[General]Better the devil Sci-Fi tag Sept 2012

[darkmane]

I am organising a Sci-fi weekend LRP event in September 2012 (it's a little far off but then again, it is set in the far future). I ran live roleplaying clubs, events and a national annual LRP (Laser Tag) event for 20 years and have decided to finally run this game after taking some time out.

The setting is similar in some respect to that of the Traveller RPG but draws inspiration from a range of books (foundation trilogy), movies (Alien, Outland, moon 44) and TV (Firefly) and is probably best described as Space Opera. Basically 500 worlds colonised by humans but only a small proportion are 'earth-like' enough to sustain significant populations. The government is an elected senate but real power is with the Emperor although this is a bit of a balancing act.

The premise - Following a galactic civil war, millions are homeless after many worlds have been left devastated. Earth type planets are rare but the location of one such planet has been discovered by a corporation who plan to mount a survey mission but have insisted that government agencies or other corporations are not to be involved and have not released the location of this new world. The game starts as the survey team arrive on the planet but internal politics and mission priorities are bound to mean that things run less than smoothly. Around half of the survey team will be hired especially for the mission with the other half being made up of the crew of the Horizon a corporate starship. Each department (science, medical, security etc.) will be made up of a mix of 'contractors' and ship’s crew.

The system is Lazer Tag although I primarily run role-playing games rather than hard-core space marine skirmishes.

The event fee (£60 early bird till the end of 2011) includes accommodation and all meals for the weekend (equipment hire will be available).

Location is Nottingham UK.



Set ten years after Shattered Imperium, ‘Better the Devil you know’ takes off on an entirely new story arc with new characters, new rules and new surprises.
6 years after the end of the galactic Civil War, millions of refugees still live in temporary camps after their homeworlds were devastated during the conflict.
A new ‘Earth-Type’ world has been discovered after years of frantic deep space exploration. Located far outside known space, Taranis must now be surveyed.
Dare you join the crew of the Horizon as they embark on their Mission to Taranis?


Updates are being posted on Facebook under 'Starelore Adventures' -
www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Starlor...6070692785

Data Pack 1 - Characters and Combat:
www.mediafire.com/?98hyccysbc5o0on

Booking Form:
www.mediafire.com/?8ba0ed36pe896rg

Data Pack 2 - Chronology and Cosmos
www.mediafire.com/?o7131d77tlenjm1

[darkmane]

The 'Better the devil you know' teaser trailer can be found here....

www.facebook.com/video/?id=160196070692785

[darkmane]

The next two booklets are ready for download.

Data Pack 4 - Friends and Foes
www.mediafire.com/?pr6pxe81rqgkwjt


Data Pack 5 - Rules and Regulations
www.mediafire.com/?6u6a3kx28ovt6zp

The last Supplements are for Hon Human characters (Droids, Synthetics and Artificials), Psionic characters and the one you have all been waiting for Medical.

[darkmane]

The latest is Data Pack 3 Missions & Motivations (download link below) and provides details for each of the three department teams.

This supplement also gives details of the 'mission uniform' which, whilst not mandatory is there for guidance.

Also included is the first view of the game patches that each player will be given. Featured in this supplement are the blank Department insignias.

Data Pack 3 Missions & Motivations can be downloaded at the following link:

www.mediafire.com/?3lb2fc93f4l4433

[darkmane]

All of the Rules are now published that will be released at this time. The Medical rules have not been published with the rest as these will be issued to players choosing an appropriate skill.

All rules and booking form can be found here:
www.mediafire.com/?8cwsdd6ovzeu5p2

Also avaliable are two introduction videos that we part of the presentation at TagCon:

Video on the Continuum Universe and Fortress Corporation are featured here:
youtu.be/wLKlsb0Q4gI

The Presentation opening video can be found here:
youtu.be/iZXU_8kM4s0

Now that the rules are complete bookings are now coming in so if you are interetsted in attending book now to avoid dissapontment.

[darkmane]

Game 7 in the series of weekend events set in the Continuum Universe akes off in a whole new direction.


In the grand tradition of space opera the ‘Better The Devil You Know’ event is set in the far future where Humanity has spread out amongst the stars to colonise 500 worlds. A devastating civil war has now left millions living in refugee camps on frontier worlds or packed into aging space stations. The desperate search for potential new colony worlds has been fruitless but a re-discovered planet is proving to be their best hope. The mission mounted by Fortress Corporation has the blessing of both the Emperor and Senate but political pressure means that half those to make the 3 month voyage to Taranis will be contractors instead of corporate specialists and troops. Security surrounding the mission is tight as the media, rival corporations and even the government want access to the information recovered by Fortress Corporation from a crashed survey vessel previously thought lost.

