Desert Worlds

[ovka]

So I've been lurking for a while, working on my own Traveller project. I have several questions to ask, but ... one at a time.

The first is about the De trade classification. In most of the older Traveller versions, the specification was hydrographics 0, and atmosphere 2+ (some dropped the atmosphere requirement). In my mind, that would include atmospheres A-F. In T5, atmospheres are specified as 2-9 for the De trade classification, which specifically excludes A-F. Is there a particular reason why?

I only ask because there are at least three worlds in the Spinward Marches (Zeta 2, Heroni, and Aramis/Aramis) that loose their De trade classification with this change, and Aramis/Aramis is specifically described in the CT Traveller Adventure as "swathed with a swirling corrosive atmosphere that makes life on its dry desert surface intolerable." I'm sure there are other examples to be found in other sectors.

Cheers,

Baron Ovka

 

[OjnoTheRed]

I think (with no special authority), a "desert" world conjures up an image of a world where the number 1 survival obstacle for humans is lack of water; if atmospheric complications merely require a filter mask or filter / respirator, it's a desert world. Although a low hydrographics will still be a world of mostly desert, humans will tend to settle where water is, and so importing of water will not be a major necessity.

For atmospheres 10 through 12, the number 1 obstacle is an unbreathable or actively dangerous atmosphere. Although the surface of Aramis could indeed be described as a 'desert', the problem is you can't breathe.

For atmospheres 13 through 15, note that a world that has Hydro = 0, size can be no larger than 5, because Hydro = Flux + Size, i.e. the range that Hydro can vary from Size is plus or minus 5. The highest possible roll for atmosphere for a Size 5 world is 10 - i.e. an exotic atmosphere, and the argument above applies.

 

[ovka]

Fair enough, though removing the De trade classification has a minor effect on trade. This change does add the He trade classification to all three worlds, but He does not effect trade.

I thought I saw somewhere that the next version of T5 errata was going to change Hydro to Atm + Flux.

Cheers,

Baron Ovka

 

[ovka]

OK, I slept on it and I get it now (almost). Under the T5 rules (hopefully soon to have its errata updated), using Hydro = Atm + Flux, DM-4 for Atm 0-1 and A+, it is impossible for a world to have atmospheres A-F and hydrographics 0. While the loss of the De trade classification is regrettable, the addition of He is a good descriptor for the GM. Not to mention the fact that it underscores OjnoTheRed's point.

If I am incorrect about the future state of the errata (perhaps I dreamed it), then Hydro = Size + Flux + DM for Atm. This would allow for hydrographics 0 worlds with sizes up to 9 and atmospheres A+. Those A+ worlds still get the He trade classification and lose De. I'm not 100% certain that is the correct way to go since it is possible for a world to have both He and De -- but that's a discussion for a different post.:CoW:

Cheers,

Baron Ovka

 

[WistfulD]

I don't know much about the world-building section, so I will ask, what does the De classification do for trade?

In both situations (breathable atmosphere but no water, and unbreathable atmosphere but no water), limited water resources are going to be a big deal for the society living there. If everyone has to live in pressurized domes, I suspect that that has a greater impact on how societal capital (and thus resources, and thus trade). For instance, all foodstuffs are already going to have to be grown in hydroponics farms with water recycling mandetory, so the fact that the planet is a desert doesn't effect their relationship to argricultural trade.

What happens to a planet with lots of water, but an unbreathable atmosphere (or no atmosphere, if it is all in underground ice)?

 

[robject]

The "De" classification is one of twelve that modify the base and, potentially, the resale value of speculative goods.

 

[Timerover51]

The "De" classification is one of twelve that modify the base and, potentially, the resale value of speculative goods.

Seafood should have a very high resale value on a "De" class planet. I have been speculating that the local authorities might have an additional surcharge for any food purchased for jump supplies by the star ships based on the permanent removal of water from the ecosystem. Conversely, ships bringing in surplus water would have port charges and possibly custom duties waived to encourage water delivery to the system.