Difference between revisions of "Technology Level"

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[[File: Imperial Sunburst-Sun-IISS-Traveller.gif|right]]
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[[File: Technical Data.jpg|right]]
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[[Technology Level]] or '''Tech Level''', commonly abbreviated '''TL''', is a measure of technological capability.  
+
[[Technology Level]] or ''[[Tech Level]]'', commonly abbreviated ''[[TL]]'', is a measure of technological capability and sophistication.  
 
* Usually this is used in the [[Universal World Profile]] ([[UWP]]) to indicate the overall [[technology]] of a [[planet]] or [[mainworld]].  
 
* Usually this is used in the [[Universal World Profile]] ([[UWP]]) to indicate the overall [[technology]] of a [[planet]] or [[mainworld]].  
−
* A [[planet]] may have large sections, and/or [[population]]s at a more primitive or advanced [[tech level]] than listed.
+
* Many [[planet]]s may have large geographic areas, and/or [[population]]s at a more primitive or advanced [[tech level]] than listed.
−
----
+
−
Please see the following [[AAB]] [[Library Data]] articles for more information: <br>
+
=== Library Data Referral Tree ===
 +
Please refer to the following [[AAB]] [[Library Data]] for more information: <br>
 
'''[[Technology]]:'''
 
'''[[Technology]]:'''
 
* [[Imperial Research Station|Technological Research]]
 
* [[Imperial Research Station|Technological Research]]
Line 47: Line 48:
 
* [[Post-Technological Period]]
 
* [[Post-Technological Period]]
 
** [[Singularity]]
 
** [[Singularity]]
−
----
 
  
 
==  Description ([[Specifications]]) ==
 
==  Description ([[Specifications]]) ==
Line 54: Line 54:
 
=== Technology Level Explication ===
 
=== Technology Level Explication ===
 
[[T20]] The Traveller's Handbook. Pg. 196
 
[[T20]] The Traveller's Handbook. Pg. 196
−
 
−
=== IISS Chronological Periodization ===
 
−
* [[Technological Age]] (1 [[TL]]) → [[Technological Epoch]] (3 [[TL]]s) → [[Technological Period]] (9 [[TL]]s) → [[Technological Era]] (30 [[TL]]s) → [[Technological Eon]] (33+ [[TL]]s) → [[Singularity]] ([[Post-Technological Period]])
 
  
 
=== Epochal Technological Periods ===
 
=== Epochal Technological Periods ===
 
On a very broad level, Imperial historians, scientists, and scouts have divided contemporary and future history into [[technological epoch]]s and [[Tech 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:
 
On a very broad level, Imperial historians, scientists, and scouts have divided contemporary and future history into [[technological epoch]]s and [[Tech 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:
  
−
:{| class="wikitable sortable"  
+
{| class="wikitable sortable"  
−
|+ Epochal Technological Periods Overview
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Period Name
+
!colspan="7"| Epochal Technological Periods Overview
−
(Multi-Epoch)
+
|-
 +
! Period Name <br> (Multi-Epoch)
 
! Periods ([[TL]]s)
 
! Periods ([[TL]]s)
 
! [[Technology]] (Kardashev)
 
! [[Technology]] (Kardashev)
Line 80: Line 77:
 
[Hemisphere Mastery]
 
[Hemisphere Mastery]
 
| Very early [[societies]] with basic "[[Found Tool|found object]]" [[tool]]s and a [[planet]]ary ([[world]]) scope.  
 
| Very early [[societies]] with basic "[[Found Tool|found object]]" [[tool]]s and a [[planet]]ary ([[world]]) scope.  
−
| Tools, mysticism, proto-science, proto-culture, proto-art, band societies, caves, etc.
+
| [[Found tool]]s, [[mysticism]], [[proto-science]], [[proto-culture]], [[proto-art]], [[band societies]], caves, [[etc.]]
 
| [[Alpha Period]]  
 
| [[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.  
+
| 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 [[civilization]]s. They use [[found tool]]s, but haven't yet figured out how to use [[tool]]s to make more advanced tools yet.
 
* Some call them ''Stone Age.''  
 
