Convert

Michael Taylor has posted a document converting core elements of FASA's Star Trek to Far Trek!!

Holy crap what a labor of love and what an incredible resource.

So head on over to Michael's Far Trek Yahoo group and download his conversion PDF file. ..and while you are there, why not join his Far Trek group?!

I look forward to reading over Michael's work it really appears to be an epic resource-kudos to you Michael and thanks for sharing!

Beamed away for another day

I hope if you wanted a printed copy of Far Trek with this cover you got one!

If not, sorry...but another opportunity with a different cover will come sometime in early 2016!

To those who very kindly bought a fellow gamer a beer or picked another one of my games? Thanks very much I appreciate greatly your kindness!

I look forward to hearing some gaming reports or reviews of your experiences with Far Trek.

Merry Trek-mas to all and to all a good night!
 

RED ALERT!

Merry Trek-mas!

Your chance to purchase a hard copy of the Far Trek rules starts now! 

This will be available for a LIMITED TIME ONLY! I make absolutely NO PROFIT from your purchase.

...and now it gets even better--use the Lulu code LULURC and get 25% off + FREE SHIPPING!! This code may not work in every country/region so I apologize in advance if it does not work for you.  This code expires 12/13!!

Since you are at Lulu, you can checkout and buy my other games Heroes & Other Worlds or Rogue Space while you are there with this incredible discount offer!

If you like Far Trek and saved some coin on this special deal, consider buying a thirsty fellow gamer a beer won't you?

Drinking a beer at home means I might be able to get another adventure for Far Trek done!

My wife and I wish you and yours every happiness this holiday season--keep on Trekking!

Prepare to beam up...

a chance to get a printed copy of Far Trek!  Next weekend (12/14) you will have a chance to order a physical copy of Far Trek...with a new cover!  Again I make absolutely NO PROFIT from this--so if you like it and feel generous, you can buy a brother beer!

Keep on Trekking!

Star Trek is coming back to TV in 2017...sort of...

Story source

 CBS Television Studios announced today it will launch a totally new Star Trek television series in January 2017. The new series will blast off with a special preview broadcast on the CBS Television Network. The premiere episode and all subsequent first-run episodes will then be available exclusively in the United States on CBS All Access, the Network’s digital subscription video on demand and live streaming service.

The next chapter of the Star Trek franchise will also be distributed concurrently for television and multiple platforms around the world by CBS Studios International.

The new program will be the first original series developed specifically for U.S. audiences for CBS All Access, a cross-platform streaming service that brings viewers thousands of episodes from CBS’s current and past seasons on demand, plus the ability to stream their local CBS Television station live for $5.99 per month. CBS All Access already offers every episode of all previous Star Trek television series.

The brand-new Star Trek will introduce new characters seeking imaginative new worlds and new civilizations, while exploring the dramatic contemporary themes that have been a signature of the franchise since its inception in 1966.

Alex Kurtzman will serve as executive producer for the new Star Trek TV series. Kurtzman co-wrote and produced the blockbuster films Star Trek (2009) with Roberto Orci, and Star Trek Into Darkness (2013) with Orci and Damon Lindelof. Both films were produced and directed by J.J. Abrams.
The new series will be produced by CBS Television Studios in association with Kurtzman’s Secret Hideout. Kurtzman and Heather Kadin will serve as executive producers. Kurtzman is also an executive producer for the hit CBS television series Scorpion and Limitless, along with Kadin and Orci, and for Hawaii Five-0 with Orci.

Star Trek, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2016, is one of the most successful entertainment franchises of all time. The original Star Trek spawned a dozen feature films and five successful television series. Almost half a century later, the Star Trek television series are licensed on a variety of different platforms in more than 190 countries, and the franchise still generates more than a billion social media impressions every month.

Born from the mind of Gene Roddenberry, the original Star Trek series debuted on Sept. 8, 1966 and aired for three seasons – a short run that belied the influence it would have for generations. The series also broke new ground in storytelling and cultural mores, providing a progressive look at topics including race relations, global politics and the environment.
“There is no better time to give Star Trek fans a new series than on the heels of the original show’s 50th anniversary celebration,” said David Stapf, President, CBS Television Studios. “Everyone here has great respect for this storied franchise, and we’re excited to launch its next television chapter in the creative mind and skilled hands of Alex Kurtzman, someone who knows this world and its audience intimately.”

