Bric-a Brac of the Third Imperium
- Thread starter Astromancer
- Start date
Elfront/Reliable Medi-Tech's Home Psi-Scan Kit and Psi-b-Gone
Do you have a loved one who is different?
Does your spouse finish your sentences?
Does your teenaged child seem to know when trouble is coming, before you speak to them?
Is someone in your life sullen, withdrawn or having a hard time fitting in?
Are you worried that they might be a latent psionic?
Well worry no more!
Efront/Reliable's Home Psi-Scan Kit is easy to administer and can detect exceptional psionic activity in nearly 8 out of 10 cases!
And should your loved one test positive, don't despair, there are alternatives to government intervention!
With Efront/Reliable's Psi-b-Gone latent Psionics can treat their condition before it exceeds Imperially mandated thresholds!
side-effects may include loss of appetite, hair, sex drive, motivation and excesive sleeping. Do not operate heavy machinery within 6 hours of taking Psi-b-Gone. Although available over-the-counter, Psi-b-Gone users should consult with a licensed physician
Do you have a loved one who is different?
Does your spouse finish your sentences?
Does your teenaged child seem to know when trouble is coming, before you speak to them?
Is someone in your life sullen, withdrawn or having a hard time fitting in?
Are you worried that they might be a latent psionic?
Well worry no more!
Efront/Reliable's Home Psi-Scan Kit is easy to administer and can detect exceptional psionic activity in nearly 8 out of 10 cases!
And should your loved one test positive, don't despair, there are alternatives to government intervention!
With Efront/Reliable's Psi-b-Gone latent Psionics can treat their condition before it exceeds Imperially mandated thresholds!
side-effects may include loss of appetite, hair, sex drive, motivation and excesive sleeping. Do not operate heavy machinery within 6 hours of taking Psi-b-Gone. Although available over-the-counter, Psi-b-Gone users should consult with a licensed physician
Evilschemer
Mongoose
Mongoose Acolyte said:
The title is, of course, "To Serve Man"
Evilschemer
Mongoose
One idea I used in my other sci-fi game is a cheap disposable emergency spacesuit.
It's essentially a REALLY flimsy thin plastic suit. They come in thin square vaccuum sealed packages that are about the same size and look just like a tarp in a package at the outdoor store. You rip open the package, don the spacesuit like you would a jump suit, and zip up the suit.
The interior of the suit is covered with a film that converts CO2 into oxygen through a photosynthetic process, but it's only good for a short while, like an hour or two.
Wearing the suit in a vacuum is like wearing an inflated man-shaped balloon with little inflated rubber glove fingers for fine control. The interior gets really fogged up and humid after a short while, but you'll be breathing, at least for a very short while.
Not all are man-shaped. Many are just spheres, like a beach ball.
They are packed inside all spaceship seats, and inside every closet and door. They're super cheap.
I suppose, if one were truly desperate enough, you could stuff multiple beach-balls inside each other, then seal them up from the outside in.
then, as the inner-most one is used up, you unzip it and crush it into a little wad while you're in the next most layer. Repeat until you're down to the last layer.
You could probably get 4-5 hours that way.
It's essentially a REALLY flimsy thin plastic suit. They come in thin square vaccuum sealed packages that are about the same size and look just like a tarp in a package at the outdoor store. You rip open the package, don the spacesuit like you would a jump suit, and zip up the suit.
The interior of the suit is covered with a film that converts CO2 into oxygen through a photosynthetic process, but it's only good for a short while, like an hour or two.
Wearing the suit in a vacuum is like wearing an inflated man-shaped balloon with little inflated rubber glove fingers for fine control. The interior gets really fogged up and humid after a short while, but you'll be breathing, at least for a very short while.
Not all are man-shaped. Many are just spheres, like a beach ball.
They are packed inside all spaceship seats, and inside every closet and door. They're super cheap.
I suppose, if one were truly desperate enough, you could stuff multiple beach-balls inside each other, then seal them up from the outside in.
then, as the inner-most one is used up, you unzip it and crush it into a little wad while you're in the next most layer. Repeat until you're down to the last layer.
You could probably get 4-5 hours that way.
RedBeardSean
Mongoose
Vilanite Sandwich Spread
Similar in many ways to the Solomani delicacy Marmite (known by some as Vegemite), and marketed to many Imperial customers with just such uses in mind. The main difference isn't the taste or consistency, but rather the yeast extracts: these are created from traditional yeast cultures used by shugilii in the act of refining native Vilani meats into an edible form.
