General Detached Duty Checklist

[Spinward Scout]

I've been working on this Detached Duty Scout Checklist with ChatGPT, like the ones in MegaTraveller.

Let me know what you think - if I should add or remove anything.

_____

DETACHED DUTY SCOUT CHECKLIST
(Scout Service – Independent Operations)

I. Prepare for Jump (Range = Interstellar)
A. Review current mission status. If no mission, plan to acquire one at next Scout Base or Mainworld.
B. Check charts for destination system.
C. Plot jump course.
D. Ship preparation.
1 Check jump drive
2 Check maneuver drive
3 Check power plant
4 Verify fuel
5 Check sensors
6 Check communications
E. Crew preparation.
1 Brief crew
2 Assign duties
3 Secure cargo / passengers

II. Jump to System
A. Perform jump procedures
B. Transit through jump space
1 Maintenance
2 Data review
3 Mission planning
4 Crew downtime

III. Arrive in Star System
A. Exit jump
B. Immediate scan
1 Ships
2 Signals
3 Hazards
4 Military presence
C. Begin system-wide sensor logging (always active for Scout duty)
D. Determine priority destination
1 Scout Base / Way Station (Go to IV) (MANDATORY if present)
2 Gas Giant (Go to V)
3 Mainworld (Go to VI)
4 Other World (Go to VII)
5 Survey / anomaly (Go to VIII)

IV. Scout Base / Way Station Operations (MANDATORY NODE)
A. Approach and identify
B. Achieve orbit / dock
C. Official Scout Duties
1 Upload sensor logs
2 Update charts and records
3 Receive system intelligence updates
D. Benefits
1 Free fuel
2 Free berthing
3 Free annual maintenance (Way Station)
E. Command Interaction
1 Report to Base / Station Commander
2 Receive briefing
3 Receive assignment offers or requests
4 Accept or refuse assignment
a v(Acceptance recommended—affects reputation and future support)
F. Mission Handling
1 Accept new mission (return to I with new objective)
2 Continue current mission
3 Request assistance or information
G. Resupply and preparation
1 Maintenance
2 Crew rest
3 Equipment upgrades (if available)
H. Departure
1 Undock
2 Achieve orbit
3 Set course
a Gas Giant (Go to V)
b Mainworld (Go to VI)
c Other World (Go to VII)
d Survey Target (Go to VIII)
e Jump Point (Go to IX)

V. Gas Giant Operations
A. Approach
B. Achieve orbit
C. Scan
1 Satellites
2 Activity
3 Hazards
D. Fuel skimming (if necessary)
E. Return to orbit
F. Set course
→ Mainworld / Other World / Jump Point

VI. Mainworld Operations
A. Achieve orbit
B. Scan traffic and communications
C. Dock or land
D. Scout Duties (if no base present)
1 Record observations
2 Gather local data
3 Identify Scout contacts
E. Seek employment (if no mission)
1 Cargo Courier
2 Passenger Transport
3 Non-Exploration Charter
4 Independent Exploration
5 Paramilitary Operation
6 Odd Jobs
F. Conduct mission activities
G. Ship business
1 Refuel (if needed)
2 Maintenance
3 Supplies
H. Miscellaneous
1 Patron encounters
2 Rumors
3 Exploration
I. Prepare for departure
J. Departure → set course

VII. Other World Operations
A. Achieve orbit
B. Orbital survey
1 Atmosphere
2 Surface
3 Radiation
4 Signals
C. Investigate
D. Surface operations
1 Land
2 Refuel (if possible)
3 Explore
4 Collect samples
E. Departure

VIII. Survey / Anomaly Investigation
A. Scan deep system
B. Identify anomalies
1 Derelicts
2 Ruins
3 Signals
4 Phenomena
C. Investigate
D. Record and log data (important for Scout upload)
E. Set course

IX. Jump Point
A. Travel to 100D limit
B. Final system scan
C. Plot jump
D. Jump

DETACHED DUTY SCOUT RULES (CORE LOOP)

✔ Always collecting sensor data
→ Must be uploaded at next Scout Base / Way Station

✔ Scout Bases / Way Stations = mandatory stops (when present)
→ Free fuel
→ Free berthing
→ Free maintenance (Way Stations)

✔ Assignments from Command
→ Optional, but:

Improves reputation
Increases support
Feels “expected” in-universe

✔ Independent income still required
→ Missions fill the financial gap

GAMEPLAY LOOP SUMMARY
Jump
Arrive → Scan
Check for Scout Base → MUST VISIT
Upload data + refuel + receive assignments
Perform mission / exploration
Travel within system
Leave system
Repeat

 

[whartung]

I think a narrative of the role and duties and missions of a Detached Scout would be nice.

