Equal

An Equal is a social ranking within the Society of Equals, a polity.

• It is a Vargr social device and a cultural feature, part of the greater Vargr Extents.

Description (Specifications)

Due to political division in the Society of Equals (an interstellar polity in Gvurrdon Sector), the term "equal" is coined for those who have passed a particular rite allowing them into the higher ranks of society. Essentially, they are "equal" to a particular, predetermined standard against which all are judged. However, this rite is not mandatory and may be taken at any time during one's lifetime. Most who attempt to pass the rites do so by the time they are 18 years old. As the rites are potentially dangerous, it is usually better to take them at an young age. Deaths are rare but wounds are more common, though rarely serious.

Being an Equal

When a sophont becomes an Equal (a status which is not limited to Vargr, but open to all citizens of the Society of Equals, regardless of species), it opens a lot of doors to the upper reaches of society. Only Equals may become officers, politicians and diplomats. There is no direct connection between "Equal" status and the charismatic standing of an individual; however in practice Equal persons tend to be of high charisma due to the availability of better job options, connections and income.

The Unrated

The unrated are those that have not made an attempt to pass the rites. These make up a majority of the population of the Society of Equals. By being unrated, a sophont may not move into certain social circles or apply for certain jobs. However, it does not hamper them from becoming rich and famous through their own devices. That said, they rarely attain much influence in their society.

The Toothless

The toothless are those who have attempted to pass the rites and failed. They are branded by having their canines pulled. Other markings are also common. The toothless are by this mark limited to the lower ranks of society. This has led to most toothless leaving the Society of Equals to try their luck elsewhere. The consequences of failure is one of the main reasons that very few actually try to become an Equal in the SoE.

History & Background (Dossier)

Origins of the Rites: The origins of the rites to become an Equal have been lost to history. As the rites are unusual for a Vargr culture, it has been speculated that they actually have origins in one of the other races in Gvurrdon, or were imported from someplace else. However, none of the other races in Gvurrdon are known to practice this rite or anything that resembles it, so the whole thing is a puzzle for Vargr anthropologists and historians.

References & Contributors (Sources)

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.

• Gvurrdon Sector Campaignbook
• Author & Contributor: Roger Malmstein