Many native Terrans from the British Isles, Australia and New Zealand are surprised to find their cheese and Vilanite sandwiches becoming hot to the touch, as the active cultures react to and partially digest the proteins. Among Vilani-influenced Imperials, a warm, tasty, cheese sandwich is just the thing for a snack or mid-day meal, and far handier than trying to grill a cheese sandwich on a hot Maneuver drive.
While Vilanite has similar effects on many raw meats, the enzymes in human saliva neutralize the conversion properties of Vilanite, making it safe for consumption by most humans.
Vilanite comes in either 500g jars or 60g plastic packets; a jar is typically cr3, while a case of 200 packets runs cr5. Labelling on both the jar and packets contains a warning to both K'kree and Dolphins on potententially harmful effects of Vilanite when injested by those species.
Similar in many ways to the Solomani delicacy Marmite (known by some as Vegemite), and marketed to many Imperial customers with just such uses in mind. The main difference isn't the taste or consistency, but rather the yeast extracts: these are created from traditional yeast cultures used by shugilii in the act of refining native Vilani meats into an edible form.
Many native Terrans from the British Isles, Australia and New Zealand are surprised to find their cheese and Vilanite sandwiches becoming hot to the touch, as the active cultures react to and partially digest the proteins. Among Vilani-influenced Imperials, a warm, tasty, cheese sandwich is just the thing for a snack or mid-day meal, and far handier than trying to grill a cheese sandwich on a hot Maneuver drive.
While Vilanite has similar effects on many raw meats, the enzymes in human saliva neutralize the conversion properties of Vilanite, making it safe for consumption by most humans.
Vilanite comes in either 500g jars or 60g plastic packets; a jar is typically cr3, while a case of 200 packets runs cr5. Labelling on both the jar and packets contains a warning to both K'kree and Dolphins on potententially harmful effects of Vilanite when injested by those species.
Planetary Inertial Guidance Instrument (PIGI - or "Piggy")
The Solomani name for the avionics equipment used by spaceships to locate themselves within a star system's frame of reference. The "Piggy" is a critically important navigation tool, and without it pilots must fall back on error prone visual star tracking methods.
Curiously, PIGI is actually a misnomer for this device, as gravitic systems make inertial guidance impossible, and all TL10+ PIGIs use the McFarlan effect for navigation. However, most Solomani spacers seem to prefer the old term. As the merchant captain Marcus Quin famously put it, "I don't care what's goin' on under the hood, THIS little PIGI gets me to market!".
The Solomani name for the avionics equipment used by spaceships to locate themselves within a star system's frame of reference. The "Piggy" is a critically important navigation tool, and without it pilots must fall back on error prone visual star tracking methods.
Curiously, PIGI is actually a misnomer for this device, as gravitic systems make inertial guidance impossible, and all TL10+ PIGIs use the McFarlan effect for navigation. However, most Solomani spacers seem to prefer the old term. As the merchant captain Marcus Quin famously put it, "I don't care what's goin' on under the hood, THIS little PIGI gets me to market!".
RedBeardSean
Mongoose
Infojunky said:
Well, three different things if you compare British Marmite with New Zealander Marmite, but it's still essentially a spent-brewer's-yeast spread.
Rikki Tikki Traveller
Cosmic Mongoose
No matter what you call it, it still tastes awful!
Salty paste on toast! Yummy! (not!) :twisted:
Salty paste on toast! Yummy! (not!) :twisted:
Marmite is just Yeast Extract, but Vegemite has Malt Extract in it as well, so they're similar but not the same (I've tried both and Marmite tastes much better IMO, but then I'm one of those who's been raised on Marmite and love it to bits).
'Course there was the limited edition Marmite made from Yeast from Guinness vats, which was interesting
.
'Course there was the limited edition Marmite made from Yeast from Guinness vats, which was interesting
.
fireyphoenix22
Banded Mongoose
That's what that stuff was that came outta the food dispenser last night at dinner.
coulda swore it was movin before i cooked it more.
coulda swore it was movin before i cooked it more.
Tearoffs
When you're not in a position to spend a lot of time on the 'fresher in flight, apply tearoffs to your posterior so that cleanup is finished with one quick pull to release the outer layer. Sold in stacks of 10, <1mm thick (full stack) and fully flexible.
Vaporizor
A long term solution is the TL13 vaporizor. Inserted in the colon in a simple outpatient procedure it reduces all solid waste to odorless vapor released indetectably into the environment over time. Lasts 5 years (longer at higher TLs.)
When you're not in a position to spend a lot of time on the 'fresher in flight, apply tearoffs to your posterior so that cleanup is finished with one quick pull to release the outer layer. Sold in stacks of 10, <1mm thick (full stack) and fully flexible.
