TrekRPG Next Generation Sourcebook

I have a thread over on the FBR about this bad boy I'm working on, but I figure I'd better spread the coverage a bit.

In a nutshell, I'm writing the Next Generation Sourcebook for CodaTrek. It's met with quite a few delays due to convention trips, other paying projects, and general life concerns. Here's where I am thus far; I've been jumping around on various sections:

EPISODES & PLOT HOOKS: Halfway through Season 1.
CHARACTER WRITEUPS: Through the L's, Lore's the next one I have to do.
EQUIPMENT: All I have done there is the Ferengi Energy Whip.
STARSHIPS: All statted up, just have to write the text descriptions.
ALIENS: Bandi, Edo, Farpoint Entity (plus an Acamarian writeup graciously supplied by an FBR poster)
CHAPTERS I HAVEN'T STARTED YET: Seasons 2-7, The Movies, The 1701-D, The 1701-E, and the Enterprise crew-specific character writeups.

More to come. :)

UPDATE 1/3/05:

EPISODES: Through "Angel One"
CHARACTERS: Ardra, Ba'el, Morgan Bateson, B'Etor, Bok, Mark Jameson, Lore, Lutan, Q, The Traveler, Lwaxana Troi, Zorn
ALIENS: Bandi, Crystalline Entity, Edo, Farpoint Entity, Soong-type android, Tarellian
EQUIPMENT, STARSHIPS, 1701-D, 1701-E, ENTERPRISE CREW: No new progress on these sections

Due to the rumored impending announcement regarding Decipher's future plans for the Trek RPG license, I'm putting work on the TNG netbook on hold. If it turns out Decipher's to resume production (like it's starting to sound), the book will be shelved and I'll likely submit that which I've already done to be posted to any one of the existing fan-made media, such as BtFF.

I'm sorry I'm unclear
were you hired to write the book?
or were you going to do it and submit it?
I'm sorry I've always been interested in developing RPGs but I've never known how to get into it nor do I have any idea what you are saying lol

No, this was to be a free-to-download netbook, completely unsolicited by Decipher or Paramount, much like Spacedock or the Dominion War SB.

Okay, everybody, after some nudging from the board population and myown personal tiring of hearing anything positive from Decipher, I'm back on this thing.

Here's where you come in.

I desperately am seeking input on this project. What in your mind HAS to be in this book? What's important to you. Here's what I'm intending to include:

Alien race writeups
Starships
Character stats
Gear
Episode summaries w/plot hooks
Overview of the Enterprise
Series timeline

Which of these are must-haves and which are just superfluous?

The floor's yours.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mac417

I desperately am seeking input on this project. . . Here's what I'm intending to include:

Alien race writeups
Starships
Character stats
Gear
Episode summaries w/plot hooks
Overview of the Enterprise
Series timeline

Which of these are must-haves and which are just superfluous?

The floor's yours.

---

Of the list above, the following are superfluous as the information can be found in other sources:

Episode summaries w/plot hooks: Episode summaries can be found in the Star Trek The Next Generation Companion or at StarTrek.com. However, plot hooks for sequels to each episode might be interesting.

An overview of the Enterprise can be found in the Star Trek The Next Generation Technical Manual or Star Trek The Next Generation Enterprise Blueprints

A timeline can be found in the Star Trek Chronology. While the Chronology is currently out-of-date for the entire ST milieu, it is complete for the entirety of Star Trek The Next Generation.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mac417

What in your mind HAS to be in this book? What's important to you. Here's what I'm intending to include:

Alien race writeups
Starships
Character stats
Gear

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These four are essential for a game book. The other three items, as Ezri pointed out, are not needed as they are easily available elsewhere. The Player's Guide and Operations Manual go into detail on the Federation and Starfleet during the TNG era and specific missions and other such stuff that Starfleet character-types need to know, so you can probably avoid that end of things too. Basically, I'd make it more of a "crunchy expansion" book for the TNG era than a "series guide". Just MHO.

