After much digging and dredging, I managed to scrape together a bunch of solid roleplayers for a T20 game. I lean a wee bit towards the generous as a referee... as you'll see. I ended up using the Manta class trader from:
http://www.sff.net/people/kitsune/traveller/
I liked the design and it works for what I was trying to do. Here's how the first session ended up:
Episode 1: Maiden Voyage.
Location: Paris Downport, Terra, Spinward Marches
Date: 125-1107
The ship:
ICS (Imperial Commercial Ship) Estimated Prophet
200 ton Manta class Far Trader (refit)
The ‘Prophet began its service as the ICS Angel’s Ransom, a typical far trader plying the space lines of the Spinward Marches. A catastrophic jump accident killed much of her crew and ruined her drives. The Ransom was picked up by Cpt Kierok as salvage and refitted with more modern engines and the most advanced power plant that could be purchased. The ship has little more performance than before the refit, but is more agile and has sufficient power to mount a more advanced computer and weapons.
Re-christened the Estimated Prophet, this ship is now registered to Cpt. Kierok as a commercial vessel. While the refit was a general success, some of the systems are a not quite up to snuff. The crew is looking forward to shaking down some of the problems in the coming weeks.
The Prophet mounts two dual turrets, each mounting a fusion gun and a sandcaster. She also has a model /4 computer installed adjacent to the bridge, and two fewer staterooms than normal.
Captain Ute Kierok
Human (Zhodani/Villani)
Age: 40
Rogue 4 / Merchant 5
Captain and pilot
Ute Kierok is the talented daughter of a wealthy Zhodani Intendant and an Imperial citizen. Trained by the Zhodani, Ute wanted to see the realm that birthed her mother. So, at the age of 16, Ute stowed aboard a freighter bound for Imperial space, and has never looked back. By virtue of her talents and spunk, Ute has managed to survive in the Imperium although she has remained rather naïve. Despite the fact that no one on the Rim would be looking for a Zhodani spy (and that she is quite far from home) Ute harbors a secret fear of being discovered as a telepath, or worse… captured by the Zhodani secret police.
Ute does know that the Imperial Ministry of Intelligence has kept close tabs on her, but she does not know why. Ute is a naturalized Imperial Citizen, her nationality disclosed, but not her psionic or familial status.
Ute has spent the last twenty years working her way up through the ranks of Tukera lines, but never cared much for the bureaucracy of big business. She loves the business of commerce, but is stricken with a sort of wanderlust that only her own vessel can provide. Cpt Kierok is an attractive, petite, human female with a swarthy olive complexion, black hair, and green eyes.
A.L.I.C.E. (NPC)
Model /4 computer with synthetic personality overlay
Operational Commission Date: 120-1107
Alice is the ship’s computer onboard the Estimated Prophet. She was supposed to have been installed on a naval frigate, but somehow ended up being plugged into the ‘Prophet. Alice has the standard military sensor, instrumentation, and software package. Once the error was discovered, Alice was already in operation and could not be removed without damage to her holographic data core. Scout service S3 became involved, and permits were issued for Alice to remain where she was installed along with a Cat-4 weapons permit for the ‘Prophet’s weaponry as long as Cpt Kierok paid for the cost of the units. Thus far, S3 has not disclosed why this breech of protocol was allowed, or what they hope to gain.
A.I. Programs are not commonplace, and are generally regarded as being “a bit twitchy”. Alice is no exception. Her persona is normally quite courteous, but she has been known to become quite sassy when she feels the situation is warranted. Alice has only been in operation for about five days at this point, and she has very little experience in dealing with ordinary sophonts. Alice also has the standard safeguards installed, with a motivational imperative to protect the lives of the crew.
First Officer Eneri Povitrovitch
Human (Solomani)
Age: 35
Barbarian 1 / Marine 7 / Professional 1
Chief steward, first officer and gunner
Eneri is an old marine with a rather famous history. Born on a protectorate world in a bronze age culture, Eneri was rescued by the Imperial Marines when a Vargr pirate raid went horribly wrong. Due to regulations governing the avoidance of contamination of Eneri’s home world, he could not return. Left to make his way among the stars, Eneri joined the marines and left his mark on society.
