			    TRAVELLER Digest 468

Topics covered in this issue include:

  1) PAWs by "Frances A. McLaughlin" <wwnfam@pipeline.com>
  2) Re: Cruisers by Rob_Prior@nynet.nybe.north-york.on.ca (Rob Prior)
  3) Re: PAWs by merrick@Rt66.com (Merrick Burkhardt)
  4) Re: TRAVELLER digest 465 by Joni M Virolainen <jonimv@evitech.fi>
  5) Re: Sensor Stuff  by merrick@Rt66.com (Merrick Burkhardt)
  6) Re: Dark Trav by "Harold D. Hale" <hdhale@smtpgate.read.tasc.com>
  7) Re: 2 - 4 - 6 - 8 - Murder Maim and Mutilate... by Pauli <Paul.Dale@jcu.edu.au>
  8) Plasma Support Weapon by broussa@ConnectI.com (David C. Broussard)
  9) Sample "sensor battle" by merrick@Rt66.com (Merrick Burkhardt)
 10) Re: 2 - 4 - 6 - 8 - Muder Maim and Mutilate... by Quibell E D <quibez@essex.ac.uk>
 11) The long wait... by Michael Bailey <pd82495@wapol.gov.au>
 12) Complete Traveller Listing by FKiesche3@aol.com
 13) RICE paper - Jewell by Michael Bailey <pd82495@wapol.gov.au>
 14) RICE Paper - Ruby by Michael Bailey <pd82495@wapol.gov.au>

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Mon, 30 Oct 1995 14:33:42 -0500
From: "Frances A. McLaughlin" <wwnfam@pipeline.com>
To: traveller@MPGN.COM
Subject: PAWs
Message-ID: <199510301933.OAA02076@pipe3.nyc.pipeline.com>

Thanks to John Bogan's clarification on Rshort for Particle Accelerator's,
I was able to make the N-PAW on the Fang SDB and Cuspid Gunboat work out. 
Unfortunately, it would only work with a tunnel length of 15.35 meters, not
the 14 published in the RSB. 
 
The question I have now is:  when designing add-on weapons modules such as
the above, or the missile modules for the Modular Inspection Launch, is
there any type of limitation on size (other than power/thrust
requirements)?  Given that spinal mounts are limited to the L of the vessel
and parallel mounts to .8*L this would seem to be a good way to sidestep
those limitations. 
 
What do people think? 
 
Will

------------------------------

Date: 30 Oct 1995 14:24:44 GMT
From: Rob_Prior@nynet.nybe.north-york.on.ca (Rob Prior)
To: traveller@MPGN.COM
Subject: Re: Cruisers
Message-ID: <61406.30721991@nynet.nybe.north-york.on.ca>

Back when steam was just becoming respectable, a "cruiser" was a warship that
carried enough coal to remain afloat for extended periods of time.  (It could
cruise on patrol.)  This meant leaving off heavier things like armour.  

With the onset of 'big gun' gunnery theory some cruisers were equipped with
large guns, as big as a battleship: these were battlecruisers.  The theory
was that by shooting first and more accurately they could hold off a
battleship long enough to escape.  It sorta worked, when used according to
doctrine.

When designing ships for TNE, I would reserve the term 'cruiser' for a ship
that can spend extended periods away from support ships.  This is tricky to
do with jumps, but you can trade off mass for maneuver burns and agility, and
come close.

All of which is a personal opinion, and I haven't yet designed a ship I'm
happy with.  Maybe when I get this &^%$^ FFS program written.  (After I
finish Metator, and marking exams, and networking my school, and...)

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 30 Oct 1995 13:17:11 -0700 (MST)
From: merrick@Rt66.com (Merrick Burkhardt)
To: traveller@MPGN.COM
Subject: Re: PAWs
Message-ID: <9510302017.AA05342@Rt66.com>

Hi,
 
> Thanks to John Bogan's clarification on Rshort for Particle Accelerator's,
> I was able to make the N-PAW on the Fang SDB and Cuspid Gunboat work out. 
> Unfortunately, it would only work with a tunnel length of 15.35 meters, not
> the 14 published in the RSB. 

I had no doubt that you could get the numbers to work out... too bad
they don't match the stated design.  I wonder what the mass difference
is between the two.  Also, what is the stated length of the ship(s) it
is mounted on.  Does either the 14m or 15.35m design fit as L or .8*L?

> The question I have now is:  when designing add-on weapons modules such as
> the above, or the missile modules for the Modular Inspection Launch, is
> there any type of limitation on size (other than power/thrust
> requirements)?  Given that spinal mounts are limited to the L of the vessel
> and parallel mounts to .8*L this would seem to be a good way to sidestep
> those limitations. 

If you are designing plug in weapons, just do them.  The ship designer
will pick the size that fits.  If you want them to be standard to the
MIL, then they'd have to fit the volume (and presumably length)
requirements of the module.  Mass wouldn't be important for you as the
plug-in designer... but it would be smart to look at the mass of the
MIL and make sure that with your module the total mass would be within
15*hull_displacement so the craft wouldn't suffer from carrying it
(although it might be worth the trade if the weapon was nasty enough).

I'd be interested if anyone thinks a PAW with a damage value (or PV, or
whatever it is :-) of 70 (max) could ever "rapidly inflict killing
damage" (my paraphrase, probably not a direct quote) on a small
starship.  Even most traders would have armor of 40 or so.  That means
the PAW is as good as a laser only within 5 hexes (and much worse when
you consider the excess damage will never be able to repenetrate the
armor), and will only warm the hull at greater ranges.  Military ships
are gonna be armor 60 (62, frequently for some reason), so it'll be lame
even at under 5 hexes.  It's bad when the coaxial fusion gun with a
1.something km short range is a much better weapon than your primary gun
:-)

I bet that a real varmit gun (a .22 or SKS) would do more damage by
orders of magnitude than that PAW at BL type closing velocities.

