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STA Klingon Core Rulebook
STA Klingon Core Rulebook
CORE RULEBOOK
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Modiphius Entertainment Ltd. The 2d20 system and Modiphius Logos are copyright Modiphius Entertainment Ltd.
2nd Floor, 39 Harwood Rd, 2020. All 2d20 system text is copyright Modiphius Entertainment Ltd. Any unauthorised
London SW6 4QP, use of copyrighted material is illegal. Any trademarked names are used in a fictional
United Kingdom manner; no infringement is intended. This is a work of fiction. Any similarity with actual
people and events, past or present, is purely coincidental and unintentional except for
those people and events described in an historical context. TM & © 2020 CBS Studios
[email protected]
Inc. © 2020 Paramount Pictures Corp. STAR TREK and related marks and logos are
www.modiphius.com trademarks of CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved. Inside front cover endpapers map
adapted from Star Trek Stellar Cartography by Larry Nemecek © 2018 CBS Studios,
Inc., published by Epic Ink, a division of the Quarto Publishing Group. Ali Ries, artist;
Lieven Litaer, translator. Special thanks to Delia Greve and Larry Nemecek.
Modiphius Entertainment
Product Number: MUH051071 Artwork and graphics © and ™ CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved.,
ISBN: 978-1-910132-95-1 except the Modiphius Logo which is Modiphius Entertainment Ltd.
CONTENTS
FOREWORD CHAPTER 07. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
00.10 Great Deeds, Great Songs.......................................................002 TO COMMAND THE STARS
07.10 The Klingon Imperial Fleet........................................................176
CHAPTER 01 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 003 07.20 Starship Fundamentals............................................................181
INTRODUCTION 07.30 Starship Combat......................................................................192
01.10 Enter the Klingon Empire..........................................................004 07.40 Starship Creation......................................................................203
07.50 Klingon Starbases....................................................................229
CHAPTER 02. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 011 07.60 Klingon Colonies......................................................................233
THE KLINGON EMPIRE 07.70 The Final Frontier......................................................................234
02.10 Galactic Overview....................................................................012 07.80 Alien Vessels.............................................................................243
02.20 History of the Empire................................................................019
02.30 Klingon Culture.........................................................................033 CHAPTER 08. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
02.40 Politics of the Empire...............................................................040 GAMEMASTERING
02.50 Klingon Houses........................................................................048 08.10 Running Star Trek Adventures..................................................254
02.60 Klingon Defense Force.............................................................054 08.20 Character Creation...................................................................258
02.70 Worlds and Locations...............................................................063 08.30 Managing the Rules..................................................................260
08.40 Player Characters.....................................................................269
CHAPTER 03. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 071 08.50 Supporting Characters.............................................................272
CORE RULES 08.60 Non-Player Characters.............................................................273
03.10 Core Rules................................................................................072 08.70 Experience and Promotion.......................................................280
03.20 Advanced Rules.......................................................................083 08.80 Creating Missions.....................................................................282
APPENDICES
Klingon Language Primer...................................................................371
Index...................................................................................................375
Acknowledgements............................................................................378
Character Sheets................................................................................379
FOREWORD
GREAT DEEDS,
CHAPTER
00.10
lIH
GREAT SONGS
DR. LAWRENCE M. SCHOEN
From their first appearance in The Original Series episode rumored across the known Galaxy, the epic plays of
“Errand of Mercy,” Klingons have captured the imagination Shakespeare – gripping dramas and side-splitting comedies
of fans and proved to be the most enduring and captivating – were actually the work of a Klingon.
of Star Trek species. Now, for the first time in more than
thirty years, Star Trek RPG gamers are seeing a dedicated If you still need convincing, sociologists now know that the
game product on Klingons, one which reflects so much of most basic of Klingon rituals, nentay, the Rite of Ascension,
what we've come to know about their history, culture, and has at its core two affirmations from the candidate:
language. While the Klingons were originally painted with
very broad strokes, we've since had the opportunity to 'Iw bIQtIqDaq jijaH
understand them with more subtlety and nuance, aspects "I travel the river of blood."
which you can now explore and experience.
tIqlIj Da'angnIS
It's a gross disservice – to both the Klingons and the "I must show you my heart."
Federation – to simply stereotype the Klingons as
bloodthirsty warriors seeking only to conquer lesser species Keep this need for passion in mind as you peruse the rest
and seize their worlds. Which is not to say this isn't an of this book. If you allow it to redefine the way you think of
accurate aspect of their nature – as the Imperial aphorism Klingons – not just as snarling, heavily-armed warriors with
mataHmeH maSachnIS (“to survive we must expand”) attitude but also as poets, marital artists, philosophers,
illustrates – but this is only one facet of who they are. scientists, and a species that overthrew their own alien
conquerors, claimed their technology, and launched
Although portions of culture from Andorians, Romulans, and themselves into space by their own bootstraps – your
even Vulcans have been described as “passionate,” a thorough experiences going forward will be rich and rewarding.
understanding of Klingons requires a fresh look at the term.
Among Klingons, passion isn't limited to a handful of things Much has been said elsewhere about the Klingon concept
but rather defines the Klingon heart. Passion manifests in every of honor, and I will only add that the insightful player will
aspect of Klingon society and custom. It's understandable distinguish between different kinds of honor: the honor of the
that we've failed to appreciate this before; the vast majority Empire, honor due to one’s family and House, and a warrior’s
of Federation encounters with Klingons have been conflict personal honor. How Klingons act in pursuit or defense of
situations. Given that limitation, it's understandable to mistake honor defines their lives, especially when the different types
a passion for battle with raw aggression, but while all Klingons of honor come into conflict with one another.
are warriors from the day they can hold a blade, that's just a
small piece of the larger picture. In conclusion, as you explore this book, keep in mind that
Klingons do not need to be told to “go boldly.” This is their
Klingons do everything passionately. default mode, and doing so is always in service to honor.
Now, go forth; adventure awaits you. You must travel the river
Seen through a metaphor of passion and not simply of blood and show your heart. And if you are ever in doubt,
aggression, Klingon life and culture unfolds in complex remember this core maxim to guide your understanding of
and fascinating ways. For example, it's not enough to the Klingon spirit:
acknowledge that Klingons appreciate music, but rather
that they consider opera – the most passionate of music ta'mey Dun, bommey Dun
stylings – to be its highest form. Klingon courtship involves “Great deeds, great songs.”
love poetry (recited while under fire). And as has been
Foreword
2
CHAPTER 01.00
INTRODUCTION
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INTRODUCTION
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EMPIRE
“WE ARE KLINGONS… WE DON’T EMBRACE OTHER CULTURES, WE CONQUER THEM.”
