From: Mike Czaplinski [mikec@busworks.com] Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2001 4:26 AM To: blue_planet@lists.ient.com Subject: RE: [BLUE PLANET] - BP running At 04:04 PM 8/29/01 -0700, C. K. Lee wrote: >Canadian here. Vancouver, British Columbia. Well, since we're introducing ourselves: Gaithersburg MD, USA (just NW of Washington DC). MikeC, who hopes to do some writing for his BP campaign this weekend and while on vacation the week later..... *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@lists.ient.com with the line 'unsubscribe blue_planet' as the body of the message. From: Jeff 'Oro-San' James [daigouji_gai@nergal.org] Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2001 1:28 AM To: ckl@ccilearning.com; blue_planet@lists.ient.com Subject: RE: [BLUE PLANET] - Silhouette & Synergy...was World of Hurt Autoduel On Wed, 22 Aug 2001 08:47:36 -0700 "C.K. Lee" wrote: >Hi Jeff, > >I'd appreciate it if you could highlight the differences and similarities >between bpv2's Synergy and dp9's Silouhette and which is better in your >opinion; I just bought most of the books for the Jovian Chronicles as an >impulse buy and then I came across BPv2... your post piqued my interest >because of a post I saw on the BPv2 forum from one of the game writers which >agreed to similarities between the two systems. > >I'm also really interested in how vehicular combat is integrated into >man-to-man combat. > >Thanks in advance for any comments you can provide, >CK > Soory about taking awhile to reply. Life gets hectic sometimes. Anyways, onto the games... Before covering the systems though, I thought I should go over the backgrounds a bit. Basically, the games that both systems belong to (I'm going to lump all the DP9 stuff under the banner of Silhouette) are extremely well-written, compelling worlds that grab hold of the players and GMs tightly. They both have strong, reoccuring personalities that help to shape the world, but leave plenty of space for the adventures of others. In particular, Blue Planet and Heavy Gear may be the last great North American sci-fi games (in my opinion...I've heard about some other games, like Fading Suns, but haven't checked them out yet...the sci-fi game market seems to have REALLY decreased as of late) with powerful settings developed by game companies and not imported from movies, TV, comics, etc. (not that there is anything wrong with that). It's the setting that draws HG and BP players in, and the setting and the systems that keep them there. Now, to the systems... First off, both the systems were obviously designed with some of the same concepts in mind, those being rules shouldn't get in the way of game play, the mechanics should be fast to learn and fast to play, and that combat should be streamlined and deadly. The key difference is where each systems strength lies, but both systems are just different sides of the same coin. Silhouette is tighter than Synergy, and more defined, but it doesn't suffer the slowdown most detailed systems do. Synergy is less defined, and more open to a creative approach on the GMs part. However, Synergy has enough definition to keep things under control when rules are called for. This shows on boh sides the creators of both systems were thinking the same thing...keep it fast and simple. With Silhouette, they did so by making a tight system that's well defined, and will Synergy they did so by keeping things loose while providing a strong foundation of rules in case things go wrong. Silhouette appeals more to detailers like me, who enjoy planning lots of things and making sure everything is properly represented game wise. Synergy will appeal (IMHO) to more creative and flexible GMs, who really enjoy improvising and doing it well. But both games are suffi! cently strong to appeal to both types of GM. The core similarity between them is the system foundation. Both Silhouette and Synergy used a Zero-Average system, with numbers below zero being worse and numbers above it being better. While dice rolling is handled differently in both games, attributes work in the same way...they provide a bonus equal to their value on dice rolls (for Silhouette, it adds or subtracts to the total of Margin of Success, and in Synergy it raises or lowers the target number by it's value). This and the Attributes in both games are very similiar...here is a list... Dp9 to Synergy Agility....Agility and Dexterity