They should have made them open frame designs at whatever tonnage would
allow a length of 25m (for a damage of 125).  They could get the volume
down by having a short range if needed, but at least it would penetrate
hulls with enough energy left over to do criticals to a small military
ship.  Then they could use the illustration on the MT Fighting Ships for
a picture of what it looks like (hmmm).

Were the PAWs craft in question at TL15?  Maybe I'll try to make useful
versions with said 25ish meter PAW.


-Merrick

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 30 Oct 1995 23:04:44 +0200 (EET)
From: Joni M Virolainen <jonimv@evitech.fi>
To: traveller@MPGN.COM
Subject: Re: TRAVELLER digest 465
Message-ID: <Pine.3.89.9510302239.A27561-0100000@evitech.evitech.fi>

Thanks for that Vampire thing. You know, I really like to add some horror 
elements to my campaigns. I really liked that. If you  have similar 
ideas, post them by all means.

"I'll be bag"
-Arnie the Alligator

Joni Virolainen
jonimv@evitech.fi



------------------------------

Date: Mon, 30 Oct 1995 14:04:54 -0700 (MST)
From: merrick@Rt66.com (Merrick Burkhardt)
To: traveller@MPGN.COM
Subject: Re: Sensor Stuff 
Message-ID: <9510302104.AA08302@Rt66.com>


 
>         I'd argue for exit sigs vary with jump number: since different jump
> numbers require different energies to enter, the "spillover" radiation from
> jumpspace as you exit would also be different -- at jump six, you're coming
> down a much steeper slope than at jump one. So you can tell how big a mass
> came through, and roughly how far it came. Or better yet, the energy is a
> function of both mass and jump number, with no easy way to separate the
> effects. So maybe that's a small ship from far away, or a big ship from next
> door ... 
>  ___________________________________________________________________
>   Dave Golden                              PGP Public Key available



Hmmm.  Maybe the flash is only dependent on the volume (area of jump
grid or whatever), but the quality of the flash changes with j-number...

I might actually change with the jump number of the drive, not the
actual distance traveled.  That would be dealt with in the rules by
allowing an outstanding success to detect the telltail particles formed,
or the typical spectrum of, a given jump number drive.

Sensor Officer:  "Captain, our high freq. EMS just picked up a jump flash, the
emission spectrum is consistent with a Zhodani jump 4 drive, and the
high energy particle detector array confirms this interpretation... a HEPlaR
exhaust plume was detected 15 seconds later, so we assume this is an
entry signature."

Captain: "Engineering, prepare to run on minimal power.  Maneuver, how
long ago was our last course correction?  Will they see our last burn,
or has it gone by them already?  Weapons---charge the HPGs before we go
to powered down mode."

Maneuver:  "Captain, our last scheduled course change was completed on
time 13 minutes ago.  The jump flash was made some 10 light minutes from
our position at the time of burn."

XO:  "The plume should be warm enough to radiate detectably long enough
for them to have a chance of detecting it... it'll depend on if they
look this way at the beginning of their sweep."

Captain:  "Damn!  Power down anyway, and prepare to get the plant up to
speed if they show any sign that they've seen us."

Sorry, I got carried away...
-Merrick

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 30 Oct 1995 18:24:40 -0500
From: "Harold D. Hale" <hdhale@smtpgate.read.tasc.com>
To: traveller@MPGN.COM
Subject: Re: Dark Trav
Message-ID: <s095181c.068@smtpgate.read.tasc.com>

Christopher Griffen writes:

>What I'm looking forward to is a "Year 2000 Sourcebook."  What's
>gonna  happen 800 years after the fall of Virus.  I'd like to see TNE
>reach this  point some day.

   Hmm... now there's an interesting thought....what will Known Space
be like in the Imperial year 2000?

HEADLINES

---The Terran Empire denies any knowledge of a raid conducted last
week on the Imperial world of Aubaine.  Aubaine, an important frontier
world, suffered severe damage to its starport and naval base facilities.
A Terran spokesman laid the blame squarely on the neighboring Ithklur
Empire ``which as we know has been rather aggressive since
absorbing the last of the Hiver Federation.``

---Imperial spokesman have denied rumors that the Imperial fleet sent
of relieve Zhodane has met unexpected resistance.  ``We have every
confidence that this latest Aslan incursion against our borders will be
turned back, just as previous incursions have been.``  Friction between
the Imperium and the New Aslan Hierate dates back to the pre-Regency
era.  This latest skirmish began late last year when the Aslan attempted
to press claims to regions of space around the former Zhodani
homeworld.

---Imperial scientists have discovered a small colony of K'Kree on a
world in the Ley Sector.  Thought driven to extinction more than 200
years ago, the discovery of the colony was exciting news to the
researchers.  ``We may now be able to better understand this race
and its habits and perhaps gain some insight as to why they are so
universally hated,`` said a spokesperson for the scientists.

Food for thought,

Harold




------------------------------

Date: Tue, 31 Oct 95 12:27:42 +1000
From: Pauli <Paul.Dale@jcu.edu.au>
To: traveller@MPGN.COM
Cc: A.S.Lilly@bnr.co.uk (Andy Lilly)
Subject: Re: 2 - 4 - 6 - 8 - Murder Maim and Mutilate...
Message-ID: <9510310227.AA10176@lionfish.jcu.edu.au>

Andy Lilly wrote:

>Well, what format is the file in? What platform is it for? PUH-LEASE when
>mentioning software tell us these minor details so we don't waste time
>downloading stuff that we can't use!

