Stay out of the deep end!
Jim Heivilin
Biohazard Webmaster
There are some other services this provider gives us be default so we may expand on some things. I know the mailing list has been talking about a PBEM game and I know there have been forum games before. Perhaps we can provide you something to facilitate this. We'll see what shakes out. Email me with any suggestions or requests (I can't guarentee anything at this point).
There has been some recent discussion about Undercurrents #7. If you have anything you'd like to submit, email Jeff about how to submit it. We'll post it's current status on the mailing list when feet start moving at normal speed again.
Happy Holidays everyone!
Jim Heivilin
Biohazard Webmaster
However to assuage those feelings of guilt, at least partially, Jeff has finished Undercurrents #7.
There may be other developments in the offing but I'm not fully tuned in to them and don't have permission anyway to divulge anything. I'll post things as they get released however, or you can join the mailing list to keep up to date (as well as discuss your campaign with your fellow enthusiasts).
Jim Heivilin
Biohazard Webmaster
But this time I'll do better, I promise! (hehe)
Seriously, there's been a lot more activity on the BP yahoo group along with some requests for things so I'll do my best to get some stuff done next week.
Jim Heivilin
Biohazard Webmaster
Jeff got a new gmail address and he's using that instead of his AOL account now. If you need to contact him (keep in mind he spends a lot of time racing down Mount Crested Butte on assorted implements of speed and teaching kids biology type stuff so he may be pretty busy, as well as being newly married) bounce him a note at jdbarber@gmail.com.
The IP (intellectual property) of Blue Planet has passed back from Fantasy Flight Games to us now. Jeff and Greg have some ideas for what to do next but it's progress is greatly dependant upon our "day jobs" so it may take awhile. I'll try to keep everyone in the loop on developments.
The Yahoo group has been up and working (and busy or not at intervals) still. You can join at
We plan some more updates soon.
Jim Heivilin
Biohazard Webmaster
Biohazard had been working with
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I didn't realize it had been so long since I had updated this page. Let me give you some news then. The link between Biohazard and Fantasy Flight is going as strong as ever even if the production schedule seems to have slowed down a bit.
Ancient Echoes, the Cetacean book, is in stores now. I don't know for sure which book is next but when I find out I'll keep you informed. I'm also going to put a header up top so you can easily find Fantasy Flight's website for the latest news. There may be a slight delay for it to arrive here but it will, trust me. ;-)
Fantasy Flight has a special deal going on now, you can get four Blue Planet supplements for a really good price. Read on below.
For news strictly on Blue Planet go to FFG's Blue Planet website. Stay tuned and I'll add more news and content here in the coming weeks.
On another note, Jeff has been working on the Midnight project. I've been helping him playtest parts of it and I can tell you it's Way Cool.
Jim Heivilin
Biohazard Webmaster
Ancient Echoes (look at the cover)
Genetically uplifted dolphins and orcas offer Blue Planet players a unique opportunity to roleplay characters who are at once familiar and strikingly alien. ANCIENT ECHOES, the fifth supplement for the Blue Planet v2 RPG line, will give players and GMs all the information they need to roleplay genlifted cetacean characters and incorporate them into a Blue Planet campaign.
ANCIENT ECHOES includes:
BP07
$19.95
Essential Collection (look at the cover)
Poseidon, 2199 AD. Prepare for a compelling journey into humanity's future on a distant planet where life is hard and dying is easy. This is a collection of four Blue Planet hardcover supplements at an amazing price.
Fluid Mechanics: More than just a guide to gear this source book presents detailed information on the design and capabilities of computers, genetic modifications, vehicles, robots, weapons, and more!
First Colony: This source book allows you to make your colonial boomtowns vivid in every detail.
Frontier Justice: Welcome to the dark side of human colonization where Mafia enforcers pray upon the weak and GEO Marshals administer justice.
Natural Selection: This source book gives moderators and players alike everything they need to run and survive exciting wilderness adventures.
BP11
ONLY $39.95!
Available Now!
The mailing list was down from March 28th until April 4th. We apologize for the inconvenience. Apparently our provider was upgrading their server and it is now back in working order.
Jim Heivilin
Biohazard Webmaster
The latest supplement for BLUE PLANET v2, NATURAL SELECTION, is at the printer and will be available towards the end of April. NATURAL SELECTION details the ecology of Poseidon and provides players and moderators with all the information they need to run wilderness adventures and play characters experienced in wilderness survival.
Welcome to Natural Selection
This sourcebook for Blue Planet v2 gives moderators and players alike everything they need to run exciting wilderness scenarios and roleplay characters experienced in wilderness survival on Poseidon.
BP06
$23.95
Available in April!
The next supplement, the Field Guide is in "post-production". Here's the status from Greg ...
