The Earth year 2258 was set to be one of new
beginnings but instead became a time of exceptional discord. The
disputes between the Narn and Centauri have steadily escalated as the
two age-old enemies vie for territory and influence, even as the Minbari
subtly manipulate the younger races for their own nebulous ends. The
Vorlons have, for the first time, appeared to other races on board the
Babylon 5 diplomatic station but their motives seem convoluted and
beyond the concerns of others. Even the Earth Alliance has suffered,
with the seemingly accidental death of its president and a growing
feeling among many that its government has become fragmented, with
shadowy groups becoming increasingly self-serving, pursuing secret
agendas with worrying consequences. Terrorist groups have grown
increasingly daring in their activities, trying to secure freedom for
worlds within the Earth Alliance or keep alien influence far from
humanity. Times are growing dark for the weak and helpless, but it is
also fertile ground for opportunists and heroes to leave a permanent
mark on the galaxy.
The Coming of Shadows is a sourcebook for the Babylon 5 roleplaying
game, exploring in detail the personalities and events of 2259. Used in
conjunction with Chapter 8 of the main rulebook, Signs and Portents,
Games Masters can now accurately extend their campaigns and story arcs
beyond 2258 to include the dramatic galaxy-shaking events detailed here.
Every episode of the second season of the Babylon 5 television show is
fully covered in The Coming of Shadows, along with numerous scenario and
campaign hooks that will make it easy to integrate them with ongoing
story arcs already unfolding in current games. As described in Chapter 9
of the main rulebook, Campaigns on Babylon 5, players can witness or
even become directly involved in these events, engaging in story arcs of
their own that may put them at the centre of the galaxy alongside the
heroes of the television show. This sourcebook also includes the main
personalities found on board Babylon 5, updated from those that appeared
in the main rulebook in 2258, as well as featuring a few new faces. New
rules additions, equipment and vehicles are also featured, expanding the
Babylon 5 roleplaying game no matter where or when the Games Master
chooses to set his story arcs and campaigns.
The year 2258 set the scene for players new to the Babylon 5 roleplaying
game. The Coming of Shadows will elevate games to new levels of passion
and excitement as players begin to discover just who the real powers in
the galaxy are. . .
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