Difference between revisions of "Setting"

From Traveller Wiki - Science-Fiction Adventure in the Far future
Jump to navigation Jump to search
 
(35 intermediate revisions by 9 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
Each of the versions of '''Traveller''' had one official setting, and others which were developed (usually by different publishers) to a lesser degree.  
+
<translate>
−
* The designers set aside one [[sector]] ([[Foreven Sector]]) for no official development, so that referees could do what they wanted knowing that no future ''Official'' published product would later contradict what they had developed.
+
<!--T:1-->
−
----
+
{{Policies}}
−
Please see the following [[AAB]] [[Library Data]] for more information: <br>
+
[[Setting]]: Each of the versions of '''Traveller''' had one official Setting, and others which were developed (usually by different publishers) to a lesser degree.  
−
''[[Setting]]:''
+
* The designers set aside one [[sector]] ([[Foreven Sector]]) for no official development so that referees could do what they wanted, knowing that no future ''Official'' published product would later contradict what they had developed.
−
* [[ATU]]
+
 
−
* [[IMTU]]
+
== Description == <!--T:2-->
−
* [[Lorenverse]]
+
[[Traveller]] began its 1977 existence as a universal game system with high ambitions to recreate any classic science fiction [[setting]] or [[theme]]. Traveller was intended to empower referee-gamemasters to create what is now called [[ATU]]'s or [[IMTU]]'s. Traveller's first official setting, what is now called the [[OTU]], started very modestly and grew gradually into the rich, highly detailed background that it is today.  
−
* [[OTU]]
 
−
* [[Retcon]]
 
−
----
 
−
 
−
== Description (Specifications) ==
 
−
[[Traveller]] began its 1977 existence as a universal game system with high ambitions to recreate any classic science fiction [[setting]] or [[theme]]. It was intended to empower referee-gamemasters to create what are now called [[ATU]]'s or [[IMTU]]'s. Traveller's first official setting, what is now called the [[OTU]], started very modestly and grew gradually into the rich, highly detailed background that it is today.  
 
  
−
=== Traveller Game Eras & Editions (1977-2017) ===
+
=== Game Eras & Editions (1977-2019) === <!--T:3-->
−
:{| class="wikitable sortable" width="90%"
+
{| class="wikitable"
−
|+Traveller Game Eras & Editions (1977-2017)
+
|-
 +
!colspan="9"|Traveller Game Eras & Editions (1977-2017)
 +
|-
 
! Setting Dates
 
! Setting Dates
 
! Era Name (Milieu)
 
! Era Name (Milieu)
 
! Primary Setting Events
 
! Primary Setting Events
 
! Associated Game/s
 
! Associated Game/s
−
! Game Edition
 
 
! Pub. Date
 
! Pub. Date
−
|- valign="top"
+
|-  
 
| ([[-2404]] to [[-2203]])  
 
| ([[-2404]] to [[-2203]])  
 
| [[:Category: Era: Interstellar Wars|Interstellar Wars]]
 
| [[:Category: Era: Interstellar Wars|Interstellar Wars]]
 
| [[First Imperium]] ([[Ziru Sirka]]) & [[Interstellar Wars]]  
 
| [[First Imperium]] ([[Ziru Sirka]]) & [[Interstellar Wars]]  
 
| [[GURPS Traveller: Interstellar Wars]]
 
| [[GURPS Traveller: Interstellar Wars]]
−
| 06th Edition
+
| 2006
−
| 2002
+
|-  
−
|- valign="top"
 
 
| ([[-2204]] to [[-1776]])  
 
| ([[-2204]] to [[-1776]])  
 
| [[:Category: Era: Rule of Man|Rule of Man]]
 
| [[:Category: Era: Rule of Man|Rule of Man]]
 
| Collapse of [[First Imperium]] & [[Rule of Man]] ([[Second Imperium]])  
 
| Collapse of [[First Imperium]] & [[Rule of Man]] ([[Second Imperium]])  
 
| [[GURPS Traveller: Interstellar Wars]]
 
| [[GURPS Traveller: Interstellar Wars]]
−
| 06th Edition
+
| 2006
−
| 2002
+
|-  
−
|- valign="top"
 
 
| ([[-1775]] to [[0]])  
 
| ([[-1775]] to [[0]])  
 
| [[:Category: Era: Long Night|Long Night]]
 
| [[:Category: Era: Long Night|Long Night]]
 
| Collapse of [[Second Imperium]] & [[Long Night]]
 
| Collapse of [[Second Imperium]] & [[Long Night]]
−
| [[T4]]: [[Marc Miller's Traveller]]
+
| [[Marc Miller's Traveller]]
−
| 04th Edition
 
 
| 1996
 
| 1996
−
|- valign="top"
+
|-  
 
| ([[-25]] to [[75]])
 
| ([[-25]] to [[75]])
 