* Some call them ''Stone Age.''  
 
|-
 
|-
Line 91: Line 88:
 
(K= Type 1) <br> [World Mastery]
 
(K= Type 1) <br> [World Mastery]
 
| Foundational [[technologies]] with planetary-systemic (intrastellar) scope. "Tools making tools or ''made objects''."
 
| 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.  
+
| [[Steam Engine]]s, [[celestial navigation]], urban sanitation, factories, interchangeable parts, [[ICE engine]], [[electronics]], [[spacecraft]], [[fission power]] (nuclear), etc.  
 
| [[Ur Period]]
 
| [[Ur Period]]
−
| [[Minor Race]]s frequently establish successful [[civilization]]s in this range, often with very capable [[spaceflight]] programs and [[sleeper ship]]s.  
+
| [[Minor Race]]s frequently establish successful [[civilization]]s in this range, often with very capable [[spaceflight]] programs and [[sleeper ship]]s. Such societies typically master engineering, [[astrophysics]], earth sciences, [[medicine]], and variety of other [[science]]s at proficient levels capable of building a unified [[World-State]].  
 
* Some call them ''Space Age.''
 
* Some call them ''Space Age.''
 
|-
 
|-
Line 161: Line 158:
  
 
=== Average Tech, Mastered Tech & Research Tech Levels ===
 
=== Average Tech, Mastered Tech & Research Tech Levels ===
−
Average technologies in common use within the [[Third Imperium]] are very often considerably lower than the high end of ([[TL-15]] or [[TL-F]]) Imperial technological achievement.  
+
Average technologies in common use within the [[Third Imperium]] are very often considerably lower than the high end of ([[TL-15]] or [[TL-F]]) Imperial technological achievement. 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,  [[High Technology World|higher tech worlds]] averaging in the [[TL:13-15]] range.
−
 
 
−
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,  [[High Technology World|higher tech worlds]] averaging in the [[TL:13-15]] range.
 
  
 
=== Tech Levels 0 through 21 ===
 
=== Tech Levels 0 through 21 ===
 
This TL table is a list of technological levels and short descriptions. The descriptions correlate TLs to periods in history or alternately, future technology.
 
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"  
 
