing the Game includes information that the GM needs to run the game along with information about both personal and ship weapons and equipment.

The opening chapter on how to play the game has been greatly expanded from the original book so that you have most of the rules you need to play at your fingertips. The chapter on how to play the game has also been expanded so that you have most of the rules you need to play at your fingertips. "End Game Rewards" now includes information on how to better skills, add advantages, or buy off disadvantages. It also has information on medals and honors (and perhaps promotions!) to be awarded by a grateful Star Fleet to successful characters.

The section on technology has been expanded to include information on so many inventions that various empires have developed. You can explore from Jindarian anti-transporter fields to Tholian webs. Personal equipment runs the gamut from air masks to zero-G worksuits. Charts for weapons have been expanded to include weapons that more primitive societies might use, as well as weapons you would find in the Star Fleet Universe.

There is plenty of background information on the Star Fleet Universe including how fast you can travel, interesting spots to visit, and how to use your characters in battle if you play Star Fleet Battles or Federation Commander. The deck plans for a Free Trader ship are included so that if your characters are independent operators, you can visualize the ship they most likely use. Want to know what happened when? Check out the extensive timeline.

New to this book is the chapter on space combat. The ships of the Star Fleet Universe were designed to interact with each other via the Star Fleet Battles or Federation Commander rules. However, we realize some GMs may prefer to use the native GURPS system for starship combat. To do that, you will need GURPS Spaceships (4e) and may also want to have GURPS Space (4e) available as the rules reference those two books. Descriptions and stats for the standard large freighter, Free Trader, security skiff, Federation heavy cruiser, Klingon D7 battlecruiser, Romulan War Eagle, Kzinti command cruiser, Gorn Allosaurus battlecruiser, Tholian patrol corvette, Orion Pirate light cruiser, and the standard administrative shuttlecraft are included.

Finally, the story "Rescue on Roon" has an adventure to play. Included are sample characters that can be used.

Each individual volume includes an index to both Volume 1 and Volume 2, along with an index to charts and tables that are frequently used.

GURPS Prime Directive 4e Revised, Volume 1 and Volume 2
Warehouse 23: http://www.warehouse23.com/products/ADB8405
DriveThru RPG: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/287222/
Print: https://www.starfleetstore.com/gurps-prime-directive-c-90_91/gurps-prime-directive-2020-p-1275.html

GURPS Prime Directive 4e Revised, Volume 1: Creating a Character
Warehouse 23: http://www.warehouse23.com/products/ADB8406
DriveThru RPG: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/287223/
Print: https://www.starfleetstore.com/gurps-prime-directive-c-90_91/gurps-prime-directive-2020-volume-1-p-1276.html

GURPS Prime Directive 4e Revised, Volume 2: Playing the Game
Warehouse 23: http://www.warehouse23.com/products/ADB8407
DriveThru RPG: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/287224/
Print: https://www.starfleetstore.com/gurps-prime-directive-c-90_91/gurps-prime-directive-2020-volume-2-p-1277.html

By Mike Grafton (Mike_Grafton) on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 - 05:55 pm: Edit

Maybe we can see a tiny GURPS thingy in each issue of Captains Log going forward?

Like a new gizmo ("sonic wrench," anyone?), minor race, etc.

By Jean Sexton (Jsexton) on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 - 06:45 pm: Edit

Mike, we usually have something along those lines.

By Jean Sexton (Jsexton) on Monday, March 09, 2020 - 06:31 pm: Edit

Hailing Frequencies for March is now available: http://www.starfleetgames.com/federation/Newsletter/March-2020/index.html

Extras this month are a Federation Commander scenario and the enhanced description of Seltorian Queens for GURPS Prime Directive.

By Jean Sexton (Jsexton) on Monday, March 09, 2020 - 06:59 pm: Edit

ADB Releases Ships for March, 2020

On March 6, 2020, ADB released a total of 42 new items to its shop on Shapeways with over 2,000 items available in total. Notably, we added the first advanced technology ships (sometimes called X-technology or “X-ships”) to the shop. There are some styles of ships designed to work within the price increase that Shapeways imposed. We also added more ships in the 7000 Scale that is designed to allow you to play with multiple ships on a “regular” map with 5/8-inch hexes. Please note that all ships are available in both 3788 and 3125 scales unless specifically noted, then they are only available in the scale noted.

The Federation starts with the Fast Carrier and the X-Ship Command Cruiser, These are available in both the Federation (gridded saucer) and Fed Classic (smooth saucer) styles.

The Klingons gain their D5L War Cruiser Leader and D5LK Refitted War Cruiser Leader.

The Romulans gain a KE5 Escort, KE7 Medium Cruiser, and their X-Ship King Eagle-X.

