Crimson Skies logo.

Crimson Skies is an alternate history universe, created by Jordan Weisman and Dave McCoy, that has spawned a number of games and novels. The stories and games in Crimson Skies take place in an alternate history version of the United States, where the nation crumbled into many hostile nation-states following the effects of the Great War, Prohibition, and the Great Depression. With the road and railway system destroyed, commerce took to the skies. Great cargo zeppelins escorted by fighter squadrons are the targets of many ruthless air pirates and enemy countries. Image File history File links CrimsonSkies. ... Image File history File links CrimsonSkies. ... Alternate history (fiction) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia /**/ @import /skins-1. ... Jordan Weisman is an American game designer and serial entrepreneur who has founded three major game design companies, each in a different game genre and segment of the industry. ... “The Great War ” redirects here. ... The term Prohibition, also known as A Dry Law, refers to a law in a certain country by which the manufacture, transportation, import, export, and sale of alcoholic beverages is restricted or illegal. ... The Great Depression was a global economic slump that began in 1929 and bottomed in 1933. ... This is an article about Zeppelin airships. ...

Crimson Skies began as a pitch for a game called Corsairs! for the Virtual World location-based entertainment centers. The project was eventually shelved, but the developers saved the idea and redeveloped into a board game simulating aerial combat that was introduced by FASA in 1998. In 2000, Zipper Interactive developed the property into a computer game, which was published by Microsoft. In 2003, it returned as Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge for the Xbox, as well as a collectible miniature games from WizKids. A board game is a game played with counters or pieces that are placed on, removed from, or moved across a board (a premarked surface, usually specific to that game). ... Combat has been fought in the air since 1911. ... This article is about the role-playing game company. ... Year 1998 (MCMXCVIII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar). ... Year 2000 (MM) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full 2000 Gregorian calendar). ... Zipper Interactive is a video game developer located in Redmond, Washington. ... A computer game is a game composed of a computer-controlled virtual universe that players interact with in order to achieve a defined goal or set of goals. ... Microsoft Corporation, (NASDAQ: MSFT, HKSE: 4338) is a multinational computer technology corporation with global annual revenue of US$44. ... The Xbox is a sixth generation era video game console produced by Microsoft Corporation. ... WizKids, Inc. ...

Setting

Within the Crimson Skies Universe the United States and Canada have both broken apart into numerous (23) warring faction states who have unique ideologies, rivalries and allegiances that are derived from their regional histories.