| [[:Category: Era: Milieu 0|Milieu 0]]
 
| [[:Category: Era: Milieu 0|Milieu 0]]
 
| [[Third Imperium]] Founding & [[Sylean Federation]]   
 
| [[Third Imperium]] Founding & [[Sylean Federation]]   
−
| [[T4]]: [[Marc Miller's Traveller]]
+
| [[Marc Miller's Traveller]]
−
| 04th Edition
 
 
| 1996
 
| 1996
−
|- valign="top"
+
|-  
 
| ([[985]] to [[1002]])
 
| ([[985]] to [[1002]])
 
| [[:Category: Era: Milieu 990|Milieu 990]]
 
| [[:Category: Era: Milieu 990|Milieu 990]]
 
| [[Third Imperium]] & [[Solomani Rim War]]   
 
| [[Third Imperium]] & [[Solomani Rim War]]   
−
| [[T20|Traveller D20]]
+
| [[Traveller D20]]
−
| 07th Edition
+
| 2002
−
| 1977
+
|-  
−
|- valign="top"
 
 
| ([[1100]] to [[1117]])  
 
| ([[1100]] to [[1117]])  
−
| [[:Category: Era: Milieu 1116|Milieu 1116]]
+
| [[:Category: Era: Milieu 1116|Milieu 1116]] <br> [[Milieu 1105]]
 
| '''[[Third Imperium]] Base (Original) Setting''' & [[Fifth Frontier War]]
 
| '''[[Third Imperium]] Base (Original) Setting''' & [[Fifth Frontier War]]
−
| [[Classic Traveller]] & [[T5|Traveller5]] (T5)
+
| [[Classic Traveller]], [[Mongoose Traveller]], [[Mongoose 2nd]]
−
| 01st Edition
+
| 1977, 2008, 2017
−
| 1977
+
|-  
−
|- valign="top"
 
 
| ([[1116]] to [[1130]])  
 
| ([[1116]] to [[1130]])  
 
| [[:Category: Era: Milieu 1120|Milieu 1120]]
 
| [[:Category: Era: Milieu 1120|Milieu 1120]]
 
| [[GURPS Traveller]]: Alternate Setting (Timeline with no [[Rebellion]])
 
| [[GURPS Traveller]]: Alternate Setting (Timeline with no [[Rebellion]])
 
| [[GURPS Traveller]]   
 
| [[GURPS Traveller]]   
−
| 05th edition
 
 
| 1998
 
| 1998
−
|- valign="top"
+
|-  
 
| ([[1117]] to [[1130]])
 
| ([[1117]] to [[1130]])
−
| [[:Category: Era: Rebellion|Rebellion]] AKA Hard Times
+
| [[:Category: Era: Rebellion|Rebellion]]
 
| Collapse of [[Third Imperium]] ([[Rebellion]]) & [[Regency]]
 
| Collapse of [[Third Imperium]] ([[Rebellion]]) & [[Regency]]
 
| [[MegaTraveller]]
 
| [[MegaTraveller]]
−
| 02nd Edition
 
 
| 1986
 
| 1986
−
|- valign="top"
+
|-  
 
| ([[1190]] to [[1220]])
 
| ([[1190]] to [[1220]])
 
| [[:Category: Era: New Era|New Era]]
 
| [[:Category: Era: New Era|New Era]]
 
| [[Reformation Coalition]] & [[Virus/New Era]]
 
| [[Reformation Coalition]] & [[Virus/New Era]]
 
| [[Traveller: The New Era]]
 
| [[Traveller: The New Era]]
−
| 03rd Edition
 
 
| 1992
 
| 1992
−
|- valign="top"
+
|-  
 
| ([[1221]] to [[1300]])
 
| ([[1221]] to [[1300]])
 
| [[:Category: Era: Fourth Imperium|Fourth Imperium]]
 
| [[:Category: Era: Fourth Imperium|Fourth Imperium]]
 
| [[Fourth Imperium]]  
 
| [[Fourth Imperium]]  
 
| [[Traveller: The New Era]]
 
| [[Traveller: The New Era]]
−
| 03rd Edition
 
 
| 1992
 
| 1992
−
|- valign="top"
+
|-  
 
| ([[1221]] to [[1300]])  
 
| ([[1221]] to [[1300]])  
 
| [[:Category: Era: Milieu 1248|Milieu 1248]]
 
| [[:Category: Era: Milieu 1248|Milieu 1248]]
 
| [[Fourth Imperium]]   
 
| [[Fourth Imperium]]   
 
| [[Traveller: The New Era]]
 
| [[Traveller: The New Era]]
−
| 08th Edition
 
 
| 2006
 
| 2006
−
|- valign="top"
+
|-  
 
| ([[1301 to 1500]])
 
| ([[1301 to 1500]])
 
| [[:Category: Era: Collapse|Collapse]]
 
| [[:Category: Era: Collapse|Collapse]]
 
