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[[Technology Level]] or '''Tech Level''', commonly abbreviated '''TL''', is a measure of technological capability.  
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<!--T:1-->
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* Usually this is used in the [[UWP|Universal world profile]] to indicate the overall [[technology]] of the [[planet]].
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[[File: Technical Data.jpg|right]]
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* A [[planet]] may have large sections, and/or [[population]]s at a more primitive or advanced level than listed.
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Technology is the ability to use tools to make other tools. {{Page cite|name=Starships|version=Traveller 5th|page=223|citeName=T5-233}} [[Technology Level]], or ''Tech Level'' and commonly abbreviated ''TL'', is a measure of technological capability and sophistication. Technology Level is a rating of several interconnected ideas regarding the understanding and use of technology by a species, population, or government.  
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----
 +
Please refer to the following [[AAB]] library articles for related information:
 +
* [[Technology]]
 +
** Technological Research
 +
*** [[Ancients Foundation]]
 +
*** [[Biotechnology]]
 +
*** [[Imperial Research Station]]
 +
*** [[Technology Incubator]]
 +
** Technological Systemics
 +
*** [[Technology Level]]
 +
*** [[Tech Level Comparison Chart]]
 +
*** [[Three Prime Technologies]]
 +
*** [[Universal Technological Profile]]
 +
----
  
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<!--T:2-->
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==  Description (Specifications) ==
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The Technology level index varies on a scale from 0 to 33. Most worlds in the [[Third Imperium]] have a TL between 7 and 12, with a general maximum of 15.  
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Technology level (abbreviated '''tech level''' or '''TL''') is a rating. It rates the capability of typical equipment used by the average citizen on his world.
  
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The other major races have similar ratings for worlds within their sphere of influence. There is a notable and regular diffusion of technology beyond major empires: Worlds outside of these have lower TLs, though with some known interesting exceptions. Generally, the farther you go from the core of Charted Space, the lower the average tech level.
+
The tech level of a [[star]] [[system]] has a significant effect on its economy and the extent of its [[interstellar trade]]. [[Technology]] can be a tremendous multiplier for economies of any size as well as a source of enormous prosperity. However, while many technologies have the capacity to bring great prosperity and economic wealth to [[planet]], technology also has the capacity to be tremendously disruptive of local [[culture]]s, [[societies]], and peoples.  
  
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<!--T:3-->
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Generally, technology tends to increase the quality of life for the average sophont, but it is not a guarantee. It is very possible for a [[sophont]] on a very low-tech [[world]] to have a higher quality of life than a sophont in a high-tech star [[system]].  
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The TL assigned as part of the [[Universal World Profile]] is the ''Common'' or ''Base'' TL. It represents technology that is available on the world. {{Page cite|name=Starships|version=Traveller 5th|page=224}}.
 
  
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===TL 16 Worlds in the Imperium===
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=== Average Tech, Mastered Tech & Research Tech Levels ===
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In 1105, there are exactly three worlds in the Third Imperium at TL 16: Vincennes (Deneb 1122), Pashus (Deneb 1432), and Gannvair (Fornast 3206).
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Average technologies in common use within the [[Third Imperium]] are very often considerably lower than the high end of (TL-15 or TL-F).
 +
* Each of the [[polities]] of the [[major race]]s has a different average, sustainable technology level, but most [[system]]s and [[world]]s average in the [[TL:10-12]] range, with the most capable, higher tech worlds averaging in the [[TL:13-15]] range.
  
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In 1116, perhaps as many as 10% of the TL-15 worlds in 1105 have upgraded to TL-16. The map of Gushemege sector in '''Knightfall''' is overly optimistic.
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=== Tech Levels 0 through 21 ===
 +
This TL table is a list of technological levels and short descriptions. The descriptions correlate TL's to periods in history or alternately, future technology.
 +
* '''Note''': GURPS: Traveller uses GURPS scales for tech levels. The table shows the mapping from GURPS TL's to Traveller TL's.
  
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== Overview == <!--T:4-->
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{| class="wikitable sortable"  
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{| class="wikitable" style="float:right"
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|+ Technological Level Table
 
|-
 
|-
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!colspan="2"| Technology Levels
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| '''Traveller TL'''
 +
| '''Historical Era'''
 +
| '''GURPS 3e TL'''
 +
| '''GURPS 4e TL'''
 
|-
 
|-
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! TL !! Era or key development
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| '''0'''  || Stone Age (fire) || 0 || 0
 
|-
 
|-
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| 0 || Neolithic Age
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| '''1''' || Bronze Age (3500 BC)  || 1 || 1
 
|-
 
|-
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| 1 || Metal Age
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| '''1.3'''|| Iron Age (1300 BC) || 2 || 2
 
|-
 
|-
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| 2 || Age of Sail
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| '''1.6'''|| Medieval Age (600 AD) || 3 || 3
 
|-
 
|-
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| 3 || Industrial Age
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| '''2''' || Age of Sail (1500 AD) || 4 || 4
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 4 || Mechanized Age
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| '''3''' || Industrial Revolution (1730 AD) || 5 || 5
 
|-
 
|-
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| 5 || Broadcast Age
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| '''3.3'''|| Circa 1800 AD || 5 || 5
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 6 || Atomic Age
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| '''3.6'''|| Circa 1850 AD || 5 || 5
 
|-
 
|-
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| 7 || [[Space Age]]
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| '''4'''|| Mechanized Age (1900 AD) || 5 || 6
 
|-
 
|-
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| 8 || [[Information Age]]
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| '''5'''|| Broadcast Age (1930 AD) || 6 || 6
 
|-
 
|-
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| 9 || [[Gravitics]] Age; First [[Jump Drive]]s
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| '''6'''|| Nuclear Age (1940 AD) || 6 || 7
 
