“War is the continuation of politics by other means.”
— Clausewitz
“Diplomacy is a continuation of war by other means.”
— Zhou Enlai
There are as many philosophies of diplomacy in this game as there are Planets players, and it takes a wise man indeed to know which is right. In the end, no one can decide for you; you must choose your own path.
Continue readingIn the Age of COVID-19, there’s only three months left for Planets Con 2020. Let’s git ‘er done!
I have survived the COVID-19 pandemic in a region of Canada called “The Maritimes”. My province has seen less than two hundred cases, but it has nonetheless been an unnerving time. Our children started school in early September and most of us have braced for the potential second wave of the virus. And so, my thoughts, naturally, have turned (pun intended) to Planets Con 2020. (You were thinking that too, eh?) In these uncertain times, how will our beloved con look? Pre-recorded videos? Hosted broadcast a la brilliance de Griffin? Zoom video chats? Heck, I’d go for a beer and text chat!
Continue readingWe have a unified vision — well, mostly unified.
The Cylons have taken over the Planets Magazine. Thanks to their revolutionary Resurrection Ship technology, the venerable magazine has been brought back from the dead, and now… No, seriously: We may be back, but we’re not Cylons.
(Although…would we really know? -G) (Speak for yourself. -T)
NOTE: PPQ is an experimental system, still in development. Joshua has mentioned that he’s not satisfied with some aspects of it and intends to make a few changes. So this should not be considered an authoritative guide, but rather a collection of logistics tactics and stratagems that anyone can read and use. That way, we’re all facing what could otherwise be an intimidating innovation on a relatively equal footing. That’s the intent, anyway. -G
Well, it’s official: We’re using the New Nu Queue in League games as well as in some private ones, and a lot of you will have run into it by now. That doesn’t mean, however, that everyone will be equally familiar with how it works and how best to take advantage.
Continue readingAs our first project here at the revived Planets Magazine, we wanted to touch base with Joshua and get a look at some of the coming events we have to look forward to at Planets Nu. He’s agreed to let us see a little bit of what he’s got in mind for the coming months.
(The following has been condensed from a rather lengthy email chain. Just, you know, kinda imagine we’re in a comfy studio with nice cups of tea and a plate of cookies, chilling. -Editor)
Hi! I’m Gnerphk and this is Talespin. (Pretend you can see him wave. He’s waving now.) We’ve tracked down the enigmatic Joshua to ask him a few questions about Planets Nu: how we’re doing, where we’re heading, and what we’re likely to see in the future.
Continue readingIt’s official! The Planets Magazine is back!
I’m Gnerphk; I’ll be Editor-in-Chief. Talespin is our new Managing Editor.
Continue readingThere are very few Planets races designed to dominate the cluster alone. Those with the strongest ships are vulnerable to cloaking races; those with the weakest ships have secret weapons which, properly used, add balance. And every faction must be played differently, with a precisely balanced economic system designed specifically to support the advantages — and correct for the disadvantages — of each race. Continue reading
This is a Planets Magazine Action News Update, coming to you live with a special report: The Pisces War — Conflict in Echo Cluster!
Hello, I’m Jim Chancellite. We’ve just received word that a new commander has taken control of the war machine of the Fascist Empire. We go now to ace reporter Pat Patterson, currently embedded with the 7th Space Cavalry, on active duty on the Fascist-Rebel border. Are you there, Pat?
Continue readingThis is a Planets Magazine Action News Update, coming to you live from the Pisces War with a special report!
Hello, I’m Jim Chancellite. The top story tonight is the continuing chaos in Fascist State Headquarters, as more party members are being summoned for what has been announced as an “Emergency Quorum” following the unexplained absence of Supreme Commander Plumilol. We go now to roving reporter Pat Patterson, currently on location in the State Capitol. Are you there, Pat?
Continue readingHello, good evening, and welcome to Election Night Special! I’m Jim Chancellite, and this is a special edition of the Planets Magazine Action News, coming to you Live! from the Capricorn War!
There’s tremendous excitement this evening, and we should be seeing the first results any moment now. We’re not sure whether it’ll be from Capricornus or Beta Zela. I’m just getting… Continue reading
