Kline Charter Library Data

Below are additional Library Data entries for the Kline Charter adventure. I had printed these on 3x5 index cards to hand out to the players as needed—a technique that seemed to work well at the table. (It was also pretty darned helpful to me.)

An Agilitrix Blue-4 android, designed to serve as a skilled vehicle operator.

Agilitrix. A sector-wide manufacturer of synthetics and a principal member of the Wuan Technology Association, with headquarters on Uston (Daibei 0139 A100A98-E). Agilitrix is famed for its Spectrum line of androids, now in its fifth generation, which represent some of the most commonly encountered androids in Magyar and Dark Nebula. Spectrum models are designed with exaggerated physical characteristics for easy identification: these androids resemble well-built humans without hair, navels, or sexual organs, their skin dyed with clearly artificial pigments.

Argent Mining. A principal member of the Wuan Technology Association with headquarters on Chou (Magyar 0210 C62187B-9). Argent maintains mining, refining, and petrochemical operations throughout Magyar and Dark Nebula sectors. Argent Occasionally employs guest clones or androids for operations in hostile environments or when an important project requires a rapid build-out.

Bupaj (Magyar 0804 E420267-9). Poor, Low Population, Hot, Desert, Hellworld. A harsh Solomani Confederation world tide-locked to its K5 V primary in the Urartu Cluster of Clan subsector. Bupaj is just large enough to have a very thin nitrogen atmosphere, but is too small to retain water vapor. The world is jointly claimed by various nation-states of nearby Daftrew (Magyar 0903 B78A878-C), which maintain nine different research stations on-world, ranging in population from 30 up to 300.

carrier. A type of military starship designed to carry large numbers of small combat craft, which in turn attack the enemy’s combatants or world surfaces. Given the limited weaponry of fighters and light boats, they are little more than an annoying distraction in a major fleet action, but they can be extremely effective against ships of cruiser class or less.

Chorus (Magyar 1403 A944768-C). Agricultural, High Tech, Military Rule. A Solomani Confederation world in the Novgorod Cluster of Eery subsector. The mainworld has a temperate climate but the thin nitrogen-oxygen atmosphere is tainted with high levels of carbon dioxide. The world is a Solomani Party administrative center for Eery subsector and host to a joint Confederation naval and army base. Chorus is under military rule, as approximately 40% of the Choral population are Aslan.

Chorus was originally named Novgorod by Terran émigrés from the ancient nation-state of Russia, who established a settlement prior to -2204. During the Long Night, Aslan ihatei had established a separate onworld colony by -1200. The Aslan named the world Kherau, from which the current name Chorus is derived.

combat armor. Unpowered and fairly light-weight personal armor. Inexpensive when compared to battle dress, combat armor is widespread in military use for high technology forces, and usually contains integral communications equipment.

Class I Commerce License. A Solomani Confederation travel voucher issued by the Ministry of Information, allowing travel between any class A or B starport. The authorized ship may carry any cargo not needing a Special Cargo Transport license, though passengers may not be carried. Renewed every four years.

exit visa. A travel document granting a starship permission to leave a starport. Exit visas are normally required only for worlds with a Law Level of 9 or greater.

flight plan. A declaration of intent to pilot a vessel from one location to another; generally required at all mainworlds of Law Level 3 or higher. Flight plans let traffic control agencies program loads and sort out traffic conflicts, let ground controllers assign berths, let customs and other officials meet incoming ships with minimal delay, and let system defenses distinguish legitimate traffic from pirates or marauders. Flight plans also form the basis for search and rescue operations, as they can be used to determine when a ship is overdue and where to begin a search. Although flight plans can be filed by submitting a standard TAS Form 12 at the starport, most flight plans are simply text or voice messages sent in a prescribed format.

Fluid Oceans (Fl). A standard trade classification denoting worlds where the surface liquid is something other than water, and so are incompatible with Terran-derived life. Non-water oceans may be valuable sources of raw materials for industry.