Vaporizor
A long term solution is the TL13 vaporizor. Inserted in the colon in a simple outpatient procedure it reduces all solid waste to odorless vapor released indetectably into the environment over time. Lasts 5 years (longer at higher TLs.)
RedBeardSean
Mongoose
EDG said:'Course there was the limited edition Marmite made from Yeast from Guinness vats, which was interesting
Ooooh. I'd like to try that.
saundby said:
Okay, so what you're saying is that people would trust something advertised as a rectally-inserted matter disintegrator? :shock:
I think I'll just keep adding fibre to my protein paste.
Baroun Tardis
Mongoose
A few things from My Traveller Universe :
Lampvine - this is a gene-engineered ivy that has the gene for phosporescence added to it. The plant begins to glow when the light level drops below a threshold level. The rest of the time, it operates using normal photosynthasys to grow and release oxygen. The vine has no root system, growing from moisture in the air like some lichen. This plant is very hardy and easy to care for. Light released is about the same as a weak chem-light glow stick. It glows one hour for every two hours it is exposed to light above the threshold level. Good for planting here and there to keep from hitting your shins on things when you're the first one in the office in the morning (TL 10, Cr50 for a small plant,but most people get a cutting from a co-worker in the office)
GenieRing - this is a somewhat gaudy signet ring with a small voice-operated computer. It supports the Imperial equivlant of WiFi and can log into the Internet on most TL11+ worlds. The Genie handles email and limited web searches as well as having a VOIP phone capability. There is also an appointment reminder function and addreess book. (Basically , the things one can do with a current real-world PDA that don't involve graphics - the text is read back to the user. ) The wearer operates the device by saying, "Genie, email my wife that I'm running late and will be home around 9PM. " or "Genie, doctor's appointment tomorrow 3:00 PM". The Genie says things like, "Master, reminder: Doctors appointment in 20 minutes" (TL12, cr 200-1500+ depending on quality of ring , computer, and software)
Lift Gum - Lift (tm) is a chewing gum with small time-release crystals of stimulant. It is available in 7 "flavors" based on the spectrum (Roy G Biv), each having a stronger dose. The stimulant is designed for humans, and contains caffine, B6, B12 and a variety of other things, including some synthetic hormones/steroids. Chew time is about 30 minutes, during which the user gets a continued dose. Red (cherry) is about like a cup of coffee. Violet is about like a 200mg dose of Provigil. Add the dosage level (1-7) to Law Level and roll over that for it to be legal on a given world. Generally,as long as possession doesn't exceed the pack in your pocket the police won't hassle you... but "intent to distribute" can get you in trouble. (TL 9, cr 1-7 per pack of 5 sticks)
Variable Tool - This device uses a nanotech polymer that changes shape based on verbal commands given to a coin-sized computer embeded in it. The "inert" command returns it to a 1cm diameter by 4cm long cylinder shape. Other commands include "Screwdriver', "Pliers" , "wrench" , "Knife", "Opener" , "pick" and many others. The subcommands also include options to adjust the tool . For example, "Screwdriver Phillips #2" or "Pliers Needlenose. Shorter. Shorter. Thinner. " or "Wrench Box 5mm" would be valid command strings spoken to it. The device can also be set to verbally report voltage, amperage, resistance and capacitance as well as the amount of torque being pushed on the pliers or wrench. It does not heat up like a soldering iron or torch, and the material is not durable enough to be used as a metal file (it can file or saw soft wood or plastic) (TL14, cr750)
JoyStique - This is a Variable Tool (see above) with special options that are intended for private biological activites. Different settings accomidate users of various genders and species. (TL 14, cr 1500.... or cr 2500 for one that also does what a VariableTool does and pretends to be one when handled while the owner isn't present.)