– GENERAL MARTOK
If you’re already familiar with Star Trek Adventures and the original, You may be assigned to a warship caught up in the heat
Starfleet-focused core rulebook, you might wonder what value this core of these events, or sent on a different mission altogether –
rulebook brings to you and your game group. This core rulebook was perhaps venturing into unexplored regions of space such as
designed to provide another point of entry into the game and to offer an the Shackleton Expanse to be the first to claim resource-rich
alternative style of play, one focusing on the Klingons, arguably the most worlds for the Empire or to make amazing discoveries that
popular non-Human species in all of Star Trek. will bring honor to your House and glory to the Empire.
The design team also took the opportunity to review the existing Engage Roleplaying
ruleset and to clarify certain areas that have proven challenging for There is a good chance that you already have experience
gamemasters and players since the game’s launch in 2017, to provide with roleplaying games, and are familiar with the concepts
more detailed example text, and to revise specific sections of the rules, used in this game. In basic terms, roleplaying games are
notably the sections on Reputation and character advancement. You’ll a form of shared storytelling. They are about stretching
find that very little of the Star Trek-oriented 2d20 ruleset has changed the imagination to experience exciting adventures out in
from the standard core rulebook, and we hope you’ll appreciate the the vastness of space, on hostile planets, and in exotic
minor revisions and greater clarity we were able to bring into this edition locations. With the power of the players’ imagination, they
of the core rules. can experience encounters and situations far beyond that of
a traditional board game or video game.
Chapter 01
4
There is no formal start or end to the game – the players and
the gamemaster get together and the sessions can range in yesterday’s ENTERPRISE
length from a couple of hours to a whole weekend. There is
no winning or losing; just a great way to get together, engage The default setting of Star Trek Adventures is the year 2371
in conversation, create a story, and have a good time. (Stardates 48000-48999) but that does not mean that other eras of play
are unavailable for the game. Gamemasters can choose to set their
All games, however, have rules. This book provides the rules game at the dawn of the Empire’s exploration into the stars; during
to help everyone agree on what happens, to avoid disputes the “Five Year Mission” period when illustrious captains such as Kang,
over the action, and to help everyone to work together to Koloth, and Kor commanded mighty imperial warships; during the
make sure that the experience is as fair as it is exciting. decades where the Empire and Federation forged peace and navigated
the challenges of their new alliance; or even in the time period following
Playing a Role in the Klingon the events of Star Trek: Nemesis in 2379. Through wormholes or other
Defense Force temporal anomalies, crews from one time period can travel to another,
Star Trek Adventures allows you to join the Klingon fleet, even into Qo’noS’s past.
take a position on board a warship, space station, or colony,
and discover new and exciting worlds. It is a future of glorious Gamemasters wishing to run missions during various Star Trek time
battle, exploration, and technological advancement, where periods will have no trouble using the rules presented in this core
challenges are resolved as much by the flash of blades and the rulebook. If an item of equipment or technological advance is
roar of disruptor fire as they are by discussion and diplomacy. unavailable in a certain era (such as transporters, replicators, etc.)
there will be a note within the text or in a sidebar like this one.
Missions can be militant in nature: showing the flag, Additional advice for gamemasters wishing to run games during
annexing a recalcitrant planet, engaging in thrilling battles, the Original Series era or earlier, or after Shinzon’s attempted coup,
or invading an enemy’s space. They can be exploratory: can be found in Chapter 8: Gamemastering and in other Star Trek
unearthing ancient civilizations and finding lost artifacts Adventures supplements such as the Alpha Quadrant Sourcebook
and wondrous technology. They can even be of a scientific and the Beta Quadrant Sourcebook.
nature: working on a new research project for the betterment
of the Empire or investigating a strange temporal anomaly.
introduction
5
What makes Star Trek Adventures different from other moments, players may switch to control a supporting
games is two-fold: the variety of stories, and the depth of character to play a more active part in the story at that time.
character. Star Trek is not just about exploring strange new That means the engineering officer’s player doesn’t have to
worlds and claiming them for the Empire. One mission could sit doing nothing when the tactical landing party beams to
be a life or death struggle, stranded on a planet with hostile the planet for a lengthy encounter.
forces approaching while the crew tries to repair a damaged
shuttle. The next could have a medical focus, with a fellow The Gamemaster
warrior fighting for their life against a crippling disease and In Star Trek Adventures, one player takes on the role
the medical team desperate to discover a cure before the rest of gamemaster – they are the host of the game, the one
of the crew is infected and consigned to an ignoble death who sets the scenes, describes the environments, knows
without honor. the direction the story is designed to take, and poses the
dramatic scenes and puzzles the players will encounter.
However, it is the characters that make Star Trek stories The gamemaster also portrays the characters not controlled
special. Behind the main story, through the heat of the action, by the players – non-player characters, or NPCs for short
the characters and their relationships are the most important – whether those are adversaries, commanding officers, or
element. Frequently, the characters’ personal stories come recurring characters.
to the fore and become the focus of the adventure, and Star
Trek Adventures encourages and enables this during play. The gamemaster also acts as referee and adjudicator for
Player characters have their own motivations and directives, the rules of the game. They not only run the game, but also
relationships and challenges that make them more than ensure that the game is fun, fair, and exciting. If at any time
simple numbers on a character sheet. With the help of the the rules are contested, or the players are unsure of the
players, the characters become three-dimensional – and outcome of a task, the gamemaster has final say on how the
when the characters are rich and detailed, the sense of rules of the game are applied. The gamemaster determines
tension, drama, and excitement throughout the game will the plot of the mission, manages how the story unfolds,
make the experience unique and thrilling. and sets the scene for the adventures ahead. They describe
the setting, decide what happens and who is talking, and
interpret the outcomes of the players’ actions and rolls. The
what you will need gamemaster has to be fair and listen to the players to make
sure everyone is enjoying the game. Being the gamemaster
To take your place in the Klingon Empire and start your can be challenging, but rewarding. Additional advice for
adventures across the Galaxy, you should assemble the gamemastering can be found in Chapter 8: Gamemastering.
following before you begin play.