Nations

Official language(s) English[1] Spoken language(s) English 85. ... Nickname: Motto: Big Wild Life Location in the state of Alaska Coordinates: , Borough Municipality of Anchorage Government  - Mayor Mark Begich (D) Area  - Municipality  1,961. ... Official language(s) English[1] Capital Frankfort Largest city Louisville Area  Ranked 37th  - Total 40,444 sq mi (104,749 km²)  - Width 140 miles (225 km)  - Length 379 miles (610 km)  - % water 1. ... Official language(s) English Capital Nashville Largest city Memphis Largest metro area Nashville Area  Ranked 36th  - Total 42,169 sq mi (109,247 km²)  - Width 120 miles (195 km)  - Length 440 miles (710 km)  - % water 2. ... Official language(s) English Capital Charleston Largest city Charleston Area  Ranked 41st  - Total 24,244 sq mi (62,809 km²)  - Width 130 miles (210 km)  - Length 240 miles (385 km)  - % water 0. ... Nickname: Location in the Commonwealth of Kentucky Coordinates: , Country United States State Kentucky Counties Fayette Government  - Mayor Jim Newberry (D) Area  - City  285. ... Official language(s) English Spoken language(s) English 74. ... Capital Santa Fe Largest city Albuquerque Area  Ranked 5th  - Total 121,665 sq mi (315,194 km²)  - Width 342 miles (550 km)  - Length 370 miles (595 km)  - % water 0. ... Nickname: Location in Maricopa County and the state of Arizona Coordinates: , Country United States State Arizona Counties Maricopa Incorporated February 25, 1881 Government  - Type Council-Manager  - Mayor Phil Gordon (D) Area  - City  515. ... This article is about the U.S. State. ... Official language(s) English Capital Hartford Largest city Bridgeport Largest metro area Hartford Area  Ranked 48th  - Total 5,543[2] sq mi (14,356 km²)  - Width 70 miles (113 km)  - Length 110 miles (177 km)  - % water 12. ... “RI” redirects here. ... Nickname: City on the Hill, Beantown, The Hub (of the Universe)1, Athens of America, The Cradle of Revolution, Puritan City, Americas Walking City Location in Massachusetts, USA Counties Suffolk County Mayor Thomas M. Menino(D) Area    - City 232. ... Official language(s) None (English, de facto) Capital Annapolis Largest city Baltimore Area  Ranked 42nd  - Total 12,407 sq mi (32,133 km²)  - Width 90 miles (145 km)  - Length 249 miles (400 km)  - % water 21  - Latitude 37° 53′ N to 39° 43′ N  - Longitude 75° 03′ W to 79° 29... Aerial photo (looking NW) of the Washington Monument and the White House in Washington, DC. Washington, D.C., officially the District of Columbia (also known as D.C.; Washington; the Nations Capital; the District; and, historically, the Federal City) is the capital city and administrative district of the United... Capital Dover Largest city Wilmington Area  Ranked 49th  - Total 2,491 sq mi (6,452 km²)  - Width 30 miles (48 km)  - Length 100 miles (161 km)  - % water 21. ... ... Official language(s) English Capital Jefferson City Largest city Kansas City Largest metro area St Louis[1] Area  Ranked 21st  - Total 69,709 sq mi (180,693 km²)  - Width 240 miles (385 km)  - Length 300 miles (480 km)  - % water 1. ... This article is about the U.S. state. ... This article is about the U.S. State. ... Official language(s) English Capital Little Rock Largest city Little Rock Largest metro area Little Rock Metropolitan Area Area  Ranked 29th  - Total 53,179 sq mi (137,002 km²)  - Width 239 miles (385 km)  - Length 261 miles (420 km)  - % water 2. ... Official language(s) English Capital Tallahassee Largest city Jacksonville Largest metro area Miami metropolitan area Area  Ranked 22nd  - Total 65,795[1] sq mi (170,304[1] km²)  - Width 361 miles (582 km)  - Length 447 miles (721 km)  - % water 17. ... This article is about the state capital of Georgia. ... Official language(s) English [1] Capital Boise Largest city Boise Area  Ranked 14th  - Total 83,642 sq mi (216,632 km²)  - Width 305 miles (491 km)  - Length 479 miles (771 km)  - % water 0. ... Official language(s) English Capital Helena Largest city Billings Area  Ranked 4th  - Total 147,165 sq mi (381,156 km²)  - Width 255 miles (410 km)  - Length 630 miles (1,015 km)  - % water 1  - Latitude 44°26N to 49°N  - Longitude 104°2W to 116°2W Population  Ranked... Official language(s) English Capital Cheyenne Largest city Cheyenne Area  Ranked 10th  - Total 97,818 sq mi (253,348 km²)  - Width 280 miles (450 km)  - Length 360 miles (580 km)  - % water 0. ... Official language(s) English Capital Carson City Largest city Las Vegas Area  Ranked 7th  - Total 110,567 sq mi (286,367 km²)  - Width 322 miles (519 km)  - Length 490 miles (788 km)  - % water 0. ... “NY” redirects here. ... Capital Harrisburg Largest city Philadelphia Area  Ranked 33rd  - Total 46,055 sq mi (119,283 km²)  - Width 280 miles (455 km)  - Length 160 miles (255 km)  - % water 2. ... Official language(s) English de facto Capital Trenton Largest city Newark Area  Ranked 47th  - Total 8,729 sq mi (22,608 km²)  - Width 70 miles (110 km)  - Length 150 miles (240 km)  - % water 14. ... New York, New York and NYC redirect here. ... Official language(s) English Capital Denver Largest city Denver