Apperance...part of Presence Bulid...Bulid Creativity...part of Intellect Fitness...Fitness Influence...part of Presence Knowledge...Intellect Perception....Awareness Psyche...part of Presence Willpower...Will Both systems use Derived Attributes as well...I list here the equivlents.... Health and Stamina...Endurance and Toughness Strength...Strength Skills, while not similar in how they are used and rolled, do show similarity in the concept. In Silhouette, each level of skill lets you role a D6 on a skill check. The higher levels of skill make success more consistant and increase the overall effect. In Synergy, your skill becomes your target number, so as the skill increases, your success becomes more consistant. Also, while Silhouette doesn't use the same apptitudes ability as Synergy, as the skill goes up you role more dice, and you become better with all aspects of the skill. While not the same, it is fairly similiar. As for combat, again, the systems are different, but the thought is the same. In both games, any damage can be lethal. Wounds work in almost the exact same manner...both systems let you take a certain number of wounds before your system craps out, and in both systems it's all too easy to die (just like the real world). Also, the combat is fast and furious...in Silhouette or Synergy, if you don't run real fast or seek cover, you are dead. And preferably, you should do both. ^_^x Damage is resolved in a similar fashion, but not dealt in the same way. In Syneregy weapons have a fixed damaged rating. In Silhouette, the weapon's damage rating is represented by a multipler...when you've made an attack and compare for damage, you multiply the margin of success by the multiplier and compare the result against the damage thresholds (I really like this part of the game). But as I said, damage is applied in a similar fashion. One area where Synergy clearly looses out is in it's vehicle system. The vehicle rules in Synergy are clearly a last minute add-on (no offense guys) and no construction mechanics are provided. Synergy is actually hurt pretty bad by this omission, because Poseidon seems like it'd be a place where vehicles would not only be very common, but also be very essential. I'm hoping there will be a dedicated vehicle book produced for the game soon. For Silhouette on the other hand, it's one of it's greatest strengths. Silhouette has the best vehicle engine and vehicle creation mechanics currently avalible (IMHO). Fast, streamlined, and exceptionally verstatile. Damn near perfect if you ask me. As for the integration of people and vehicles, in Synergy, you apply damage to vehicles in the same way with different results. In Heavy Gear, there are mechanics to facilitate human/vehicle interaction. Most the stuff is the same between the two, excepts humans are REALLY vulnerable to vehicle weapons (as it should be). As for which one I like better, I will say Silhouette for one reason, and that's the whole vehicle system (I'm a total mecha-head, so this is really a personal preference matter). However, both systems are excellent for role playing, and if you are running a Blue Planet game where you are concentrating on interaction between characters as the focus, with few props, I recommend sticking with the Synergy system. If your going to have vehicles, lots of equipment and props for the game, you might be better off converting to Silhouette. Anything I missed or you'd like to ask about? -Jeff "Oro-San" James My Website - "Heavy Gear: Warrior's Destiny" URL: http://www.jamesfamily.com/jeff/ New Website coming soon! August Quote: “You're not getting paid enough to die, so get outta my way!!!" -Sion Barzahd, The Bouncer *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@lists.ient.com with the line 'unsubscribe blue_planet' as the body of the message. From: Manos, Christopher P [CManos@crt.xerox.com] Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2001 5:27 AM To: 'blue_planet@lists.ient.com' Subject: RE: [BLUE PLANET] - BP running hehe...I lived up in Burlington VT for a couple years. Driven through your area a couple times. You're probably up by Mallone? -----Original Message----- From: Sir Charles [mailto:chalz@earthlink.net] Sent: Wednesday, August 29, 2001 6:50 PM To: blue_planet@lists.ient.com Subject: Re: [BLUE PLANET] - BP running And I thought this list consisted mostly of Brits? Upupupstate NY - northern St. Law. County. > Rochester