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[Vivalas]

The Imperial Question

PRELUDE

The year is 2076. Mankind has ventured into space, but at a cost.

Earth, now known as Terra, is ruled by an oppressive authoritarian regime known as the Imperium of Novus Terra. The power of the imperium is undisputed—in Imperial space.
The vast armies and fleets of the Emperor rule over the colonial provinces. Its an era of rapid expansion, marked by great disorder and lawlessness at the fringes of the Imperial periphery, and heavy and regimented policies at the interior of the Imperial core.

The Imperial Doctrine, the guiding principle of the expansion of the Imperium, calls for a two-step process:

Step One: Colonists venture out into space, either on colony ships or on smaller vessels as part of tramp merchants and free trading crews, exploring and documenting the expanse alongside the venerated Imperial Survey Corps, its veteran and salty crews in their brilliant blue-and-gold livery and expeditionary vessels leading the blind charge into infinite and insufferable darkness.

Step Two: Establish control. The most populous and economically viable systems are targeted as the center of Imperial military operations meant to bring them in line with the Emperor’s stark policies. Other systems are ignored, usually only protected by a token Colonial Security detachment that does the best that it can. These two guiding principles of expansion create a real divide between order and lawlessness. Resources are concentrated on keeping Core Systems in line, while everyone else is left with freedom to operate on their own, to an extent.

The Emperor is not without his enemies, chief of those his own people. Rebel groups abound in the Periphery, where they take refuge in the vastness of space. Some provinces and their magistrates are sympathizers themselves, long dissuaded from the political propaganda machine of the Imperium, for various reasons. The Council of Imperial Inquiry, the official name for the draconian internal secret police and intelligence bureau of the Imperium does its best to dismantle these internal threats, and is ruthlessly efficient at doing so.

The threats that it cannot dismantle are otherwise dealt with by military action. Crushed wholly and entirely by military force. With no mercy, and no recourse. So far this system works, although delicately. Most people comply because there is no better option known to them. In this universe, Earth never has known democracy before: the idea is foreign, criticized as nothing but the ideacrafting of anarchists. Imperial citizens, while mostly oppressed, enjoy the order and security that the authoritarian regime offers.

But change is coming. The advent of the Expanse Era, marked by new technology that allows jumps unconstrained by specific points and links between star systems, has heralded a new era of expansion that the Imperium’s now outdated model will be unable to adequately control. Imperial officials know that change is necessary to maintain security and order within the Empire, but nobody quite has an idea of exactly what.

Rebels conspire in the ever-expanding frontier, and on some distant sectors, unsettling discoveries are made. More and more evidence of alien civilization, though no contact with an active one—- yet. It is the age of exploration. It is the beginning of an answer. An answer, to The Imperial Question.


OVERVIEW

Heya, and welcome to The Imperial Question, a "RTD+" that will be ran using Traveller (Mongoose 2e). For those unfamiliar with Traveller, it's a very old school RPG system that in my opinion is amazing. Characters don't power level, people are very fragile, you can run chargen on autopilot, and it allows you to randomize a LOT of stuff.

As for why it's called a "RTD+", the emphasis will be on roleplay and story-telling over mechanics. I will simply use Traveller as an "engine" and interpret your actions in the system. You don't have to know anything at all about Traveller to play this, because the intent is a casual storytelling experience that can survive in the long-term. If you are experienced with traveller, and want to throw your own actions in there according to the system, or crack open a source book and learn, that's cool too. But the intent is that none of that is necessary. For all intensive purposes you can play this just like a typical RTD: submit your actions and wait for the turn to resolve.

The game will take place in a universe of my own creation that is a bastardization of a CK2 game I had, an Aurora 4x game I had, Warhammer 40K, and a lot of other miscellaneous themes. The Imperium can be loosely described as a mix between Victorian Britain, the Empire from Star Wars, with a few Imperium of Man vibes (although this is perhaps the lightest of the mix). Because of the character generation in Traveller, players can end up with characters that come from all walks of life, and they will be thrust together on a grand space adventure across the stars in this parallel universe where democratic government never formed, and where the political situation is dangerously precarious.


CHARACTER GENERATION

Character generation will be handled on the first turn, and will be ran entirely by me using Traveller's system. This differs from most roleplaying games since you don't have direct control over the build of your character, instead your character's early life is simulated. Instead of defining your character's starting skills / stats etc., you will write a series of parameters which will affect how your character evolves pre-campaign. If this sounds difficult or complicated, don't worry. You're simply writing as much as you want about your starting character's personality, desired careers, and stat preferences so that I can model the decisions they make in char gen to your liking. You can provide as much or as little info as you like. If you don't care what character you end up with, you don't even have to provide me with much other than a name (and maybe not even that if you choose not to).

Using the standard Traveller connection system, depending on your age (since the game has a fixed start-date, being older means you will interact with other players when you are quite possibly much older than them), career choice, and personality, you might end up with relationships and connections to other players before the game starts.

Characters can join the adventure at any time, and I will find ways to weave them in to the story naturally. At the start, the player limit will be 8 players and a standard waitlist system will be used if interest exceeds the capacity of the game.


THE GAME

The game will take place over the forums. I was planning on leaving it up to vote whether to run it over the forums or do dedicated sessions, but my interest is more in a long-term, epic story, and less in the time it takes to get there. I want this to be a casual game where people with strenuous time demands can participate as well. It will be party-oriented and at game start your characters might not necessarily all know each other, but you will all be thrust in to the same unfortunate situation. Turn lengths will be 2-3 days on average which will vary with my schedule. If I have to go a bit earlier when I am free, I will, and if I get caught a little behind, that could happen too. The format is typical RTD format. Type dialogue and typical roleplay actions as it makes sense in the context, and use turns for combat and actions that need skill checks.

I will be using the Encyclopedia feature from one of my previous suggestion games. The purpose of this is to emulate that while you, the player, may not know every little detail of the universe, your character knows a lot more. If there is any part of the gameworld or lore that you want to know more about, simply bold "Encylopedia:" and then your request.

Example: "Encylopedia: What are the laws on importing Mercurian Wine to Madraib 5?" Your inner monologue will help you out.

The game will be generic and freeform in nature. The party can either be freelancers, loyalists, rebels, or anything in between depending on their affiliations, decisions, and reaction to plot events. There will be a few over-arching plotlines in the game but the party won't be forced to follow them. Wherever they go, however, trouble will be sure to follow.

TEMPLATE

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Name:

Age: Important, because with traveller's skill system, the more career phases you run, the more skills you get, but the more risk there is for injury / debt/ and aging affects. A career phase is 4 years, and you must have at least one career phase, so the minimum age is 22. There is no maximum age, but obviously playing very old characters might be a bit of an interesting scenario I will round up to the nearest multiple of 4 to determine how many phases you go through in chargen.

Stats: In Traveller, you have 6 main stats that are rolled at the start. You roll 6 d6 dice (everything in Traveller is a d6) and choose the stats you want from that "pool". For our purposes, you will list your stat preferences in order and I will assign them at the start of the chargen process accordingly. This is one of the only attributes of your character you control directly. A brief explanation of the 6 stats:

Strength (STR): Your physical strength, fitness and forcefulness.
Dexterity (DEX): Your physical co-ordination and agility, reflexes.
Endurance (END): Your stamina, determination and ability to sustain damage.