During his career, Povitrovitch earned a battlefield commission, a whole host of medals, and the respect of marines everywhere. It is widely known that Eneri was severely injured during a counter-terrorist raid in which he saved the lives of several hundred civilians and his unit. The exact details of that mission are not public knowledge, and Eneri does not talk of it.
Injured and unable to continue his career, Eneri made use of his military benefits and went to college on Terra at an illustrious university in Paris. While there, Eneri studied zoology and cooking. He has a penchant for very strong (and very thick) coffee, which of late has been made from gourmet coffee beans.
An intelligent observer and capable leader, Eneri recognized his captain for who and what she was in very short order. He has not yet chosen to reveal this to the rest of the crew. Being a barbarian by birth, Eneri has no problems in working with a known telepath nor with being loyal to the mistress of a legally registered imperial commercial vessel.
Dr. Atticus Rainor
Human (Solomani)
Age: 38
Scout 4 / Academic 5
Ship’s astrogator, ship’s sensor and commo tech.
Dr. Rainor received his doctorate in psychology on Terra. Never being one for convention, Dr Rainor immediately joined the Scout service as a first contact specialist and staff psychologist. Most of Rainor’s history is classified, but it is known that he is an absolute wizard with a commo/sensor suite.
Rainor is the typical academic type, spending most of his time reading or researching new topics. Rainor does cause some consternation among the crew, as his quarters are packed well over his weight allowance with printed books and data chips. Rainor gets along well with ALICE, as he’s constantly feeding her new data and makes a solid chess partner.
No one is quite sure why Dr Rainor is working aboard the ‘Prophet, but there are rumors among the crew that he is on the run from the mob.
(Baron) Dzakh Ksoesueng (Sourzfaroukh)
Vargr
Age: 42
Marine 6 / Noble 3 / Mercenary 1
Gunner / security / cargo handler
Dzakh is an anomaly. The crew knows almost nothing about him. To all intents and purposes, Dzakh is just an old vargr marine looking to live out his days in peace. Looks are deceiving however, for Dzakh is actually a noble of the Imperium. Although he is unenfoffed, (Second son of a noble house), Dzakh achieved his baron-hood in his own right.
This much the crew suspects. But what is his real reason for being onboard as a gunner and security chief? Even Ute doesn’t know, as Dzakh is not susceptible to telepathic scan for some reason.
Bonelle
Human (Vilani)
Age 38
Navy 4 / Scout 5
Ship’s engineer
Bonelle never gave her family name when she signed on to the ‘Prophet… she’s a bit mysterious that way. She’s a long standing friend of Eneri. It is known from her resume that Bonelle was drummed out of the navy for refusing to conform to military protocol. She fared much better in the scouts, and ended her career there teaching at the academy.
Bonelle is a capable engineer and an irascible practical joker. Nobody is quite sure how she does it, but Bonelle always managed to appear dapper… even when covered head to toe in grease and ensnarled in jump drive components.
As of yet, Bonelle is unsure of whether to be impressed or frightened by the modifications that were made to the ‘Prophet. She’s absolutely enthralled with the idea of having an AI onboard, and can’t wait to see what sorts new modifications she can make of her own accord.
Bonelle is often found in her work coveralls (constructed from ballistic cloth), and caries a laser pistol which has been modified to function as a cutter/welder.
Episode 1:
Paris Downport, Terra, Spinward Marches
1800hrs, 125-1107
After leaving the service of Tukera lines, Cpt Kierok managed to find herself a ship and part of a crew… but still lacked an engineer and a second gunner. None of the other crew aboard wished to register as first officer, and the good shipping jobs all wanted jump-3 vessels or larger holds than the ‘Prophet had. So, she put an add in the circulars and on the TAS jobs wanted board… continued to work off the gigs left by the yard dogs, and waited.
She didn’t have to wait long.