|-
 
|-
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| 10 || Basic [[Fusion]] Age
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| '''7'''|| Space Age (1970 AD) || 7 || 7
 
|-
 
|-
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| 11 || [[Fusion]] Plus Age
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| '''8'''|| Digital Age (1990 AD) || 8 || 8
 
|-
 
|-
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| 12 || [[Positronics]] Age
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| '''9'''|| Early Stellar (2050 AD) / Fusion Age || 9 || 9^
 
|-
 
|-
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| 13 || [[Cloning]] Age
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| '''10 (A)'''|| Early Stellar (2120 AD) / Gravitic Age || 9 || 10^
 
|-
 
|-
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| 14 || [[Geneering]] Age
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| '''11 (B)'''|| Average Imperial (Year Zero) || 9 || 10^
 
|-
 
|-
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| 15 || [[Anagathics]] Age
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| '''12 (C)''' || Average Imperial (Year 1105) || 10 || 11^
 
|-
 
|-
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| 16 || [[Artificial Persons]] Age
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| '''13 (D)'''|| Average Stellar / Geneering Age || 10 || 11^
 
|-
 
|-
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| 17 || [[Personality Transfer]] Age
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| '''14 (E)'''|| High Stellar  || 11 || 12^
 
|-
 
|-
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| 18 || [[Exotics]] Age
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| '''15 (F)''' || Imperial Maximum (Year 1107)|| 12 || 12^
 
|-
 
|-
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| 19 || [[Power_Plant_Technologies_of_Charted_Space|Antimatter]] Age
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| '''16 (G)'''|| Artificial Persons Age || 13 || 12^
 
|-
 
|-
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| 20 || [[Skip Drive]] Age
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| '''17 (H)'''|| Personality Transfer Age / [[Republic of Regina]] (Year 1902). || 13 || 12^
 +
|-
 +
| '''18 (J)''' || Exotics Age|| 13 || 12^
 +
|-
 +
| '''19 (K)''' || Matter Transport/Antimatter Age || 13 || 12^
 
|-
 
|-
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| 21 || [[Stasis]] Age
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| '''20 (L)''' || Skipdrive Age || 13 || 12^
 
|-
 
|-
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| 22 || [[Planet-scrubber]] Age
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| '''21 (M)''' || Stasis Age || 13 || 12^
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|-
 
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| 23 || [[Psychohistory]] Age
 
−
|-
 
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| 24 || [[Rosette]] Age
 
−
|-
 
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| 25 || [[Psionic Engineering]] Age
 
−
|-
 
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| 26 || [[Star Energy]] Age
 
−
|-
 
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| 27 || [[Ringworld]] Age
 
−
|-
 
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| 28 || [[Reality Engineering]] Age
 
−
|-
 
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| 29 || [[Dyson Sphere]] Age
 
−
|-
 
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| 30 || [[Remote Technology]] Age
 
−
|-
 
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| 31 || [[Pocket Universe]] Age
 
 
|}
 
|}
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Technology Level measures the degree of technological expertise, and thus the capabilities of local industry to manufacture and repair or maintain items. {{Page cite|name=Worlds and Adventures|version=Classic Traveller|page=7-8}} It serves as an overall economic indicator of the society to produce goods. {{Page cite|name=Striker|article=Integration with Traveller, Rule 73: Military Spending|page=38-38}}
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* In Standard GURPS 4e, each [[TL]] above your own is -5 Penalty to current TL skill with TL four levels beyond your own being "impossible" without actually learning the skill (G4 Basic Set pg 168). Since early 21st century Earth is at TL-8, TL-12 would be impossible to understand without a teacher and so the GURPS 4e TL scale caps out at 12. GURPS 4e also has its own [[superscience]] category for technology that that violates our current understanding of physical laws (relativity, conservation of energy, etc.).
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<!--T:5-->
 
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A Technology Level is roughly an order of magnitude increase in capability across the three measures of technology: labor enhancement, quality improvement, and achievement of impossibilities. {{Page cite|citeName=T5-233}} Worlds (societies, cultures, civilizations, stellar federations, interstellar empires) are classified by their available technology. Each is evaluated on the available technology and assigned a Technology Level, indicating the common capabilities of the world in the creation of and use of technology. {{Page cite|name=Starships|version=Traveller 5th|page=224}}
 
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<!--T:6-->
 
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While many technologies have the capacity to bring great prosperity and economic wealth to [[planet]], technology also has the capacity to be tremendously disruptive of local [[culture]]s, [[societies]], and peoples.
 
−
 
 
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=== Technology Level determination === <!--T:7-->
 
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A world which has developed an independent technology maintains its common tech level for the majority of its territory. Some regions (typically near the
 
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starport) may have slightly higher tech levels based on the availability of imported goods.
 
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<!--T:8-->
 
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The Tech Level for an interstellar society is based on the TLs of its significant worlds. Determinations are made for defined regions (usually a [[subsector]]). If the interstellar society is larger than a subsector, it is divided into subsector-sized regions, with higher tech subsectors dominating their lower tech subsector neighbors. The TL of the subsector is determined by the highest TL for an Industrial World within the subsector. This TL governs the construction of the military and naval forces of the society. The highest generally available TL within a society equals the highest TL for its most important world.
 
−
 
 
−
=== Fractional technology levels === <!--T:9-->
 
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Because each technology level can span many years there is, in some cases, a need to discuss the different sections of the advancements. These can be described within the single technology level as part of the ''early'' or ''late'' development. In other discussion the technology may be divided into an ''early'', ''middle'', and ''late'' period.
 
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<!--T:10-->
 
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In some discussions the technology levels are noted with a decimal fraction like 1.3 or 1.6. The implication being a technology level can be divided into 10 separate parts. This is rarely, if ever, done and only for specific discussions. In general the X.3 indicates an ''earlier'' stage of the technology level and the X.6 indicates the ''later'' stage of the technology level.
 
