Library Data: A-B

Library data entries represent information available from any ship’s computer using the library program, in response to the correct keywords. The information may be desirable as background or supporting information for an adventure, as data to help players better understand the situations they are in, or as leads to help start new adventures. In general, the referee can look into library data any time the player characters indicate that they are researching a subject. In addition to directly relevant information, additional materials of interest may be revealed to them.

—The Traveller Book (152).

In Classic Traveller, the use of Library Data was a fairly ingenious way to provide in-game information to the players. Library entries were generally short, punchy downloads filled with just enough information to orient players and offer color and plot hooks to help referees run an adventure. Their very brevity let them largely avoid the common sci-fi problem of narrative infodump, hitting just the essentials. Most of the CT Library Data were easily digestible and one could readily skip around several different entries. In small doses Library entries were an effective, gameable way to transmit setting data.

The problem with Library Data only emerges as a cumulative effect. Library Data could be redundant, with some entries repeated many times across different products. Also, they could be inefficient, with relevant entries on a single topic scattered across different books. Occasionally there would be minute differences with entries, and it could be extremely hard for a referee to track down stray details.

As the Third Imperium setting grew and accumulated more and more details, Library Data entries grew corresponding longer and longer, until some became almost mini-essays. And in fact, many future editions would abandon the technique altogether for walls of text—which are great for super-fans interested in burrowing down into the setting. But these long forms are not so great for casual players just trying to pick up a new game. For those folks, the old Library Data is still an excellent technique for supplying setting details.

Into the Interface Library Data

Acaran Snarl. An astrographic feature in Nemo, New Town, Voyager, New Mars, Swan, Iouo, and Valhalla subsectors of Magyar, a rambling chain of 77 worlds separated by jump-1 distances.

Allied Prefabricated Ships and Vessels. A shipyard operations corporation, based in the Magyar sector but with several facilities in the spinward portion of the Solomani Rim. It is primarily concerned with the construction of small to medium-size merchant vessels, using thoroughly tested designs licensed from other firms. Its corporate headquarters is located on Kline (Magyar 3012 A642987-E).

Alphard (Magyar 1701 B88AAA9-E). A large, high population water world with a dense atmosphere, a Class B starport, and a high law, high stellar tech society. Most of the population of 24.2 billion lives in underwater arcologies that sprawl along the floor of the world’s shallow ocean, which teems with complex, indigenous life. Alphard also has notable populations of Aslan and uplifted dolphins. Alphard is a very stable, peaceful society governed by a Supreme Council. The Imperial noble assigned to the world is the Countess Zhivka Lidka.

Culturally and economically Alphard is an astrographically isolated system, more connected to Daibei Sector, as it requires at least a Jump-3 ship to reach the system from elsewhere within Magyar Sector. The Alphard Institute of Technology is known for its Advanced Center for Particle Physics. The megacorporation Makhidkarun maintains its regional headquarters and a merchant academy onworld. The Imperial Army stations the 18th Grav Tank Army on Alphard and conducts Protected Forces Training in the Alphard system on the moon Nadim (G30087A-7) of the gas giant Malik. Alphard supports a TL14 colonial navy as well as one of the larger Nautical Force Commands in the Imperium.

Amber Zone. Travellers’ Aid Society classification for a nation, world, or system which presents a need for caution in dealings and activity. The amber code may indicate chaos, upheaval, or xenophobia in local business, politics, society, or culture, or it may be applied for other reasons. Travellers should exercise caution.

Ancients. Highly intelligent race that gained prominence approximately 300,000 years ago. Most of what is known about the Ancients has been gleaned from archeological excavations of Ancient sites: the remains of cities, bases, outposts, and settlements of the Ancients. Scientific dating techniques have established that a “Final War” spanning a 2,000-year period destroyed virtually all of the Ancients at that time

Ancient artifacts that have been discovered show a very high tech level and an equally high degree of sophistication, such artifacts often reveal new, previously undiscovered or unexploited technologies. In Magyar, Ancient sites have been identified on Pungitore (3104), Pankow (2518), Gyurenek (2912), Morgenstern (2625), and McNellan (2026).

android. A bioengineered artificial human. Androids are a specific type of synthetic, a broad class of organic-based artificial beings manufactured according to a master template or blueprint. Androids blend biological and non-biological processes: they have semi-organic bodies, semi-organic brains, and implanted personalities. They are incapable of reproduction. Androids are sometimes confused with pseudobiological robots, which are entirely non-organic constructs that merely resemble biological creatures. Although the technology for producing androids is available at TL13, true pseudobiological robots are expected to become available only at TL16 or beyond.