The Hydrans gain their Thoroughbred Fast Cruiser, Pegasus Light Cruiser, Count Destroyer Leader, and Picador Minesweeper. They get a sprue of six Omni Scale Super-Stinger Heavy Fighters. They also get a good number of ships in the 7000 scale. The Fusion Collection includes the Hunter Frigate, Buffalo Hunter War Destroyer, Lancer Destroyer, Mongol Medium Cruiser, Ranger Heavy Cruiser, and Mohawk New Heavy Cruiser. The Hellbore Collection includes the Cuirassier Frigate, Rhino Hunter War Destroyer, Knight Destroyer, Tartar Medium Cruiser, Dragoon Heavy Cruiser, and Iroquois New Heavy Cruiser. The Command Collection includes the Paladin Dreadnought, Overseer Heavy Battlecruiser, the Mohawk and Iroquois New Heavy Cruisers, and the Mongol and Tartar Medium Cruisers. The Builder Collection includes the Hunter and Cuirassier Frigates, the Buffalo Hunter and Rhino Hunter War Destroyers, and the Knight and Lancer Destroyers. Finally they get the 7000 Scale Monarch Battleship as a standalone ship.

The Kzintis get their Heavy Command Cruiser and X-Ship Light Cruiser.

The Tholians get their X-Ship Patrol Corvette which is available singly or on a sprue of three. They also get their X-Ship War Cruiser.

Check all these out here: https://www.shapeways.com/shops/amarillo-design-bureau-inc
Don't forget to follow us: https://www.shapeways.com/designer/adbinc

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Friday, March 20, 2020 - 03:05 pm: Edit

ADB TO CLOSE TEMPORARILY?
Rumors are flying that we may all be ordered to stay home for two weeks. If that happens, ADB will of course have to be closed. I'll do what I can from home which isn't that much. I'll let you know if I make it to the office or when I did.

I have no idea what this will do to schedules, surgeries, tournaments, or anything else.

By Lawrence Bergen (Lar) on Friday, March 20, 2020 - 07:31 pm: Edit

Well I am glad you at least you have a warning. We were told, "Hey take your stuff home tonight and dont come in Monday you have to work from home next week renewable each friday until whenever."

I almost forgot "Buddy", my bamboo plant on the desk

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Friday, March 20, 2020 - 08:25 pm: Edit

No word yet, currently planning to be at work tomorrow.

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Saturday, March 21, 2020 - 05:43 am: Edit

The information we were given yesterday by a friend who attended Jean's reception (President Trump to use national guard to enforce a two week quarantine) has now been proven to be a total hoax. ADB remains open.

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Monday, March 30, 2020 - 10:10 pm: Edit

Tuesday/tomorrow I will be in the office for about half an hour 10:10 to 10:40 for a quick dip into my email. Otherwise we will apparently be closed all day by order of the mayor.

Wednesday I have a doctor appointment at 1pm and after that is done I will sneak through alleys and back streets to the office where I should get an hour or two, until the viruscops spot my car hidden in the alley and make me go home.

Thursday will be like Tuesday.

Friday... dunno yet.

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 - 01:38 pm: Edit

Well, I had 40 minutes in the office, then another hour when Leanna and I brought lunch back here. Going home now.

By Eddie E Crutchfield (Librarian101) on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 - 02:06 pm: Edit

Interesting many Dr. are cancelling non essential appointments. My primary care Dr. has cancelled almost all appointments, but is keeping in touch with almost daily emails to keep us aware of what is happening. Recommends contacting him prior to going to emergency.

By Chuck Strong (Raider) on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 - 03:05 pm: Edit

How is being in a privately owned and closed office alone not considered social distancing? Are they being that draconian in Texas?

It does start bringing up some constitutional questions...

By MarkSHoyle (Bolo) on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 - 03:36 pm: Edit

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Quote:

It does start bringing up some constitutional questions...

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By Ted Fay (Catwhoeatsphoto) on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 - 04:00 pm: Edit

The real question is how to avoid the virus. COVID-19 doesn't care about our constitution, laws, or egos.

I am NOT saying we should give up our constitutional rights. I'm more thinking we need to focus on the physical reality of dealing with it.

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 - 05:51 pm: Edit

The city and state ordered non essential businesses to close. They had a list of what is essential and we didn't remotely fit into any category.

Neither did car washes and at least one was open.

Logically ADB with no customer traffic isn't a place to catch the plague. But I understand that the government doesn't have time to argue with everyone who says their business isn't really a problem.

All that said, the lockdown is almost a joke. Retail businesses that do not sell food are mostly closed but no local cops are going door to door to ask if you really need to be there. I did see lots of people at the grocery store who were smiling as they tried to stay six feet apart.

Since everyone can go buy food you just go anywhere you want while ready to say you are really on a grocery run.