Showing posts with label space ranger. Show all posts
Showing posts with label space ranger. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Join the Cosmic Patrol at Free RPG Day this weekend!

Calling all Patrolmen! Come explore and protect the solar system in a retro space game this Saturday at the Source. I'm running "The Doomsday Protocols," a quick-start adventure for Cosmic Patrol by Catalyst Game Labs.

The particulars:
  • 6pm - close at Source Comics & Games 
  • Pre-generated male and female characters will be provided 
  • BYO polyhedrals

Seal your space helmet and buckle your jet pack for some ray-blasting pulp adventures!

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Classes for Rad Astra and more


Here's a recap of some, like, totally bitchin' classes for Rad Astra campaign setting for X-plorers that you can totally try out in your next scifi game! They're easily adaptable to most other scifi games. More are in the works.

  • Starbuckler - Swashbuckling, space hero type (rogue/smuggler/pirate etc.) 
  • Astrosassin - Agents of interstellar espionage, like Barbarella, Mara Jade, James Bond via Moonraker, and any number of ninjas, etc.
  • Starbarian - Interplanetary muscle, think He-Man, St. Examin, Thundarr, Zandor and family from Herculoids

Other classes:

Space Ranger (Long arm of galactic law: Buck Rogers, Buzz Lightyear, etc.)

Starship Gunner - Great shot kid, but don't get cocky! (Still mulling this one over a bit)


Stay tuned for more!

STARBUCKLER, ASTROSASSIN, and STARBARIAN are copyright  2013 and 2014. I've permission from X-plorers publisher, Brave Halfling to use the game's rules and stats and intend to publish a supplement, using the class names and descriptions above. The same goes for the descriptions for the Space Ranger and Starship Gunner classes. You may use them in your games, but may not use them for profit.

Friday, January 13, 2012

Interstellar Inspiration: Space Rangers in Action (Part 4)

And now for your enjoyment and inspiration, a gallery of space rangers! Let's start with a few classic interpretations:
DC Comic's own Adam Strange...
And the original Space Ranger, Buck Rogers...
Here's one peeled from the likes of Fantasy Ink (one of my favorite art blogs). It's a Don Newton cover from Unknown Worlds of Sci-Fi. It's made the rounds, and for good reason:
A still from Robinson Crusoe on Mars: 
Now here's a good example of an outer space agent of the law: Sean Connery's Federal Marshal O'Niel from the movie Outland. I always preferred this one to the crappy "shotgun" poster which wasn't sci-fi enough for me:
BONUS: Needles over at Swords and Stitchery posted a gorgeous gallery last summer of comic wiz Jim Steranko's interpretation.
Valerian and Laureline take an EVA in an debris field in the French comic:
I think I've mentioned before about my love of Travis Charest's Spacegirl...
This is ol' fashioned video game arcade cabinet artwork:
Fantastic John Berkey painting:
Rangers on the run!
I believe this is a Pathfinder system illustration. Man would I love to see what kind of sci-fi they could whip up with their writers and artists....
As promised 1d30, here's Buzz Lightyear, a fine example of an armored Space Ranger. File these under "nontraditional interpretations"...
Finally, my favorite, recent space ranger incarnation, Heath Huston from Fear Agent (third one is fan art):
Click on images to enlarge.

This concludes the main posts for the Space Ranger Class series, though I wouldn't rule out future supplements. ;)

Now get out those dice and get rolling! 

The Space Ranger Class (Parts 1-4)
Use tags below to see more.

Monday, January 9, 2012

Space Rangers in the Movies: Planet of Storms



While I working on a few upcoming gallery posts of space rangers, I stumbled upon this awesome find. It's a 1962 Russian sci-fi EPIC called Planeta Bur a.k.a. Planet of the Storms. Directed by Soviet Era filmmaker Pavel Klushantsev, it features some seriously slick production values in the way of costumes and vehicle designs, but is probably best remembered for it's Robby look-alike "John the Robot". Wikipedia says the costume had over 42-points of articulation, which I'm pretty sure outdoes Robby by about 40 points. [snark!]


