Sale and Purchase DMs

[TheyCallMeBoy]

Hi all! I've just started running my first game of Traveller. I've always thought the system and setting looked fun and the large number of random tables have proven to be a very good friend to this Referee.

The crew have been offered a job breaking up a drug ring that threatens to spread a highly addictive new drug across several sectors. To do so, they've decided to get in with the smugglers by trading some black market goods as well as legitimate cargo.

However, I'm worried that I'll either stiff the players or not charge enough after they broker a deal. My only concern is around the Sale and Purchase DMs. Am I right in thinking that Purchase and Sale DMs are only included if that planet has a particular trade code?

For instance, the crew bought 9 tons of Illegal Luxuries. The Purchase DMs are Agricultural +2, Garden +0 and Water World +1. The planet is a Garden world, so am I right in believing the Purchase DM is +0?

Meanwhile, the Sale DMs are Rich +6 and High Population +4. Since their destination has neither of those trade codes, does that mean no Sale DM applies?

I hope all of that makes sense; I'm sure the answer is obvious, but I want to make sure I'm right while the game is only just getting off the ground. Thanks for your help!

 

[DickTurpin]

You are correct, only the DMs for that world's Trade Codes are applied. Furthermore, only the highest Trade Code DM in each column is applied for a world, so if the planet had been both Rich (+6 Sale DM) and High Population (+4 Sale DM), the purchase price would only take the -6 for Rich rather than -10 for both DMs.

And also remember that the Modified Price Table uses a 3d6+DMs roll rather than the customary 2d6. After years of playing I still find myself dropping that extra die every once in awhile.

 

[TheyCallMeBoy]

Great stuff, thanks for your reply! We struggled a bit through that last night, so I want to get things in order for the next session. I'm planning to put together a simple spreadsheet to speed up that area of play, so getting the DMs clarified helps. After all, I don't think my players signed up for Accountants & Actuaries.