Prompted by the thread about handouts:
When I worked on Mongoose's Living Traveller campaign, I suggested to Mongoose that a player handout with TNS newsbriefs or another suitable local newspaper should be included in each of the Living Traveller adventures. One twist that I really liked was that it wouldn't be newsbriefs written in the same three month period, the way traditional newsbriefs were written, but (some of) the newsbriefs that reached the scene of the adventure on the relevant date. Thus the same item might show up in two different newspapers if the times and distances fit. Each newspaper would also include one or two local news items that were unlikely to make it off the world.
Mongoose didn't go for the idea, but I had already written up a set of newsbriefs for my own A Festive Occasion, set on Mora in the beginning of 1105.
Here they are. They should fit on two sides of an A4 page for a prop that you can hand to your players. You will have to provide the proper formatting ('Traveller News Service', for example, was obviously in Optimum
); note that I've added a number of blank lines to make this post look neater. I hope some of you will find them useful, or at least interesting. It is, of course, non-canonical, although I like to think that it is canon-compatible. I was, after all, planning to submit it to Mongoose.
And as a bonus, one newsbrief that I wrote for the next week's TNS Mora/Mora:
Enjoy!
Hans
When I worked on Mongoose's Living Traveller campaign, I suggested to Mongoose that a player handout with TNS newsbriefs or another suitable local newspaper should be included in each of the Living Traveller adventures. One twist that I really liked was that it wouldn't be newsbriefs written in the same three month period, the way traditional newsbriefs were written, but (some of) the newsbriefs that reached the scene of the adventure on the relevant date. Thus the same item might show up in two different newspapers if the times and distances fit. Each newspaper would also include one or two local news items that were unlikely to make it off the world.
Mongoose didn't go for the idea, but I had already written up a set of newsbriefs for my own A Festive Occasion, set on Mora in the beginning of 1105.
Here they are. They should fit on two sides of an A4 page for a prop that you can hand to your players. You will have to provide the proper formatting ('Traveller News Service', for example, was obviously in Optimum
); note that I've added a number of blank lines to make this post look neater. I hope some of you will find them useful, or at least interesting. It is, of course, non-canonical, although I like to think that it is canon-compatible. I was, after all, planning to submit it to Mongoose.TRAVELLER NEWS SERVICE Newsbriefs
Mora/Mora 006-1105
Capital/Core (2118-A586A98-F) Date 197-1104
¶ Informed sources at the Palace say that following the recent death of Archduke Fara of Ilelish, Sector Duke of Zarushagar and Duke of Liasdi, without any clear heir, Emperor Strephon will appoint Duke Dulinor Astrin Ilethian of Dlan as the new Archduke. The successor to the Duchy of Liasdi is not yet known, nor is it clear who will become the new Sector Duke of Zarushagar. Ω
Regina/Regina (1910–A788899-C) Date 343-1104
¶ Duke Norris departed Regina today on his private yacht Swifthawk, bound for the Senate Assembly to be held on Mora from 006-1105 to 021-1105. He left three days later than originally planned, leaving him very little margin of error if his jumps take longer than average. No explanation has been given for the delay.
¶ The Senate is an advisory body similar in nature, albeit not in scope, to the Imperial Moot. It assembles once a decade on Mora, the sector capital, to discuss the affairs of the sector and to write a so-called State of the Marches Report for the Emperor. Ω
Rhylanor/Rhylanor (2716–A434934-F) Date 357-1104
¶ The yacht Swifthawk, belonging to Duke Norris of Regina, arrived in the system today, carrying the duke and bound for the upcoming 74th Assembly of the Spinward Marches’ Senate on Mora in two weeks’ time. Since Duke Leonard had left Rhylanor six days ago, Duke Norris was spared the need for making a formal call, and he departed four hours later without ever getting closer to Rhylanor than 100 diameters, the Swifthawk having been refuelled at the jump limit from the Imperial Navy cruiser Ishkan Sea.
¶ The Senate is smaller version of the Imperial Moot comprised of all Imperial nobles connected to the Spinward Marches. It is assembling on 006-1105 for the 74th time since the Marches were organized as a proper sector by Martin III in 424. Ω
Mora/Mora (3124–AA99AC7-F) Date 006-1105
¶ The 74th Assembly of the Spinward Marches' Senate opened today in the Grand Hall of the Ducal Palace in the Imperial Enclave next to Wavecrest City, capital of Mora.
¶ The Senate is an advisory body comprised of all Imperial peers belonging to the Marches. It is summoned by the Emperor whenever he needs advise him on matters of local importance. In addition, once a decade it assembles on Mora, the sector capital, to discuss matters of mutual interest and to compose a formal document known as the State of the Marches Report for the Emperor.
