I’m new to Traveller and as an exercise in learning the system I have started to convert the crew of the TV show Firefly into starting T20 characters. Here’s what I came up with. Since this is an exercise to help me learn the system I’d very much appreciate feedback.
Mal
Age: 30 (actor is 31)
Prior History: Merc, 2 terms, Army 1 term
Class/Level: Merc 5/Army 2
Although Mal enlisted in the Army on the side of the Independents (earning a promotion to Sergeant) I don’t think he was an Army lifer. His bearing and language aren’t very military. During the show he’s probably multi-classing to Rogue or leveling as a Merc. Low Edu and Soc, but decent stats otherwise.
Zoe
Age: 30 (the actress is 33)
Prior History: Army 3 terms, now Merc
Class/Level: Army 6
I get the feeling she’s been in the military a long time as she still has a military bearing and calls Mal ‘sir’. She seems to be multi-classing to Merc. Decent stats across the board.
Wash
Age: 30 (the actor is 31)
Prior History: Traveller 3 terms, some levels of Ace Pilot prestige class
Class/Level: Traveller 4/Ace Pilot 2
We know nothing about Wash’s previous life, but his wardrobe and loose demeanor suggests that he’s done a lot of Traveling. Fairly average stats across the board.
Jayne
Age: 34 (the actor is 40 but the chracter seems younger)
Prior History: Merc 4 terms, maybe some levels as rogue
Class/Level: Merc 6
Jayne is a classic thug. Low Edu, low Soc, low mental stats, high physical stats.
Kaylee
Age: 20 (actress is 20)
Prior History: Professional ½ term
Class/Level: Professional 2
Kaylee is a Gearhead and Miracle working tech. She’s pretty much fresh off the far, though probably not first level as she’s a little older then 18. I’d say she’s got half a term under her belt and is probably 2nd or 3rd level. She’s got low Soc and Edu, and is from a back-water planet that has some tech (she learned to fix starships after all).
Inara
Age: 26 (no info on actresses age)
Prior History: Professional 2 terms
Class/Level: Professional 4
I’m guessing at Inara’s age, which she’d probably appreciate. She’s obviously got some experience under her belt, but still shows her youth on occasion. High Edu, high Soc (on account of her profession), high mental stats, low physical stats.
Book
Age: 54 (actor is 56)
Prior History: Academic 9 terms
Class/Level: Academic 8 to 10 (?)
We know almost nothing about Book, though there were hints that he’s more then a simple preacher. Until we know more I’d say he’s a straight academic.
Tam
Age: 25 (actor is 22 but is playing older)
Prior History: Academic, Bachelors (3 years), Masters, Doctorate
Class/Level: Academic 3 or 4
With his high Int and Edu Tam completed schooling early and graduated with honors, securing himself a position with a prestigious hospital before he became a criminal. He’s got high mental skills, low physical skills, and had a high Soc.
River
Age: 22
Prior History: Academic 1/2 term, Bachelors (failed to graduate)
Class/Level: Academic 2
River was a promising student until her psi ability came to the attention of the Alliance and she was removed from school. She’s got very high mental stats, low physical stats, high Edu and had high Soc until she and her brother became criminals.
Mal
Age: 30 (actor is 31)
Prior History: Merc, 2 terms, Army 1 term
Class/Level: Merc 5/Army 2
Although Mal enlisted in the Army on the side of the Independents (earning a promotion to Sergeant) I don’t think he was an Army lifer. His bearing and language aren’t very military. During the show he’s probably multi-classing to Rogue or leveling as a Merc. Low Edu and Soc, but decent stats otherwise.
Zoe
Age: 30 (the actress is 33)
Prior History: Army 3 terms, now Merc
Class/Level: Army 6
I get the feeling she’s been in the military a long time as she still has a military bearing and calls Mal ‘sir’. She seems to be multi-classing to Merc. Decent stats across the board.
Wash
Age: 30 (the actor is 31)
Prior History: Traveller 3 terms, some levels of Ace Pilot prestige class
Class/Level: Traveller 4/Ace Pilot 2
We know nothing about Wash’s previous life, but his wardrobe and loose demeanor suggests that he’s done a lot of Traveling. Fairly average stats across the board.
Jayne
Age: 34 (the actor is 40 but the chracter seems younger)
Prior History: Merc 4 terms, maybe some levels as rogue
Class/Level: Merc 6
Jayne is a classic thug. Low Edu, low Soc, low mental stats, high physical stats.
Kaylee
Age: 20 (actress is 20)
Prior History: Professional ½ term
Class/Level: Professional 2
Kaylee is a Gearhead and Miracle working tech. She’s pretty much fresh off the far, though probably not first level as she’s a little older then 18. I’d say she’s got half a term under her belt and is probably 2nd or 3rd level. She’s got low Soc and Edu, and is from a back-water planet that has some tech (she learned to fix starships after all).
Inara
Age: 26 (no info on actresses age)
Prior History: Professional 2 terms
Class/Level: Professional 4
I’m guessing at Inara’s age, which she’d probably appreciate. She’s obviously got some experience under her belt, but still shows her youth on occasion. High Edu, high Soc (on account of her profession), high mental stats, low physical stats.
Book
Age: 54 (actor is 56)
Prior History: Academic 9 terms
Class/Level: Academic 8 to 10 (?)
We know almost nothing about Book, though there were hints that he’s more then a simple preacher. Until we know more I’d say he’s a straight academic.
Tam
Age: 25 (actor is 22 but is playing older)
Prior History: Academic, Bachelors (3 years), Masters, Doctorate
Class/Level: Academic 3 or 4
With his high Int and Edu Tam completed schooling early and graduated with honors, securing himself a position with a prestigious hospital before he became a criminal. He’s got high mental skills, low physical skills, and had a high Soc.
River
Age: 22
Prior History: Academic 1/2 term, Bachelors (failed to graduate)
Class/Level: Academic 2
River was a promising student until her psi ability came to the attention of the Alliance and she was removed from school. She’s got very high mental stats, low physical stats, high Edu and had high Soc until she and her brother became criminals.
