Mongoose is saying farewell to Babylon 5 with a 2 day A Call to Arms campaign weekend, Sleeping in Light. May 9-10 the emphasis will be on fun, even with unfair battles surprising players throughout the weekend. Nevertheless, there will be prizes awarded, including some unique Babylon 5 memorabilia.

Other Babylon 5 developments just before expiration of the license include:

• The recent publication in electronic form of Deconstruction of Falling Stars, a collection of setting notes, supplements, scenarios, and novels—all previously unpublished remainder material,
• Soon to be released, The Lurker’s Guide to Gaim, a study of the enigmatic insectoid race,
• Powers & Principalities, expansion rules for A Call to Arms, and
• Three books for running Babylon 5 games with the Traveller rules—Universe of Babylon 5, The Trouble With Drazi, and Warships of Babylon 5.

Also in the science fiction realm, the latest expansion book for Traveller should now be in stores. Scout provides new career options, equipment, and exploration rules.

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Inflation Deflation is a game meant to be “added on” to a Monopoly game. Essentially, it’s a variant that requires you to already own the Monopoly game and rules.

It isn’t connected to or licensed from Hasbro in any way, and it costs $19.95. But if you buy two it’s only twice that. If you buy four, only twice that yet again. It consists of, near as I can tell, a 4-page 8.5″ by 14″ laminated flip book and stand, and 17 additional cards.

And the rules, near as I can tell, cycle through 5 economic stages where players suddenly reap or lose great sums of cash.

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In a post in their French forums (translation), Asmodee announced that they will stop producing the Hell Dorado miniature game in the immediate future (most by April, and the rest by June).

The alleged reason is financial, although irresponsible, un-sourced, and unsubstantiated rumors hint that the company was pressured about its adult themed nature.

They’re looking at releasing the line as open source, or having another company pick it up.

(source)

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In addition to the previous time-wasters we all know and love that come built in to Windows, Windows 7 will have Internet versions of Checkers, Backgammon, and Spades.

They can be played online or solo, and an AI takes over if your online opponent drops out.

Hearts is about to get a run for its money.

(source)

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Charleston Chase is a roll-and-move board game celebrating Charleston, SC.

The game is available exclusively at high end Coastal Classics furniture store, and some of the proceeds of the game will benefit the Carolina Children’s Charity. Giclee prints of the game board, originally hand painted by a local artist, are also available for purchase in the store for $600.

(source, source)

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Jim Silver, editor in chief of the new Time to Play Magazine, lists his favorite games for game nights, including Tripoley, Monopoly World, Yahtzee, Million Dollar Password, UNO Flash, Phase 10, Pictionary, Scattergories, Taboo, Rummikub, Apples to Apples, Battle of the Sexes, Cranium, Blokus, I Spy, Scene It?, Wig Out, Tip of the Tongue, Bananagrams, Big Brain Academy, Sorry! Sliders, and Texas Hold’em.

Their giving away a dozen or so of these games in honor of their new site, details of which can be found here. Enter by tomorrow evening.

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Osprey, publisher of numerous military history books, is offering the hardback Field of Glory Rulebook for ancient and midieval miniature wargaming at 50 percent off. (Keep in mind the company’s time zone and that this is good only for Thurday the 26th.)

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