Oops, sorry I neglected to mention this info.  The program is for a MAC
is won't run under DOS Windows OS2 UN*X CPM or any other operating
system except for MACOS (it will work under system 7 and should run
under system 6).  I don't remember the exact format I saved it
in but it shouldn't be too hard to extract on a MAC.






        						Dr Pauli

Paul Dale                       | Paul.Dale@jcu.edu.au
Computer Centre                 | +61 77 814 551
James Cook University           |
Australia, 4811                 | Did you know that there are 41 two letter
                                |     words containing the letter 'a'?


------------------------------

Date: Mon, 30 Oct 1995 23:09:22 -0600
From: broussa@ConnectI.com (David C. Broussard)
To: traveller@MPGN.COM
Subject: Plasma Support Weapon
Message-ID: <9510310509.AA19490@ConnectI.com>

Aubaine, Aubaine-- RC announces new squad support weapon for the RC marines.
The Plasma Squad Support Weapon.  Based on a relic Dronye design, the PSSW
is designed to be fitted in lieu of a standard grenade launcher on most
standerd coalition weapons.  Designed to penetrate relic battle dress, the
PSSW is also effective against bunkers and fortifications.  Gunnery Sgt
Lance "Blaster" Poppel who was involved in the design and testing of the
PSSW had this to say about the new weapon..."Now those damn relics out there
will have to watch their backs a little closer.  Their battle dress is no
match for the 'pop-gun', and neither are their tanks, APCs, and homes."  The
PSSW (or as it has already been nicknamed by the troops who field tested it)
the pop-gun will be produced on Aubaine by Plasma Concepts Inc (PLC).
Spokespeople for Plasma Concepts had the following statement..."We at Plasma
Concepts are happy to do our part to help the Reformation Coalition in any
way we can."  Plasma Concepts stock rose 2 5/8 to 5 3/8 on the Aubaine Stock
Exchange after the announcement.  The RC marines have ordered an intial
shipment of 500 with additional shipments expected in the near future.

Technical Specifications:
TL-12 3.2cm .25Mj Plasma Weapon.
Weight: (loaded) 3.3 KG.
Ammunition: 31.7 X 95mm Pulse Plasma Cartridge Ammo weight 300g.
Effective Range: 50m at full effectiveness, 200m max.
Performance: 1.07cm Superdense out to 50m, 1.9cm Crystaliron, 37.5cm
reinforced concrete.
Action: Single Shot, Slide Action.
Sights: Use weapons.

END TRANSMISSION

FF&S info:
TL-12 Plasma Weapon using 3.2cm .25Mj Pulse Plasma Cart.
Firing Unit 1Kg, Support Unit 2Kg, No Compensator.
D=15 Pen = 15  15  8  2
Range 25  50  100  200

DCB
David C. Broussard (broussa@connecti.com)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The opinions represented herein are the sole responsibility of
the proclaimer, and should not be interpreted as dogma, doctrine
philosophy, or anything else other than blabber.  However, if you
REALLY like it, then gimme a dollar!
-----------------------------------------------------------------


------------------------------

Date: Mon, 30 Oct 1995 23:04:13 -0700 (MST)
From: merrick@Rt66.com (Merrick Burkhardt)
To: traveller@MPGN.COM (traveller)
Subject: Sample "sensor battle"
Message-ID: <9510310604.AA23798@Rt66.com>

Howdy,

here are some notes I jotted down a while ago regarding active vs.
passive sensors.  These may look like a silly thing to write down since
it's just a rewrite of the players aid card in a way, but it is useful
(IMHO) to see it in a different format.

I assumed a sensor duel between 2 Small ships.  One with a 16 hex AEMS,
the other with a 8 hex PEMS (folding).  The range is 64 hexes.  The AEMS
ship is free to evade at up to 6gs.  The PEMS ship can't evade at all
because it has a folding array.  Both have 16 hex EMS Jammers (not that
it matters for the AEMS ship).  I also assume that using the jammer
counts as going active (not explicit in the rules).  Both ships also
have EM Masking and are at the same TL.  I didn't use black globes at
all.

I was trying to get at the range of Diff Levels the sensing ship would
have to deal with.  For the AEMS, for example, jamming to +2 DMs was
impossible because outstanding success is not possible for the
Formidable Jamming task, etc..


AEMS ship Lock-On attempt:

Conditions					Diff Level
---------------------				----------
No Jamming by target:				Difficult	

Jamming successful or Cat. Evasion 
Failure by AEMS ship :				Formidable 

Jamming + Cat. Evasion
Failure by AEMS ship:				Impossible



PEMS Lock-On attempt (straight BL):

Conditions                                      Diff Level
---------------------                           ----------
Stern quarter* if AEMS is using 
gturns:						Easy

Evasion +1 and stern quarter:			Average

Evasion +2 and stern quarter:			Difficult

"Normal" or Evasion +3 and
Stern quarter:					Formidable

Evasion +1 or no gs:				Impossible

Evasion +2+					No attempt


*Stern quarter---this is the drive signature rule from BL.  In my
edition the rules say stern quarter arc, but the aid card says stern
on... a big difference, and I don't have any way of knowing if it was
made clear.

Of the possibilities I think the last 3 are most likely.  The Difficult
result seems impossible given that an Outstanding success on the evasion
task would let you choose facing.