Characters
Players Every player needs a character. Chapter 4: Reporting for
Every game needs players. One of these players will be the Battle, presents all of the information players need to create
gamemaster, but you will need a handful of players to take on new characters. They can be humble laborers seeking their
the roles of the player characters. The players work together, shot at glory, warriors in training at an elite military academy,
just like the crew of a warship, to face the challenges technical officers adept at engineering or in a scientific field,
the gamemaster places before them, explain how their or command officers already responsible for departments
characters act and respond to the encounters, and ensure aboard a warship (or in command of the warship itself). They
everyone is having fun. can be crew members from the Empire’s dramatic history,
or new creations defined by the players. They can be young
Each player will adopt the role of a crew member in the or old, untested novices or hardened veterans, and look like
Klingon Defense Force, but there will be times when their anyone the players can imagine.
character is not the focus of the mission. During these
Players will also have at hand a selection of secondary
characters that they can control when their primary character
QUARK’S GAMING EMPORIUM is not currently in the thick of the action. These secondary
characters can be drawn from the NPCs offered in Chapter
If you do not have access to a replicator to replicate the necessary dice 10: Allies and Adversaries, or created as the mission dictates.
needed to play the game, that mak’dar, Quark, has, for a nominal fee,
made it possible to acquire official Star Trek Adventures Challenge Dice
Dice and customized d20s (as well as a wide range of accessories, Star Trek Adventures uses two common types of
sourcebooks, and supplements). You can order direct online with a dice found in most hobby and game stores. These are
credit card or gold-pressed latinum, or ask at your local gaming store twenty-sided dice (abbreviated as d20), and six-sided
or convention. dice (abbreviated as d6). Ideally, the group will have
at least two d20s per player, and two or more for the
Chapter 01
6
gamemaster. These d20s are used for many different MAPS AND MINIATURES
tasks, such as performing skill tests and determining
results from tables. The dice are used to help determine Star Trek Adventures employs an abstracted combat system for both
the magnitude of certain game effects, such as how personal-level combat and ship-to-ship engagements, using either
effective your solution to the engineering problem was, “theater-of-the-mind” style conversations to resolve combat actions, or
or how convincing your character was during sensitive simple maps depicting zones rather than detailed range increments or
negotiations with a potentially hostile civilization’s sheets with printed grids or hexes. As a result, you do not need to use
military leader. More d20s are helpful, as players and the detailed combat maps or miniatures in order to play.
gamemaster may need to roll up to five d20s at a time,
depending upon the circumstances. However, Modiphius does produce Klingon-themed map tiles and
several sets of high-quality character miniatures should you choose to
Additionally, you will want at least a dozen d6s for the make use of detailed imagery and props to more effectively depict and
group. When these dice are used in Star Trek Adventures track your glorious battles.
they are called Challenge Dice (illustrated as A elsewhere
in this book). Players will generally need three to six A
each to determine the effectiveness of their action
attempts, whether this is inflicting Stress on a target, easier for everyone to know how many of each of these
piloting a warship, or making a scientific breakthrough. resources remain for every player and the gamemaster.
The gamemaster may need many more A than players. Finally, there is an exciting psychological element as the
players watch the gamemaster’s Threat pool increase,
If dice are scarce, they can be shared between players heightening the tension and adding a growing sense of
and the gamemaster. Additionally, Modiphius produces unease, as Threat is the resource used by the gamemaster to
customized Star Trek Adventures dice, though these are make adventures more challenging for the player characters.
not essential.
While these different resource pools can be tracked on Roll too high on the dice and you have failed to accomplish the
paper, or by using dice as counters, keeping track of these task. It may put the character in danger, or worse, but it makes
resources with physical items such as poker chips, coins, the story more exciting. It is often when characters fail or make
glass beads, game counters, the bones of your enemies, or mistakes that the story really takes a dramatic turn, adding
other chits or tokens has a number of advantages. First, it is to the sense of threat and tension and making the adventure
easier to track the resources by simply adding or removing more compelling.
tokens from each resource pool; second, it makes it much
introduction
7
Examples of play
In addition to the general example of play below, this book to adapt to the thinning air in the dim corridor, she figures out that
provides several additional detailed examples of play, each this particular set of power conduits appear to be secondary trunks
focusing on a different rules element to better illustrate how Star from a reactor, and would likely support ship systems such as
Trek Adventures handles specific actions so that you can easily computer consoles, data feeds, and backup support systems.”
grasp the nuances of how to play the game. Examples of play and
where to find them in this book include: Jim glances at the other players around the table. “What do the rest
of you want to do?”
X Social conflict example: Chapter 6.10: Social Conflict,
page 162. Matt, playing weapons officer Lieutenant Kaxar, says, “I want to force
open that hatch leading to what we thought was the control center.”
X Hand-to-hand combat example: Chapter 6.20: Personal
Combat, page 174. “Sure,” Jim says. “How do you want to do that? You can try your
hand at the damaged control panel set into to the hatch itself, try
X Ranged combat example: Chapter 6.20: Personal Combat, blasting the hatch, or maybe try getting your hands in there and
page 169. forcing it open?”
X Ship-to-ship combat example: Chapter 7.30: Starship Matt ponders his options. “Shooting it would probably be a
Combat, page 202. mistake, and I don’t think a reinforced hatch is going to budge,
even with my Klingon strength. Best I try my luck at hacking the
Additional example text for various game elements (such as panel. You said it was damaged?”
character generation, values, focuses, etc.) are sprinkled throughout
this book and are usually set off in sidebars like this one or with Jim nods. “The edges of the panel look blackened, and there’s a
colored italicized text. faint ozone smell in the thinning air. Might have been a power surge
that fried it.”
ABOARD THE ALIEN COLONY SHIP…
“I want to analyze the inactive alien power conduits to figure Matt sighs. “Just our luck. Anyway, I’ll give it a try.”
out what sort of energy they might carry and what systems they
feed power to,” states Jess, playing Lieutenant Diesa, the I.K.S. “All right.” Jim considers it, then says, “Let’s make it a Daring
M’Char’s engineering officer. + Security task with a Difficulty of 2. Since you’re messing with
a panel that is clearly damaged, you’re taking a chance with
“Sure, sounds good. The life support in the alien ship is clearly something you might generally leave alone.”
failing, as you notice it’s getting harder to breathe. In addition, the
writing on the conduits is incomprehensible,” Jim, the gamemaster, Matt picks up his dice. “That’s okay by me. My Daring is better than
says, as he works out the Difficulty for the task. Normally the task my Reason, anyway.” He checks his character sheet and adds up
would be Difficulty 1, but because of the conditions facing Diesa, his Daring of 11 plus his Security of 4 to get a target number of 15.