Here, our intrepid explorers are beset upon by human-sized Godzillas:



The plot, according to Wikipedia:
In the future, a Soviet-American expedition to Venus encounters problems upon landing and must be rescued by a companion ship already in orbit around the planet. The cosmonauts must overcome adversity and challenges using their courage, skills and technology.
Pieces of the film made their way into the Roger Corman's "Journey to the Planet of the Prehistoric Women".


Vehicle design:

Snazzy space threads:


DVD and movie posters:




And best of all, action shots:




"What's that you NASA punk? You wanna hitch a ride on the Soyuz?"

BONUS:
Here's a moon landing scene from Klushantsev's earlier film Road to the Stars, which was part documentary-part sci-fi imagining. Think Wonderful World of Disney's Tommorrowland for the Soviets.


Thursday, January 5, 2012

Ray Gun Inspiration: "The Atomic Auditor"


If I had my way, I'd commission an entire armory filled with these babies to be the model for the "Atomic Auditor" carried by every Space Ranger. 

Here's a small selection of what I'd consider to be "variations on a theme", namely snub nosed, silvery, and wide barreled or flared at the end. Many of them are custom props--the one above is a 3D render by Deviant Artist Polperdelmar and among my very favorites.  




Speaking of space ranger suits...



This music video for the band Owl City features a couple of guys in some fantastic, retro-looking space getups. Dig those helmets which remind me of Wally Wood's classic futuristic astronaut look with the metal nodules embedded in the bubble helmets:

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Space Ranger Standard Issue: Equipment & Vehicle Requisitions (Part 3)

"Say, could you do me a solid and run back to the ship and grab the Universal Translator and bug spray?"
The Space Ranger Corps. is magnificently proud of its elite personnel who exemplify cunning, hardiness, and bravery in the face of overwhelming cosmic peril. However, there is one final attribute vital to a Ranger's success in the field: being prepared. As a member of the enforcement branch of Central Space Command (CSC) and a duly-deputized officer of interstellar justice, the responsibility for being well equipped for any and all eventualities rests solidly on your shoulders.

It's true, you will rarely have the upper hand when confronted with extraterrestrial terror, but the CSC has worked hard to properly train and outfit Rangers for nearly every eventuality. As such, you will begin your career with the following tools as standard issue to help get the job done!

The following post covers personal gear and equipment for every beginning Space Ranger as well as some upgrades. Basic spacecraft available to Rangers in the field are also covered.

NOTE: This post is part a series of Space Ranger class posts. It assumes familiarity with the X-plorers science fiction role-playing game rules, which can be found at Brave Halfling.

Standard Equipment
All Space Rangers have the following beginning equipment requisitioned to them at no cost. Additional mission module packs for planetary survival, rations, etc. will be assigned prior to mission.
  • Body suit and skull cap (temperature controlling fabric) -2 damage to heat and cold
  • Space pressurization suit (includes re-breather system, padded gloves 
  • Space helmet with retractable shielding, solar visor, and personal communications radio
  • Heavy-duty, planetary encounter footwear with retractable cleats (+1 move over ice and rock surfaces) and mag-lock for hull-side excursions
  • Wrist-mounted controller/chronometer/mission recorder module
  • Laser pistol sidearm "Atomic Auditor" class, includes holster and 4 power clips (10 blasts each)
  • Space Ranger badge (encoded with Ranger's DNA and unique CSC badge number, used universally as ID)
  • Mission harness with mini power supply
  • Jet pack (requires mission vest to power and hook up)
  • 12 inch jungle knife, calf holster

Additional Equipment and Gear Upgrades
Rangers can purchase additional items a 20% discount which will be deducted from their CSC pay. In extreme cases, the Referee/GM may deem their use mission critical at no cost.

Weapons
  • Laser rifle (with or without bayonet) comes with shoulder brace, carrying strap, and scope with +1 accuracy bonus; a sniper tripod also is available adding an additional +1 for accuracy
  • Plasma grenade belt (holds 6) 
  • Zookatube (shoulder mounted energy weapon)
  • Shock-lance (2 meter, electrified lance that delivers up to ten 100k volt shocks for stunning or shoots five 50k volt blasts up to 20 meters)
  • Single clip wrist blaster (laser blasts; up to 30 per clip; or 4 mini rockets per clip)
  • Liquid nitrogen spray canister (10 meter range, stream or cone nozzle)
  • Don't forget additional ammunition for any of the above
Rangers specializing in any of the above weapons receive an additional 10% discount on their weapon of choice. (Base costs determined by Referee/GM. Some items may already be covered in X-plorers rules in case you need a place to start.)