{| class="wikitable sortable"  
−
|+ Technological Level Table
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''Traveller TL'''
+
!colspan="6"| Technological Level Table
−
| '''Historical Era'''
+
|-
 +
! TL
 +
! Lvl
 +
! Historical Era
 +
! [[IC]]
 +
! [[CE]]
 +
! Remarks
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="6"| [[Emergent Period]] - [[TL-0]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''0'''
 +
| Xlow
 +
| [[Stone Age]]
 +
| TBD
 +
| TBD
 +
| [[Found Tool]]s, fire, [[mysticism]], [[village]], [[agriculture]], [[etc.]]
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="6"| [[Foundational Period]] - [[TL:1-9]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''0''' || Stone Age (fire)
+
| '''1'''  
 +
| Vlow
 +
| [[Bronze Age]]
 +
| TBD
 +
| 3500 BC
 +
| None
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''1''' || Bronze Age (3500 BC) 
+
| '''1.3'''
 +
| Vlow
 +
| [[Iron Age]]
 +
| TBD
 +
| 1300 BC
 +
| None
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''1.3'''|| Iron Age (1300 BC)
+
| '''1.6'''
 +
| Vlow
 +
| [[Medieval Age]]
 +
| TBD
 +
| 600 AD
 +
| None
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''1.6'''|| Medieval Age (600 AD) 
+
| '''2'''
 +
| Vlow
 +
| [[Age of Sail]]
 +
| TBD
 +
| 1500 AD
 +
| None
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''2''' || Age of Sail (1500 AD)
+
| '''3'''
 +
| Vlow
 +
| [[Industrial Revolution]]
 +
| TBD
 +
| 1730 AD
 +
| None
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''3''' || Industrial Revolution (1730 AD)
+
| '''3.3'''
 +
| Vlow
 +
| Napoleonic Era
 +
| TBD
 +
| 1800 AD
 +
| None
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''3.3'''|| Circa 1800 AD  
+
| '''3.6'''
 +
| Vlow
 +
| Colonial Era
 +
| TBD
 +
| 1850 AD  
 +
| None
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''3.6'''|| Circa 1850 AD
+
| '''4'''
 +
| Low
 +
| [[Mechanized Age]]
 +
| TBD
 +
| 1900 AD  
 +
| None
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''4'''|| Mechanized Age (1900 AD)
+
| '''5'''
 +
| Low
 +
| [[Broadcast Age]]
 +
| TBD
 +
| 1930 AD
 +
| None
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''5'''|| Broadcast Age (1930 AD)
+
| '''6'''
 +
| Low
 +
| [[Nuclear Age]]
 +
| TBD
 +
| 1940 AD
 +
| None
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''6'''|| Nuclear Age (1940 AD) 
+
| '''7'''
 +
| Mlow
 +
| [[Space Age]]
 +
| TBD
 +
| 1970 AD
 +
| None
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''7'''|| Space Age (1970 AD)
+
| '''8'''
 +
| Mlow
 +
| [[Digital Age]]
 +
| TBD
 +
| 1990 AD
 +
| None
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''8'''|| Digital Age (1990 AD)
+
| '''9'''
 +
| Mlow
 +
| [[Early Stellar Age]] / [[Fusion Age]]
 +
| TBD
 +
| 2050 AD  
 +
| None
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''9'''|| Early Stellar (2050 AD) / Fusion Age
+
!colspan="6"| [[Interstellar Period]] - [[TL:10-18]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''10 (A)'''|| Early Stellar (2120 AD) / Gravitic Age  
+
| '''10 (A)'''
 +
| High
 +
| [[Early Stellar Age]] / [[Gravitic Age]]
 +
| TBD
 +
| 2120 AD
 +
| None
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''11 (B)'''|| Average Imperial (Year Zero)
+
| '''11 (B)'''
 +
| High
 +
| Average Imperial
 +
| [[0]]
 +
| TBD
 +
| None
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''12 (C)''' || Average Imperial (Year 1105)
+
| '''12 (C)'''
 +
| High
 +
| Average Imperial  
 +
| [[1105]]
 +
| TBD
 +
| None
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''13 (D)'''|| Average Stellar / Geneering Age  
+
| '''13 (D)'''
 +
| Vhigh
 +
| Average Stellar / [[Geneering Age]]
 +
| TBD
 +
| TBD
 +
| None
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''14 (E)'''|| High Stellar
+
| '''14 (E)'''
 +
| Vhigh
 +
| High Stellar
 +
| TBD
 +
| TBD
 +
| None
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''15 (F)''' || Imperial Maximum (Year [[1107]])
+
| '''15 (F)'''
 +
| Vhigh
 +
| Imperial Maximum
 +
| [[1107]]
 +
| TBD
 +
| None
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''16 (G)'''|| Artificial Persons Age  
+
| '''16 (G)'''
 +
| Xhigh
 +
| [[Artificial Persons Age]]
 +
| TBD
 +
| TBD
 +
| None
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''17 (H)'''|| Personality Transfer Age / [[Republic of Regina]] (Year [[1902]])
+
| '''17 (H)'''
 +
| Xhigh
 +
| [[Personality Transfer Age]]
 +
| [[1902]]
 +
| TBD
 +
| [[Republic of Regina]]  
 
|-  
 
|-  
−
| '''18 (J)''' || Exotics Age
+
| '''18 (J)'''
−
|-  
+
| Xhigh
−
| '''19 (K)''' || Matter Transport/Antimatter Age
+
| [[Exotics Age]]
 +
| TBD
 +
| TBD
 +
| None
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="6"| [[Ultra Period]] - [[TL:19-27]]
 +
|-
 +
| '''19 (K)'''  
 +
| Uhigh
 +
| [[Matter Transport Age|Matter Transport]] / [[Antimatter Age]]
 +
| TBD
 +
| TBD
 +
| None
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''20 (L)''' || Skipdrive Age  
+
| '''20 (L)'''
 +
| Uhigh
 +
| [[Skipdrive Age ]]
 +
| TBD
 +
| TBD
 +
| None
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''21 (M)''' || Stasis Age  
+
| '''21 (M)'''  
 +
| Uhigh
 +
| [[Stasis Age]]
 +
| TBD
 +
| TBD
 +
| None
 +
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
Line 237: Line 375:
 
== History & Background ([[Dossier]]) ==
 
== History & Background ([[Dossier]]) ==
 
The [[Third Imperium]]'s most advanced [[technologies]] in common use are (TL-15) technologies. Some [[High Technology World|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 [[society]] with access to [[TL-16]] technologies.
 