LQ

I mostly agree with Ezri, and LQ. But :) I would include an episode summary with plot hooks. I really liked the way Mongoose did it for Babylon 5, and it truly would make it a NG sourcebook.

The write up it's self should be included, but kept breif. However I agree the plot hooks are a very valuable tool indeed (if timetaking) as I've said before the Stargate Season handbooks are really good for this, even down to including the extra technology items, equiptment and statted people to populate it! I disagree that the write ups should be left out all together.. why have a dog and bark yourself.. why have a book but have to go on to the internet to find the information you need! Of course it's a monumental task for one person to take on, so I guess all hands on deck ! :)

Okay, here's an example of the format for the episode summary I've been playing with:

Mission Log 101/102:
ENCOUNTER AT FARPOINT
Stardate 41xxx.x

In Brief: The Enterprise is dispatched to investigate Farpoint Station, a planet-bound starbase located on Deneb IV.

Points of Interest:
--Shakedown assignment for the Enterprise
--Will Riker, Geordi LaForge, Beverly Crusher, and Wesley Crusher join the crew
--First contact with the Q
--Farpoint discovered to be a celestial lifeform enslaved by the Bandi (Deneb's native species) and freed by the Enterprise crew

Plot Hooks:
Encountering Q: (blah blah don't feel like typing it all up since I'm at work ;) )
Revisiting Deneb IV: (ditto)
Encountering the Farpoint Entities: (ditto)

Game Resources:
Bandi: See Aliens chapter.
Farpoint Entity: See Aliens chapter.
Q (individual): See Supporting Cast chapter.
Q (species): See Aliens, pp. xx-xx.
Zorn: See Supporting Cast chapter.

This is such a cool idea, it would seem a shame to let it die.
Perhaps you could show us a couple of completed episode summaries to set the mold, and then we can break up the episodes so there's no duplication of effort. I'd certainly be willing to have a go, and i'm sure others would be keen to contribute. Then all you'd have to do is edit the submitted summaries, rather than writing the lot yourself.

Regards

Renny

That sounds like it's a really good idea. Depending on how you're laying it out (what software) it might be possible to have page numbers automatically generated linking all of the articles together (what page the Bandi species is on etc). i guess you need allot of aliens writeups ! that will be timetaking ! :D

Actually, I've basically been doing all the articles in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, then porting it over into Word in such a way that all the formatting's done for the most part and I just go back in to Word for tweak-editing.

I've pretty much got the remainder of the book covered (Not complete, but covered :D )... but I wouldn't mind delegating the writing of the episode bits out to the community, and assuming an editor role on that section of it. That's been the time-consuming bit of it, lemme tell ya.

I'm at work presently, but once I get home, I'll cut and paste what I have so far and then we can discuss who's doing what.

This is the format:

Mission Log (episode number):
(episode title, all caps)
Stardate (stardate)

In Brief: (short one-paragraph synopsis of the episode)

Plot Hooks (minimum of 1, max of 3):
(plot hook title, either literal or catchy): (plot hook text)
(plot hook title): (plot hook text)
(plot hook title): (plot hook text)

Game Resources:
(element): (where to find it; if it's an element found in the other books the format is "See (book title), pp. xx-xx." If it's something in the sourcebook, "See Chapter XX: (chapter title)."
(element): (where to find it)
(element): (where to find it)
(element): (where to find it)

Sounds pretty good. Keep going with it. I'm holding out on volunteering as there's loads of stuff going on in my life right now, but i'm more than haoppy to review on the forums or PM if you like.

And now, in the words of Shang Tsung, a taste of things to come...

A preview of the first half (give or take) of the Season One chapter (MS Word format).

That is excellent work.

Renny

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Renny

That is excellent work.

Renny

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Thanks. :)

My approach to writing this thing is doing everything associated with the episode (the summary, plot hooks, and all game references) before moving on to the next one. So everything under Game References in each of those entries, unless a reference to something in another book? Done.