−
 
 
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=== Technological advancement === <!--T:11-->
 
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Technological advancement is a process of development of a new level of technological achievement beyond that currently possessed. As such, it is
 
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an uncertain process: spending and research may bring critical breakthroughs quickly, or prolonged efforts and continued funding may fail utterly to achieve the desired results. In addition to the costs and time necessary to develop such technology, a certain level of automation is required indicated by minimum infrastructure and population requirements. {{Page cite|name=Pocket Empires|page=51|citeName=PE51}}
 
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<!--T:12-->
 
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''Technological uplift'' is the process of raising a world's Tech Level by the transfer of technical knowledge from another world with a higher Tech Level. Naturally, this limits uplifting to the current maximum available Tech Level. Technological uplifting is not a function of developing new technology. It involves developing or modifying a world's existing infrastructure, political climate, cultural norms, etc. to incorporate the existing technology of another world. Such uplifting must consider not only construction of the new technology but also education on its usage and provisions for maintenance and repair. Since the research and development necessary to develop the level of technological achievement has already occurred, the adoption of this technology on subsequent worlds will be much cheaper, and more easily attained. {{Page cite|citeName=PE51}}
 
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=== Technological stagnation === <!--T:13-->
 
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Not all technological societies continue to advance. There are a number of reasons why this occurs.
 
−
 
 
−
<!--T:14-->
 
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Scientific: The core of a technological advance requires an understanding of the science underlying the technology. This in turn requires research into these understandings, the ability to communicate the research to others, and education of the next generation. Lacking the ability to do research and blocking communication of ideas will stagnate the advance of technology.
 
−
 
 
−
<!--T:15-->
 
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Cultural: A society may adopt only enough technology to meet its needs and then content itself with a static stability. Some cultures value social stability: technology that disrupts society may be banned or suppressed. An oppressive society may depend on technology to maintain its domination of the population. It may embrace cultural restrictions that prevent technological advancement. {{Page cite|name=Starships|version=Traveller 5th|page=227}}
 
−
 
 
−
<!--T:16-->
 
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Resources: Technological advancement requires access different kinds of resources. Food to supply an increasing population required for maintaining a technological society. Access to metals and other minerals for construction of devices. Sources of energy, especially an low and mid technology levels to power the technology. Lacking the access to these critical resources will block advancement of the society.
 
−
 
 
−
=== Accelerating Tech Levels === <!--T:17-->
 
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Technology beyond {{TL|21}} borders on or achieves the fantastic: it not routinely available to lower tech levels, and it harnesses capabilities only dreamed of by lesser technologies. {{Page cite|name=Starships|version=Traveller 5th|page=236}} Levels above 21 are the ''Accelerating Tech Levels'', each of them tends to be of shorter duration and each leads at an ever-accelerating pace to the next. The technologies addressed by TLs above 21 are frighteningly powerful and exceptionally susceptible to disaster. As a [[society]] progresses to each new Accelerating Tech Level, the focus shifts to a different technology. {{Page cite|name=Starships|version=Traveller 5th|page=235}}
 
−
 
 
−
=== Technological Singularity === <!--T:18-->
 
−
The endpoint in the TL scale achieves tools that are self-replicating, self-improving, and panscient. Societies reaching the technological singularity choose, or have chosen for them, consequences of their continued technological advancement. Some societies moves beyond technology advancing to metaphysical pursuits which transcend a physical existence, while others retreat returning to earlier levels and begin their process of advancement again.
 
−
 
 
−
== Technological Profiles == <!--T:19-->
 
−
The default Technology scale describes a general advancement of technology. However, few cultures follow the exact pattern of technical achievement in theoretical science implied by the standard TL system. {{Page cite|name=First In|version=GURPS Traveller|page=108}} The Technological Profile divides the Technology Level a number of areas (known as Area Tech Level or ATL), each assigned an individual level index.
 
−
 
 
−
<!--T:20-->
 
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Technology is spread across a range of Technology Levels. Although the majority of goods on a world reflect its Tech Level, there may be higher TL goods (experimental models, prototypes, or early versions) or there may be lower
 
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TL goods (advanced or improved versions of older or more mature technology).
 
−
 
 
−
<!--T:21-->
 
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The ATL at a higher level than the base TL indicates the culture has more theoretical knowledge than it is willing or capable of implementing in practical technology. There may well have been recent breakthroughs in the area, but goods, where available are likely to be expensive or unreliable.  
 
  
−
<!--T:22-->
+
=== Tech Levels 22 through 32 ===
−
Where the ATL is lower than the common TL indicates development in the area has been retarded in that area. This may be a failure of local research and development or the population simply prefers off-world products.  
+
Levels above 21 are the Accelerating Tech Levels: each of them tends to be of shorter duration and each leads at an ever-accelerating pace to the next. The technologies addressed by TL's above 21 are frighteningly powerful and exceptionally susceptible to disaster. As a society progresses to each new Accelerating Tech Level, the focus shifts to a different technology.
  
−
<!--T:23-->
+
=== The Singularity (TL-34+) ===
−
For a detailed description of each of the Area Technologies and their associated development please see the [[Tech Level Comparison Chart]].
+
When the [[society]] moves beyond TL-33, it reaches the [[Singularity]]. The technologies focused on for the past eleven TL's are strong indicators of the fate awaiting the [[culture]]. A focus on more warlike technologies points the society towards destruction, while a focus on engineering disciplines tends to point the society towards survival. A balance of the various technologies available may result in ascension.
  