Largest metro area Denver-Aurora Metro Area Area  Ranked 8th  - Total 104,185 sq mi (269,837 km²)  - Width 280 miles (451 km)  - Length 380 miles (612 km)  - % water 0. ... Official language(s) English Capital Cheyenne Largest city Cheyenne Area  Ranked 10th  - Total 97,818 sq mi (253,348 km²)  - Width 280 miles (450 km)  - Length 360 miles (580 km)  - % water 0. ... This article refers to the state capital of Colorado. ... Official language(s) de jure: none de facto: English & French Capital Baton Rouge Largest city New Orleans [1] Area  Ranked 31st  - Total 51,885 sq mi (134,382 km²)  - Width 130 miles (210 km)  - Length 379 miles (610 km)  - % water 16  - Latitude 29°N to 33°N  - Longitude 89°W... New Orleans is the largest city in the state of Louisiana, United States of America. ... State nickname: The Aloha State Other U.S. States Capital Honolulu Largest city Honolulu Governor Linda Lingle Official languages Hawaiian and English Area 28,337 km² (43rd)  - Land 16,649 km²  - Water 11,672 km² (41. ... Hilo is the largest town on the island of Hawai‘i, and the county seat of Hawai‘i County, Hawai‘i. ... Official language(s) None Capital Madison Largest city Milwaukee Area  Ranked 23rd  - Total 65,498 sq mi (169,790 km²)  - Width 260 miles (420 km)  - Length 310 miles (500 km)  - % water 17  - Latitude 42°30N to 47°3N  - Longitude 86°49W to 92°54W Population  Ranked... Official language(s) None (English, de-facto) Capital Lansing Largest city Detroit Area  Ranked 11th  - Total 97,990 sq mi (253,793 km²)  - Width 239 miles (385 km)  - Length 491 miles (790 km)  - % water 41. ... Official language(s) English[1] Capital Springfield Largest city Chicago Largest metro area Chicago Area  Ranked 25th  - Total 57,918 sq mi (149,998 km²)  - Width 210 miles (340 km)  - Length 390 miles (629 km)  - % water 4. ... Official language(s) English Capital Indianapolis Largest city Indianapolis Area  Ranked 38th  - Total 36,418 sq mi (94,321 km²)  - Width 140 miles (225 km)  - Length 270 miles (435 km)  - % water 1. ... Official language(s) None Capital Columbus Largest city Columbus Largest metro area Cleveland Area  Ranked 34th  - Total 44,825 sq mi (116,096 km²)  - Width 220 miles (355 km)  - Length 220 miles (355 km)  - % water 8. ... Capital Saint Paul Largest city Minneapolis Area  Ranked 12th  - Total 87,014 sq mi (225,365 km²)  - Width 250 miles (400 km)  - Length 400 miles (645 km)  - % water 8. ... Nickname: Motto: Urbs in Horto (Latin: City in a Garden), I Will Location in the Chicago metro area and Illinois Coordinates: , Country State Counties Cook, DuPage Settled 1770s Incorporated March 4, 1837 Government  - Mayor Richard M. Daley (D) Area  - City  234. ... Official language(s) English Capital Bismarck Largest city Fargo Area  Ranked 19th  - Total 70,762 sq mi (183,272 km²)  - Width 210 miles (340 km)  - Length 340 miles (545 km)  - % water 2. ... Official language(s) English Capital Helena Largest city Billings Area  Ranked 4th  - Total 147,165 sq mi (381,156 km²)  - Width 255 miles (410 km)  - Length 630 miles (1,015 km)  - % water 1  - Latitude 44°26N to 49°N  - Longitude 104°2W to 116°2W Population  Ranked... Official language(s) None (English and French de facto) Capital Augusta Largest city Portland Area  Ranked 39th  - Total 33,414 sq mi (86,542 km²)  - Width 210 miles (338 km)  - Length 320 miles (515 km)  - % water 13. ... Official language(s) English Capital Concord Largest city Manchester Area  Ranked 46th  - Total 9,359 sq mi (24,239 km²)  - Width 68 miles (110 km)  - Length 190 miles (305 km)  - % water 3. ... Official language(s) None Capital Montpelier Largest city Burlington Area  Ranked 45th  - Total 9,620 sq mi (24,923 km²)  - Width 80 miles (130 km)  - Length 160 miles (260 km)  - % water 3. ... Motto: Spem reduxit (Hope restored) Capital Fredericton Largest city Saint John Official languages English, French (the only constitutionally bilingual province in the country) Government - Lieutenant-Governor Herménégilde Chiasson - Premier Shawn Graham (Liberal) Federal representation in Canadian Parliament - House seats 10 - Senate seats 10 Confederation July 1, 1867 (1st... , Motto: Je me souviens (French: I remember) Capital Quebec City Largest city Montreal Official languages French Government - Lieutenant-Governor Pierre Duchesne - Premier Jean Charest (PLQ) Federal representation in Canadian Parliament - House seats 75 - Senate seats 24 Confederation July 1, 1867 (1st) Area  Ranked 2nd - Total 1,542,056 km² (595... Nickname: Motto: Resurgam (Latin for I will rise again) Country United States State Maine County Cumberland Settled 1632 Incorporated 1786 Government  - Mayor Nicholas M. Mavodones, Jr Area  - City  52. ... Official language(s) English Capital Sacramento Largest city Los Angeles Largest metro area Greater Los Angeles Area  Ranked 3rd  - Total 158,302 sq mi (410,000 km²)  - Width 250 miles (400 km)  - Length 770 miles (1,240 km)  - % water 4. ... Baja California (literally lower California in Spanish) is the northernmost state of Mexico. ... Baja California Sur is one of the 31 States of