I'm doing 1-2 episodes a day, at least I am now that I'm back working on this thing. :)

Well, like I said, i'd be willing to have a crack at it. I figure if a few people get on board the project then it shouldn't take too long to get through the episodes.
Any preference as to which episodes I should start with?

Regards

Renny

Oh, BTW. Do you have any tips or guidelines on how to stat up characters? Like, how do you judge the number of advancements you give to a guest character, that sort of thing.

Cheers

Renny

In the game references section, I think I'd change the format to something more like this:

From Farpoint:

original:

Bandi: See Chapter X: Aliens
Farpoint Entity: See Chapter X: Aliens
Q (individual): See Chapter X: Supporting Cast
Q (species): See Aliens, pp. 123-125.
Zorn: See Chapter X: Supporting Cast

suggested change:

Aliens: Bandi, Farpoint Entity, Q (species) (Aliens)
Supporting Cast: Q (individual), Zorn
Worlds: Deneb IV

The parenthetically italicized Aliens (or XX) represents the Decipher book of that name. Because the Aliens, Creatures, and Starships books are so clearly laid out, I don't think I'd bother with page numbers for those books, though for the PG, NG and SOM, it would probably be a good idea. Even when putting page numbers in, I'd be more inclined to just put the start page, like so for Q -- (Aliens, 123). Just my .02, but it would save both space and typing.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mac417

Alien race writeups
Starships
Character stats
Gear
Episode summaries w/plot hooks
Overview of the Enterprise
Series timeline

---

Actually I would want them all in there, but here's my take on the hotly debated :) episode summaries. In the chapter intro, make mention of the detailed episode descriptions on the official ST site, and then use only the TV Guide blurb included on the episode page. I happen to have the Enterprise episode Terra Nova open at the moment, so here's the example:

Quote:

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Archer and the Enterprise crew set out to learn what happened to the lost human colony of Terra Nova, and discover a tribe of human-hating cave dwellers.

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So, just blurb, plot hooks (definitely!), and the game references.

Hmm... yeah, that might work, Sho.

BTW, up to "Arsenal of Freedom" as of last night.

Season One nearly there, suckas!

Hi

How about I start at the other end of the show with Season 7?
I'll start with "Liasons", as "Descent" and "Descent Part II" should probably be handled together as part of Season 6?

I'd still be interested in your take on Advancements for NPC write ups.

Cheers

Renny

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Renny

Hi

How about I start at the other end of the show with Season 7?
I'll start with "Liasons", as "Descent" and "Descent Part II" should probably be handled together as part of Season 6?

I'd still be interested in your take on Advancements for NPC write ups.

Cheers

Renny

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Well, I'm not really taking Advancements too far to heart with the NPC writeups. I'm basically modeling the characters by creating them with the standard character creation system then building on that framework by elevating their skill levels and such according to how the character was portrayed in the series. I weighed this method versus actually figuring out the Advancements, and I opted to go the route of the former since it's a little more intuitive.

But yeah, the top of Season 7 short of Descent sounds like a good starting point. I'd just concentrate on the episode summaries (one paragraph maximum) and whatever possible plot hooks you could provide. I can go through and add any others if any come to mind. I am, however, going to split up Descent between the Season 6 and Season 7 chapters, though. The approach of the chapters is more about what happened in that year of the show, not just what was televised. Each of the season chapters will include a brief timeline (probably at the beginning) that shows each of the major events in the order they happened, including and in relation to the episodes.

Hope that helps. Thanks for taking some the weight off, and I can't wait to see what you come up with.

EDIT: BTW, I've been using the TNG script archive at http://www.st-minutiae.com for help on the research. Take it with a grain of salt, as some of the scripts are early drafts, but they've been a big help.

Oh, and to provide everyone a progress update, I have two species templates, one equipment entry, and the plot hooks for six episodes and I will be done with the Season One Chapter and everything referenced from it.

Ok

I've started on the writeups, and following your advice i'll stick to episode summary and plot hooks for now. I'll post them when i've got a few done.

