Difference between revisions of "Starships"

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{{InfoboxBook2
 
{{InfoboxBook2
 
|name      = Starships
 
|name      = Starships
−
|alsosee  =  
+
|alsosee  = [[Starship]]
 
|author    = Marc Miller
 
|author    = Marc Miller
−
|available = http://www.rpgnow.com/product/80178/CT-B02Starships?affiliate_id=875229
+
|available = {{DTRPG|id=80178}}
 
|canon    = Yes
 
|canon    = Yes
−
|caption  = Book 2  
+
|caption  = {{CT}} [[Book 2]]
 
|contents  =  
 
|contents  =  
 
|edition  = 1st
 
|edition  = 1st
−
|footnote  =  
+
|footnote  = TBD
 
|format    = LBB (Digest)
 
|format    = LBB (Digest)
 
|image    = Book2 200px.jpg
 
|image    = Book2 200px.jpg
Line 17: Line 17:
 
|year      = 1977
 
|year      = 1977
 
}}
 
}}
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[[Book 2]] [[Starships]] details interstellar travel and [[starship]]s for [[Classic Traveller]].
+
[[Starships|Book 2 Starships]] is a [[Game Designers Workshop]] product.
−
* Travellers travel. They move between worlds as well as on their surfaces. The distances such travel covers may be interplanetary or interstellar in scale.
+
* It is a primary rules source book, a core book, designed for [[Classic Traveller]].
 +
* This book has errata for the 1977 and 1981 editions:
 +
# [[Errata Basic Traveller 1977 Edition]]
 +
# [[Errata Basic Traveller 1981 Edition]]
 
   
 
   
−
== Description (Specifications) ==
+
== Description ([[Specifications]]) ==
−
;Interplanetary Travel
+
[[Traveller Gene|Travellers]] travel. They move between [[world]]s as well as on their surfaces. The distances such travel covers may be [[spaceship|interplanetary]] or [[starship|interstellar]] in scale. It details interstellar travel and [[starship]]s for [[Classic Traveller]].
−
:[[World]]s orbiting the same [[star]] are accessible by interplanetary travel, on ships operated by local entrepreneurs, or with a variety of [[small craft]]. But, interplanetary travel takes long periods of time; since most stellar systems have only one major world, interplanetary travel is infrequent.
+
----
−
;Interstellar Travel
+
''Book 2'' contains details on [[starship]]s. Players can travel on them using the basic transportation rules, and may find it interesting to engage in [[Interstellar Trade within Charted Space|trade and commerce]] in order to make some [[Imperial Currency|money]]. Later, they will become involved in [[Naval Architecture|ship design and construction]]. {{Page cite|name= Characters and Combat |page=7|version=Classic Traveller}}
−
:Worlds orbiting different stars are reached by interstellar travel, which makes use of the [[jump drive]]. Once a [[starship]] moves to a safe distance from a world, it may activate its jump drive. Jump drives are rated from 1 to 6. Making any jump takes about one week, regardless of the distance travelled.
+
* One can find more information here: [[Starships/Content]]
  
