

Death during character generation is possible in some editions, a mechanic that became infamous.Ĭharacters have six primary characteristics: strength, dexterity, endurance, intelligence, education, and social standing. A character can be civilian, military, or noble, a young cadet, or a tried-and-true veteran, each with strengths and weaknesses. Characters get skills and experience in a mini-game where the player makes career choices determining the character's life up to the point before adventuring begins.Ī character can be human, robot, alien, or of a genetically engineered species. Traveller uses a lifepath-style system for character generation. Normal-space travel is accomplished through relatively efficient and powerful gravitic drives. Space travel: Interstellar travel is through the use of the faster-than-light (FTL) jump drive, which moves a ship through "jump space" a few light-years at a time.Affairs are often managed by independent nobility, who make use of classic titles such as Baron, Duke and Archduke. Sociological: Interstellar society is socially stratified (high, mid, and low passage SOC (Social Status) is a primary character attribute).Morals and mortality: People remain people and continue to show courage, wisdom, honesty and justice, along with cowardice, deceit, and criminal behavior.Decisions are made on the local level rather than by a remote authority.

Communication is limited to the speed of travel. Limited communication: There is no faster-than-light information transfer – meaning no ansible, subspace radio or hyper-wave.Human-centric but cosmopolitan: The core rules focus on human characters, but there is support for using and playing aliens.library data, anachronistic and atavistic worlds) within limits. The definitions create a diverse space (e.g. Diversity within Limits: Career options, ship design, subsector design, and the character generation process, collectively limit and frame reality.Conflict resolution: Planets fight internal wars, and commerce is a major driving force of civilization.Retief's Peace, Keith Laumer, William H.Envoy to New Worlds, Keith Laumer, 1963.Dumarest of Terra saga, Edwin Charles Tubb, 1967-2008.Marc Miller lists a number of books that influenced Traveller and provided its key features: Characters are defined not by the need to increase native skill and ability but by achievements, discoveries, wealth, titles, and political power. 3.2.7 GURPS Traveller: Interstellar WarsĬharacters journey between star systems, engaging in exploration, ground and space battles, and interstellar trading.