PEMS Lock-On attempt (using my sensor rules):
(if the diff level above is easier, it may be used instead)

Conditions                                      Diff Level
---------------------                           ----------
"Base"---AEMS ship has a lock:			Average

Target Evasion +1:				Difficult

Target Evasion +2:				Formidable

Target Evasion +3:				Impossible


This case allows the PEMS to operate at twice the short range of the
AEMS---so 64 hexes is Medium range.  This range may only be used if the
AEMS has a Lock-On, otherwise use the normal rules.

The major difference is that except for cases where the PEMS happens to
get a shot into the HEPlaR drive of the target, it will always be less
likely to lock with than the AEMS.  Also, using my passive rules the
diff levels directly above would be the same for *any* passive sensor!
(I require that the antenna be at least the same size as the active's
though)

It is interesting to note that in the latter PEMS case the ship could
have a non-folding array and be able to evade---it would then be at a
great advantage over the AEMS ship.

We've been horsing around with these rules along with the new HEPlaR
missiles and we get very passive battles.  I was trying to paint a
Gazelle with the 10 hex AEMS on a Rampart (until that point the Rampart
had no Lock) and actually locked.  Next turn the Gazelle would've taken
a few missiles, but it killed the Rampart as soon as it went active with
the 2 LBs... 3 hits---6 criticals **boom**    (I let the Gazelle use its
folding 5hex array as a 4 hex array when folded, so it could use
passives and evade)

Missiles are still hard as hell to lock... the sub-shortrange idea
posted here works pretty well.  At detonation range (0) missiles become
Easy to lock with a SR10 AEMS.  Otherwise missiles are impossible to
lock.

Anyway, that's how typical military sensors stack up.  

-Merrick

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 31 Oct 95 10:41:42 GMT
From: Quibell E D <quibez@essex.ac.uk>
To: traveller <traveller@MPGN.COM>
Subject: Re: 2 - 4 - 6 - 8 - Muder Maim and Mutilate...
Message-ID: <6195.9510311041@sunlab4.essex.ac.uk>

>Was it here or xboat that mentioned TNEutil.sea on deneb.cc.missouri.etc....
>
>Well, what format is the file in? What platform is it for? PUH-LEASE when
>mentioning software tell us these minor details so we don't waste time
>downloading stuff that we can't use!
>
>Andy

.sea is a self extracting archive, but wether it's for the PC or the Mac is
another matter, probs a PC, as most peeps out there have them ....

Ewan

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 31 Oct 1995 19:57:56 -1600
From: Michael Bailey <pd82495@wapol.gov.au>
To: traveller@MPGN.COM
Subject: The long wait...
Message-ID: <9510311156.AA20409@phq1002.wapol.gov.au>

...is finally over!!!

Striker II, Vampire Fleets and The Regency Sourcebook _finally_ made their
way to the world's most isolate city!!!  Looks like the bank balance is in
for another hammering.

So, finally, I can update the RICE papers for Emerald, Ruby and Jewell (and
the in-progress Pequan) to reflect the new data.  I'll repost them in the
next couple of weeks as I make the requisite (word of the day!) changes.

Da Svedanya,

Michael Bailey (pd82495@wapol.gov.au)

"...the scum also rises..."
                          Hunter S. Thompson



------------------------------

Date: Tue, 31 Oct 1995 08:25:17 -0500
From: FKiesche3@aol.com
To: traveller@MPGN.COM
Subject: Complete Traveller Listing
Message-ID: <951031082517_94038326@mail06.mail.aol.com>

Greetings All:

Ethan wonders about the existence of a complete Traveller listing. Many years
ago I contributed to such a list, eventually made available by Barry Osser
and Ed Edwards. I recently got the list from Barry Osser and I'm in the
process of trying to update it.

As soon as I get a few more shipments to round out my rebuilt collection,
I'll start working on the list again. I intend on including things like
publishers stock numbers as well as (when they are used) ISBN numbers.

There will be some gaps in the listing: For example, I was not interested in
Group One and Judges Guild products when I last actively ran Traveller. I
don't think I'll buy them now at today's inflated collectors prices! So, I'll
need some help filling in the gaps. Magazine articles will be another area of
scant knowledge: Since I lost my collection of stuff, I don't have all the
early Dragon articles, White Dwarf articles, etc. So, again, if folks can
help to fill in the gaps, great!

Fred Kiesche
(FKiesche3@aol.com)




------------------------------

Date: Tue, 31 Oct 1995 21:25:35 -1600
From: Michael Bailey <pd82495@wapol.gov.au>
To: traveller@MPGN.COM
Subject: RICE paper - Jewell
Message-ID: <9510311323.AA21339@phq1002.wapol.gov.au>

New version.  This paper has been updated to reflect the data printed in
_The Regency Sourcebook_.


RICE Paper #SM-1106 Jewell/Jewell

Jewell (Jewell:  Spinward Marches/1106)
A777999-C A Hi In Cp       623 DD G7 V          <---- 1117 data
A777A99-F A Hi In Cp Rw:Z  123 Re G7 V          <---- 1202 data   
G = 1.22, Day = 1d 9:16:12.00, Year = 227d 21:01:26.44
Atmo = 1.20, Controlled weather
Temp = +29.9 (6/lat +18 to -42)(season +16.8 to -28.0, 40 deg lat)
Daily temp range 17.9
Ores, Radioactives, Crystals, Metals, Parts, Consumables, Weapons
Progressive/Enterprising, Unaggressive/Militant, Harmonious/Friendly
Legal: 9-6767A  Tech:  F9-FFEFF-FCFF-FF-G

Near the Regency's extreme spinward tip lies Jewell, capital of the Jewell
subsector and for centuries the first line of defense against incursions by
the Zhodani Consulate.  While relations with the Zhodani have improved
greatly in recent decades, Jewell still resembles nothing so much as a
massive military encampment.  Almost six centuries of living on the 'front
lines' has given the inhabitants of Jewell a unique, if somewhat grim outlook.