The writing and artwork are in. I just have to do editing and layout. Hopefully it will ship to the printer by the end of next week.
Greg
FFG
I've got a couple of announcements. First Colony, the Haven sourcebook came out in late January and you should find it in your neighborhood game store.
You can also order it by calling Fantasy Flight Games direct at 651.639.1905. We hope to have the online ordering back up soon.
And, just because I know you've got extra money burning a hole in your wallet...
Frontier Justice has come back from the printers and is shipping to game stores near you.
Here's a blurb on each.
Jim Heivilin
Biohazard Webmaster
A century after it was founded by the Athena Project colonists, Haven remains the heart of the human colonization of Poseidon. This campaign sourcebook brings the colonial boomtown to life in vivid detail. Learn how to survive on the crime-ridden canals of the Floats, and make backroom deals with Russian syndicate gangsters in Gorkytown. Network with the rich and powerful in the Biogene Incorporate arcology, and unlock Poseidon's secrets in the research labs of the Haven Institute of Science and Technology. From the winding, shadowed streets of Old Town to the breathtaking vistas of Watertop, Haven is a city of prosperity, opportunity, intrigue, and danger.
This campaign sourcebook contains a wealth of detailed information on Haven and its environs that will enrich any Blue Planet game. Whether you're a player who wants to add depth and detail to your character's background and contacts or a moderator who needs to add a street-level edge to your campaign, First Colony is an invaluable resource.
While the GEO does its best to keep the peace on Poseidon, the colony world is an often lawless frontier. The Gorchoff Family rules the Haven underworld, the New Rastafarian Movement is the only law on Kingston's canals, and throughout the major settlements of the archipelago, petty crooks and nickel- and-dime hustlers lurk in the shadows, feeding off the unlucky and unwary.
Welcome to the dark side of the human colonization of Poseidon, where Mafia enforcers extort money from the weak and innocent, and GEO Marshals administer justice with a neural-linked Peacemaker. NRM posses fight for their independence on both sides of the law, and Native Patrolmen walk a dangerous line between loyalty and duty. Welcome to a world in which Magistrates wield the law like a hammer, and syndicate bosses spend lives like currency.
I've been lax in keeping this up to date. Fluid Mechanics is back from the printers and should be in stores by now. The next supplement, First Colony, is also back from the printers and pre-orders have been shipped. It should be in stores in the next few weeks. In addition, Jeff, Greg and the gang are working hard on the next supplement. And here's a special deal from Jeff (I apologize for the late delivery).
Hello All,
I am deep into the organism section for the new Field Guide BP supplement. As part of a diverse collection of outback survival information for players and moderators alike, the book is also going to include approximately fifty new entries in the GEO Biological Survey and numerous new Poseidon Ecozone descriptions. Herein lies your chance to put your scrip where your mouth is and contribute to BP canon.
I would like to solicit from the list ideas for both organisms and ecozones. If you have used some cool, original creature or unique habitat in your BP games, write up a quick description and post it to the list - from where I will happily steal it for use in the new book. You need not write it up in detail. You can simply outline the basic idea in a few sentences and I will take it from there. If however, you would like to take a poke at a complete write-up, knock yourself out. If it works for me we might just use it in its entirety. If you submit an idea or write up, be sure to include your full name so that we can put in a special contributor's section of the book credits.
The Fine Print: Unfortunately your name in the credits is all the "payment" we can offer for any of these list contributions we might use. Note that not all submissions will used, ideas can be bent, folded, spindled and mutilated, not to mention edited by yours truly. Ideas may be used whole cloth or in part, and some may be combined piecemeal with others. In other words, any submissions are for fun and bragging rights only, and should be considered the sole property of Biohazard/FFG once submitted to the list.
So, if you are hot to shape the BP frontier, get on your dolphin and ri�er�get on your keyboard and start typing. Any submissions made after January 20th have a rapidly decreasing chance of not being used.
Thanks all, and a very secular seasons greetings from Biohazard. We wish you all a happy and prosperous new gaming year.
Jeff Barber
Biohazard Games
We're back from GenCon, which was a huge success for us. We sold a bunch of BPv2 books and had a cool dinner and game with the mailing list gang.
In far more exciting news, Fluid Mechanics, the Tech book, is at the printers. We expect it back and available to you around the end of September. You can pre-order it from the FFG pages below.
I also want to add some links to our partner company, Fantasy Flight Games. They make DiskWars as well as a lot of other cool games.
Jim Heivilin,
Webmaster,
Biohazard Games.
I've got images of the 2nd Edition Blue Planet book covers for your perusal up in the Restricted Access area.
Jim Heivilin,
Webmaster,
Biohazard Games.
