Worlds With Multiple Bases?

[Flynn]

Good Morning, All:

As I work on Flynn's Guide To Azri Drakara, I have been reading the section on world-building, to make sure that the UWPS I generated are compatible with the new MGT system. One of the areas that I think I'm going to have to re-generate will be bases. In MGT, we have the six following bases:

N = Navy
S = Scout
C = Consulate
P = Pirate
R = Research
T = TAS Hostel

Now, traditionally, as part of the UWP, we have captured combinations of bases using a single letter to represent multiple bases, such as "A" for both Navy and Scout bases present on the same world. However, when I think about the possible combinations of base types, I'm sure the number exceeds 24 (not including "I" and "O" to avoid confusion). In fact, below are the possible combinations I could come up with, using the six base types above:

Navy
Navy + Consulate
Navy + Consulate + Research
Navy + Consulate + Research + TAS
Navy + Consulate + TAS
Navy + Pirate + Consulate
Navy + Pirate + Consulate + Research
Navy + Pirate + Consulate + Research + TAS
Navy + Pirate + Consulate + TAS
Navy + Pirate + Research
Navy + Pirate + Scout
Navy + Pirate + Scout + Consulate
Navy + Pirate + Scout + Consulate + Research
Navy + Pirate + Scout + Consulate + Research + TAS
Navy + Pirate + Scout + Consulate + TAS
Navy + Pirate + Scout + Research
Navy + Pirate + Scout + TAS
Navy + Pirate + TAS
Navy + Research
Navy + Research + TAS
Navy + Scout
Navy + Scout + Consulate
Navy + Scout + Consulate + Research
Navy + Scout + Consulate + Research + TAS
Navy + Scout + Consulate + TAS
Navy + Scout + Research
Navy + Scout + TAS
Navy + TAS
Scout
Scout + Consulate
Scout + Consulate + Pirate
Scout + Consulate + Pirate + Research
Scout + Consulate + Pirate + Research + TAS
Scout + Consulate + Pirate + TAS
Scout + Consulate + Research
Scout + Consulate + Research + TAS
Scout + Consulate + TAS
Scout + Pirate
Scout + Pirate + Research
Scout + Pirate + Research + TAS
Scout + Pirate + TAS
Scout + Research
Scout + Research + TAS
Scout + TAS
Consulate
Consulate + Pirate
Consulate + Pirate + Research
Consulate + Pirate + Research + TAS
Consulate + Pirate + TAS
Consulate + Research
Consulate + Research + TAS
Consulate + TAS
Pirate
Pirate + Research
Pirate + Research + TAS
Pirate + TAS
Research
Research + TAS
TAS

This looks like it might require a modification to the UWP one-line profile, as well as a master chart to indicate combinations. I didn't see anything in the rules, but then again, maybe I missesd something. Before I get too much further into exploring this, what are your thoughts on the matter?

With Regards,
Flynn

 

[Sturn]

Simpler to not try to form a new code for all of the combinations, just use a string of the letter for each base? A.i. Navy, Scout, and Consulate system. Instead of making a new single code letter for that combination, simply use the string, 'NSC'. Don't need a chart, place the string at the end of the UWP like I think it has been in the past IIRC.

 

[Flynn]

Using the following as a guide:
http://traveller.wikia.com/wiki/Universal_World_Profile

You are simply suggesting that the Base Codes section be expanded by five spaces to allow for the presence of mulitiple base codes? It's not very compatible with older UWP software, but it does represent a possibility. I'm not sure about doing that, though, and so I'll wait to see if there are other suggestions to consider before moving forward with developing my approach for Azri Drakara.

Thanks For The Input,
Flynn

 

[Flynn]

Oh, I had another thought....

Track Navy, Pirate and Scout bases under Base Codes, and use trade codes to cover Research Bases ("Re"), Consulate Bases ("Cb"), and TAS Hostels ("Th").

Research bases used to be tracked in the Trade Codes section, similar to Capitols, etc. We could continue to do the same here.

Just a thought, anyway. Looking forward to seeing people's reactions and thoughts on the process.

With Regards,
Flynn

 

[-Daniel-]

Just curious, why not just list the PRimary base in the code line and any other bases in the written discription?

I admit I have never thought of the old code as meaning the system only had one base. I sort of thought of Airports where I live. When you talk Los Angeles there is the main airport, LAX. But in the area there is Burbank, Van Neys, Long Beach, as well as a few even smaller ones. There are also some private strips.

So when I see a system listing the Scout base, I assume that is the largest in system base.

Just a thought.

Daniel

 

[Flynn]

Just curious, why not just list the PRimary base in the code line and any other bases in the written discription?

Yeah, but how do you tell which one is the primary base, in that instance, when generating your bases? Whichever got the highest roll?

Oh, and for most worlds, all you've got is the UWP, with no written description to follow. (I'm looking at this for the long term, as I'm sure I won't be the only person publishing 3rd-Party Traveller stuff.) That might make it hard to follow your suggestion.

With Regards,
Flynn

 

[WhiteWolf]

I agree with attaching the additional bases at the end of the UWP. So what if they are not compatiable with older UWP software (write new ones or update the old ones).

I know I would hate to look up what all the alpha/numeric codes are for additional bases like you listed. As for which one is primary I don't think it matters. What if you have a strong naval, scout, and consulate bases as primary bases and four secondary bases (three small research bases and one TAS base)?

It would be nice to see the UWP expanded to allow additional bases.

 

[Flynn]

As an aside, I note that the MGT version of the UWP does not include stellar data. Would it be acceptible to not include stellar data in a sector sourcebook or any listing of UWPs?

It's always hard to find the right balance for the diverse interests of the Traveller fan base.

With Regards,
Flynn

 

[Deniable]

Rather than trying to ID a primary base, just set aside one letter for "too hard, see the written description." This will work with the old tools and signal the reader to check the description. Also, be careful about overloading the comments and trade codes. A lot of tools give you a limited field size.

Just don't start using large letters, small letters, and punctuation to make things fit.

 

[Gruffty the Hiver]

As an aside, I note that the MGT version of the UWP does not include stellar data. Would it be acceptible to not include stellar data in a sector sourcebook or any listing of UWPs?

It's always hard to find the right balance for the diverse interests of the Traveller fan base.

With Regards,
Flynn

Flynn, Flynn, Flynn...come on now, you *know* you just luurrrvve dem stars

 

[Flynn]

Flynn, Flynn, Flynn...come on now, you *know* you just luurrrvve dem stars

Stars, I don't have a problem with. Just curious since the core rules didn't care to bring them in.

However, it is likely that Scouts will come out, and with it, a whole world-building, system-building procedure that gives us the MGT equivalent of the World Builder's Handbook. (That is, assuming that EGD doesn't publish his own version first and beat them to it. )

So maybe I should just keep them in. Hmmm....

With Regards,
Flynn

 

[Rikki Tikki Traveller]

Or use EDG's Revised Stellar Generation Tables which were done with Traveller in mind. It is a variation of what Scouts had before (but better).

 

[Flynn]

Only if EGD gives me permission to do so. He does hold the copyright on those rules, you know.

With Regards,
Flynn