The [[Third Imperium]]'s most advanced [[technologies]] in common use are (TL-15) technologies. Some [[High Technology World|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 [[society]] with access to [[TL-16]] technologies.
 +
 +
=== IISS Chronological Periodization ===
 +
* [[Technological Age]] (1 [[TL]]) → [[Technological Epoch]] (3 [[TL]]s) → [[Technological Period]] (9 [[TL]]s) → [[Technological Era]] (30 [[TL]]s) → [[Technological Eon]] (33+ [[TL]]s) → [[Singularity]] ([[Post-Technological Period]])
  
 
=== Technological Epochs ===
 
=== Technological Epochs ===
 
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?
 
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?
  
−
:{| class="wikitable sortable"  
+
{| class="wikitable sortable"  
−
|+ Technological Epochs
+
|-
 +
!colspan="7"| Technological Epochs
 
|-
 
|-
 
! [[TL]]s
 
! [[TL]]s
Line 265: Line 407:
 
| Proto-Sophontic
 
| Proto-Sophontic
 
| [[Proto-Sophontic Period]] <br> (Alpha Period)
 
| [[Proto-Sophontic Period]] <br> (Alpha Period)
−
| Stone & Fire.
+
| Stone & Fire
 
| Development of a ''ur'' or ''proto'' level  [[culture]], [[society]], and [[civilization]]. Found objects. Before tools making tools.
 
| Development of a ''ur'' or ''proto'' level  [[culture]], [[society]], and [[civilization]]. Found objects. Before tools making tools.
 
|-
 
|-
Line 273: Line 415:
 
| Early Sophontic  
 
| Early Sophontic  
 
| [[Foundational Period]], Early
 
| [[Foundational Period]], Early
−
| Sail & Steam.
+
| Sail & Steam
 
| Development of a modern scientific culture, society, and civilization. Made objects. Tools making tools.
 
| Development of a modern scientific culture, society, and civilization. Made objects. Tools making tools.
 
|-
 
|-
Line 281: Line 423:
 
| Early Sophontic
 
| Early Sophontic
 
| [[Foundational Period]], High  
 
| [[Foundational Period]], High  
−
| Atom & Factory.
+
| Atom & Factory
 
| Development of increasingly efficient communication, power generation, and transportation technologies. Standardization of scientific method and efficient manufacturing.
 
| Development of increasingly efficient communication, power generation, and transportation technologies. Standardization of scientific method and efficient manufacturing.
 
|-
 
|-
Line 289: Line 431:
 
| Early Sophontic
 
| Early Sophontic
 
| [[Foundational Period]], Late
 
| [[Foundational Period]], Late
−
| Rocket & Computer.
+
| [[Rocket]] & [[Computer]]
 
| Development of advanced processors allowing for an exponential increase in scientific research and engineering breakthroughs.
 
| Development of advanced processors allowing for an exponential increase in scientific research and engineering breakthroughs.
 
|-
 
|-
Line 297: Line 439:
 
| Meso-Sophontic
 
| Meso-Sophontic
 
| [[Interstellar Period]], Early
 
| [[Interstellar Period]], Early
−
| Jump Drive & Contragrav.
+
| [[Jump Drive]] & [[Gravitics]]
 
| 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.
 
| 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.
 
|-
 
|-
Line 305: Line 447:
 
| Meso-Sophontic  
 
| Meso-Sophontic  
 
| [[Interstellar Period]], High
 
| [[Interstellar Period]], High
−
| Geneering & Wafer.
+
| [[Geneering]] & [[Wafertech]]
 
| 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.
 
| 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.
 
|-
 
|-
Line 313: Line 455:
 
| Meso-Sophontic
 
| Meso-Sophontic
 
| [[Interstellar Period]], Late  
 
| [[Interstellar Period]], Late  
−
| Robots & Lethetic AI
+
| [[Robot]]s & [[Lethetic AI]]
 
| The Late Interstellar Epoch brings about increasingly capable artificial intelligence, affordable robotic labor, and increasingly advanced FTL jump drives.
 