| [[Collapse and Interregnum]]
 
| [[Collapse and Interregnum]]
−
| [[T5|Traveller5]]
+
| [[Traveller 5th]]
−
| 12th edition
+
| 2020 (Future)
−
| 2015+ (Future)
+
|-  
−
|- valign="top"
 
 
| ([[1780 to 1840]])
 
| ([[1780 to 1840]])
 
| [[:Category: Era: False Spring|False Spring]]
 
| [[:Category: Era: False Spring|False Spring]]
 
| The [[False Spring]]
 
| The [[False Spring]]
−
| [[T5|Traveller5]]
+
| [[Traveller 5th]]
−
| 12th edition
+
| 2020 (Future)
−
| 2015+ (Future)
+
|-  
−
|- valign="top"
 
 
| ([[1900]]+)  
 
| ([[1900]]+)  
 
| [[:Category: Era: The Galaxiad|Galaxiad]]
 
| [[:Category: Era: The Galaxiad|Galaxiad]]
 
| The [[Galaxiad]]   
 
| The [[Galaxiad]]   
−
| [[T5|Traveller5]]
+
| [[Traveller 5th]]
−
| 12th edition
+
| 2020 (Future)
−
| 2015+ (Future)
+
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
=== Traveller Game Settings (1977-2017) ===
+
=== Game Settings (1977-2020) === <!--T:4-->
−
:{| class="wikitable sortable" width="90%"
+
; [[Classic Traveller]]
−
|+ Traveller Game Settings (1977-2017)
+
: Published 1977 had the developed the first elements of the [[Third Imperium]]. Primary setting areas are
−
! Game Version
+
:* [[The Spinward Marches]], [[The Spinward Marches Campaign]], [[The Traveller Adventure]]. The [[Spinward Marches Sector]] is a frontier region bordering the [[Zhodani Consulate]], and site of the [[Frontier Wars]]. It also borders the [[Vargr|Vargr Extents]] as well as some independent factions such as [[Darrian]] Confederation, [[Sword Worlds]] and unexplored space.
−
! Game Edition
+
:* [[The Solomani Rim]]. The [[Solomani Rim Sector]] was a more developed region of space where the world of [[Terra]] is placed.
−
! Pub. Date
+
; [[MegaTraveller]]
−
! Primary Setting/s
+
: Published in 1986, the setting was the [[Rebellion]]. The published materials covered the Spinward Marches, largely untouched by the War, but described in broad detail the events of the War.  
−
! Remarks
+
:* [[Hard Times]] sourcebook introduced the Diaspora describing the general state of the [[Empire]] and gave rules to simulate the 11 years of War after [[1117]].
−
|- valign="top"
+
; [[Traveller: The New Era]]
−
| [[Classic Traveller|Traveller]] AKA [[Classic Traveller]]
+
: Published in 1992, the setting was the [[New Era]], Starting with the [[Survival Margin]] sourcebook and the fall of the Third Imperium and a century of slow recovery.  
−
| 01st Edition
+
:* [[Reformation Coalition]] a growing empire in the Old Expanses sector
−
| 1977
+
:* [[The Regency Sourcebook]], details the [[Regency of Deneb]] located in the Spinward Marches sector.  
−
| Primary Setting/s:
+
; [[Marc Miller's Traveller]]
−
* [[Spinward Marches Sector|Spinward Marches]]  
+
: Published in 1996, it establishes [[Milieu 0]] where the [[Core Sector]] is used as its setting. Set around the time of the founding of the [[Third Imperium]] ([[0]] to [[200]]), the setting focused on the [[Sylean Federation]] and its attempts to conquer or absorb the worlds around it. Given the depths of the [[Long Night]], the setting included the classic [[wikipedia:4X|4X]] (explore, expand, exploit, exterminate) gaming style in an RPG.
−
* [[Solomani Rim Sector|The Solomani Rim]]
+
; [[GURPS Traveller]]   
−
* [[Third Imperium]]
+
: Published in 1998 and set in an "alternate" [[Traveller Universe]] in which [[Strephon|Emperor Strephon]] was ''not'' assassinated, thus the [[Rebellion]] and subsequent [[Final War]] never happened. GURPS Traveller added a lot of material to the classic [[sectors]] of the [[Traveller Universe]] while advancing the [[timeline]] about 15-20 years from the [[Classic Traveller]] set.  
−
| Background (Campaign) Books:
+
:* [[GURPS Traveller: Behind the Claw]] covers the [[Spinward Marches Sector|Spinward Marches]] where the {Imperium}, [[Zhodani]], [[Vargr]] and more alien races interact.
−
* '''[[The Spinward Marches Campaign|Spinward Marches]] ([[GDW]])'''
+
:* [[GURPS Traveller: Rim of Fire]] covers the [[Solomani Rim Sector|Solomani Rim]] and its war-torn past.
−
:The [[Spinward Marches Sector]] is a frontier region bordering the [[Zhodani Consulate]], and site of the [[Frontier Wars]]. It also borders the [[Vargr|Vargr Extents]] as well as some independent factions such as [[Darrian]] Confederation, [[Sword Worlds]] and unexplored space. This setting allowed for many different types of adventures.
+
:* [[GURPS Traveller: Sword Worlds]] covers the [[Sword Worlds Confederation]] and its history.
−
* '''[[The Solomani Rim]] ([[GDW]])'''
+
;  [[T20|Traveller D20]]
−
:The [[Solomani Rim Sector]] was a more developed region of space where the world of [[Terra]] is placed.
+
: Published in 2002, it introduced the [[Domain of Gateway|Gateway Domain]], one of the backyards of the [[Empire]]. A mix between {Imperial} worlds and various [[client state]]s this is closer in basic feeling to the [[Spinward Marches Sector|Spinward Marches]] while lacking the "big guys and old grudges" that are a common theme there. Set in the [[900s]] (about 150 years before [[Classic Traveller]]) it has a lower [[technology level]].
−
|- valign="top"
+
; [[GURPS Traveller: Interstellar Wars]]
−
| [[MegaTraveller]]
+
: Published in 2006, the setting covers the 200 years of war, peace, and overwhelming change as the ancient [[Vilani Imperium]] falls to the upstart [[Solomani|Terrans]]. In this time of conflict, the opportunities for adventure are more exciting than ever before! Forge new trade routes within the {Imperium} itself. Defend the homeworld from invaders during the [[Siege of Terra]]. Make the first contact with alien races. Help guide the [[Terran Confederation]] in its expansion from a single planet to a [[sector]]-spanning [[empire]].
−
| 02nd Edition
+
; [[Traveller Hero]]  
−
| 1986
+
: Published in 2007 it never included a milieu of its own but instead covers several previous milieus including [[Milieu 0]], [[T20|milieu 1000]], [[Classic Traveller|milieu 1116]], [[MegaTraveller|the Rebellion]] and [[The New Era]].
−
| Primary Setting/s:
+
; [[Mongoose Traveller]] 1st edition
−
* [[Diaspora Sector]]
+
: Published in 2008, Mongoose returns to the "Classic" era and location, i.e., 1105 and the [[Spinward Marches Sector|Spinward Marches]]. Although the Basic Rule Book has a little setting background, the first supplement released was [[Mongoose Traveller: Spinward Marches|The Spinward Marches]], and published extensive campaigns in the [[Trojan Reaches Sector]] as well as several other sector books.  
−
* [[Third Imperium]]
+
; [[Traveller 5th]]
−
* [[Rebellion]]
+
: Published in 2013, this is a new version of Traveller rules. There are mentions of the Galaxiad era set in [[Milieu 1900]], but no setting books.  
−
| Late in its existence '''MT''' introduced the [[Diaspora Sector]], a part of [[Imperial Space]] that lies between all of the major combatants of the '''MT''' civil war. Diaspora was introduced in the [[Hard Times]] sourcebook that described the general state of the [[Empire]] and gave rules to simulate the 11 years of war between [[1117]] and the then current setting of [[1128]]. It also described Promise and the surrounding worlds in detail.
+
; [[Mongoose 2nd|Mongoose Traveller]] 2nd edition
−
|- valign="top"
+
: Published in 2016, this edition continues the setting in the Classic era. In some cases, this is re-publishing 1st edition books. It has also added [[Reft Sector]] and new grand adventures.
−
| [[Traveller: The New Era]]
 
