[MegaTraveller] - A Message of Ominous Portent

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ClosedTravellerPrivate3 / weekForeverDED
https://www.dedzone.net/traveller/images/CT-logo-cropped.png

The Imperium has been at war with itself for over thirteen years now with no sign of conciliation from any of the factions. But recently, word has reached Vilani Intelligence that Lucan's faction has developed a doomsday weapon that, if released, could very well end civilization as we know it. The news gets worse, however, as there's no time to stop it, for Dulinor has launched his "Coronation Fleet" which is certain to battle its way through all resistance and take Capital once and for all. The release of the doomsday weapon is all but assured.

While it may seem like the Imperium is doomed, there is still a chance to save a small part of it.

The Domain of Deneb, led by Archduke Norris, has been spared the worst of the war thanks in due part to astrography and neutrality. The Great Rift and the Windhorn Rift provide a natural barrier to shield this isolated province. The only reasonable way through to it is via the aptly named Corridor sector. But Corridor sector has been overrun by opportunistic Vargr states and corsairs. Getting the message through won't be easy. But if it can get through, there's a chance to save hundreds of billions of lives and provide hope for future generations to avoid another Long Night.

The Pack of Daggers, captained by Gvarokh, a former Imperial Vargr Navy officer turned undercover privateer for the Vilani Navy, has been assigned this desperate task. Will you join this mission to help bring this message of ominous portent to Archduke Norris?

https://www.dedzone.net/traveller/MOP/images/shipcrashintocity.jpg


Aug 29, 2023 12:19 am
Origin Story: As we were winding down our two-decade PbEM campaign, Daryen and I thought about how we were going to say goodbye to these characters. He came up with the idea of riding off into the proverbial sunset, and that gave me the idea for this campaign. But since most of the gaming group was gone, we needed some fresh meat faces to replace the losses in our group. As I had just joined GP at the time, I pitched the idea of running it here, and he agreed. So here we are.
Campaign Content: If you've ever associated Traveller with Firefly, this campaign will not be like that. Don't get me wrong, I loved Firefly, but that atmosphere doesn't apply here. The aim here is not to misbehave, but to complete the mission. You won't be free traders paying off the mortgage on your ship; you're couriers with an important message that has to get through or else hundreds of billions of people will die. Paul Revere had it easy.

You should also know that some members of all species don't get along well with others. You could call it racism or species-ism. But that's not what the campaign is about. It's just a warning that your character might encounter others who look down on your species and call you names (although nothing like what we Humans use on each other). Instead, you're going to be on a ship with a mixed crew of Humans and Vargr (Terran wolves genetically engineered by the Ancients to sapience) who have done great things together and consider themselves part of the same pack. All are welcome. If you don't check your prejudice at the door, you're going out the airlock.

You should also expect violence (character death is a distinct possibility), bad language, and consumption of intoxicants. Beyond that, I'm not too sure. In the past, sexy stuff in my campaigns was done off-screen. Not that there was much of that. If you need clarification on anything that I've discussed or left out, feel free to publicly/privately ask me according to your level of comfort. Old game logs from all my campaigns can be found on my website.
Rules: We're going old school Traveller here. It's a homebrew mix of Classic Traveller (CT), MegaTraveller (MT), and Traveller: The New Era (TNE) as well as some homebrew rules I've created and collected over the years. No, you don't need to know the rules or have any books. I've posted the important stuff (chargen, tasks, combat) in the game forum along with pertinent background info. My website is also a handy resource.
Posting: I'm hoping to average 3 times/week. We all have lives outside of gaming, so this may be more of a goal than a requirement. I will prompt people when I find that they're holding up the game.

Ultimately, if something's coming up at work or with family that'll keep you away for a few days or more, drop me a note via DM or post something in the OOC thread and we'll act accordingly.
Roles to Play: As you may have gathered, we'll need characters to perform certain roles on the mission, so I will be steering and coaching players into developing characters to fill those roles. For people new to the system, I will gladly help you with chargen. Traveller is known to have a lengthy chargen process (even fatal). It may take us a couple of days to get through all of it. Don't worry about it.

I'm looking to fill five roles in the campaign (to start). If any of these feel like a fit for you, let me know.

Authority: This person has seen a demonstration of the doomsday weapon and has volunteered to offer their political clout to legitimize the presentation. The person will be from a diplomatic, bureaucratic, or noble background. This position has been filled.

Medic: This person has been invited by the Authority to participate in this mission. Going in a different direction here. The character will have a medical background, either civilian or military. Skills other than medicine will open up other gaming opportunities. I don't want you just waiting around with the band-aids. This position has been filled.

Computer Expert: This person has been involved with Vilani Naval Intelligence to verify the veracity of the claims made about the weapon as well as the authenticity of the data. Has assisted the Authority in briefings about the doomsday weapon. This person can be of military or academic background. This position has been filled.

Security Personnel: Two people either employed by the Authority, assigned to the Authority, or assigned to this mission to protect the Authority and Computer Expert against hostiles. Characters can be of military or law enforcement background. If you have the right skills, you can fill holes in the crew roster, like gunners for the turrets (hint hint), so that you have more to do than waiting around for boarding actions and/or off-ship excursions. This position has been filled.