Mexico, occupying the part of the Baja California Peninsula south of the 28th parallel. ... Flag Seal Nickname: City of Angels Location Location within Los Angeles County in the state of California Coordinates , Government State County California Los Angeles County Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (D) Geographical characteristics Area     City 1,290. ... Official language(s) English Spoken language(s) English 74. ... Motto: Ut Incepit Fidelis Sic Permanet (Latin: Loyal she began, loyal she remains) Capital Toronto Largest city Toronto Official languages English Government - Lieutenant-Governor James K. Bartleman - Premier Dalton McGuinty (Liberal) Federal representation in Canadian Parliament - House seats 106 - Senate seats 24 Confederation July 1, 1867 (1st) Area [1] Ranked... This article is about the capital city of Canada. ... This article is about the U.S. state. ... Official language(s) English Capital Raleigh Largest city Charlotte Area  Ranked 28th  - Total 53,865 sq mi (139,509 km²)  - Width 150 miles (240 km)  - Length 560[1] miles (901 km)  - % water 9. ... Official language(s) English Capital Charleston(1670-1789) Columbia(1790-present) Largest city Columbia Largest metro area Columbia Area  Ranked 40th  - Total 34,726 sq mi (82,965 km²)  - Width 200 miles (320 km)  - Length 260 miles (420 km)  - % water 6  - Latitude 32° 2′ N to 35° 13′ N  - Longitude... Official language(s) English Capital Olympia Largest city Seattle Area  Ranked 18th  - Total 71,342 sq mi (184,827 km²)  - Width 240 miles (385 km)  - Length 360 miles (580 km)  - % water 6. ... Official language(s) (none)[1] Capital Salem Largest city Portland Area  Ranked 9th  - Total 98,466 sq mi (255,026 km²)  - Width 260 miles (420 km)  - Length 360 miles (580 km)  - % water 2. ... Motto: Splendor Sine Occasu (Latin: Splendour without diminishment) Capital Victoria Largest city Vancouver Official languages English Government - Lieutenant-Governor Iona Campagnolo - Premier Gordon Campbell (BC Liberal) Federal representation in Canadian Parliament - House seats 36 - Senate seats 6 Confederation July 20, 1871 (6th province) Area  Ranked 4th - Total 944,735 km... Motto: By Sea, Land, and Air We Prosper Location of Vancouver within the Greater Vancouver Regional District in British Columbia, Canada Coordinates: , Country  Canada Province  British Columbia Region Lower Mainland Regional District Greater Vancouver Incorporated 1886 Government  - Mayor Sam Sullivan (NPA)  - City Council List of Councilors Suzanne Anton (NPA) Peter... Official language(s) English Capital Bismarck Largest city Fargo Area  Ranked 19th  - Total 70,762 sq mi (183,272 km²)  - Width 210 miles (340 km)  - Length 340 miles (545 km)  - % water 2. ... Official language(s) English Capital Pierre Largest city Sioux Falls Area  Ranked 17th  - Total 77,163 sq mi (199,905 km²)  - Width 210 miles (340 km)  - Length 380 miles (610 km)  - % water 1. ... Official language(s) English Capital Lincoln Largest city Omaha Largest metro area Omaha Area  Ranked 16th  - Total 77,421 sq mi (200,520 km²)  - Width 210 miles (340 km)  - Length 430 miles (690 km)  - % water 0. ... Official language(s) English[2] Capital Topeka Largest city Wichita Area  Ranked 15th  - Total 82,277 sq mi (213,096 km²)  - Width 211 miles (340 km)  - Length 417 miles (645 km)  - % water 0. ... Official language(s) English Capital Des Moines Largest city Des Moines Area  Ranked 26th  - Total 56,272 sq mi (145,743 km²)  - Width 310 miles (500 km)  - Length 199 miles (320 km)  - % water 0. ... Omaha is the name of some places in the United States: *Omaha, Nebraska (the most familiar one) Omaha, Georgia Omaha, Illinois Omaha, Texas It is also the name of a Native American tribe, after which the city in Nebraska is named; see Omaha (tribe). ... Official language(s) No official language See languages of Texas Capital Austin Largest city Houston Largest metro area Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex Area  Ranked 2nd  - Total 261,797 sq mi (678,051 km²)  - Width 773 miles (1,244 km)  - Length 790 miles (1,270 km)  - % water 2. ... Official language(s) None Capital Oklahoma City Largest city Oklahoma City Area  Ranked 20th  - Total 69,898 sq mi (181,196 km²)  - Width 230 miles (370 km)  - Length 298 miles (480 km)  - % water 1. ... Nickname: Location in the state of Texas Coordinates: , Country State Counties Travis County Government  - Mayor Will Wynn Area  - City  296. ... , Motto: Je me souviens (French: I remember) Capital Quebec City Largest city Montreal Official languages French Government - Lieutenant-Governor Pierre Duchesne - Premier Jean Charest (PLQ) Federal representation in Canadian Parliament - House seats 75 - Senate seats 24 Confederation July 1, 1867 (1st) Area  Ranked 2nd - Total 1,542,056 km² (595... {{Canadian City/Disable Field={{{Disable Motto Link}}}}} Motto: Concordia Salus (Salvation through harmony) Ville de Montréal, Québec, Canada Location. ... This article is about the U.S. state. ... The Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Salt Lake Citys top tourist draw. ...