−
| 03rd Edition
 
−
| 1992
 
−
| Primary Setting/s:
 
−
* [[Reformation Coalition]]
 
−
* [[Fourth Imperium]]
 
−
| '''TNE''' starts in [[1200]] with an [[Empire]] in ruins. Set close to the [[Hard Times|Hard Time]] setting (Promise actually features heavily in the Storyline) the region was a badly damaged war-zone even before the [[Final War]]. The space close to the basic setting ([[Reformation Coalition]]) is well detailed and good maps exist.
 
−
|- valign="top"
 
−
| [[T4]]: [[Marc Miller's Traveller]]
 
−
| 04th Edition
 
−
| 1996
 
−
| Primary Setting/s:
 
−
* [[Core Sector]]
 
−
* [[Milieu 0]]
 
−
* [[Sylean Federation]]
 
−
| '''Traveller 4th edition''' (also refered to as '''T4''') establishes [[Milieu 0]] where the [[Core Sector]] is used as its setting. Set around the time of the founding of the [[Third Imperium]] ([[0]] to [[200]]), the setting focused on the [[Sylean Federation]] and its attempts to conquer or absorb the worlds around it. Given the depths of the [[Long Night]], the setting included the classic [[wikipedia:4X|4X]] (explore, expand, exploit, exterminate) gaming style in an RPG.
 
