LFP - Long Term Traveller Game

[Ardem]

Hi guys,

I am looking to fill in every 2nd Sunday night 8.30pm AEST. I want to do a epic space opera, that does not just centre around one set of players, but potentials you could have three to control with various degrees of involvement.

The setting is somewhere around the late Long Night section where the Empire of Man, has disappeared and the 3rd Imperium is yet to start. It centred around a world which has finally put back together interstellar travel space flight, but has limited resources and in desperate need of new tech, they have huge gaps.

The players roles will include 3 characters at there disposal. Each of the roles actually interlinks with other roles

- The 'think tank', a group set out to steer governmental, or corporate positions or shadowy types that, grease the wheels set forward design or plans, very much a planetary control, goal is to create a empire.

- Naval Officers, these at first will be at first on a single interstellar combat ship, that will do everything from battle piracy, meet with neighbouring empires and establish ties. Eventually at the empire progress these will turn into a flotilla.

- Special Forces, these will be deployed for ground operations, or intelligence gathering, recovery and rescue.

This might be a huge undertaking but could be a glorious empire building where it is a little deeper, from both a roleplaying perspective and depth then a general hack and slash. So feel free to comment below on your interest or even if you have any advice or great ideas around this if you cannot play I like to hear them.

[Harrycoins]

I love the idea for a campaign with that amount of depth. I was wondering if you were going to home brew the empire building aspect or use some existing sources for the rules?

I'm thinking of Traveller 4's Pocket Empires and I think Mongoose 1st edition has a book themed towards this as well.

Whatever you use I wish you good tidings in tackling such a large project. I will be reading along if possible.

[esmdev]

It sounds like a Milieu 0 campaign, also from the T4 era. I really enjoyed gaming in that era. Lost of opportunity for exploration and discovery, all the same ole same ole seemed new and shiny.

I wish I could join but sadly my weekends are pretty much full. I do wish you tons of success with this game because it sounds like a blast!

My thoughts on what a campaign like that would need in the front end is a fairly comprehensive idea of technologically what they have and what they don't. Figure out where they might find what they need (like in ruins on nearby planets, ancient archives on their own planet, derelict spacecraft or stations, nearby friendly or unfriendly people, etc) so that you know what they can get and where they can get it. It often helps to seed the PCs with clues like a historical document detailing ancient Empire of Man trade route with a list of possible systems where things they are looking for my be. I'm not sure if you want the campaign to run on rails or be more sandbox style but either way I find it helpful to at least point PCs in right direction. :)

[Ardem]

Thanks for both of your comments, I am looking at Pocket Empires for ideas, definately I will need to do some Home Brew around the empire Building aspect.

Esmdev, I was thinking that exact thing last night, also the resources needed to go to the next technological stage, I was thinking there would be aspects for ruin diving for those human systems that did not survive the long night, which I imagine a few. My thoughts on the Long Night, was a period of Chaos, internal strife that led many of the outlying systems having complete breakage even anniliation. Where others just kept on the edge of survival or various government types and cultures thrived under the change.

I am not sure how do deal with jumping ability, do points need to be surveyed first, or do I allow more of a less restrictive method and they can jump whereever, I am thinking they need survey point first to get to a new system, where they could find systems maps that lead to other systems.

I definately plan on having the PC hand held for a little bit to start of with, based on orders from command, to give direction. Also to feel the military culture, and noble nuances I am thinking the style would be a heavily influnences 18th Century English Naval style. But as they grow into the roles then make it more sandboxed. But still wanting the players to have superiors and interworld politics keep somethings in perspective and in check and to move things along. Also the players will be more hero like, then average joes as they would be the best of what the workld has to offer as they are int he prime positions, I will do this my the starting characters evolution to be 3 year jumps not 4.

The Thinktank is the strange aspect I have not 100% figured out, they will have influence but not 100% influence. I will develop a system of government the players will need to understand I am thinking Monarchy, with a house of Commons and Lords. Lords tend to be also Corporate owners, Once I figure some stuff out I will place it in here and open up for opinions about it.

So definatley I need players that like to sink their teeth into it.

[Overdog]

What system are you planning on using?

[Ardem]

I plan on using Mongoose Traveller 1E, however I am taking some stuff as far as History and Pocket Empires from Marc Miller's Traveller. This will be a 0 Milleu game. I been working on the starting system, however I will not share the exact location, as the details (such as star charts) are lost to the players, how will post the system shortly with a bit of the history. I am trying to keep it as OTU as possible but I might divert a little. I will share the system history and allow people on here to help me name the system planets.