 

[Spinward Scout]

I think a narrative of the role and duties and missions of a Detached Scout would be nice.

Would this work? I did a Google search for what you asked for.

A Detached Duty (DD) Scout in the Traveller RPG is a former or reserve member of the Imperial Interstellar Scout Service (IISS) who has been loaned a starship (typically a Type S Scout/Courier) in exchange for acting as the "eyes and ears" of the Imperium on the frontier. They are essentially government-sponsored explorers, couriers, and intelligence gatherers who operate with significant autonomy.

Here are the primary duties and missions of a Detached Scout:

Core Duties & Responsibilities
System Survey & Mapping: The primary purpose of a DD Scout is to visit systems, map them, and update the IISS database on planetary profiles (population, technology, government, resources).
Data Collection & Reporting: Scouts are expected to gather scientific, cultural, and political intelligence on every world they visit and report this data back to an IISS Scout Base when they re-supply.
Mail Courier: While not strictly part of the X-Boat network, DD Scouts often carry secure or high-priority, low-weight mail for the IISS or trusted patrons, particularly to systems off the main routes.
Ship Maintenance: DD Scouts are responsible for the upkeep of their loaned vessels, often utilizing IISS bases for discounted fuel, maintenance, and repairs.
Duty to Respond: They are subject to recall by the IISS for urgent, official missions ("Necessity" missions).
Reddit +5

Typical Missions
Exploration (X-Boat Network Extension): Investigating uncharted areas or mapping unknown systems, often following up on previous "disappeared" surveys.
Intelligence & Spying: Acting as eyes and ears in regions where information is needed (e.g., assessing pro- or anti-Imperial sentiment, monitoring Sword World activity, or looking for pirates).
Contact & Liaison: Making first contact with non-human intelligent races, or establishing initial relations with newly discovered cultures.
Search and Rescue (SAR): Responding to distress signals or locating lost ships/crews in dangerous or uncharted space.
Special Operations: Engaging in specialized, often dangerous work for the IISS, such as testing experimental ship parts (e.g., new jump drives) or delivering specialized personnel.

Campaign Hooks
The Unwanted Cargo: The PC is required to deliver a sensitive, dangerous, or mysterious passenger/object to a remote location.
Revisiting a "Dead" System: The PC is ordered to find out why the last three scouts sent to a specific system never returned.
Surviving on the Edge: Using the scout ship to perform high-stakes smuggling or trade when normal survey work does not pay enough for maintenance.
Reddit +1
Common Complications:
A "Scout Base" checking the ship’s logs and finding unauthorized activity.
Pirates attacking, believing the small ship is an easy target.
Political intrigue, where the Scout is caught between local factions in a, for instance, a planetary feud.

 

[whartung]

That's pretty good.

I think some clarity about how much freedom the detached Scouts have would be useful.

Visions of a Wild West Scout on this way to the Frontier stopping in a Bar when Adventure breaks out. But, in theory, someone, somewhere, hired that Scout to, well, Scout the Frontier and will want their report. Now a day or two delay, perhaps no big deal. But throw in a couple of weeks, heading off to another system can suck up some weeks, and Management may start worrying about the delay in their TPS reports.

Now, mind, there's the idea of a "Freelance Scout". Make their own missions, collect their own data, on their time, sell the reports. Or maybe they just have a "4 report per year" quota from the service, something.

But, just an idea of the baseline obligations that the Detached Scout has. If nothing else it can add a hook to "pressure" the Scout from just running off and being a murder hobo with his rugby buddies.

 

[Vargr Breath]

I've been working on this Detached Duty Scout Checklist with ChatGPT, like the ones in MegaTraveller.

Let me know what you think - if I should add or remove anything.