Frontier Travel Permit. A Solomani Confederation travel voucher issued by the Ministry of Information. Allows travel to one class E starport, specified at the time of application. Under no circumstances may any landings be made to class X starports.

Goodhurst (Magyar 1605 A535649-D). Non-industrial, High Tech, Hot. A Solomani Confederation world in the Choral Cluster of Eery subsector. The government is a representative democracy and hosts a joint Confederation naval and army base.

grav plates. A standard starship component that provides a constant internal artificial gravity field, such that “down” is always more or less constant no matter what the orlentation of the craft. Grav plates are normally built into the deck flooring. Acceleration compensators are also usually installed to negate the effects of high acceleration and lateral gee forces while maneuvering.

High Passage. The best method of interstellar travel, offering first class accommodations and cuisine. High passengers have the services of the ship’s steward, entertainment, and complete attention to their comfort. There is a baggage allowance of up to 1,000 kilograms. High passage costs Cr10,000.

Kench (Magyar 2510 E310584-9). Cold, Non-industrial. A Solomani Confederation world in Anise subsector. Formerly part of the Dootchen Estates, Kench was captured by Imperial forces during the Solomani Rim War. However, the small, non-industrial world never formally joined the Imperium and in 1100 the pro-Solomani Liberti Party won a majority in the Kench senate, declaring independence on 023-1100. On 179-1101 naval forces from the 20th Imperial Fleet besieged the world for seven months, destroying the Class D starport. Under a negotiated agreement between the Confederation and the Imperium, Imperial forces withdrew from the system in 1102 and Kench was allowed to join the Confederation.

Leriss (Magyar 2208 E9428B8-6). Poor, Hellworld. An Imperial world in the Nauvoo Cluster in Clown subsector. Leriss is a dry planet with thin nitrogen atmosphere tainted by extremely low oxygen. The mainworld, with a population of 711 million, is ruled by Marshall Karel Durga, who was appointed in 1077 after the first Marshall, Rajko Porra, died in office.

low lottery. A form of gambling on some vessels, where crewmembers place small wagers on how many low passengers will not survive the trip. The winner receives all the wagers; if there is no winner, the prize rolls over to the next trip. By custom, the person actually “freezing and thawing” the low passengers is forbidden from betting, for obvious reasons. It is considered bad taste to mention the low lottery to the passengers themselves, but seasoned travelers will know of the custom, and sometimes place bets of their own.

Low Passage. A relatively low cost method of interstellar travel in cryogenic capsules (cold sleep). The passenger is placed in a low passage berth before the ship takes off, and travels the entire journey in a state of suspended animation. He does not age, and requires very little life support. Unfortunately, the low passage system involves some intrinsic dangers to the passenger, and he runs some risk of not surviving the voyage. Refunds or civil liability if a low passenger fails to survive the trip are not allowed. Low passage costs Cr1,000 and includes a baggage allowance of 10 kilograms.

manifest. A formal list of goods or passengers carried aboard a starship. A cargo manifest serves as a receipt for goods delivered, a definition of the contract for shipping the goods, and a transfer of title to a specific shipment to the captain for the purpose of transporting it from origin to destination. Cargo manifests can be recorded on standard TAS Form 14. Crew/passenger manifests identify and account for all persons on board a ship. Crew manifests often include information on position, salary and shares of ownership, and can be attached to the ship’s articles. They can be requested by immigration officials and used as a basis for inspections. Crew/passenger manifests can be recorded on standard TAS Form 11.

Middle Passage. A method of intersteller travel that includes second class accommodations (although still of reasonably good quality) and passable food and drink, and allows up to 100 kilograms of baggage. The passenger is expected to tend to his or her own affairs (maid service, laundry, cleaning, etc.) during the voyage. Middle passage costs Cr8,000 when purchased, and is subject to stand-by conditions; the ticket holder may be bumped if a high passenger appears (the middle passage ticket being returned in such cases).