¶ Presiding over the opening was Duchess Delphine of Mora; the five other high dukes of the Marches, two honour dukes, 42 counts, 117 marquises, and 310 barons, almost two thirds of the total number of Imperial nobles of the Marches, were also in attendance. Ω
Mora/Mora (3124–AA99AC7-F) Date 006-1105
¶ A band of terrorists, believed to be members of the Ine Givar, yesterday attempted to kidnap Duke Norris of Regina as he arrived to participate in the Senate Assembly. The band had infiltrated the Diamond, a small privately owned space station used mainly for small luxury liners and private yachts, and were lying in wait as Duke Norris’ yacht was about to dock.
¶ The terrorists were foiled by a mixed-services team of undercover security agents led by an officer of Imperial Naval Intelligence. The names of the heroes are being withheld to preserve their effectiveness as covert agents. Also involved at the end were Norris’ bodyguards and Norris himself.
¶ The surviving terrorists were taken into custody and are being interrogated. A spokesman for INI today announced that the leader of the group had committed suicide during the night by ingesting poison secreted in a false tooth.
¶ Security forces all over the system and especially in Wavecrest City are drawing a sigh of relief. For weeks there have been rumours that the Ine Givar were planning a major atrocity in connection with the Senate Assembly, and security forces have been under tremendous strain. “There are other threats, so we’re not going to relax,” says one anonymous army major, “but it’s a relief to know that that particular menace has been dealt with.” Ω
Mora/Mora (3124–AA99AC7-F) Date 006-1105
¶ A spokesman for Tukera Lines today announced that as of 187-1105 their L-Hyd drop ship route between Mora and Rhylanor will be cut back from weekly departures to departures every ten days. Two of the six ships currently employed on the route will be refurbished and used to open a new route. The location of this new route was not mentioned.
¶ The Mora to Rhylanor route was opened on Holiday last year with much fanfare. Alternating between jumping via Natoko and via Heroni, the route connects two of the richest worlds in the Marches. Catering solely to people who can afford to pay for speedy travel, the ships employed offer luxury accommodation only. Plans for a similar connection to Trin via a deep space refuelling station in hex 3130 were announced, but seems to have been delayed by financing problems.
¶ L-Hyd drop ships have only been in service for the last dozen years in the interior, being made possible by recent advances in the field of capacitor engineering. Commercial vessels equipped with the new generation of long-storage jump capacitors carry jump fuel in specially designed L-Hyd drop tanks in excess of their rated tonnage. Upon conversion of the fuel to the massive energy required for jump, the drop tanks are explosively jettisoned through the use of break-away connections and explosive bolts. Jump is executed when the remains of the tanks are a safe distance from the vessel.
¶ L-Hyd tanks are expensive and increase the absolute cost per jump, but the increase in interior space allows the ship to carry more passengers, making the individual fare considerably cheaper than regular jump-6 service. Ω
Wavecrest City Date 006-1105
¶ A 37 year old system traffic controller was mugged and killed last night on his way home from work. A spokesman for the Imperial Starport Security Force announced that several leads are being followed, but that as yet no definite conclusions have been reached. The name is being withheld by the MPs until the relatives have been informed. Ω
Mora/Mora 006-1105
Capital/Core (2118-A586A98-F) Date 197-1104
¶ Informed sources at the Palace say that following the recent death of Archduke Fara of Ilelish, Sector Duke of Zarushagar and Duke of Liasdi, without any clear heir, Emperor Strephon will appoint Duke Dulinor Astrin Ilethian of Dlan as the new Archduke. The successor to the Duchy of Liasdi is not yet known, nor is it clear who will become the new Sector Duke of Zarushagar. Ω
Regina/Regina (1910–A788899-C) Date 343-1104
¶ Duke Norris departed Regina today on his private yacht Swifthawk, bound for the Senate Assembly to be held on Mora from 006-1105 to 021-1105. He left three days later than originally planned, leaving him very little margin of error if his jumps take longer than average. No explanation has been given for the delay.
¶ The Senate is an advisory body similar in nature, albeit not in scope, to the Imperial Moot. It assembles once a decade on Mora, the sector capital, to discuss the affairs of the sector and to write a so-called State of the Marches Report for the Emperor. Ω
Rhylanor/Rhylanor (2716–A434934-F) Date 357-1104
¶ The yacht Swifthawk, belonging to Duke Norris of Regina, arrived in the system today, carrying the duke and bound for the upcoming 74th Assembly of the Spinward Marches’ Senate on Mora in two weeks’ time. Since Duke Leonard had left Rhylanor six days ago, Duke Norris was spared the need for making a formal call, and he departed four hours later without ever getting closer to Rhylanor than 100 diameters, the Swifthawk having been refuelled at the jump limit from the Imperial Navy cruiser Ishkan Sea.
¶ The Senate is smaller version of the Imperial Moot comprised of all Imperial nobles connected to the Spinward Marches. It is assembling on 006-1105 for the 74th time since the Marches were organized as a proper sector by Martin III in 424. Ω
Mora/Mora (3124–AA99AC7-F) Date 006-1105
¶ The 74th Assembly of the Spinward Marches' Senate opened today in the Grand Hall of the Ducal Palace in the Imperial Enclave next to Wavecrest City, capital of Mora.
