17:48:02 : Moderator says, "Welcome to the Babylon 5 Fan Club Thursday Night Chat!"
17:48:16 : Moderator says, "Tonight's guests are: Joseph Cochran"
17:48:21 : Moderator says, "and Ron Jarrell"
17:48:34 : Moderator says, "Would either of you like to take a minute to explain your product?"
17:48:59 : Moderator says, "(INTERJECT) Send questions to Moderator now"
17:49:12 : Joseph_cochran says, "Sure. The Babylon Project is a roleplaying game line."
17:49:35 : Joseph_cochran says, "The idea behind RPG's is to allow a group of players to collectively tell a story."
17:50:22 : Joseph_cochran says, "You do this by taking on roles of characters in the setting (in this case, the B5 setting)."
17:50:40 : Moderator says, "(Please submit questions to Moderator at this time)"
17:51:03 : Joseph_cochran says, "Our books provide the tools to allow you to do this. We kinda fill in all of the background for the universe that JMS has created."
17:51:51 : Moderator says, "Let me know when you're ready to answer questions Joe."
17:52:29 : Joseph_cochran says, "Anytime."
17:52:33 : Moderator says, "ok"
17:52:37 : Moderator presents the speakers with question
#15 from Cdu:
Any idea when we'll be seeing the Earth Colonies Sourcebook?
17:52:39 : Ron_jarrel says, "Sorry I'm late; machine wedged up, and I didn't notice, cause I was waiting for someone to speak!"
17:53:04 : Moderator says, "No problem Ron :)"
17:53:43 : Joseph_cochran says, "You should see it early summer. The GM Kit will be out in less than 2 weeks."
17:54:00 : Moderator presents the speakers with question
#17 from Gareth_noir:
What products do you currently have announced? And when
will we hear about additions to that line?
17:54:48 : Joseph_cochran says, "Currently just the GM Kit and Earth Colonies book have been announced. But we are currently in negotiations with WB for 2 more books and some other products."
17:54:55 : Moderator says, "(Feel free to send questions to the moderator)"
17:55:13 : Moderator presents the speakers with question
#18 from Dr_rock:
Has it been a big job, How extensive are the possibilities for
games
17:55:19 : Ron_jarrel says, "We do the licensing in small chunks."
17:55:47 : Joseph_cochran says, "Yes, it's been a HUGE job. We want you to be able to play any character you can think of."
17:56:01 : Ron_jarrel says, "The universe is wide open for games; there's a lot of territory out there!"
17:56:20 : Joseph_cochran says, "Right now we just provide rules for Humans, Minbari, Centauri and Narns, but every day we're learning more. Drazi soon, I think."
17:56:33 : Moderator says, "can you elaborate for the audience on how much research goes into the game thus far?"
17:57:24 : Joseph_cochran says, "Basically, we read every script, watch all of the videos OVER and OVER, scour the net for everything JMS says, and then apply physics and logic."
17:57:32 : Ron_jarrel says, "Watching every episode about 800 times in single frame... Reading all the scripts, doing meetings with JMS and others on the staff... Long late night skull sessions.."
17:57:32 : Joseph_cochran says, "THEN we start writing a book."
17:58:00 : Moderator presents the speakers with question
#21 from Cdu:
Do you have any plans to possibly extend the games current 2250-2258
timeframe?
17:58:12 : Ron_jarrel says, "B5 has a universe that works, so we have to present a cohesive working universe."
17:58:27 : Joseph_cochran says, "Yes. The idea is to follow the show, each book moving forward in time."
17:58:47 : Joseph_cochran says, "Eventually, we'll get through the show and into the ISA and beyond."
17:59:12 : Moderator says, "How many supplements do you predict you'll put out?"
17:59:48 : Ron_jarrel says, "Buy all you want, we'll make more... :-)"
17:59:54 : Moderator says, "haha!"
