Inspired by my recent particpation in the Pandemic online game session, I would like to attempt an online game of Battlestar Galactica.

I have received the green light from FFG to do this including using graphics of the boards and other game pieces to track the game status. However, as cards come up, I can only publish titles - which means anyone involved will have to have their own copy of the game to reference the cards.

I have spent the last few days pulling everything together and think I am ready to get started. I have a few final things to wrap up but that should not effect seeing if anyone else is intereted.

So far, here is the plan and framework of rules:

1) I will moderate this game, take care of all game status updates through Photoshop, distribute all cards, and be arbitrator of any disputes. I will not particpate in the game play.

2) I will take the first 6 players interested that can commit to daily check-ins of the game state and commit to the entire game (possible 2 month commitment)

3) As already stated, all players must have their own copies of the game as I am only going to publish card titles.

4) We will follow the FFG rules as best as possible, consult the latest FAQ as needed, and contact Corey on major issues that can not be resolved. This includes drawing for characters, secrecy rules, etc.

5) I am using Excel to randomize the cards in each deck. I will also use Excel to randomly select a die value when that is necessary.

6) I will use GeekMail to send out all private information (such as type of Skill cards drawn, and type of Skill cards played into a check) but all other info will be public in this thread (such as quantity of Skill cards drawn, and title of Crisis card drawn. Direct player to player communication is discouraged (since I can't monitor it anyway) so all communication should be in the forum thread. Anyone can comment in the threads (including non-players) but players must discern what they listen to and what they ignore!

7) Once a turn has been completed, I will post the summary of the turn and the graphic of the game state in a GeekList.

8) Since the game state requires some work and Photoshop, I project only being able to complete a player turn a day (as I have to be at home to take care of that stuff). I will do my best to respond with card draws and other intermediate game maintenance through-out the day. If play moves quicker, that is fine.

9) Procedures will be formalized after input from the community. I have tried to be pretty thorough in preparing for this but could have missed a few things.

10) Rules are also subject to change if FFG gets heartburn over anything posted. I have a pretty good relationship with some of them and I don't want to do anything to strain that.

Here is a sample of the graphics I intend to use (I may reduce the resolution again though as this file is pretty huge). This is a 5-player game that is in the process of being set-up:



I created the image in Photoshop:
Board, Card backs, some of the tokens and Character sheets are my own scans
Plastic ship pieces came from rgatti:

Character markers came from Carpenoctem:

Balance of game tokens (some not shown in the sample) cam from nastycleavage:

Count me in!

I should be able to contribute daily, except if my job calls me off for a day or two and most of the time even then, I will have internet most of the time.

I luv blasting frakkin toasters. I'm onboard.

Oh god. IN IN IN IN IN

Count me in! sounds fun!

Can I get in on this. I would love it

Yes I think I'm in as well.

Edit: I just notice I'm #6 for a 5 player game, but I'm available if anyone drops out.

Edit: or is it just that the picture refers to 5 players, the main article says 6 so maybe I'm still OK

I would let you in but you have shown yourself to be a cylon using "god" in the singular.

You'll will be the 6th. The graphic was just a sample (I wanted to show the blank space).

Any further thoughts on what I have written or questions on the graphic?

I might be interested, but I'd have to note the following points for honesty:

1) I'm pretty much a rookie; I've played maybe one or two games solo. But, from that, I obviously own the game [grin].

2) I can commit to checking and updating daily -- assuming most of the time it's about 15 minutes or so to do that; at least generally less than one hour -- 99% of the time. However, there are some days in the next couple of months where I'm likely to go out of town and away from my internet connection (right now, basically the first weekend in April and one weekend mid-May ... Canadian long weekend holidays, basically). So if that's okay, I can play.

(And in the two minutes it took me to write this, it filled up. Never mind then [grin]).

I'm interested in there is still room.

I expected it to fill fast. Until I get into it, I won't know how much of a time commitment it will be on my part. So I am hesitant to committ to a 2nd game just yet - especially during the first one though.

But feel free to watch this and learn. One of the "selling points" to FFG (whether they bought it or not) was this could be a teaching tool for the game.

As far as time commitment, it should be a 5 or 10 minute commitment a day. Slightly more time when it is your turn as you have a few more decisions to make. Time ooff is understandable but if people are going to be out for an extended period of time, I would appreciate a heads up and possible other arrangements made (like a proxy player for example).