| The Late Interstellar Epoch brings about increasingly capable artificial intelligence, affordable robotic labor, and increasingly advanced FTL jump drives.
 
|-
 
|-
Line 321: Line 463:
 
| Late Sophontic
 
| Late Sophontic
 
| [[Ultra Period]], Early
 
| [[Ultra Period]], Early
−
| Antimatter & Matter Transport.
+
| [[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.
 
| 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.
 
|-
 
|-
Line 329: Line 471:
 
| Late Sophontic
 
| Late Sophontic
 
| [[Ultra Period]], High
 
| [[Ultra Period]], High
−
| Postsophontism & Goo.
+
| [[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.”
 
| 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.”
 
|-
 
|-
Line 337: Line 479:
 
| Late Sophontic
 
| Late Sophontic
 
| [[Ultra Period]], Late
 
| [[Ultra Period]], Late
−
| Psionic Engineering & Intertialess Drive.
+
| [[Psionic Engineering]] & [[Inertialess Drive]]
 
| Psionic engineering, practical societal engineering, effective psychohistory and others now allow not only individuals to be transformed, but entire societies and civilizations.
 
| Psionic engineering, practical societal engineering, effective psychohistory and others now allow not only individuals to be transformed, but entire societies and civilizations.
 
|-
 
|-
Line 345: Line 487:
 
| [[Hyper-Sophontic Epoch]]
 
| [[Hyper-Sophontic Epoch]]
 
| [[Astrodeific Period]]  
 
| [[Astrodeific Period]]  
−
| Megastructures
+
| Galactic Scale [[Megastructure]]s & [[Topopolis]]es
 
| 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.
 
| 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.
 
|-
 
|-
Line 354: Line 496:
 
| [[Omnipotential Period]] <br> (Omega Period)
 
| [[Omnipotential Period]] <br> (Omega Period)
 
| [[Chronotaxis]] & Transuniversalism.
 
| [[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.
+
| The ability to create and manipulate [[pocket universe]]s 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.
 
|-
 
|-
 
| TL-34+
 
| TL-34+
Line 374: Line 516:
 
In proper [[IISS]] parlance, the following terms are used. Historians and journalists often use them in a more figurative or extended sense.
 
In proper [[IISS]] parlance, the following terms are used. Historians and journalists often use them in a more figurative or extended sense.
  
−
:{| class="wikitable sortable"  
+
{| class="wikitable sortable"  
−
|+ Smelchakian Chronological Periodization
+
|-
 +
!colspan="4"| Smelchakian Chronological Periodization
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Chrono-term
 
! Chrono-term
Line 429: Line 572:
  
 
== References & Contributors ([[Sources]]) ==
 
== References & Contributors ([[Sources]]) ==
 +
{{Metadata}}
 
{| class="wikitable sortable"
 
{| 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]]
 
! '''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}}
 
 
{{Conflict}}
 
{{Conflict}}
 
{{Advanced}}
 
{{Advanced}}
Line 441: Line 584:
 
|S3= {{Ludography cite|name= Challenge 31|page=27|article=Twisting Tech Levels: A Traveller Variant}}
 
|S3= {{Ludography cite|name= Challenge 31|page=27|article=Twisting Tech Levels: A Traveller Variant}}
 
|S4= {{Ludography cite|name= Referee's Companion|page=28-29}}
 
|S4= {{Ludography cite|name= Referee's Companion|page=28-29}}
−
|S5= {{Ludography cite|name= World Builder's Handbook|page= TBD}}
+
|S5= {{Ludography cite|name= World Builder's Handbook |page= TBD}}
 