−
|- valign="top"
 
−
| [[GURPS Traveller]]   
 
−
| 05th edition
 
−
| 1998
 
−
| Primary Setting:
 
−
* [[OTU|General OTU]]
 
−
| Set in an "alternate" [[Traveller Universe]] in which [[Strephon|Emperor Strephon]] was ''not'' assassinated, thus the [[Rebellion]] and subsequent [[Final War]] never happened, '''G:T''' added a lot of material to the classic [[sectors]] of the [[Traveller Universe]] while advancing the [[timeline]] about 15-20 years from the [[Classic Traveller]] set.  
 
−
 
 
−
Three of the most relevant GURPS Traveller books are:
 
−
* '''[[GURPS Traveller: Behind the Claw]]'''
 
−
:[[Spinward Marches Sector|Spinward Marches]] where the {Imperium}, [[Zhodani]], [[Vargr]] and more alien races interact.
 
−
* '''[[GURPS Traveller: Rim of Fire]]'''
 
−
:[[Solomani Rim Sector|Solomani Rim]] and its war-torn past.
 
−
* '''[[GURPS Traveller: Sword Worlds]]'''
 
−
:[[Sword Worlds Confederation]] and its history.
 
−
|- valign="top"
 
−
| [[GURPS Traveller: Interstellar Wars]]
 
−
| 06th Edition
 
−
| 2002
 
−
| Primary Setting/s:
 
−
* [[Interstellar Wars]]
 
−
* [[Ziru Sirka]]
 
−
* [[Terran Confederation]]  
 
−
| '''GURPS Traveller: Interstellar Wars''' covers the 200 years of war, peace, and overwhelming change as the ancient [[Vilani Imperium]] falls to the upstart [[Solomani|Terrans]]. In this time of conflict, the opportunities for adventure are more exciting than ever before! Forge new trade routes within the {Imperium} itself. Defend the homeworld from invaders during the [[Siege of Terra]]. Make first contact with alien races. Help guide the [[Terran Confederation]] in its expansion from a single planet to a [[sector]]-spanning [[empire]].
 
−
|- valign="top"
 
−
| [[T20|Traveller D20]]
 
−
| 07th Edition
 
−
| 2006
 
−
| Primary Setting/s:
 
−
* [[Domain of Gateway|Gateway Domain]]
 
−
| '''T20''' introduced the [[Domain of Gateway|Gateway Domain]], one of the backyards of the [[Empire]]. A mix between {Imperial} worlds and various [[client state]]s this is closer in basic feeling to the [[Spinward Marches Sector|Spinward Marches]] while lacking the "big guys and old grudges" that are a common theme there.
 
−
 
 
−
Set in the [[900s]] (about 150 years before [[Classic Traveller]]) it has a lower [[technology level]]. Add in that the [[Solomani Rim War]] is close enough by to draw away troops and attract Raiders and the result is a rather gritty and dirty universe along the lines of '''Babylon 5''' rather than the relatively clean [[Spinward Marches Sector|Spinward Marches]].
 
−
|- valign="top"
 
−
| [[Traveller Hero]]
 
−
| 09th Edition
 
−
| 2006
 
−
| Primary Setting/s:
 
−
* [[OTU|General OTU]]
 
−
| Traveller Hero does not have a milieu of its own but instead covers several previous milieus including [[Milieu 0]], [[T20|milieu 1000]], [[Classic Traveller|milieu 1116]], [[MegaTraveller|the Rebellion]] and [[The New Era]].
 
−
|- valign="top"
 
−
| [[Mongoose Traveller]]
 
−
| 10th Edition
 
−
| 2008
 
−
| Primary Setting/s:
 
−
* [[Spinward Marches Sector|Spinward Marches]]
 
−
* [[Foreven Sector]]
 
−
| Mongoose Traveller returns to the "Classic" era and location, i.e., 1105 and the [[Spinward Marches Sector|Spinward Marches]]. Although the Basic Rule Book has little setting background, the first supplement released was [[Mongoose Traveller: Spinward Marches|The Spinward Marches]] by [[Martin Dougherty]].
 
−
 
 
−
Mongoose has also announced that the [[Foreven Sector]] will be the third party development area. Because of the ''Traveller'' license, third party publishers who wish to write Traveller materials will need to either publish through the Mongoose imprints or write their material to fit in the [[Foreven Sector]].
 
−
|- valign="top"
 
−
| [[T5|Traveller5]]
 
−
| 11th edition  
 
−
| 2013
 
−
| Primary Setting/s:
 
−
* [[Galaxiad]]
 
−
| The Galaxiad, set in 1900 in [[Charted Space]] and beyond.
 
