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Post by natebob on Dec 24, 2014 16:57:15 GMT -8
I just did a chargen with a friend trying to drum up interest in starting a game. My buddy ended up with a Diplomat that had a Soc 11, but then rolled a +4 Soc in his mustering out benefits (among other things) So his Soc is a 15 so does that mean he is automatically a Duke? Or does he just have as much influence and popularity as a Duke?
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Post by stork on Dec 24, 2014 20:32:24 GMT -8
Well yeah it does....according to the Traveller universe, you have an Heir to the throne.
All is not lost though, now is your opportunity to "Game of Thrones" it up!
Being related to the ruling monarchy can be bad for your health, or any one Travelling with you.
It's part and parcel for the MOT character creation process, NO one knows what's going to come out of it, so even the GM has to go with what you get.
It's not a bad thing at all. I can foresee a game that is all about dodging failed assassinations, and political intrigue, a game that takes place in the house of lords, and state rooms of various factions of the "verse" rather than seedy star-ports.....though there may be some of those too. Good stuff to work with if you think about it
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Post by Kainguru on Dec 25, 2014 3:26:33 GMT -8
Think 'Dune' - the books not the movie. It was all about controlling the spice to control the throne while eliminating the competition standing between your house and the top spot (while dodging those trying to do the same to you). Snoopers used at every meal time to detect poisons, dodging flying hypodermic assassins when you retire to bed - all part and parcel of bring an heir. Aaron
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Post by gandalftheplaid on Dec 29, 2014 4:33:26 GMT -8
Nice. "As a reward for your service, (or dirt you've gathered on people) I give you this great honor and target on your back."
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Post by natebob on Dec 29, 2014 8:00:04 GMT -8
I just looked at the Dillante book and it gives some very cool and interesting options for high social status players.
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Post by sbloyd on Dec 29, 2014 14:41:55 GMT -8
Have you listened to eps where they talk about Stu's Traveller game with CADave's ducal character?
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Post by natebob on Dec 29, 2014 16:20:04 GMT -8
Yes. I remember that those episodes. With just the core book and being brand new to the fluff and system I was having a hard time grokking the idea of a PC being so powerful right out of the gate.
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Post by Forresst on Jan 20, 2015 15:55:00 GMT -8
Well, the character being an heir is a kind of power. It can be as much a blessing as a curse. I have a Traveller game where I made a whole different universe to play in, where Soc ends up being all kinds of social standing, whether it's celebrity, infamy, or royal standing (depending on where you're from). One of my players got a very similar end result to your dilemma, he ended up with a Soc 12 or so. As near as I can tell this made him the equivalent of space-Elvis. Or the Space-Beatles. Whatever. Long story short, sometimes it was a very powerful thing to throw around. Other times it was a HUGE hindrance, like when his ex-manager went on a murderous rampage because Mickey had cut out on a contract for another album. Or the time he showed up on a planet where every one of the residents knew he was dead except he wasn't. So, yeah, maybe more space-Elvis than space-Beatles. Anyway, if your super socialite player is in a place where high birth means nothing, he's not nearly as powerful as he thinks, is he? Conversely, if he gets too comfortable slumming it, and then suddenly finds himself at some intensely political soiree, that's a gaffe or seven just waiting to happen. Don't worry too much about it. It's as much a tool for you as a bludgeon for him.
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Post by Bill Roper on Jan 22, 2015 12:54:59 GMT -8
A lot of the splat books in Mongoose Traveller handle SOC in different ways. The Diettant has a whole chapter devoted to SOC:
Social Standing is an often overlooked characteristic in Traveller. It has become synonymous with noble rank and although nobility is a major part of political and administrative authority of many star systems, it does not necessarily correspond that the highest Social Standing values should be limited to them. There are many different aspects of society where being an important bureaucrat will have no bearing, whereas an infamous criminal reputation might well tip the balance in your favour.
Another fun nugget (and I will leave you to buy th ebook and read the rest, including its many tables and ideas):
Social Standing not only defines how important you are but it is also an indication of how well known you are. Holding the rank of baron may mean that you are recognised anywhere on your home planet but travel a dozen parsecs away and you become a nobody.
The higher the Social Standing, the wider a character’s reputation has spread and the more likely that they will be followed by the media or fans. Within the region of his influence, the character will be automatically recognised since they appear regularly in the news and magazines. Outside their immediate region of influence, the character’s fame or reputation may still allow them a chance of recognition.
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Post by Stu Venable on Feb 12, 2015 11:55:34 GMT -8
That was quite a wrench when Dave's character got a 16 Soc. We used Tappy's suggestion (that everyone roll for a mishap after chargen) and Dave rolled that a superior wanted to get rid of him.
So I decided the Archduke over Dave's character had tried to assassinate him. That put Dave's character on the run.
... but he's still a Sector Duke. Even in the Spinward Marches, those in the know will know his name.
I threw out most of my game prep after chargen and re-did it with the Sector Duke in mind.
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