−
== Technological Periods == <!--T:24-->
+
== History & Background (Dossier) ==
−
On a very broad level, Imperial historians have divided contemporary and future history into [[technological epoch]]s and [[Technological Period|periods]]. This chronological periodization also projects where future technological trends might be found as evidenced by [[Ancients]] technology and that of other [[Precursor]]s.
+
The [[Third Imperium]]'s most advanced [[technologies]] in common use are (TL-15) technologies. Some cutting-edge worlds have achieved an unsustainable, theoretical (TL-16) rating, but are not yet in wide usage. The [[Darrian]]s or [[Daryen]] are a prominent example of such a TL-16 [[society]].
  
−
<!--T:25-->
+
=== Technological Epochs ===
−
The idea of Technological [[Wikipedia:Periodization|Periodization]] begins with the ''Technology Age'', the period of time it takes for a society, a world, or an interstellar state, to advance from one technology level to another. Depending upon the starting point, nature of the society, and available resources this time may be a span of years to millennia. Historians both within the Imperium and across Charted Space gather and categorize these ages to facilitate the study and analysis of history.
+
The scientists of [[Charted Space]] have, more or less, agreed upon a vision of the future outlined below. Who knows if the future of Charted Space will resemble these projections?
  
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<!--T:26-->
+
:{| class="wikitable sortable"  
−
The next level is the [[Technological Epoch]], a sequence of tech levels to which a society has attached some cultural importance. The most widely used system assigns lech levels in groups of three, assigning a name to each for better historical relevance. There exist other epoch periodization schemes which assign groups of TLs in groups of two to six, sometimes varying in number between the groupings. Given the nature of technological advancements, the border between each epoch is subject to controversy.
+
|+ Technological Epochs
−
 
 
−
<!--T:27-->
 
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The final level is the [[Technological Period]], a much broader scale dividing the entire technological scale into three parts, each roughly covering 9 technological levels based upon the amount of energy the civilization is able to use. The first level is planetary scale, covering TLs 0 to 9, the second a stellar or interstellar scale, covering TLs 10 to around 18 to 20, and the third a galactic scale covering TLs 18 to 20 to the singularity.
 
−
 
 
−
<!--T:28-->
 
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These [[Technological Era]]s or [[Technological Eon]]s (the terms are interchangeable), represent the complete cycle of a sophont civilization. The cycle of each period end with the technological singularity.
 
−
 
 
−
<!--T:29-->
 
−
: [[Technological Age]] (1 [[TL]]) → [[Technological Epoch]] (3 [[TL]]s) → [[Technological Period]] (9 [[TL]]s) → [[Technological Era]]/ [[Technological Eon]] → [[Post-Technological Period]]
 
−
 
 
−
<!--T:30-->
 
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The IISS and other groups assigning technology levels to worlds or cultures and equipment avoid the use of technological periods, preferring to assign specific technology levels and using a detailed technology profile. Sophontologists use a combination of Epoch and technology profiles to describe cultures under study. Historians use Epochs to compare societal advancements over history, though there is no broad agreement as to which Epochs are the standards.
 
−
 
 
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== Tech Levels 0 through 31 == <!--T:31-->
 
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This TL table is a list of technological levels and short descriptions. The descriptions correlate TLs to periods in history or alternately, future technology.
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable"  
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
!colspan="6"| Technological Level Table
+
! [[TL]]'s
 +
! Hierarchical<br>Technology<br>Epoch
 +
! Epoch Hallmark
 +
! Sophontic Period
 +
! Smelchakian Period
 +
! Key Indicators
 +
! Remarks
 
|-
 
|-
−
! TL  
+
| [[TL-Negative]]
−
! Lvl
+
| [[Pre-Sophontic Period]]
−
! Historical Era
+
| [[Pre-Sophontic Period]]
−
! [[IC|Imperial]]
+
| Pre-Sophontic
−
! [[CE]]  
+
| [[Pre-Sophontic Period]]
−
! Remarks
+
| Pre-Historic Period (PHP)
 +
| The Rise of [[Life]]. [[Creature]]s. Pre-technology [[lifeform]]s.
 