Just a quick word to fill you in on the latest from Biohazard.
Blue Planet V2 (the second edition) has gone to press, and if the printer gods look favorably on us, the books will premiere at Origins next month, and will be available at your local retailer (or via mail order) soon thereafter. The books look great and are stuffed to their hardcover gills with all new art, redesigned mechanics, and even new setting material. Stay tuned as we will soon be posting the cover art as a sneak preview - be sure you're sitting down and holding on tight or it might just blow you away!
(Webmaster's Note: Since 2nd edition rules have gone to the printers, the playtest is closed.)
The summer convention season is starting and as per usual we have a new scenario with which to punish the more wicked among you. Join us at Origins and GenCon this summer for a wild ride on the wrong side of the law in an adventure based on Dusk 'til Dawn from issue #5/6 of Undercurrents:
Welcome to Kraken, an aging, backwater mining complex deep in the wilds. The perfect place to go to ground until the heat blows over. Well, bad timing Bro, cause something is stalking the residents of Kraken, and now there's more hunting you than just the cops...
Join the creators of Blue Planet for a test of guts and survival instinct in this all new, high octane convention scenario. If you are new to Blue Planet, come find out what the buzz is all about, and if you are a veteran Poseidoner, come take the fully redesigned V2 mechanics for a spin.
For the local crowd, Biohazard will be at Conjuration in Columbia MO, this weekend (June 16th - 18th), and this will be the "official" playtest and premiere of Dusk 'til Dawn, We should also have mock-ups of the new books so come on by and be the first to see 'em.
Jeff Barber
Biohazard Games
I am glad to see so much enthusiasm about playtesting the new BP rules. The more characters that are made, the more dice that are rolled, and the more adventures through the chute, the better the final version the the game will be. For playtesting to be productive however, we need to keep tabs on things. To this end, we will be activating a playtester's resource link (hopefully by Saturday the 5th) on the "What's New" page of our website (BiohazardGames.com).
THE FINE PRINT: As open and informal a relationship as Biohazard maintains with its customers, and especially the list members, we would ask that you take the NDAs seriously. Signing one obligates you to keep the details of the second edition project between yourself and your players. Note - as it is somewhat impractical for every member of every group to sign an NDA, we assume the obligation for group confidentially is the resposibility if the initial signee.
We do not mean to sound all legaleese, but as they say, better safe than sorry. Thank you for your understanding and compliance - and remember - GEO Internal Security is watching ; ).
Later all, and thanks...
Jeff Barber
Biohazard Games
Postal Address:
Fax number:
If you have any problems with the button or window please let me know.
Jim Heivilin
Webmaster
Biohazard Games
It's sorted by Country, then State, then Last name. Enjoy!
Jim Heivilin
Webmaster
Biohazard Games
Since this summer we have been making noise about big changes for Blue Planet. We have hinted and hawed, asked advice of the list, and promised news as soon as things were finalized. Well, the plans are made, the papers are signed, and the work as begun. We are pleased to make the following announcement and want to thank you for your patience...
Jeff Barber
Biohazard Games
Columbia, MO
January 12, 2000
Are you ready to return to Blue Planet?
Biohazard Games is pleased to announce that Fantasy Flight Games has acquired the exclusive rights to its Blue Planet game universe. Biohazard and Fantasy Flight have already begun developing a second edition of the Blue Planet RPG, scheduled for an Origins 2000 debut this July. Greg Benage, vice president of Biohazard Games and co-author of the Blue Planet RPG, is accompanying the property to Fantasy Flight, where he will join the Fantasy Flight team and specifically serve as the Blue Planet 2nd Edition line editor. Jeff Barber, president of Biohazard Games and the creator of Blue Planet, will remain at Biohazard where he will continue to develop and write for the product line.
First released in 1997 and nominated for the Best New RPG Origins Award, Blue Planet received widespread critical acclaim as one of the most original science fiction roleplaying settings ever created. The second edition will be published in two volumes and will include all the material presented in Blue Planet and its first supplement, Archipelago. The second edition will also feature entirely redesigned mechanics, as well as a significant volume of new setting material, developed specifically for this release. The second edition game will be aggressively supported with the regular release of new supplements. Fluid Mechanics, the Blue Planet technical manual and sourcebook, will be the first in this line of supplements, and is scheduled for release in August, 2000.
Jeff Barber commented, "This partnership is a great opportunity and we are excited by its potential. The deal will allow us to develop and support Blue Planet far more aggressively than we have been able to on our own. It also means we are in the enviable position of getting to work with those cool cats at FFG."