 
=== Table of Contents ===
 
=== Table of Contents ===
−
:{| cellpadding=0
+
{| class="wikitable sortable"
 +
!colspan="2"|''[[Classic Traveller]]<br> Book 2 Starships''
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Travelling              || align="right" |1
+
! Section
 +
! Page/s
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Starship Economics  || align="right" |5
+
| [[Travelling in Charted Space|Travelling]]
 +
| 1
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Starship Construction        || align="right" |9
+
| [[Interstellar Trade within Charted Space|Starship Economics]]
 +
| 5
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Starship Combat              || align="right" |22
+
| [[Naval Architecture|Starship Construction]]
 +
| 9
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [[Drug]]s                || align="right" |38
+
| [[War in Charted Space|Starship Combat]]  
 +
| 22
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Experience              || align="right" |40
+
| [[Drug]]s
 +
| 38
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Trade and Commerce             || align="right" |42
+
| [[Education in Charted Space|Experience]]
 +
| 40
 +
|-
 +
| [[Interstellar Trade within Charted Space|Trade and Commerce]]
 +
| 42
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
=== [[Library Data|Library Data Entries (Public)]] ===
 +
* [[Beam Laser]] {{Page cite|name= Starships |page= 16 |version= Classic Traveller |citeName=S16}}
 +
* [[Computer Software]] {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=38|version=Classic Traveller|citeName=S38}}
 +
* [[High Passage]] {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=4|version=Classic Traveller}}
 +
* [[Jump Drive]] {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=5, 7, 10, 13-15, 20, 22 |version=Classic Traveller}}
 +
* [[Low Lottery]] {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=5|version=Classic Traveller|citeName=S5}}
 +
* [[Low Passage]] {{Page cite|citeName=S5}}
 +
* [[Imperial Credit|Megacredit]] {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=7|version=Classic Traveller}}
 +
* [[Mail Vault]]
 +
* [[Maneuver Drive]] {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=7, 14, 21-22, 28-29 |version=Classic Traveller}}
 +
* [[Middle Passage]] {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=4-5|version=Classic Traveller}}
 +
* [[Misjump]] {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=6|version=Classic Traveller|citeName=S6}}
 +
* [[Missile Rack]] {{Page cite|citeName=S16}}
 +
* [[Naval Architecture]]
 +
* [[Power Plant]] {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=7, 14, 16, 22 |version=Classic Traveller}}
 +
* [[Pulse Laser]] {{Page cite|citeName=S16}}
 +
* [[Sandcaster]] {{Page cite|citeName=S16}}
 +
* [[Ship Fuel]] {{Page cite|citeName=S6}}
 +
* [[Ship’s Computer]] {{Page cite|citeName=S38}}
 +
* [[Ship's Papers]]
 +
* [[Terra]] {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=37|version=Classic Traveller|citeName=S37}}
 +
* [[Travellers' Aid Society|The Travellers' Aid Society]] AKA [[TAS]] {{Page cite|citeName=S5}}
 +
* [[Working Passage]] {{Page cite|citeName=S5}}
 +
 +
=== [[Library Data|Library Data Entries]] (Automated) ===
 +
{{LibraryEntries}}
 +
 +
=== [[Drug|Selected Drugs (Pharmaceuticals)]] ===
 +
* [[Anagathic Drug]] {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=44-45|version=Classic Traveller|citeName=S44}}
 +
* [[Combat Drug]] {{Page cite|citeName=S44}}
 +
* [[Fast Antidote Drug]]
 +
* [[Fast Drug]] {{Page cite|citeName=S44}}
 +
* [[Medical Drug]] {{Page cite|citeName=S44}}
 +
* [[Medical Slow Drug]]
 +
* [[Psi-Booster Drug]] {{Page cite|name=Worlds and Adventures|page=45|citeName=W45}}
 +
* [[Psi-Double Drug]] {{Page cite|citeName=W45}}
 +
* [[Psi-Special Drug]] {{Page cite|citeName=W45}}
 +
* [[Slow Antidote Drug]]
 +
* [[Slow Drug]] {{Page cite|citeName=S44}}
 +
* [[Truth Drug]] {{Page cite|citeName=S44}}
 +
 +
=== [[Ship Equipment|Selected Equipment (Ship)]] ===
 +
* [[Beam Laser]] {{Page cite|citeName=S16}}
 +
* [[Computer Software]] {{Page cite|citeName=S38}}
 +
* [[Fire Control Computer]]
 +
* [[Fuel Purification Plant]]
 +
* [[Fuel Scoop]]s {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=15|version=Classic Traveller}}
 +
* [[Grav Plate]]
 +
* [[Hardpoint]]
 +
* [[Inertial Compensator]]
 +
* [[Jump Drive]] {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=5, 7, 10, 13-15, 20, 22 |version=Classic Traveller}}
 +
* [[Mail Vault]]
 +
* [[Maneuver Drive]] {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=7, 14, 21-22, 28-29 |version=Classic Traveller}}
 +
* [[Missile Rack]] {{Page cite|citeName=S16}}
 +
* [[Power Plant]] {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=7, 14, 16, 22 |version=Classic Traveller}}
 +
* [[Pulse Laser]] {{Page cite|citeName=S16}}
 +
* [[Sandcaster]] {{Page cite|citeName=S16}}
 +
* [[Ship Fuel]] {{Page cite|citeName=S6}}
 +
* [[Ship’s Computer]] {{Page cite|citeName=S38}}
 +
* [[Ship Sensor Suite]]
 +
* [[Ship’s Turret|Turret]]
 +
 +
=== [[Master Abbreviation List|Selected Form/s & Terms]] ===
 +
''Forms:''
 +
* [[TAS Form 3 Ship’s Paper’s (Commercial)]] {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=21, 24-25|version=Classic Traveller}}
 +
 +
''[[Master Abbreviation List|Terms]]:''
 +
* [[Naval Architecture]]
 +
 +
=== [[Organization|Selected Organizations]] ===
 +
* Corporate Bank
 +
* [[Travellers' Aid Society]] {{Page cite|citeName=S5}}
 +
* [[World-State|World-State Government]]
 +
 +
=== [[Computer Software|Selected Computer Programs]] ===
 +
''Offensive Programs:''
 +
* [[Double Fire Program]] {{Page cite|citeName=S38}} 
 +
* [[Gunner Program]] {{Page cite|citeName=S38}} 
 +
* [[Launch Program]] {{Page cite|citeName=S38}} 
 +
* [[Multi-target Program]] {{Page cite|citeName=S38}} 
 +
* [[Predict Program]] {{Page cite|citeName=S38}} 
 +
* [[Select Program]] {{Page cite|citeName=S38}} 
 +
* [[Target Program]] {{Page cite|citeName=S38}} 
 +
 +
''Defensive Programs:''
 +
* [[Anti-Missile Program]] {{Page cite|citeName=S38}} 
 +
* [[Auto/Evade Program]] {{Page cite|citeName=S38}} 
 +
* [[ECM Program]] {{Page cite|citeName=S38}} 
 +
* [[Maneuver/Evade Program]] {{Page cite|citeName=S38}} 
 +
* [[Return Fire Program]] {{Page cite|citeName=S38}} 
 +
 +
''Routine Programs:''
 +
* [[Anti-hijack Program]] {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=39|version=Classic Traveller|citeName=S39}}
 +
* [[Generate Program]] {{Page cite|citeName=S39}} 
 +
* [[Jump Program]] {{Page cite|citeName=S38}} 
 +
* [[Library Program]] {{Page cite|citeName=S38}}
 +
* [[Maneuver Program]] {{Page cite|citeName=S38}} 
 +
* [[Navigation Program]] {{Page cite|citeName=S39}} 
 +
 +
=== [[Ship|Selected Ship Types]] ===
 +
# [[Type A class Free Trader]]
 +
# [[Type C class Mercenary Cruiser]] AKA [[Broadsword class Mercenary Cruiser]]
 +
# [[Type M class Subsidized Liner]]
 +
# [[Type R class Subsidized Merchant]]
 +
# [[Type S class Scout/Courier]]
 +
# [[Type T class Patrol Ship]] AKA [[Type T class Patrol Cruiser]] AKA [[Type TP class Patrol Cruiser]]
 +
# [[Type Y class Yacht]]
 +
 +
=== [[Smallcraft|Selected Smallcraft Types]] ===
 +
# [[Cutter|Cutter (50-ton)]]
 +
# [[Fighter|Fighter (10-ton)]]
 +
# [[Launch|Launch (20-ton)]]
 +
## [[Damgarrii class Passenger Launch]]
 +
# [[Pinnace|Pinnace (40-ton)]]
 +
# [[Ship's Boat|Ship's Boat (30-ton)]]
 +
# [[Shuttle|Shuttle (95-ton)]]
 +
# [[Slow Boat|Slow Boat (30-ton)]]
 +
## Sensible class Slow Boat
 +
# [[Slow Pinnace|Slow Pinnace (40-ton)]]
 +
 +
=== [[Technology|Selected Technology]] ===
 +
* [[Computer Software]] {{Page cite|citeName=S38}}
 +
* [[Ship’s Computer]] {{Page cite|citeName=S38}}
 +
 +
=== [[Vehicle|Selected Vehicles]] ===
 +
* [[Air/Raft]] {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=23|version=Classic Traveller|citeName=S23}}
 +
* [[Tracked ATV|ATV, Tracked]] {{Page cite|citeName=S23}}
 +
* [[Wheeled ATV|ATV, Wheeled]] {{Page cite|citeName=S23}}
 +
** [[Loren class ATV]]
 +
* [[GCarrier]] {{Page cite|citeName=S23}}
 +
* [[Speeder]] {{Page cite|citeName=S23}}
 +
 +
=== [[World|Selected Worlds]] ===
 +
* [[Terra]] AKA [[Terra (SR 1827) (world)]] {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=37|version=Classic Traveller}}
 +
 +
== Meta-history & Background ([[Dossier]]) ==
 +
[[Classic Traveller]] Books 1 through 3 provided the cornerstone for all future Traveller publications.
 +
* Books 1, 2, and 3 came together to provide a great, well-developed sci-fi RPG.
 +
----
 +
The Classic Traveller core rules actually exist in three different rulesets. Logic would suggest using the most recent released edition; but in this case, there are rules elements of interest to the collector which would not be included. 
 