Intellect (INT): Your intelligence and quickness of mind. This is your natural, intuitive, intellectual ability.
Education (EDU): A measure of your learning and experience. This represents "book knowledge" and learned skills: your formal education.
Social Standing (SOC): Your societal "rank". Being famous, known, or part of the nobility grants you high social standing. Prioritize this stat if you want to play an "elite" character, for example.

For the most part, the stats are mostly self-explanatory. The biggest ambiguity is probably between INT and EDU. INT represents natural talent and reasoning, while EDU is your on-paper knowledge. A mechanic and scientist may both rely on INT, but a scientist would mostly rely on EDU, for example. You can be very smart and without a proper education, or educated but dim in Traveller.

As a brief intro to Traveller, skill checks use a modifier derived from the skill being used and a supporting stat when making skill checks. The supporting stat can actually be any stat: Traveller doesn't link stats to specific skills, and the stat used depends on the situation. Stats can also be rolled on their own for stat checks. As an example: a mechanic fixing a car might make a mechanics check using INT as a supporting stat, whereas an engineer doing the same thing might use EDU instead. This system allows for a lot of flexibility with characters.

The sum of Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance determines your hitpoints, and Endurance is drawn from first when taking damage, so keep that in mind. This little blurb is just about all you need to know about Traveller to play.

Background: Describe the events of your traveller leading up to your 18th birthday, in as much detail as you would like. Their homeworld, their parents, significant events. I will use this box to determine your pre-career stats and experience. You can also write them in directly if you would like and if you are familiar with traveller. Keep in mind that your stats mostly determine your pre-career background. Don't write about being the son of a noble if you prioritize SOC very low. I will modify and co-opt this as necessary to fit the story and your starting stats.

Personality: Describe what makes your character tick, what kind of decisions they make, who they are as a person and what drives them in life, plus whatever else you want. Your personality will be used heavily in chargen to influence the decisions the player would normally make but that we simply don't have time to run through step-by-step. Other players can also use this information to get an idea of how to approach your character in roleplay.

Career Choice: Describe what the dreams and aspirations of your character are. Do you want to be a super-elite soldier, an assassin, a spacer, a lowly thug, or a renowned researcher? Describe the career choices your character would make and what path they take in life. Keep in mind life doesn't always go as planned, so throw a few backup plans in here as well, just in case.

EXTENDED BACKGROUND INFO

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Imperium of Novus Terra




   Dating back to circa 1200 AD, the Empire of Novus Eire formed when the Kingdom of Ireland (then containing the kingdoms of France and Aquitaine as well) merged with the Holy Roman Empire under Emperor Murdoch Ui Brianin II. The massive power-bloc quickly dominated Europe and over the course of world history became a monolithic imperial state that eventually became the de facto world government. Now, in the 21st century, the Imperium of Novus Terra is the primary government of humanity and has dominated human culture, history, and progress for the past 1000 years. Imperial control over Earth is complete and undisputed, but now, in the vast frontiers of space, new regimes have room to rise, and going forwards the question of imperial sovereignty over all of its colonies and possessions will be a very "controversial" one.

The Imperium is owned and goverened by the Emperor themself, who is considered the head of the Ministry of State, the top branch of the Imperial government which handles all top-level executive functions of the Empire, such as appointments to the lower minitries, diplomacy, high-level strategy, and advising the Emperor. Primary functions of the government are executed by the Imperial ministries which serve in the Emperor's name, and civil control is exerted in the core territories by appointed governors who rule in the name of the Emperor, and in the Periphery, provinces are ran by Lord Magistrates, the only members of the Imperial government with any amount of sovereignty or autonomy.

The primary culture of the Imperium is a mixture of Irish, English, and Spanish. Heavily euro-centric in its imperialistic origins, the primary language of the Imperium is Imperial Celt, a mixture of Gaelic, English, Irish, and Spanish that is somehow even more convoluted than the modern English players would be more familiar with. Other large cultures exist within the Imperium, the two largest being Indian and Chinese, both of which were integrated in to the Imperium during the Great Expansion period of the early modern era.

The Imperium holds over 100 colonies in more than 60 different systems, and human space extends further out from that. Many colonists, idealists, and adventurers have established outposts and colonies beyond the reaches of Imperial-controlled space, although they are very much on their own in terms of providing for themselves and their defense. The largest such "freeholder" colony is Outer Croix, a settlement of about 200000 "independent" people that are about 6 months away from the Imperial center. Although rumors of an Imperial expeditionary force have been circulating for years intent on subjugating this large colony, it is still small enough in the main scope of things and far enough away that most Imperial authorities don't consider it worth the effort.

The full tree of government is as follows:

J - Joint (functions of the department's supervision are split between other higher offices)

The Emperor (Ministry of State)
   Ministry of Defense
      Imperial Guard
         Colonial Rangers (J)
      Imperial Navy
         Imperial Survey Corps
         Naval Logistics Corps
         Colonial Logistics Corps (J)
   Ministry of Commerce
      Imperial Logistics Directorate (Handles direction of supply and provision throughout the empire, to be moved by the merchant marine).
         Colonial Logistics Corps (J) (More integrated with the navy, which has a larger role in supply and direction)
   

   Ministry of Security
      Division of Colonial Security
         Office of Customs Enforcement (J)
         Colonial Marshals Service
         Colonial Rangers (J)
      Imperial Security Forces
         Office of Customs Enforcement (J)
      Imperial Intelligence Agency
         Council of Imperial Inquiry
         Division 16 (Secret / Disavowed)

Lord Governor -> Core Sector
Lord Magistrate -> Province


Ministry of State

The Ministry of State is the highest office of the Empire, and the Minister of State (known as the "Lord High Chamberlain") is effectively the "Emperor's Right Hand" and closest advisor. Effectively, the second-most powerful person in the Empire, and perhaps charted space. The Ministry of State handles everything that is delegated to it by the Emperor, but typically handles high level affairs such as diplomacy, appointments of ministers and governors and magistrates, the oversight of the justice system within the Empire, and supervision of the provinces and core systems and their government heirarchies.

Ministry of Defense

The Ministry of Defense handles everything related to the military forces of the Empire. Command of the Army and Navy is split between two lower offices, which are headed by the Lord High Admiral and Lord High Marshal, the two highest ranking uniformed members of the Empire. Typically one of the two are appointed to Lord High Imperator of the Ministry of Defense when an absense occurs. As a result, the leaders of the Imperial Guard and Imperial Navy are frequently at odds with each other; not just for funding and resources, but also for promotion to become the other's boss! While this works well to promote efficiency and ruthlessness within the defense forces, it can also lead to a fair amount of unhelpful infighting within the Ministry of Defense.

Imperial Guard

The hand of the Emperor, the Imperial Guard is the armed ground branch of the Imperium. With a storied history of ruthlessly crushing any opposition to the Emperor, the Guard is feared and hated by the Emperor's enemies and revered by loyalists. Service in the Guard is not compulsory, but many lower class citizens and nobles alike join the Guard to gain clout within the political system of the Imperium. Officers are typically selected from the wealthy and the noble families of the civil directorate.

Imperial Navy

The hand of the Emperor, in space, the Imperial Navy has less of a storied tradition except for in the times of antiquity when Earth was still divided, during the rise of the Empire. Much more meritocratic as a result, officers of the Imperial Navy with lower-class backgrounds are much more common than in the Guard.