Added CEO and founder of Fantasy Flight Games, Christian T. Petersen, "To have the Blue Planet property under our wings is not only an honor, but a significant added value. The storyline, detail, and sheer epic scale of the Blue Planet universe makes it one of the great RPG creations in the last decade. FFG hopes to bring energy, support, and new visibility to this product. Also, FFG is very excited to bring Greg Benage onboard, he will be a strong addition to our small but energetic staff.
Biohazard Games, LLC, a small company based in Columbia, MO, was founded in 1993 by Jeff Barber. The company has produced Killer Crosshairs, a universal RPG combat system, and Blue Planet, the critically acclaimed science fiction roleplaying game.
Fantasy Flight, Inc., a corporation with offices in Roseville, MN, is a leading U.S hobby market producer of board and non-collectible card games. FFG produces the best selling and critically acclaimed Twilight Imperium, Battlemist, and Thunder s Edge board games, as well as a number of other best selling products such as the card game Mag-Blast, and the recently published, monster hit that has taken the hobby market by storm: Diskwars.
With a massive sucking sound, followed by a pop which is still reverberating through the Universe, Issue #5 of Undercurrents is finally here.
In an apparent temporal repercussion, Issue #6 seems to have been dragged along with it. Biohazard Games is therefore pleased to announce that the massive Undercurrents double issue #5/6 is now available.
From the Depths,
Jeff Barber
Biohazard Games
Go figure.
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Courtesy of Jeff Barber
There is a new online club available for Blue Planet fans. You can find it at http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/prosperitystation. Check it out.
From the Depths,
Jeff Barber
Biohazard Games
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Native Patrolman Tekukuni Maru overlooks the Devil's Basin on Westcape. (69Kb) |
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Courtesy of Jeff Barber
One of the projects I'm working on is a Blue Planet Player and GM Contact Page/Site. I'll let you know more as we get it developed.
Meanwhile, here's a post from Jeff, our Founding Dude.
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Access Denied
The Blue Planet moderator's resource, Access Denied is now available at your
local retailer, or direct from Biohazard mail order. AD features a
moderator's screen that we honestly believe is one of the best in the
industry. The front is a beautiful set of full color satellite images, based
on the six main regional maps from Archipelago. The maps were rendered by
Matt Strum, of Archipelago cover fame, and he did a superlative job. The back
has all the information you could need to run your Blue Planet games and then
some, including compiled weapon and skill tables, as well as summaries of
hand-to-hand combat and special damage effects. There is a hit location
table, a Poseidon clock, vehicle combat information, and even a quick
reference for NPC skill and attribute ranges.
Included with the screen is a twenty eight page booklet containing over two dozen Access Denied adventure hooks that expand on the behind-the-scenes-goings-on of the GEO, the Incorporate, the Natives and the Aborigines. There is an expanded, index for Blue Planet with over 1400 entries, an intersettlement distance chart, vehicle range data, a set of quick reference damage tables and more. The kit comes in a durable magazine storage bag, fit to keep all a moderator's secrets safe and secure. Access denied retails for $15.95 and is a must have resource for any Blue Planet moderator.
The Shirts Off Our Backs
Biohazard is pleased to announce that we also have new tee shirts for sale.
There are two versions to choose from, and if we do say so ourselves, both
are very cool. The first is sand colored with a dark green Biohazard pocket
logo on the front and a reproduction of the Access Denied "ScubaTrooper" on
the back. The second is hunter green with the GEO marshal emblem on the
front, and a large GEO logo across the shoulders. No self respecting BP
player would even think of assaulting an eccoterrorist safe house without one
- its what all the best dressed marshals are wearing these days.
The shirts are $12 each, postage paid, and are available only from Biohazard through direct mail order.
From the Depths,
Jeff Barber
Biohazard Games
From the Depths,
Jeff Barber
Biohazard Games
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Hey All,
Finally, after all your input and patience, Access Denied is done! The project is off the presses and should be in our eager little hands by Monday.
You guys asked for it (literally, it was your requests for a game screen that convinced us to do the project) and now you've got it. We are most pleased with the outcome and think you will be too. AD a uniquely useful moderator's resource, and is far more that just a cardboard screen.
IMHO the colored maps on the player side of the screen are more than worth the price of admission. They are the six regional maps from Archipelago, rendered in full, glowing color, as satellite photos, complete with drifting clouds, ocean waves and a key to habitats and land covertypes. They really are the coolest ; ).
The moderator's side has *everything* you could need to run a BP game, and then some. In fact, there are even a few goodies (NPC compentancey table, consolidated weapons table, hand weapons damage, etc) that are available nowhere else.
The included booklet (28 pages) contains 28 new Access Denied entries, dealing with secret goings-on from A to Z (Aborigines to...er...Xenosilicates). It also contains an intersettlement distance chart with over 600 entires (go Jim!), an expanded 1400+ entry BP index, and several reference collections, including settlement demographics and vehicle range/endurance. There is also an expanded, character generation guide, and the main damage tables from BP (for quick reference). The whole kaboodle is $15.95, and comes not in tear and toss shrink wrap, but in a durable, reusable magazine collector's bag.