Overseas Nations

Aside from the North American nations, other governments have set their sights on the former "new world".

England Maintaining a strong grip in the Ontario Protectorate, England's ambitions for control of the Pacific were thwarted by Nathan Zachary's privateer work for Hawaii's king. It is also a strong rival with Germany and its vassal, the ISA.

Germany Allied with the ISA, it has lent numerous "flight instructors" to the government as a buffer against British Ontario. It has also recently been involved in a scandal involving a German flotilla in Empire State waters, as well as the Sacred Trust Inc.-Black Hat Gang scandal.

France Keeping relationships with both French Louisiana and the Quebec Republic, it is still not a major player in North American events. Nonetheless, its Foreign Legion maintains a strong defense against the Dixie Confederation, Ontario and the ISA.

White Russia Remnants of the Czarist leftovers from the Russian Revolution, they still continue a guerrilla struggle against the Red Russians in Alaska and the Pacific.

Soviet Union The main powerhouse of the two Russias, the Soviets have more men and machines to throw at anyone in their way. Though an alliance with the Peoples Collective was possible, the atheism of the Reds was enough to cancel even the thought of an alliance.

Militias

In the universe, certain groups of pilots have banded together in the form of aerial minutemen.

Hollywood Knights

The militia that protects the Nation of Hollywood, the group is supported by the Hughes Aircraft Corporation. Known mainly for the leader of the Metro Marauders, Charlotte "Charlie" Steel, it is speculated that the pilots are more poster boys than hardened combat pilots.

Broadway Bombers

The most well known militia in the Empire State, its most revered squadron is the Madison Venturers, led by Loyle "Show Stopper" Crawford. Since it is mainly made up of New York's fortunate sons and daughters, it has come under the same accusations as the Hollywood Knights.

Confederate Air Force

Known mainly for the exploits of the 1st Georgia Squadron and it's leader, Beauregard "Rapier" Travis, is well known above and below the Mason-Dixon Line for its daring assaults on enemy airships and installations. It is also the only interracial unit in the Confederate Air Force, owing to Travis' time in captivity in Appalachia, opening his eyes to Dixie's inequalities.

Peoples Collective Air Militia

The main defense of the Peoples Collective, its squadrons reliance on the outclassed PR-1 Defender has led to some squadrons, notably the 14th Squadron, led by Aaron "Easter" Whittaker, to instead try and inspire a sense of "esprit de corps" in their pilots.

Wind Warriors Air Militia

The backbone of the Navajo Nations defenses, it's lead squadron is the Uing Sotu (Starfire) squadron, led by Soloho Salawa, which primarily fights in canyons, where their intimate knowledge of the terrain makes them deadly fliers.

Blake Aviation Security

While not really a national militia, Blake Security Forces are still major players in the combat arena due to intense physical and mental training. However, their services are still out for the highest bidder.

Sacred Trust Inc.

Formed very recently from almost nothing and out of nowhere, it soon rivaled Blake Security for national prestige and business. However, possible dealings with the Black Hat gang and Germany have led to increased caution when dealing with the company.