An artistic depiction of a working miniphant team on a TL3 agricultural world.

miniphant (Microelephas var.). A beast of burden used on low tech worlds from Langere to the Spinward Marches. Terrans first genetically engineered Miniphants from the Indian Elephant (Elphas indicus) during the Interstellar Wars millennia ago. These beasts were ideal for overland travel in forests and lesser swamps. Later colonies carried the animals to other colonies, and over the years, numerous varieties were developed. The most popular of these are several species collectively referred to as miniphants, so-called because of their smaller size and mass. Miniphants were bred for tractability and high intelligence. They stand an average of 2.05 meters at the shoulder; males weigh 1,800 kgs, females weigh 1,600 kgs. No tusks are present, but miniphants compensate for this lack when lifting loads by having more powerful trunks. The Wuan miniphant (Microelephas wuensis) is one of the oldest and most successful variants.

Nauvoo Cluster. Also known as the Tolson Cluster, an astrographic feature in Clown subsector of Magyar comprising fourteen systems separated by jump-1 distances. Four of these worlds are claimed by the Solomani Confederation and ten are claimed by the Third Imperium. The Cluster was settled during the Interstellar Wars by Mormon immigrants from Terra, who initially established colonies on Luoh (Magyar 2110) and Lowhorn (Magyar 1808) before gradually expanding across the Cluster.

New Sol (Magyar 0503 X501956-7) [Red Zone]. High Population, Ice Capped, Industrialized, Non-Agricultural, Vacuum World. A disputed world claimed by the Solomani Confederation in the Urartu Cluster in Clan subsector. The mainworld, with a population of 9.8 billion, occupies a heavily industrialized system with six inhabited secondary worlds, including Edom (F6B48CA-A), with a population of 538 million. The mainworld harbors a remnant population of some 40 million Aslan, who call the world Tyestea. All senior governmental positions were formerly held by a hereditary leadership of the Solomani Party.

The hereditary system was notoriously corrupt, and hindered native industrial interests by limiting lucrative trade with the Aslan. In 1099 the world overthrew the Party system, establishing a Magyar Free Trade party. In response the Confederation interdicted the world, but New Sol has proven extremely resilient.

Novgorod Cluster. Also known as the Chorus or Choral Cluster. An astrographic feature in Eery Subsector of Magyar, comprising seven systems connected by jump-1 distances. This small cluster is notable as both an early site for Terran colonization efforts as well as marking the trailing-most extent of Aslan influence during the Long Night. Terran dissidents, mostly from Eurasia, first explored the Cluster during the Interstellar Wars and had established a settlement on Chorus (Magyar 1403) by -2204. Aslan ihatei established their own colony on Chorus by -1200 and steadily expanded across the Novgorod Cluster. By -500 many Slavic refugees had fled to Minsk (Magyar 1512). Between -500 and -400 the Slavic Sodality, with occasional assistance from Old Earth Union expeditionary forces, began battling Aslan across the Novgorod Cluster. These conflicts, though bitterly fought, were sporadic and generally inconclusive. Humans would not assert dominance of the Cluster until the early Solomani period.

Passenger Transport License. A Solomani Confederation travel voucher issued by the Ministry of Information. Allows a ship to carry passengers to travelled ports. Renewed yearly.

protected forces (profors). Soldiers equipped to fight in very hostile environments such as vacuum or corrosive atmospheres. Profors training is necessary to fight aboard starships, as most ships decompress before combat. Security personnel require special weapons and protective equipment to operate in this environment, and this in turn leads to a style of combat requiring its own set of skills.

Solomani Security (SolSec). Secret police force maintained in service to the Solomani Confederation for the purpose of maintaining state secrets, conducting espionage, and implementing political policies of the government. Solomani Security maintains both a network of contacts which provide information from outside the Confederation and a network of informants which provide information within the Confederation. Solomani Security agents themselves are highly trained individuals capable of conducting espionage and sabotage.