Imperial Survey Corps

A selective brotherhood, the Imperial Survey Corps is perhaps one of the smallest branches of the higher Imperial Bureaucracy. Sporting their brilliant blue and gold livery, Corpsmen have led the push in to the vast unknown solely on their own, and of their own volition, until recently where corporate and private prospecting has seen a steep rise. The Imperial Survey Corps is small, fiercely competitive, and has a burning rivalry with the "flyboys" in the Imperial Navy. The Survey Corps has many of its own secretive and lesser known traditions, and many a vessel has been lost to the endless reaches of the void. Intrepid, brave, and proud, these explorers and scientists are perhaps the most ambivalent towards the Imperium. Many members of the Survey Corps have mixed feelings towards the Imperium and simply serve to further their dreams of exploring space. After returning from missions, due to the large periods of time away from the oppressive empire and the resulting intellectual freedom, members of the Survey Corps defecting to the rebellion is not uncommon.


Naval Logistics Corps

The auxilliary of the Imperial Navy, the Naval Logistics Corps handles and supervises civilian ships tasked with direct support of the imperial fleet. Some auxilliary ships are crewed mostly or exclusively by civilian crews who are commanded by Imperial officers.


Colonial Logistics Corps

Falling under the joint supervision of the Imperial Navy and the Ministry of Commerce, the CLC handles most of the movement of infrastructure and supplies to new colonists, as well as the transport of colonists. Maintenance and operation of ships falls to a division of the Imperial Navy, while operational command and provision of colonists, equipment, and infrastructure is handled by the Ministry of Commerce.


Ministry of Commerce

The second of the three high ministries of the Empire, the Ministry of Commerce handles oversight of all Imperial free corporations, and manages the Imperial economy. A somewhat free-market exists in the Imperium, but the majority of jobs available are with the Imperial government and its subsidiaries.  The minister appointed to this office is known as the "Lord High Steward".


Imperial Logistics Directorate

The Imperial Logistics Directorate is effectively the "merchant marine" of the Empire. Handling all registration and licensing of merchant vessels within the Imperium, the Logistics Directorate directs Imperial shipping as necessary to transport the massive ammounts of goods necessary to keep the Imperium running. Any surplus shipping capacity is free to use by merchant captains as desired. All vessels over 2000 tons must be regitered to the Logistics Directorate for requisition by the Imperial government when necessary. As a result, 2000 ton vessels are strikingly common in the Imperium. The Logistics Directorate also handles the Ministry of Commerce's side of the Colonial Logistics Corps


Ministry of Security

The third, but arguably most important, of the three high ministries, the Ministry of Security is responsible for protecting the Emperor from his own citizens and managing law and order across the Imperium. The Lord High Executor of the Ministry of Security is arguably the third-most powerful person in the Imperium, and typically a close trusted ally of the Emperor.



Division of Colonial Security

Security across Imperial holdings is managed by one of three entities. For provincial governments, Lord Magistrates are authorized to organize their own defense and law enforcement heirarchies. To supplement this, the Division of Colonial Security provides additional support and resources to Imperial colonies and Periphery installations. Although rather large, the DCS is largely over-stretched and as a result, most law enforcement activities in the provinces are the sole discretion of Lord Magistrates. On paper, anyways. Critics of the Imperial government often cite that the the colonies are able to defend themselves quite adequately and that the DCS is merely a tool of oppression, control, and surveillance meant to keep the provinces in line with the Imperial core.


Office of Customs Enforcement

Effectively the "space police" of the Imperium, the OCE handles port customs and trade interdiction / enforcement, lower-threat anti-piracy and space patrol operations, and generally handles maintaining security in Imperial Space in the absense of the Navy, which is only ever mobilized en masse for large threats which the OCE can't handle on its own. The largest vessel employed by the OCE is the Patrol Cutter, and it has a selection of smaller vessels it uses as well.

Administrative oversight of the OCE falls under the purview of the Imperial Security Forces, but operational commands in Imperial systems fall under either the ISF or the DCS depending on whether the system is a core territory or province, effectively integrating OCE directorates in to the local command structure.


Colonial Marshals Service

The Colonial Marshals are the special-purpose law enforcement personnel of the Periphery. Tasked with security of high ranking Imperial officials in the Periphery, the tracking of fugitives, and the investigation of high profile cases, the Colonial Marshals are effectively the "elite" of the DCS. Employment in to the Marshal's Service is very selective, competetive, and esteemed within the Ministry of Security.


Colonial Rangers

Stemming from the early Mercurian Rangers detachment of the Imperial Guard that helped police the lawless fringes of Sunward Mercury in the early days of Space Expansion, the Colonial Rangers are used mostly in the more lawless regions of the Periphery. Specializing in projecting power and law enforcement capability over large uninhabited regions of newly developing colonies, the Colonial Rangers are highly valued by the Lord Magistrates and are very effective at purging bandits, rebels, and outlaws from the frontier regions of space. As a result, they are very expensive assets to train and operate, and are almost always in shortage.

Training and administrative command of the Colonial Rangers falls under the Imperial Guard, but operational authority is granted to whoever they are sent to support at the time. Be it DCS operations, provincial governments, or in support of other core Imperial ministries.


Imperial Security Forces

The closest thing the Imperium has to a Empire-wide police force, the ISF handles all law enforcement activies on core systems. Lord Governors of core territories are not allowed to train or raise their own militas and security forces, and effectively rely on the ISF for handling enforcement and control in their regions. The ISF is the largest branch of the Ministry of Security, by far.


Imperial Intelligence Agency

The IIA are the black sheep of the Imperial bureaucracy. Shady, secretive, and often feared, the Imperial Intelligence Agency handles all intelligence, espionage, intellience gathering, and political loyalty functions of the Imperial bureaucracy. The Director of the IIA is typically held to be the fourth most powerful member of the Imperial government, and their appointment often comes directly from the Emperor themself.


Council of Imperial Inquiry

Colliquially known as the "Inquisition", the Council is a department of the IIA that operates typically within the Imperial government itself. Inquisitors are embedded everywhere in the bureaucracy, and oftentimes in secret. Their main function is to keep all officials and nobles of the Empire in complete loyalty to the Emperor, and as a result they are the most deeply feared and influential branch of the Imperium. Military commands typically have both an Inquisitor tasked with constant surveilance of the unit and its officers, and a political officer embedded in the command structure that "advises" the CO on matters of political loyalty and ensures their loyal and dutiful service to the Imperium.



Prominent Corporations


Direct Action

The largest paramilitary corporation within the Imperium, Direct Action is a mercenary and security corporation that provides muscle to corporations, station bosses, mafiosos, and sometimes even Lord Magistrates of the Imperium. In the farthest reaches of the Periphery, sometimes Direct Action is the de facto government, holding a "monopoly of violence" in the system that makes even the local Imperial government wary.


Hythea Drive Systems

While not the largest ship corporation within the Imperium, Hythea does hold a rather large monopoly and tech advantage in the propulsion field and a large majority of drive systems on commercial and military vessels alike are serviced, designed, and produced by Hythea.


Exogen Biopharmaceuticals

A large and somewhat dubious "big pharma" firm that is reputed to have secret "black labs" in the Periphery that conduct highly illegal cybernetic research. Aside from their regrettable reputation, Exogen holds a monopoly on the medical industry and provides a large amount of medical equipment and basic cybernetics.