−
|}
 
  
−
== History & Background ([[Dossier]]) ==
+
== History == <!--T:5-->
−
'''Traveller Version Terminology:''' Over the years, GDW employees as well as the associated Traveller community developed a number of terms and codes to signify what sort of Traveller universe they preferred.  
+
'''Traveller Version Terminology:''' Over the years, GDW employees and the associated Traveller community developed many terms and codes to signify what sort of Traveller universe they preferred.  
  
 +
<!--T:6-->
 
These terms and codes include:
 
These terms and codes include:
−
* '''[[OTU]]:''' ''"Official Traveller Universe."'' Traveller as published. due to the number of alternate timelines now available, this term now tends to refer to the original [[Third Imperium]] setting from the years ([[1100]] to [[1117]]).  
+
* '''[[OTU]]:''' ''"Official Traveller Universe."'' Traveller as published. Due to the number of alternate timelines now available, this term now tends to refer to the original [[Third Imperium]] setting from the years ([[1100]] to [[1117]]).  
 
** Please see '''[[Setting]]''' and '''[[OTU]]''' for more information.
 
** Please see '''[[Setting]]''' and '''[[OTU]]''' for more information.
 
   
 
   
−
* '''IMTU:''' ''"In My Traveller Universe"''. A reference to the particular customized game setting/rule mechanics used by any particular Traveller fan/player.  
+
* '''IMTU:''' ''"In My Traveller Universe"''. A reference to the particular customized game setting/rule mechanics used by any specific Traveller fan/player.  
 
** '''ATU:''' Alternate Traveller Universe.
 
** '''ATU:''' Alternate Traveller Universe.
 
** '''IYTU:''' In Your Traveller Universe.
 
** '''IYTU:''' In Your Traveller Universe.
 
** Please see the pages for '''[[Traveller Mailing List]]''', and '''[[Traveller Mailing List/FAQ]]''' for more information.
 
** Please see the pages for '''[[Traveller Mailing List]]''', and '''[[Traveller Mailing List/FAQ]]''' for more information.
  
−
* '''Traveller Geek Code:''' There is a special code for a player's '''IMTU''' (''In My Traveller Universe'') called the "Traveller Geek Code". It's a way of describing how your own Traveller universe is constructed (...and how it might vary from the 'official' [[OTU]] universe).  
+
<!--T:7-->
 +
* '''Traveller Geek Code:''' There is a special code for a player's '''IMTU''' (''In My Traveller Universe'') called the "Traveller Geek Code." It's a way of describing how your Traveller universe is constructed (and how it might vary from the 'official' [[OTU]] universe).  
 
** Please see External Link '''[http://eaglestone.pocketempires.com/imtu.html Traveller IMTU Geek Code]''' for more information.
 
** Please see External Link '''[http://eaglestone.pocketempires.com/imtu.html Traveller IMTU Geek Code]''' for more information.
  
−
=== Major Traveller Publishers & Versions ===
+
=== Major Publishers & Versions === <!--T:8-->
−
:{| class="wikitable sortable" width="90%"
+
:{| class="wikitable" width="90%"
 
|+ Major Traveller Game Publishers & Versions (Editions)
 
|+ Major Traveller Game Publishers & Versions (Editions)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Pub. Date
 
! Pub. Date
−
! Edition
+
! Game (common abbreviation)
−
| Alt-Hrchy
 
−
! Game
 
 
! Primary Publisher
 
! Primary Publisher
 
|-
 
|-
−
|  1977  || 01st Edition  || T1 || [[Traveller]] or T1                     || [[Game Designers Workshop]]
+
|  1977  || [[Traveller]] or CT                     || [[Game Designers Workshop]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|  1986  || 02nd Edition || T2 || [[MegaTraveller]] or T2                         || [[Game Designers Workshop]]
+
|  1986  || [[MegaTraveller]] or MT                         || [[Game Designers Workshop]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|  1992  || 03rd Edition || T3 || [[Traveller: The New Era]] or T3               || [[Game Designers Workshop]]
+
|  1992  || [[Traveller: The New Era]] or TNE               || [[Game Designers Workshop]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|  1996  || 04th Edition || T4a || [[T4]]: [[Marc Miller's Traveller]] or T4              || [[Imperium Games]]
+
|  1996  || [[T4]]: [[Marc Miller's Traveller]] or T4              || [[Imperium Games]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|  1998  || 05th edition || T4b || [[GURPS Traveller]] or GT                      || [[Steve Jackson Games]]
+
|  1998  || [[GURPS Traveller]] or GT                      || [[Steve Jackson Games]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|  2002  || 06th Edition || T4c || [[GURPS Traveller: Interstellar Wars]] or GT:IT || [[Steve Jackson Games]]
+
|  2002  || [[GURPS Traveller: Interstellar Wars]] or GT:IT || [[Steve Jackson Games]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|  2006  || 07th Edition || T4d || [[T20|Traveller D20]] or T7                     || [[QuikLink Interactive]]
+
|  2006  || [[T20|Traveller D20]] or T20                     || [[QuikLink Interactive]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|  2006  || 08th Edition || T4e || [[Traveller: The New Era: 1248]] or T8         || [[Avenger Enterprises]]
+
|  2006  || [[Traveller: The New Era: 1248]] or TNE         || [[Avenger Enterprises]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|  2006  || 09th Edition || T4f || [[Traveller Hero]] or T9                       || [[ComStar Games]]
+
|  2006  || [[Traveller Hero]] or TH                       || [[ComStar Games]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|  2008  || 10th Edition || T4g || [[Mongoose Traveller]] or T10                   || [[Mongoose Publishing]]
+
|  2008  || [[Mongoose Traveller]] or MgT                   || [[Mongoose Publishing]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|  2013  || 11th edition || T5 || [[Traveller5]] or T11                        || [[Far Future Enterprises]]
+
|  2013  || [[Traveller 5th]] or T5                        || [[Far Future Enterprises]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|  2016  || 12th edition || T6 || [[Mongoose Traveller]] 2nd Edition or T12         || [[Mongoose Publishing]]
+
|  2016  || [[Mongoose 2nd]] 2nd Edition or MgT2         || [[Mongoose Publishing]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
== References & Contributors (Sources) ==
+
== ReferencesSources == <!--T:9-->
 