18:00:01 : Moderator presents the speakers with question
#20 from Dr_rock:
Have you considered the possibility of a GM kit for computer,
a cd or something. Many gm's have brought this up with myself
18:00:25 : Joseph_cochran says, "Can't say for sure. We're in this to give gamers and fans a comprehensive look at the setting, so as long as there is stuff to say we'll say it. When we're done, we'll be done."
18:00:51 : Joseph_cochran says, "We have considered it. The problem is that it's weird to license such a beast."
18:01:07 : Ron_jarrel says, "We talked about it once; if we get a really good idea for a hot and innovative product, we'd consider persuing a license."
18:01:26 : Moderator says, "(Questions for Moderator?)"
18:01:48 : Moderator says, "What would you say is the most difficult race to define -- to date -- in your supplements?"
18:02:08 : Ron_jarrel says, "most of the league; we just havent really seen much."
18:02:15 : Joseph_cochran says, "ditto"
18:02:23 : Moderator presents the speakers with question
#23 from Dmi:
How about miniatures?
18:03:12 : Joseph_cochran says, "Again, weird licensing. We HAVE indicated to WB that we'd like them, but it's confusing..."
18:03:31 : Moderator presents the speakers with question
#24 from Cdu:
Have either of you ever played Babylon 5 Wars (your competition
as it were)?
18:04:10 : Joseph_cochran says, "We've got a copy in the office. The problem is that we had created our system before we learned about their game."
18:04:34 : Ron_jarrel says, "We don't view it as a competition; our products really addresss different styles, and needs."
18:04:47 : Joseph_cochran says, "But I'm very glad that they're doing so well. We wouldn't have done a detailed system like that."
18:05:46 : Joseph_cochran says, "They coexist quite well. It was funny: last year at GenCon, one of their guys and I were both chatting about missing our high school reunions..."
18:05:47 : Moderator presents the speakers with question
#25 from Dr_rock:
what about, extending the RPG to be a networked type of game
across the internet. Not a mud, but something far more graphic and intricate
18:07:05 : Joseph_cochran says, "Tricky question. Again, weird licensing (with Sierra this time), but the possibility is wide open."
18:07:47 : Moderator presents the speakers with question
#26 from Gareth_noir:
What would it take to get a job working for a cool game company
like Wireframe?
18:08:19 : Ron_jarrel says, "Having a job at another cool game company? :-)"
18:08:44 : Ron_jarrel says, "Seriously though, it's a large mix of talents, skills, and just determination.."
18:08:54 : Moderator presents the speakers with question
#27 from Cdu:
Just wondering, both of you are from WireFrame, why isn't anyone
from Chameleon Eclectic here today?
18:09:15 : Moderator says, "(any more questions for the moderator?)"
18:10:01 : Ron_jarrel says, "Well, WireFrame is the company who licensed and produced the game. Chameleon's part of the partner ship primarily focuses on getting on the shelves..."
18:10:23 : Joseph_cochran says, "(although both companies have creative input)"
18:10:26 : Moderator presents the speakers with question
#28 from Cdu:
WB seems to have set up a web of licenses here (you for the
RPG, AoG for the ship combat game and Sierra for the computer game).
I know AoG has talked to Sierra, have you talked with any of WB's other
liscencees?
18:10:54 : Joseph_cochran says, "Yes, we talk regularly with AoG, Precedence, Sierra, Del Rey and Babylonian."
18:11:04 : Ron_jarrel says, "We all had a conference out at Warners recently; so all of us have met."
18:11:20 : Moderator says, "We try to keep everything consistent with all licensees."
18:11:29 : Moderator presents the speakers with question
#29 from Purple:
What kind of limitations are put on the characters
18:11:33 : Joseph_cochran says, "We want to scam more stuff from Antioch. The calendars are cool. :)"
18:12:15 : Joseph_cochran says, "No limitations are put on the characters other than their race (Minbari, Centauri, Human and Narn)..."