In our humble opinions, this is one of the most useful (and best looking) game screen products in gaming, and we are convinced you will like what you get. AD will premiere at Origins next week and will ship (and be available for mail order) as soon as we get back from the con.
Thanks again for the input, enthusisam, and interest,
From the Depths,
Jeff Barber
Biohazard Games
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Hello Again,
Origins is next week and Biohazard will be there. We will be in the dealer's room at booth #221, and we will have several sessions of our newest convention scenario "Where the Wild Things Are" lined up and ready to play. We encourage all that can to come by and say hello, and sign up for the demo. We will also be premiering Access Denied, hot off the presses!
As usual we will also be having a BP player/list member get-together. If you want to hang out with fellow BP players and Biohazard staff, come by the booth at 5:45pm, Friday (7/2), and join us for dinner or a couple of beers. We hope to see as many of you there as possible. Who knows - if there is enough interest, maybe we will have a special session of WTWTA, or maybe a playtest of Under Pressure.
See you at the con,
Jeff Barber
Biohazard Games
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Hey All,
Last night we premiered our 1999 convention scenario "Where the Wild Things Are", at a small local con. The scenario is an interesting departure from our usual convention fare of high-octane survival situations, and is a darker, more cerebral look at life on Poseidon. In fact, fans of Call of Cthulhu should get a good buzz from this game. Here's some text from the promo/intro...
An undersea colony is a wild place to raise a child, and when an unknown threat stalks the children of Down Home Station, things become wilder still. As a member of the GEO Emergency Response Team being sent in to solve the mystery, it is up to you to set things right. Yeah right...
If there is a more adrenaline soaked job on Poseidon you ain't found it yet.
Part medic, part rescue worker and one hundred percent thrill-seeker, as an
Emergency Response Team member you're a hardcore technician, expertly trained
in ocean search and rescue. When you're not hauling unfortunates out of the
water you're training hard, drinking harder or playing hardest. Your next
adrenaline fix is never farther away than the emergency klaxon, and you
spend most of your time eagerly awaiting the next call...
It's been a slow couple of days, but that has suddenly changed. Your crew is
now outbound on an unusual mission. The powers-that-be have clamped down
hard on this one, and you've been told very little. You've been assured that
when you arrive at Down Home Station, you will be briefed in full. Yeah
right, already sounds like you have been briefed in bull, but hey....its all
about the ride...right?
Well, sould like fun? If you can, join us at Origins next week, GenCon in August, or Archon in October and sign up to play. We encourage any-and- all web surfers that make it to the cons to come by and say hey...
Jeff Barber
Biohazard Games
The illustrious and well travelled President and Founding Dude of Biohazard, Jeff Barber is scheduled to head out to the wilds of Poseidon again soon (shortly after the end of the school year). This time he's chartered a narrow hulled sailing boat to cavorting about some of the seas of the Pacifica Archapelago (he's taking some of his students sailing in the Carribean).
There should be more footage and stills upon his return.
Jim Heivilin
Webmaster, Biohazard Games
It is my *distinct pleasure* to once again direct you to the "Restricted Access" portion of our website for a new preview of the artwork for Access Denied. We have posted both a completed front panel from the screen (the right) and the cover art for the AD booklet.
Matt Sturm (screen) and Brian Despain (cover) have outdone themselves. Superlatives fail me, so I leave their deserved praise to your creativity...
Jeff Barber
Biohazard Games
I have a couple of announcements.
Jeff Barber
Biohazard Games
I hope the new year is going well for you all, and that you have all made resolutions to play more BP in '99 ; ).
Well, Access Denied is finally coming together nicely and as a bit of a preview we have just posted a couple of the maps that will front the game screen. You can find them in the Restricted Access section of the CommCore directory on our website. These are only drafts, and will also be quite a bit smaller (unfortunately) in their final form, as they are only two of the six maps that will front the screen. Enjoy...
It also looks like we are going to be able to fit all the charts you could possible want and then some on the moderator's side of the screen - hard to believe eh!
Also, we have finished up most of the goodies that will appear in the AD booklet. The settlement distance chart contains inter-settlement distances for 35 sites in the Pacifica Archipelago - that's over 600 measurements (hats off to Jimbo!) And for those of you that thought the BP index was a little skimpy...well, there are over 1,400 entires in the expanded index. He he he!