Avalos Transport Services

The largest shipping line in the imperium, ATS is somewhat of a force of its own, especially on the Periphery. It's not unheard of for ATS to bring freelancer captains and free traders in to its contracting network through unsavory methods. It is the sole supplier to many of the furthest and most remote Imperial colonies, and as a result holds a frightening amount of influence in certain Periphery systems, often rivalling that of Direct Action and its mercenary "psuedo-regimes".




Other Groups


The Free Alliance

While many rebels and freedom fighters exist all over the Imperium, the Alliance is the foremost group, and the largest threat to Imperial security and stability. The Alliance is a force of its own, and sometimes even manages to align many of the other factitious rebel groups for large and coordinated operations. Featuring disgruntled corporate defects, gangsters, pirates, Imperial deserters, and a few seditious ministers and governors, the Free Alliance holds more power than the Imperium would want to believe in certain systems


Cybernetic Front

While some basic cybernetics are allowed to the general public, most are highly licensed and regulated by the Imperial government with licenses awarded to a select few megacorporations, along with advanced AI technology, which is almost all but outlawed. Since the introduction of cybernetics to human society, a small clique known as "jackers" came to popularity. Although contemporarily the jacker movement is often associated with outlaws and rebels, most jackers are simply societal outliers who became obssessed with modifying their body and pushing themselves to the limits. The Cybernetic Front is a terrorist coalition of smaller jacker groups dedicated to "liberation" of cybernetic technology from the "tyrannical" regulations of the Imperium. Although they share some ties with the Alliance, some factions in the Alliance actually agree with Imperial policy on dangerous and exotic cybernetic and AI technology, and thus the two groups are very separate in their goals and aims.


Basic Timeline

Pre-Exo (2022-2041)
   Rise of Mercury, Luna and interplanetary commerce and industry. End is marked by the discovery of the Meirica ruins.
Exo (2050-2070)
   General exploration and expansion of the empire into a interstellar entity. Marked by rapid colonization, piracy, and criminal activity outside the Sol system and its immediate periphery.

   Additional core systems: Paidraig, Nova, Merica

   Mercury is terraformed. The Imperial navy expands its scope of operations and slowly becomes more proficient at counter-piracy and general space operations. Eventually order over the 'Imperial periphery' is established, and dissident elements slowly escape and travel out beyond Imperial space into the Great Unknown, keen on making a new life for themselves, and possibly even starting a rebellion from afar.

The Expanse (2070-Present)

   Marked by the construction of the first exoplanetary spaceship on the new colonial hub of Cryostail, as well as development of the exojump drive. This era is the current era, one of steady expansion and growth, with the imperial sector being heavily policed and secure, while the outer sectors are mostly left to light policing and are generally the "wild west" so to speak. The current date as of the start of the game is 2076.

PROMINENT SOLAR COLONIES / PLANETS
Earth

    Earth is the main political and economic giant of the Imperium. It is the birthplace of Humanity, and its 9 billion citizens make it the largest and most populous of all planets in Charted Space.


Mars

    Mars is the secondary powerhouse of the Imperium, with 3.4 billion inhabitants, and a terraforming program that is now in its later stages. It is another economic and financial giant of the Imperium, with access to many resources that make it ripe for chemical and biopharmaceutical giants.


Mercury

    Mercury is mostly only inhabited in the "twilight zone", a narrow ring of temperate land around its far polar region. Mercury is fully terraformed, complete with water and all. Its many craters and narrow ravines make a breathtaking array of rivers and lakes over a barren landscape of lichen and light grasses, although in certain "oasis" regions, more complex plant and animal life lives.


Mercury has a few diverse industries, with sophisticated extraction of extremely rare minerals in its "Sunward" regions, and exotic farming in its twilight region, primarily home to the extremely treasured vineyards that produce the luxurious and highly sought after Mercurian Wine. Mercury has a measly population of 400m, limited greatly by land space, but has a decent tourist industry. It is reminiscent of a rocky and barren Icelandic / Irish hillscape in the far pole region, and the sunward regions are mostly temperate jungle before turning into a hellish landscape of uninhabitable deserts that reach temperatures upwards of 300C. Due to its diverse terrain, it's ripe for both exploration and military training, and the Imperial Guard has a massive training center here.

Another curious feature of Mercury are its extremely intense polar tempests, driven by the extreme temperature difference between the two poles. Winds of upwards of 800 km/h are prevalent, with downpours that can flood entire regions of the planet. Colonists liken the planet sometimes to a "big angry washing machine". As a result much of the infrastructure on the planet is heavily reinforced and integrated in to the sturdy Mercurian regolith. Nomadic groups, slums, shantytowns, and rural communities do exist, but they have adapted heavily improvised methods of surviving Mercury's superstorms.


Ceres

Ceres is a small dwarf planet in the Asteroid Belt of Sol, where it serves as a hub for the thousands of mining operations in the belt. Ceres is also known for its robust ship industries, where low-G environments make it much cheaper to build and manufacture low-G components and spacecraft without the need for orbital facilities.


Ceres mostly is a Tunnel planet, with large cities and tunnels built beneath the surface of the moon. The surface mostly consists of strip mining operations, and the equator is home to a network of massive mass drivers that help sustain low-cost high-volume constant shipping back to Earth and Mars.


Titan

Titan is a gaseous world with an atmosphere of Methane. The chemical composition of the planet make it ripe for chemical industries, as well as numerous amount of exotic research facilities due to the ease of decontamination and emergency destruction of labs if things go awry (Since the entire atmosphere is flammable when exposed to the oxygen interior of habitats).


Titan also serves a shipping and service hub for the numerous small colonies in and around Saturn, Jupiter, the other gas giants, and their moons, as well as the Trojans.

[Vivalas]

PLAYER LIST
1.

Spoiler: Corbin Fresno (ConscriptFive) (click to show/hide)

Corbin Fresno      
     STR 8      (0)
      DEX 8      (0)
      END 11      (+1)
      EDU 11      (+1)
      INT 12      (+2)
      SOC 8      (0)
     
      Gun Combat 3 (plasma)
      Deception 2
      Investigate 1
      Athletics (dexterity) 1
      Explosives 1
      Persuade 1
      Gunner 1
      Stealth 1
      Mechanic 0
      Vacc Suit 0
      Pilot 0
      Recon 0
      Flyer 0
      Drive 0
      Streetwise 0
     
      6000 cr
      Compact SMG   (20 ammo, Auto 2, Flechette SMG stats)

      Allies:
            Laila Zohukov : Engineering Officer, Imperial Navy
            Timothy O'Brian : Line Officer, Imperial Navy
            Patrick Walsh : Intelligence Officer, Imperial Navy
         
    INVENTORY     Zhefier SPA-7 Compact SMG
            The SPA-7 is a relatively uncommon and expensive compact personal defense weapon that is typically highly-regulated and only available for purchase, for the most part, through black market fences. Able to be concealed in most containers and in some rare cases, under very-bulky jackets or hoodies, the SPA-7 has a terrifying firerate that makes up for its wanting calibre and magazine size. Absolutely brutal in short ranges, barrel extension kits can lengthen the barrel which together with an extended stock turn the SPA-7 into a very handy full-body SMG and medium-range assault weapon in a pinch. This particular model is all-black.
            
