[Discussion] Imperial Rights Charter for Sophonts

[Kilgs]

There are several mentions in Traveller products that the Imperium has a basic charter for sophont rights(1). I was reading “Little Fuzzy” (Piper) and was kinda thinking about how it played out. There are numerous indications throughout Imperial history of sophonts being stomped on to a certain extent. At the same time, the practice of slavery is, I believe, considered to be illegal in the Imperium(2).

So, I have several questions/areas for discussion:

a) Is there such a charter? Are there other references to it or descriptions that I can't find right now?

b) What could we expect of its contents considering the autonomy granted to individual planets?

c) How does one gain the rights/privileges of the charter


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(1)-Clearly noted in MongTrav’s Spinward Marches. I recall a notation for one of the Emperors in CT indicating that there was one (can’t find it in Library data), also Megatraveller and GURPS both refer to it.
(2)-Again, MongTrav’s SM book. Also, Gateway To Destiny mentions it. I assume this means interstellar slavery as specific planets may be able to have something in place resembling slavery such as indentured servants etc.

 

[aramis]

The text of it was published somewhere in T4 (M0?).

 

[Whipsnade]

Kilgs,

I think you're referring to the "Warrant of Restoration" from T4. That's the nearest thing the Third Imperium has to a statement concerning the rights of sophonts within the Imperium.

The warrant was written by Jeff Zeitlin, so he's the best one to answer questions concerning it. He sFreelance Traveller, you can write him there.

Like all good rolepaying aids, the Warrant can be interpreted rather broadly as the TML's classic and (in)famous "MyMines" thread once examined.


Regards,
Bill