NY here. Have plans to run a BP campaign soon. > > -----Original Message----- > From: Corax@aol.com [mailto:Corax@aol.com] > Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2001 4:59 PM > To: blue_planet@lists.ient.com > Subject: [BLUE PLANET] - BP running > > > I am In the Mid-Hudson Vally, NY > > I am planing to start up a BP game next month. > If you have any advice to help me get people enthused, please tell me. thank > you. > > D. Logan > *************************************************************************** > To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@lists.ient.com > with the line 'unsubscribe blue_planet' as the body of the message. > *************************************************************************** > To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@lists.ient.com > with the line 'unsubscribe blue_planet' as the body of the message. > *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@lists.ient.com with the line 'unsubscribe blue_planet' as the body of the message. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@lists.ient.com with the line 'unsubscribe blue_planet' as the body of the message. From: Manos, Christopher P [CManos@crt.xerox.com] Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2001 5:30 AM To: 'blue_planet@lists.ient.com' Subject: RE: [BLUE PLANET] - BP running there is the one time from Gen Con posted here a couple weeks back. Looks hysterical. I've got a one shot around here somewhere too. You lived in Rochester? When did you move? I moved in around 1997 (And never got involved with RWAG). Let me see...Pat White, Mike Luciano, Scot Gulbransen, Jason Perfetto, Rick Thompson. Anyone ring a bell? -----Original Message----- From: Shannon Wiley [mailto:shannonwiley@home.com] Sent: Wednesday, August 29, 2001 7:49 PM To: blue_planet@lists.ient.com Subject: RE: [BLUE PLANET] - BP running Why could I never find you when I lived in Rochester! D'oh! And why couldn't you run before I moved to Texas? :) And just to keep this marginally BP related, I feel deprived because I have not yet met anyone in Texas who's even HEARD of the game. I'm trying to educate them. Does anyone have any decent Con scenarios they'd be willing to Share? I'm thinking of running a scenario at a local con here in November. Unfortunately, I've yet to come up with any decent (well, okay with -any-) ideas for a BP game. Shannon Wiley shannonwiley@home.com A former regular at Millenium Games. *choke* + -----Original Message----- + From: owner-blue_planet@lists.ient.com + [mailto:owner-blue_planet@lists.ient.com]On Behalf Of Manos, Christopher + P + Sent: Wednesday, August 29, 2001 6:43 AM + To: 'blue_planet@lists.ient.com' + Subject: RE: [BLUE PLANET] - BP running + + + Rochester NY here. Have plans to run a BP campaign soon. + + -----Original Message----- + From: Corax@aol.com [mailto:Corax@aol.com] + Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2001 4:59 PM + To: blue_planet@lists.ient.com + Subject: [BLUE PLANET] - BP running + + + I am In the Mid-Hudson Vally, NY + + I am planing to start up a BP game next month. + If you have any advice to help me get people enthused, please + tell me. thank + you. + + D. Logan + ****************************************************************** + ********* + To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@lists.ient.com + with the line 'unsubscribe blue_planet' as the body of the message. + ****************************************************************** + ********* + To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@lists.ient.com + with the line 'unsubscribe blue_planet' as the body of the message. + *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@lists.ient.com with the line 'unsubscribe blue_planet' as the body of the message. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@lists.ient.com with the line 'unsubscribe blue_planet' as the body of the message. From: Ml10@aol.com Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2001 6:33 AM To: blue_planet@lists.ient.com Subject: Re: [BLUE PLANET] - BP running In a message dated 8/29/01 5:57:53 PM Central Daylight Time, chalz@earthlink.net writes: > And then you tell them that the game uses BP2, so they have to go buy > that for $30 to play. *cackle* Actually, this occured as BP2 was being developed, so we started off playtesting the Synergy rules and after BP2 came out, I bought everyone their own copy of the Player's Guide..... Mike Z *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@lists.ient.com with the line 'unsubscribe blue_planet' as the body of the message. From: Manos, Christopher P [CManos@crt.xerox.com] Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2001 6:51 AM To: 'blue_planet@lists.ient.com' Subject: RE: [BLUE PLANET] - BP running Hey! You didn't buy me a free copy. GRIN. Kidding. Thats a great idea. "Hey everyone, I got you BPv2 for Christmas!" "Be Like Zagrok: say no to Imperial firewater." -----Original Message----- From: Ml10@aol.com [mailto:Ml10@aol.com] Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2001 7:33 AM To: blue_planet@lists.ient.com Subject: Re: [BLUE PLANET] - BP running In a message dated 8/29/01 5:57:53 PM Central Daylight Time, chalz@earthlink.net writes: > And then you tell them that the game uses BP2, so they have to go buy > that for $30 to play. *cackle* Actually, this occured as BP2 was being developed, so we started off playtesting the Synergy rules and after BP2 came out, I bought everyone their own copy of the Player's Guide..... Mike Z *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@lists.ient.com with the line 'unsubscribe blue_planet' as the body of the message. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@lists.ient.com with the line 'unsubscribe blue_planet' as the body of the message. From: Blacksteel@aol.com Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2001 7:21 AM To: blue_planet@lists.ient.com Subject: RE: [BLUE PLANET] - BP running Originally, I'm from upstate NY. Syracuse, actually. Now, I'm in Boston...and barely having time to read the BP books, let alone run a game with them. Jake *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@lists.ient.com with the line 'unsubscribe blue_planet' as the body of the message. From: Andrew Sturman [andrew_b_sturman@yahoo.co.uk] Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2001 8:33 AM To: blue_planet@lists.ient.com Subject: RE: [BLUE PLANET] - Silhouette & Synergy...was World of Hurt Autoduel HI all CK, if you're lucky enough to own the excellent Jovian Chronicles books you could consider running a BP-JC cross-over. As for system, I agree, DP9 has the best vehicle construction ruleset I've ever seen. Since I was impressed by the settings of both JC and BP, I really wanted to run games in both worlds, but sadly didn't have time or players for more than 1 hard sci-fi campaign. I've found it really easy to weld the 2 settings together, by the simple method of anything on the Poseidon side of the Wormhole I use BP as the primary source, and anything on the Sol side, I use JC. I renamed JC's CEGA(Central Earth Governing Agency?) to GEO, and replaced BP's references to Poseidon embassies for the USA and China(both GEO rivals) with the Jovian Confederation and Venusian Bank respectively. As for the fact that BP has only earth-based Incorporate states listed, I argued that the off-world Incorporates like the Venusian Bank and Titan Hydrocarbon are too busy exploiting their solar system resources to invest much in Poseidon. While GEO control the Wormhole, they are obligated by recent peace agreements to give unrestricted access to unarmed Jovian vessels. This has kept fleet skimishing out of the Poseidon system, and explains why it isn't as militarised an area as Sol-side. The most difficult setting difference to handle was the fact that the JC setting lacks biomods, which are outlawed by the Edicts. I handled this by saying it is only the Jovians 'body purity' beliefs that stop them having the biomods, and is another cultural difference between them and Earth, where they are welcomed. It also gives a nice explaination for why the Jovian fleet's spaceships have artificial gravity centrifuges, while the Earth fleet lack them - Geo crews are spacers or have the zero-g tolerance mods. (The only major setting change I made was to drop JC's exo-armours, the really big mecha space fighters, as they seemed an exception to the hard-sci-fi feel and were a little too manga for my taste. I replaced them with the more believable traditional aerospace fighters like the Wraith. I kept the exo-suits as I like man-scale powered armour, and added the Heavy Gear style walkers for major hostile-environment rough terrain combat like the Martian Civil War. YMMV) Anyone who hasn't taken a look at Jovian Chronicles - I can't recommend them enough. Even