_____

DETACHED DUTY SCOUT CHECKLIST
(Scout Service – Independent Operations)

I. Prepare for Jump (Range = Interstellar)
A. Review current mission status. If no mission, plan to acquire one at next Scout Base or Mainworld.
B. Check charts for destination system.
C. Plot jump course.
D. Ship preparation.
1 Check jump drive
2 Check maneuver drive
3 Check power plant
4 Verify fuel
5 Check sensors
6 Check communications
E. Crew preparation.
1 Brief crew
2 Assign duties
3 Secure cargo / passengers

II. Jump to System
A. Perform jump procedures
B. Transit through jump space
1 Maintenance
2 Data review
3 Mission planning
4 Crew downtime

III. Arrive in Star System
A. Exit jump
B. Immediate scan
1 Ships
2 Signals
3 Hazards
4 Military presence
C. Begin system-wide sensor logging (always active for Scout duty)
D. Determine priority destination
1 Scout Base / Way Station (Go to IV) (MANDATORY if present)
2 Gas Giant (Go to V)
3 Mainworld (Go to VI)
4 Other World (Go to VII)
5 Survey / anomaly (Go to VIII)

IV. Scout Base / Way Station Operations (MANDATORY NODE)
A. Approach and identify
B. Achieve orbit / dock
C. Official Scout Duties
1 Upload sensor logs
2 Update charts and records
3 Receive system intelligence updates
D. Benefits
1 Free fuel
2 Free berthing
3 Free annual maintenance (Way Station)
E. Command Interaction
1 Report to Base / Station Commander
2 Receive briefing
3 Receive assignment offers or requests
4 Accept or refuse assignment
a v(Acceptance recommended—affects reputation and future support)
F. Mission Handling
1 Accept new mission (return to I with new objective)
2 Continue current mission
3 Request assistance or information
G. Resupply and preparation
1 Maintenance
2 Crew rest
3 Equipment upgrades (if available)
H. Departure
1 Undock
2 Achieve orbit
3 Set course
a Gas Giant (Go to V)
b Mainworld (Go to VI)
c Other World (Go to VII)
d Survey Target (Go to VIII)
e Jump Point (Go to IX)

V. Gas Giant Operations
A. Approach
B. Achieve orbit
C. Scan
1 Satellites
2 Activity
3 Hazards
D. Fuel skimming (if necessary)
E. Return to orbit
F. Set course
→ Mainworld / Other World / Jump Point

VI. Mainworld Operations
A. Achieve orbit
B. Scan traffic and communications
C. Dock or land
D. Scout Duties (if no base present)
1 Record observations
2 Gather local data
3 Identify Scout contacts
E. Seek employment (if no mission)
1 Cargo Courier
2 Passenger Transport
3 Non-Exploration Charter
4 Independent Exploration
5 Paramilitary Operation
6 Odd Jobs
F. Conduct mission activities
G. Ship business
1 Refuel (if needed)
2 Maintenance
3 Supplies
H. Miscellaneous
1 Patron encounters
2 Rumors
3 Exploration
I. Prepare for departure
J. Departure → set course

VII. Other World Operations
A. Achieve orbit
B. Orbital survey
1 Atmosphere
2 Surface
3 Radiation
4 Signals
C. Investigate
D. Surface operations
1 Land
2 Refuel (if possible)
3 Explore
4 Collect samples
E. Departure

VIII. Survey / Anomaly Investigation
A. Scan deep system
B. Identify anomalies
1 Derelicts
2 Ruins
3 Signals
4 Phenomena
C. Investigate
D. Record and log data (important for Scout upload)
E. Set course

IX. Jump Point
A. Travel to 100D limit
B. Final system scan
C. Plot jump
D. Jump

DETACHED DUTY SCOUT RULES (CORE LOOP)

✔ Always collecting sensor data
→ Must be uploaded at next Scout Base / Way Station

✔ Scout Bases / Way Stations = mandatory stops (when present)
→ Free fuel
→ Free berthing
→ Free maintenance (Way Stations)

✔ Assignments from Command
→ Optional, but:

Improves reputation
Increases support
Feels “expected” in-universe

✔ Independent income still required
→ Missions fill the financial gap

GAMEPLAY LOOP SUMMARY
Jump
Arrive → Scan
Check for Scout Base → MUST VISIT
Upload data + refuel + receive assignments
Perform mission / exploration
Travel within system
Leave system
Repeat

In the USCG-Aux we used this GAR check list before we went out on patrol. Is this something you could use?

https://rdept.cgaux.org/documents/GAR%20Model%20Surface%20Ops.pdf