   
 
   
−
===Starship Economics===
+
The original 1977 release of Traveller contained three books – [[Characters and Combat]], [[Starships]], and [[Worlds and Adventures]]. This set of rules contains everything needed to play Traveller. However, in 1981, [[GDW]] took advantage of a need to reprint the core rules to also address and clean up the rules. This "second edition" actually adds quite a bit to the rules, but there are also some items dropped from the rules. This second edition also incorporated errata printed in [[Book 4]] – [[Mercenary (book)|Mercenary]] for the original 1977 edition.
−
The operation of starships in interstellar commerce requires an understanding of the economics which governs trade between the stars. Prices and returns on effort and investment are controlled by the supply and demand which exists in the commercial system.
+
 
−
;Starship Purchase
+
This cleaned up "second edition" would be used for producing [[The Traveller Book]] in 1982, along with some additional material, including a special introduction for new players, two adventures, and additional details on what was becoming the [[Official Traveller Universe]] ([[OTU]]). Some additional rules did slip into [[The Traveller Book]] that appear nowhere else.
−
:Bank financing is available to qualified individuals for the purchase of commercial starships. After a down payment, the shipyard will begin construction of a specific vessel. Upon completion, the vessel is delivered to the buyer, with the bank paying off the purchase price to the shipyard. Because the bank now holds title to the ship, the price must be paid off in a series of monthly payments to it. Standard terms involve the payment of 1/240th of the cash price each month for 480 months. The cost of the starship is paid off over a period of 40 years. In addition, the bank will insist that the purchaser submit an economic plan detailing the projected activity which will guarantee that monthly payments are made.
 