{{Advanced}}
 
{{Advanced}}
 
{{Sources
 
{{Sources
−
|S1= Author & Contributor: Traveller Wiki Editorial Team
 
−
|S2= Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology [[User:Maksim-Smelchak|Maksim-Smelchak]] of the [[Ministry of Science]]
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
 
+
<!--T:10-->
 +
[[Category: Articles translated into Spanish]]
 
[[Category: Game Terms]]
 
[[Category: Game Terms]]
−
{{MET|}}
+
{{MET|Game Mechanic|Wiki Mechanic}}
 +
</translate>

Latest revision as of 16:01, 7 October 2023

Traveller Wiki Policies
Who we are
About • What is Traveller? • Ethos
How you can help
Article Organization • Manual of Style • Projects
Site Policies
Copyright • Privacy Policy • Traveller Wiki Editorial Team
Traveller Background
Canon • Setting • Versions of Traveller
Guidelines
Colours • Date Organization • Dossier • Images • Referral Tree • Specifications • Sources •
Wiki Technical
Namespaces • Subpages • Template list

Setting: Each of the versions of Traveller had one official Setting, and others which were developed (usually by different publishers) to a lesser degree.

  • The designers set aside one sector (Foreven Sector) for no official development so that referees could do what they wanted, knowing that no future Official published product would later contradict what they had developed.

Description[edit]

Traveller began its 1977 existence as a universal game system with high ambitions to recreate any classic science fiction setting or theme. Traveller was intended to empower referee-gamemasters to create what is now called ATU's or IMTU's. Traveller's first official setting, what is now called the OTU, started very modestly and grew gradually into the rich, highly detailed background that it is today.

Game Eras & Editions (1977-2019)[edit]

Traveller Game Eras & Editions (1977-2017)
Setting Dates Era Name (Milieu) Primary Setting Events Associated Game/s Pub. Date
(-2404 to -2203) Interstellar Wars First Imperium (Ziru Sirka) & Interstellar Wars GURPS Traveller: Interstellar Wars 2006
(-2204 to -1776) Rule of Man Collapse of First Imperium & Rule of Man (Second Imperium) GURPS Traveller: Interstellar Wars 2006
(-1775 to 0) Long Night Collapse of Second Imperium & Long Night Marc Miller's Traveller 1996
(-25 to 75) Milieu 0 Third Imperium Founding & Sylean Federation Marc Miller's Traveller 1996
(985 to 1002) Milieu 990 Third Imperium & Solomani Rim War Traveller D20 2002
(1100 to 1117) Milieu 1116
Milieu 1105 		Third Imperium Base (Original) Setting & Fifth Frontier War Classic Traveller, Mongoose Traveller, Mongoose 2nd 1977, 2008, 2017
(1116 to 1130) Milieu 1120 GURPS Traveller: Alternate Setting (Timeline with no Rebellion) GURPS Traveller 1998
(1117 to 1130) Rebellion Collapse of Third Imperium (Rebellion) & Regency MegaTraveller 1986
(1190 to 1220) New Era Reformation Coalition & Virus/New Era Traveller: The New Era 1992
(1221 to 1300) Fourth Imperium Fourth Imperium Traveller: The New Era 1992
(1221 to 1300) Milieu 1248 Fourth Imperium Traveller: The New Era 2006
(1301 to 1500) Collapse Collapse and Interregnum Traveller 5th 2020 (Future)
(1780 to 1840) False Spring The False Spring Traveller 5th 2020 (Future)
(1900+) Galaxiad The Galaxiad Traveller 5th 2020 (Future)

Game Settings (1977-2020)[edit]