Later All,
Jeff Barber
Biohazard Games
Biohazard will be attending Archon 22 in (near actually) St.Louis, October 2nd -4th. We will have a booth and are scheduled to run several BP demos (Natural Law). Though this will be our first year at Archon, I have heard good things about the convention - well organinzed, 2000+ attendees, lots more way cool sci-fi/fantasy stuff than just gaming.
So if you plan on attending, stop by the booth and say hey!
Jeff Barber
Biohazard Games
It seems that the mailing list has been down for several days. We don't have word on what the problem is but given the fact that (IIRC) the list machine is based in Florida, and given the fact that Southern Florida was recently hit by a Hurricane, we are presuming that the two incidents may be related.
We hope that everyone down there is okay and that we will get word soon. But don't be alarmed if you don't see any messages from the mailing list for a few days. We'll post something again when we find out more information.
Jim Heivilin,
Webmaster,
Biohazard Games.
Good news. We've finally posted the first full Blue Planet scenario to our web site - Natural Instincts. Lots of folks have had a great time going through our convention version of this scenario. Download it, run it for your friends and enjoy.
Jeff Barber
Biohazard Games
Darkness ... punctuated by sharp stabs of pain. Sounds too ... birds and waves. Water laps around your legs. "Well," you decide, "I hurt too much to be dead." You open your eyes, spit sand from your mouth, and force yourself upright. Bright afternoon sun causes you to groan and shield your face as you look around - a long stretch of white beach, steep jungle- covered sea cliffs, and an infinity of blue ocean. Damn the pilot anyway, but at least he crashed close to shore. You wonder if he made it.
Up and down the beach there are a few others from your flight. Some are moving slowly about, others will never move again. A quick check: your clothes are more or less intact but that's it. Your gear, even your body comp, must be at the bottom of the bay. As you trod through the wet sand to join the others, you try hard to forget everything you ever heard about survival chances and the wilds of Poseidon ...
Have ya' heard the one about the GEO Marshal that crashed his jumpcraft into the ocean...? ; )
OK...now that I have your attention, I would like to make a fun announcement. We've begun to determine the final content for Fluid Mechnics. It's unfortuate that we can't solicit complete submissions for the tech book as we did for the Access Denied booklet. As you probably realize, the individual entries have to be too carefully integrated with each other to make this practical. We would however, love to hear about the kinds of things you want to see included in the tech book. We'd hate to leave out something players thought was important.
To this end we encourage you to start posting your ideas for new BP tech to the list. Feel free to describe them in as much or as little detail as you like. Post complete ideas or just half-baked possibilities. Post technical descriptions or possible stats, or even just cool names for specific models like Hard Target Personal Armor, or SmartNav Guidance Systems.
Keep in mind that we may edit, cut, meld, glue, hack, eliminate, nix, cobble, scuttle, torch, mix, mush, bend, fold, spindle or mutilate anything that is posted, into any form we think would be cool. Remember too that all submissions are made simply for personal enjoyment and that their use does not imply any sort of publishing contract. Be sure to include your full name with each submission so it may be included in the book's credits should your idea(s) be incorporated.
OK folks, here's your chance to have your say about Blue Planet's technological future. Speak now, or forever hold your pilot...er...peace ; ).
Jeff Barber
Biohazard Games
My sincere appologies - I just discovered that I critically failed my "layout newsletter" skill roll. Somewhere between layout and PDF I managed to smudge around the text in Undercurrents #4. The text was all there, just bady typeset. I have fixed the problems, and the "repaired" version should be posted sometime tommorrow.
Thanks for not taking me to task on the botch... ; )
Sincerely,
Jeff Barber
Biohazard Games
I am pleased to announce that Undercurrents #4 should be posted on the Biohazard website (www.biohazardgames.com) by midnight tonight. It's full of lots of waterworld wonders including a scenario by Tun Kai Poh of Archipelago intro contest fame, and a unique NPC contribution by new list member Chris L'Etoile. I am excited about this issue, and hope you will be too...
Speaking of Undercurrents and player contributions, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage you all to make your own contributions to the newsletter. Anything and everything is welcome so let your creative genies out of their bottles and give them a shot at writing. Not to worry, we are happy to edit for content or fit, and are open to just about any kind of submission.
I'll let you all in on a little secret. We hope that some day UC will become a player driven publication and that all we will really need to do is write a bit here and there, compile the rest, and post it all to the website. We really look forward to players making UC their creative access to the BP universe.
Well...what are you waiting for...get writing! ; ).
Jeff Barber
Biohazard Games
Just a note to sign off for the week as most of the Biohazard crew is bound for GenCon. We should all be back online after next weekend.
If you are making the trek to the Con, be sure to stop by the booth (#839) and check out the scene. For those that are interested, we are planning a BP list- serve get-together on Saturday evening - dinner and then drinks, or maybe a BP game? Or maybe even a chance to playtest a new product we are working on...