Cheers

Renny

Awesome, Renny, can't wait.

Oh, and new preview, folks...

Behold, what I've gotten done on the Aliens chapter.

Quickly scanned through.. A couple of things I've noted.. You need to give a size and stats for the 'Farpoint entity' for a comparitive combat. It's a tough call to make, as we didn't see much combat with it, but it needs to be there, otherwise those weapon ratings are effectivelly meaningless. The shapeshifting power is probably better named 'matter energy manipulation' - as they are capable of transforming matter to energy and vice versa - enabling comparitive effects of transporters and replicators, as well as their shapeshifting.

Without checking though what's there looks very good - well done! :)

Well, i'm finally making some progress on the Season 7 writeups. I've gotten through eight episodes so far and would like to offer the following as a sample;

Mission Log 254:
LIASONS

Stardate Unknown

The Enterprise hosts two Iyaaran ambassadors on a cultural exchange while Captain Picard travels in their shuttle to the Iyaaran home world. Whilst en route to Iyaar, the shuttle crashes on a hostile planet, leaving the pilot Voval badly injured. Searching for help, Picard is rendered unconscious by a plasma discharge, and awakens to find himself in the care of a human woman, Anna, herself apparently the survivor of an earlier crash. She quickly declares that she is in love with Picard, but works to prevent his efforts to summon help. Meanwhile, Worf is having difficulty adapting to his new role as host to one of the Iyaaran ambassadors. The Iyaarans, it transpires are attempting to understand elements of human behaviour beyond their understanding and Worfs self-control is tested to the limit. Picard’s rescuer, Anna, is revealed as Voval, himself an Iyaaran ambassador who was attempting to understand the most confusing concept of all… love.
Once Picard discovers the subterfuge, he is returned to the Enterprise, and the Iyaarans leave with some of the insight they were seeking.

Plot Hooks:

What is this thing you Earthmen call love? The cultural exchange is a great way to provide your characters with some light relief, or high drama. The ambassadors from another culture are bound to do things differently and cultural misunderstanding can create some great role-playing opportunities. Have one of the ambassadors fall madly in love with a character, or react badly to some perceived slight and demand satisfaction at every opportunity. Alternatively, perhaps the motive for cultural exchange is more sinister, and these ambassadors are actually Special Forces agents from a culture who could really use a nice, new starship.

Any landing you can walk away from: One minute you’re minding your own business, enduring a dull mission on a cramped shuttlecraft with some of your crewmates, the next your shuttle’s crashed in a ravine, some of your colleagues are dead or injured, and there’s a large predator and his friends waiting to chow down. And what was it that caused a normally reliable Starfleet shuttlecraft to crash anyway? Could it have been the energy field emanating from that strange structure further down the valley? This kind of scenario is perfect as a means of spotlighting individual characters and perhaps as a great one-off if you’re in need of a quick solo adventure.

Game References:
Iyaaran: See Chapter X: Aliens
Iyaar: See Chapter X: Worlds

Episode Notes -

Iyaarans procreate through post cellular compounding. They emerge from the natal pod fully grown.
Iyaar is home to spectacular crystal formations.
Physical abilities appear to fall within human norms, although their stamina may be greater.
Iyaaran metabolism slows to heal major wounds causing a state that resembles death (This may not be true as it is part of Voval’s deception).
Bioenzymatic Supplements are the preferred means of nourishment.
Voval’s ability to take on another form is apparently not a natural talent, rather provided by artificial means.


The notes above are reminders to aid in statting out the relevant characters or races who guest star in each episode.

Regards

Renny

Very nice, Renny. Well done. And nice of you to do the species notes for when I do the species writeups. :)

One thing I might mention: I'm not doing a Worlds chapter, so there's no need to mention any planets in the Game References.

Otherwise, looks top-notch!

Progress update: I haven't had a chance to work on the book for a few days, as I was on a deadline on a comics-illustrating gig this past week. Back on it next week though!