Jim decides to increase the Difficulty to 2. He defines the task as a He has no applicable focus, and decides to spend that point of
Reason + Engineering task, and says as much to Jess. Momentum Jess had generated to buy an extra d20. He rolls 3d20
and his results are 6, 17, and 20, which translates to just 1 success
Jess reviews her character sheet and takes Diesa’s Reason of 10 – not enough to beat the Difficulty 2 task. To make matters worse,
and Engineering of 4 to make a target number of 14 – she’s an he rolled a 20, which results in a complication to the scene.
experienced engineer and knows her way around power conduits.
In addition, she has a focus called Alien Technology, which certainly Matt groans as Jim evaluates the results. Jim says, “Kaxar fumbles
applies in this case. That focus will enable her to score 2 successes with the panel, mashing buttons with what he hopes is the open
if either of her dice roll below 4. sequence. There’s a bright flash of light from behind the panel,
which makes Kaxar jump back. In the next heartbeat, all the lights
Jess rolls 2d20 and scores a 2 and a 14. The 2 result gives her in the corridor wink out. An ominous hissing sound of escaping air
2 successes, thanks to her focus. The 14 is just enough for a rises in volume in the darkness.”
3rd success, so her roll nets her the 2 successes she needed to
beat the Difficulty, and earned her 1 point of Momentum that she Jess drops her head into her hands. “yIntagh! What have I told you
chooses to bank in order to help her fellow players, who collectively about touching alien tech?”
have had a rough night with poor dice rolling.
Jim says, “There is a noticeable downward shift in temperature,
Jim says, “Diesa spends a minute or two studying the conduits, and now you’re really feeling the thinness of the air. What do you
and makes some adjustments to her tricorder. As her lungs struggle do now?”
Chapter 01
8
core rulebook structure Chapter 3: Core Rules presents the most common rules
for playing Star Trek Adventures. All the key concepts and
This core rulebook provides all the information you’ll need to terms of the game are explained, and copious examples
play a game of Star Trek Adventures from a Klingon point of define and illustrate the rules so that they can be easily
view. While the default setting for the game is approximately understood and implemented at the game table.
2371, this book includes content from 2151 through 2379
in order to provide a comprehensive view of what we know Chapter 4: Reporting for Battle covers everything the
about Klingons; their history, politics, and culture; their gamemaster and players need to know about creating
military might; their weapons, vessels, and technology; and Klingon player characters and supporting characters,
so much more. advancing and improving those characters over the course
of a campaign, and how players may create and develop
Chapter 2: The Klingon Empire is the largest chapter their own Klingon Houses.
and provides critical details about Klingon history, culture,
politics, and society; key information about the Klingon Chapter 5: Weapons and Technology details the many and
Defense Force and the many Klingon Houses; and closes varied pieces of technology and powerful weapons a group
with details on numerous Klingon worlds and locations. of Klingon player characters might obtain and use over the
course of a mission or series of adventures.
OFFICIAL ARCHIVES
introduction
9
Chapter 6: Conflict provides all the rules material you need The chapter also includes a dozen mission briefs designed
to navigate challenging personal-scale combat as well as as outlines gamemasters can modify and use as missions in
social conflict. Extensive rules explanations and examples Klingon campaigns.
are provided to give the gamemaster and players the
confidence they need to produce amazing Star Trek moments Chapter 10: Allies and Adversaries presents many
within their games. Klingon NPCs a gamemaster can use to support the player
characters during missions, or to act as cruel enemies
Chapter 7: To Command the Stars introduces the principles to battle with during combat encounters and dangerous
of Klingon warship construction, use, and development, and scenarios. The chapter also offers NPCs from a variety
presents a wealth of Klingon spaceframes from across the of Star Trek species, including representative characters
Star Trek timeline. The chapter provides guidance on how from the Federation, Romulan Star Empire, Cardassian
to modify a spaceframe into a warship the player characters Union, Ferengi Alliance, Dominion, and Borg Collective. The
can use to roam the Galaxy in pursuit of great glory and chapter closes with a selection of creatures both fair and
honor. The chapter also discusses Klingon starbases and foul, to be used as threats or perhaps pets for the player
colonies, types of planets found in the Galaxy, and provides characters.
many alien vessels that may be used as adversaries or as
target practice in an adventure or mission. Chapter 11: Introductory Adventure provides a short,
standalone adventure designed to give a group of Klingon
Chapter 8: Gamemastering provides extensive advice for the player characters a worthy first adventure, as they seek the
gamemaster on how to effectively run Star Trek Adventures, fabled oracle of Bar’Koth Reach and the renowned warrior
to help players create a memorable game experience, advice Glorithar for the greater glory of themselves and their Houses.
on creating and using NPCs, how to manage player character
advancement and development, and general advice on This core rulebook closes with an appendix focused on the
creating encounters, missions, and campaigns. basics of the Klingon language – enough to get you speaking
Klingon during game sessions and bring an additional level of
Chapter 9: For the Glory of the Empire provides teHlaw' (verisimilitude) to the game.
gamemasters with deeper insights on how a Klingon-focused
game fundamentally differs from a Starfleet-focused game And now, gather your fellow warriors, pick up your dice and
while remaining a Star Trek game, and provides advice on bat’leths, fire up your warship’s fusion generators, and boldly
how to build and develop a Klingon-focused campaign. go where no Klingon warrior has gone before! Qapla’!
Chapter 01
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CHAPTER 02.00
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GALACTIC OVERVIEW
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"THE ONLY THING THAT STANDS BETWEEN THE KLINGON EMPIRE AND DOMINATION
OF THE UNIVERSE IS THE REST OF THE UNIVERSE.”
– GENERAL MAV
briefing from Klingon obscure Earther language. The Empire has territory in both
High Command the Alpha and Beta Quadrants, and most of the Empire’s
dealings have been in those two quadrants. The Gamma
From the first time Klingons encountered people from Quadrant became accessible in the late 24th century
beyond Qo’noS – the Hur’q invasion – they have faced with the discovery of the Bajoran wormhole, which led
enemies from other worlds. Many have become jeghpu’wI’, to one of the Empire’s greatest foes, the Dominion. The
conquered peoples, brought in to serve the Empire. A few Delta Quadrant is the source of one of the Galaxy’s great
have become allies, joining Klingons in their battles. Most scourges, the Borg.
have become enemies, for a Klingon warrior treasures a foe
to fight above all else. The Alpha Quadrant
The Empire’s conquest of the Alpha Quadrant began with
The Known Galaxy their first encounter with the Tholian Assembly, when a
The Galaxy has been divided by Federation scientists into Klingon vessel became entangled in one of the Tholian
four quadrants, which they have dubbed “Alpha,” “Beta,” ship’s webs. The Empire’s greatest allies and greatest
“Gamma,” and “Delta,” after the first four letters of an enemies (save for the Dominion) have been found in
this quadrant.