−
;Subsidies
 
−
:A government may subsidize larger commercial vessels, primarily to assure consistent service to specific worlds. These subsidized merchants are generally assigned a specific route connecting worlds of varying characteristics. The route will generally be determined before a subsidized merchant is purchased, to allow tailored design features as may be necessary. When a subsidized merchant is ordered, the character himself must make the down payment, with the government assuming responsibility for the payments upon delivery, and taking 50% of the gross receipts of the ship while in service. The character is responsible for all expenses and costs of operation.
 
−
;Mobilization
 
−
:Subsidized merchants are also subject to mobilization in the event of emergency or hostilities. At the end of 40 years, the vessel is completely paid off, and full title passes to the character, but the vessel remains subject to mobilization in case of government need.
 
−
;Starship Expenses
 
−
:There are five basic expenses (in addition to the bank payment) associated with starship operation.
 
−
::'''Fuel''': Starship fuel must be purchased at a starport or scooped from another source of hydrogen. Fuel consumption is based on the size of the starship power plant and the jump drive.
 
−
::'''Life Support''': Each occupied stateroom on a starship involves an overhead cost per trip made. Each occupied low passage berth involves an overhead cost as well. There is a normal limit of one person per stateroom, travelling couples or groups usually taking adjoining staterooms. Military vessels or chartered ships may be used with a double occupancy system but this requires twice the normal cost.
 
−
::'''Routine Maintenance''': Annually, a starship should be given a complete overhaul in order to insure that it is kept in good working order. Such maintenance has a cost and requires two weeks at a starport. The owner must make provision for payment of the maintenance fee when it comes due. Crew members generally take their vacations at this time, but must still be paid. The ship owners must make provision for the expected loss of revenue while the ship is out of service.
 
−
::'''Crew Salaries''': Crew members must be paid monthly. Player characters may participate with the owner-captain and accept shares in the proceeds of the ship's activities. Characters who take working passage are not paid, receiving passage, room and board in lieu of salary. Not all crew positions are required on all ships, and some ships will have more than one person performing the same function.
 
−
::'''Berthing Costs''': Landing fees and other starport fees are a common practice, and such costs must be paid as they occur.
 
−
;Starship Revenues
 
−
:Starships generate revenue by carrying cargo, passengers and mail.
 
−
::'''Cargo''': Starships may inquire at a starport about the number, sizes, and destinations of cargos awaiting transportation. There may be a number of major, minor, and incidental cargos available on the world. Each cargo is a distinct shipment and cannot be subdivided, but the ship may accept or reject specific cargos based on the best fit within the cargo hold. Starship owners may purchase goods locally and ship them at their own expense, speculating that they can later sell them at a profit.
 
−
::'''Passengers''': Passengers will present themselves for transport to the ship's destination. The number of passengers is determine by the origin world's population and on the destination world's population and travel zone status.
 
−
::'''Mail and Incidentals''': Subsidized merchants may receive mail delivery contracts, usually as an adjunct to their established routes.The starship is paid for each trip made, regardless of the actual mail tonnage carried. Other ships may be approached to deliver private messages, at times through the ship's owner or captain, and at times clandestinely through a crew member. Private mail is usually intended for delivery to a specific point and is generally accompanied by a small fee.
 
−
;Trade Customs
 
−
:Goods taken on in orbit are delivered when placed in orbit around the destination. Goods taken on on a planetary surface are delivered when off-loaded on the surface of the destination. This custom applies to cargo, passengers, and mail.
 
−
;Charters
 
−
:There is a standard price to charter a non-starship usually with a minimum time limit. Charter price for a starship is computed based on its revenue-generating capacity. Starships are chartered in 2-week blocks. The owner pays all overhead and supplies a crew.
 
  
−
===Ship Design===
+
Finally, in 1983, [[GDW]] released [[Starter Traveller]], intended at giving a younger audience a streamlined and simpler set of Traveller rules. This release dropped some of the more complicated rules, but added a different starship combat system (using range bands, much like the personal combat system, as opposed to vector movement) which many consider a great improvement on the original. Except where noted, [[Starter Traveller]] uses the 1981 edition rules.
−
Starships are constructed and sold at shipyards throughout the galaxy. Any class A starport has a shipyard that can build any kind of ship, including a starship with jump drives; any class B starport can build a small craft and ships which do not have jump drives. The military procures vessels through these yards, corporations
 
−
buy their commercial vessels from these shipyards, and private individuals can purchase ships that they have designed through them as well. The major restriction on the purchase of ships is money.
 