Eneri and Bonelle wanted off of Earth in the worst way possible. Eneri was sick of the city life, and wanted to get solid decksole under his feet again. Bonelle was just plain bored. They found Ute’s add, and went down to docking berth 24 to apply in person. After a short discourse, Ute hired them both, and designated Eneri as first officer. Ute offered 15% shares in lieu of standard wages, and the crew agreed.
Eneri and Bonelle were introduced to Dzakh, Doc, and ALICE… shown their berths, and promptly moved in.
With one issue settled, Ute set Doc to the task of updating the ship’s records for the transponder… and then set about finding a job. There were none to be had through the normal legal channels, so Ute took Dzakh in tow and headed for the seedier side of town… smartly dressed for business. Much to Dzakh’s chagrin.
Arriving at the Hammered Wombat bar and grill in Startown, Ute was quite surprised at the lewd comments that her attire elicited, but tried her best to find a client. She did manage to make contact with a fellow who indicated that he might have a job for her, and to meet him on the following day for lunch at a sidewalk café in the “nicer” part of town.
In the meanwhile, Bonelle discovered that the ship’s freshers spontaneously switch to shower mode when the toilets are flushed. Feeling a bit flushed herself, Bonelle set about fixing the problem in every stateroom except for the captain’s.
Following day, said contact turns out to be an agent for the Ministry of Intelligence… and he has a bunch of information on Ute, her ship, and crew. He has a job for them, if they want it. Go to Fenris, by way of Junction and retrieve a 50 ton shipment of refined zuchai crystals… return to Junction with the crystals and receive a lump sum payment of MCr5. Simple.
The problem is that Ine Givar has bombed the hell out of several population centers on Fenris, the corporation which was supposed to ship the crystals is out of contact, nobody knows where the crystals are located, and in the ensuing chaos the planet’s government has just declared for the Solomani Party. (OK, I lifted the plot from an old JTAS article, and moved the location. I’m a GM… we’re allowed to do that!)
The contact gave Ute a data crystal that contained the mission authorization codes, and sent her on her way with instructions to have the cargo in Junction inside of three weeks.
To be continued.
http://www.sff.net/people/kitsune/traveller/
I liked the design and it works for what I was trying to do. Here's how the first session ended up:
Episode 1: Maiden Voyage.
Location: Paris Downport, Terra, Spinward Marches
Date: 125-1107
The ship:
ICS (Imperial Commercial Ship) Estimated Prophet
200 ton Manta class Far Trader (refit)
The ‘Prophet began its service as the ICS Angel’s Ransom, a typical far trader plying the space lines of the Spinward Marches. A catastrophic jump accident killed much of her crew and ruined her drives. The Ransom was picked up by Cpt Kierok as salvage and refitted with more modern engines and the most advanced power plant that could be purchased. The ship has little more performance than before the refit, but is more agile and has sufficient power to mount a more advanced computer and weapons.
Re-christened the Estimated Prophet, this ship is now registered to Cpt. Kierok as a commercial vessel. While the refit was a general success, some of the systems are a not quite up to snuff. The crew is looking forward to shaking down some of the problems in the coming weeks.
The Prophet mounts two dual turrets, each mounting a fusion gun and a sandcaster. She also has a model /4 computer installed adjacent to the bridge, and two fewer staterooms than normal.
Captain Ute Kierok
Human (Zhodani/Villani)
Age: 40
Rogue 4 / Merchant 5
Captain and pilot
Ute Kierok is the talented daughter of a wealthy Zhodani Intendant and an Imperial citizen. Trained by the Zhodani, Ute wanted to see the realm that birthed her mother. So, at the age of 16, Ute stowed aboard a freighter bound for Imperial space, and has never looked back. By virtue of her talents and spunk, Ute has managed to survive in the Imperium although she has remained rather naïve. Despite the fact that no one on the Rim would be looking for a Zhodani spy (and that she is quite far from home) Ute harbors a secret fear of being discovered as a telepath, or worse… captured by the Zhodani secret police.
