FORAY Roleplaying Journal

Precedence & Babylon 5 News

 


We've piled up a bit of news from these guys here at totem, and some of this is late, but not useless, and certainly better than never.  There is a lot here.  Check it out. 

PRECEDENCE ENTERTAINMENT
ANNOUNCES 1999 RELEASES

(Tempe, Arizona) "1999 will be a breakthrough year for us," declares Precedence CEO Paul W.
Brown III.  "Not only will we be releasing exciting additions for our established product
lines, but we're expanding into many new and innovative areas." Already known as the producers
of the Babylon 5 Collectible Card Game, Precedence has recently gained even more media
recognition following the launch of StarLink, the groundbreaking 900 telephone service.  

Several new releases are scheduled in 1999 to support the internationally popular Babylon 5
CCG. The year begins with the January debut of the B5 CCG Masterpiece Collection, an ultra
limited edition set of 12 enhanced game cards package with an exclusive action figure and other
valuable merchandise. The first official strategy guide for the game, titled "The Official
Guide to the Babylon 5 Collectible Card Game," is set to release in February. In March, the Psi
Corps expansion set featuring 150 all-new cards, will ship. Future plans for the B5 CCG include
additional expansions, as well as a very special two-player version of the game. 

The StarLink telephone service is continuing to grow, with new celebrities signing on every
day, says Brown.  Star participants and fans alike are thrilled with this simple and direct
means of getting the most up-to-date news about the stars directly to their audience. 

Even as Precedence's product lines expand beyond the traditional gaming market, they remain
committed to publishing the critically acclaimed IMMORTAL role-playing universe book line,
according to Brown. The IMMORTAL universe is being completely updated, and the second edition
is scheduled for release in 1999.  The revised edition will contain all of the rich detail
which fans of creator Ran Ackels have come to expect, but has a more streamlined rules system
for easier game play. 

Precedence's new product lines promise to be just as innovative.  Fortune Teller, debuting in
February, is an entirely new spin on "finger fortunes," and fortune telling cards.  Fortune
Teller will be presented in the collectible card game format of randomly sorted cards sold in
packs, and is targeted towards adolescent girls. 

"Precedence is approaching the new year, and the new millennium, with projects that are certain
to excite the gaming industry," says Brown. "We're proud to be able to offer such an
exceptional catalogue of high quality products that will please the fans by providing deeply
satisfying entertainment experiences."

Babylon 5 TM & (c) 1998 Warner Bros.  All other  trademarks are owned by their respective
holders.

For Immediate Release, November 17, 1998

        Contact:        Aldyth Beltane
                        Public Relations Manager, Precedence
                        Phone/Fax: 415-776-6243
                        E-Mail: spygirl@2xtreme.net
                        Precedence Main Office: 602-894-1812
                        www.eternity.com

STRATEGY GUIDE ANNOUNCED FOR BABYLON 5 COLLECTIBLE CARD GAME

(Tempe, Arizona)  The Official Guide to the Babylon 5 Collectible Card Game is being readied
for February, 1999 release.  The guide is over 200 pages, and retails for $19.95.  The strategy
guide is co-authored by Lowell Cunningham, creator of the Men in Black comic, and Sandy Clark,
who has had over 300 articles on card game strategy published.

The Strategy Guide contains complete references for the new and experienced player of the
Babylon 5 CCG. Paul W. Brown III, CEO of Precedence Entertainment, the publishers of The
Official Guide to the Babylon 5 Collectible Card Game enthuses that the book is "one of the
finest strategy guides for CCG's.  It contains useful strategies in a intelligent, readable
fashion!" 

The first section of the Strategy Guide contains a detailed overview of the game and its
mechanics, and comprehensive reworking of the rules of play.  The book also presents many
examples of deck building, as well as specific strategies and tactics. "We gave players a card
by card and combo by combo guide on how to put a deck together and win," said Sandy Clark.
"There are sections on round by round play, and notes on how to kill other players'
characters."  Lowell Cunningham's contributions include a section on modular deck building, and
methods of fine tuning a deck. 

Precedence Entertainment produces the Babylon 5 Collectible Card Game, the StarLink telephone
service, the Fortune Teller card game, and publishes books in the IMMORTAL universe.