“This new series will premiere to the national CBS audience, then boldly go where no first-run Star Trek series has gone before – directly to its millions of fans through CBS All Access,” said Marc DeBevoise, Executive Vice President/General Manager – CBS Digital Media. “We’ve experienced terrific growth for CBS All Access, expanding the service across affiliates and devices in a very short time. We now have an incredible opportunity to accelerate this growth with the iconic Star Trek, and its devoted and passionate fan base, as our first original series.”

“Every day, an episode of the Star Trek franchise is seen in almost every country in the world,” said Armando Nuñez, President and CEO, CBS Global Distribution Group. “We can’t wait to introduce Star Trek's next voyage on television to its vast global fan base.”

CBS All Access offers its customers more than 7,500 episodes from the current television season, previous seasons and classic shows on demand nationwide, as well as the ability to stream local CBS stations live in more than 110 markets. Subscribers can use the service online and across devices via CBS.com, the CBS App for iOS, Android and Windows 10, as well as on connected devices such as Apple TV, Android TV, Chromecast, Roku players and Roku TV, with more connected devices to come.
The new television series is not related to the upcoming feature film Star Trek Beyond which is scheduled to be distributed by Paramount Pictures in summer 2016.

New reviews

Hey there fellow trekkers, I thought I'd point you to a couple new reviews!

  Always good to get another opinion and if you aren't sure if Far Trek is for you--this might help you decide one way or the other.

Check out the reviews and keep on Trekking!

Beamed away...

 

Sorry for those who missed it, but the chance to get a physical copy has beamed away.  At some point there may be another chance with a different cover, but for now, please download the complete game PDF for free as well as the first Far Trek adventure.

To those who kindly bought a brother a beer, thanks very much I do truly appreciate it!

Keep on Trekking!

Keep calm and boldly go!

Happy Birthday to Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek!  Thanks for all the inspiration and imagination!  Although the "Great Bird of the Galaxy" passed away in 1991, his creation still lives on and inspires millions around the world.

You can now download the complete game rules in PDF form for free!! Not only that--but the first Far Trek adventure is also a free download as well in the downloads!

I very much appreciate those who chipped in to buy a brother a beer, and if you enjoy Far Trek, feel free to chip in some beer money too Trekking is thirsty work!

Thanks again to Darren Bulmer for helping to expand and edit this edition of Far Trek and Joe Walerko for all his assistance in editing this edition.

With over 4600 downloads of the original, I sure hope you will enjoy this newly revised, expanded and edited edition!

Back from sickbay

Michele Specht as Dr. Elise McKennah in Star Trek Continues

The new version 2 edit of Far Trek is available for download NOW!

Thanks to Darren Bulmer and Joe Walerko this edit should be a much better version.  Can't say its perfect--but it is (hopefully) much better and should act as the final guts of the physical book...coming THIS WEEK!

Thanks for your support and hope you like the game.

4000+

4000+ downloads of the new Far Trek edition!  WOW!  

Well I hope some of you down loaders would be interested in a new Far Trek yahoo group!  Michael Taylor has set one up to discuss alternate rules, equipment and to share adventures!

In that spirit, I'd like folks to consider if they'd like to submit their stuff to me and I could put it together a free download 'zine called Trekking for us all to enjoy! Any interest?

The re-edit of Far Trek is nearly done as is the first adventure--which will also be a free download.

As to the physical version?

I give you this warning--it will be available sometime next week! 

Again it will be up for a LIMITED time (about 24 hours) and this cover version will not be available again!

Note, I make NO PROFIT from this you are buying at production cost from Lulu.

Last, a heartfelt thanks to the kind souls who bought me a beer.  I managed to get a whole case of Shiner Black thanks to you!  I appreciate your kindness as writing is thirsty work and my wife assures putting up with my crazy game stuff deserves a fine beer or two as well! Grateful for your kindness!



Keep on Trekking!

Meanwhile back on the bridge...

Less than 1 day left to vote for the print version cover you like, although at this point it seems a forgone conclusion!