Jewell was settled in the early 300's by colonists fleeing from the Lishun
and Vland Sectors.  The colonists, of mixed Solomani-Vilani heritage,
initially settled on Palique (0609 / Mora), before religious tensions forced
them to more on to Jewell.  The original colony grew slowly, hampered
largely by respiratory problems caused by volcanic outgassing.  The
discovery of unusually rich lanthanum deposits on the planet's eastern
hemisphere sparked a huge influx of immigrants and business investment.
Jewell also became the jumping-off point for further settlement in the
Chronor subsector, and beyond the Spinward Marches in the Foreven Sector.

With increasing industrialisation, and a growing realisation of the
potential Zhodani threat to spinward saw the Imperial government begin to
take an interest in Jewell.  A naval presence was established in the system,
followed by the establishment of a Navy and Scout base from 480-485.  A
century later, ships from the Jewell Squadron were the backbone of Imperial
forces that jockeyed for position with the Zhodani in the Chronor and
Massina (subsec D/Foreven) subsectors.  This jockeying soon erupted into
open warfare as the First Frontier War exploded through the Marches.

Jewell was captured by Zhodani forces in 592, and occupied until Olav
hault-Plankwell retook the system amid fierce fighting in 603.  The end of
the war saw the Zhodani in possession of former Imperial worlds in the
Foreven Sector, and Jewell became a major factor in the Imperium's plans to
defend the Spinward Marches from further attack.  Predictably enough, Jewell
was attacked heavily during the Second Frontier War (615-620), and was under
seige for almost eight months before Admiral Arbellatra Akhalikhoi relieved
the world in 617.  After the war, with most of the Chronor Subsector in
Zhodani hands, Jewell became even more important to the Imperial Navy.
Facilities were expanded, and the naval presence in the system scaled up.

Industrialisation of Jewell continued, at a predictable cost to the
planetary biosphere. Jewell's population mushroomed, due to the arrival of
refugees from former imperial worlds, and fortune-seekers looking for
employment.  Jewell was attacked heavily in each of the subsequent Frontier
Wars, and suffered grievously, although it remained in Imperial hands.  The
system was heavily beseiged by Zhodani forces during the Fifth Frontier War
- from the war's outbreak in 1107 to the breakout of the 125th Fleet in
1110, Jewell was largely cut off from outside aid.  The breakout of the
125th was accompanied by supporting attacks by Imperial naval assets from
the Regina subsector, and effectively ended the seige (although the Zhodani
remained a menace in the system for some time to come).  By the
assassination of Emperor Strephon in 1116, Jewell was one of the most
heavily defended systems in the Marches, as well as being a heavily
industrialised world and home to 6 billion souls.  In 1202, Jewell is home
to 11.2 billion.

Jewell was one of the 26 worlds targetted by the Regency Industrial
Development Program. The program was highly successful on Jewell, and has
succeeded in raising the world's tech level to 15 (F).  The massive
investment in Jewell paid handsome dividends.  This was fortunate, as Jewell
is one of the primary target worlds for refugees fleeing the 'troubles' in
the Zhodani Consulate.  There are currently almost one hundred million
Zhodani refugees on Jewell, held in over one thousand holding camps,
primarily in the north polar regions of the planet.  Despite the efforts of
the Regency and the Jewell government, more refugees are arriving in greater
numbers than can be processed and resettled.  The refugees' presence is not
well tolerated by the locals, which is the major reason why the holding
camps are located well away from settled areas.

On entering the Jewell system, be prepared to be immediately challenged by
Regency Navy or Regency Quarantine Service ships.  Incoming starships will
be directed to the RQS Station on Opal (Jewell's outermost satellite,
F10026B-C), where the ship and it's occupants will undergo exhaustive
examination.  Ships that do not pass inspection will be impounded
immediately, and it's owners/operators can look forward to a lengthy sojourn
at the Regency Prison on Jenghe/Regina.  Whatever the result, expect to be
held on Opal for at least three days.

Following quarantine procedures, permission will be granted to transfer to
one of Jewell's three commercial starports:  Jewell Highport, Jewell
Downport or Magdala Commercial Starport (a privately owned facility).  All
other starport facilities in the system are operated by the Regency Navy
and/or Quarantine Service, and are strictly off limits to unauthorised
personnel.  Still, one can't help but notice the presence of warships -
Jewell is swarming with activity, from 10-ton boats shuttling to and fro to
the BatRon of Plankwell Class Battleships home-ported at the Arbellatra
Akhalikhoi Naval Base.  Jewell is the headquarters of the Regency 212th Fleet.

Descending to the surface, one of the more noticable sights are the banks of
dirty brown clouds covering a rocky gray surface.  Sprawling cities and
industrial complexes mark much of the planet's surface, and a large fraction
of it's land area.  Jewell, despite it's name, is a dirty and grimy world.
The atmosphere is fouled by a host of pollutants, chiefly sulphur dioxide,
hydrogen sulphide and nitrogen compounds.  Breathing the atmosphere without
a filter mask is not advisable - a few hours exposure is generally
acceptable, but further exposure inevitably results in respiratory disorders
and cancers.  Filter masks are provided free of charge by the government,
and are dispensed at all public places.  On arrival at the planet's surface,
visitors will be issued with a temporary permit for a nominal fee.