The Mission: Make Taranis safe for Human colonisation.
The Challenge: Live to tell the tale and retire on the profits.


Starlore events use a non-linear system giving players maximum freedom to explore the game area. Modified original release Worlds of Wonder Lazer Tag Guns and Sensors or compatible equipment provide a highly efficient conflict resolution system • Players have access to working gadgets and computers for information & research • Three Mission Commanders will each choose and lead their respective teams (Science, Security and Operations) • The event will be fully catered with indoor accommodation or an option to camp • The site is approx 70 acres of mainly flat ground, offering a mixture of open space and deep cover with a regular bus service running 7 days a week to and from Nottingham • A full set of Mission patches will be issued to all players • A late evening gathering at the campfire circle • Extensive rules and background data packs are available to download now.


Hire equipment available.

Limited offer - free sensor circuit board for the first nine new players!


For more information: [e-mail] , Facebook or the Firefight Forum.


Players:
£70.00 (1st Jan – 30th April) / £75.00 (1st May 12 – 30th June) / £80 (from 1st July)
NPCs (Limited Places):
£15.00 up to 31st May 2012 / £20.00 1st June 2012 onwards

Far beyond the worlds of the High Frontier, far out in deep space, anything can happen and probably will.

[darkmane]

Don't forget the event price increases on 1st May so don't delay.

You can still pay for the event even if you have not completed your character sheet which, can be sent in later.

[darkmane]

Just 10 days left till the price increases for player places.

If anyone has any questions, concerns or wants to know more about equipment hire then please contact me.

There is also a dedicated event phone number that you can call or text - 07909 300 779

Alternatively email [e-mail]

[darkmane]

Looking at the amount of spare gear that we have amassed, equipment hire fees can be waive. So if you need equipment for the game, please ignore the ‘Hire fee’ quoted in the booklet.

[darkmane]

FAQ.

Q. Is ‘Better the Devil you know’ (BTD) a Role Playing game or a Combat game?
A. BTD is a live action role playing game (LRP/LARP) and like most such games whether they be science fiction, fantasy, steampunk etc. there is often a need to resolve combat. Lazer Tag is the system that we use for reasons of safety and efficiency. There will also be a small number of short range air powered guns to simulate stun guns.

Q. Does the system use real lasers?
A. No. Lasers are banned and not allowed on the game for reasons of safety and the guns themselves emit Infra-Red light similar to your TV remote control.

Q. I wish to play a non-combatant, is this possible?
A. Yes you will still require a sensor but you can play a character that cannot/will not fire a gun.

Q. How big is the site?
A. The site is approx 80 acres of open ground and woodland and boundaries are clearly marked meaning it is difficult to leave the site by mistake.

Q. Can I pay by cheque?
A. Yes. Please email to [e-mail] for details.

Q. Can I pay in instalments?
A. Yes but as of June 1st the deposit is 50% of the game fee.

Q. Is the costume indicated in the booklets mandatory?
A. No, the costume indicated is recommended more to provide a particular feel to the game and is not mandatory. Mission patches will be provided for any costume to signify your department or rank.

Q. I have not had time to read all of the background material but what is the setting / universe like?
A. Inspiration for the setting draws heavily upon the Traveller RPG, movies like Outland, Alien / Aliens and TV series like Earth 2 and Firefly.

Q. What equipment do I need?
A. You will require your costume, a torch, a whistle etc. all equipment is supplied free of charge although a small damage deposit is required for gun hire.

Q. Do I need any personal safety equipment?
A. Apart from a small number of ‘Nerf’ style guns there are no projectiles so unless a mask is part of your costume they will not be needed. Like all woodland sites there will be trip hazards, nettles and the usual sharp pointy undergrowth. Good sturdy footwear (preferably boots) are highly recommended and gloves can often be useful. Trousers made from thick material will also provide better protection than shorts, kilts or thin trousers. You may of course wish to wear safety or sun glasses to protect against twigs and branches. It must be stressed that like any outdoor activity there are always risks like running into trees so you need to be alert to possible hazards around you.

Q. Is the consumption of alcohol allowed during the event.
A. Yes but for everyone’s safety only after the final time out of the day.

Q. I am under the age of 18 can I participate on the event?
A. No I’m afraid not.

[darkmane]

***EVENT PRICE REDUCTION***
For a limited time only the price of this unique Sci-Fi LRP weekend has now been reduced to £50 (plus £5 UKLTA temporary membership) and is valid until midnight on Tuesday 14th August.