Androids are produced at a factory, commonly called a vat. Various components are grown or fabricated, and the android comes to life with the installation of the semi-organic brain. They begin life in adult form, fully trained and capable of performing their intended duties. An android has no memory of events prior to leaving the factory. Its first memory is of the final production chamber at the factory immediately prior to being sent into the world.

Androids are built for specific purposes, generally to perform laborious, dangerous, or repetitive tasks or to undertake work that would be considered too demeaning or demanding for a human. Because of their behavioral controls, androids are able to execute commands that humans might find distressing or distasteful. Although their cost is prohibitive—individual androids range in cost from MCr0.5 to MCr5.0 and beyond—synthetics are widely employed by those entities that can afford them: governments, corporations, nobles, and wealthy individuals.

In Magyar, important manufacturers include Corydon BioTech, Kline Synthetic Technologies, NewGenAssist, and Totaliti Workforce. The Wuan Technology Association is particularly well known for the quality of its synthetics, with Agilitrix being the largest producer. Its Spectrum line, now in its fifth generation, represents some of the most commonly encountered androids in the region.

Androids are a source of anxiety and discomfort for many humans. The potential for an android rebellion or mass malfunction is a common concern that forces manufacturers to spend billions of credits on public relations. For many humans, androids are nothing more than possessions to be exploited and discarded as desired.

Anglic. One of two official languages of the Third Imperium. A distant descendant of Terran English, Anglic was the language of the Rule of Man. Anglic remained a common interstellar language for trade and commerce during the Long Night. Its widespread use on the original worlds of the Third Imperium made it the natural language when the Imperium was established.

On many worlds, Anglic is only a second language used for system traffic control, commercial operations, and interstellar communications.

ape, uplifted. Troglodytes sapiens, genetically engineered intelligent animals created by ancient Terrans. This artificial species is a transgenic hybrid of gorilla, chimp, and some Human genes. They are larger and heavier than natural chimpanzees, and are lighter of build than gorillas with a more bipedal posture. Average height and mass are 1.6 meters and 100 kilograms. The most important genetic augmentation involved transgenic alterations to the vocal cords and brain based on Human genetic material to improve speech and linguistic ability. This gives them the same linguistic capabilities as an ordinary Human although their voices have a somewhat more guttural pitch than the average person.

Apes were first uplifted late in the Interstellar Wars period. They were perfected by Old Earth Union genetic engineers on Terra some 2,000 years ago. There are currently several million uplifted apes living on Solomani and Imperial worlds. Aldebawi and New Mars subsectors contain several remnant uplifted ape populations.

Arturo Coglan [957–1038]. Celebrated Solomani Confederation admiral during the Solomani Rim War, notable for his spirited defense of Magyar sector against Imperial fleets led by Admiral Miiri Kemper. Coglan was born on Kimel (Daibei 2239), which hosted both the Daibei Fleet Headquarters and a Confederation Naval Academy. Coglan entered the Academy in 975 and although he proved an indifferent student, his instructors noted his nimble and innovative intellect. Coglan served with the Daibei Sector Fleet and developed invasion plans for that allowed the Confederation to seize some 80 Daibei worlds with very few losses in 990.

Despite this success Solomani Security blocked Coglan’s advancement, citing his “insufficient enthusiasm” toward the Solomani Cause. Coglan was instead given command of a modest patrol flotilla based out of Avalon (Reaver’s Deep 3238). There Coglan studied Aslan asymmetrical warfare, insights that would prove invaluable once he was pitted against Kemper. Conglan’s success against the Aslan led to him being named Admiral of the Akuusir Subsector Fleet in 995.

When Kemper’s fleets entered Magyar in 1000, the Confederation Magyar Sector Fleet was ill-equipped to respond. Many of the reserve units were in Daibei and its best spinward units could not be brought to bear, as they were needed to deter further Aslan incursions into Dark Nebula. And many of the best trailing squadrons had been pulled into the Solomani Rim to assist in the defense of the Vegan District.