            3D-2 Damage, 3 Kg, Magazine 20, Auto 3, Range 10
            
            
     PX-11 Service Pistol
            The Imperial-manufactured PX-11 is the standard-issue plasma sidearm of all Imperial forces. It is carried by police forces, MPs, Guardsman, and for personal-use by all active duty Imperial officers. Packing a powerful plasma-bolt punch in a compact package, with venerated reliability and a sleak look, the PX-11 is a familiar and well-sought-after weapon. This particular PX-11 has a non-descript black trim.
            
            4D-3 Damage, 1 Kg, Magazine 20, AP 1, Range 20 ("misappropriated" from the IIA upon Corbin's resignation)
            
     Stealth Dagger
            A hardened polymer knife with a great deal of efficiency, this small but deadly weapon is easily concealable and absent from most scanners. Common among criminals, spies, saboteurs, and other unsavory elements.
            
            1D-2 Damage, 1 kg, (175 cr)
            
     IMAT-3 Covert Ops Protection Vest
            A slim but durable protective vest that fits under most clothes. The IMAT-3 is the lowest class of Imperial-use protective armor, and this particular variant is typically used by Imperial agents and undercover law enforcement personnel. Easily concealable while still being able to temper otherwise-lethal blows, the IMAT-3 won't completely blunt most attacks but you'll certainly be glad you were wearing it. This one is jet-black and sleek.
            
            Protection 3, (250 cr)
            
     Drake Informatics "dPad" + handheld commdot
            An older E-series infopad from one of the two major tech giants, the dPad is nonetheless a flagship of Drake Informatics and a reputable brand anywhere in Charted Space. Featuring out-of-date but robust utilities and security infrastructure, the E-Series still holds water when compared to the newer F-Series models. This particular dPad is in a smooth gunmetal casing.
            
            Translator/1, Security/1 (1200 cr)
            
     IIA Badge (Corbin Fresno)
            An official (but expired and deactivated) badge denoting the holder as an agent of the Imperial Intelligence Agency. Under minimal amounts of scrutiny, with a convincing act, this can be used in a pinch to spook people. A more thorough look, however, will lead back to Corbin and show him as an ex-agent misrepresenting himself as an Imperial official: a grave offense.
            
            Boon to Deception checks, however if affected parties later go and double check these credentials, the authorities will get very... angry.
            
     4175 Credits

2.

Spoiler: John Cardenas (The Canadian Kitten) (click to show/hide)

      STR 10      (+1)
      DEX 10      (+1)
      END 11      (+1)
      INT 10      (+1)
      EDU 6      (0)
      SOC 4      (-1)
     
      Gun Combat 1 (plasma)
      Athletics 1 (strength)
      Recon 1
      Investigate 1
      Deception 1
      Streetwise 1
      Medic 1
      Melee 0
      Vacc Suit 0
      Profession (agriculture) 0
      Animals 0
      Mechanic 0
     
      12000 cr
      Weapon - Sawed-Off Shotgun

      Enemy: The Red Hoods (Gang on Garraithe)
    
     INVENTORY         
      Direct Action V11 "Solis" Assault Shotgun (Sawed-Off)   
         A modified V11, a somewhat common shotgun used by both criminals and lawmen alike. This particular one is Imperial-issue to the discerning eye, although its serial number has long since been filed off. Perhaps misappropriated a long time ago by a Guardsman or Imperial law enforcement officer.
         
         4D Damage, 4 Kg, Magazine 1, Bulky (STR 9+), Range 10, DM+2 short range
            
      IMAT-2, Concealable Plate Carrier (Plate, Plasma Inhibiting)
         A military-issue assault harness and plate carrier, designed for compact use under a jacket or other bulky clothing. Provides moderate protection to the wearer while retaining mobility and some degree of stealth. This particular one is jet-black and has some white-stencil numerals on various surfaces, along with an Imperial crest on one of the inside straps.
         
         Protection 4, 1 Kg, (500 cr)
            
      I-110 Infantry Knife ("I-Bar")
         The I-Bar infantry knife is standard issue to all Imperial Guardsman, and is a sturdy and reliable weapon. Able to be concealed just about anywhere: the combat boot a typical favorite, the I-Bar delivers lethal precision and damage through its sleak, well-weighted design.
         
         1D+3 Damage, 1 Kg, (100 cr)
            
      Combat Trauma Lifesaving Kit
         Yet another piece of Imperial military surplus, the CTL kit is a staple among survivalists and ex-military personnel. The kit is a combination of typical medical supplies and a trauma kit, allowing both healing and stabilization of critically wounded personnel, provided it is used by the proper person.
         
         First Aid Kit (DM-1), Trauma Kit, (1000 cr)
            
      Forged Passport / ID (Unique: John Cardenas)
         Hastily bought from an old friend after John's revenge spree, this passport is surprisingly watertight to all but the most detailed inspection by Imperial authorities. It won't do much more than get you through a checkpoint, but the identity contained within can do that pretty well until it's known to be a fake.
         
         Advocate DM+3 checks when going through customs or stopped by authorities on a routine basis. DM+1 when under heavy scrutiny.
            
     OTHER      Maria Cardenas (Daughter)
         John's 10 year old daughter, and just about the only thing he has left. Most of his current will to keep going is rooted in creating a better future for her.
         
         Losing Maria will have a profoundly bad effect on John's mental health. It's best such an occurrence not be elaborated on more. However, she can also help him with basic tasks and things that a 10-year old may be able to be useful at, so she's not a complete burden.
            
     10400 Credits

3.

Spoiler: Elona Maghraib(naturegirl1999) (click to show/hide)

      STR 2      (-2)
      DEX 5      (-1)
      END 7      (0)
      EDU 14      (+2)
      INT 9      (+1)
      SOC 7      (0)
     
      Science 3 (archaeology)
      Science 1 (astronomy)
      Electronics 2 (sensors)
      Electronics 1 (computers)
      Admin 1
      Survival 0
      Mechanic 0
      Astrogation 0
      Gun Combat 0
      Pilot (small craft) 0
      Profession (biologicals) 0
      Melee 0
     
      80000 cr
      Lab Ship Share (1) (lab ship with 25% mortgage paid off)
      Ship Share (towards mortgate, 1Mcr)

      Contact: Adia Renald, Imperial Survey Corps (Ex-Colleague)


     INVENTORY      Martian Protec-X Taser
         A contact tasing device intended for self-defense and provided for a bargain price, this basic stun weapon tends to be, at minimum, what the discerning Imperial citizen would carry on their person when not in an Imperial core system.
         
         1D Damage, 1 Kg, Stun, (200 cr)
            
      Field Medical Kit
         A collection of various medical supplies that can be utilized to treat most injuries that would arise in field conditions. Contains surplus medical supplies, drugs, and even basic surgical tools. Large and bulky, it comes in its own backpack that is clearly marked in a solid red color.
            
            (500 cr)
            
      ExplorTech OptimalSite-7X Electronic Binoculars
         A favorite of members of the Expeditionary Corps both past and present, the OS-7X binoculars are a robust and tried and true model. Featuring low-light amplification, partial-image reconstruction, motion and sound analysis features, and an integrated infolink and HUD, the OptimalSite-7X binoculars is a deluxe suite and exploratory platform typically only carried around by expert surveyors and explorers.
         