###
Babylon 5 TM & (c) 1998 Warner Bros.  All other trademarks are owned by their respective
holders.

For Immediate Release, November 17, 1998

        Contact:        Aldyth Beltane
                        Public Relations Manager, Precedence
                        Phone/Fax: 415-776-6243
                        E-Mail: spygirl@2xtreme.net
                        Precedence Main Office: 602-894-1812
                        www.eternity.com

PSI-CORPS EXPANSION FOR BABYLON 5 COLLECTIBLE CARD GAME ANNOUNCED

(Tempe, Arizona)   The Psi-Corps Expansion Set will add a new level of conspiracy and intrigue
to the already multi-faceted Babylon 5 Collectible Card Game.  The expansion is scheduled for
March 1999 release, and contains 150 new cards.  Starter decks retail at $9.99, and contain 60
cards.  Booster packs cost $1.99, and contain eight cards.

Every starter deck for the Psi-Corps Expansion Set contains a Bester card, the Psi-Cop who has
been a continual thorn in the sides of the Babylon 5 crew.  The starter decks are composed of
50 fixed commons and 10 randomly inserted uncommon and rare cards.  The booster packs contain
eight randomly inserted cards, comprised of one rare, two uncommon, and five common cards.

The Babylon 5 Collectible Card game is popular internationally, partially because the play of
the game reflects the many interwoven intrigues of the universe of Babylon 5.  Precedence
Entertainment CEO Paul W. Brown III says of the Psi-Corps Expansion, "I believe the fans and
players will be surprised by the many conspiracy aspects these cards will add to the game.
We've packed the new cards with challenging covert activities for their characters to use." 
 

Precedence Entertainment produces the Babylon 5 Collectible Card Game, the StarLink telephone
service, the Fortune Teller card game, and publishes books in the IMMORTAL universe.

###
Babylon 5 TM & (c) 1998 Warner Bros.  All other trademarks are owned by their respective
holders.

For Immediate Release...

Contact:        Paul W. Brown
                President, Precedence
                Phone: 602-894-1812
                Fax: 602-894-2028
                Paul@eternity.com

STARLINK LAUNCHES 1-900-73-STARS ON OCTOBER 17

Hollywood, CA - Precedence Entertainment, producers of best selling
products ranging from their IMMORTAL book line to their international hit
card game based on the Babylon 5 television series, today announced the
eminent launch of the first ever telephone service aimed at linking fans
with all of their favorite Hollywood stars.  The service, called StarLink,
will be accessible throughout the USA and Canada by dialing
1-900-73-STARS.  Service to credit card customers and residents of the UK
will be offered by dialing 1-877-31-STARS.

"Everyone from rock bands to pyschics have had their day with 900
numbers," said Precedence CEO Paul Brown III.  "Some of these services
have been very successful while others have done little but give 900
numbers a bad name.  But until now, no one has set out to provide single
number access to a whole universe of stars.  That's exactly what StarLink
is about.  Starlink connects people everywhere, instantly, to the very
pulse of Hollywood by providing direct access to the voices and lives of
their favorite actors, musicians, and other top creative talents.  Not one
star, but a virtual galaxy.  Ultimately it is our goal to provide StarLink
service for every star with the desire to maintain close contact with
their fan base."

With new stars joining the service daily, StarLink hopes to provide fans
with access to hundreds of stars before the end of the year.  Already, as
the October 17 launch date draws near, StarLink will feature actors from
such popular television series as X-Files, Xena, and Star Trek, as well as
virtually the entire cast of Babylon 5.

So how does it work?  Each star on the service records a variety of
messages about their lives, their career, favorite roles, relationships,
future plans and their side of any current news stories about them.
StarLink messages are updated regularly so that fans will always have the
latest breaking news and a constant source for fresh tales from behind the
scenes in the entertainment world.  Since stars update their messages via
telephone, they can do so even when traveling, while at remote locations,
and even from the set.  "StarLink strips away all the intervening layers
between stars and their fans; it gives a direct voice, and fans direct
access, to the real Hollywood as told in each star's own words," explained
Brown.  "There are no television hosts to re-direct or cut to a
commercial.  There are no journalists or reporters to act as spin doctors
or to twist the reality.  This is as live and as real as it gets."

StarLink will officially launch on October 17th 1998.  To inaugurate the
event, a private cocktail reception for VIPs, celebrity cast members of
various science fiction television programs, and members of the press will
take place at the L.A. County Fairplex in Pomona, California from 6:00
p.m. until 8:00 p.m.  The reception will be co-hosted by Sierra FX, a part
of the family of brands by computer game company Sierra On-Line.  Sierra
FX is giving a sneak preview of the highly anticipated Babylon 5 Space
Combat Simulator computer game, based on the immensely popular Babylon 5
TV series.  The event will be held in conjunction with the Voice of the
Resistance convention (VORCON1) taking place at the Fairplex October
16-18.  VORCON1 is one of the nation's largest science-fiction fan
conventions, and will be attended by numerous stars from the Babylon 5
cast.  Virtually the entire B5 cast is expected to be present at the
cocktail reception.