I will be using the 1E ruleset for Fantasy Grounds as well.

[DnD_Fizban]

Put me down for a spot. Looking at it there is definitely potential for a truly epic Space Opera to develop here.

[Ardem]

So into the world building stage.

I have attached a spreadsheet of the starting planet. It has a single colony, with a number of science/mining outposts. If anyone feel free to name them that would be great. <smile> It will be a very European 18th Century feel to naming convention, form of government.

System Form Spreadsheet (https://www.dropbox.com/s/oc09bvj6p130ufv/System%20Form.xlsx?dl=0)

Also I have decided to call the special forces team, Jackal teams however I need a cool acronym for them, any idea it could be.

Example of other forms,

JCKL
JACRL
JACL
etc..

best I have come up with is Jump Assisted Combat Recon Legionaries but I am not convinced I like Legionaries. Any thoughts would be great.

[damned]

Joint Armed Combat Assault Legion

[gruber12]

is there a wiki or something that has all the game stuff like class's and thingies

[Ardem]

https://wiki.travellerrpg.com/Main_Page This is a good wiki to show some of the history etc. Also some the races however our will start as a pure human race. Due to the history unlike to have races mixed at this stage.

Traveller has careers not classes.

https://www.traveller-srd.com/
We not using SRD version however a lot of it translates well to Mongoose version 1E, like skills, careers and general game play. This website gives you a very good idea about the rules and gameplay.

[Wind Serpent]

This sounds like a very interesting concept! I would love to take part in your game.

I'm at GMT+1, so the game would be Sunday morning for me. I should be able to do that most weeks, although I may have to miss a session due to other obligations coming up occasionally.

[Ardem]

This sounds like a very interesting concept! I would love to take part in your game.

I'm at GMT+1, so the game would be Sunday morning for me. I should be able to do that most weeks, although I may have to miss a session due to other obligations coming up occasionally.

That should not be a problem. I am aiming for a group of 4-6, in about a month I will set down a start date in Jan. I am working on the world building and history, currently at the moment. I will post tidbits on here about these things to get the juices flowing.

[gruber12]

iam interested, i do like the naval officer and marine stuff

[esmdev]

is there a wiki or something that has all the game stuff like class's and thingies

https://wiki.travellerrpg.com/Main_Page

Mongoose Publishing released MGT 1st & 2nd Traveller.

https://forum.mongoosepublishing.com/viewforum.php?f=89&sid=c111983ab3baedcbc9ef5dcb89d3bbc9

[donpaulo]

Howdi,

I'm currently in a 5e campaign on Sunday nights but might have some time available for such a project.

The thinktank model reminds me of Foundation. A wonderful concept and great series.

I'd also suggest a political group of some shape. They are the ones responsible for making decisions after all... Perhaps an amalgamation of the original 3 ? Maybe voting on particular actions. It would present an interesting situation as each group would need the support from at least 1 of the other two. The fly in the ointment would be the 2 combat focused groups vs the brainy one. Maybe a lack of funding to prevent out of control military spending. Alot to think about there.

Lack of key elements is a good way to create the campaign. For example they have old jump drive ships but lack the ability to refine the materials necessary. First they have to locate a source, then protect it, then a logistics challenge finally a trade for refining it.

anyway color me interested

Best
dp

[naven]

I am interested! Now I don't need to worry about top10casinobonuscodes com (https://top10casinobonuscodes.com). I can watch any races there. Oh man, there's so much fun there. I might win there.

[Ardem]

Very good guys, I put you down I will shoot off an email in December for a Jan start date.

I worked on the History and Political Structure of the Sharenga, and how it arrived to where is is now.