Now, report to your stations, stoke up the reactors, and set course for Before long, though, the border conflicts resumed, and the
Narendra Station. It is toward glory we navigate this day! Federation and Empire were again in conflict – until the
destruction of Praxis put the Empire in a poor position for
SPEECH TRANSCRIPT battle for the first time since the Hur’q invasion.
Chapter 02
12
Despite decades of conflict, and despite the efforts of people Cardassia came at the Betreka Nebula over the disposition
on both sides of the conflict who attempted to sabotage the of Raknal V, a world desired by both nations due to the
subsequent alliance, the Federation became the Empire’s presence of wreckage from the great Ch’gran expedition.
greatest ally after Praxis. Their scientists worked to save That incident lasted eighteen years, with the Empire
Qo’noS from becoming uninhabitable, and they stood by the eventually ceding Raknal V, as concerns with the growing
Empire’s side against the Dominion. While tensions remained aggression of the Romulans and the deteriorating alliance
at times – the alliance deteriorated during the waning days with the Federation were of greater moment.
of the Betreka Nebula Incident, and was temporarily broken
thanks to the machinations of the Dominion – in the grand Their last was when the Dominion manipulated Chancellor
scheme of things, the Empire and the Federation have Gowron into invading Cardassia following a coup. A year
become comrades in arms. This relative stability in relations later, after the Empire warred on Cardassia, the Union joined
led, in large part, to the joint Klingon-Federation exploratory the Dominion, thus remaining a foe. This gave the Dominion
efforts in the Shackleton Expanse. a foothold on this side of the wormhole, strengthening their
position in the subsequent Dominion War.
Ironically, the Organians themselves predicted this course
of events during their encounter in the 23rd century. Any A group of Cardassian rebels turned on the Dominion,
Klingon of the era would have scoffed at the very notion, which was one of the critical moments of the war. While
yet they were correct in their prediction, as the Klingon- the Dominion was defeated, as a final act they turned on
Federation alliance has been a cornerstone of the Galaxy for Cardassia Prime, devastating their homeworld, and then
nearly a century. And, the Empire’s greatest prosperity has retreating through the wormhole to the Gamma Quadrant in
come during the time of that alliance. defeat.
CARDASSIAN UNION Cardassia’s near destruction has made them once again an
The Cardassians were a peaceful, irrelevant people for irrelevancy to the Empire.
many years, but over time they became a poor people as
well. Their response was to become expansionist, pushing
outward for more resources to feed their starving people.
Chapter 02
14
Still, they are doughty warriors and strong fighters, and have Tholians have proven to be tenacious in battle, and thus far
proven to be worthy foes. Their proximity to the Federation all attempts to conquer them have failed. However, they have
has made them allies of the Empire when the Federation also failed to make any significant inroads into the Empire’s
was the enemy of all Klingons, and enemies of the Empire territory – their claims of same notwithstanding.
when the Federation were our allies. They were particularly
helpful in providing support ships during the Battle of Megara TZENKETHI COALITION
in the 23rd century and in the Dominion-fueled war against An isolationist people, the Empire has had very few dealings
Cardassia in the 24th century. with the Tzenkethi. They have been blood enemies of the
Federation since their first contact, and so the Empire was
THOLIAN ASSEMBLY disposed toward treating them as potential allies – and later
One of the most tenacious foes the Empire has ever faced is also the Empire’s enemy.
the Tholian Assembly. A reclusive, recalcitrant people, they
change their borders with alarming regularity and without The Tzenkethi are stratified by class, very much like Klingons,
informing any other galactic power of the shift in territory until though their station in life is determined by such dishonorable
there is a border crossing. It has long been the opinion of the criteria as family wealth rather than prowess in combat,
High Council that they do this deliberately to provoke battle. but such is the way of things outside the Empire, sadly.
It is a dishonorable tactic – true warriors do not manipulate But because of that class structure, which they have raised
events to seek out battle, they simply seek out battle and practically to the level of a religion, they find the Federation’s
have done with it – and one that has brought many Klingon democratic government to be an abomination. In truth,
ships into conflict with the Tholians. many Klingons feel the same, but the Federation has proven
themselves to be worthy foes despite the hopeless idiocy
In particular, the Tholians have developed a unique energy of their system of government – the Tzenkethi, however, are
weapon that surrounds a ship in a latticework of energy unable to make such a leap.
beams, enabling them to trap and move ships they’ve
captured. Tholians have often captured people from other
species, including Klingons whom they have not permitted to
die, in order to study them.
FERENGI ALLIANCE
BREEN CONFEDERACY UNITED FEDERATION
OF PLANETS
TZENKETHI COALITION ROMULAN STAR EMPIRE
CARDASSIAN UNION
KLINGON EMPIRE
THOLIAN ASSEMBLY
TALARIAN REPUBLIC GORN HEGEMONY
ALPHA BETA
QUADRANT QUADRANT
STELLAR CARTOGRAPHY
Chapter 02
16
THE HOLY ORDER OF THE KINSHAYA FOES WITH NO IMAGINATION!
A race of winged, fur-covered religious zealots, the Kinshaya
have remained a thorn in the paw of the Empire since To fight a single Borg is to fight a thousand relentless enemies at once.
first contact with them in the early 23rd century. Though Yet as a thousand voices will tend towards disagreement thus a Borg’s
their holdings are meager, limited only to a handful of star movements are more predictable than those of a free-spirited warrior.
systems, they cling to them with tenacity and fury that would A Borg lacks all imagination. Know yourself and fight as though Fek'lhr
be admirable in a species more honorable. was awaiting your failure and your victory will be assured.
