Another characteristic that could help define an Aslan clan is its general attitude toward other clans and aliens. Some clans are notoriously bellicose, quick to lash out at the smallest slight, while other clans are notably tolerant, able to forge alliances and trade ties even with Humans and other species.
Just as we borrowed the Population stat from the Universal World Profile, perhaps we could also appropriate Law Level to describe an Aslan clan. As CT Aslan notes, “The real use for law level… is to represent the touchiness of the local clan government. It continues to show the frequency with which authorities may be encountered, and should also be used as the basis for determining the initial reaction of any official encountered.”
“Touchiness” might be the most appropriate word here, but it doesn’t seem like a very Fteir term. While I’m not completely in love with “Aggression,” it’s probably a better descriptor for an Aslan clan.
Aggression is generated by a 2D -2 roll, though Single World clans should simply use the Law Level -2 of their homeworld. Aggression represents the general outlook and posture of the clan toward other clans and outsiders. Individual prides or worlds held by the clan might have lower or higher scores than the clan. (“The Khaukheairl are mostly fine to deal with, but watch out for any members of the Kyorloiwahiry: they are always plotting to advance their pride’s status within the clan and quick to take offense.”)
The Aggression characteristic ranges from 0 to 10 (A). Given what we know about the various Tlaukhu blocs, here’s a stab at assigning Aggression scores to each:
| Allegiance | Bloc | Aggression |
|---|---|---|
| AsT0 | Yerlyaruiwo | 7 |
| AsT1 | Khaukheairl | 6 |
| AsT2 | Syoisuis | 5 |
| AsT3 | Tralyeaeawi | 3 |
| AsT4 | Eakhtiyho | 8 |
| AsT5 | Hlyueawi | 6 |
| AsT6 | Uiktawa | 4 |
| AsT7 | Ikhtealyo | 2 |
| AsT8 | Seieakh | 3 |
| AsT9 | Aokhalte | 8 |
A lower Aggression score indicates higher levels of tolerance, openness, and willingness to embrace diplomacy. A higher Aggression score indicates higher levels of hostility, and an increased readiness to take insult or resort to violence. Aggression helps to determine a clan’s initial attitude during an encounter:
| Aggression | Initial Attitude |
|---|---|
| 0 | Enthusiastic. |
| 1 | Responsive. |
| 2 | Interested. |
| 3 | Noncommittal (Polite). |
| 4 | Noncommittal (Curt). |
| 5 | Uninterested. |
| 6 | Unreceptive (Impolite). |
| 7 | Hostile. May be discourteous. |
| 8 | Hostile. Discourteous on 8 +. |
| 9 | Hostile. Discourteous on 5 +. |
| A | Hostile. Challenge on 8 +. |
While the standard Aslan Reaction tables from CT Aslan or MgT Aliens of Charted Space 1 are used to resolve interactions between individual Aslan, Aggression can be used to adjudicate social interactions between entire clans. Just as individual Travellers can have allies, rivals, or enemies, Aslan clans can have long-standing allied, rival, and enemy clans, as well as vassal or liege clans.
Allied clans are willing to go out of their way to help an allied clan. An Allied Clan is willing to risk its reputation and status for an ally but will expect reciprocity from them.
Vassal and Liege clans are like allied clans but are bound together through formal, legal oaths of fealty. A vassal clan can have only one liege clan but a liege could have multiple vassals. Unlike an ally, a vassal or liege clan is obligated to help the other.
Rival and Enemy clans are adversaries. Rival clans are usually part of a feud, “Disputes… [that] usually take place because of slights, insults, mistreatments, or problems which have not been resolved to both parties' satisfaction.” Enemy clans are generally engaged in a declared or undeclared clan war.
To resolve an interaction between two clans, one clan’s Aggression score can be used as the base target number, as modified by the relationship:
| Relationship | Modifier |
|---|---|
| Liege/Vassal | +0 |
| Ally | +1 |
| No Relationship | +2 |
| Barbarian | +3 |
| Rival | +4 |
| Enemy | +6 |
For example, say Clan A is trying to negotiate passage through the space of Clan B, a Rival clan (+4) with an Aggression score of 5. Clan B’s initial attitude is adjusted to 9, meaning Clan B is initially Hostile and will be Discourteous on 5 +. The referee could call for various checks to allow Clan A to improve that attitude: A 9+ Diplomat check (1D days, SOC).
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