Special Cargo Transport (SCT) License. A Solomani Confederation travel voucher issued by the Ministry of Information. Required to carry shipments such as weapons, animals, Party documents, etc. Certain cargos may need other permits. Renewed yearly.

steward. A vital role aboard merchant ships, typically held by the 4th Officer. The senior steward aboard is generally designated the purser. A steward is responsible for the welfare of the passengers including meal service, entertainment, and general assistance. A steward sells tickets and arranges accommodations for passengers when in port; during voyages, he tends to the needs of the passengers (especially the High Passengers) and oversees Life Support systems. A steward typically administers the Low Lottery and is customarily designated by the ship’s owner to handle the ship’s account.

system defense boat (SDB). A nonstarship specifically intended for defensive operations inside a star system. It was developed on the principle that a nonstarship (because of the increased armament made possible by its lack of jump drives) can normally defeat a starship of equal tonnage. SDBs are typically stationed at the vital points of a system (the gas giants, the asteroid belt, the major world, and so on), and they attack invading vessels according to one or more predetermined plans.

Transstar. The largest transportation firm in the entire Solomani Sphere and the only Solomani corporation to achieve megacorporation status. Transstar is a merchant line running freight and passage service throughout the entire Confederation. Now mainly owned by the Solomani Party, it is a primary source of Party income.

Urartu Cluster. An astrographic feature that straddles Dark Nebula and Magyar sectors. The Cluster, a string of 38 worlds connected by jump-1 distances, ranges through Akuusir, Clan, and Eery subsectors. Terrans first explored the Cluster during the Interstellar Wars. By -1500 the entire Cluster supported a population of some 17 billion, and was engaged in interstellar trade with other Human worlds as well as Aslan merchants, often from the Tralyeaeawi clan. During the Long Night the Cluster’s Human population fell back precipitously and many worlds were claimed by land-hungry Aslan. During this period Wu emerged as a viable interstellar polity, successfully negotiating alliances with Reavers and Aslan to avoid destructive raids.

wall patch. A steel-backed plastic patch faced with adhesive, used to seal small hull breaches. Patches measure 10cm by 10cm (small enough to carry in a pocket) and are activated by peeling off a backing and then slapping the patch over a hole or leak. These patches are good only if applied to the high pressure side of the leak, but will serve for several days.

watchbill. A document recording the watch rotation for a starship crew. The watchbill ensures that all crewmembers know where they are to be and when.

working passage. A starship captain with a crew shortage may hire an individual to fill the vacant position, paying not money but passage in return. Working passage may not continue for more than three jumps, or the individual is considered to have been hired for standard salary. In order to be hired for working passage, the individual must have some expertise in the position for which he or she is hired (jack-of-all-trades may be substituted if necessary). Baggage totaling 1,000 kilograms is allowed. Working passage is without cost to the individual; he receives passage, room and board in lieu of a salary.

Wuans. A variant Human subspecies originating on Wu (Magyar 0203 B66A99A-E). Settled by Terran corporate interests following the Interstellar Wars, Wuan culture evolved during the Long Night to prioritize collaboration, cooperation, and efficiency. While the Vilani used social engineering to achieve similar goals, the Wuans turned to bioengineering. An ambitious eugenics project allowed Wuans to self-geneer themselves into a distinct subspecies. Nearly every niche in Wuan society has an associated, highly specialized genotype that has been expressly engineered to perform that role. While there may be dozens of different roles and hundreds of variants, the apparent conformity of Wuan society can be unnerving to visitors.

Xian (Magyar 1103 B7B48DC-9) [Amber Zone]. Fluid Hydrographics, Frozen. An inhospitable Solomani Confederation world orbiting a M1 V star on the trailing edge of the Urartu Cluster in Eery subsector. Xian’s atmosphere is primarily ammonia and methane, and the oceans are liquid ammonia mixed with compounds. The mainworld is governed by a zealous Party faction known as the Altruisti. This secular philosophy commands all adherents to undertake charitable service for the betterment of Solomani society. The world hosts a Confederation joint naval and army base, the latter used for protected forces training.

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