Difference between revisions of "Traveller:What is Traveller?"

From Traveller Wiki - Science-Fiction Adventure in the Far future
Jump to navigation Jump to search
m
 
(56 intermediate revisions by 7 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
<randomimage size="150" float="right" choices="Trav.cover.png|MT Players Manual.JPG|Traveller The New Era.jpg|MarcMillersTravellersmall.jpg|Cover-sm.jpg|T20 sm.jpg|Trav Hero Bk1-cover.jpg|Travrulebook 350.jpg|T5 Cover.jpg">Traveller Version</randomimage>
+
{{Policies}}<randomimage size="150" float="right" choices="Trav.cover.png|MT Players Manual.JPG|Traveller The New Era.jpg|MarcMillersTravellersmall.jpg|Cover-sm.jpg|T20 sm.jpg|Trav Hero Bk1-cover.jpg|Travrulebook 350.jpg|T5 Cover.jpg">Traveller Core Rulebook Covers</randomimage>
−
[[What is Traveller?]]: [[Traveller]] is a science fiction roleplaying game (RPG) that premiered in 1977 [[CE]].  
+
[[Traveller]] is a science-fiction role-playing game ([[RPG]]) that premiered in 1977. In the words of the original authors:
−
* It started its life as the ''shared science fiction universe'' of several college students in Illinois who later decided to publish a RPG.
+
 
−
* It grew into so much more: RPG books, board games, novels, computer games, a universal sci-fi gaming system, world-building tools, etc.
+
:: ''Traveller is a game; that is, it is a system of rules which allows players to participate in a situation for recreation and enjoyment. It is a role-playing game, which means that the players vicariously act out, or discuss, their actions in response to some situation; they assume roles as adventurers or soldiers-of-fortune and then actively seek out some goal important to them, such as money, or fame, or power.''
−
* In the end of ends, it's just a great, damn story!
 
−
----
 
−
Please see the following '''Traveler RPG Wiki''' articles for more information:
 
−
* [[Traveller]] (Where it all started...)
 
−
** [[Artifact]]s (Objects)
 
−
*** [[Miniatures]]
 
−
*** [[Publications]]
 
−
**** [[Bibliography]] (books)
 
−
***** [[Classic Traveller Bibliography]]
 
−
***** [[Cryptobibliography]] (lost books)
 
−
***** [[Generic Bibliography]]
 
−
**** [[Ludography]] (games)
 
−
***** [[Cryptoludography]] (lost games)
 
−
**** [[Periodicals]] (magazines, journals, etc.)
 
−
***** [[Fanzine]]s
 
−
** Metastory (Metadata)
 
−
*** [[Canon]]
 
−
*** [[Game Mechanics]]
 
−
*** [[Manual of Style]]
 
−
*** [[Master Abbreviation List]]
 
−
*** [[More Reading]]
 
−
*** [[Versions of Traveller]]
 
−
** Talents-Personage (Cast)
 
−
*** [[Plaza of Heroes]] ([[Galidumlar Dadaga]])
 
−
**** [[Imperial Honor Guard]] (The Extant)
 
−
***** [[Traveller Artists]]
 
−
***** [[Traveller Authors]]
 
−
***** [[Traveller Wiki Editorial Team]]
 
−
*** [[Wall of Heroes]] (Our Fallen)
 
−
** Universe Hallmarks (Background)
 
−
*** [[Charted Space Articles]] (overview articles)
 
−
*** [[Characters|Charted Space Characters]] (people, personage, & VIP's)
 
−
*** [[Master Timeline]] (periodicized chronology)
 
−
*** [[Milieu]] (chronological setting/s)
 
−
*** [[Rules]] (game)
 
−
*** [[Setting]] (background-setting/s)
 
−
*** [[Theme]]s (motifs)
 