|-
 
|-
−
!colspan="6"| TL 0-9
+
| [[TL-0]]
 +
| [[Proto-Sophontic Period]]
 +
| [[Found Tools Period]]
 +
| Proto-Sophontic
 +
| [[Proto-Sophontic Period]] <br> (Alpha Period)
 +
| Stone & Fire.
 +
| Development of a modern scientific [[culture]], [[society]], and [[civilization]]. Made objects. Tools making tools.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''0'''
+
| [[TL:1-3]]
−
| Xlow
+
| [[Vlow Tech Epoch]]
−
| [[Neolithic Age]]
+
| [[Tool Making Epoch]]
−
| N/A
+
| Early Sophontic
−
| 6000 BCE
+
| [[Foundational Period]], Early
−
| Polished tools, fire, [[agriculture]].
+
| Sail & Steam.
 +
| Development of a modern scientific culture, society, and civilization. Made objects. Tools making tools.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''1'''
+
| [[TL:4-6]]
−
| Vlow
+
| [[Low Tech Epoch]]
−
| [[Bronze Age]]  
+
| [[Division of Labor Epoch]]
−
| N/A
+
| Early Sophontic
−
| 3500 BCE
+
| [[Foundational Period]], High
−
| Water power, abacus.
+
| Atom & Factory.
 +
| Development of increasingly efficient communication, power generation, and transportation technologies. Standardization of scientific method and efficient manufacturing.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''1.3'''
+
| [[TL:7-9]]
−
| Vlow
+
| [[Mid Tech Epoch]]
−
| [[Iron Age]]
+
| [[Processor Epoch]]
−
| N/A
+
| Early Sophontic
−
| 1300 BCE
+
| [[Foundational Period]], Late
−
| Wheel, writing.
+
| Rocket & Computer.
 +
| Development of advanced processors allowing for an exponential increase in scientific research and engineering breakthroughs.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''2'''
+
| [[TL:10-12]]
−
| Vlow
+
| [[High Tech Epoch]]
−
| [[Age of Sail]]
+
| [[Gravitic Epoch]]
−
| N/A
+
| Meso-Sophontic
−
| 1500 CE
+
| [[Interstellar Period]], Early
−
| Sailing ships, printing,
+
| Jump Drive & Contragrav.
 +
| Practical gravity manipulation and its associated transportation systems revolutionize travel and the movement of goods. The Jump Drive opens up interstellar colonization and exploration to a degree never before known.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''3'''
+
| [[TL:13-15]]
−
| Vlow
+
| [[Vhigh Tech Epoch]]
−
| [[Industrial Revolution]]
+
| [[Biologicals Epoch]]
−
| N/A
+
| Meso-Sophontic
−
| 1730 CE
+
| [[Interstellar Period]], High
−
| Coal, steam, calculus, musket.
+
| Geneering & Wafer.
 +
| The High Interstellar Epoch brings about increasingly capable jump drives, fusion weapons, cloning & geneering technologies, and advanced robot intelligences that are bordering upon true artificial intelligence.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''4'''
+
| [[TL:16-18]]
−
| Low
+
| [[Xhigh Tech Epoch]]
−
| [[Mechanized Age]]
+
| [[Artificials Epoch]]
−
| N/A
+
| Meso-Sophontic
−
| 1900 CE
+
| [[Interstellar Period]], Late
−
| Electricity, skyscrapers, image capture, antiseptics.
+
| Robots & Lethetic AI
 +
| The Late Interstellar Epoch brings about increasingly capable artificial intelligence, affordable robotic labor, and increasingly advanced FTL jump drives.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''5'''
+
| [[TL:19-21]]
−
| Low
+
| [[Uhigh-1 Tech Epoch]]
−
| [[Broadcast Age]]
+
| [[Matter Transport Epoch]]
−
| N/A
+
| Late Sophontic
−
| 1930 CE
+
| [[Ultra Period]], Early
−
| Oil, electronic calculators, machine guns.
+
| Antimatter & Matter Transport.
 +
| The availability of elemental matter portals (transporting raw materials across AU distances efficiently) transforms concepts of physical value. The [[Skip Drive]] and it successors allows sophonts to finally explore other galaxies.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''6'''
+
| [[TL:22-24]]
−
| Low
+
| [[Uhigh-2 Tech Epoch]]
−
| [[Atomic Age]]
+
| [[Transformations Epoch]]
−
| N/A
+
| Late Sophontic
−
| 1940 CE
+
| [[Ultra Period]], High
−
| Broadcast video, computers.
+
| Postsophontism & Goo.
 +
| The lines between individuals blur as bodies become customizable, replaceable, and disposable. Post-Sophontism (individualized transformation) and the development of practical nanotech, often called the “Goo.”
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''7'''
+
| [[TL:25-27]]
−
| Mlow
+
| [[Uhigh-3 Tech Epoch]]
−
| [[Space Age]]
+
| [[Psionics Epoch]]
−
| N/A
+
| Late Sophontic
−
| 1970 CE
+
| [[Ultra Period]], Late
−
| Semiconductors, solar, organ transplants.  
+
| Psionic Engineering & Intertialess Drive.
 +
| Psionic engineering, practical societal engineering, effective psychohistory and others now allow not only individuals to be transformed, but entire societies and civilizations.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''8'''
+
| [[TL:28-30]]
−
| Mlow
+
| [[Dei Tech Epoch]]
−
| [[Information Age]]
+
| [[Trans-galactic Epoch]]
−
| N/A
+
| [[Hyper-Sophontic Epoch]]
−
| 1990 CE
+
| [[Astrodeific Period]]  
−
| Cell phones, [[photonics]], [[slow drug]].
+
| Megastructures
 +
| Technology develops capabilities to manipulate worlds and stars: to move them, harvest them for their matter and energy, and convert them to other large scale objects. The ability to visit other universes changes society profoundly. Entirely different astronomical environments engenders new viewpoints.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''9'''
+
| [[TL:31-33]]
−
| Mlow
+
| [[Omni Tech Epoch]]
−
| [[Gravitics]] Age
+
| [[Pocket Universe Epoch]]
−
| N/A
+
| [[Trans-Sophontic Epoch]]
−
| 2050 CE
+
| [[Omnipotential Period]] <br> (Omega Period)
−
| Jump-1, arcologies, trideo, [[fast drug]].
+
| [[Chronotaxis]] & Transuniversalism.
 +
| The ability to create and manipulate pocket universes infinitely expands available resources and turns all but the most adventurous inward. Time travel heralds the Singularity. Technological existence is forever transformed. Multiple possible existences motivates sophonts to seek existence beyond technology.
 
|-
 
|-
−
!colspan="6"| TL 10-21
+
| TL-34+
 +
| [[The Singularity]]
 +
| [[PTP]]
 +
| Post-Sophontic
 +
| (Post-Omega Period)
 +
| [[The Singularity]] & [[PTP]].
 +
| [[Society]] reaches a critical point in its development. Beyond imagination. Beyond [[technology]]. Beyond any previous definition of [[life]].
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''10 (A)'''
+
|}
−
| High
+
 
−
| Basic [[Fusion]] Age
+
=== Epochal Technological Periods ===
−
| N/A
+
On a very broad level, Imperial historians, scientists, and scouts have divided contemporary history into technological epochs and periods. This chronological periodization also projects where future technological trends might be found as evidenced by [[Ancients]] [[technology]] and that of other [[Precursor]]s:
−
| 2120 CE
+
 
−
| [[Lifter]]s, anti-virals, [[fluidics]].
+
:{| class="wikitable sortable"
−
|-
+
|+ Epochal Technological Periods Overview
−
| '''11 (B)'''
 
−
| High
 
−
| [[Fusion]]Plus Age; Average Imperial
 
−
| [[0]]
 