But the Kinshaya view honor as a foul artifice, and view – Memoirs of Captain V’rel
Klingons as demons that must be eradicated from the
Galaxy. Klingons view Kinshaya with similar disdain. Their MEMOIR ENTRY
wings are purely for show, and they use them to denote
caste. Their military ranks are all religious titles, and they THE BORG COLLECTIVE
pursue their battles with the fanaticism of a religious cult. The Empire has had very few direct dealings with the Borg
Their devotion to their cause is almost respectable, but for all Collective, but they remain a great threat to the Empire and
their unwillingness to be fully conquered. Over the centuries, indeed to all sentient life.
the Empire has managed only to contain the Kinshaya but
never utterly defeat them. They are a glob fly that continues There had been numerous single encounters with the Borg
to buzz about the Empire’s ears. reported all over the Galaxy, reported by Earthers, Vulcans,
Romulans, El-Aurians, and Tellarites, and even one Klingon
ORION SYNDICATE expedition. Lieutenant Khurl, son of Muras, a warrior who lost
It is a sad reality that not everyone is suited to be a warrior. his left leg and right eye in battle against the Kinshaya, chose
Kahless recognized this and established the caste system to leave the Defense Force and explore the Galaxy in a small
that continues to inform how Klingons live their lives in the ship. His last report, from the distant Krivot system, was of a
Empire. It is also a sad reality that not everyone is able giant cube that attacked without provocation.
to function within the confines of the rule of law, and will
behave dishonorably in order to achieve the goals they The first survivors of the Borg to report back their findings,
have in life. as well as provide actual detailed sensor readings and visual
and verbal accounts, was a Starfleet vessel that was sent
While there are other organizations dedicated to lawlessness unexpectedly to the Delta Quadrant and encountered a single
and to dishonorable behavior, most are beneath the Empire’s Borg cube.
notice. The exception is the Orion Syndicate, a cabal of
beings from all across the Alpha and Beta Quadrants. They Another Borg cube – possibly the same one – invaded the
enable base behavior, they encourage lawlessness, and they Alpha Quadrant and destroyed a fleet of Starfleet ships
are a scourge on the Galaxy. before it was destroyed.
The central rule of the Syndicate is the Orion peoples, with The Borg are a collective with no individuality, no culture, no
their powerfully-built men and seductive women. However, art, no spirit, no opera, nothing save the drive to consume
the Syndicate has expanded over the centuries to include and absorb people and technology. They are a foul plague
species from all across the Galaxy. upon the Galaxy, with no sense of honor or glory. The closest
they come to being proper sentient beings is a sense of duty,
Sadly, there is a plurality of dishonorable beings – but that sense is subsumed to the collective. They are to be
including, it must be said, Klingons – who have made stopped at all costs.
use of the Syndicate for their own ends. Some of those
Klingons have been powerful warriors who have used the THE DOMINION
Syndicate for their own purposes, and their influence has The Bajoran wormhole seemed a gift, enabling all Alpha
kept the Empire from taking proper action against them. In and Beta Quadrant powers a stable route to the Gamma
addition, their decentralized structure makes them difficult Quadrant. While the Empire found many resources and
to do battle against. worlds to explore and conquer, as did the Empire’s allies and
enemies, eventually they also found the Dominion.
Other Threats to the Empire
Most of the Empire’s enemies can be found close to home – The Dominion is ruled by the Founders, Changelings who
the best battle is one that can be traveled to easily, after all. used their shapeshifting abilities to infiltrate several nations
However, two of the greatest threats to the Empire came from with doppelgängers (including replacing General Martok, then
quite a great distance: the Borg and the Dominion. Chancellor Gowron’s chief of staff). Beneath them are the
Vorta, who direct their battles – but do not participate, the
cowards – and then their battles are fought by the Jem’Hadar.
Chapter 02
18
THE KLINGON EMPIRE
HISTORY OF
CHAPTER
02.20
lIH
THE EMPIRE
“FOR AS LONG AS THE SUNS BURN IN THE BLACK SKY,
THE EMPIRE WILL REMAIN STRONG.”
– EMPEROR SOMPEK
introduction But the greatest tyrant of all, the greatest foe that Kahless had
to face in his quest to unite the Klingon people, was Molor.
Before the time of Kahless the Unforgettable, there was no
Klingon Empire, there were only Klingons. Kahless united Kahless believed that honor should rule the day, that it was
our people into a single Empire that spanned all of Qo’noS. not enough simply to fight to please the whimsical needs of
Encouraged by the Unforgettable One himself before his tyrants and warlords, but to enrich the spirit and bring greater
ascension to Sto-Vo-Kor, and spurred on by the Hur’q glory to oneself. The Klingon people were either tyrants,
invasion, the Empire soon expanded into space, becoming slaves, or soldiers. Kahless believed that true greatness
one of the great powers of the Galaxy. would be achieved if Klingons became warriors – and also if
they fought for a common goal.
For more than a millennium, emperors ruled, leading the
Empire’s conquests, bringing many worlds under the Klingon More than anything, Kahless believed that honor was the
flag. Many great emperors carried on Kahless’s work, from road which would lead all Klingons to glory, not just those
Emperor Kaldon, who led Klingons into space, the first to add few who ruled their tiny kingdoms. Kahless believed that
other worlds to the Empire’s holdings, to Emperor Sompek, they could be one people united on this world – and on all
who led the conquest of Tong Vey, to Emperor Mur’Eq, who the others.
oversaw one of the most prosperous eras of the Empire’s
history. More recently, the High Council ruled, led by a Not all Klingons believed in this philosophy – indeed, not
chancellor, from Chancellor Mow’ga, the first to rule the High all the Klingons in Kahless’s household believed it. Morath,
Council in this capacity, to Chancellor Martok, who achieved Kahless’s brother, lied and deceived others, including their
victory against the Dominion. own father. Kahless, revolted by that behavior, challenged
Morath to combat, but Morath instead fled. Kahless pursued
him all across the continent, through the valleys and
the forming of the mountains, until he caught up with him at the Bazho River.
empire For twelve days and twelve nights, brother fought against
brother until Kahless was triumphant.
For many years, Qo’noS was a planet divided. Warlords and
tyrants ruled their fiefdoms, warring with each other and One by one, Kahless brought the wisdom of honor to the
holding onto their territories. The blood of many soldiers many warlords. Some joined his cause by choice, convinced
stained the ground of Qo’noS, as Klingon fought against by Kahless’s words; others by conquest, defeated by
Klingon for the pleasure of their rulers. Kahless’s might in combat, and by his ever-growing army.
With each journey, with each victory, Kahless’s forces grew
There was no honor in their conquest, there was only service larger, and the Klingons came closer and closer to being
to those who wielded power. united under him.
By the time of Kahless, dozens of tyrants ruled on Qo’noS: At Qam-Chee, Kahless prepared to face Molor’s forces.