|S6= {{Ludography cite|name= Fire, Fusion, & Steel|page=7}}
 
|S6= {{Ludography cite|name= Fire, Fusion, & Steel|page=7}}
−
|S7= Periodical: [[Imperium Staple 07]]
+
|S7= {{Ludography cite|name= Signal-GK 13 |page= TBD}}
−
|S8= Periodical: [[Signal-GK 13]]
+
|S8= [[K. David Ladage]], "Alternate Technological Paths", ''[[Journal of the Travellers' Aid Society Online|JTAS Online]]'' (2001)
−
|S9= [[K. David Ladage]], "Alternate Technological Paths", ''[[Journal of the Travellers' Aid Society Online|JTAS Online]]'' (2001)
+
|S9= [[K. David Ladage]], "Alternate Technologies II: Relativity", ''[[Journal of the Travellers' Aid Society Online|JTAS Online]]'' (2001)
−
|S10= [[K. David Ladage]], "Alternate Technologies II: Relativity", ''[[Journal of the Travellers' Aid Society Online|JTAS Online]]'' (2001)
+
|S10= {{Ludography cite|name= The Traveller's Handbook|page=378}}
−
|S11= {{Ludography cite|name= The Traveller's Handbook|page=378}}
+
|S11= {{Ludography cite|name= T5 Core Rules|page=502-507}}
−
|S12= {{Ludography cite|name= T5 Core Rules|page=502-507}}
+
|S12= EXTERNAL LINK: [https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/TechnologyLevels Technology Levels at TV Tropes]
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|S13= [[Traveller Wiki Editorial Team]]
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|S13= EXTERNAL LINK: [http://www.angelfire.com/empire2/savage/1WorldOrder/Home-Rules/Ages_of_Traveller.html Technology Ages of Traveller (in MTU)] by [[Admiral Savage]]
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|S14= Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology [[Maksim-Smelchak]] of the [[Ministry of Science]]
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|S14= [[Traveller Wiki Editorial Team]]
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|S15= Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology [[Maksim-Smelchak]] of the [[Ministry of Science]]
 
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Revision as of 03:40, 1 September 2019

Technical Data.jpg

Technology Level or Tech Level, commonly abbreviated TL, is a measure of technological capability and sophistication.

Library Data Referral Tree

Please refer to the following AAB Library Data for more information:
Technology:

Charted Space Technological Spectrum:

Description (Specifications)

OVERVIEW: Technology Level (abbreviated tech level or TL) is a rating. It rates the capability of typical equipment used by the average citizen on his or her world. 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 cultures, societies, and peoples. 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.

Technology Level Explication

T20 The Traveller's Handbook. Pg. 196

Epochal Technological Periods

On a very broad level, Imperial historians, scientists, and scouts have divided contemporary and future 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 Precursors:

Epochal Technological Periods Overview
Period Name
(Multi-Epoch) 		Periods (TLs) Technology (Kardashev) Scope Key Technologies General Period Remarks
Proto-Sophontic

(Emergent Period)

TL-0 Proto-Tech

(K= Type n>0) [Hemisphere Mastery]

Very early societies with basic "found object" tools and a planetary (world) scope. Found 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. They use found tools, but haven't yet figured out how to use tools to make more advanced tools yet.
  • Some call them Stone Age.
Low Sophontic

(Foundational Period)

TL:1-3
TL:4-6
TL:7-9 		Ur-Tech

(K= Type 1)
[World Mastery]

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 Races frequently establish successful civilizations in this range, often with very capable spaceflight programs and sleeper ships. Such societies typically master engineering, astrophysics, earth sciences, medicine, and variety of other sciences at proficient levels capable of building a unified World-State.
  • Some call them Space Age.
Meso-Sophontic

(Interstellar Period)

TL:10-12
TL:13-15
TL:16-18

(A to J)

Stell-Tech

(K= Type 2)
[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 Races possess interstellar technology within this range, with the current vanguard at TL-15.
  • Some call them Interstellar Age.
High Sophontic

(Ultra Period)

TL:19-21
TL:22-24
TL:25-27

(K to T)

Ultra-Tech

(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.
Transcendent

(Astrodeific Period)

TL:28-30

(U to W)

Dei-Tech

(K= Type 4) [Universe Mastery]

Astrodeific technologies with a universal scope. Planet-bending, geneering (sophont creation), nano mastery, etc. Transgalactic Period Most technological researchers believe that most of these technologies were within reach of the Ancients.
  • Some call it the Age of Space Gods.
Ascendant

(Bhodhisattivan Period)

TL:31-33

(X to Z)

Omni-Tech

(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.
Singularity

(Post-Technological Period)

TL-34+ PTP

(K= Type 'Post-Omega') [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).