−
| 4521 CE
 
−
| Jump-2, [[Semi-organic]] brains.
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''12 (C)'''
+
! Period Name
−
| High
+
(Multi-Epoch)
−
| [[Positronics]] Age; Average Imperial
+
! Periods ([[TL]]'s)
−
| [[30]]
+
! [[Technology]] (Kardashev)
−
| 4551 CE
+
! Scope
−
| Jump-3, biologics.
+
! Key Technologies
 +
! General Period
 +
! Remarks
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''13 (D)'''
+
| Proto-Sophontic 
−
| Vhigh
+
([[Emergent Period]])
−
| [[Cloning]] Age; Average Stellar
+
| [[TL-0]]
−
| [[600]]
+
| [[Proto-Tech]]  
−
| 5121 CE
+
(K= Type n>0)
−
| Jump-4, [[robot]]s, [[wafer]] technology.
+
[Hemisphere Mastery]
 +
| Very early [[societies]] with basic "found object" [[tool]]s and a [[planet]]ary ([[world]]) scope.
 +
| Tools, mysticism, proto-science, proto-culture, proto-art, band societies, caves, etc.
 +
| [[Alpha Period]]
 +
| These species have made the jump from [[creature]] to [[sophont]]. They are new to technology, and are beginning to use it to develop new societies and civilizations.
 +
* Some call them ''Stone Age.''
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''14 (E)'''
+
| Low Sophontic
−
| Vhigh
+
([[Foundational Period]])
−
| [[Geneering]] Age; High Stellar
+
| [[TL:1-9]]
−
| [[1000]]
+
| [[Ur-Tech]]
−
| 5522 CE
+
(K= Type 1) <br> [World Mastery]
−
| Jump-5, [[self-aware]] computers, [[collector]], temporary [[personality transfer]].
+
| Foundational [[technologies]] with planetary-systemic (intrastellar) scope. "Tools making tools or ''made objects''."
 +
| Steam engines, celestial navigation, urban sanitation, factories, interchangeable parts, ICE engine, electronics, [[spacecraft]], fission power (nuclear), etc.
 +
| Ur Period
 +
| [[Minor Race]]s frequently establish successful [[civilization]]s in this range, often with very capable [[spaceflight]] programs and [[sleeper ship]]s.
 +
* Some call them ''Space Age.''
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''15 (F)'''
+
| Meso-Sophontic
−
| Vhigh
+
([[Interstellar Period]])
−
| [[Anagathics]] Age; Imperial Maximum
+
| [[TL:10-18]]
−
| [[1105]]
+
(A to J)
−
| 5627 CE
+
| [[Stell-Tech]]
−
| Jump-6, [[mindwipe]].
+
(K= Type 2) <br> [Star System Mastery]
 +
| Interstellar [[technologies]] with an polystellar (intragalactic) scope.
 +
| [[FTL]], [[fusion]] power, advanced manufacturing ([[Makertech]]), advanced medicine, cloning, lethetic robotics, early nanotechnology, advanced artificial intelligence, etc.
 +
| Stellar Period
 +
| All of the [[Major Race]]s possess interstellar technology within this range, with the current vanguard at TL-15.
 +
* Some call them ''Interstellar Age.''
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''16 (G)'''
+
| High Sophontic
−
| Xhigh
+
([[Ultra Period]])
−
| [[Artificial Persons]] Age
+
| [[TL:19-27]]
−
| [[1850]]
+
(K to T)
−
| 6372 CE
+
| [[Ultra-Tech]]
−
| Jump-7, [[Republic of Regina]], black globes.
+
(K= Type 3)
 +
[Galaxy Mastery]
 +
| Galactic [[technologies]] with a polygalactic scope.
 +
| Transgalactic [[FTL]], antimatter power, highly advanced biotechnology, advanced nanotechnology, true artificial intelligence, etc.
 +
| Galactic Period
 +
| Some believe that the [[Kursae]], despite their lack of a [[Jump Drive]] were able to achieve many of these advances.
 +
* Some call them ''Galactic Age.''
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''17 (H)'''
+
| Ascendant
−
| Xhigh
+
([[Astrodeific Period]])
−
| [[Personality Transfer]] Age
+
| [[TL:28-30]]
−
| [[1902]]
+
(U to W)
−
| 6325 CE
+
| [[Dei-Tech]]  
−
| [[Republic of Regina]], Hop-1, Jump-8, Permanent [[personality transfer]].
+
(K= Type 4)
−
|-
+
[Universe Mastery]
−
| '''18 (J)'''
+
| Astrodeific [[technologies]] with a universal scope.
−
| Xhigh
+
| [[Planet-bending]], [[geneering]] (sophont creation), nano mastery, etc.
−
| [[Exotics]] Age
+
| Transgalactic Period
−
| N/A
+
| Most technological researchers believe that most of these technologies were within reach of the [[Ancients]].  
−
| N/A
+
* Some call it the ''Age of Space Gods.''
−
| Jump-9, [[Personal damper]], [[Disruptor]].
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''19 (K)'''
+
| Transcendent
−
| Uhigh
+
([[Bhodhisattivan Period]])
−
| [[Matter Transport]] Age / [[Antimatter]] Age
+
| [[TL:31-33]]
−
| N/A
+
(X to Z)
−
| N/A
+
| [[Omni-Tech]]  
−
| Hop-2, [[Disintegrator]] pistol.
+
(K= Type 5)
 +
[Polyuniversal Mastery]
 +
| Bhodhisattivan [[technologies]] with a polytemporal, trans-dimensional scope.
 +
| [[Chronotaxis]] (time travel), dimension-hopping, reality mastery, etc.
 +
| [[Omega Period]]
 +
| Most technological researchers believe that most of these conjectural technologies were beyond even the [[Ancients]].  
 +
* Some call it the ''Age of Elder Races.''
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''20 (L)'''
+
| [[Singularity]]
−
| Uhigh
+
([[Post-Technological Period]])
−
| [[Skipdrive]] Age
+
| TL-34+
−
| N/A
+
| [[PTP]]  
−
| N/A
+
(K= Type 'Post-Omega')
−
| Hop-3, Skip-1, [[Disintegrator]] wand.
+
[Unimaginable]
 +
| This sort of technology is beyond imagination.
 +
| This sort of technology is beyond imagination.
 +
| Post-Omega Period
 +
| This sort of existence is beyond imagination. Often known as the hypothetical ''[[Post-Technological Period]] ([[PTP]])''.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''21 (M)'''  
+
|}
−
| Uhigh
+
 
