Traveller (T20) and Cybertech
- Thread starter Darke
- Start date
WayneLigon
Adventurer
I don't know about the new book, but generally the Traveller universe didn't go into cybertech. It just wasn't something they did, at all. Traveller has a pretty specific 'cultural' level of technology it sticks to; neither cybertech nor artificial intelligences are featured. Some worlds might use them, some individuals might have it, but it's certainly not in the mainstream.
trancejeremy
Adventurer
Cybertech consists of 3 paragraphs plus a table of items. There is no explanation of the items on the table.
The first paragraph says that at TL15, cyber is indistinguishable from real parts
The second goes into if a cyber bit is rejected
The 3rd goes into social repercussions (cyber is bad, according to Imperial society)
Traveller has a deliberately retro view of things like computers and cyber. Partly because it is a really old RPG, but also it's somewhat deliberate - most the tech seems to be from H. Beam Piper's novels, which were mostly written in the 50s.
The first paragraph says that at TL15, cyber is indistinguishable from real parts
The second goes into if a cyber bit is rejected
The 3rd goes into social repercussions (cyber is bad, according to Imperial society)
Traveller has a deliberately retro view of things like computers and cyber. Partly because it is a really old RPG, but also it's somewhat deliberate - most the tech seems to be from H. Beam Piper's novels, which were mostly written in the 50s.
trancejeremy
Adventurer
Yeah, especially since most of the items are just replacements for limbs or sense organs.
The only thing non normal is "Tentacles" and a computer jack, though without any details, the latter is hard to use.
The only thing non normal is "Tentacles" and a computer jack, though without any details, the latter is hard to use.
Kenpo Wolf
First Post
Please don't sell the T20 book short for it's lack of cyber tech. It's a great book and in my opinion, it's the best D20 product on the market despite a few minor flaws. It's THE book to use for a 'realistic' sci fi game
Ranger REG
Explorer
Sorry, Darke, but cybertech is not the main focus of Traveller. However, it may be included in a future supplement for that game. But not yet.
If you're looking for cybertech rules, perhaps someone out there is developing an RPG that mainly focus on cybertech.
If you're looking for cybertech rules, perhaps someone out there is developing an RPG that mainly focus on cybertech.
Treebore
First Post
Traveler gets away with this, storywise, by coming out of a futuristic equivelant of the Dark Ages. There tech level used to be higher, but the average is/was around 13. Star Trek technology is equivelant to TL 23+, especially the transporters. In past incarnations there were instances of finding caches of older technology that was superior to even TL 15.
So if Traveler becomes properly supported in D20, something Traveller has never really had, supplements will come out to provide stuff for different tech levels, such as cybertech.
The basis is solid, and it is a fun "world" to play in. If you are tired of the Jedi and Klingon molds, this is definitely a system to consider.
I would be interested in exactly how much financial backing is going to be given to Traveler. If it is still Marc Miller and company it will probably be just more of the same. IE reprinting everything we have been given before in the d20 format. Which isn't a bad thing for us Traveller junkies, but will do nothing to pull in a new audience.
If they are going to try and jumpstart a traveller revolution they better concentrate on totally new material. If this leads to some success then they could intermittently release the updated older material. If they aren't trying to go for substantial market share than they are wasting their time and our money. They need to get us "oldtimers" excited to have any hope of exciting any new blood.
I know their marketing has been pathetic, hardly anyone even knows it is available. They are relying primarily on word of mouth.
So I am unhappy to say I am expecting more of the same.
So if Traveler becomes properly supported in D20, something Traveller has never really had, supplements will come out to provide stuff for different tech levels, such as cybertech.
The basis is solid, and it is a fun "world" to play in. If you are tired of the Jedi and Klingon molds, this is definitely a system to consider.
I would be interested in exactly how much financial backing is going to be given to Traveler. If it is still Marc Miller and company it will probably be just more of the same. IE reprinting everything we have been given before in the d20 format. Which isn't a bad thing for us Traveller junkies, but will do nothing to pull in a new audience.
If they are going to try and jumpstart a traveller revolution they better concentrate on totally new material. If this leads to some success then they could intermittently release the updated older material. If they aren't trying to go for substantial market share than they are wasting their time and our money. They need to get us "oldtimers" excited to have any hope of exciting any new blood.
I know their marketing has been pathetic, hardly anyone even knows it is available. They are relying primarily on word of mouth.
So I am unhappy to say I am expecting more of the same.
Ranger REG
Explorer
What do you mean "hardly anyone even knows"?
T20 publisher bought space above this messageboard and had the banner ad flashing.
Heck, I knew enough to pre-ordered the $45 rulebook.
Should Traveller include cybertech rules? Yes. Should that be a top priority? Not really. I prefer the Traveller's Handbook to include character and ship rules, plus arms & equipment, and world design.
T20 publisher bought space above this messageboard and had the banner ad flashing.
Heck, I knew enough to pre-ordered the $45 rulebook.
Should Traveller include cybertech rules? Yes. Should that be a top priority? Not really. I prefer the Traveller's Handbook to include character and ship rules, plus arms & equipment, and world design.
Last edited:
Similar Threads