Jewell's cities tend to look alike - dirty and drab are the words most used
by offworlders to describe them.  Little attention is paid to building
exteriors, beyond that necessary to keep the atmospheric taints outside.
Combine this with the gray coveralls that seem to be a regulation item of
clothing amongst the locals, and the filter masks that cover the face and
eyes, and a visitor could well be tempted to make a hasty departure for more
inviting locations.  Perserverance is advised however, for like most surface
appearances, those on Jewell are deceiving.

Jewell's natives are friendly and accomadating towards off-worlders, with
the notable exception of Zhodani and Vargr (both races are the target of
centuries old fear and loathing).  Unfortunately, the Zhodani Exodus has
dumped millions of Zhodani literally on Jewell's doorstep.  Their presence
on the Jewell is the cause of great dissatisfaction, with many demanding
that the refugees be sent at gunpoint back to the Consulate.  

Once indoors, with coveralls and facemasks off, Jewellers are an expansive
and demonstrative lot and are famous drinkers, brawlers and poets.  Building
interiors are generally low-ceilinged, and richly decorated, designed to
promote a sense of comfort and well being.  Jewell also has one of the
highest number of bars per capita of any world in the Regency.

Jewell's government is a fairly unremarkable impersonal beauracracy, local
Administrative Councils report to successively higher authorities, up to the
Planetary Administrative Authority.  The beauracracy recruits from all
levels of society, and if promotion is not entirely merit based, it is not
so corrupt as to invite popular revolt. Law levels are high, banning
personal weapons outside of the home, and the local law enforcement
authorities are backed by a large and complex legal apparatus.  Trade
regulations are not as harsh, their primary focus being to serve the
requirements of the Regency Quarantine Service.  Jewell's government
maintains low tarrifs on most imported goods.  Jewell sends 10
representatives to the Regency Senate, the senators are directly appointed
by the Planetary Administrative Authority, and are typically used as reward
positions for great achievement within the bureaucracy.

The most important non-governmental body on Jewell is the 'Aran Kalje', a
fiercely atheistic organisation that promotes the virtues of physical and
mental discipline.  The Aran maintains camps, or 'laager' where adherents
live for up to twenty months at a time under military-type conditions.  Not
surprisingly, a large number of Aran members end up in Jewell's armed
forces.  The laager are organised and run at a local level, as is the rest
of the organisation.

Jewell's close relationship with the Imperial/Regency military is also worth
noting.  Large tracts of the planet are used by the Army, Navy and
Quarantine Service, and are off limits to civillians.  The planetary
governor is also commander of the planetary armed forces, as well as the
Jewell Colonial Squadrons (the reserve component of the Regency Fleet in
Jewell).  The governor carries the title of Count Jewell, and reports to the
Duke of Regina.  Traditionally, the planetary governor has been an Imperial
or Regency Navy Admiral, one of the rare instances when domestic matters are
overridden by Imperial or Regency authorities.  The title is one of the
relatively few that has survived Norris' democratic reforms, primarily
because it is not a heriditary title.  

Jewell is a major producer of lanthanum and other rare earth elements
(notably niobium and yttrium ores), as well as fissionable ores.  Not
surprisingly, the planet is also a substantial weapons producer,
particularly small arms and armoured vehicles.  Jewell is also one of the
principal producers of military starships for the Regency.  Perhaps the most
famous product of Jewell is whisky, which is famed throughout the Regency
for it's quality.  There are no less than 37 major distilling houses on
Jewell, serving a large domestic and off-world market.  Of these, the most
well known is Amrihkur-Cameron, which has held Imperial patents for it's
products since 405.  A bottle of Amrikhur-Cameron malt whiskey bottled in
1107 recently sold for Cr44,000 on Regina.

System Information

Orbit           Name            UPP             Remarks

Primary         Galant          G7 V
0               Smear           G100168-C       Mi
1               Imkhiir         YS00000-0       
2               Jewell          A777999-C       Hi In Cp
        2       Pearl           F30246A-B       Qb
        5       Cascot          YS00000-0       
       25       Opal            F10026B-C       Mi
3               Planetoid Belt  Y000517-B       Mi        
4               Nieuport        Large GG
        1       Ring System     YR00000-0
        4       Guynemer        F500368-C       Nv
        6       Fonck           Y200000-0       
       11       Mannock         Y3A2000-0       
       25       Boelke          YS00000-0
       45       Bishop          G10036A-C       Mi
5               Planetoid Belt
6               Umsakhulag      Small GG
        3       Ring System     YR00000-0
       30       Isagair         Y310000-0
      250       Virunkariish    YS00000-0
7               Quokka          Small GG
        8       Numbat          YS00000-0
       13       Outpost         H200118-C       Re
8.4             Katyn           F400369-C       Nv


(Nv - Naval Base, Qb - RQS Base)
       

Michael Bailey (pd82495@wapol.gov.au)

"...the scum also rises..."
                          Hunter S. Thompson



------------------------------

Date: Tue, 31 Oct 1995 21:40:11 -1600
From: Michael Bailey <pd82495@wapol.gov.au>
To: traveller@MPGN.COM
Subject: RICE Paper - Ruby
Message-ID: <9510311338.AA22047@phq1002.wapol.gov.au>

Updated to reflect Regency Sourcebook Data.