In the meantime, Joe Walerko took the time to lend his expert technical writing and editing eye to Far Trek and I am currently re-editing the rule set.  In addition, thanks to a good critical review from Michael Taylor, I am making some additional tweaks. This includes adding creature images where I could find them.

Lastly, I am editing an adventure for Far Trek--it won't be in the book, but will be a free download and if all works out it should be ready in August.

If you are near Las Vegas the Official Star Trek Convention is happening now--so beam on over and check it out!

Keep on Trekking!

Port or Starboard and a review!

Above are two of the "retro" covers I am considering when the print version goes up. Note the print will only be available for order for a VERY LIMITED (less than 1 day) time period and I make NO profit from it. Also once that cover is printed and done, it will never be back...

Let me know if either of these are interesting to you and if so which one Port (left) or Starboard (right).

Vote in the "I prefer " poll to your right to make your opinion count.

Michale Taylor has posted a good critical review of Far Trek, check it out here.

Keep on Trekkin'

Fascinating

Over on RPG Geek, they list "the hotness" which seems to be a list of rpg's based on user clicks of interest...currently Far Trek tops D&D...are you kidding--during GenCon week? That's flippin' crazy! Anyway, if someone wanted to write a quick review or first look and post it--there is certainly a lot of folks interested in what you have to think right now.  If you do post something, let me know and I will link back to it on the Far Trek site.

Keep on Trekkin'

Romulan ale

I just wanted to take a minute to thank personally the kind person who donated and "bought a brother a beer." 

My wife and I enjoyed some ice cold Shiner Black lager tonight thanks to you!  Its hard to find, but damn worth the hunt. So cheers to you kind sir and thanks so much, hope you dig the game!

These are the continuing voyages...

I am happy to announce the release of the revised edition of Far Trek!

 It is available for free and the PDF can be beamed aboard now!

I want to give special thanks to Mike Berkey for sharing his original creation and providing the inspiration for Far Trek.  I especially want to thank Darren Bulmer as he contributed a lot to this new edition in time, energy, editing eye and additional content.

At some point in the very near future, and for a very limited time, a 6x9 print version will be made available to order via Lulu.  It will be offered at NO PROFIT to me, just the cost of production for Lulu.

What is the date?  Well its a berry logical one to celebrate...

In the meantime, download the new edition and keep on trekking!

Hey if you are a TOS fiction fan, or want some grist for the Far Trek gaming mill, there is about ONE DAY LEFT to get in on The Romulan War and Four Years War Techmanual Kickstarter

You can download Mr. Fender's four novels about the Four Year's War for FREE right over here. 

Note, I am just a fan of Mr. Fender's work in the TOS universe and have no other motive or connection.

Trek fun

While only the cover on the far left is possible, I thought it was fun to see some alternative options.

Also the notion of modifying and using the old TOPPS Star Trek collector card wrapper as the cover would be fun.

So while there will be a limited opportunity to buy a hard copy version (at production cost/not for profit) it will not be a hard back book--but a soft cover book, 6x9 sized. 

Keep on trekking!

 Emmaliene as Femme Kirk |  Paingu as Femme Spock | Yari as Femme Scotty |  Mimi Reaves as Janice Rand | Photo: Dale Leung

Old School Trekking

The original version of Far Trek comes in at about 90 pages loaded with art.  The current revised edition is 144 pages with minimal art.

So there are substantial additions although the majority is in the Appendices.

There are lots of new races, new creatures, new classes and expanded options for playing as Klingons or Romulans.

A couple new ships added (Bird of Prey baby!) and some general clean-up and clarifications that should make it easier to understand and play.

If you are looking for TOS era inspirations while you are waiting I can recommend the Vanguard series of novels---or the newly released FREE series Four Years War novels (based on the old FASA ST:RPG supplement) from Stephen A. Fender.

Mr. Fender has a new kickstarter for a Romulan War novel series and a Four Year War Tech Manual!

Two Cover ideas: 70's style (left) and 80's style (right)--any thoughts?

Prepare to beam aboard

Far Trek 2.0 is nearly complete.  All of the writing is done and it is now in final editing.  I will add a simple Index to this edition and then the voyage continues...