Coglan was summoned from Dark Nebula to organize a defense of Magyar, and he understood that he was faced with a larger and higher tech opponent. His resourceful defense relied on speed and deception to keep Kemper’s forces off balance. He avoided direct confrontation in favor of disrupting her ability to range far by targeting tankers, repair ships, and supply convoys. His brilliant fighting stalled Kemper’s advance for nearly a year, and at the First Battle of Fornorb he routed a significantly superior Imperial task force. Coglan attempted to lure Kemper deeper and deeper into the Solomani Sphere, thinning her forces and extending her supply lines. The goal was also to keep her from joining up with the main battle lines beginning to form in the Solomani Rim. After escaping near disaster at Iatur (Magyar 2628) Coglan retreated into Valhalla subsector, but his luck was running out. Coglan’s last stand was at Ranamar (Magyar 1326), where he was trapped. In the face of certain defeat, Conglan offered his surrender.

Following the war, Coglan assisted the Imperial Navy in reintegrating captured Magyar worlds back into the Imperium, often negotiating terms personally. For this service he was given a full pardon by Admiral Adair in 1015. Coglan embraced his role as a loyal Imperial citizen, and although he refused a noble title he served as ambassador to the Aslan Tralyeaeawi clan from 1019 to 1027. He settled on Kline (Magyar 3012), where he served on the board of Allied Prefabricated Ships and Vessels and dabbled in numerous—though only occasionally successful—business ventures. He retired quietly in 1034 following an unseemly investment fraud scandal to prepare his memoirs. Coglan was initially vilified by Confederation historians for surrendering at Ranamar and his post-war complicity with the Imperials. However, his reputation has been reevaluated in the last forty years as military historians have demonstrated both his tactical brilliance as well as the fundamentally untenable nature of his position.

Aslan. An intelligent major race native to Kusyu (Dark Nebula 1226 A876A76-E). The Aslan have an established interstellar empire, the Aslan Hierate, spinward and rimward of the Imperium, but they have ranged well beyond its borders with many settling within the Imperium and attaining full status as citizens.

The earliest Terran explorers saw in Aslan a vague resemblance to the Terran lion, and they have been described as lion-like ever since, although there is very little true similarity. Aslan stand roughly human-sized, averaging 2.0 meters in height and weighing about 100 kg. They are descended from four-limbed, upright, bipedal carnivore-pouncer stock originally adapted to a solitary arboreal existence. Aslan have a single highly specialized dewclaw under each thumb which folds back jackknife fashion into a horny covering in the base of the thumb and palm.

There are two sexes, male and female. The most notable external difference is the increased size and mane of the former. Females outnumber males by 3 to 1. The sexes have very different roles in Aslan society. Males in all but the lowest classes are concerned mostly with military operations, acquisition of territory, and political affairs. Females are concerned with trade, industry, and the accumulation of knowledge.

The Aslan were fortunate to have emerged into the interstellar community during the Long Night in human space, which gave them an opportunity to expand and explore with limited competition. In -1683 the first Aslan vessel reached the Solomani Rim, and within a century the Tralyeaeawi clan had established trade routes between Aslan space and important Human markets in Magyar and the Rim. Aslan settlers, hungry for new lands, colonized scattered worlds in the region. Even as the predatory Reavers harassed Dark Nebula and Magyar, regular trade between Aslan clans and worlds in the Rim continued until approximately -1100.

Around this point the strongest Aslan clans had reached rough parity with Humans and began absorbing Human worlds, sometimes peacefully and sometimes by force. Sporadic warfare characterized the Aslan Border Wars, which lasted until the Third Imperium appeared on the scene. At the height of Aslan influence in Magyar, numerous clans directly controlled worlds in Alpha and Gamma quadrants. The Iouo Federation was an important Magyar state comprised of allied Human and Aslan worlds. With the rise of the Solomani movement, many Aslan populations were driven spinward into Hierate space, and those Aslan who remained were generally subjugated. The Iouo Federation was forcibly dissolved with the creation of the Solomani Confederation in 871.