−
----
 
  
−
== Description (Specifications) ==
+
In the time between the present day and the far future setting of the game, the human race expanded to the stars, ruled an empire taken in battle, and collapsed back to the barbarism of the period known as the ''[[Long Night]]''. The origins and many later editions of the game are set at the height of the Third Imperium, that is, the third human-dominated Empire in charted space, culminating in the nominative presence of the game set in the early 12th century after the Third Imperium's establishment 1116. This roughly correlates with the 57th century of the Terran common era.
−
[[Traveller]] is many things to many people, but here are some of the more commonplace characteristics of the [[setting]]:
 
  
−
:{| class="wikitable sortable" width="90%"
+
Traveller was first published and promoted by [[Game Designers Workshop]], founded as a joint venture between [[Frank Chadwick]], [[Marc Miller]], [[Rich Banner]], [[Loren Wiseman]], and a few other members of the Illinois State University Wargames Club (ca. 1972-73).  
−
|+ Traveller Characteristics
 
−
! Characteristic
 
−
! Remarks
 
−
|- valign="top"
 
−
| The Five Points of Traveller
 
−
| There are design assumptions underlying Traveller which were used to create a corpus of rules.  Traveller is all about this base set of assumptions... Violate these, and you lose the "Traveller"... Keep these, and setting probably doesn't matter.
 
  
−
Since the earliest rules for Traveller, the game has emphasized five major points:
+
=== Characteristics of Traveller ===
−
* '''I. Travel.''' Travellers travel within the limits of [[jumpspace]], high fuel usage (includes wilderness refueling), and [[gravitics]].
+
There are '''Design Assumptions''' underlying Traveller, which was used to create a corpus of rules. Traveller is all about this base set of assumptions. Violate these, and you lose the "Traveller". Keep these, and [[setting]] probably doesn't matter.
−
* '''II. Open Limits.''' Rules and options set open limits, allowing many possible [[world]]s, characters, aliens, ships, beasts, [[tech]]. It is a DIVERSE space, including anachronism and atavism.
 
−
* '''III. Material.''' Tangible or connexional gains. No Experience Points or Leveling Up. [[Newtonian Physics]] tends to be followed.
 
−
* '''IV. Agency.''' Self-Reliance. Remoteness of authority, speed of jump, starports as "deep water" ports, explicit feudalism (and even piracy) supports, empowers and requires the players to make their own decisions and act.
 
−
* '''V. Sociology.''' Interstellar [[society]] is socially stratified (high, mid, and [[low passage]]; SOC), but people are still human. The typical game shows how being a traveller crosses classes and breaks stratification. {{Unpublished cite|author= Robert Eaglestone}}
 
−
|- valign="top"
 
−
| Foundational Assumptions
 
−
| The [[Jump Drive]] (100+ tons, one week's time) is the key to interstellar communication and travel.
 
−
* No two bases are alike. Starports, Naval bases, and Scout bases are like Deep Water Ports.
 
−
* Wilderness refueling is worth the risk.
 
−
* The [[universe]] is cosmopolitan, understandable, and consistent.
 
−
* No two [[world]]s are alike. There is high-tech, atavism, and anachronism ([[shotgun]]s & [[cutlass]]es) that defies SF conventions.
 
−
* Mercenaries and Tickets.
 
−
* Social Stratification ([[High Passage]], [[Mid Passage]], [[Low Berth]]s) -- but player characters break stratification almost by definition.
 
−
* Patrons mediate between the setting and players' goals via Push, Pull, Enigma, and Gimmicks. {{Unpublished cite|author= Robert Eaglestone}}
 
−
|- valign="top"
 
−
| Foundational Mechanics
 
−
| [[Chargen]] and [[Toolset]]s as modular mini-games.
 
−
* Six Characteristics per person.
 
−
* Physical characteristics take the damage from combat.
 
−
* Combat is deadly.
 
−
* Material rewards. No "experience points" or leveling up.
 