I think the revised edition is a major upgrade with lots of new content.  I am thankful to comments made on the blog over the year and especially to Mike Berkey for creating and sharing Where No Man has Gone Before the basis and inspiration for Far Trek and to Darren Bulmer for lots of contributions and edits that greatly enhanced and improved this new edition.

The PDF will be offered for free download on this site and a limited time link will be made available to buy a hard copy at production cost (NO PROFIT).

Thanks for your support and patience over the years, I certainly hope you will dig it!


Model: Yaya Han
Photo by: Benny Lee Photography
Uniform by: ANOVOS
Photographed on the set of “Star Trek Continues”

Star Trek: Uncharted

Well exciting news fellow Trek fans, a fellow fan Michael Gunmelt is getting the chance to officially pitch a new TV series to Paramount--Star Trek: Uncharted. 

A concept for a new Star Trek TV series, modernized for the 21st century with a new format, new technology, a new crew and a new mission.  My goal is to get the pitch in front of Paramount/CBS/Bad Robot and, hopefully, have it go into production in time to air on the 50th anniversary of Star Trek in 2016.

I've been working on this concept for 20 years.  In that time, I've revised and revisited and polished the concept, continually updating it as the years passed.  All the while, I tried to keep the core values of Good Trek in mind:

• Interesting, diverse characters who interact and grow.
• A progressive, optimistic view of the future.
• The thrill of discovery, the adventure of the unknown.
• Space exploration.
• High concept sci-fi, but with a respect for and grounding in real science.
• Cutting-edge technology.

The show synopsis is as follows:

The series picks up 200 years after the adventures of Captain Kirk and the original crew of the Enterprise. A signal is received from the Andromeda Galaxy, from a species claiming to be the creators of all life in the Milky Way. With the invention of new interstellar travel technology, probes have successfully returned with data from the Andromeda Galaxy. A new USS Enterprise is constructed to explore this new galaxy and establish first contact with the messengers.

This all sounds great to me a ST is best on the small screen I think, where story must come before effects budgets.  

On my own endeavor, thanks to contributions and help from Darren Bulmer, FAR TREK 2.0 is shaping up to be quite a nifty little effort.  I have the Romulan section to complete and some added bits an bobs to filter in but I am still working towards a summer release. 

I will plan to offer (at no profit) a one day opportunity to buy a physical book through Lulu once the effort is ready.  I will give notice of maybe a few hours before it goes live, but it will be a very short window.  

Keep on trekking!

Green Shirts

One of the additions to FT will be a new class: Green Shirts. These are Federation Marines, Spec-Ops, Intelligence services.

While Red Shirts are great general security forces, sometimes a little something extra is necessary.  Think of these as the "Special Forces" used to get in and get out of dangerous situations.

They can of course be ignored as a class by purists no problem, but anything that gives a referee more ideas and adventure options is a good thing in my book--literally in this case. 

Ha' vIghel tlhInganpu'

Let's talk about Klingons.  When they changed the look of Klingons in the first ST motion picture they threw a bit of a wrench into the Star Trek universe.  Apparently Gene Roddenberry approved of the change, even saying that the new look is how he saw Klingons, but due to TV budgets could not implement it. 

I have to call BS on that as a simple nose ridge, head ridge or some sort of other prosthetic difference beyond a beard would have been feasible if that was the original intent to have them look anywhere close to what they do now.

Secondly, there are attempts to explain the change as a bit of retro-genetic manipulation to "downgrade" Klingons genetically to look more like whomever (Humans/Romulans) they interacted with.  Given Klingon culture, that does not make any rationale sense.  Okay maybe a few spies or possilby a diplomat would subject themselves to a downgrade---but entire ship crews and thousands of others downgraded to appear like an inferior species of beings to be more appealing to them? Less threatening to them? Better able to interact/negotiate with them?  Negatvie ghost rider--that does not fit established Klingon philosophy/politics.

So what does fit?  Follow me here, using our own species experience as a guide.  From historical, to military, to atheletes, we always try to UPGRADE our own strengths and abilities with a goal to be better, faster, stronger.  Intense physical workouts, steroids, gene therapy, genetic manipulation, you name it we humans will try it in a chance to be better than everyday normal human.  We do not seek to create a weaker version of ourselves to be more friendly...we seek to create an ubermensch.  Take Khan Noonian Singh and the Eugenic Wars. Humanity tried this in the ST universe and it lead to wars, destruction and the exile of Khan and his followers.  So while Earth learned its hard lessons about the dangers, suppose a race less concerned with general welfare, peace and civil society did the same things.