−
;Design Plans
 
−
:Most vessels are constructed from standard design plans which use time-tested designs and combinations of features. Shipyards work from these plans which cover every detail of construction and assembly. Naval architect firms can produce a detailed set of design plans in about four weeks for a price of 1% of the final ship cost; they can be hurried to finish the job in two weeks if paid 1.5%. Once the design plans are received, the shipyard may be commissioned to produce the vessel desired.
 
−
::'''Standard Designs''': There are a number of standard design plans available; they have been in use for a long time, and are available for a nominal fee for the set. A 10% final cost discount is available for ships built to a standard design plan.
 
−
::'''Custom Designs''': A naval architect will assist in providing the design plans for any specific vessel that is not designed around a standard hull size. The naval architect will insist on receiving his 1% fee upon delivery of the plans and specifications.
 
−
::'''Construction Time''': The time required for building any vessel depends primarily on the hull. Standard hulls require shorter construction times; they are more familiar to the shipyard and easier to build.
 
−
::'''Financing''': A shipyard will insist upon a down payment with the order for the vessel, as well as requiring a demonstration that proper financing is available to cover the balance when due.
 
  
−
===Ship Construction===
+
Finally, other minor [[Classic Traveller]] rules appeared in other releases (notably [[Mayday]], [[Snapshot]], and the Alien Modules) which some referees and players of the [[Classic Traveller]] rules will find useful without adopting the game models in those products. This document presents a collection of rules elements for purchasers of [[FFE]]'s [[The Classic Books|The Classic Books 0 - 8]] to give them access to these lost rules not available in the Classic Reprints collection. {{Page cite|name= Lost Rules of Traveller |page= 2}}
−
Starships are constructed on the foundation of a hull, into which are fitted the drives and other fittings that adapt it to its intended function. The total tonnage of the installed fittings cannot exceed the tonnage of the hull.
+
 