if you're not interested in the setting, the space equipment and spacers' handbooks and mechanical catalogs are brilliant resources for any hard sci-fi game. The Ships of the Jovian Confederation Volumes 1-4 are a delight to any Homeworlds or other big space fleet genre fan. Andrew (who really liked Vancouver, but sadly makes more money in grubby old London. Someday...) ____________________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Get your free @yahoo.co.uk address at http://mail.yahoo.co.uk or your free @yahoo.ie address at http://mail.yahoo.ie *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@lists.ient.com with the line 'unsubscribe blue_planet' as the body of the message. From: Jeff 'Oro-San' James [daigouji_gai@nergal.org] Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2001 9:09 AM To: blue_planet@lists.ient.com Subject: RE: [BLUE PLANET] - Silhouette & Synergy...was World of Hurt Autoduel On Thu, 30 Aug 2001 14:33:14 +0100 (BST) Andrew Sturman wrote: >Anyone who hasn't taken a look at Jovian Chronicles - >I can't recommend them enough. Even if you're not >interested in the setting, the space equipment and >spacers' handbooks and mechanical catalogs are >brilliant resources for any hard sci-fi game. >The Ships of the Jovian Confederation Volumes 1-4 >are a delight to any Homeworlds or other big space >fleet genre fan. This is totally off-topic for the list, but I had to interject something really quick. I can't believe I'm going to say this (I'm normally a shill for DP9 products), but if you are interested in Jovian Chronicles, wait till November to purchase the book. That's when the new, hardcover second edition will be out. And while the current edition is fine, if the revised edition of Heavy Gear is any indication, then the new JC book will be so much better than the first. -Jeff "Oro-San" James My Website - "Heavy Gear: Warrior's Destiny" URL: http://www.jamesfamily.com/jeff/ New Website coming soon! August Quote: “You're not getting paid enough to die, so get outta my way!!!" -Sion Barzahd, The Bouncer *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@lists.ient.com with the line 'unsubscribe blue_planet' as the body of the message. From: H L [haniel_559@yahoo.com] Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2001 9:59 AM To: blue_planet@lists.ient.com Subject: Re: [BLUE PLANET] - Starting an adventure My campaign started off with an attempt on the life of one of the characters, a doctor, while she lived on an orbital in earth orbit. It occured shortly after an encrypted transmission from her parents on Posideon, who were working for Hanover as research scientists, specialing, in genetics. She fled to earth and hid out in a sleezy hotel, but was traced. First scenario opened with a corp black-ops team trying to capture her. The rest of the party were in neigbouring rooms, who were drawn in. The next couple of scanrios were on earth, getting together the resources and tools to get to Posideon. Getting there on the ship was another. The main thread revolves around finding out what happened to the doctors parents. They worked for Hanover, who are not forthcoming, and at least two other corps want to know what is going on. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Get email alerts & NEW webcam video instant messaging with Yahoo! Messenger http://im.yahoo.com *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@lists.ient.com with the line 'unsubscribe blue_planet' as the body of the message. From: C.K. Lee [ckl@ccilearning.com] Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2001 10:53 AM To: blue_planet@lists.ient.com Subject: [BLUE PLANET] - Any more of you in the GVRD? Hey Brian - fellow GVRDian :) Which gaming stores are you picking up BP from? I came across it totally by chance when I dropped by Sanctuary (Port Moody) and saw the cover - "Cool. Killer whale in armour." - so I looked more into it... and here I am! I'm in New West area near Moody Park - moving to Coquitlam at the end of the year though (I hope). CK -----Original Message----- From: owner-blue_planet@lists.ient.com [mailto:owner-blue_planet@lists.ient.com]On Behalf Of Brian McNeilly Sent: Wednesday, August 29, 2001 4:06 PM To: 'blue_planet@lists.ient.com' Subject: RE: [BLUE PLANET] - BP running Hey cool ... who else is from the Lower Mainland here ... Brian McNeilly, Software Designer Altus Solutions Incorporated Suite 250, 4190 Still