V5 Now Out of Beta!

Warp 5! Engage! 

Welcome to Version 5 of the zine! This time around we've got a whole host of new goodies that I'm super excited to share. 

We're Explorers...

If you've kept up with these blogs, my latest goal has been to attempt to create a printer-friendly version of the galaxy maps. While I've enjoyed drawing my own, I wanted to create something that accurately represented the Milky Way at large. I wound up creating 3 different versions: 

• A version of the full Milky Way 
• A version of our quadrants (alpha and beta)
• And our "local neighborhood"

All of these maps are accurate circa late 24th century- right around the Dominion War to Star Trek Online timeframe. So, most here should be familiar. 

Why, might you ask? First, doing the galaxy at large demonstrates just how much left there is to explore. One might think that with all the bells and whistles the Federation now has, the work is done. It certainly is not. Two, maps are stories. How we got here. Where we're going. If you're not into making the maps yourself, perhaps this will spark some drama. 

If you aren't into printing a zine, making these single sheets is also very nice. Plenty of room here to draw on and share with the table. 

Shuttlecraft

While I'm working on an official Shuttlecraft gallery, this is going to have to suffice. For those of you who don't have the time to make up stats, I've included two shuttlecraft sheets now- you'll have to pick one. One has a standard complement of Type 6, Type 7, and Work Bee craft. 

If document editing and adding images isn't your bag, you'll find this handy sheet an easy solve. It's not perfect, but these craft should be plenty for your missions. Just make sure you delete the page you don't want to use. 

Oracles

Finally, this new version incorporates Oracles on the last page. I wanted to bring in some of the Oracles I'd been using, as well as a page reference for all the Oracles in the book. I use the Oracles in the book all the time, as they are utterly fantastic- and now you can, too. Flip to the rear last page if you're stuck, need a jolt of drama, or just can't figure out what to do next. The Plot Twist Oracle may help get you going, and if it doesn't, one of the Oracles in the book may suffice. 

New Ships

What would an update be without new ships!? You will find four new ships grace our pages out of the STO Era this time: 

• Somerville
• Valdres
• Valiant
• The original Jupiter Class!

If you lurk the STO Sub, you'll have seen a lot of traction on the Jupiter Class lately. I decided to dress it with a little more lore and throw it in. I gave a little bit more detail to the Valiant, too, to help differentiate it from the Adamant and Defiant. Inspired by an RPG my friends are currently playing, the Valiant's role is now that of a glorified tug boat. I mean, if you're not using all the power that space frame was creating for cloaking and cannons, then it should be useful for something constructive, right?! I wanted to take that idea and run with it. 

What's Next! 

Next up is the shuttlecraft gallery, as well as additional ships for the Klingons. Creating the Oracles and the Galaxy map was a huge step for me, and I'm really glad to see this project nearing what I consider "finished". I'll still keep adding ships, but I'm finally getting satisfied with the design itself. 

Enjoy!