−
;Hull
+
=== Credits (Primary Sources) ===
−
:Hulls are identified by their mass displacement, expressed in tons. When hulls are constructed, they are divided into an engineering section for the drives and the main compartment for everything else. Standard hulls are available at reduced prices and construction times. Any other hull must be produced on a custom basis. Hulls vary in their requirements for drives and power plants based on tonnage.
+
{| class="wikitable sortable"
−
;Engineering Section
+
!colspan="2"|Credits (Primary Sources)
−
:Drives are installed in the engineering section. A non-starship must have a maneuver drive and a power plant. A starship must have a a jump drive and a power plant; a maneuver drive may also be installed, but is not required. The total tonnage of the drives may not exceed the tonnage of the engineering section of the vessel.
+
|-
−
::'''[[Power Plant]]''': The ship's power plant provides energy for use within the ship, [[weapon]]s, jump drive and maneuver drive.
+
! Credit
−
::'''[[Maneuver Drive]]''': The ship's maneuver drive allows it to move through normal (non-jump) space.
+
! [[Author]]s & Contributors
−
::'''[[Jump Drive]]''': The ship's jump drive allows it to travel interstellar distances in a about a week.
+
|-
−
;Main Compartment
+
| Original Concept and General Game Design
−
:The ship's main compartment contains all non-drive features of the ship.
+
| [[Marc Miller]]
−
::'''Bridge''': All ships must allocate tonnage to controls and other equipment for proper operation of the ship.
+
|-
−
::'''Computer''': The computer is identified by its model number. In general, larger computers are more advantageous in combat situations. In addition, the model number indicates the highest level of jump which can be achieved by the ships.
+
| Supplemental Design
−
::'''Staterooms''': Quarters for the crew and passengers are provided in the form of staterooms containing sleeping and living facilities.
+
| [[Frank Chadwick]], [[John Harshman]], [[Loren Wiseman]], [[Darryl Hany]]
−
::'''Low Passage Berths''': Facilities for carrying passengers in cold sleep may be installed in a ship.
+
|-
−
::'''Fuel''': The total fuel tankage for a ship must be indicated in the design plans and must be included within the ship's hull.
+
| Playtesting
−
::'''Cargo Hold''': The design plan must indicate cargo capacity. The amount of cargo carried may not exceed cargo capacity.
+
| [[Winston Hamilton]], [[Tony Svajlenka]], [[Scott Renner]], [[Doug Po]], [[David MacDonald]], and [[Wayne Roth]]
−
::'''Armaments''': Any ship may designate hardpoints for weapons. Hardpoints may be left unused if desired. One turret may be attached to each hardpoint on the ship. When it is attached, space in the hull for fire control must be allocated. Turrets are available in a number of different mounts and configurations. Turrets and weapons can be altered or retrofitted. Various weapons for installation in turrets are available.
+
|-
−
;Optional Components
+
| Art Direction
−
:Optional components can be included in design plans, or may be acquired for later installation on a vessel.
+
| [[Paul R. Banner]]
−
::'''Atmospheric Streamlining''': Standard hulls are rough deep space configurations incapable of entering atmospheres. They may be streamlined by indicating this in the design plans. This streamlining includes fuel scoops. Streamlining may not be retrofitted; it must be included at the time of construction. An additional cost applies for streamlining a hull.
+
|-
−
::'''Ship's Locker''': Every ship has a ship's locker. Typical [[equipment]] carried aboard will include protective clothing, [[vacc suit]]s, [[weapon]]s and survival aids.
+
| Publisher
−
::'''Ship's Vehicles''': A ship may have one or more subordinate [[vehicle]]s specified as part of the ship's equipment, and tonnage may be devoted to the permanent stowage or hangarage of the vehicles.
+
| [[Game Designers' Workshop]]
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
===Crew===
+
=== External Link/s ===
−
Each ship requires a crew. On small ships, the crew may be one person; on larger ships, the crew can be quite large. The following are the basic crew positions:
+
''COMMENTARY & DATA ARTICLES:''
−
::'''Captain/Owner-Operator''': All craft greater than 125 tons will have a designated Commander. This position may be filled by the Owner/Lessor to command and direct the movement and trade activities for the ship. This position may be filled by a person hired to fulfill any one of the positions concerned with running the ship. However, In most cases pilots and or navigator would be hired for this role.
+
# EXTERNAL LINK: [https://rpggeek.com/rpgitem/44360/starships RPG GEEK Entry]
−
::In hired captains they are responsible for the safety and protection of the ship and cargo and crew. They are hired from the requirements of the company hiring them. Though not required to have space skills it is a added plus.
+
# EXTERNAL LINK: [https://index.rpg.net/display-entry.phtml?mainid=678 RPG NET Entry]
−
::'''Pilot''': Each starship and non-starship and small craft requires a pilot. This position may be performed by the captain for small vessels 200 tons and under. Vessels greater than 200 ton require a separate pilot position or two if the master of the vessel is not flight qualified.
+
# EXTERNAL LINK: [https://www.librarything.com/series/Classic+Traveller+Main+Books Library Thing Classic Traveller]
−
::'''Navigator''': Each starship displacing greater than 200 tons must have a navigator. The pilot of a small craft or non-starship can handle its navigation requirements.
+
# EXTERNAL LINK: [https://www.freelancetraveller.com/features/shipyard/book2plus.html Beyond Book 2: Expanding the Basic Classic Traveller Starship Design System]
−
::'''Engineer''': Any ship with tonnage 200 tons or more must have one engineer. If there is more than one engineer, then the most skilled (or the oldest) becomes chief engineer. Ships under 200 tons and small craft do not require an engineer, although engineering skill may prove useful.
+
# EXTERNAL LINK: [http://traveller.chromeblack.com/beispiel-seite/deckplans/ Illustrations of Classic Traveller Starships ]
−
::'''Steward''': If high passengers are carried, then a steward is required. There must be at least one steward for every eight high passengers on the ship. If there is more than one steward, the most skilled is designated chief steward (or purser).
 
−
::'''Medic''': Each starship of 200 tons or more must have a medic. In addition, there must be at least one medic per 120 passengers carried. If there is more than one medic, the most skilled is designated ship's doctor. Non-starships and small craft do not require medics.
 
−
::'''Gunner''': One gunner may be hired per turret on a ship. Armed small craft require a gunner in addition to the pilot. If there is more than one gunner, the most skilled is designated the chief gunner. The gunner position may be omitted if there is no major threat to the ship.
 
−
::'''Other Positions''': One person may fill two crew positions, providing they have the skills to perform the work. However, because of the added burden, each position is filled at a reduced skill level, and the individual draws salary equal to 75% of each position. Other crew positions may be created depending on the facilities of the starship: for example, a starship with a cutter might have a position for cutter pilot (and possibly cutter gunner) in addition to the normal positions. Specific jobs or tasks require crew members to perform them.
 
−
;Large Starships
 
−
:For starships of greater than 1000 tons hull displacement, the crew should also include a commanding officer (or captain), his executive officer, and at least three administrative personnel.
 
  
−
== Meta-history & Background (Dossier) ==
+
''REVIEWS:''
−
No information yet available.  
+
# EXTERNAL LINK: [https://microphonesofmadness.wordpress.com/2016/01/19/interstellar-overdrive-starship-design-in-classic-traveller/ Interstellar Overdrive: Starship Design In Classic Traveller]
 +
# EXTERNAL LINK: [https://talestoastound.wordpress.com/2016/08/12/traveller-out-of-the-box-book-2-starship-combat-is-not-a-tactical-game-it-is-a-resource-management-game/ TRAVELLER: Out of the Box–“Book 2 Starship combat is not a tactical game. It is a resource management game.”]
 +
# EXTERNAL LINK: [http://www.risusiverse.com/home/optional-rules/travelling-heavy---starships Travelling Heavy]
 +
# EXTERNAL LINK: [http://ancientfarfuture.blogspot.com/2015/04/classic-traveller-ship-builder.html Classic Traveller Ship Builder]
 +
# EXTERNAL LINK: [http://www.trisen.com/sol/default.asp?topic=10 All kinds of good ship stuff from Peter Trevor]
  