Die Spinne

Supposedly based on Germany, is a militia bent on overthrowing the government of the Industrial State of Chicago and establish themselves as the dominating power. They're led by Nicholas Von Essen and use all kinds of machinations to achieve their goals. Die Spinne is particularly fond of using Tesla-based weaponry. Tesla may refer to: In science: Nikola Tesla, a Serbian-American physicist, inventor, and electrical engineer List of Tesla patents IEEE Nikola Tesla Award, an annual award given by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Nikola Tesla Museum, Belgrade, Serbia Nikola Tesla elementary school, Novi Sad, Serbia Nikola...

Pirates and Gangs

The Black Swans A privateer group currently operating out of the Empire State, it is led by the mysterious Black Swan, whose nationality and origin still remain a mystery. Possibly one of the strongest privateer groups, with three squadrons of eight planes, the Swans have apparently fallen into a power struggle, as they were sighted in a vicious dogfight between each other in New York State.

The Red Skull Legion Led by Chicago's fortunate son, Jonathan "Genghis" Kahn, the legion made a name for itself by capturing a People's Collective airship, flew into Utah, and then proceeded to plunder an airstrip under the guise of P.C. privateers. The legion is surprisingly long ranged, but it focuses attacks on newly formed pirate bands in its home state.

The Medusas Possibly the only all female gang, the Medusas are known for their ruthlessness and charm. Formed by Athena "Harpy" Jackson, it was later reorganized by Justine "Battleaxe" Perot. Though they had been especially vicious before 1938, a misstep with the Fortune Hunters gang left them disarmed and nearly destitute in Hawaii.

Redmann’s Gang Led by the volatile and possibly insane "Marshal" Bill Redmann, it is known for using "dirty" tactics, such as strafing parked planes and gunning down parachuting pilots. Originally from Texas, Redmann is now hunted by the Texas Air Marshals and Rangers with almost obsessive zeal.

The Fortune Hunters Formed by Nathan Zachary, the group is a hodge-podge of all sorts, from down and out airmen to trained killers. Initially, the group lost its first zeppelin and one of its founding members, in addition to foundering financially. However, after setting up a nation-wide network of informants, the Hunters gained valuable intelligence on when and how to strike, what to use and who to trust. The one rule they all abide by, however, is to NEVER harm the innocent.

The Black Hats Popping up from virtual obscurity in Free Colorado, the group soon earned a place for itself for its downright evil attacks on cargo and passenger zeppelins. In one particular instance, crew members on a cargo zeppelin were forced to fistfight for the parachutes, while on another a passenger was strapped to the underbelly of a Black Hat aircraft and taken for a low-level "sightseeing" tour of some hilly terrain. Recently, however, the group has come under increased scrutiny for possible dealings with Sacred Trust Inc., and the Nation of Germany.

FASA board game

Crimson Skies boardgame.

After the Corsairs! project was shelved, Weisman rallied a group of the designers at FASA and on evenings and weekends they redesigned Crimson Skies as a fast-playing combat board game, with a focus on streamlined rules to maximize players' enjoyment. Players were encouraged to develop not only a powerful aircraft, but also a colorful pilot. Image File history File links CS-boardgame. ... Image File history File links CS-boardgame. ...

The base game came with card stock, assemble-yourself airplanes included, but later metal miniature planes were offered separately. While the focus was on fantasy over fact, many of the planes in Crimson Skies were modeled after real experimental aircraft of the era.

The complex universe of Crimson Skies earned many devoted fans, as dozens of different weapons, planes, nations, air forces, bands of pirates, and characters were all given detailed pasts, and several additional supplemental campaigns were published.

In 1999, Crimson Skies won the Origins Awards for Best Science Fiction or Fantasy Board Game of 1998 and Best Graphic Presentation of a Board Game of 1998. This article is about the year. ... The Origins Awards, presented by the Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts and Design, are presented at the Origins International Game Expo for outstanding work in the game industry. ...

Microsoft PC game

Crimson Skies PC game.

When FASA Interactive joined Microsoft in 1999, Weisman had the opportunity to start a new project, and Crimson Skies was at the top of his list. Image File history File links CS-PCgame. ... Image File history File links CS-PCgame. ...

This combat flight-sim offered game players fast-paced action without the hassle of realistic flight mechanics. The game included a 24-mission single-player mode and an on-line multi-player mode. Both modes made use of twelve different customizable plane designs. The spirit of a pulp fiction novel was well captured with catchy pirate music, excellent voice acting, and great attention to detail. Unfortunately, the original release was plagued with bugs that would cause the game to freeze or crash; a patch was released to alleviate these problems.