¶ The Senate is an advisory body comprised of all Imperial peers belonging to the Marches. It is summoned by the Emperor whenever he needs advise him on matters of local importance. In addition, once a decade it assembles on Mora, the sector capital, to discuss matters of mutual interest and to compose a formal document known as the State of the Marches Report for the Emperor.
¶ Presiding over the opening was Duchess Delphine of Mora; the five other high dukes of the Marches, two honour dukes, 42 counts, 117 marquises, and 310 barons, almost two thirds of the total number of Imperial nobles of the Marches, were also in attendance. Ω
Mora/Mora (3124–AA99AC7-F) Date 006-1105
¶ A band of terrorists, believed to be members of the Ine Givar, yesterday attempted to kidnap Duke Norris of Regina as he arrived to participate in the Senate Assembly. The band had infiltrated the Diamond, a small privately owned space station used mainly for small luxury liners and private yachts, and were lying in wait as Duke Norris’ yacht was about to dock.
¶ The terrorists were foiled by a mixed-services team of undercover security agents led by an officer of Imperial Naval Intelligence. The names of the heroes are being withheld to preserve their effectiveness as covert agents. Also involved at the end were Norris’ bodyguards and Norris himself.
¶ The surviving terrorists were taken into custody and are being interrogated. A spokesman for INI today announced that the leader of the group had committed suicide during the night by ingesting poison secreted in a false tooth.
¶ Security forces all over the system and especially in Wavecrest City are drawing a sigh of relief. For weeks there have been rumours that the Ine Givar were planning a major atrocity in connection with the Senate Assembly, and security forces have been under tremendous strain. “There are other threats, so we’re not going to relax,” says one anonymous army major, “but it’s a relief to know that that particular menace has been dealt with.” Ω
Mora/Mora (3124–AA99AC7-F) Date 006-1105
¶ A spokesman for Tukera Lines today announced that as of 187-1105 their L-Hyd drop ship route between Mora and Rhylanor will be cut back from weekly departures to departures every ten days. Two of the six ships currently employed on the route will be refurbished and used to open a new route. The location of this new route was not mentioned.
¶ The Mora to Rhylanor route was opened on Holiday last year with much fanfare. Alternating between jumping via Natoko and via Heroni, the route connects two of the richest worlds in the Marches. Catering solely to people who can afford to pay for speedy travel, the ships employed offer luxury accommodation only. Plans for a similar connection to Trin via a deep space refuelling station in hex 3130 were announced, but seems to have been delayed by financing problems.
¶ L-Hyd drop ships have only been in service for the last dozen years in the interior, being made possible by recent advances in the field of capacitor engineering. Commercial vessels equipped with the new generation of long-storage jump capacitors carry jump fuel in specially designed L-Hyd drop tanks in excess of their rated tonnage. Upon conversion of the fuel to the massive energy required for jump, the drop tanks are explosively jettisoned through the use of break-away connections and explosive bolts. Jump is executed when the remains of the tanks are a safe distance from the vessel.
¶ L-Hyd tanks are expensive and increase the absolute cost per jump, but the increase in interior space allows the ship to carry more passengers, making the individual fare considerably cheaper than regular jump-6 service. Ω
Wavecrest City Date 006-1105
¶ A 37 year old system traffic controller was mugged and killed last night on his way home from work. A spokesman for the Imperial Starport Security Force announced that several leads are being followed, but that as yet no definite conclusions have been reached. The name is being withheld by the MPs until the relatives have been informed. Ω
And as a bonus, one newsbrief that I wrote for the next week's TNS Mora/Mora:
Usani/Usani (2225–AA452699-C) Date 361-1104
¶ A spokesman for the Imperial Grand Survey today announced that due to the continued long-term failure to provide the facilities required of a class A starport, the starport on Forine (Spinward Marches 1533) has been reclassified from class A to class D.
¶ Forine is a high-population, industrialized world in District 268. It is the primary producer of processed and refined metals and minerals for the subsector. In early 1104, serious labour disputes escalated and resulted in riots and extensive destruction of starport facilities. As a result, casual visiting ships cannot be sure of getting even elementary service in reasonable time. Although the riots have for the time being been quelled, strikes, walk-outs, lock-outs, slowdowns, and sabotage still plague the system and make regular business difficult and rebuilding impossible. Ω
¶ A spokesman for the Imperial Grand Survey today announced that due to the continued long-term failure to provide the facilities required of a class A starport, the starport on Forine (Spinward Marches 1533) has been reclassified from class A to class D.
¶ Forine is a high-population, industrialized world in District 268. It is the primary producer of processed and refined metals and minerals for the subsector. In early 1104, serious labour disputes escalated and resulted in riots and extensive destruction of starport facilities. As a result, casual visiting ships cannot be sure of getting even elementary service in reasonable time. Although the riots have for the time being been quelled, strikes, walk-outs, lock-outs, slowdowns, and sabotage still plague the system and make regular business difficult and rebuilding impossible. Ω
Enjoy!
Hans
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