Jetpacks can be used for in-atmosphere or orbital excursions.  Don't be like these jokers--wear a helmet for Buck's sake!
Additional Gear and Upgrades
  • Utility belt with 6 power clips for pistol ammo 
  • Vibro spurs for beast riding (extra 10% discount Rangers with Beast Riding skill)
  • Wrist con upgrades including remote pilot controls; grapnel/climbing attachments; sensors pack for geologic, particle, and climate readings; and aforementioned wrist blaster)
  • Helmet upgrades, macro binocular sensor, microscope setting, parabolic reconnaissance scope, armor class upgrade (see space suit upgrades)
  • Armor upgrades to space suit
  • Holographic camouflage suit upgrade
  • Grapple/zip line gun (gas-powered; 100 meter line)
  • Personal force field screen 1d6 protection vs. melee, 3 vs. projectile, 2 vs. beam
  • Sensor array pack (small rotating antennae or dish affixes to shoulder or helmet and extends sensor range by up to 3d10 x 10 meters)
  • Aqua fin attachments for boots, helmet, and forearms
  • Single form, heavy armor "bullet" helmet (-2 AC protection)
NOTE: As a general rule, Space Rangers don't typically wear armored power suits (fully enclosed) except during a declared galactic conflict or war, in which case they would be outfitted as marines on behind-enemy-lines missions. 

Apollo 27 class patrol ship, built at the shipyards of Pegasus Hobbies.
Standard Spacecraft Assignment
All Space Rangers are assigned to a small patrol craft that is equipped with the following standard compliment and capabilities:
  • Pilot and co-pilot control consoles
  • Capacity for up to 2 additional humanoid-sized passengers
  • Mounted, dual lasers (forward facing)
  • Lightspeed capable hyperdrive, runs on DynaQuark
  • 2 nacelles boosters for sublight travel 
  • Medium grade shields/armor
  • Basic short range (within 1 AU) and long range (40 AU) sensors 
  • No greater than 30 meters stem to stern
  • .5 metric ton cargo capacity to include space for mission gear/supplies and arms; space cannot be converted into housing for additional upgrades; powered bay doors are included
  • Firing magnetic clamp on 100 meter winch for loading/towing
  • 2 life support hoses for EVA service, 20 meters each
Upgrades include:
  • A.I. ship control 
  • Reinforced hull plating
  • Sensor blurring hull coating (enemy sensors suffer -3)
  • Additional weapons including gun turret with gun station (note: requires crew other than pilot who cannot operate simultaneously)
  • Upgraded sensors (deep space, launch probes, etc.)
  • Tractor beam (up to 300 meter range)
  • Additional cargo pods (configuration is up to player or ref) up to 2.0 metric tons
  • Speed/propulsion upgrade for sublight and/or atmospheric travel (1 additional move per nacelle, up to 3 additional nacelles)
  • Escape capsule (serves 2)
Sadly Commander Kirk failed to realize Officer Rhett Shird's seat was on the OPPOSITE side of the escape capsule--face down in the snow.
Any additional upgrades constitute a larger ship class and should therefore be handled as a mission requisition or separate spacecraft assignment by the Referee. Crew capacity and cargo capacity are capped for these purposes. Additional mission vehicles, such as moonwagons or other planetary excursion conveyances will be assigned prior to mission assignment (by the Referee).

NOTES:

  • Referees should feel free to supplement equipment upgrades with recovered/reconditioned space junk and fine goods purchased through Galactic Outfitters. CSC discounts may or may not apply.
  • Referees should also feel empowered to withhold any item from a cadet deemed unprepared to handle said equipment.


Previous: Standard Issue: Equipment & Vehicles, Space Rangers Class and Space Rangers Introduction
Next: Space Rangers in action!