General Kizhar, warlord of the Kir Peninsula; Ralkror, who Two emissaries from other warlords had come to listen to
ruled from atop Goqlath Mountain; King Dezan of the island Kahless’s words and see if they should follow him. One
nation of Kall’ta; Chu’paq of the island of Kilgore; Queen was the Lady Lukara, sent by Blaq the Indestructible. While
B’Ela of the Skeera Peninsula; Gantin the Mighty; Kavru the Blaq had no intention of joining Kahless’s cause, Lukara
Bold; Blaq the Indestructible; Maq of the eastern coast of found herself swayed by Kahless’s words. When Molor’s
Ham’ton; and so many more. forces attacked the pass at Qam-Chee, Lukara stood by the
Chapter 02
20
THE LEGEND OF Klingons knew that there were other worlds in the cosmos,
KAHLESS and Kahless’s last words to his people indicated that his
hopes were for his people to someday venture into the
Kahless stood before a gathering and said, "Once black sky.
there were two children, a boy and a girl. The boy was
strong, and declared that he would become a warrior. However, the first contact the nascent Klingon Empire made
with a species from another world was with the monstrous
"The girl was smaller and younger, but she too wished invaders who never identified themselves. Known to this day
to be a warrior. The boy mocked her. only as “Hur’q,” or “outsiders,” they came and plundered
Qo’noS, and left only after the forces of Emperor Kreddik
"Years passed and the children grew. The boy, drove them off. But they took many valuable items with them
knowing himself to be strong, did not train, for he – including the Sword of Kahless, the very bat’leth that had
believed that his strength would carry him. been used to slay Molor and unite the Klingons.
"The girl studied Mok'bara, played games of strategy, Spurred by this invasion, General Ch’gran urged Klingons to
and tutored with a blade instructor. She remained follow Kahless’s teachings and venture into the black sky.
frail, but fought to overcome the weakness of her The Ch’gran fleet – built with a combination of Klingon
body with the strength of her spirit. science and abandoned and damaged Hur’q technology
reverse-engineered for Klingon use – was the first to venture
"She met the boy again, and challenged him. He into space. Though the fleet was lost in the Betreka Nebula,
mocked her still, but they unsheathed their blades. their heroism inspired more ships to be built.
The fight began one-sided, the boy's strength his
advantage. But he had never learned how to use his The first world to fall under the Klingon Empire was
sword, where the girl knew to use her smaller size as Ty’Gokor, under the rule of Emperor Kaldon. It was a
an asset. She dodged his blows, avoided his strength great warrior named Biroq who led the campaign on
– and was victorious. Ty’Gokor, bringing its native people, the Samnatti, to
their knees. They became the first jeghpu’wI’, the first
"The body is but a physical shell. It is the heart that conquered peoples of the Klingon Empire. Kaldon
determines a warrior, and battle that determines the felt that Biroq’s accomplishment was so great that no
heart. One may never judge the sharpness of a blade existing title could encompass the historic service he had
by its sheath." provided to the Empire. And so Biroq became the first
Dahar Master.
FROM THE SACRED TEXTS
In addition, the Empire was quick to conquer Boreth,
though there was no sentient native life on that world.
I promise one day I will return.” He pointed to a star in the A monastery was constructed, and clerics dedicated to
night sky and said, “Look for me there, on that point of light.” studying and interpreting the words of Kahless for the
Klingon people cloistered themselves there, awaiting
Kahless left behind his bat’leth, known forevermore as the Kahless’s promised return.
Sword of Kahless, and also the Lady Lukara, who formed the
Order of the Bat’leth, warriors charged with making sure that Over the next several decades, the Empire conquered
Kahless’s words continued to be followed in the absence of many worlds. The battles and conquests of great warriors
Kahless himself. The mightiest warriors’ families became noble were immortalized in song and story, and the Klingon
Houses that advised the emperors who succeeded Kahless. reputation for prowess in battle was soon matched by
their grand operas that retold the stories of their greatest
Clerics were charged with recording the Unforgettable One’s campaigns on the stage.
words and deeds. These sacred texts have been kept in the
monasteries of Boreth, the planet orbiting the star to which Many enemies did the Empire make, from minor irritants
Kahless pointed on the day of his ascension to Sto-Vo-Kor. like the Kreel Alliance and the Holy Order of the Kinshaya to
In addition, these texts, as well as other stories of Kahless other star-spanning empires like the Romulan Star Empire
and of the ways of honor in general, were compiled into the and the Tholian Assembly. In particular, the first encounter
paq’batlh. Plus, of course, there are the ten precepts that with the Romulans – who have been the Klingons’ greatest
make up qeS’a’, The Klingon Art of War. All these texts were enemies and staunchest allies at various times in the
used as guides for Klingons to continue the ways of Kahless intervening centuries – was an epic battle in the Narendra
following his ascension. system, a star claimed by both expanding empires.
General Mav led his warriors against a Romulan fleet led by
Then the Hur’q came. Commander Mahrkes and was victorious.
Today the Hur'q have gone, In addition, the Empire was wracked by internal strife, as
Back to the black sky above! House warred against House – or so it seemed. Normally
Today the Hur'q have gone, when a House feuds with another, it is done openly, but
Having plundered our precious home! these were secret attacks for which the offending House
Today the Hur'q have gone, took no credit. The perception of dishonorable behavior was
All warriors, lower your bat'leths! almost as devastating to the stability of the Empire as the
attacks themselves.
OPERA EXCERPT
This turned out to be a plot by the Suliban Cabal, a nation
Nor was the Empire a stranger to internal strife, for there that had previously been beneath the Empire’s notice.
can only be one emperor, yet there can be many who covet Given resources by mysterious benefactors who wished to
that role. Many emperors were the subject of assassination destabilize the Empire, they set House against House.
attempts, both honorable from foes who showed their faces
– such as General Dezan challenging Emperor Sompek and A courier named Klaang was sent by Chancellor M’Rek to
dying in the subsequent duel – and dishonorable ones who obtain evidence of the Suliban treachery, which led to the
used more despicable means – as with Emperor Budlesh, Klingons’ first contact with another nation that had been
poisoned in secret by his mate, the Lady Vilik. previously beneath the Empire’s notice: United Earth. A
protectorate of Vulcan, Earth was where Klaang’s ship crash-
During the decadent reign of Emperor Skolar, a rebellion landed while being pursued by Suliban agents trying to keep
called vo’ruv’etlh, the Sword of Justice, was formed. him from bringing his intelligence to the High Council.
Targeting those they viewed as dishonorable – which was
most of the High Council and the military – the last action of The Earthers had only just achieved faster-than-light travel
vo’ruv’etlh was an attack on the Great Hall in the First City, recently, and – over the objections of the Vulcans – sent a
killing Emperor Skolar and his council, though the rebels ship to Qo’noS with the injured Klaang. With Klaang able to
themselves also were killed by the Imperial Guard. present his intelligence to the High Council, civil war was
averted, and a new player in galactic politics became known.