−
| [[Stasis]] Age
+
=== Technological Metrics ===
−
| N/A
+
The '''Technology Levels''' of the [[Third Imperium]] are measured in the range 0-15 (0-F), with 0 representing extreme primitive levels (hunter/gatherers), and 15 the height of {{Imperial}} technology.
−
| N/A
+
* However, there is [[technology]] more advanced than that of the [[Third Imperium]] as evidenced by [[ancient]] sites (e.g. [[Rosette|Rosette]] worlds are {{TL|21}} and Rigid [[Wikipedia:Dyson Spheres|Dyson Spheres]] {{TL|27}}). This kind of technology, more advanced than the present, are represented by TL's 16 to 33.
−
| Hop-4, [[Relativity rifle]].
+
* Traveller<sup>5</sup> aka [[T5]] has introduced a new theoretical maximum to the [[TL]] System of {{TL|33}}.
−
|-
+
 
−
| '''22 (N)'''
+
==== Chronological Periodization ====
−
| Uhigh
+
In proper [[IISS]] parlance, the following terms are used. Historians and journalists often use them in a more figurative or extended sense.
−
| [[Planet-scrubber]] Age
+
 
−
| N/A
+
:{| class="wikitable sortable"
−
| N/A
+
|+ Smelchakian Chronological Periodization
−
| Hop-5, Skip-2
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''23 (P)'''
+
! Chrono-term
−
| Uhigh
+
! [[TL]]'s
−
| [[Psychohistory]] Age / [[Rapid Terraforming]] Age
+
! Remarks
−
| N/A
+
! Example/s
−
| N/A
 
−
| Hop-6, Skip-3, Leap-1
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''24 (Q)'''
+
| Age
−
| Uhigh
+
| 1
−
| [[Engineered Societies]] Age / [[Rosette]] Age
+
| Synonymous with a [[TL]] or a passing paradigm and society. Zeitgeist.
−
| N/A
+
* There is no set chronological span of time for this technological evaluation.
−
| N/A
+
| (Age of Nomadism → Age of Farm & Village → Age of Town & Market)
−
| Hop-7, Skip-4
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''25 (R)'''
+
| Epoch
−
| Uhigh
+
| 3
−
| [[Psionic Engineering]] Age
+
| The typical longevity of a mature society before it undergoes paradigmatic change through revolution and societal evolution.
−
| N/A
+
* An epoch almost always is composed of three ages.
−
| N/A
+
* There is no set chronological span of time for this technological evaluation.
−
| Hop-8, Skip-5, Leap-2
+
| (Agricultural Epoch → Industrial Epoch → Information Epoch → Interstellar Epoch)
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''26 (S)'''
+
| Period
−
| Uhigh
+
| 9
−
| [[Star Energy]] Age (Kardashev Type II)
+
| Part of the development of a maturing civilization.
−
| N/A
+
* In late periods, less than 9 TL's may be involved due to a quicker pace of knowledge acquisition.
−
| N/A
+
* Typically 9 TL's although some periods may encompass fewer, but a longer chronological span with less technological advancement.
−
| Hop-9, Skip-6, Leap-3, Bound-1
+
* This typically encompasses three epochs.
 +
* There is no set chronological span of time for this technological evaluation.
 +
| (Foundational Period → Interstellar Period → Ultra Period)
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''27 (T)'''
+
| Era
−
| Uhigh
+
| 28 to 30+
−
| [[Ringworlds]] Age
+
| The typical lifespan of a mature, technological civilization.
−
| N/A
+
* Typically 30 TL's although some eras may encompass fewer or more TL's depending on the civilization and their rate of technological advancement.
−
| N/A
+
* This typically encompasses three periods and a transition epoch.
−
| Skip-7, Leap-4
+
* There is no set chronological span of time for this technological evaluation.
 +
| (Sophontic Era → Trans-Sophontic Era → Technological Singularity)
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''28 (U)'''
+
| Eon
−
| Uhigh
+
| 31 to 33+
−
| [[Reality Engineering]] Age
+
| The typical lifespan of several mature and advanced technology civilizations.
−
| N/A
+
* Typically 33 TL's although some eons may encompass fewer or more TL's depending on the civilization and the Singularity.
−
| N/A
+
* This typically encompasses one era and a transition epoch.
−
| Skip-8, Leap-5, Bound-2
+
* There is no set chronological span of time for this technological evaluation.
−
|-
+
| [Pre-Sophontic (Creature Existence) → Sophontic (Technological Civilizations) → (Technological Singularity) → Post-Sophontic]
−
| '''29 (V)'''
 
−
| Uhigh
 
−
| [[Dyson Sphere]] Age
 
−
| N/A
 
−
| N/A
 
−
| Skip-9, Leap-6, Bound-3, Vault-1
 
−
|-
 
−
| '''30 (W)'''
 
−
| Uhigh
 
−
| [[Remote Technology]] Age
 
−
| N/A
 
−
| N/A
 
−
| Leap-7, Bound-4
 
−
|-
 
−
| '''31 (X)'''
 