Lampvine - this is a gene-engineered ivy that has the gene for phosporescence added to it. The plant begins to glow when the light level drops below a threshold level. The rest of the time, it operates using normal photosynthasys to grow and release oxygen. The vine has no root system, growing from moisture in the air like some lichen. This plant is very hardy and easy to care for. Light released is about the same as a weak chem-light glow stick. It glows one hour for every two hours it is exposed to light above the threshold level. Good for planting here and there to keep from hitting your shins on things when you're the first one in the office in the morning (TL 10, Cr50 for a small plant,but most people get a cutting from a co-worker in the office)
GenieRing - this is a somewhat gaudy signet ring with a small voice-operated computer. It supports the Imperial equivlant of WiFi and can log into the Internet on most TL11+ worlds. The Genie handles email and limited web searches as well as having a VOIP phone capability. There is also an appointment reminder function and addreess book. (Basically , the things one can do with a current real-world PDA that don't involve graphics - the text is read back to the user. ) The wearer operates the device by saying, "Genie, email my wife that I'm running late and will be home around 9PM. " or "Genie, doctor's appointment tomorrow 3:00 PM". The Genie says things like, "Master, reminder: Doctors appointment in 20 minutes" (TL12, cr 200-1500+ depending on quality of ring , computer, and software)
Lift Gum - Lift (tm) is a chewing gum with small time-release crystals of stimulant. It is available in 7 "flavors" based on the spectrum (Roy G Biv), each having a stronger dose. The stimulant is designed for humans, and contains caffine, B6, B12 and a variety of other things, including some synthetic hormones/steroids. Chew time is about 30 minutes, during which the user gets a continued dose. Red (cherry) is about like a cup of coffee. Violet is about like a 200mg dose of Provigil. Add the dosage level (1-7) to Law Level and roll over that for it to be legal on a given world. Generally,as long as possession doesn't exceed the pack in your pocket the police won't hassle you... but "intent to distribute" can get you in trouble. (TL 9, cr 1-7 per pack of 5 sticks)
Variable Tool - This device uses a nanotech polymer that changes shape based on verbal commands given to a coin-sized computer embeded in it. The "inert" command returns it to a 1cm diameter by 4cm long cylinder shape. Other commands include "Screwdriver', "Pliers" , "wrench" , "Knife", "Opener" , "pick" and many others. The subcommands also include options to adjust the tool . For example, "Screwdriver Phillips #2" or "Pliers Needlenose. Shorter. Shorter. Thinner. " or "Wrench Box 5mm" would be valid command strings spoken to it. The device can also be set to verbally report voltage, amperage, resistance and capacitance as well as the amount of torque being pushed on the pliers or wrench. It does not heat up like a soldering iron or torch, and the material is not durable enough to be used as a metal file (it can file or saw soft wood or plastic) (TL14, cr750)
JoyStique - This is a Variable Tool (see above) with special options that are intended for private biological activites. Different settings accomidate users of various genders and species. (TL 14, cr 1500.... or cr 2500 for one that also does what a VariableTool does and pretends to be one when handled while the owner isn't present.)
Astromancer
Mongoose
Dawn Daisies
These hardy simple flowers release a citrus-like scent at dawn and/or first light. Varrious gene-taylored versions respond to other stimuli.
The scent causes sleepers of most types of Humaniti to wake up feeling fresh and lively.
Pots of these hardy flowers are often rigged up as olfactory alarm clocks.
These hardy simple flowers release a citrus-like scent at dawn and/or first light. Varrious gene-taylored versions respond to other stimuli.
The scent causes sleepers of most types of Humaniti to wake up feeling fresh and lively.
Pots of these hardy flowers are often rigged up as olfactory alarm clocks.
Cpt BlackThorne
Mongoose
Scout Brew!
What? there are so many spacers tales on this stuff it's kinda a a component....if less well known
Ona different note, not to much a Bric-a-Brak, but a Icon of All Starports Has to Be Starbase Qwik-Shoppe, The place where spaces can find any odds and ends for the ships locker (and snack trunk) including such items as.
"Sol-Chips!" A tasty product rendered from Terran Chorn in fried meat sauce (BBQ), Nacho flavour, Tako, 4-Cheese (the Solomani never say which exactly), and Rhutabega.
"Speed" Phosphate Drink: A drink laced with natural stimulants in Green Flavour, Orange, Cherry (very popular), and Kola-nut!
Those Parts you always seem to be missing from the repair kit.
Space Blankets
Temple of the Illuminated Elvis: Eternal Salvation or Triple your Money Back! Tracts.
What? there are so many spacers tales on this stuff it's kinda a a component....if less well known
Ona different note, not to much a Bric-a-Brak, but a Icon of All Starports Has to Be Starbase Qwik-Shoppe, The place where spaces can find any odds and ends for the ships locker (and snack trunk) including such items as.
"Sol-Chips!" A tasty product rendered from Terran Chorn in fried meat sauce (BBQ), Nacho flavour, Tako, 4-Cheese (the Solomani never say which exactly), and Rhutabega.
"Speed" Phosphate Drink: A drink laced with natural stimulants in Green Flavour, Orange, Cherry (very popular), and Kola-nut!
Those Parts you always seem to be missing from the repair kit.
Space Blankets
Temple of the Illuminated Elvis: Eternal Salvation or Triple your Money Back! Tracts.
