Fair Use Policies

The Traveller game in all forms is owned by Far Future Enterprises. Copyright 1977-2008 Far Future Enterprises. Traveller is a registered trademark of Far Future Enterprises. Far Futures permits web sites and fanzines of this game, provided it contains this notice, that Far Future is notified, and subject to a withdrawal of permission on 90 days notice. The contents of this site are for personal, non-commercial use only. Any use of Far Future Enterprise's copyrighted material or trademarks anywhere on this web site and its files should not be viewed as a challenge to those copyrights or trademarks. In addition, any program/articles/file on this site cannot be republished or distributed without the consent of the author who contributed it.

“Cepheus Engine and Samardan Press are the trademarks of Jason "Flynn" Kemp,” and that you are not affiliated with Jason "Flynn" Kemp or Samardan Press™.

Saturday, October 10, 2015

Starter Traveller Post 5, Other

The last of the services is the inspiring named "Other". There is an effort made in the description to try and say it isn't just criminals but GDW still puts criminal in the description as well. This career might be a heavier lift than the previous ones as I don't see the Imperium being so dystopian as to have public service criminals. I am thinking it is actually the social service organizations of the Imperium.

I follow +Joe Johnston guide to posting principles found here (https://plus.google.com/+JoeJohnston-taskboy/posts/4k23o9MsKrQ) which I feel necessary to point out before getting into a further explanation. This is an attempt at a gameable setting and not a commentary on economic issues or morals of any socio-economic group. So the Imperium has a social services safety net for those who are trapped at the very bottom for whatever reason. Normally it is left to world governments to see to the well being of their citizens but through the office of the local noble anyone can seek assistance. What was envisioned originally as a fail safe has frequently turned into the only assistance available. Without getting into the why citizens end up in desperate circumstances it is enough they are there. I postulate a somewhat dark vision that in most societies when you hit bottom it is extraordinarily difficult to get back on your feet. So the Others deal with a embittered population with little hope watching everyone else have a decent life. Unsurprisingly this creates a violent situation and with nothing to lose, one rife with crime.

It is almost impossible not to volunteer for this service which I view as a need for people rather than having low standards.

Survival is on par with the Army and Navy so you aren't working in the safest conditions. Problem solving ability (high INT) will help you out probably by actually figuring out ways to have a lasting positive impact on your clients life.

You have no chance to get ahead in a the service. So rather than the Imperium being your boss it is the local noble. I think of this as somewhat akin to being a staffer for a local politician.

It is a somewhat safe long term career but not a guaranteed life time job. Budget cuts are always out there.

Material Benefits are Low;INT;EDU;Gun;High and nothing. The low passage in this case seems to me to reflect the best gift a grateful community can afford rather than the lottery award of the previous services. No change in game terms but worth highlighting for the PC. The characteristics being only +1's implies limited funding to me rather than lack of interest. Gun would mean some Others enter to separation contests to try and recruit or to honor their patron noble. The high passage seems more a gift from said patron noble than the service lottery. And no award at all is just depressing but indicative of the hopelessness this service represents.

The Cash table is markedly lower except the two highest entries with Gambling offering the highest cash award of any service.

Personal Development is STR;DEX;END;Blade;Brawling and a reduced SOC. So you face situations where you need to be able to respond physically. Blade and Brawling show that violence is common and Others need to take care of themselves. The reduction is SOC is unique in that no other service reduces a characteristic as an "Award". It also covers being judged by the company you keep.

Service Skills are Vehicle;Gambling;Brawling;Bribery;Blade and Gun. Vehicle here could mean a stint in Mass Transit. Brawling, Blade and Gun reflect the violence of the areas worked in or perhaps self defense instructor. Gambling means familiarity with the various lottery systems in the Imperium and showing the clients how to use them to try and escape. Bribery is a reflection on the reality of corruption and how to get things done.

The first Advanced Education table has Streetwise;Mechanical;Electronics;Gambling;Brawling and Forgery. Streetwise should be to Other as JOT is to the Scouts, you can't help people who don't trust you. Mechanical and Electronics could mean infrastructure maintenance. Gambling and Brawling have been covered which leaves Forgery. I can't come up with a positive way to spin this one so instead I am thinking it shows the length Others are driven to to try and help.

The 8+ Advanced Education table has Medical;Forgery;Electronics;Computer;Streetwise and JOT. Medical can represent first aid or free clinic service. Forgery and Streetwise are covered above. Electronics can mean infrastructure or maybe refurbishing cast off equipment. Computer is kind of necessary no matter what you are doing in Sci-Fi. JOT is also appropriate for the career I am envisioning, making do with whatever you have.

So here we have the people tasked with helping the most desperate members of a society. They are expected to face violence and trained to respond to it. The service also teaches them that the lottery is a viable option to improve their clients lives. It fosters an attitude of the ends justifying the means by teaching bribery and forgery although it is not actually training by the service more than likely more experienced Others showing how to get things done. Also it shows you can lose out by joining with no reward for service and the average person lowering their opinion of you.

No comments:

Post a Comment