Anyway, if you are going to be there, and are interested in getting togther, come by the booth at 5:50pm on Saturday, and we'll decide what to do then. Hope to see you there.
Later All,
Jeff Barber
Biohazard Games
A short while ago Kai Poh (note the "h" Kai!) posted a message about a possible inconsistency between how scaled strength is used in natural attacks made by animals and how damage is listed for these animals in Blue Planet's field guide.
Well, as usual, Kai is exactly right. So, to remedy this discrepancy we contacted Lavender Organics, and they set Hugo D4 (Arch 111) to work on a solution. Here is what it came up with to correct the problem:
"The effects of scaled Strength have already been taken into account in the damage ranks listed in the BP field guide. When applying damage caused by these creatures' natural attacks, simply use the damage ranks as listed - do not apply the normal damage modifier for scaled Strength."
Actually, if I remember correctly this is the first consequential errata to come out of BP. I guess that's not bad for our first time out-of-the- gate.
Thanks Kai,
Jeff "Greater Whites still kick ass" Barber
Biohazard Games
Jeff has authorized me to let you know that Archipelago has shipped. We had it at Origins and it was very well received. You can find it in your local games store or you can mail order it directly from us. Thanks to everyone involved. And well done to Jeff and everyone who worked on it.
Although the deadline has passed for submitting Access Denieds for the game screen, due to the overwhelming response, Jeff has authorized me to extend the deadline to the 20th of July. So get writing and email it in quick, you don't have much time.
Undercurrents #4 is underway and should be out soon.
Jim Heivilin
Webmaster,
Biohazard Games
-----------------------------------------
Hello All,
I am exceptionally pleased to make the following announcements ; )
Seriously, though, I know Archipelago has been a long time coming. I truly feel that the book is a worthy follow-up to Blue Planet and that your patience is about to well rewarded. Thank you again, and get ready - the seas of Poesidon are about to get a whole lot wilder!
Enjoy,
Jeff Barber
Biohazard Games
-----------------------------------------
Hey All,
You know that we have made a call for submissions for Access Denied (times tick'n by so get them in!). Because this product is the result of a sort of grassroots request on the part of Blue Planet players, we would also like to get your input on what information/tables/charts/numbers you would like to see on the screen itself.
If you want to have a say in what ends up on the screen, please post you suggestions to the list. Use the following questions in developing and organizing your suggestions:
Let the flood begin ; ).
Jeff Barber
Biohazard Games
As previously announced, we will be accepting submissions for Access Denieds from any and all who would like to contribute to the project. We are doing this for a couple of reasons. First, its fun! We had a great time with the Archipelago intro contest and wanted to do something like that again. Second, we wanted to give the players of Blue Planet the opportunity to help develop the game universe and this seemed an ideal way in which to do just that.
OK, for anyone that may have missed the posted description of the Access Denied project, here's a reminder:
Access Denied
You asked for it, and now you're gonna to get it! Access denied is
the Blue
Planet Game Moderator's Screen, and it contains all the ...ah
...well ...er
...access denied stuff that a GM needs to keep the action hot and ...
ah...wet. In addition, the screen will contain a 32 page booklet
filled to the
gills with Access Denied plot developments and adventure ideas
created by you,
the BP player. So, put on your water-wings Newcomer, its time to go
for a
swim... (4 panel screen and 32pg booklet/August '98)
Submission Guidelines
If you are interested in contributing, simply dive in and follow the
instructions below:
Though obviously there will be overlap in almost any entry, we will try to put each in the most appropriate category. There will be separate sections for:
Note: These categories are subject to change.
Email:
BiohazardG@AOL.com
Snail Mail:
Biohazard Games
4900 Bethel Road
Columbia, MO
65203
OK, I think that about covers it. If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask. Now, time to get wet...
Jeff Barber
Biohazard Games
-----------------------------------------
Hello all,
I've noticed that the list has been a little quiet lately, but I hope you're all still listening - I have some news that should get people posting again... ; )
After a week long marathon finishing frenzy - ARCHIPELAGO IS DONEDONEDONEDONEDONE! Ahem...
I will entrust it to the noble FedEx first thing in the morning, and our hardworking printer will be all over it on Tuesday! As soon as they give us a press date we'll pass it on to ya'll.
The book has tuned out excellent and we're excited about it hitting the shelves. You've all been more than patient and we thank you for that - you will not be disappointed.
OK - LET THE CHEERING BEGIN!!!
Jeff Barber
Biohazard Games
-----------------------------------------
Hello All,
Now that Archipelago is "out of our hands" so to speak, we finally have a little time to let you know what's next for Biohazard and Blue Planet. This summer will be an active time for us and here is some of what you can expect.