−
| Uhigh
 
−
| [[Pocket Universes]] Age
 
−
| N/A
 
−
| N/A
 
−
| Leap-8, Bound-5, Vault-2
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
== See also == <!--T:32-->
+
==== Paradigm & Period ====
−
{{Referral-Tree-Technology-Levels}}
+
Each period represents a loose set of standards and cultural mores for a civilization. More than one period ahead represents a severe change of societal possibilities that significantly less advanced societies would probably think of as ''"magic"'' or the ''"work of the gods."''  
−
{{Referral-Tree-U-Universal-World-Profile}}
+
* One period ahead represents the dreams or near-technology science fiction of a preceding people, what one might call a ''paradigmatic shift''. Significantly more advanced societies will often appear exceedingly strange or difficult to comprehend to peoples with lesser technologies.
−
 
+
* Higher technology societies and civilizations will very often find lesser technology peoples to be ''backward'' and ''primitive''.
−
<!--T:33-->
+
* Please see [[Detextualized Paradigmatic Problem]] and [[Clarkian Postulates]] for related ideas.
−
Please refer to the following [[AAB]] [[Library Data]] for more information: <br>
 
−
'''[[Technology]]:'''
 
−
* Technological Research
 
−
** [[Ancients Foundation]]
 
−
** [[Biotechnology]]
 
−
** [[Imperial Research Station]]
 
−
** [[Technology Incubator]]
 
−
* [[Metric|Technological Systemics]]
 
−
** [[Three Prime Technologies]]
 
  
−
== References & Contributors ([[Sources]]) == <!--T:34-->
+
== References & Contributors / Sources ==
−
{{Conflict}}
+
{{JTAS Online|285}}
−
{| class="wikitable sortable"
 
−
! '''GURPS Traveller Notes:''' An array of notes regarding the similarities and differences between Traveller TL and GURPS TL can be found here: [[Technology Level/meta]]
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{{Metadata}}
 
−
{{Wikipedia|Kardashev_scale}}
 
−
{{Wikipedia|Orders_of_magnitude_(power)}}
 
−
{{Wikipedia|White's_law}}
 
−
{{Wikipedia|World_energy_consumption}}
 
−
{{Wikipedia|Periodization}}
 
 
{{Advanced}}
 
{{Advanced}}
 
{{Sources
 
{{Sources
−
| reviewed = 19:26, 30 November 2020 (EST)
+
|S1= {{Ludography cite|name=Worlds and Adventures|page=14-15}}
−
| {{Ludography cite|name= Starships|version=Traveller 5th|page=223-237}}
+
|S2= {{Ludography cite|name=Referee's Companion|page=28-29}}
−
| {{Ludography cite|name= Worlds and Adventures|version=Traveller 5th|page=19}}
+
|S3= {{Ludography cite|name=World Builder's Handbook|page=}}
−
| {{Ludography cite|name= Worlds and Adventures|version=Classic Traveller|page=7-8, 14-15,17}}
+
|S4= {{Ludography cite|name=Fire, Fusion, & Steel|page=7}}
−
| {{Ludography cite|name= Scouts|version=Classic Traveller|page=26}}
+
|S5= {{Ludography cite|name=Traveller D20|page=378}}
−
| {{Ludography cite|name=Merchant Prince|version=Classic Traveller|page=34,37}}
+
|S6= {{Ludography cite|name=T5 Core Rules|page=502-507}}
−
| {{Ludography cite|name= Imperium Staple 07|page= 3 |article=Tech Level Expansion}}
+
|S7= External Link: [http://www.sjgames.com/gurps/lite/3e/gurpslite.pdf GURPS 3rd Edition Lite ]
−
| {{Ludography cite|name= Challenge 31|page=27|article=Twisting Tech Levels: A Traveller Variant}}
+
|S8= External Link: [http://web.archive.org/web/20070214002238/http://www.omnology.com/gurps-levels.html  GURPS 3rd Edition TL ]
−
| {{Ludography cite|name= Referee's Companion|page=26-34}}
+
|S10= Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology [[User:Maksim-Smelchak|Maksim-Smelchak]] of the [[Ministry of Science]]
−
| {{Ludography cite|name= World Builder's Handbook |page= 58,83-86}}
 
−
| {{Ludography cite|name= Fire, Fusion, & Steel|page=6-8,37}}
 
−
| {{Ludography cite|name= Emperor's Arsenal |}}
 
−
| {{Ludography cite|name= Pocket Empires|version=Marc Miller's Traveller|page=51-52,108}}
 
−
| {{Ludography cite|name= Signal-GK 13 |page= 30-31|article=Low Tech}}
 
−
| {{Ludography cite|name= First In |page=94-95, 108-117}}
 
−
| [[K. David Ladage]], "Alternate Technological Paths", ''[[Journal of the Travellers' Aid Society Online|JTAS Online]]'' (2001)
 
−
  | [[K. David Ladage]], "Alternate Technologies II: Relativity", ''[[Journal of the Travellers' Aid Society Online|JTAS Online]]'' (2001)
 
−
| {{Ludography cite|name= The Traveller's Handbook|page=378}}
 
−
| {{Ludography cite|name= Freelance Traveller 012|article=An Analysis of Tech Levels|page=10-12}}
 
−
| {{Ludography cite|name= Freelance Traveller 016|article=Matching the Classic Traveller Tech Tree in GURPS |page=18-20}}
 
−
| External Link: [https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/TechnologyLevels Technology Levels at TV Tropes]
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
   
 
   
−
[[Category: Culture]]
+
 
 
[[Category: Planets]]
 
[[Category: Planets]]
 
[[Category: Science]]
 
[[Category: Science]]
−
{{LE|Charted Space|Metric|Technology|Terminology|Universal Profiles}}
+
{{LE|Charted Space|Technology|Universal Profiles}}
−
</translate>
 

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