Rates for StarLink service within the USA have been established at $1.99
per minute.  Charges are applied direct to the user's phone bill.
Customers who prefer credit card billing, and those in the UK can access
StarLink by calling 877-43-STARS.  Rates for UK callers have been
established at $2.99 per minute including all international tolls.

(Precedence is a leading producer of entertainment products and services,
including games, collectibles, books, and events.  The company was formed
in 1993 by Paul Brown III as the merchandising arm of veteran subscription
entertainment company Reality Simulations, Inc.   Products published by
precedence include the critically acclaimed Babylon 5 Collectible Card
Game, the IMMORTAL Universe, and the Fortune Teller line of children's
products.  More information about Precedence is available on the world
wide web at www.eternity.com.  More information about the VORCON
convention can be obtained at www.members.aol.com/vorcon1.)

Babylon 5 TM and Copyright  1998, Warner Bros.  All other trademarks are
owned by their respective holders.

For Immediate Release...
Contact:  Aldyth Beltane
          Public Relations Manager, Precedence
          Phone/Fax: 415-776-6243
          Precedence Main Office 602- 894-1812
          Spygirl@2xtreme.net
          www.eternity.com

Additional Information on Babylon 5 CCG Tournament Finalists
Mike Penberthy, the B5 CCG champion from the United Kingdom, was omitted by accident from
yesterday's press release.  Mike placed 6th in the competition, and was second only to winner
Serge LaVergene amongst the Narn players.  Apologies to Mike for this oversight, and thanks to
Ranger Bruce Mason for his alacrity in alerting us.

For Immediate Release?

                Contact:  Aldyth Beltane
                Public Relations Manager, Precedence
                Phone/Fax: 415-776-6243
                E-mail:  spygirl@2xtreme.net
                Precedence Corporate Office: 602-894-1812
                www.eternity.com
                www.mysticsyrena.com

FORTUNE TELLER - A      NEW INTERPRETATION OF A CLASSIC GAME FOR PRE-TEEN AND ADOLESCENT GIRLS
RELEASE ANNOUNCED

Fortune Teller, a new game created for teen and adolescent girls was announced by Precedence
CEO Paul W. Brown III.  Fortune Teller combines the classic schoolyard device of "finger
fortunes," called Folding Oracles in the game system.  Every Folding Oracle has distinctive
borders and special elemental names for easy recognition.  The Folding Oracles can be combined
with oversized "Legend" cards, which enable the player to create a more complete story.  The
stories can be refreshed by adding more cards or Folding Oracles.   The cards feature the
character Syrena, who narrates a series of fairy tales corresponding to the images of the cards
upon which they appear.

Both the Folding Oracles and the Legend cards are beautifully painted by acclaimed graphic
artist L.A. Leis as well as several other nationally recognized illustrators, including Terese
Neilson.

Fortune Teller retails at  $2.99 for a pack containing one Folding Oracle and two Legends
cards, or $3.99 for a deluxe pack containing two Folding Oracles and four Legend cards.  There
are 36 cards and Folding Oracles to collect in a complete Fortune Teller set.

Fortune Teller will ship in early February, its release coinciding with the Toy Fair in New
York City.  Final product will be on display at the Precedence showroom located at 200 Fifth
Ave., Ste. 1410, NY, NY and at Javits Center booth #G533 from the opening of the Toy Fair
through February 15th.

Precedence Entertainment produces the Babylon 5 Collectible Card Game, the StarLink telephone
service, and books in the IMMORTAL universe.

###

Please contact Precedence at 602-894-1812 for additional information, and Fortune Teller
samples.

Babylon 5 TM & Copyright 1998 Warner Bros.  All other  trademarks are owned by their respective
holders.

For Immediate Release...

                Contact:  Aldyth Beltane
                Public Relations Manager, Precedence
                Phone/Fax: 415-776-6243
                E-mail:  spygirl@2xtreme.net
                Precedence Corporate Office: 602-894-1812
                www.eternity.com

MASTERPIECE COLLECTION READIED FOR BABYLON 5 COLLECTIBLE CARD GAME

Precedence Entertainment in conjunction with Diamond Comics is releasing the Masterpiece
Collection for the internationally popular Babylon 5 Collectible Card Game.  This very special
limited edition set of game cards comes with an exclusive action figure crafted just for the
collection, and other unique additions.  The production run has been limited to fill advance
orders only, and will never be reprinted.  Retailing at $79.99, the Babylon 5 Masterpiece
Collection is scheduled to ship in January 1999.