Frakk the gods, I'm too late!!! I'll peek over the Aging One's shoulder while he plays. Maybe next time.

Brian, when you get the PBEM system worked out, would you consider making it available to others who might like to prosper from your long hours of hard work??? :-)

Edited to say that even though I didn't explicitly say that I'd like to be added into the cue for Game 2 (if there is one), that is my wish.

These are the 6 players I have.

User Name Location
Alex K. Alex40K Germany
David Knepper Aging One Alabama, USA
Ben N. StatSig Georgia, USA
Seiya V seiyaaa Japan
Andre Levasque Anoir Alberta, Canada
Halesowen Boardgamer DaveD UK


Please send me a GeekMail with your preferred name that we may call you (if different than your BGG info) and an alternate means of contact (like your email address) in case we can't get your attention on BGG. Also, please subscribe to this thread for notifications.

I will randomly assign a player order and then you can choose characters. I hope to have set-up done this evening so the turns can begin.

In general, this is how turns will go:
("GeekMail" indicates private communication to only me and "Post" means public communication on this thread)

1) I will send you a GeekMail stating which Skill cards you drew. If you have a choose in the matter, please Post how many of each type you want.
2) After you receive your cards, Post your Move and your Action. Announce if a Skill Check is necessary
3) When a Skill check is necessary, in player order, Post the quantity of Skill cards you are playing (if any) and immediately GeekMail the type of each. Once I have collected all Skill cards, I will randomly add two from the Destiny deck and declare the outcome.
4) If "interrupt" cards are played, it is each player's responsibility to declare when they want to use them. I may prompt for them the first few turns until we are comfortable that it can be handled fairly.
5) I will Post the Crisis card, the current player (or appropriate player) will Post the choice. Skill checks will be handled as above. I will use excel to generate dice.
6) If ships are to be activated, the current player will Post each section to be resolved and Post any other decisions that are necessary. I have identified each space section with numbers and each Centurion with a color for easier communication.
7) If you are over your hand limit, GeekMail which cards are to be discarded.
8) If any choices are to be private, I will GeekMail the choices (such as the 2 destination cards for the admiral, etc.).

If you have any questions or would like more info on the gameboard, please ask/post now. Thanks!

To answer a question I received:

When I send you the Skill card, it will tell you the value as well, suchs as "Repair 2" or "Declare Emergency 4."

One of the "clean-up" items I need to take care of is I realized that some of the "duplicate" Crisis cards have different Activation and Jump symbols - so they are not exact duplicates. I will ID those before I shuffle as well so just need to make sure I find them all first.

You just guaranteed that you'll be a toaster yourself...

I'll have my eye on him

If you get a second game going. Let me know.

Will do. Let me see how much this work turns out to be. If I think I can handle it after a turn or two, I might start up a 2nd one. If I do, I will fill the slots for those already in line.

If you want I can have Mr Bistro send you the email form we have been using for our PBEM games as well as the tracking Excel spreadsheet he uses to track resource and loyalty cards.

Sure, I'll take a look at it, if you don't mind. I created one already but wouldn't mind comparing it to a field tested one. mola76 AT sbcglobal DOT net.

I am waiting for the final player to check in and confirm he is playing. But we can go ahead and continue with start up in the meantime.


Setup - Part 1

3. Determine First Player: Randomly choose a player to be
the first player, and give him the current player token.

Player order will be as follows:
1) Dave D - Tom Zarek
2) Alex - Lee "Apollo" Adama
3) Ben - William Adama - ADMIRAL
4) David K knepper - Laura Roslin - PRESIDENT
5) anoir - Karl "Helo" Agathon
6) Seiya - Sharon "Boomer" Valerii

4. Choose and Place Characters: Starting with the first
player and proceeding clockwise, each player chooses a
character of the character type(s) that is most plentiful
(political leader, military leader, or pilot). This restriction
does not apply to support characters, who may be
chosen at any time.

Dave D, please select your character and POST here. Once he has posted, please follow in order. (As I mentioned, I would like to follow the rule book, including character selection - however - if the majority of you want to be free to select whoever, I am fine with that as well).

I'm working through the different characters as I play, this time I think I'll go with Tom Zarek.

Shucks. Well, would be interested in future, online games of BSG of this format. Even so, it's gonna be neat to have a detailed, written record of the session here

Can you please put me on the list for the next game that comes up? Thank you!

Bill