18:12:52 : Joseph_cochran says, "Starting characters are supposed to be all the same "power level" and there are some rules for that, but the system allows you to create pretty much anything you can think of."
18:12:58 : Ron_jarrel says, "Although a creative GM can allow anything he wants, of course."
18:13:09 : Moderator presents the speakers with question
#31 from Dr_rock:
If someone were to have a solid concept for a global networked
RPG as I have sugested, what should he do with it
18:14:01 : Joseph_cochran says, "Check out Ultima Online. :) Seriously, though, email me later at jsciv@bev.net if you want our submission guidelines."
18:14:14 : Moderator presents the speakers with question
#32 from Theone:
How has the approval process changed from that first horribly
long wait for the Babylon Project to the short wait between Earth Force
and GM kit
18:14:35 : Joseph_cochran says, "The GM Kit was shorter, thus it got approved faster."
18:14:48 : Moderator says, "And now BAbylonian Prods has me :)"
18:14:55 : Moderator winks.
18:15:10 : Joseph_cochran says, "Now, with Fiona, things are looking up for an early Earth Colonies release!"
18:15:25 : Moderator says, "oh ... for newcomers to auditorium. <-- Fiona"
18:15:36 : Moderator presents the speakers with question
#33 from Cdu:
Despite WFP being the design end of the parternership and CEE
being the publishing end, I have noticed that the game system, espically
the combat system, bears a distinctive resemblence to CEE's flagship product
Millenium's End.
18:16:07 : Joseph_cochran says, "Yes. That was intentional, and part of the reason we wanted to work with CEE."
18:16:13 : Moderator presents the speakers with question
#34 from Purple:
So that means you could have a 5 year old character?
18:16:32 : Joseph_cochran says, "Their combat system is quick, deadly and realistic, just the feel for B5."
18:16:34 : Ron_jarrel says, "As long as he's not cute."
18:16:57 : Moderator presents the speakers with question
#35 from Cdu:
In general, how has your relationship with WB been?
18:17:16 : Joseph_cochran says, "If you want one. The problem with a 5 year old is that they make really boring adventurers. Having to stop for a potty break every 30 minutes is a drag."
18:17:24 : Moderator says, "(Please present questions to the moderator)"
18:17:35 : Ron_jarrel says, "Really positive. Been a bit of a learning experience for everyone, but a great bunch to work with, really supportive"
18:18:16 : Moderator says, "Who are your favorites at Babylonian Productions (respectively each of you)?"
18:18:27 : Joseph_cochran says, "We opened up a whole new licensing venue (we were the first game ever licensed), but we've had a lot of fun working it out."
18:18:47 : Joseph_cochran says, "Oops. I forgot: the handheld games were before us. :)"
18:19:16 : Moderator presents the speakers with question
#37 from Purple:
Have you met any of the cast ?
18:19:30 : Joseph_cochran says, "Gee, Jeffrey's great to work with, as is Joanne. We'll see how you work out, Fiona. :)"
18:19:48 : Moderator says, "Yer just saying that cause I'm here ;) I got you pegged ;)"
18:19:50 : Ron_jarrel says, "Hard to say; we've only worked with a tiny fraction of babylonian. Jeffrey's, Joanne, Joe.."
18:20:08 : Joseph_cochran says, "Yes, we had both Richard Biggs and Jerry Doyle as guests at conventions last year."
18:20:26 : Moderator presents the speakers with question
#38 from Cdu:
How much inside info do you guys get on what's coming up in
the show (script previews, peeks at JMS's notes etc.)?
18:20:43 : Moderator says, "(Taking final questions now...)"
18:21:06 : Ron_jarrel says, "We've had to read the scripts for season 5, to know what's coming, and we of course have dialog with JMS."
18:21:15 : Joseph_cochran says, "We've also met Mira and seen Bruce, Pat, Robin and of course Jeffrey on-set."
18:21:46 : Moderator presents the speakers with question
#39 from Cdu:
I know you get a lot of feedback on the TBM Mailing List (probably
more than you want sometimes). How has fan feedback influenced the
game?