The sets of 12 all-new rare cards are strikingly enhanced with gold embossed borders.  Each
represents a pivotal moment or character from the Babylon 5 television series. Cards include
"Valen," "Thirdspace," "Babylon 4," and "Emperor Mollari."  All of the new cards can be readily
integrated into pre-existing decks to add even greater impact to the game.

In addition to these super-rare cards, the set features a limited edition action figure of a
Shadow Sentient, the most nefarious foes of Babylon 5.  This specially painted figure is
exclusive to the Masterpiece Collection and is the tallest such figure produced to date at 6
1/2 inches. This is the figure the fans have been demanding!  Also included in the set are a
card jacket, an embossed sheet with the official B5 logo, a reference poster for the card game,
and a Certificate of Authenticity.

Precedence Entertainment produces the Babylon 5 Collectible Card Game, the StarLink telephone
service, the Fortune Teller card game, and publishes books in the IMMORTAL universe.
###
Babylon 5 TM & (c) 1998 Warner Bros.  All other trademarks are owned by their respective
holders.
 
 
 

For Immediate Release... 

Contact:                Aldyth Beltane
                        Public Relations Manager, Precedence
                        Phone/Fax: 415-776-6243
                        Precedence Main Office: 602-894-1812
                        Spygirl@2xtreme.net; www.starlink900.com

 CELEBRITIES CELEBRATE STARLINK LAUNCH AT GALA EVENT

Hollywood, CA - Many of Science Fiction's hottest stars attended the debut party for StarLink,
the newest innovation in telecommunication services.  The festivities were held at VORCON1, a
convention celebrating the popular Babylon 5 television series, and was attended by almost the
entire main cast of Babylon 5, and actors from Star Trek: Voyager, The X-Files, and Hercules:
The Legendary Journeys.  The party was presented by Precedence Entertainment, the producers of
StarLink, and co-hosted by Sierra FX, creators of the Babylon 5 Space Combat Simulation
Computer Game.

StarLink is a new service that provides a direct link between celebrities and fans, via a 900
number.  A fan can dial a single number, 1-900-73-STARS, and choose to hear messages from any
participating star.  StarLink is the first service that allows fans to access many celebrities,
by dialing a single number.

Celebrity response to StarLink has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic.  One actor realized she
could answer her fans' frequently asked questions on the line, giving them the most up-to-date
information about her career.  Jason Carter, who played Marcus Cole on Babylon 5, plans to use
the line to share his poetic creativity with his fans.  All the actors involved, and the others
who are soon to join, are excited to be able to keep their fans in touch with the real stories
of the happenings in their lives.  Since the messages can be updated from virtually anywhere,
stars can change their messages from on the road or on the set, and always provide fans with
the freshest information, in their own words, from their own point of view.

StarLink is the product of Precedence Entertainment, producers of the international hit
Collectible Card Game based on Babylon 5, the IMMORTAL book line, and the soon-to-be-released
Fortune Teller game.  Precedence CEO Paul W. Brown III, who co-hosted the launch party, spoke
glowingly of the response to StarLink.  "We were very gratified by the tremendous support we
have enjoyed from the creative community, as exemplified by the turnout at the launch party.
Within the first week of announcing the service, we've signed 30 talented stars.  Obviously,
with this kind of reaction, the future looks bright!"

StarLink can be accessed by calling 1-900-73-STARS.  A directory will guide the caller to a
specific star, or the caller can refer to the directory on the StarLink website.  Rates for the
United States have been established at $1.99 per minute.  Charges are applied directly to the
customer's phone bill. Those who prefer credit card billing, and those in the UK can access
StarLink by calling 1-877-31-STARS.  Rates for UK callers have been established at $2.99 per
minute. 

Pictured:  Photo 1: Robert Beltran and friend.  Photo 2: StarLink Participant Jerry Doyle and
StarLink Operations Manager John Myler.
Babylon 5 TM & Copyright  1998, Warner Bros.  All other trademarks are owned by their
respective holders.
 
 




All Material is © Conrad Hubbard.
References to products created by other individuals
or companies are not challenges to their copyrights

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