Classic Traveller
Published 1977 had the developed the first elements of the Third Imperium. Primary setting areas are
MegaTraveller
Published in 1986, the setting was the Rebellion. The published materials covered the Spinward Marches, largely untouched by the War, but described in broad detail the events of the War.
  • Hard Times sourcebook introduced the Diaspora describing the general state of the Empire and gave rules to simulate the 11 years of War after 1117.
Traveller: The New Era
Published in 1992, the setting was the New Era, Starting with the Survival Margin sourcebook and the fall of the Third Imperium and a century of slow recovery.
Marc Miller's Traveller
Published in 1996, it establishes Milieu 0 where the Core Sector is used as its setting. Set around the time of the founding of the Third Imperium (0 to 200), the setting focused on the Sylean Federation and its attempts to conquer or absorb the worlds around it. Given the depths of the Long Night, the setting included the classic 4X (explore, expand, exploit, exterminate) gaming style in an RPG.
GURPS Traveller
Published in 1998 and set in an "alternate" Traveller Universe in which Emperor Strephon was not assassinated, thus the Rebellion and subsequent Final War never happened. GURPS Traveller added a lot of material to the classic sectors of the Traveller Universe while advancing the timeline about 15-20 years from the Classic Traveller set.
Traveller D20
Published in 2002, it introduced the Gateway Domain, one of the backyards of the Empire. A mix between {Imperial} worlds and various client states this is closer in basic feeling to the Spinward Marches while lacking the "big guys and old grudges" that are a common theme there. Set in the 900s (about 150 years before Classic Traveller) it has a lower technology level.
GURPS Traveller: Interstellar Wars
Published in 2006, the setting covers the 200 years of war, peace, and overwhelming change as the ancient Vilani Imperium falls to the upstart Terrans. In this time of conflict, the opportunities for adventure are more exciting than ever before! Forge new trade routes within the {Imperium} itself. Defend the homeworld from invaders during the Siege of Terra. Make the first contact with alien races. Help guide the Terran Confederation in its expansion from a single planet to a sector-spanning empire.
Traveller Hero
Published in 2007 it never included a milieu of its own but instead covers several previous milieus including Milieu 0, milieu 1000, milieu 1116, the Rebellion and The New Era.
Mongoose Traveller 1st edition
Published in 2008, Mongoose returns to the "Classic" era and location, i.e., 1105 and the Spinward Marches. Although the Basic Rule Book has a little setting background, the first supplement released was The Spinward Marches, and published extensive campaigns in the Trojan Reaches Sector as well as several other sector books.
Traveller 5th
Published in 2013, this is a new version of Traveller rules. There are mentions of the Galaxiad era set in Milieu 1900, but no setting books.
Mongoose Traveller 2nd edition
Published in 2016, this edition continues the setting in the Classic era. In some cases, this is re-publishing 1st edition books. It has also added Reft Sector and new grand adventures.

History[edit]

Traveller Version Terminology: Over the years, GDW employees and the associated Traveller community developed many terms and codes to signify what sort of Traveller universe they preferred.

These terms and codes include:

  • OTU: "Official Traveller Universe." Traveller as published. Due to the number of alternate timelines now available, this term now tends to refer to the original Third Imperium setting from the years (1100 to 1117).
  • IMTU: "In My Traveller Universe". A reference to the particular customized game setting/rule mechanics used by any specific Traveller fan/player.
  • Traveller Geek Code: There is a special code for a player's IMTU (In My Traveller Universe) called the "Traveller Geek Code." It's a way of describing how your Traveller universe is constructed (and how it might vary from the 'official' OTU universe).

Major Publishers & Versions[edit]

Major Traveller Game Publishers & Versions (Editions)
Pub. Date Game (common abbreviation) Primary Publisher
1977 Traveller or CT Game Designers Workshop
1986 MegaTraveller or MT Game Designers Workshop
1992 Traveller: The New Era or TNE Game Designers Workshop
1996 T4: Marc Miller's Traveller or T4 Imperium Games
1998 GURPS Traveller or GT Steve Jackson Games
2002 GURPS Traveller: Interstellar Wars or GT:IT Steve Jackson Games
2006 Traveller D20 or T20 QuikLink Interactive
2006 Traveller: The New Era: 1248 or TNE Avenger Enterprises
2006 Traveller Hero or TH ComStar Games
2008 Mongoose Traveller or MgT Mongoose Publishing
2013 Traveller 5th or T5 Far Future Enterprises
2016 Mongoose 2nd 2nd Edition or MgT2 Mongoose Publishing

ReferencesSources[edit]

This list of sources was used by the Traveller Wiki Editorial Team and individual contributors to compose this article. Copyrighted material is used under license from Far Future Enterprises or by permission of the author. The page history lists all of the contributions.
    Retrieved from "http://wiki.travellerrpg.com/index.php?title=Setting&oldid=754832"