−
=== Credits (Primary Sources) ===
+
''Other Articles:''
−
;Author
+
# EXTERNAL LINK: None
−
:[[Marc Miller]]
 
  
−
== References & Contributions (Sources) ==
+
== References & Contributions ([[Sources]]) ==
−
{{Intermediate}}
+
{{Advanced}}
−
{{Detail}}
 
 
{{Sources
 
{{Sources
 
|S1= [[Traveller Wiki Editorial Team]]
 
|S1= [[Traveller Wiki Editorial Team]]
−
|S2= Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology [[User:Maksim-Smelchak|Maksim-Smelchak]] of the [[Ministry of Science]]
+
|S2=  
 
}}
 
}}
  
  
 +
[[Category: Drug Source]]
 +
[[Category: Equipment Source]]
 +
[[Category: Form Source]]
 +
[[Category: Organization Source]]
 +
[[Category: Program Source]]
 +
[[Category: Ship Source]]
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[[Category: Smallcraft Source]]
 +
[[Category: Technology Source]]
 +
[[Category: Vehicle Source]]
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[[Category: World Source]]
 
{{MET|}}
 
{{MET|}}

Latest revision as of 22:29, 6 February 2026

Starships
Book2 200px.jpg
Classic Traveller Book 2
Author Marc Miller
Publisher Game Designers Workshop
Version Classic Traveller
Edition 1st
Format LBB (Digest)
Language English
Pages 48
Year Published 1977
Canonical Yes
Available from DriveThru RPG
Also See Starship
TBD

Book 2 Starships is a Game Designers Workshop product.

  • It is a primary rules source book, a core book, designed for Classic Traveller.
  • This book has errata for the 1977 and 1981 editions:
  1. Errata Basic Traveller 1977 Edition
  2. Errata Basic Traveller 1981 Edition

Description (Specifications)[edit]

Travellers travel. They move between worlds as well as on their surfaces. The distances such travel covers may be interplanetary or interstellar in scale. It details interstellar travel and starships for Classic Traveller.

Book 2 contains details on starships. Players can travel on them using the basic transportation rules, and may find it interesting to engage in trade and commerce in order to make some money. Later, they will become involved in ship design and construction. [1]

Table of Contents[edit]

Classic Traveller
Book 2 Starships
Section Page/s
Travelling 1
Starship Economics 5
Starship Construction 9
Starship Combat 22
Drugs 38
Experience 40
Trade and Commerce 42

Library Data Entries (Public)[edit]

Library Data Entries (Automated)[edit]

Library data entries


Selected Drugs (Pharmaceuticals)[edit]

Selected Equipment (Ship)[edit]

Selected Form/s & Terms[edit]

Forms:

Terms:

Selected Organizations[edit]

Selected Computer Programs[edit]

Offensive Programs:

Defensive Programs:

Routine Programs:

Selected Ship Types[edit]

  1. Type A class Free Trader
  2. Type C class Mercenary Cruiser AKA Broadsword class Mercenary Cruiser
  3. Type M class Subsidized Liner
  4. Type R class Subsidized Merchant
  5. Type S class Scout/Courier
  6. Type T class Patrol Ship AKA Type T class Patrol Cruiser AKA Type TP class Patrol Cruiser
  7. Type Y class Yacht

Selected Smallcraft Types[edit]

  1. Cutter (50-ton)
  2. Fighter (10-ton)
  3. Launch (20-ton)
    1. Damgarrii class Passenger Launch
  4. Pinnace (40-ton)
  5. Ship's Boat (30-ton)
  6. Shuttle (95-ton)
  7. Slow Boat (30-ton)
    1. Sensible class Slow Boat
  8. Slow Pinnace (40-ton)

Selected Technology[edit]

Selected Vehicles[edit]

Selected Worlds[edit]

Meta-history & Background (Dossier)[edit]

Classic Traveller Books 1 through 3 provided the cornerstone for all future Traveller publications.

  • Books 1, 2, and 3 came together to provide a great, well-developed sci-fi RPG.

The Classic Traveller core rules actually exist in three different rulesets. Logic would suggest using the most recent released edition; but in this case, there are rules elements of interest to the collector which would not be included.

The original 1977 release of Traveller contained three books – Characters and Combat, Starships, and Worlds and Adventures. This set of rules contains everything needed to play Traveller. However, in 1981, GDW took advantage of a need to reprint the core rules to also address and clean up the rules. This "second edition" actually adds quite a bit to the rules, but there are also some items dropped from the rules. This second edition also incorporated errata printed in Book 4 – Mercenary for the original 1977 edition.

