Traveller (role-playing game)

Lore & Background

The game uses only six-sided dice for random elements. Characters are generated through a lifepath system where players make career choices that determine skills and experiences before adventuring begins; death during character generation is possible in some editions. The default setting features the Third Imperium, a feudalistic interstellar empire where local nobility operate with limited oversight. The universe includes multiple sophont races, such as the Aslan, Droyne, Hivers, K'kree, Vargr, and various human subgroups like the Solomani, Vilani, and Zhodani. The Ancients, a highly advanced extinct race, left ruins and artifacts throughout space. Editions include Classic Traveller, MegaTraveller, Traveller: The New Era, GURPS Traveller, Traveller20, Mongoose Traveller, and Traveller5. The current rulesets are Traveller5 and Mongoose Traveller 2nd Edition.

Reader's Guide

Its lifepath character generation and focus on commerce, sociological stratification, and mixed technology levels set it apart from other early RPGs. The game has been adapted for GURPS, d20, and other systems, and has inspired novels and at least two video games, including MegaTraveller 1: The Zhodani Conspiracy and MegaTraveller 2: Quest for the Ancients. Despite criticism of slow character growth and anachronistic weapons, Traveller remains a classic in the hobby, with nearly all older editions available in PDF. Its influence extends to board games like Mayday and Brilliant Lances, which allow detailed space combat resolution.

Did You Know?

• The game uses only six-sided dice for random elements.
• Death during character generation is possible in some editions.