The character of Nathan Zachary, leader of the Fortune Hunters, was introduced as the hero. He is an air pirate with a honorable slant and a concrete rule that only the wealthy will be victimized, characteristics reminiscent of Robin Hood. In fact, when a rival alludes to his aerial swashbuckling, he replies, "Let's get one thing straight, sister: Errol Flynn pretends to be me, not the other way around." Robin Hood memorial statue in Nottingham. ... Errol Leslie Thomson Flynn (June 20, 1909 – October 14, 1959) was an Australian film actor, most famous for his romantic swashbuckler roles in Hollywood films and his flamboyant lifestyle. ...

The single-player campaign chronicled the rise of the Fortune Hunters gang (with their base airship known as the Pandora) from relatively small-time thrill seekers to a renowned band of brigands, taking whichever side of the law is most convenient and profitable at that particular moment.

The game was developed by Zipper Interactive and was nominated for the 2000 PC Action/Adventure Game of the Year from the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, and won the Editor's Choice Award from Game Revolution, and GameSpy's Game of the Year for sound. Zipper Interactive is a video game developer located in Redmond, Washington. ... The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) is a non-profit organization that promotes entertainment software, such as video and computer games, with its Interactive Achievement Awards ceremony held annually since 1998. ... Game Revolution or GR is a gaming website created in 1996. ... GameSpy, also known as GameSpy Industries, is a division of IGN Entertainment, which operates a network of game Web sites and provides online video game-related services and software. ...

Although the budget re-release box-pack for Crimson Skies says that the game will not run under Windows XP, the game should run correctly on XP if the official Microsoft 1.02 patch is also installed. Players who still have problems, such as Direct X issues, can run Windows XP in a Win 98 "compatibility mode". As a last resort, the game can be run with software-rendered graphics at 640x480, rather than graphics-card rendering. Windows XP is a line of operating systems developed by Microsoft for use on general-purpose computer systems, including home and business desktops, notebook computers, and media centers. ...

Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge

Crimson Skies, Xbox version.

This title was originally announced in March 2002 for a fall release date of that year, but was not released until October 2003. The delay was partly due to Microsoft deciding not to use any of the development team from the original PC game (Zipper Interactive), and starting from scratch with a new team. Image File history File links CS-Xbox. ... Image File history File links CS-Xbox. ... Zipper Interactive is a video game developer located in Redmond, Washington. ...

Nathan Zachary returned as the hero in Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge. After an opening cutscene in which Zachary steals back the plane he lost in a drunken poker game the previous evening, the game gets under way.

This game retained some of the atmosphere of the series, but designers attempted to make more an arcade-style game, with power-ups and CGI cut scenes. The planes and weapons available are much less customizable than in its predecessors, but the split-screen, system-link and Xbox Live modes provided many more game type options. Up to 16 players can compete in six different games on five different multiplayer maps. The game also has support for downloadable content, which has included four new planes, two new maps and two new gametypes. Computer-generated imagery (commonly abbreviated as CGI) is the application of the field of computer graphics (or more specifically, 3D computer graphics) to special effects in films, television programs, commercials, simulators and simulation generally, and printed media. ... Xbox Live is a subscription-based online gaming service for Microsofts Xbox and Xbox 360 video game consoles. ...

The game's soundtrack was also released separately, featuring 54 tracks from composer Stan LePard on CD, and a bonus DVD with Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround mixes of the game trailer and two cues from the soundtrack.

The game has won many awards, including Best Action/Adventure Console Game of 2003 from the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, Best Graphics of 2003 from both TechTV and IGN, and was named GameSpy's Breakout Game of the Year. TechTV is also the name of a closed-circuit television network based in Ruston, Louisiana TechTV (May 11, 1998 – May 28, 2004) was a 24-hour cable and satellite channel based in San Francisco, California featuring news and shows about computers, technology, and the Internet. ... IGN is a multimedia news and reviews website that focuses heavily on video games. ...

WizKids miniatures game

Crimson Skies collectible miniatures game.

WizKids makes a series of collectible gaming miniatures with the "Clix" system, in which the changing combat statistics and abilities of each miniature are indicated by a turnable dial inside the base underneath the figure. In 2003 they launched a Crimson Skies line with this system, with miniatures packaged in squadron packs of four planes, or ace packs with two "ace" figures and their planes. Image File history File links CS-Toys. ... Image File history File links CS-Toys. ... WizKids, Inc. ... A brand of pre-painted miniatures game by WizKids featuring rotating statistics dials in the base of the figures. ...