18:21:46 : Ron_jarrel says, "And marjorie."
18:22:31 : Ron_jarrel says, "Similarly to how JMS works, the fan questions periodically make us address an area we might not have gone into as much detail on; we certainly pay attention to them."
18:22:46 : Joseph_cochran says, "It's helped a lot. The RPG industry is a small niche market, but it's one of the most demanding audiences you can ever meet. The feedback is essential to making sure we're meeting their needs."
18:22:59 : Moderator says, "How MUCH fan mail do you receive?"
18:23:48 : Moderator presents the speakers with question
#41 from Theone:
Favorate food to eat while writing the RPG?
18:23:51 : Ron_jarrel says, "Well, our mailing list can get over a hundred a day when things are exciting :-)."
18:24:19 : Joseph_cochran says, "There's a mailing list for TBP (to subscribe, send a subscribe message to majordomo@perspex.com for the-babylon-project-l (that's a lower case L))."
18:24:33 : Ron_jarrel says, "You know, I don't eat much while writing; too distracting. I'll drink though.."
18:24:52 : Moderator says, "ah so that's why your narrative is always slurred ;)"
18:25:05 : Moderator grins
18:25:08 : Joseph_cochran says, "I listen to music while writing, but I don't eat. I do drink lots of ice tea, but then I ALWAYS drink lots of ice tea."
18:25:15 : Moderator presents the speakers with question
#43 from Cdu:
Prior to TBP, what was your favorite RPG.
18:25:18 : Ron_jarrel says, "Tea, pepsi, or watermelon gatorade... Joe is a tea snob."
18:25:31 : Moderator says, "tea snob? only tea?"
18:25:53 : Joseph_cochran says, "I don't drink soda. That leaves tea most times..."
18:26:02 : Ron_jarrel says, "Hmm. I kinda grew up on Traveller, Paranoia, and GURPS, with a little Torg and Dnd around the edges."
18:26:21 : Moderator presents the speakers with question
#44 from Dmi:
Has Wireframe designed any other games?
18:26:28 : Joseph_cochran says, "My favorite RPG was Paranoia. I'm just demented that way. In a way it still is, because the focus is SOO different than TBP."
18:27:05 : Moderator says, "All of those games are really fun."
18:27:12 : Joseph_cochran says, "The system used in TBP was a marriage of our live-action system with CEE's combat system. So, yes."
18:27:39 : Ron_jarrel says, "We started as a live roleplaying group. So we did several games before. In fact, TBP's system is based in part on the system we designed for larping."
18:27:45 : Joseph_cochran says, "We're also in the process of designing an all new system for our next RPG line, but that's still under wraps."
18:27:56 : Moderator says, "great stuff..."
18:27:58 : Ron_jarrel says, "We've got a couple of things in the oven too..."
18:28:00 : Moderator presents the speakers with question
#45 from Purple:
Thanks for coming to chat with us Will you come again?
18:28:14 : Ron_jarrel says, "Sure."
18:28:26 : Joseph_cochran says, "Don't be surprised if you see me hanging around here every so often..."
18:28:40 : Moderator says, "Thank you both for coming. Please feel free to step back into Comlink and continue the chat unmoderated."
18:28:57 : Joseph_cochran says, "Now that I've gone to the trouble of setting up ichat, I shouldn't waste it. :)"
18:28:58 : Moderator says, "I'm sure many folks would like to ask questions in a more informal setting."
18:29:07 : Moderator says, "I agree ... come back anytime :)"
18:29:35 : Ron_jarrel says, "Just wish ichats window were a Leeeetle bigger."
18:29:47 : Moderator says, "you can resize ... by dragging the top"
18:30:01 : Moderator says, "meet you all back in comlink!"
18:30:04 : Ron_jarrel says, "Feh. Nooow you tell me."
18:30:14 : Moderator says, "hehe ... now you ask!"
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