Average Tech, Mastered Tech & Research Tech Levels

Average technologies in common use within the Third Imperium are very often considerably lower than the high end of (TL-15 or TL-F) Imperial technological achievement. Each of the polities of the major races has a different average, sustainable technology level, but most systems and worlds average in the TL:10-12 range, with the most capable, higher tech worlds averaging in the TL:13-15 range.

Tech Levels 0 through 21

This TL table is a list of technological levels and short descriptions. The descriptions correlate TLs to periods in history or alternately, future technology.

Technological Level Table
TL Lvl Historical Era IC CE Remarks
Emergent Period - TL-0
0 Xlow Stone Age TBD TBD Found Tools, fire, mysticism, village, agriculture, etc.
Foundational Period - TL:1-9
1 Vlow Bronze Age TBD 3500 BC None
1.3 Vlow Iron Age TBD 1300 BC None
1.6 Vlow Medieval Age TBD 600 AD None
2 Vlow Age of Sail TBD 1500 AD None
3 Vlow Industrial Revolution TBD 1730 AD None
3.3 Vlow Napoleonic Era TBD 1800 AD None
3.6 Vlow Colonial Era TBD 1850 AD None
4 Low Mechanized Age TBD 1900 AD None
5 Low Broadcast Age TBD 1930 AD None
6 Low Nuclear Age TBD 1940 AD None
7 Mlow Space Age TBD 1970 AD None
8 Mlow Digital Age TBD 1990 AD None
9 Mlow Early Stellar Age / Fusion Age TBD 2050 AD None
Interstellar Period - TL:10-18
10 (A) High Early Stellar Age / Gravitic Age TBD 2120 AD None
11 (B) High Average Imperial 0 TBD None
12 (C) High Average Imperial 1105 TBD None
13 (D) Vhigh Average Stellar / Geneering Age TBD TBD None
14 (E) Vhigh High Stellar TBD TBD None
15 (F) Vhigh Imperial Maximum 1107 TBD None
16 (G) Xhigh Artificial Persons Age TBD TBD None
17 (H) Xhigh Personality Transfer Age 1902 TBD Republic of Regina
18 (J) Xhigh Exotics Age TBD TBD None
Ultra Period - TL:19-27
19 (K) Uhigh Matter Transport / Antimatter Age TBD TBD None
20 (L) Uhigh Skipdrive Age TBD TBD None
21 (M) Uhigh Stasis Age TBD TBD None

Tech Levels 22 through 33

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.

All advancing technological levels are Accelerating Tech Levels to one degree or another. Many scientists within Charted Space argue that the concept will apply most significantly to the TL:19-27 Ultra Period or higher. Others argue for any level above TL-22.

The Singularity (TL-34+)

When the society moves beyond TL-33, it reaches the Singularity. Some think of it occurring within the TL:31-33 technological epoch. Noone really knows, or if they do know, they aren't telling. The technologies focused on for the past thirty-three TLs are strong indicators of the fate awaiting the culture. A focus on more warlike technologies points the society towards destruction, while a focus on peaceful engineering disciplines tends to point the society towards survival. A balance of the various technologies available may result in ascension to a post-technological existence.

History & Background (Dossier)

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 Darrians or Daryen are a prominent example of such a society with access to TL-16 technologies.

IISS Chronological Periodization

Technological Epochs

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?