Ute does know that the Imperial Ministry of Intelligence has kept close tabs on her, but she does not know why. Ute is a naturalized Imperial Citizen, her nationality disclosed, but not her psionic or familial status.
Ute has spent the last twenty years working her way up through the ranks of Tukera lines, but never cared much for the bureaucracy of big business. She loves the business of commerce, but is stricken with a sort of wanderlust that only her own vessel can provide. Cpt Kierok is an attractive, petite, human female with a swarthy olive complexion, black hair, and green eyes.
A.L.I.C.E. (NPC)
Model /4 computer with synthetic personality overlay
Operational Commission Date: 120-1107
Alice is the ship’s computer onboard the Estimated Prophet. She was supposed to have been installed on a naval frigate, but somehow ended up being plugged into the ‘Prophet. Alice has the standard military sensor, instrumentation, and software package. Once the error was discovered, Alice was already in operation and could not be removed without damage to her holographic data core. Scout service S3 became involved, and permits were issued for Alice to remain where she was installed along with a Cat-4 weapons permit for the ‘Prophet’s weaponry as long as Cpt Kierok paid for the cost of the units. Thus far, S3 has not disclosed why this breech of protocol was allowed, or what they hope to gain.
A.I. Programs are not commonplace, and are generally regarded as being “a bit twitchy”. Alice is no exception. Her persona is normally quite courteous, but she has been known to become quite sassy when she feels the situation is warranted. Alice has only been in operation for about five days at this point, and she has very little experience in dealing with ordinary sophonts. Alice also has the standard safeguards installed, with a motivational imperative to protect the lives of the crew.
First Officer Eneri Povitrovitch
Human (Solomani)
Age: 35
Barbarian 1 / Marine 7 / Professional 1
Chief steward, first officer and gunner
Eneri is an old marine with a rather famous history. Born on a protectorate world in a bronze age culture, Eneri was rescued by the Imperial Marines when a Vargr pirate raid went horribly wrong. Due to regulations governing the avoidance of contamination of Eneri’s home world, he could not return. Left to make his way among the stars, Eneri joined the marines and left his mark on society.
During his career, Povitrovitch earned a battlefield commission, a whole host of medals, and the respect of marines everywhere. It is widely known that Eneri was severely injured during a counter-terrorist raid in which he saved the lives of several hundred civilians and his unit. The exact details of that mission are not public knowledge, and Eneri does not talk of it.
Injured and unable to continue his career, Eneri made use of his military benefits and went to college on Terra at an illustrious university in Paris. While there, Eneri studied zoology and cooking. He has a penchant for very strong (and very thick) coffee, which of late has been made from gourmet coffee beans.
An intelligent observer and capable leader, Eneri recognized his captain for who and what she was in very short order. He has not yet chosen to reveal this to the rest of the crew. Being a barbarian by birth, Eneri has no problems in working with a known telepath nor with being loyal to the mistress of a legally registered imperial commercial vessel.
Dr. Atticus Rainor
Human (Solomani)
Age: 38
Scout 4 / Academic 5
Ship’s astrogator, ship’s sensor and commo tech.
Dr. Rainor received his doctorate in psychology on Terra. Never being one for convention, Dr Rainor immediately joined the Scout service as a first contact specialist and staff psychologist. Most of Rainor’s history is classified, but it is known that he is an absolute wizard with a commo/sensor suite.
Rainor is the typical academic type, spending most of his time reading or researching new topics. Rainor does cause some consternation among the crew, as his quarters are packed well over his weight allowance with printed books and data chips. Rainor gets along well with ALICE, as he’s constantly feeding her new data and makes a solid chess partner.
No one is quite sure why Dr Rainor is working aboard the ‘Prophet, but there are rumors among the crew that he is on the run from the mob.
(Baron) Dzakh Ksoesueng (Sourzfaroukh)
Vargr
Age: 42
Marine 6 / Noble 3 / Mercenary 1
Gunner / security / cargo handler
Dzakh is an anomaly. The crew knows almost nothing about him. To all intents and purposes, Dzakh is just an old vargr marine looking to live out his days in peace. Looks are deceiving however, for Dzakh is actually a noble of the Imperium. Although he is unenfoffed, (Second son of a noble house), Dzakh achieved his baron-hood in his own right.