Timeline
[-1700] [The Long Night, Stock market crash, Mega Corporations disappear overnight, riots and rebellions through the Empire. The 'Rule of Man' era is finished]
[-1500 - -1300] [Trade to this system dries up, much of the heavy industry and technology no longer have parts and the technology for things like Jump Drives. Stocks are carefully doled out. Expertise is lost as a number of generations of people passes.]
[-1300 - -1000] [Technology components that has been patched and re-patched as much as possible starts to completely fail. There is no spares and reverse engineering is impossible.]
[-892] [The last of the working jump drives fail. No new trading ships have entered the system in last 100 years.]
[-900 - -800] [Panic, Civil Strife and the breakdown of the government, result in some areas anarchy. Death Tolls rise as populations scrap for what they can.]
[-798] [The rise of 'The Family' a criminal organisation turned Warlords, that took many cities over and declared themselves rulers. The leaders purged any thought of rebellions, and used slavery for political prisoners. Millions died.]
[-650] [Rebellion lead by Ulysses Windsor]
[-640] [The Last stronghold of 'The Family' vanquished]
[-637] [Ulysses Windsor given the title, 'Lord Protector']
[-628] [Government finally formed, with Ulysses the main driving force for democracy, however many powerful individuals pushing for a Feudal system. Ulysses negotiates a compromise brings in a two tier system, Lord protector made a Head of State, with ability to select nobility. The House of Lords established and the House of Commons. All bills are submitted in the commons and voted by the the Lords, at first it was just a rubber stamp, however the Lords power grew. The people for the most part are happy.]
[-610] [Lord Protector Ulysses dies and passes the mantle onto his daughter Rachel. The Lords tend to become very wealthy via influence of their positions, which are heretical in nature so wealth is accumulated, unlike the Commons who are voted in and out. Deals are done behind close door between Nobility and Proletario (the name given to elected members.)]
[-610 - -520] [Lady Protector Rachel turn a blind eye as she was consolidating her family position she also marries one of the Lord's of one of the wealthier heavy industry companies. Wolfe Sands. Sands Industries.]
[-504] [Lady Protector Rachel dies passes the mantle onto her second son 'Blackburn Windsor', first son had died in childbirth,]
[-456] [Lord Protector Blackburn dies in an extremist attack, the conspirators were never found. After a minor period of crackdown there was considerable restraint on the Nobility to rush in new laws to push other agenda. Such as more security laws on the population.]
[-457] [There are two contenders for the throne, from Rachels younger Brother. Issac Windsor, however he is very old. The other being Blackburn illegitimate child Adella Oni.]
[-458] [The legal war turns into a shooting war when Adella received the case in her favour. 18 month after the initial verdict in that time Isaac as caretaker has consolidated his position.]
[-455] [The Army suppresses the insurrection new legal rules governing the titles and making illegitimate children unable to inherit are passed. Adella Oni is eventually captured and executed for treason.]
[-420] [Lord Protector Isacc Windsor dies, title based to his eldest born Henrietta Windsor.]
[-300] [Lady Protector Henrietta dies passes the title to Levi Windsor]
[-150] [People notice Lord Protector Levi has lived longer, he is displayed on many occasions, but then is reclusive. He has age very slowly. people think he is using hibernation suites to extend his rule. The People are not "unhappy" about this as stability and prosperity has endued. Several research fields has been increased as well as reclaiming much of the uninhabited cities that were left derelict for 1000 years from civil war and strife.]
[-87] [The discover of a Jump Drive engine in pristine condition, led to another scientific thrust. The Lead physicist Bao Tui, expends his entire life on the project. The space research field becomes abuzz. Lord Protector Levi drives funding to various projects and goals to rediscover space.]
[-5] [The first test glorified shuttle with a Jump Drive is a success, Captain Juane Perry returns successful. Bao now 92 dies a few days later. He is given a state funeral.]
[0] [The first jump drive starship leaves the space dock]

[Ardem]

Howdi,

I'm currently in a 5e campaign on Sunday nights but might have some time available for such a project.

The thinktank model reminds me of Foundation. A wonderful concept and great series.

I'd also suggest a political group of some shape. They are the ones responsible for making decisions after all... Perhaps an amalgamation of the original 3 ? Maybe voting on particular actions. It would present an interesting situation as each group would need the support from at least 1 of the other two. The fly in the ointment would be the 2 combat focused groups vs the brainy one. Maybe a lack of funding to prevent out of control military spending. Alot to think about there.

Lack of key elements is a good way to create the campaign. For example they have old jump drive ships but lack the ability to refine the materials necessary. First they have to locate a source, then protect it, then a logistics challenge finally a trade for refining it.

anyway color me interested

Best
dp

The way I see the political landscape work, is that there is a number of factions, within the House of Commons, these will range from Materialist, Spiritualists, Isolationist, Expansionist, Pacifists, Militarists. I will use a point system say 100 points representing the body. Each Month there will be movement from the populace which would be random, just a few percent. Two D4 rolled oppose the opposite faction. Also dependant on events the GM will also change a few points. EG and attack by an empire would increase the military persuasion.

How will this affect the thinktank, well based on the advise and plans they will submit, will give it the difficulty factor to push through. So the plans for that huge destroyer that will take all of the economy just will not happen if the pacifist have more power. So the thinktank is the advisory board, but not the power. However there is nothing stopping the thinktank over time gain more power more friends that will help them achieve goals. I do not want too much dice rolling here more roleplaying, so rules will be very light. but there will be guides like above to give you and idea on possibilities of what you can spend the economy on.