This cleaned up "second edition" would be used for producing The Traveller Book in 1982, along with some additional material, including a special introduction for new players, two adventures, and additional details on what was becoming the Official Traveller Universe (OTU). Some additional rules did slip into The Traveller Book that appear nowhere else.

Finally, in 1983, GDW released Starter Traveller, intended at giving a younger audience a streamlined and simpler set of Traveller rules. This release dropped some of the more complicated rules, but added a different starship combat system (using range bands, much like the personal combat system, as opposed to vector movement) which many consider a great improvement on the original. Except where noted, Starter Traveller uses the 1981 edition rules.

Finally, other minor Classic Traveller rules appeared in other releases (notably Mayday, Snapshot, and the Alien Modules) which some referees and players of the Classic Traveller rules will find useful without adopting the game models in those products. This document presents a collection of rules elements for purchasers of FFE's The Classic Books 0 - 8 to give them access to these lost rules not available in the Classic Reprints collection. [23]

Credits (Primary Sources)[edit]

Credits (Primary Sources)
Credit Authors & Contributors
Original Concept and General Game Design Marc Miller
Supplemental Design Frank Chadwick, John Harshman, Loren Wiseman, Darryl Hany
Playtesting Winston Hamilton, Tony Svajlenka, Scott Renner, Doug Po, David MacDonald, and Wayne Roth
Art Direction Paul R. Banner
Publisher Game Designers' Workshop

External Link/s[edit]

COMMENTARY & DATA ARTICLES:

  1. EXTERNAL LINK: RPG GEEK Entry
  2. EXTERNAL LINK: RPG NET Entry
  3. EXTERNAL LINK: Library Thing Classic Traveller
  4. EXTERNAL LINK: Beyond Book 2: Expanding the Basic Classic Traveller Starship Design System
  5. EXTERNAL LINK: Illustrations of Classic Traveller Starships

REVIEWS:

  1. EXTERNAL LINK: Interstellar Overdrive: Starship Design In Classic Traveller
  2. EXTERNAL LINK: TRAVELLER: Out of the Box–“Book 2 Starship combat is not a tactical game. It is a resource management game.”
  3. EXTERNAL LINK: Travelling Heavy
  4. EXTERNAL LINK: Classic Traveller Ship Builder
  5. EXTERNAL LINK: All kinds of good ship stuff from Peter Trevor

Other Articles:

  1. EXTERNAL LINK: None

References & Contributions (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 Mongoose Publishing or by permission of the author. The page history lists all of the contributions.
  1. ↑ Marc Miller. Characters and Combat (Game Designers Workshop, 1977), 7.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 Marc Miller. Starships (Game Designers Workshop, 1977), 16.
  3. ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16 3.17 3.18 3.19 3.20 Marc Miller. Starships (Game Designers Workshop, 1977), 38.
  4. ↑ Marc Miller. Starships (Game Designers Workshop, 1977), 4.
  5. ↑ Marc Miller. Starships (Game Designers Workshop, 1977), 5, 7, 10, 13-15, 20, 22.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Marc Miller. Starships (Game Designers Workshop, 1977), 5.
  7. ↑ Marc Miller. Starships (Game Designers Workshop, 1977), 7.
  8. ↑ Marc Miller. Starships (Game Designers Workshop, 1977), 7, 14, 21-22, 28-29.
  9. ↑ Marc Miller. Starships (Game Designers Workshop, 1977), 4-5.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Marc Miller. Starships (Game Designers Workshop, 1977), 6.
  11. ↑ Marc Miller. Starships (Game Designers Workshop, 1977), 7, 14, 16, 22.
  12. ↑ Marc Miller. Starships (Game Designers Workshop, 1977), 37.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 13.5 Marc Miller. Starships (Game Designers Workshop, 1977), 44-45.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 Marc Miller. Worlds and Adventures (Game Designers Workshop, 1977), 45.Marc Miller, Robert Eaglestone, Don McKinney. Worlds and Adventures (Far Future Enterprises, 2019), 45.
  15. ↑ Marc Miller. Starships (Game Designers Workshop, 1977), 15.
  16. ↑ Marc Miller. Starships (Game Designers Workshop, 1977), 5, 7, 10, 13-15, 20, 22.
  17. ↑ Marc Miller. Starships (Game Designers Workshop, 1977), 7, 14, 21-22, 28-29.
  18. ↑ Marc Miller. Starships (Game Designers Workshop, 1977), 7, 14, 16, 22.
  19. ↑ Marc Miller. Starships (Game Designers Workshop, 1977), 21, 24-25.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 Marc Miller. Starships (Game Designers Workshop, 1977), 39.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 21.4 Marc Miller. Starships (Game Designers Workshop, 1977), 23.
  22. ↑ Marc Miller. Starships (Game Designers Workshop, 1977), 37.
  23. ↑ Don McKinney. Lost Rules of Traveller (Far Future Enterprises, 2010), 2.
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