Asorret (Magyar 2923 B403866-B). A cold, small, ice-capped vacuum world in New Mars subsector. The world lies just outside the habitable zone of Intezion, its F4 V primary. The system also has a notable secondary world, Gikhiir (F7B87BD-8). Though the system has relatively few assets on its own, Assort is valued for its centrality to the subsector and location on what was once a major trade route between the Solomani Rim and Magyar. The system contains the headquarters of the 96th Imperial fleet, changed with defense of New Mars subsector along with the Imperial systems in Swan and Cluster subsectors. The naval base has associated Gunnery, Engineering, and Intelligence schools. The world’s population of 900 million were such ardent supporters of the Solomani Cause that the system remains under military rule, being administered directly by the Navy.

Asrow (Magyar 3006 X598548-5). An agricultural world on the Walpurgian Main in Anise subsector. The medium-sized wet planet has a dense oxygen-nitrogen atmosphere tainted by high carbon dioxide. The Asrow government is a democracy with a fractious parliamentary system. The system was first explored during the Vilani First Imperium, when it was named Riish. The world was colonized during the Rule of Man for agriculture but abandoned during the Long Night after being sacked by Reavers. The world was resettled early in the Solomani period and maintained a Class B starport prior to the Solomani Rim War.

The Asrow homesteaders are a proud and fiercely independent lot. Even though the world escaped the Solomani Rim War largely unscathed, the inhabitants have refused to acknowledge Imperial authority despite steadily increasing pressure applied by various Imperial offices. The Starport Authority downgraded the starport’s rating to C in 1030 and to D in 1055. These measures only led to increasing hostility and occasional violence against Imperial officials. In 1077 an attempted assassination against Baron Ilanit Santos caused the Imperium to withdraw its representative and interdict the world. Since then the Imperium has engaged in occasional police actions on Asrow, but the tenacious government continues to hold out.

Austa (Magyar 2503 C796ABE-B). A high-population industrial world of 91.3 billion, located on the Walpurgan Main in Anise subsector. The system contains a second major world, Geaamshuu (F5879DF-3), with over 2.41 billion inhabitants. The Austa system was first explored by the Vilani First Imperium, who named the mainworld Karikmir. And although both Karikmir and Geaamshuu have abundant water and orbit within the habitable zone of Nagishar, the G2 V primary, both worlds had dense carbon dioxide-nitrogen atmospheres with a notable absence of free oxygen.

The Terran Confederation assumed control of the system late in the Interstellar Wars and terraformers introduced genetically modified algae to both Karikmir and Geaamshuu, producing breathable atmospheres on both worlds by the end of the Rule of Man. Terran colonists flocked to the system and began settling Karikmir and Geaamshuu in earnest.

During the Long Night Austa became a major power in the region, though its general reach had been greatly curtailed by the time the Third Imperium arrived in the sector. By 400 Austa was an impoverished, over-populated, TL8 planet eager to join the Imperium. By 700 disappointment in Imperial rule led Austa to embrace the Solomani Movement; with assistance from the government of the Autonomous Region the economy of Austa finally began to improve, increasing its technology level from 9 to 12 in just 200 years.

During the Solomani Rim War Austa was a major objective for Imperial forces in the Magyar Campaign. The class B starport was destroyed during a pitched battle, but the system defenders extracted such a price that the Imperial forces withdrew without having captured the mainworld.

battle dress. An advanced and powered version of combat armor. Battle dress enhances the strength and senses of individuals wearing it with variable feedback personal controls, servopowered limbs, and various kinds of electronic assistance. The individual wearing battle dress is effectively doubled in strength and given unlimited endurance.

BatRon. Battle squadrons are the main battle elements of the Imperial Navy. Built around dreadnoughts and battleships, a BatRon is designed to destroy the enemy main lines. Auxiliary ships that stay out of the line of fire and provide support to the larger vessels generally accompany the battleships. The support vessels are usually tankers and ordinance cargo ships. Smaller scout vessels are often attached to provide communication between squadrons.