I not seen the foundation is is a tv series or something else?

[donpaulo]

Isaac Asimov wrote many wonderful books, but among those many claim the Foundation series to be his best. He wrote so many great ones that its kind of pointless to debate which one was best, but Foundation which contains 7 books is truly a page turner. Highly recommended. There have been a number of versions put out, one by the BBC radio but I've heard there is a plan to make a TV series as well as a movie. I'm sure its on YT as I listened to it as an MP3 while doing my nightly walks.

The basic plot line is that the Galactic Empire is going to pass into a dark age. Future historians using advanced techniques forecast the downfall. These same "pyschohistorians" are then able to build a planet of learning named "Foundation" to reduce the length of the dark ages. There are some wonderful tangents and surprises throughout the series and many compelling characters such as "The Mule", Harry Seldon and MANY other protagonists.

It dovetails a bit with your overall synopsis and I think can give you some great material to borrow or brew into your own campaign. Asimov is such a terrific writer that you can power through his books in no time at all.

One of the most compelling aspects of the series for me is the concept of power and who controls it. Its like a game of texas holdem where each player has a limited idea of the combination of winning hands available, yet a number of other cards are masked. Who will make the correct bet and which has the ultimate winning hand.

As the technological leader of the galaxy Foundation can withhold key aspects of critical advances, thus nerfing the warlike and fostering trade instead. However they cannot overly control as psychohistory is more of a general sense of the movement of water in the seas so to speak. We can guess about the tides, wave formation and the like. Often the scientists do not know which choice to make and have to let fate decide.

The d4 modifier is a nice idea. It reminds me a bit of a great political game called Die Macher.

https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/1/die-macher

The ebb and flow of that game would also mesh nicely and perhaps you can use some of it to improve your overall concept.

best
dp

[Ardem]

Sounds really interesting, I definately grab that if I can on the kindle.

Last night worked on things fair bit, I am trying very hard to fit everything into 1E rules with T4 Pocket Empire manging the Economy. So far it seems to dovetail well, however I have some concerns around space combat, which would be a heavy feature in this campaign and mass space combat as well. I think the High Guard Space Expanded rules. But does not leave a lot of rules for space combat tactics. I would like tactics to have something like the element of Honor Universe, but not overwhelming detail that it take to long, with 1000 die rolls.

I think I am going to use 1E rules with a few house rules. I will go through them over the next few weeks, want to play test a few battles.

[donpaulo]

I'll give pocket empire a good read through when I have the chance

[Ardem]

ok some dates locked in, I have been very busy with working out spreadsheets, History, NPCs and starting Military equipment for the starting World.

Sunday, 13th of January 8.30pm AEST is the character creation night, this will consist of roleplaying and character creation. Now there will be some house rules around this, mainly to make sure your characters stay in the assigned areas. Example a Navy person will not get drumed out, however may lose a rank or something. the Roleplaying aspect will also help you familarize yourself in the world and culture, also a good time to brush up. Now the Char Creation might spread over a couple of sessions since we doing 3 chars. However there will be a fair bit of roleplaying mixed in so it will feel like a normal session.

I plan to run the campaign ever fortnight, so please send me a message in text if you are still interested and I will lock you position in. Priority will be made for those that can play most fornights, i know it always tough for everyone and first in first serve, I aim to have a group of six.

If you got questions about the game and so forth what I will do is get a email chain going so that way I am including the team about some of the minor house rules, these are just to make the game more freeflowing.

[Davo]

Still got room there??

[Ardem]

I do have a spot left message your email address and will send the start email.

[Davo]

Cheers

[email protected]

[The D6 Ramber]

If you have a slot available, I am definitely interested. I want to reread the initial outset, to see if I get the Concept. We have a Controller type /Noble that runs the "empire" we control, then a Naval officer type, and then a third character? so we make 3 characters?

[Ardem]

Well we have started with character creation we unfortunatley had a pull out of one person due to work commitments. So I have one spot still available, hit me up if your interested.

[PantsORama]

Still looking for players?

[Ardem]

Sorry to say we have 5 consistent people, however I will ask the guys if they feel a need for sixth and let you know.

[donpaulo]

I'm good with 6 but I only gots 1 vote

[Aster]

I would be interested in playing a Traveller game. I am new to the system but not roleplay. If a space opens up, I would love to jump in.