Now we come to Klingons.  Given their militaristic and competitive natures, wouldn't it be more logical that the genetic manipulations and tests would be exercised to create an ubermensch Klingon. One that would be better, faster, stronger--more intimidating, more militaristic and barbaric, more able to dominate others they come into contact with...not less able?

To that end I suggest that the TOS Klingons are the true and original klingon race. Their doctors and scientists found a way to unlock an original genetic / lower evolved genetic code that brought forth Imperial Klingons used now, or through bio-chemistry developed the DNA coding that gave rise to this new Klingon race.

Now that the TOS Klingons have created a Klingon ubermensch offshoot race--better, faster, stronger-- in so doing they have created their own undoing.  Given the species philosophy to drive for power and glory, any Klingon worth his disruptor would want to undergo the change due to the additional physical power available. Second, it is natural (given the socio-politcal) philosophy of Klingons that the ubermensch klingons would eventually seek to take power from the original, weaker race.  So the "new race" would come to dominate the original race through combat, seize power and then designate themselves "the imperial" race of Klingons. 

Now the imperial Klingons rule everything--but that does not mean the original race is not still out there somewhere--maybe they are the scientists or doctors seeking to reverse the curse? Maybe they are exiled onto frontier planets left to survive as best they can?  Maybe they are given crap assignments at the ass end of the universe? Maybe they were forced to undergo "gene therapy or die" by the imperial race? Was there (is there) a Klingon civil war between the races?  Maybe they are now limited to science positions or limited spy duty--sort of the librarians of the Klingon race? Maybe they are living in exile colonies hidden away and protected in Romulan space explaining how Romulans got Klingon ships?

I think my own look at and explanation of the racial difference from TOS Klingons to Imperial Klingons now makes logical sense for the ST universe and allows for lots of possibilities and ideas when you Trek.

Live long and prosper true believers!

3 more...and more

Here is one cover idea in 3 versions--I like this cover idea being simple. So if you like one let me know--and if you hate them? I am cool with you letting me know that as well.

Meanwhile back at Starbase Brandon, Darren Bulmer is helping to make Far Trek's next edition a lot more interesting by supplying creatures and aliens found in the Trek animated series!  They will all be included Appendixes!

In addition new classes (merchants/Special Citizens/Klingons/Romulans) will also have their own Appendixes.  So a retooled and upgraded Far Trek is coming right along...the voyage continues...

Skills

Here is a potential list of general skills, anything missing?

General Skills	DEFINITION
Armed Melee	Skilled use of hand to hand weapons in combat
Arts	Painting, singing, writing, acting, instruments, etc.
Athletics	Expert at a sport and can be used in physical challenges
Computers	Ability to gather data, create programs, or hack systems
Driving	Steer wheeled, tracked, or hover vehicles.
Electronics	Use, repair and construction of electronic devices
Interrogate	Use charm or threats to gather information from another
Investigate	Find clues or hidden things, notice small details, connect data points
Knowledge	Specific subject expert: literature, history, geography, alien race, etc.
Language	Speaking a language other than your own
Marksmanship	Using ranged weapons in combat
Piloting	Shuttles, planes, etc.
Streetwise	Surviving in an urban environment, knowing where to get things
Subterfuge	Use stealth, sticky fingers, and guile to get what you want
Survival	Staying alive in harsh environments
Unarmed Melee	Hand to hand fighting without weapons

what's up?

I know, I know...when is this freaking 2.0 edition EVAH going to come out? With a lot of great feedback there are changes to be made--but mostly I want to add in additional material like Klingons as playable, Romulans as playable, and merchants and traders.  So there is still stuff to be written, new skills added and of course clarifications in the original rule set.  I may also have a NO PROFIT print copy made available through Lulu--you'd just pay printing cost of a copy, to be clear I make NO money at all.

These are the two different covers in consideration for Far Trek 2.0--let me know if either one strikes you as better than the other.

Boldly go my friends!

Rest in Peace Leonard Nimoy

Thanks for the perfect moments and so many fine memories