         (1000 cr)
         
     OTHER      Luggage (Artifacts / Exploration Equipment)
         Elona is in the process of relocating her research to another planet where she can work in peace under her own direction, with the help of a friend. Her luggage consists of a few rare artifacts she has brought along to investigate, as well as a fair amount of exploratory equipment she has scrounged up over the years.
         
         A wildcard item that allows for Elona to draw 4 times from her "equipment" to produce an item she needs (mostly from the survival gear category). Of course, she can draw all of the gear at once if she wants, but the power of this unique item is that it can be very handy in whatever situation she finds herself in.
            
     78300 Credits

4.

Spoiler: Salia Zhen (KingZultan) (click to show/hide)

      STR 5
      DEX 8
      END 6
      EDU 5
      INT 10
      SOC 2
     
      Streetwise 1
      Melee (unarmed) 1
      Deception 1
      Vacc Suit 1
      Gambler 1
      Investigate 1
      Pilot 1 (spacecraft)
      Gun Combat  1
      Drive 0
      Persuade 0
      Stealth 0
      Mechanics 0
      Athletics 0
     
     
      10000 cr
      Blade - Chaindrive Sword


      Contact: Darius McMullen, Old Fence / Partner
    
   INVENTORY
   Chaindrive Sword
      Commonly used by the most ruthless gangs, particularly in slums and Tunnel cities, the Chaindrive Sword, or "chain-ripper" is a brutal weapon that has more use sometimes as an intimidation tool than it does as a melee weapon. A combination of a chainsaw and sword, in a surprisingly well-balanced package, just the memory of the sound of these horrors can keep many past inhabitants of the brutal Imperial slums awake at night.      
            
      4D Damage, 7 Kg, AP 2      
            
   Direct Action G5 "Imprisis" Plasma Pistol   
      A simple, well-balanced, and slightly dated design, the Imprisis is nonetheless rather common for those in the business of needing one. Essentially a scaled-down rebuild of the PX-11, the Imprisis can only accept low-power civilian-grade plasmamags and fires a much less deadly bolt. Still quite lethal, however, the G5 does its job more than sufficiently.      
            
      3D+2 Damage, 1 Kg, Range 15, Magazine 10 (750 cr)         
            
   Rebel Burner Device (Salia Zhen)      
      Given to Salia by Darius, an old friend of hers she rolled with back on Ceres, the "burner device" is a very rare tool typically only given to important members of planetary rebel cells and their associates. When used it broadcasts a pre-determined signal that is designed to propagate over local commnets, meshnets, and throughout the planetary atmosphere. Rebel cells that intercept a burner transmission are supposed to come to the aid of the user. It's a single-use device, and the firmware on the burner wipes itself after it is activated.      
            
            
   9250 Credits

5.

Spoiler: Anton Ferguson (WyrdByrd) (click to show/hide)

      STR 3      (-1)
      DEX 1      (-2)
      END 3      (-1)
      EDU 15      (+3)
      SOC 13      (+2)
      INT 12      (+2)
     
      (HP 9)
     
      Advocate 4
      Language 3 (high castilian)
      Streetwise 3
      Gambler 2
      Admin 1
      Diplomat 1
      Investigate 1
      Broker 1
      Deception 1
      Profession (construction) 1
      Persuade 1
     
     
      155000 cr
      5 Ship Shares (5Mcr towards a mortgage)
      1 Free Trader (no mortgage)
      Weapon(Gun) - High-Quality Plasma Pistol (Sport) - (Gauss Pistol. 4D damage, x2 range)
      Full Noble Privileges

      Ally: Corsa Ledraig, Ministry of Defense Supply Officer
    
    INVENTORY      Zhefier Saab. 11 Plasma Sporting Pistol
         The Saab. 11, made by Zhefier Armaments, is a compact pistol with surprising accuracy and damage for its package. Though the high-powered gun runs through its military-grade magazine rather quickly, the accuracy and lethality  of each shot makes up for the difference. Favored by wealthy elites and Imperial nobility, the Saab. 11 is illegal to own without "iompar daoine ard", or noble status and the privileges under Imperial law that come under it. Not that it matters, anyways, as the gun is out of the price range of the average citizen by a larger margin. About as impressive as a pistol can be, the Saab. 11 comes with an ivory grip, black chrome inlays, and an antiqued noisemaker that emits a classic "ping" sound reminiscent of bolt-action rifles when its magazine runs empty.
         
         4D-3 Damage, 1 Kg, Magazine 7, AP 2, Range 40
            
      Luxury Business Suit, Protec
         A luxurious and obviously very-expensive suit built with ballistic and plasma protective fibers woven throughout the fabric. Not cheap, these types of suits tend to be for the discerning businessperson who feels the need to look stylish while maintaining a respectable degree of paranoia in their daily lives.
         
         Protection 4, 1 Kg, (500 cr)
            
      Cuimo Ltd. InfoPad, Business Edition+
         A compact and stylish onyx-black datapad with styling and real leather padding. This model comes with a small trading database and some utilities intended for interstellar brokers.
         
         Translator/1, Agent/1 (Valet Organization?), (1500cr)
            
      Quid Pro Quo, 11th Edition, Autographed (Anton Ferguson)
         A copy of the famous compendium of trade law and practices, signed by one of the reigning masters in the industry. A prized possession of Anton, he always takes it with him everywhere he goes: in his mind the only way to be sure it is never lost. Quid Pro Quo is considered the bible of the brokerages and Corredors of the Imperium, and having one signed by the master itself is a massive prestige.
         
         Some sort of bonuses with people who actually know what this is, I guess.
            
     OTHER         Rúndiamhair Uasal ("Noble Privileges")
            Sometimes also known as "iompar daoine ard, or privilege of the office, noble privileges are often bestowed upon ex-high officials of the Imperium and their families. Such privileges go extremely far back in time and history of the Imperium, and sometimes aren't too well defined, especially in Imperial provinces. Roughly however these privileges translate to large tax breaks, right of extradiction to court on Terra for trial of high crimes, payment of fine only for lesser crimes, certain protected free speech (the privilege of the diet), much less restriction on dangerous / prohibited weapons and items, and the right to free and un-obstructed passage and privacy in provinces (meaning no customs searches or boarding by OCE officials allowed unless directed by a higher member of the nobility).
            
   153000 Credits
   22000 Credits / year (pension)

6.

Spoiler: Lucas Aphor Brennan (The_Two_Eternities) (click to show/hide)

      STR 6   (0) (+2 from low age)
      DEX 7   (0)
      END 6   (0)
      EDU 10   (+1)
      INT 9   (+1)
      SOC 12   (+2)
     
      Gun Combat 2 (plasma)
      Leadership 2
      Athletics 1 (endurance)
      Melee 1 (unarmed)
      Tactics 1
      Gunner 1
      Survival 0
      Recon 0
      Heavy Weapons 0
      Vacc Suit 0
      Carouse 0
      Medic 0

      10000cr
      Combat Implant (Adrenal / Combat Drug Autoinjector)
               
      Allies (3):
       Aillil Doyle, Imperial Guard Calvalry Officer
            Allisa McIntyre, Imperial Guard Support Officer
            Marcus Henries, Imperial Guard Intelligence
         
     INVENTORY      PX-11 Service Pistol
         The Imperial-manufactured PX-11 is the standard-issue plasma sidearm of all Imperial forces. It is carried by police forces, MPs, Guardsman, and for personal-use by all active duty Imperial officers. Packing a powerful plasma-bolt punch in a compact package, with venerated reliability and a sleak look, the PX-11 is a familiar and well-sought-after weapon. This particular PX-11 is in the black-and-gray trim of the Imperial Guard.
         