First in line is Access Denied - Blue Planet's game screen and plot hook booklet. The plan is for a GenCon release, but that will depend, in part, on you. That's right, *you*. We had a great time with the Archipelago intro contest and, as promised, we hope to again involve players of Blue Planet in the development of the BP universe. We will be accepting submissions for Access Denied from *you* in hopes of including your ideas in the our wet little world. Complete submission guidelines will be posted in the next few days, so fire up your imaginations and stay tuned. *Please* hold any submissions and/or questions until we post the guidelines as doing so will help prevent any confusion and wasted effort.
Also in production is Fluid Mechanics - Blue Planet's technology guide. You may recall a description or two of FluMech in recent posts, and the same promo appears in Undercurrents #2. This book is much more than the typical gamer's shopping wish list, and focuses as much on integrating the technology into game play as much a describing individual items of equipment. This book is a must for game moderators and players alike.
Well, enough blathering for now. Again, I would like to personally thank you for your patience during the production of Archipelago, and for your continued enthusiasm for the line. It's that kind of support that makes doing BP worthwhile. Thank you
From the depths...
Jeff Barber
Biohazard Games
-----------------------------------------
Thank you for your attention and remember to buy Yummies(tm) from
Altgen Foods
(a division of GenDiver, Inc.).
Jim Heivilin
Webmaster
Biohazard Games
In case you haven't heard, Blue Planet has been nominated for an Award at Origins. Get to their website and vote. Or download the ballot and vote immediately. Either way, thanks for your support.
Jim Heivilin
Webmaster
Biohazard Games
Work on Archipelago continues to progress rapidly. In the meantime, I'm going to work on putting together another issue of Undercurrents. So if you have any cool characters, tech, creatures or adventures (or even recipes), email me with them and we'll see what we can do about getting you in the newsletter.
Jim Heivilin
Webmaster,
Biohazard Games
Jim Heivilin
Webmaster,
Biohazard Games
Cat Eli, who works on marketing for us, has asked that I post a survey for her. Please take a minute to fill it out to help us help you.
Quicktime movies of Jeff's recent trip to Poseidon during Spring Break will be coming in the next few weeks. Stay tuned.
Jim Heivilin
Webmaster,
Biohazard Games
I am pleased to announce the results of the Archipelago Introduction contest. There were eleven entries total, by ten different authors. As of midnight last night, there were exactly fifty votes, and those votes were spread liberally throughout the field.
If I could have the envelope and a drum roll please....
(TATATATATATATATATATATATATAATATATA...)
Third place - Harry Takes a Ride, by G.N. Law.
(CLAP CLAP CLAP)
Second Place - Welcome to Archipelago, by M. E. Kedzierski
(CLAP CLAP CLAP YEAH!)
First Place - Easter, by T.K. Poh
(YEAH! CLAP CLAP CLAP YEAH! CLAP CLAP)
Congratulations one and all!
I would like to thank each of the contest entrants as well as all of you who took the time to read through the stories and pick your favorite. I thought this was a lot of fun and a great way to get the players of Blue Planet involved. I also think that we now have a fantastic intro for Archiplelago, and I can not wait to get the book out and share it with all of you (Pleeeeease hang on - its coming soon, I promise... ; ).
Thanks all,
Jeff Barber
Biohazard Games
For those of us less inclined to write, you can vote for your favorite story. Enjoy the stories and vote for your favorite. Only one vote per person please.
Jim Heivilin
Webmaster,
Biohazard Games
Jeff gave me some of the artwork that will appear in Archipelago. It is currently in the restricted access database. After about two weeks it will be moved to the general access database and everyone can view it. Note: the password for the restricted access database has changed.
We have a new fax number for anyone who needs it.
Jim Heivilin
Webmaster,
Biohazard Games
I've been told there are some more reviews of our products so I updates our review pages for Blue Planet and Killer Crosshairs.
Jim Heivilin
Webmaster,
Biohazard Games
Jim Heivilin
Webmaster,
Biohazard Games
Soon pages with the entries will appear and then as we get closer to the beginning of the voting, I will put up a voting form.
Jim Heivilin
Webmaster,
Biohazard Games
I have one of the stories from the Red Sky Campaign up thanks to Jason Werner. I've called it Waiting for the Other Shoe.
Jim Heivilin
Webmaster,
Biohazard Games
The second issue of Undercurrents is up.
There is a new picture of the Last Chance, Andrew Latimer's boat from the Red Sky campaign we use for product development.
Soon we hope to have more notes on the trial and tribulations of Red Sky Charters. Stay tuned.
Jim Heivilin
Webmaster,
Biohazard Games
Written by
Jim Heivilin.
Last modified 12/12/2008.