The mainstay of the Magyar BatRons are older Ershur-class battleships, the 200,000dt, TL14 precursor to the TL15 Ilelish-class. The Ershur-class was a new configuration introduced in 1063 as a smaller, general purpose battleship able to support a wide variety of missions. The Ershur debuted shortly before the Navy’s transition to TL15, and although fairly successful with the rimward fleets, was quickly considered obsolete. By 1091 the Ilelish-class, with an improved meson spinal weapon and more accurate and higher yield large meson guns, was starting to replace Ershurs. The 170th is the only BatRon in Magyar anchored by Ilelish-class battleships, while the 142nd, 145th, and 279th BatRons are comprised of Ershurs.

battle rider. Non-jump capable ship intended to stand in the line of battle in space combat and carried interstellar by a battle tender. A large jump-capable tender generally carries two to ten heavily armed and armored battle riders. The Imperial Navy first began experimenting with battle riders around 700. It is generally held that, in any meeting between a battleship and a battle rider of equal tonnage, the battle rider will triumph.

battleship. Jump-capable starship intended to stand in the line of battle in space combat. A battleship carries jump drives and fuel tanks internally.

Beagle (Magyar 3129 D766A99-A). A wet world with a Class D starport, and a high population, high law, early stellar tech society. The system is centered on the star Sixeti, an F5 V primary located in the Ceti Cluster in New Mars subsector. The system features three different major worlds: the mainworld is an earthlike planet that orbits in the habitable zone, while Inanna (F5509A9-5) is a hot desert world positioned one orbit inside Beagle. Colma (G8A6854-8), by contrast, occupies one orbit outside the mainworld and is a cold glacier world with an unbreathable carbon dioxide-nitrogen atmosphere.

Beagle is notable as one of the first Terran Confederation colonies in Magyar sector and the early administrative center for what was then called Cygnus sector. Beagle was one of the first colony worlds outside the Solomani Rim to be granted home rule and had a population of over 11 million at the end of the Interstellar Wars. During the Long Night Beagle was able to fend off Reavers and Aslan raiders, but a rapidly growing population and accompanying industrial development pushed the mainworld to the brink of ecological collapse. The world government aggressively moved heavy industry offworld to Inanna and Colma, allowing Beagle’s atmosphere to recover.

As a major industrial center for the Solomani Confederation, Beagle was an important target for the Imperium during the Rim War. During the fighting Beagle’s class B starport was destroyed and industrial centers on Inanna and Colma were subject to intense orbital bombardment. The subsequent occupation was marked by frequent clashes with Solomani partisans. Although the Imperium lifted martial law in 1071, the Imperial Army maintains a large presence on the mainworld, including the 8th Armored Infantry, the 5th and 84th Lift Infantry, and the 76th Grav Tank field armies. Beagle is one of the primary sources for recruits to the Unified Armies of Fugue and fields its own, though much lower tech, colonial army.

Beta (Magyar 3128 C576ADA-9). A wet world with a Class C starport and a high population, extreme law, early stellar tech society. Beta is located on the Ceti Cluster in New Mars subsector. The population of 60 billion and a lower tech level combine to create a dark, hungry world of sprawling, overcrowded cities. The once vibrant ecosphere has crashed and the standard oxygen-nitrogen atmosphere is severely tainted by industrial pollutants. The system also contains a secondary world, Episemon (F40097C-7).

Beta was claimed by the Solomani Confederation but captured by the Imperium during the Solomani Rim War along with most of the subsector. The majority of Beta’s population belongs to the Solomani Catholic Church, which governs the world through the Archdiocese of Beta, led by Archbishop Luther Madhew. Although the Archdiocese has been pressured to formally renounce the Solomani Cause, many of Beta’s citizens retain affection for the old Confederation and blame the Imperium for their current conditions. The Imperial representative to Beta is the Comtesse Agatha haut Ikin. The mainworld supports an Imperial Interstellar Scout Service base.

Bwap (also Newt). An intelligent minor race native to Marhaban (Empty Quarter 0426 A5697AB-D). Self-named Bawapakerwa-a-a-awapawab. Newts are uncomfortable in less than 90% humidity; their skin requires constant moisture for comfort and health. They adapt with special wetted clothing and headbands.

Bwaps are the most widely spread non-Human race in the Third Imperium. This is a result of their wide employment in the Vilani First Imperium as government and corporate bureaucrats. Bwaps have a mindset with a powerful fixation on order and honesty, and are born bureaucrats. In modern Imperial society, Bwaps are still valued for their administrative expertise.

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