−
* The careers and design systems define limits on reality. 2D hex maps, empty hexes. {{Unpublished cite|author= Robert Eaglestone}}
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
−
=== Plots & Assorted Storylines ===
+
=== Design assumptions ===
−
While almost all of the [[Traveller]] editions have been intended to be used in a universal fashion, each of the editions tended to focus on just a single milieu and a few related storylines:
+
Since the earliest rules for Traveller, the game has emphasized five significant points: {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Robert Eaglestone]] }}
  
−
:{| class="wikitable sortable" width="90%"
+
I. '''Travel.''' Travellers travel within the limits of [[jumpspace]], high [[fuel]] usage (includes [[wilderness refueling]]), and [[gravitics]]. The '''[[Jump Drive]]''' (100+ [[ton]]s, one week's time) is the key to interstellar communication and travel.
−
|+ Traveller Game Plots & Assorted Storylines (1977-2017)
 
−
! Game Version
 
−
! Primary Setting/s
 
−
! Plots & Assorted Storylines
 
−
! Players
 
−
! Remarks
 
−
|- valign="top"
 
−
| [[Classic Traveller|Traveller]] ([[Classic Traveller]])
 
−
| Primary Setting/s:
 
−
* [[Spinward Marches Sector|Spinward Marches]]
 
−
* [[Solomani Rim Sector|The Solomani Rim]]
 
−
* [[Third Imperium]]
 
−
| Storylines:
 
−
* High Adventure
 
−
* [[Ancients|Mystery of the Ancients]]
 
−
| Players:
 
−
* [[Big Nine]]
 
−
* [[Darrian]]s
 
−
* [[Sword Worlder]]s
 
−
| Background (Campaign) Books:
 
−
* '''[[The Spinward Marches Campaign|Spinward Marches]] ([[GDW]])'''
 
−
: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.
 
−
* '''[[The Solomani Rim]] ([[GDW]])'''
 
−
:The [[Solomani Rim Sector]] was a more developed region of space where the world of [[Terra]] is placed.
 
  
−
|- valign="top"
+
II. '''Open Limits.''' Rules and options set open limits, allowing many possible [[world]]s, [[character]]s, [[alien]]s, [[ship]]s, [[beast]]s, [[tech]]. It is a DIVERSE space, including anachronism and atavism—the rules present tool kits and systems for designing your universe or expanding on the existing ones.  
−
| [[MegaTraveller]]
 
−
| Primary Setting/s:
 
−
* [[Diaspora Sector]]
 
−
* [[Third Imperium]]
 
−
* [[Rebellion]]
 
−
| Existential Threats:
 
−
* [[Rebellion]]
 
−
* [[Rite of Assassination|Assassination]] of the [[Emperor]]
 
−
| Players:
 
−
* [[Big Nine]]
 
−
* [[Lucan]]
 
−
* [[Strephon]]
 
−
| 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 Sector|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 (world)|Promise]] and the surrounding [[world]]s in detail. The [[Rebellion Sourcebook]] is important to understanding the backdrop of this edition.
 
  
−
|- valign="top"
+
III. '''Material.''' The [[universe]] is cosmopolitan, understandable, and consistent.  There is [[High Tech World|high-tech]], [[Low Tech World|atavism]], and anachronism ([[shotgun]]s & [[cutlass]]es) that defies SF conventions. Conventions of the current world are followed and expanded as needed to reflect the future settings.  
−
| [[Traveller: The New Era]]
 
−
| Primary Setting/s:
 
−
* [[Reformation Coalition]]
 
−
* [[Fourth Imperium]]
 
−
| Existential Threats:
 
−
* [[Empress Wave]]
 
−
* [[Rebellion]]
 
−
* [[Virus]]
 
−
| Players:
 
−
* [[Dawn League]]
 
−
* [[Reformation Coalition]]
 
−
* [[Vampire]]s
 
−
| '''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"
+
IV. '''Agency.''' Self-Reliance. The remoteness of authority, speed of jump, [[starport]]s as "deep water" ports, explicit [[Feudal Confederation|feudalism]] (and even [[piracy]]) supports, empowers and requires the players to make their own decisions and act. Actions have consequences, and combat is deadly, so activities require forethought.  
−
| [[T4]]: [[Marc Miller's Traveller]]
 
−
| Primary Setting/s:
 
−
* [[Core Sector]]
 
−
* [[Milieu 0]]
 
−
* [[Sylean Federation]]
 
−
| Existential Threats:
 