RICE Paper #SM-1005 Ruby/Jewell

Ruby (Jewell:  Spinward Marches/1005)
B400445-B S   Lo Ni Va       201 DD M1 V M3 D        <---- 1117 Data
A400445-C S,I Lo Ni Va       401 Re M1 V M3 D        <---- 1202 Data
G = 0.76, Day = 47d 12:27:17.50, Year = 47d 12:27:17.50
Atmo = 0.00, No weather control
Temp = +7.8 (dayside 7/lat +0 to +26.4 nightside 56/lat -0 to -224.8)(no
seasonal var.)
Daily temp range 0.0
Ores, Radioactives, Metals
Progressive, Advancing, Passive/Peaceable, Discordant/Friendly
Legal: 5-35625  Tech: CC-CCACC-C6BC-CA-F

Ruby is part of the Jewell Cluster, a group of three worlds at the spinward
edge of the Regency.  Dominated by, and reliant on heavily populated Jewell
one parsec away, the citizens of Ruby have managed to preserve independence.
Like Jewell, Ruby's location so near to the Zhodani border makes it a
frequent stop for Regency military forces.  However, where centuries of
exposure to the Frontier Wars has given Jewellers an ingrained distrust of
the Zhodani and Vargr, the people of Ruby have an unprejudiced attitude to
all races.

Ruby was first settled in 339, primarily to obtain ores for the inhabitants
of Jewell and Emerald.  Never of great importance, the colony was abandoned
in 362, after large quantities of high-grade lanthanum ores were discovered
on Jewell.  The system remained essentially uninhabited until 634, although
small Zhodani contingents occupied Ruby from 592-603, and in 617.  Both of
these forces withdrew from the system as the balance of the First and Second
Frontier Wars tipped back towards the Imperium.

In 631, Papaieie Sawaiu led a group of leftist libertarians to petition the
Jewell government for permission and aid to settle Ruby.  Jewell's
government (which was still legally the owner of the system) granted the
petitions requests (probably more to be rid of a troublesome minority than
anything else), and set aside MCr4.0 to reopen the abandoned colony.  In
634, six hundred Sawaiuites settled a site about 80km southwest of the old
lanthanum mines.  The group began shipping small quantities of platinum to
Emerald in 640, and surprisingly, managed to pay it's way.  Sharp falls
precious metal prices in the region in the late 690's put an end to the
colony's modest prosperity, and Jewell was once again forced to subsidise
it's neighbour.

The subsidy was withdrawn in 711, and preparations were made to repatriate
the colonists to Jewell.  The colony, now numbering several thousand, was
saved by the Imperial Government's decision to establish scout facilities in
the system.  Tensions between the Imperium and the Zhodani had been
increasing since the end of the Second Frontier War, and the IISS had
decided to upgrade it's presence in the subsector as part of a overhaul of
intelligence operations against the Zhodani.  The base and accompanying
starport facilities were completed in 720, many of the existing colonists
were contracted to provide support services for IISS personnel in this
lonely frontier outpost.

The Scout base was hastily abandoned at the outbreak of the Third Frontier
War, it's personnel and ships pulled back help defend Jewell from major
Zhodani attacks.  Once again, Zhodani ground troops occupied the world,
taking over the scout base for use in supplying the forces beseiging Jewell.
They pulled out of the system at the end of the war, having largely ignored
the civilian population during their seven year occupation. At the outbreak
of the Fourth Frontier War, Zhodani forces ran into substantial Imperial
naval assets deployed from Jewell.  Their attack was beaten off, and the
Zhodani chose to bypass and isolate the world.  

Ruby was occupied by Zhodani ground forces following a short battle with
Imperial screening forces at the opening of the Fifth Frontier War in 1107.
During the battle, the IMS 'Johore' was forced down onto Ruby's surface.
It's surviving crew and marines fled the crash site to begin a guerilla war
against the Zhodani.  In response to raids, the Zhodani commander took
hostages from among the civillian population.  Unfortunately, twelve of the
hostages were killed in an abortive rescue attempt by the guerrila forces.
When news leaked out, the Imperium made it's celebrated accusation of
Zhodani atrocities against Ruby's civilians.  Perhaps surprisingly, the
Zhodani occupation of Ruby was rather benign - the unfortunate Zhodani
ground forces commander was replaced, and reparations were paid to the
families of the deceased.  A ceasefire was negotiated between the Zhodani
and the guerillas shortly afterwards.  The Imperial Marines were guaranteed
safe passage aboard a neutral vessel to Imperial-held space, were they were
feted as heroes.  Their commander, Lt. Rivka Moishe, was later knighted by
Duke Norris of Regina for her actions.

Since then, Ruby has remained on the 'front lines'.  Imperial, and later
Regency fleets regularly deployed to the system for exercises.  The thaw in
Regency-Zhodani relations from 1117 onwards saw the scout presence scaled
back, and the scout base was transferred to the Regency Quarantine Service
in 1146.  In the following decade, as trade between the Regency and the
Zhodani Consulate grew, Ruby's starport was upgraded to 'A' class.  The RQS
operates a Customes Station on Ruby, primarily to inspect the small number
of Jump-1 ships travelling along the Jewell-Cipango Main from the Consulate.
Naval units also routinely deploy here from Jewell and Mongo for joint
exercises with RQS and RISS units.

Regular RQS customs procedures are in effect on Ruby.  Incoming starships
will be escorted to the RQS station on Eloise Tay, the small outermost moon
of Boyden, the system's only gas giant.  The permanent presence of the RQS
'Carlton', a 4000 ton Quarantine Service Carrier, provides the muscle to
back up RQS directives.  Extensive examinations of the starship and it's
crew will take 1-3 days (for starships under 1000 tons).  During this time,
crews and passengers are 'invited' to stay at the 'Eloise Hilton' (the
somewhat spartan guest accomadations on the station).