Imperial Scout Handbook
First compiled as a set of emergency instructions for inclusion on Scout ships in the Age of Exploration, the Imperial Scout Handbook is an incredibly popular volume that has seen a breathtaking 128 different editions. At it's core, the Handbook is a broad survival guide for alien worlds with their own biosphere and survivable atmospheric pressure. It contains tips for everything from finding edible foods to building fires to improvising air filters from duct tape and the pages of the Handbook itself.
Though still revised and owned by the ISS, the Handbook sees widespread distribution on worlds throughout the Imperium. It's regarded as an essential survival tool for any city-dweller who might suddenly find themselves trying to make it in the wilderness. Beyond its value as a tool, the Handbook is also famous for its many 'true life story' sidebars illustrating examples of the survival technique the book is explaining, as well as its dry humor and wry references to life in the Scout service.
Though still nominally written for ISS personnel, these days the Handbook is as much slanted to various 'Young Scout' programs over the Imperium and takes pains to explain things in a simple fashion that even a child could easily understand. (Navy rats, of course, say that has nothing to do with children reading it and everything to do with the quality of Scout personnel.)
The front cover of the Handbook offers its most important advice in large friendly letters. DON'T PANIC.
First compiled as a set of emergency instructions for inclusion on Scout ships in the Age of Exploration, the Imperial Scout Handbook is an incredibly popular volume that has seen a breathtaking 128 different editions. At it's core, the Handbook is a broad survival guide for alien worlds with their own biosphere and survivable atmospheric pressure. It contains tips for everything from finding edible foods to building fires to improvising air filters from duct tape and the pages of the Handbook itself.
Though still revised and owned by the ISS, the Handbook sees widespread distribution on worlds throughout the Imperium. It's regarded as an essential survival tool for any city-dweller who might suddenly find themselves trying to make it in the wilderness. Beyond its value as a tool, the Handbook is also famous for its many 'true life story' sidebars illustrating examples of the survival technique the book is explaining, as well as its dry humor and wry references to life in the Scout service.
Though still nominally written for ISS personnel, these days the Handbook is as much slanted to various 'Young Scout' programs over the Imperium and takes pains to explain things in a simple fashion that even a child could easily understand. (Navy rats, of course, say that has nothing to do with children reading it and everything to do with the quality of Scout personnel.)
The front cover of the Handbook offers its most important advice in large friendly letters. DON'T PANIC.
Astromancer
Mongoose
The Collected Works of P.G.Wodehouse
Not only one of the funniest authors in the English language, but also one of the great technical masters of written prose, P.G. Wodehouse is required reading in all Imperial schools. Since English has the same status in the 3I as Latin does in the 10th thought 22nd century West, teaching those seeking advanced degrees English is important. Like Cicero, Wodehouse is the model of refined style, like Terence, Wodehouse is the model of refined wit, and like Catullus, Wodehouse is the model of crisp imagery. Unlike those guys Wodehouse is so funny kids read him willingly and no one objects to the content of the stories.
Thus copies of Wodehouse's novels, both in the original English and in translation are commomplace. References to the novels are common too. Computers named Jeeves, groups called the "Drones Club," houses called "Blandings Castle," are all commonplace.
Even planets have recived names as Wodehouse themed in jokes.
Note to Readers
This can be used as Farce or background. Many incongruous features of the 3I can be covered up by this simple detail. "Why was it named that? Some clod's idea of a joke." or the simple "He read too much Wodehouse and thinks this is witty."
This is such a simple useful bit of background, enjoy.
Not only one of the funniest authors in the English language, but also one of the great technical masters of written prose, P.G. Wodehouse is required reading in all Imperial schools. Since English has the same status in the 3I as Latin does in the 10th thought 22nd century West, teaching those seeking advanced degrees English is important. Like Cicero, Wodehouse is the model of refined style, like Terence, Wodehouse is the model of refined wit, and like Catullus, Wodehouse is the model of crisp imagery. Unlike those guys Wodehouse is so funny kids read him willingly and no one objects to the content of the stories.
Thus copies of Wodehouse's novels, both in the original English and in translation are commomplace. References to the novels are common too. Computers named Jeeves, groups called the "Drones Club," houses called "Blandings Castle," are all commonplace.
Even planets have recived names as Wodehouse themed in jokes.
Note to Readers
This can be used as Farce or background. Many incongruous features of the 3I can be covered up by this simple detail. "Why was it named that? Some clod's idea of a joke." or the simple "He read too much Wodehouse and thinks this is witty."
This is such a simple useful bit of background, enjoy.
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