−
* [[Interstellar War]]
 
−
* [[Long Night]]
 
−
| Players:
 
−
* [[Cleon I]]
 
−
* [[Sylean Federation]]
 
−
* [[Zhunastu Industries]]
 
−
| '''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"
+
V. '''Sociology.''' Interstellar [[society]] is socially stratified (high, mid, and [[low passage]]; SOC), but people are still human. The typical game shows how being a [[Traveller Gene|traveller]] crosses classes and breaks stratification. [[Patron]]s mediate between the setting and players' goals via [[Push]], [[Pull]], [[Enigma]], and [[Gimmick]]s.
−
| [[New Era 1248]]
 
−
| Primary Setting/s:
 
−
* TBD
 
−
| Storylines:
 
−
* TBD
 
−
| Players:
 
−
* [[Big Nine]]
 
−
| The [[New Era 1248]] expands upon the [[TNE]] storyline with a resurgence of the Imperium. It continues the mainline [[OTU]] storyline in ocntrast to the [[Lorenverse]] alternative timeline of [[GURPS Traveller]].
 
  
−
|- valign="top"
+
== Storylines ==
−
| [[GURPS Traveller]] 
+
These are the stories, the [[Theme]]s, from the published books during the different editions of Traveller.  
−
| Primary Setting/s:
 
−
* [[Third Imperium]]
 
−
| Storylines:
 
−
* High Adventure
 
−
* [[Imperium Eternal]]
 
−
| Players:
 
−
* [[Big Nine]]
 
−
| 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:
+
=== Classic Traveller ===
−
* '''[[GURPS Traveller: Behind the Claw]]'''
+
[[Classic Traveller]], generally referred to as the Golden Age. It introduced and expanded upon the [[Third Imperium]], a vast interstellar empire. The [[Spinward Marches Sector]] is a frontier region, the border between the Imperium and the [[Zhodani Consulate]], and the 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. Stories revolved around exploration, merchants, mercenaries, and the mystery of the ancients.  
−
:[[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"
+
[[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 a little background setting, the first supplement released was [[Mongoose Traveller: Spinward Marches|The Spinward Marches]] by [[Martin Dougherty]].
−
| [[GURPS Traveller: Interstellar Wars]]
 
−
| Primary Setting/s:
 
−
* [[Interstellar Wars]]
 
−
* [[Ziru Sirka]]
 
−
* [[Terran Confederation]]
 
−
| Storyline:
 
−
* [[Interstellar Wars]]
 
−
| Players:
 
−
* [[Terran Confederation]]
 
−
* [[Vegan]]s
 
−
* [[Ziru Sirka]]
 
−
| '''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"
+
=== MegaTraveller ===
−
| [[T20|Traveller D20]]
+
[[MegaTraveller]] started with the question ''What happens when the 1000 year empire is 1100 years old?''. It begins with the assassination of the Emperor and the Imperium dissolving into factions fighting a massive civil war. The [[Rebellion]] give the players opportunities a more peaceful universe will not. The [[Rebellion Sourcebook]] is essential to understanding the backdrop of this edition.
−
| Primary Setting/s:
 
−
* [[Domain of Gateway|Gateway Domain]]
 
−
| Storylines:
 
−
* [[Deadspace]]
 
−
* [[Gateway Domain]]
 
−
| Players:
 
−
* [[Akeed]]
 
−
* [[Big Nine]]
 
−
* [[Lords of Thunder]]
 
−
* [[Marshal Nells]]
 
−
* [[Wanderer]]s
 
−
| '''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]].
+
=== The New Era ===
 +
[[Traveller: The New Era]] starts in [[1200]] with an [[Empire]] in ruins. A few small empires like the [[Reformation Coalition]] and the [[Regency of Deneb]] are rebuilding the shattered worlds. But with the [[Virus]], [[Vampire]], and the [[Empress Wave]], this will not be an easy job. Themes of exploration and rebuilding lives are paramount.  
  