It would be nice to have mentions of at least the locations and 'sets' that the events of the show took place, especially for potential threads etc. Most worlds would not be covered in any 'worlds' books because they are far to numerous and obscure!

Hey, everybody...

Sadly, I've been unable to jump back on this these last couple of weeks. My girlfriend got nailed with a case of pneumonia, so I've been away from my computer for the last several days. Work will proceed, but much to be done in the area of non-netbook things for the moment.

I'm still on this, guys. Thanks for hanging in there.

I'm still plugging away on Season 7 as well

Renny

PROGRESS UPDATE:

The Season One chapter is in the can. The Enterprise Crew chapter has been started. All Game References from Season One are also done. Work on the Season Two chapter has begun.

Tobian: Whenever possible, I'll be presenting a brief mention of each world in the Aliens chapter.

WHOA!! You're doing this kick-ass ultra-complete sourcebook for TNG and it's NOT a book you'll be paid for, but a free netbook for trek gamers? Well THANK YOU, Mac417!! :^D

You're seeking opinions... all you noted as being made is important and worth including IMHO.

If I may suggest something -- Since this is not an "official" book and you seem to know a lot about the series, what about a discussion on the themes, stories, ups and downs of the series from a story construction/plot/characterization/ as relevant to RPGs? Something downright NOT impartial -- YOUR opinion, YOUR views. That would be very interesting, and something you can't quite get on official books, that need to be impartial, clean, for everybody. Plus, such a chapter wouldn't hurt in any way the rest of the book for the people who don't agree with you.

How about that? : )

Good luck! I hope I can put your material to good use in the future with my new CODA Trek group! ; )

Dylan Dog: glad you're liking what you're seeing of the book so far. While I think the inclusion of an opinion-editorial chapter's a good idea, I'll need to see if the book will have enough room to contain something along those lines. While comprehensive, I'm also wanting to make the book concise, and adding up the various Word documents of each chapter, I'm already at close to 150 pages pre-layout and I just finished mining Season One for info. Decent idea though, and I am going to be doing something of an intro chapter that goes into detail a bit about my personal experiences with the series.

Thanks again, and hope you like and can make use of the book when it's done. :)

PROGRESS UPDATE: Starship Game References from Season Two added. Episode summaries done up until "The Outrageous Okona." Expect the Season Two chapter to be Game Refs-light, I couldn't find a whole lot stat-worthy during this season.

You're right -- It's going to be a big book indeed! :D Well, I hope this editorial introduction of yours makes it! :)

Cheers!

- D Dog

PROGRESS UPDATE: Episode summaries done up to "Samaritan Snare." Sorry I haven't gotten more done this past week, guys... in the midst of changing residences.

Take your time! :) I mean, If Decipher can, you're more than welcome. ;)

(Come on Decipher, I love your game! What's up? :) )

BTW -- Will you have stats for Tasha? :D

(Am I the only Tasha fan alive? Is it normal to have a giant crush on her when you're 13 (1993 that was)? :cool:

Live long and prosper!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dylan Dog

Take your time! :) I mean, If Decipher can, you're more than welcome. ;)

(Come on Decipher, I love your game! What's up? :) )

BTW -- Will you have stats for Tasha? :D

(Am I the only Tasha fan alive? Is it normal to have a giant crush on her when you're 13 (1993 that was)? :cool:

Live long and prosper!

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Sure will.

The Enterprise Crew chapter will contain stats for the following characters:

Capt. Jean-Luc Picard
Cmdr. William Riker
Lt. Cmdr. Data
Dr. Beverly Crusher
Lt. Cmdr. Geordi LaForge
Counselor Deanna Troi
Lt. Worf
Wesley Crusher
Lt. Natasha Yar
C.P.O. Miles O'Brien
Dr. Katherine Pulaski
Guinan
Ensign Ro Laren
Lt. Reginald Barclay
Keiko O'Brien
Alexander Rozhenko
Lt. Alyssa Ogawa