Monday, March 4, 2013

Diaspora Parameters for Babylon 5


Back in January, I posted revised Diaspora parameters for use with the Babylon 5 setting. A couple of weeks ago, I put together a set of Aspects for the station. Today we are putting those two things together, treating the station as a planet or system using Diaspora mechanics.

Some of the ratings below may be controversial. I am certainly interested in what others might say.

For System Type, I am using "Major Power Base". When the series starts, Babylon Station is an Earthforce facility, and therefore an asset of a Major Power.

For the Technology parameter, I am using only T+1. This isn't simply because the station lacks artificial gravity - an area where the humans are clearly "behind" the other great powers at the beginning of the TV series. The lower score reflects the fact that B5 most likely lacks the capacity to manufacture items of the size and complexity of jumpgates. It can certainly operate these systems, and can probably repair these systems within certain limits - but it isn't laying down new track, so to speak.

With respect to the Environment parameter, I chose "Survivable World". Again this is probably subject to debate, but it seems pretty clear to me that while there are certainly large areas of the station which are extremely comfortable, there are many other areas, such as Downbelow, which are quite miserable.

For the Resources parameter, I selected "Multiple Dependencies". It is pretty clear that without fairly continuous trade, the station cannot maintain itself and its population.


OGL MECHANICS

System Type: Major Power Base

Technology: T+1 ~ Minor Powers
  • Use jumpgates, use tachyon communications networks
Environment: E-1 ~ Survivable World

Resources: R-3 ~ Multiple Dependencies

ASPECTS:
  • Babylon 5 was a dream given form
  • A port of call for refugees, smugglers, businessmen, diplomats and travelers from a hundred worlds
  • Our last, best hope for peace
  • Nothing here is what it seems


With thanks to Babylon 5 Quotes, and in particular to "The Gathering" quotes page.

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