−
|- valign="top"
+
This later gives way to the [[New Era 1248]], with a resurgence of the Imperium and the foundation of the [[Fourth Imperium]]. And the wars with the [[Black Imperium]] and the [[The Dominate]]. Finding resolutions to these conflicts and rebuilding the worlds are the stories here.  
−
| [[Traveller Hero]]  
 
−
| Primary Setting/s:
 
−
* [[Spinward Marches Sector|Spinward Marches]]
 
−
* [[Solomani Rim Sector|The Solomani Rim]]
 
−
* [[Third Imperium]]
 
−
| Storyline:
 
−
* High Adventure
 
−
| Players:
 
−
* [[Big Nine]]
 
−
| 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"
+
=== Milieu 0 ===
−
| [[Mongoose Traveller]]
+
[[Marc Miller's Traveller]] takes a step back in time to the founding of the [[Third Imperium]] in the [[Core Sector]]. The transformation of the [[Sylean Federation]] and its attempts to recover from the [[Long Night]]. The setting includes the classic [[wikipedia:4X|4X]] (explore, expand, exploit, exterminate) gaming style in an RPG.
−
| Primary Setting/s:
 
−
* [[Foreven Sector]]
 
−
* [[Spinward Marches Sector|Spinward Marches]]
 
−
* [[Trojan Reaches Sector]]
 
−
| Storyline:
 
−
* High Adventure
 
−
| Players:
 
−
* [[Big Nine]]
 
−
| 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]].
+
=== GURPS Traveller ===
−
|- valign="top"
+
Set in an "alternate" [[Traveller Universe]] in which [[Strephon|Emperor Strephon]] was ''not'' assassinated, thus the [[Rebellion]] and subsequent [[Final War]] never happened. The version 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.  
−
| [[T5|Traveller5]]
 
−
| Primary Setting/s:
 
−
* [[Galaxiad]]
 
−
| Triple Catastrophe:
 
−
* [[Black Ships]]
 
−
* [[Great Break]]
 
−
* [[Great Wave]]
 
−
| Players:
 
−
* Agents
 
−
* [[Black Ships]]
 
−
* [[Big Nine]]
 
−
| The [[Galaxiad]] is the future of Traveller, set in [[1900]] in [[Charted Space]] and beyond. This setting is currently being developed for [[T5]].
 
−
|}
 
  
−
=== Themes ===
+
=== Interstellar Wars ===
−
Please see the article on [[Theme]]s.
+
[[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]].
  
−
== History & Background (Dossier) ==
+
=== Milieu 990 ===
−
With decades of history, dozens upon dozens of authors, and many editions, [[Traveller]] has quite a colorful history: It probably mirrors the history of the [[Emperors of the Third Imperium]] more than any of us would like to admit.  
+
Introduced in the [[Traveller D20]] publications, the [[Domain of Gateway|Gateway Domain]], one of the backyards of the [[Empire]]. 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.  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.  
  
−
=== Traveller FAQ ===
+
=== Galaxiad ===
−
Please see the ''Frequently Asked Questions'' (FAQ) article here: [[What is Traveller?/FAQ]].
+
The [[Galaxiad]] is the future of Traveller, set in [[1900]] in [[Charted Space]] and beyond. This setting is currently being developed for [[Traveller 5th]].
  