Creek Drive Burnaby, BC, Canada, V5C 6C6 mailto:brian.mcneilly@altus-solutions.com *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@lists.ient.com with the line 'unsubscribe blue_planet' as the body of the message. From: C.K. Lee [ckl@ccilearning.com] Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2001 11:21 AM To: blue_planet@lists.ient.com Subject: RE: [BLUE PLANET] - Silhouette & Synergy Hi Jeff - phew, that's a great reply! I'll digest what you've posted so I can compare your comments with my impressions of BP, which are still being formed as I re-read the settings and the rules. So far though I'm loving it. re:JC, being more familiar with this I'd have to agree with you on all counts - this is akin to BP in that its a fabulous setting and the rules are fantastic. Different styles - BP seems more serious, while JC is definitely cinematic. CK *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@lists.ient.com with the line 'unsubscribe blue_planet' as the body of the message. From: C.K. Lee [ckl@ccilearning.com] Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2001 11:41 AM To: blue_planet@lists.ient.com Subject: RE: [BLUE PLANET] - BP running RPG.net has 4 scenarios which are also on Irish Gaming (URL escapes me at the mo) which could be ideal for you. There's also Natural Law or Natural Selection, a Con scenario on the Biohazard website which is complete with PCs and maps and seems to have been well-tested. Also, I think there's a scenario in Undercurrents issue 2 (also on the BH website) that involves a hostage scenario... Maybe those will do or be good to inspire. -----Original Message----- From: owner-blue_planet@lists.ient.com [mailto:owner-blue_planet@lists.ient.com]On Behalf Of Shannon Wiley Sent: Wednesday, August 29, 2001 4:49 PM To: blue_planet@lists.ient.com Subject: RE: [BLUE PLANET] - BP running Why could I never find you when I lived in Rochester! D'oh! And why couldn't you run before I moved to Texas? :) And just to keep this marginally BP related, I feel deprived because I have not yet met anyone in Texas who's even HEARD of the game. I'm trying to educate them. Does anyone have any decent Con scenarios they'd be willing to Share? I'm thinking of running a scenario at a local con here in November. Unfortunately, I've yet to come up with any decent (well, okay with -any-) ideas for a BP game. Shannon Wiley shannonwiley@home.com A former regular at Millenium Games. *choke* + -----Original Message----- + From: owner-blue_planet@lists.ient.com + [mailto:owner-blue_planet@lists.ient.com]On Behalf Of Manos, Christopher + P + Sent: Wednesday, August 29, 2001 6:43 AM + To: 'blue_planet@lists.ient.com' + Subject: RE: [BLUE PLANET] - BP running + + + Rochester NY here. Have plans to run a BP campaign soon. + + -----Original Message----- + From: Corax@aol.com [mailto:Corax@aol.com] + Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2001 4:59 PM + To: blue_planet@lists.ient.com + Subject: [BLUE PLANET] - BP running + + + I am In the Mid-Hudson Vally, NY + + I am planing to start up a BP game next month. + If you have any advice to help me get people enthused, please + tell me. thank + you. + + D. Logan + ****************************************************************** + ********* + To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@lists.ient.com + with the line 'unsubscribe blue_planet' as the body of the message. + ****************************************************************** + ********* + To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@lists.ient.com + with the line 'unsubscribe blue_planet' as the body of the message. + *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@lists.ient.com with the line 'unsubscribe blue_planet' as the body of the message. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@lists.ient.com with the line 'unsubscribe blue_planet' as the body of the message. From: David R. Crowell [gpfarm-dave@northnet.org] Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2001 1:20 PM To: blue_planet@lists.ient.com Subject: Re: [BLUE PLANET] - BP running after BP2 came out, I bought everyone their > own copy of the Player's Guide..... > > Mike Z > *************************************************************************** I want to join your group. Please! > *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@lists.ient.com with the line 'unsubscribe blue_planet' as the body of the message.