         4D-3 Damage, 1 Kg, Magazine 20, AP 1, Range 20 (free of charge, Imperial Guard Officer)
            
      IMAT-2, Concealable Plate Carrier (Plate, Plasma Inhibiting)
         A military-issue assault harness and plate carrier, designed for compact use under a jacket or other bulky clothing. Provides moderate protection to the wearer while retaining mobility and some degree of stealth. This particular one is gray and sleak, with angles and a smooth, lethal, design. The front is emblazoned with the sigil of the Imperial Guard, and the nametag reads "CPT Lucas Brennan, 81st Battalion".
         
         Protection 4, 1 Kg, (500 cr)
            
      Drake Informatics "dPad"
         A new and enhanced F-series dPad, from the Drake Informatics corporation. This particular model features enhanced communications ability, upgraded security infrastructure, and a robust commnet interface. What's more: all of it fits in a slim package small enough to fit comfortably in most pockets.
         
         Short-Range Comm, Computer/1 (500 cr)
            
      Combat Enhancement Implant
         Manufactured by Direct Action, the CEI-X combat autoinjector is designed to deliver critical doses of combat enhancing medication to the wearer when he needs it most: while also providing live medical data to medics with compatible sensing equipment. It is single-use, and the refills are expensive and heavily-regulated.
            
     OTHER      Luggage (Lucas Aphor Brennan)
         A collection of mundane items and personal effects, it does also notably have a full set of Imperial Guard officer uniforms, which may have varying use to a savvy individual.
            
      
     9000 Credits

7.

Spoiler: Judas "Ace" Parker (chaotick21) (click to show/hide)

      STR    9         (+1)
      DEX    15         (+3)   (+2 from low age)
      END    6         (0)      (+1 from low age)
      EDU    4         (-1)
      INT    11         (+1)
      SOC    4         (-1)
     
     
     
     
   
      Athletics 1 (dexterity)
      Persuade 1
      Melee 1 (unarmed)
      Pilot (small craft) 1
      Deception 1
      Recon 0
      Gun Combat 0
      Stealth 0
      Streetwise 0
    
      Cash 2 - 3000 cr
      Benefit 6 - DEX + 1: DEX 13
    
    
    INVENTORY      Direct Action SG-X5 "Brutus" Assault Shotgun
         Extremely illegal to possess by the average citizen, the Brutus lives up to its name and is quite the threatening weapon in the hands of both the untrained and the trained. Common among the most ruthless of slum gangs and in pirate breaching crews, this design has been heavily circulated throughout the black-market and is a constant threat to Imperial authority. This particular design has a gunmetal finish with a red splotch on the grip. The serial number is also appropriately filed down.
         
         4D Damage, 5 Kg, Magazine 15, Auto 2, Bulky (STR 9+), Range 50 (500 cr)
         (initially stowed in Judas' luggage / stateroom)
            
      Martian Judge (.38 Snub Nose)
         A cheap and easily-concealable revolver produced by the famous Martian Tactical weapons corporation. The Judge is a well-rounded and balanced weapon that is built for reliability, stealth, and handy stopping power. This model has a wooden grip and the initials (H.M.C.) engraved below the cylinder.
         
         3D-3 Damage, 1 Kg, Magazine 6, Range 10, (150 cr)
            
      Dagger
         A generic dagger designed for, well, killing.
         
         1D+2 Damage, 1 Kg, (10 cr)
            
      Outlaw Composite Armor Vest
         A set of hastily composed plates, kevlar, and pouches arranged in a carapace shape, with shoulderpads and breastplate protection. Bulky, visible, and unwieldy, it does a rather good job of preventing the hurt from getting in.
         
         Protection 6, 8 Kg, (1000 cr), DM-1 to physical checks when worn
         (intially stowed in Judas' luggage / stateroom)
            
      Unknown Coin (Judas "Ace" Parker)
         Given to Judas by the late Hymael MacCullagh before he was captured by Imperial authorities, Judas was instructed to give this token to Rebel affiliates at a certain safehouse on Cryostail when he arrives on the planet. The coin is unique, with a trident on one side, a side-profile of a face on the other, and a rose gold hue.
            
     1540 Credits

8.

TURN LIST

Turn 1
Turn 2
Turn 3
Turn 4
Turn 5
Turn 6
Current Turn (Prologue, Turn 6)

[ConscriptFive]

Great choice of game system and setting (did you know Traveller actually predates D&D?).

One quick question before char gen, what kinda of party are we trying to do?  Are we freelancer mercs or something more governmental/rebel aligned?

Anyhow, this should be a pretty versatile character:

Name: Corbin Fresno
Age: 38
Stat Priority: INT, END, EDU, DEX, STR, SOC

Background: Corbin Fresno was always a climber.  A smart middle-class kid, he knew he didn't have the familial connections to make Ministry of State.  But everyone knows the real power behind the Imperium was in the Ministry of Security.  Smart kids with flexible morals were always in high demand among the spooky IIA corners.  More of a thinker than a fighter, Corbin wrangled himself into the Naval Academy as opposed to becoming a mere jarhead at the various Guard Academies.  If he worked hard at the Naval Academy, surely an IIA talent scout would find him.

Personality: Unassuming, polite, yet quietly highly judgemental.  While not outwardly violent, he will carve himself a place in space, and isn't afraid who he has to manipulate to do so.  He was born a nobody, but his children won't be.

Career Choice:  Naval Academy tracked as a Commissioned Naval Intelligence Officer as a means to work his way into the cloak and dagger realm of the IIA.  If that fails, parlay his Naval Intelligence Commission into corporate intelligence agencies where an ambitious individual can stake out his own claim.  Once his intelligence career wraps up, he can always set himself up as a merchant broker who's willing to use his intelligence tradecraft to launder funds and trade illicit goods.  Why spy for the profit of others, when you can spy for your own profit?

[Vivalas]

Great choice of game system and setting (did you know Traveller actually predates D&D?).

One quick question before char gen, what kinda of party are we trying to do?  Are we freelancer mercs or something more governmental/rebel aligned?

I used to love GURPS but I've recently fallen in love with Traveller. It's my favorite system now and I'm debating finding a dedicated group to referee or play with but atm I just am using it to explore my writing and to create a cool story. I didn't know that but from some of the graphics I read in the original traveller books I can definitely see that!

I suppose I should add that to the game info. The game will start with all of you riding a freighter for passage, for various reasons that depend on your character, but the plot will start there and quickly draw everyone together. The campaign will be largely freeform, but will probably be more freelancer unless most of the players have a particular affiliation. Since I'm trying to tell a story here for the most part, I wouldn't mind if a few people part ways with the party and form their own secondary parties, but I'm also wary of splintering the players too much and having some issues with cohering the story and having enough player-player interaction. But if that does happen I will find a way to tie everything together.

[The Canadian kitten]

Name: John

Age: 40

Stats: Strong STR, average DEX, strong END, average INT, low END, low SOC

Background: Born in the world of Garthen, a very rural farming world not considered important by the Imperium of Novus Terra. He was a farmer, son of two farming parents. Not much happened other than fighting off the local fauna that sometimes tries to eat the crops, but he did dream of having an adventure and fighting for the Imperium in the imperial guard. So, he went to the nearest recruiting station and joined up. If ever failing that, he would join up at the police force at the little cities that dot the planet filled with the elite of Garthen.