−
=== Publications History ===
+
=== Library Data Referral Tree ===
−
Please see the ''Traveller RPG Wiki'' [[Publications]] article. 1977 to present.
+
Please refer to the following [[AAB]] [[Library Data]] for more information: <br>
−
----
+
'''[[Traveller]]:''' (Where it all started...)
−
Please see the following '''Traveler RPG Wiki''' articles for more information:
+
* [[Artifact]]s (Objects)
−
* [[Traveller]] (Where it all started...)
+
** [[Miniature]]s
−
** [[Artifact]]s (Objects)
+
** [[Publication]]s
−
*** [[Miniatures]]
+
*** [[Bibliography]] (books)
−
*** [[Publications]]
+
**** [[Classic Traveller Bibliography]]
−
**** [[Bibliography]] (books)
+
**** [[Cryptobibliography]] (lost books)
−
***** [[Cryptobibliography]] (lost books)
+
**** [[Errata]]
−
**** [[Ludography]] (games)
+
**** [[Generic Bibliography]]
−
***** [[Cryptoludography]] (lost games)
+
*** [[Ludography]] (games)  
−
**** [[Periodicals]] (magazines, journals, etc.)
+
**** [[Cryptoludography]] (lost games)
−
***** [[Fanzine]]s
+
*** [[Periodicals]] (magazines, journals, etc.)
−
----
+
**** [[Challenge|Challenge Magazine]]
 +
**** [[Journal of the Travellers Aid Society]]
 +
**** [[Travellers' Digest (meta)|Travellers' Digest]]
 +
**** [[Fanzine]]s
 +
** Talents-Personage (Cast)
 +
*** [[Plaza of Heroes]] ([[Galidumlar Dadaga]])
 +
**** [[Imperial Honor Guard]] (The Extant)
 +
***** [[Traveller Artist]]s
 +
***** [[Traveller Author]]s
 +
***** [[Traveller Publisher]]s
 +
***** [[Traveller Wiki Editorial Team]]
 +
*** [[Wall of Heroes]] (Our Fallen)
 +
** Universe Hallmarks (Background)
 +
*** [[Charted Space Article]]s (overview articles)
 +
*** [[Character|Charted Space Characters]] (people, personage, & VIP's)
 +
*** [[Master Timeline]] (periodicized chronology)
 +
*** [[Milieu]] (chronological setting/s)
 +
*** [[Rules]] (game)
 +
*** [[Setting]] (background-setting/s)
 +
*** [[Theme]]s (motifs)
 +
*** [[Traveller Ethos]]
 +
  
−
== References & Contributors (Sources) ==
+
== References & Contributors ([[Sources]]) ==
−
{{Intermediate}}
+
{{Advanced}}
−
{{Detail}}
 
 
{{Sources
 
{{Sources
−
|S1= 1982 [[GDW]] [[Understanding Traveller]] pamphlette
+
| {{Ludography cite|name=Understanding Traveller}}
−
|S2= Author & Contributor: [[Traveller Wiki Editorial Team]]
+
| Author & Contributor: [[Robert Eaglestone]]
−
|S3= Author & Contributor: [[Robert Eaglestone]]
 
−
|S4= Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology [[User:Maksim-Smelchak|Maksim-Smelchak]] of the [[Ministry of Science]]
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
   
 
   
  
 
[[Category: Help]]
 
[[Category: Help]]
−
{{MET}}
+
{{MET|Wiki Mechanic}}

Latest revision as of 06:12, 18 November 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

Traveller Core Rulebook Covers

Traveller is a science-fiction role-playing game (RPG) that premiered in 1977. In the words of the original authors:

Traveller is a game; that is, it is a system of rules which allows players to participate in a situation for recreation and enjoyment. It is a role-playing game, which means that the players vicariously act out, or discuss, their actions in response to some situation; they assume roles as adventurers or soldiers-of-fortune and then actively seek out some goal important to them, such as money, or fame, or power.

In the time between the present day and the far future setting of the game, the human race expanded to the stars, ruled an empire taken in battle, and collapsed back to the barbarism of the period known as the Long Night. The origins and many later editions of the game are set at the height of the Third Imperium, that is, the third human-dominated Empire in charted space, culminating in the nominative presence of the game set in the early 12th century after the Third Imperium's establishment 1116. This roughly correlates with the 57th century of the Terran common era.

Traveller was first published and promoted by Game Designers Workshop, founded as a joint venture between Frank Chadwick, Marc Miller, Rich Banner, Loren Wiseman, and a few other members of the Illinois State University Wargames Club (ca. 1972-73).

Characteristics of Traveller[edit]

There are Design Assumptions underlying Traveller, which was used to create a corpus of rules. Traveller is all about this base set of assumptions. Violate these, and you lose the "Traveller". Keep these, and setting probably doesn't matter.