This much the crew suspects. But what is his real reason for being onboard as a gunner and security chief? Even Ute doesn’t know, as Dzakh is not susceptible to telepathic scan for some reason.
Bonelle
Human (Vilani)
Age 38
Navy 4 / Scout 5
Ship’s engineer
Bonelle never gave her family name when she signed on to the ‘Prophet… she’s a bit mysterious that way. She’s a long standing friend of Eneri. It is known from her resume that Bonelle was drummed out of the navy for refusing to conform to military protocol. She fared much better in the scouts, and ended her career there teaching at the academy.
Bonelle is a capable engineer and an irascible practical joker. Nobody is quite sure how she does it, but Bonelle always managed to appear dapper… even when covered head to toe in grease and ensnarled in jump drive components.
As of yet, Bonelle is unsure of whether to be impressed or frightened by the modifications that were made to the ‘Prophet. She’s absolutely enthralled with the idea of having an AI onboard, and can’t wait to see what sorts new modifications she can make of her own accord.
Bonelle is often found in her work coveralls (constructed from ballistic cloth), and caries a laser pistol which has been modified to function as a cutter/welder.
Episode 1:
Paris Downport, Terra, Spinward Marches
1800hrs, 125-1107
After leaving the service of Tukera lines, Cpt Kierok managed to find herself a ship and part of a crew… but still lacked an engineer and a second gunner. None of the other crew aboard wished to register as first officer, and the good shipping jobs all wanted jump-3 vessels or larger holds than the ‘Prophet had. So, she put an add in the circulars and on the TAS jobs wanted board… continued to work off the gigs left by the yard dogs, and waited.
She didn’t have to wait long.
Eneri and Bonelle wanted off of Earth in the worst way possible. Eneri was sick of the city life, and wanted to get solid decksole under his feet again. Bonelle was just plain bored. They found Ute’s add, and went down to docking berth 24 to apply in person. After a short discourse, Ute hired them both, and designated Eneri as first officer. Ute offered 15% shares in lieu of standard wages, and the crew agreed.
Eneri and Bonelle were introduced to Dzakh, Doc, and ALICE… shown their berths, and promptly moved in.
With one issue settled, Ute set Doc to the task of updating the ship’s records for the transponder… and then set about finding a job. There were none to be had through the normal legal channels, so Ute took Dzakh in tow and headed for the seedier side of town… smartly dressed for business. Much to Dzakh’s chagrin.
Arriving at the Hammered Wombat bar and grill in Startown, Ute was quite surprised at the lewd comments that her attire elicited, but tried her best to find a client. She did manage to make contact with a fellow who indicated that he might have a job for her, and to meet him on the following day for lunch at a sidewalk café in the “nicer” part of town.
In the meanwhile, Bonelle discovered that the ship’s freshers spontaneously switch to shower mode when the toilets are flushed. Feeling a bit flushed herself, Bonelle set about fixing the problem in every stateroom except for the captain’s.
Following day, said contact turns out to be an agent for the Ministry of Intelligence… and he has a bunch of information on Ute, her ship, and crew. He has a job for them, if they want it. Go to Fenris, by way of Junction and retrieve a 50 ton shipment of refined zuchai crystals… return to Junction with the crystals and receive a lump sum payment of MCr5. Simple.
The problem is that Ine Givar has bombed the hell out of several population centers on Fenris, the corporation which was supposed to ship the crystals is out of contact, nobody knows where the crystals are located, and in the ensuing chaos the planet’s government has just declared for the Solomani Party. (OK, I lifted the plot from an old JTAS article, and moved the location. I’m a GM… we’re allowed to do that!)
The contact gave Ute a data crystal that contained the mission authorization codes, and sent her on her way with instructions to have the cargo in Junction inside of three weeks.
To be continued.