Personality: Likes keeping close to people, and a desire to serve the empire. Very very afraid of heights. Tries to pause and consider actions before charging in but it sometimes fails.


Career Choice: Foot soldier, if rejected then Policeman


Good enough?

[Naturegirl1999]

Interested, character preference: female, stat preferences are EDU and INT being high
Interested in learning about aliens and possible diplomacy

[Ghazkull]

I am a bit confused here are we playing as a party DnD style or is this more of a Space Opera with us doing our own things across the empire or is this supposed to be kind of Grand Strategy were we take positions in the Imperial Hierarchy/Opposition?

[Naturegirl1999]

TBH, either of the 3 sounds cool

[King Zultan]

I'm interested and I'll take what ever randomly generated dude you make.

[chaotick21]

PTW

[Vivalas]

Great choice of game system and setting (did you know Traveller actually predates D&D?).

One quick question before char gen, what kinda of party are we trying to do?  Are we freelancer mercs or something more governmental/rebel aligned?

Anyhow, this should be a pretty versatile character:

-Corbin Snip-

Looks goods, nice intelligence spook character.

Name: John

Age: 40

Stats: Strong STR, average DEX, strong END, average INT, low END, low SOC

Background: Born in the world of Garthen, a very rural farming world not considered important by the Imperium of Novus Terra. He was a farmer, son of two farming parents. Not much happened other than fighting off the local fauna that sometimes tries to eat the crops, but he did dream of having an adventure and fighting for the Imperium in the imperial guard. So, he went to the nearest recruiting station and joined up. If ever failing that, he would join up at the police force at the little cities that dot the planet filled with the elite of Garthen.


Personality: Likes keeping close to people, and a desire to serve the empire. Very very afraid of heights. Tries to pause and consider actions before charging in but it sometimes fails.


Career Choice: Foot soldier, if rejected then Policeman


Good enough?

Looks good! I will note that the primary culture of the Empire is a mixture of Irish, English, and Castillian/Spanish (because CK2 shenanigans). I will add that somewhere in the extended info but I will be adapting planet names and any part of names that are left out (like your last name) to fit the theme.

Interested, character preference: female, stat preferences are EDU and INT being high
Interested in learning about aliens and possible diplomacy

Got it. I'll probably roll with a Survey Corps career or otherwise academic research / pursuits for you, if that sounds good.

I am a bit confused here are we playing as a party DnD style or is this more of a Space Opera with us doing our own things across the empire or is this supposed to be kind of Grand Strategy were we take positions in the Imperial Hierarchy/Opposition?

It's a party-style game but I won't mind deviations and people striking it out on their own, so long as the entire party doesn't fragment, but the emphasis will be on all of you somewhat working together. The other things do sound cool, though, and I plan on fleshing out this universe in other styles of games in the far future.

I'm interested and I'll take what ever randomly generated dude you make.

K'chonk.

[Naturegirl1999]

Sounds good to me

[WyrdByrd]

Name: Anton Ferguson

Age: 66


Strength (STR): Low. Though agnastics have kept Anton in a functional shape, one can't deny the procession of time.
Dexterity (DEX): Low. Anton was never the most coordinated, and the infirmities of old age have only served to aggravate this unfortunate  situation.
Endurance (END): Average. The Ferguson line holds true, and their fortitude as helped Anton considerably through his twilight years.

Intellect (INT): High. Careful matchmaking and the occasional genetic pruning have left Anton's faculties unimpeded by the common genetic pitfalls,
 a circumstance bolstered by Corredor enhancements.
Education (EDU): Average. Though aggressively schooled in a terrestrial education,  House Ferguson had admittedly underestimated the prevalence and relevance that the interstellar world would provide.
Social Standing (SOC): High. Anton is a Ferguson, with all that comes with it.

Background: House Ferguson has existed, in one form or another, since the Imperium's inception. Despite, or perhaps because, of this venerable history,  they were blindsided by the rapid ascent of space travel.  Anton bore witness to his House's decline, and the subsequent rise of their rivals, erstwhile vassals, and, worst of all, the bourgeoise.  By the time he had left the creche, the House was simply one of many 'Earthbound' clans,  their authority beginning and ending at the atmosphere.  Not that Anton  ever had trouble deciding what to do. Shunted into the role of Corredor early in his life, educated (in an Earthly sense), and enhanced, the Ministry of State was ready to welcome him with open arms.
Personality:
Anton remembers a time when Earth was at the center of Imperial affairs, and the Fergusons had the ear of royalty. Though that time has long since passed, he sees it as a personal obligation to ensure that it does not fade, though his approach on the matter is far more bitter than the younger aspirants of the house.
In his heart, Anton still desires to serve the people of the Imperium. He has also come to recognize that, in many instances, the people are not able, willing, or ready to serve themselves. Until a better system presents itself, or this situation changes,  stewardship upon their behalf seems to be the only feasible option.
Career Choice:
Anton is a consummate member of the Ministry, and will do his utmost to govern, advance, and improve the estates granted to him. However, he concedes that the younger, 'un-Earthly' scions in the family have a better understanding of the new frontier's uncultured minds.  The path of the Diplomat or Minister would suit him far better. If all else fails, Anton has  considered service in a brokerage.

[The_Two_Eternities]

Name: Lucas Aphor Brennan

Age: 26

Stat preferences: SOC, EDU, INT, DEX, END, STR

Background: Born on Mars into a minor noble house, Lucas knew since adolescence that he wanted more than to stay on one planet his whole life, fighting duels and getting in trysts. As a second son of a second son on the second-greatest planet, that wouldn't get him as far as he wanted to go. He had done well in his schooling, and a position suitable for his standing in one of the many corporations wouldn't be out of the question... But there was no excitement there, no thrill. And so, he sought out a command position in the Imperial Guard...
(note: I don't really know how nobility works in this, so it's possible that this might not make sense to you.)

Personality: Pragmatic and moderately ambitious with a touch of glory-hound. Does not anger easily, but is perhaps too quick to consider violence as a solution. Reluctant to put lives in unnecessary danger, but - as is typical for some parts of the nobility - has multiple definitions of the word "unnecessary", depending on which life you're talking about.

Career Choice: Imperial Guard officer. If that doesn't work, I'll try to use whatever connections I have to get a managerial position somewhere.

[Vivalas]

Name: Anton Ferguson

Very nice. This should be an interesting one to run in chargen

Name: Lucas Aphor Brennan

Also looking good.

As far as nobility goes, since you touch on a similar background, it's about right. Although the Imperium is far removed from feudalism and "proper" nobility, being a monolithic Imperial bureaucracy that has centralized and consolidated enough to remove itself from its feudal origins, the concept of a ruling class very much persists. The Imperial government doesn't exactly go around appointing outsiders to the ministries and governorships, and a substantial number of families that find themselves in these powerful positions tend to cling to them, jockeying for power amongst each other and strengthening their hold on their political power and influence. The term "nobility" tends to be used, rather excessively, to describe the families of high-ranking ministers, officers, and directors of the Imperial government, which often hold generous protections and distinctions under Imperial law that ordinary citizens do not possess.