You have some freedom with your background about why you've agreed to go on this mission. I have a couple storylines in mind, but wish to keep them private until the time comes.

If you're still reading at this point, thank you! And, I'm sorry. I got the impression that a good recruitment post should be as thorough as possible.
Last edited January 14, 2024 9:47 pm
Aug 29, 2023 11:48 am
I'm thinking about a Vargr Computer Expert with military background.

Never played Traveller before, don't know the rules or have any books, though, so I hope to have some help during character creation. =)
Aug 29, 2023 1:23 pm
Hello! This is your captain speaking. (No, really. I'm playing the captain, Gvarokh.) Both DED and I can help with the character creation. While DED (as the GM) is the only one that can approve anything, I can help answer any questions or explain things to the best of my knowledge.
Aug 29, 2023 2:11 pm
Thanks! We can do that in your game forums, if/after DED sends me an invite! =)
Last edited August 29, 2023 2:13 pm
Aug 29, 2023 2:22 pm
htech says:
I'm thinking about a Vargr Computer Expert with military background.

Never played Traveller before, don't know the rules or have any books, though, so I hope to have some help during character creation. =)
So long as you don't mind being an Imperial Vargr (I'll explain the difference later), then you're set. But since you've never played Traveller before, I don't see that as a problem. Probably better actually. Daryen plays an Imperial Vargr and is a good role model for one.

There will be plenty of help during character creation. The system I'm using is no longer available (except on eBay and similar sites) and is different from the current ones (Mongoose and T5). I've written up the procedure in the forums.

Sending invite...
Aug 29, 2023 2:22 pm
25 years old! ARRATHAEKKARR!
OOC:
Gvegh word generated on your web site - exclamation added :-)
I have been frustrated in previous attempts to get into a Traveller game - one on here died an early death. Chargen was great fun, although to be fair it left my character all but useless!

I'd love to be considered for this campaign and am immediately attracted to the Authority role.
Last edited August 29, 2023 2:26 pm
Aug 29, 2023 2:40 pm
therecusant says:
25 years old! ARRATHAEKKARR!
OOC:
Gvegh word generated on your web site - exclamation added :-)
I have been frustrated in previous attempts to get into a Traveller game - one on here died an early death. Chargen was great fun, although to be fair it left my character all but useless!

I'd love to be considered for this campaign and am immediately attracted to the Authority role.
Well, I really hope I don't disappoint you. ;)

If it's any consolation, the Authority figure can't be useless. While not a combat-oriented role, the Authority will typically rely on their wits and experience to help negotiate the group out of trouble. So if the Authority is an elder statesman, that's ok.

If you'd prefer a more combat-oriented role, then perhaps one of the Security Personnel would be more to your liking.
Aug 29, 2023 2:45 pm
ForeverDED says:


...If it's any consolation, the Authority figure can't be useless. While not a combat-oriented role, the Authority will typically rely on their wits and experience to help negotiate the group out of trouble. So if the Authority is an elder statesman, that's ok.

If you'd prefer a more combat-oriented role, then perhaps one of the Security Personnel would be more to your liking.
On the contrary, I'd prefer a less combat-oriented role - an elder statesman is very appealing :-)
Aug 29, 2023 2:59 pm
therecusant says:
On the contrary, I'd prefer a less combat-oriented role - an elder statesman is very appealing :-)
Excellent. :)
Sep 3, 2023 6:56 am
Hello!

I'd love to play some Traveller. Been playing some Cepheus and Traveller one shots but never a campaign.

I see many roles are filled but I'm cool with security if it's still available (▀̿Ĺ̯▀̿ ̿)
Sep 3, 2023 3:32 pm
Great! I'll get the invitation out to you and you can start reading the character generation thread.

Len

Sep 3, 2023 6:30 pm
Just wanted to wish you luck in this voyage, everyone! I have fond memories of playing MegaTraveller back in the days. It was the first RPG I owned myself! Still have it.
[ +- ] My MegaTraveller Box Set
Enjoy!
Oct 4, 2023 6:12 pm
I have been playing classic Traveller since 1982 - Any seats left?
Oct 4, 2023 7:51 pm
Well maybe. The proverbial train hasn't left the station yet, so there's a chance that we can still fit you in.

I didn't get all of the positions filled, but decided that we could probably get by with what was taken.

First off, the only official two positions left are Medic and Security guy. The latter is flexible.

Second, read through the forum (it's public), particularly the Mission Briefing. After reading through what we've done and the rules I'm using, if you're still interested, let me know, and I'll shoot you an invite. At this point, I can still shoehorn you into the story.
Oct 13, 2023 5:55 pm
The train has left the station.

There may be opportunities for new players should current players drop out, characters die off (PC & NPC), or new people are met that would best be served as a PC. I recommend following along with the story (it's a public game), and if it interests you, PM me or leave a note here. I can't guarantee that there will be a spot, but if one does open up, I'll contact you. This campaign will continue into 2024.
Last edited November 27, 2023 4:10 pm

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