The game's starter kit contains rules for two games. Ace combat uses the ace figures in ground brawl game, played on square grid maps. The air combat game is the meat of the game, with maneuver cards and dice covering different ways planes can fly and attack.

The line broke from WizKids' normal random packaging format, as the miniatures were packaged openly on a blisterpack, so there was no need to buy many booster packs to get planes with better statistics. However, this marketing decision led to lower than expected sales, since gamers didn't need to buy multiple booster packs to bolster their collections, as in other games such as HeroClix. After a year, support for the series came to an end. This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

Books

Wings of Fortune: Pirate's Gold

Several tie-in books or short stories were released. Written in the style of the old pulps, each story generally follows one of the main Crimson Skies characters as they fly, flight, and con their way to save the day, or line their pockets in the process. Image File history File links CS-book1. ... Image File history File links CS-book1. ...

Spicy Air Tales was published by FASA in 1999. The two volume series featured short stories that originally appeared on the Crimson Skies website and supplemental material for using characters and planes from the stories with the boardgame.

• Volume I
• Fortune's Hunt, by Michael A. Stackpole
• Volume II
• The Great Helium War, by Robert E. Vardeman
• Manhattan Mayhem, by Loren L. Coleman

Wings of Fortune: Pirate's Gold, by Stephen Kenson, was published by FASA in November 2000. It introduced Nathan Zachary and his famous band of air pirates, the Fortune Hunters. It follows Zachary's air exploits and daring escapes during his early days as a war pilot, and recounts a climatic confrontation with his nemesis. Michael A. Stackpole Michael A. Stackpole (born 1957) is a science fiction and fantasy author best known for his Star Wars and Battletech books. ... Robert E. Vardeman wrote Ruins of Power, a MechWarrior: Dark Age story and created the Cenotaph Road series of science fantasy novels. ... Loren L. Coleman is a science-fiction writer, known for having written many books for series such as Star Trek, Battletech/Mechwarrior, Age of Conan, Crimson Skies, Magic: The Gathering and others. ... This page may be a user page mistakenly created as an article. ...

Wings of Justice: Rogue Flyer, by Loren L. Coleman, was published by FASA in December 2000. It follows the transformation of Trevor Girard from law-abiding security agent to pirate with a heart of gold. Loren L. Coleman is a science-fiction writer, known for having written many books for series such as Star Trek, Battletech/Mechwarrior, Age of Conan, Crimson Skies, Magic: The Gathering and others. ...

Crimson Skies was published by Del Rey in October 2002 to promote the future release of the Xbox game. It features three novellas, two originally published on the Crimson Skies website, one previously unpublished. Each story is preceded by a brief history lesson about the Crimson Skies universe which acts as the prelude to the following story. Del Rey Books is a branch of Ballantine Books, which is owned by Random House. ...

• The Case of the Phantom Prototype, by Eric Nylund - Paladin Blake must fly a top-secret aircraft into the Mojave Desert.
• "Genghis" Kahn & the Manchurian Gambit, by Michael B. Lee - The notorious leader of the Red Skull Legion pirate gang rescues a lady in distress and fights air battles from Manhattan to Manchuria with, surprisingly, no plunder in sight.
• Bayou Blues, by Nancy Berman and Eric S. Trautmann - Nathan Zachary and his "Fortune Hunters" square off against a Cajun sky-thief, a crooked businessman, and a pair of star-crossed lovers in a high-stakes, high-altitude con game.

Eric Nylund or Eric S. Nylund was born in 1964. ...

See also

• Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, a sci-fi film also set in the 1930s and involving things like fanciful airplanes and giant robots; the film and Crimson Skies have some elements in common, something that was mentioned by a few reviewers[1][2] when the film was released.

• The Rocketeer, an adventure film and graphic novel, set in the 1930's that deals heavily with period aircraft and a fictional rocket pack. Although it predates Crimson skies it shares many elements with the CS Universe and likely served as a source of inspiration.

Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow is a film released on September 17, 2004 in the United States. ... Rocketeer Adventure Magazine #1 (1988), Comico Comics. ...

External links

• The Universe of Crimson Skies Official Site
• Crimson Skies Official Site
• German Crimson Skies Unofficial Fan-Site
• Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge Official Site
• WizKids miniature game site