Design assumptions[edit]

Since the earliest rules for Traveller, the game has emphasized five significant points: [1]

I. Travel. Travellers travel within the limits of jumpspace, high fuel usage (includes wilderness refueling), and gravitics. The Jump Drive (100+ tons, one week's time) is the key to interstellar communication and travel.

II. Open Limits. Rules and options set open limits, allowing many possible worlds, characters, aliens, ships, beasts, tech. It is a DIVERSE space, including anachronism and atavism—the rules present tool kits and systems for designing your universe or expanding on the existing ones.

III. Material. The universe is cosmopolitan, understandable, and consistent. There is high-tech, atavism, and anachronism (shotguns & cutlasses) that defies SF conventions. Conventions of the current world are followed and expanded as needed to reflect the future settings.

IV. Agency. Self-Reliance. The remoteness of authority, speed of jump, starports as "deep water" ports, explicit feudalism (and even piracy) supports, empowers and requires the players to make their own decisions and act. Actions have consequences, and combat is deadly, so activities require forethought.

V. Sociology. Interstellar society is socially stratified (high, mid, and low passage; SOC), but people are still human. The typical game shows how being a traveller crosses classes and breaks stratification. Patrons mediate between the setting and players' goals via Push, Pull, Enigma, and Gimmicks.

Storylines[edit]

These are the stories, the Themes, from the published books during the different editions of Traveller.

Classic Traveller[edit]

Classic Traveller, generally referred to as the Golden Age. It introduced and expanded upon the Third Imperium, a vast interstellar empire. The Spinward Marches Sector is a frontier region, the border between the Imperium and the Zhodani Consulate, and the site of the Frontier Wars. It also borders the 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. Stories revolved around exploration, merchants, mercenaries, and the mystery of the ancients.

Mongoose Traveller returns to the Classic era and location, i.e., 1105 and the Spinward Marches. Although the Basic Rule Book has a little background setting, the first supplement released was The Spinward Marches by Martin Dougherty.

MegaTraveller[edit]

MegaTraveller started with the question What happens when the 1000 year empire is 1100 years old?. It begins with the assassination of the Emperor and the Imperium dissolving into factions fighting a massive civil war. The Rebellion give the players opportunities a more peaceful universe will not. The Rebellion Sourcebook is essential to understanding the backdrop of this edition.

The New Era[edit]

Traveller: The New Era starts in 1200 with an Empire in ruins. A few small empires like the Reformation Coalition and the Regency of Deneb are rebuilding the shattered worlds. But with the Virus, Vampire, and the Empress Wave, this will not be an easy job. Themes of exploration and rebuilding lives are paramount.

This later gives way to the New Era 1248, with a resurgence of the Imperium and the foundation of the Fourth Imperium. And the wars with the Black Imperium and the The Dominate. Finding resolutions to these conflicts and rebuilding the worlds are the stories here.

Milieu 0[edit]

Marc Miller's Traveller takes a step back in time to the founding of the Third Imperium in the Core Sector. The transformation of the Sylean Federation and its attempts to recover from the Long Night. The setting includes the classic 4X (explore, expand, exploit, exterminate) gaming style in an RPG.

GURPS Traveller[edit]

Set in an "alternate" Traveller Universe in which Emperor Strephon was not assassinated, thus the Rebellion and subsequent Final War never happened. The version 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.

Interstellar Wars[edit]

GURPS Traveller: Interstellar Wars 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 first contact with alien races. Help guide the Terran Confederation in its expansion from a single planet to a sector-spanning empire.

Milieu 990[edit]

Introduced in the Traveller D20 publications, the Gateway Domain, one of the backyards of the Empire. 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. 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.

Galaxiad[edit]

The Galaxiad is the future of Traveller, set in 1900 in Charted Space and beyond. This setting is currently being developed for Traveller 5th.

Library Data Referral Tree[edit]

Please refer to the following AAB Library Data for more information:
Traveller: (Where it all started...)


References & Contributors (Sources)[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.
  1. ↑ Information provided to the library by Robert Eaglestone
Retrieved from "http://wiki.travellerrpg.com/index.php?title=Traveller:What_is_Traveller%3F&oldid=761879"