Following inspection, the ship is free to move on to Ruby, or to refuel at
Boyden and jump outsystem.  Ruby itself has only one starport, the Class A
RQS facility on the world's surface.  This starport is open to civilian
traffic, although berthing fees are considerably higher than for comparable
private facilities.  The base's repair and maintenance facilities are not
available to civilians excepts in emergencies (although detatched duty
Scouts and RQS officials are welcome).

New visitors will be steered towards 'Ruby's Startown Bar', on the edge of
the starport complex.  'Ruby's' is famous throughout the region for it's
cheap booze (and other, less common stimulants), and for it's bouncers.
Unruly patrons are given a brief lecture on the anit-social aspects of their
violent behaviour by the doormen (a lecture given with absolute sincerity ).
Continued troublemaking will normally result in extremely violent ejection
and arrest.  All staff at 'Ruby's' are members of the Stivlprerqaf family,
descendents of a Zhodani prole who fled across the border in 992.  The
current manager is Jdishehtaev Stivlprerqaf (Jdishehtaev is probably better
known in the Regency as 'Jades Stive', acclaimed romance novelist).  The
Stivlprerqaf family has persuaded a substantial number of Zhodani refugees
to leave their holding camps on Jewell.  With the blessing of Regency
officials, about 6,000 refugees were brought to Ruby, where they received a
warm welcome from the locals.

Sawaiu Town, the only substantial settlement of Ruby, adjoins the RQS base.
Almost all of Ruby's 43,300 permanent inhabitants live here.  The town
itself consists of four pressure domes atop an underground tunnel complex.
The domes are given over largely to parkland - each dome has a different
environment and 'theme'.  In order of size, these are:  Sawaiu Dome (Terran
/ Tropical Maritime), Isgiidu (Vilani / Highland), Summondamus (Terran /
Desert) and Taenu Diran (Sylean / Savannah).  Residential, commercial and
support areas are all underground.  Local although the world is small, local
gravity is a reasonable 0.78g, due to the planet's higher than normal
density.  Atmospheric pressure is maintained at 0.8 standard atmospheres,
making the environment tolerable for most visitors.

Visitors will find the locals friendly and agreeable, if somewhat strange.
Non-violence is an important part of the Rubyan lifestyle, although
potential criminals are warned that Ruby's law enforcement officials are
generally hired from offworld, and do not have the same passive ethic.
Offenders face deportation and confiscation of their assets if caught -
within a short time, they will find themselves on Jewell with little more
than the clothes on their back.  Given the world's reliance on offworld
powers for it's continued existence, foreigners are treated with respect.
Merchants on Ruby will buy and sell for fair prices - at any rate, they are
trading for the good of the colony more than their own gain.  A disgruntled
customer won't come back, a potential loss for the world.

Ruby's inhabitants are fiercely egalitarian - the concept of 'privelige' is
repellant to them.  Without exception, all citizens are allocated the same
communal floorspace in Sawaiu Town's residential areas.  this concept of
'equality of opportunity' is one of the basic tenets of Ruby's society - the
lasting legacy of the settlement's commune origins.  The settlement's ruler,
the 'Premier', is directly elected by all permanent residents for a two year
term.  Traditionally, the office is one of the lowest paying jobs on the
planet.  Although the Premier is responsible for all aspects of
administration, much of the more judicial and administrative work is handled
by a council of elders.  Membership in the council is voluntary and unpaid,
but anyone over the age of 40 can join.  Ruby's four senators are elected by
popular vote.

One interesting custom practised by the Rubyan is 'fostering'.  Ruby lacks
all but the most elementary educational facilities, children are instead
sent to Jewell to complete their education.  A child will spend from three
to twelve years on Jewell as a 'fosterling', before returning to Ruby as an
adult citizen.  This practise has recently declined somewhat, as the newly
arrived Zhodani settlers were understandably reluctant to send their
children to Jewell - a world that they had only just left, and a world where
Zhodani are not at all liked.  More advanced educational facilities are
being built by the planetary government to cater to this trend.

Most of Ruby's residents are employed either directly or indirectly by the
RQS, although some mining still takes place.  Mineral ores are shipped
mainly to the agricultural worlds of Emerald and Esalin in exchange for
food.  A small number of independant miners eke out a precarious existence
from gold and platinum deposits.  All large scale mining is conducted by
RubyCorp, a statutory authority run by the government.  Miners typically
spend six weeks at a time in the camps, followed by six weeks layover in
Sawaiu Town.  Independent miners number less than two hundred, and typically
live permanently at their workings, coming to town only to sell their ores
and resupply.

Ruby maintains a small fleet of four Type R Subsidised Merchants, used to
service the mineral trade with Emerald and Esalin.  The 'Papaieie', 'Rhys',
'Topaz' and 'Guiding Hand' are all subsidised by the Ruby and Regency
governments.

System Information

Orbit           Name            UPP             Remarks

Primary         Talau           M1 V            Far Companion
0               Ruby            B400445-B       Ni Va Qb
        4       Lahr            YS00000-0
1               Boyden          Small GG
        7       Athelbard       YS10000-0
       35       Eloise Tay      H100166-B       Qb

Secondary       Papaiete        M7 D            

(Qb - Quarantine Base)
Michael Bailey (pd82495@wapol.gov.au)

"...the scum also rises..."
                          Hunter S. Thompson



------------------------------

End of TRAVELLER Digest 468
***************************