Technological Epochs
TLs Hierarchical
Technology
Epoch 		Epoch Hallmark Sophontic Period Smelchakian Period Key Indicators Remarks
TL-Negative Pre-Sophontic Period Pre-Sophontic Period Pre-Sophontic Pre-Sophontic Period Pre-Historic Period (PHP) The Rise of Life. Creatures. Pre-technology lifeforms.
TL-0 Proto-Sophontic Period Found Tools Period Proto-Sophontic Proto-Sophontic Period
(Alpha Period) 		Stone & Fire Development of a ur or proto level culture, society, and civilization. Found objects. Before tools making tools.
TL:1-3 Vlow Tech Epoch Tool Making Epoch Early Sophontic Foundational Period, Early Sail & Steam Development of a modern scientific culture, society, and civilization. Made objects. Tools making tools.
TL:4-6 Low Tech Epoch Division of Labor Epoch Early Sophontic Foundational Period, High Atom & Factory Development of increasingly efficient communication, power generation, and transportation technologies. Standardization of scientific method and efficient manufacturing.
TL:7-9 Mid Tech Epoch Processor Epoch Early Sophontic Foundational Period, Late Rocket & Computer Development of advanced processors allowing for an exponential increase in scientific research and engineering breakthroughs.
TL:10-12 High Tech Epoch Gravitics Epoch Meso-Sophontic Interstellar Period, Early Jump Drive & Gravitics 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.
TL:13-15 Vhigh Tech Epoch Biologicals Epoch Meso-Sophontic Interstellar Period, High Geneering & Wafertech 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.
TL:16-18 Xhigh Tech Epoch Artificials Epoch Meso-Sophontic Interstellar Period, Late Robots & Lethetic AI The Late Interstellar Epoch brings about increasingly capable artificial intelligence, affordable robotic labor, and increasingly advanced FTL jump drives.
TL:19-21 Uhigh-1 Tech Epoch Matter Transport Epoch Late Sophontic Ultra Period, Early 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.
TL:22-24 Uhigh-2 Tech Epoch Transformations Epoch Late Sophontic Ultra Period, High 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.”
TL:25-27 Uhigh-3 Tech Epoch Psionics Epoch Late Sophontic Ultra Period, Late Psionic Engineering & Inertialess Drive Psionic engineering, practical societal engineering, effective psychohistory and others now allow not only individuals to be transformed, but entire societies and civilizations.
TL:28-30 Dei Tech Epoch Trans-galactic Epoch Hyper-Sophontic Epoch Astrodeific Period Galactic Scale Megastructures & Topopolises 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.
TL:31-33 Omni Tech Epoch Pocket Universe Epoch Trans-Sophontic Epoch Omnipotential Period
(Omega Period) 		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.
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.

Technological Metrics

The Technology Levels of the Third Imperium are measured in the range TL:0-15 (0-F), with TL-1 representing extreme primitive levels (hunter/gatherers), and TL-15 the height of Imperial technology.

Chronological Periodization

In proper IISS parlance, the following terms are used. Historians and journalists often use them in a more figurative or extended sense.

Smelchakian Chronological Periodization
Chrono-term TLs Remarks Example/s
Age 1 Synonymous with a TL or a passing paradigm and society. Zeitgeist.
  • There is no set chronological span of time for this technological evaluation.
 (Age of Nomadism → Age of Farm & Village → Age of Town & Market)
Epoch 3 The typical longevity of a mature society before it undergoes paradigmatic change through revolution and societal evolution.
  • An epoch almost always is composed of three ages.
  • There is no set chronological span of time for this technological evaluation.
 (Agricultural Epoch → Industrial Epoch → Information Epoch → Interstellar Epoch)
Period 9 Part of the development of a maturing civilization.
  • In late periods, less than 9 TLs may be involved due to a quicker pace of knowledge acquisition.
  • Typically 9 TLs although some periods may encompass fewer, but a longer chronological span with less technological advancement.
  • This typically encompasses three epochs.
  • There is no set chronological span of time for this technological evaluation.
 (Foundational Period → Interstellar Period → Ultra Period)
Era 28 to 30+ The typical lifespan of a mature, technological civilization.
  • Typically 30 TLs although some eras may encompass fewer or more TLs depending on the civilization and their rate of technological advancement.
  • This typically encompasses three periods and a transition epoch.
  • There is no set chronological span of time for this technological evaluation.
 (Sophontic Era → Trans-Sophontic Era → Technological Singularity)
Eon 31 to 33+ The typical lifespan of several mature and advanced technology civilizations.
  • Typically 33 TLs although some eons may encompass fewer or more TLs depending on the civilization and the Singularity.
  • This typically encompasses one era and a transition epoch.
  • There is no set chronological span of time for this technological evaluation.
 [Pre-Sophontic (Creature Existence) → Sophontic (Technological Civilizations) → (Technological Singularity) → Post-Sophontic]

Paradigm & Period

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."

  • 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.
  • Please see Detextualized Paradigmatic Problem and Clarkian Postulates for related ideas.

References & Contributors (Sources)

This article has metadata.
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
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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.
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