Three years of chaos ensued before Emperor Yorlak seized
power and united the fractious Houses once again. That was Klingons and Earthers had several engagements after that,
the day the Empire almost fell. with the Earthers often playing the rather distasteful role
of peacemaker. The Empire thought little of the Vulcans,
Emperor Yorlak was able to maintain power and keep the Andorians, and Tellarites, as they fought constantly among
Houses united by ceding more and more power to the themselves, preventing the clever and powerful Vulcans, the
High Council, made up of the heads of the most powerful warrior-like Andorians, and the aggressive Tellarites from
Houses, and soon the title of emperor became largely becoming true threats to the Empire. As for the Earthers,
ceremonial, with the Council truly running the Empire. But they were babes in the woods, barely able to leave their
in-fighting among the councilors threatened to destroy the own solar system.
Chapter 02
22
Underestimating the Earthers would prove to be folly, as That was far from Chancellor M’Rek’s only challenge, as
they succeeded in bringing together the Vulcans, Andorians, Earth and Romulus found themselves plunged into a brutal
and Tellarites with them into a loose alliance that kept them war. Just as the Council was split over the disposition of the
from their in-fighting. They also exposed a Romulan plot to QuchHa’, so too were the councilors divided on the subject
destabilize the Vulcans. of the Empire’s response to that conflict.
A group of genetically engineered Earthers, who called No matter what choice the chancellor made, he would be
themselves Augments, nearly started a war between Earth condemned by a plurality of the Council. On the subject of
and the Empire by capturing a bird-of-prey, killing its crew, QuchHa’, he compromised: they were still Klingons, but were
and threatening to use it to destroy the Qu’Vat colony. These to be segregated. Ships in the Klingon Defense Force would
Augments combined the cleverness and adaptability of either be HemQuch ships or QuchHa’ vessels. There would
normal Earthers with the strength and speed of Vulcans, and be no intermingling.
would make dangerous foes. Thankfully, there were only a
handful of them and they were quickly dispatched. As for the Earth-Romulan War, Chancellor M’Rek declared
that it was best if those two nations damaged each other in
Chancellor M’Rek had already grown concerned with how their brutal conflict – the Empire would conquer the loser.
quickly Earthers were becoming players in galactic politics,
and believing that they might be breeding more of these There was no opportunity for Chancellor M’Rek to see the
super-soldiers, he assigned General K’Vagh to command a fruits of his decisions, for he was soon dead – seemingly of
mission to develop Klingon Augments. an illness, but Dr. Phlox, the same Denobulan physician who
helped Dr. Antaak cure the mutated Levodian flu (and also
Setting up a laboratory on Qu’Vat, K’Vagh had a Klingon condemned a percentage of the Klingon population, and
geneticist, Dr. Antaak, supervise the scientific aspects. their descendants, to live as QuchHa’), determined that the
However, Antaak’s attempts to mingle Augment DNA with chancellor had been poisoned.
Klingon DNA did not succeed at first. The first set of test
subjects suffered from nerve damage that eventually killed It was Antaak’s son, Krit, who did the deed, blaming the
them. All those subjected to the treatment lost their cranial chancellor’s desire to make Klingon Augments for ruining so
ridges, as well, looking more like Earthers than Klingons. One many Klingon lives. Antaak discommended his son, and the
of the subjects contracted Levodian flu, which his Augment High Council put him to death.
DNA mutated into an airborne virus that quickly propagated
through the Empire. M’Rek’s decisions had repercussions for his successors.
The situation between HemQuch and QuchHa’ grew worse,
Facing the Empire’s greatest crisis since the Hur’q invasion, and the Earth-Romulan War did not end with a decisive
Antaak had K’Vagh enlist the aid of a Denobulan physician,
Phlox, who was able to develop a retrovirus. However, all
those who contracted the flu who survived and were given THE BROKEN BOW INCIDENT
the treatment lost their cranial ridges.
FROM ADMIRAL DANIEL LEONARD’S PERSONAL NOTES
In its own way, the cure provoked an even greater crisis in
the Empire than the mutated flu virus had, for now there The damn Vulcans kept insisting that they take charge of that alien that
were two types of Klingons: HemQuch, who had not suffered was shot in Oklahoma. Thing is, the exact words Ambassador Soval used
from the virus and looked as Klingons have always looked, were "the Klingot's corpse." They insisted that the alien, Klaang, should
and QuchHa’, who looked (and in some cases, acted) like have been allowed to die. That Denobulan physician, Phlox, did yeoman
Earthers with their smooth foreheads. work in keeping Klaang alive, but Soval wanted to just pull the plug on
him. He insisted that the Klingots would rather get him back dead than
Worse, some QuchHa’ were from powerful Houses. Though injured. If he was a soldier, that'd be one thing – come home with your
they no longer appeared to be Klingon, they were still of shield or on it, and all that nonsense – but according to that idjit aide of
noble blood, among the finest warriors. The Houses of his, Tos, he was a courier. Now, I don't know, but if someone's carrying
Mur’Eq (descended from an emperor), of K’naiah, of Lasshar, something for me, I'd want him to deliver it in person. Especially if these
of Kras, of Morglar, and many others had become QuchHa’. Klingots were as nasty as Soval said they were.
The Council was divided over how to deal with this We've got Enterprise ready to go. Klaang landed on our damn planet.
infestation of Earther DNA among Klingons. Some felt that We should be the ones to bring him home. I know we can't cheese off
QuchHa’ should be discommended, others that they should the Vulcans too much, so maybe I’ll get Archer's kid in here to tweak
be made jeghpu’wI’, others that they should simply be them a little bit.
treated as ordinary Klingons.
PERSONAL LOG
For a century, the Empire ignored the Federation, believing it And so the Organian Peace Treaty was drafted and signed
to be a chain made of weak metal, easily shattered with but a within a quarter year of the fateful encounter. It was the
glancing blow. To a Klingon, joining a nation willingly without Empire’s first time signing a treaty with the word “peace” as
threat of conquest or consequences was a poor glue with part of it – an insistence of the Federation, that.
which to hold a coalition. The chancellors who succeeded
M’Rek assumed that the Federation would collapse under Denied the ability to make war, the treaty outlined the
the weight of its own inefficiency before long. terms by which either nation could stake a claim on a
disputed world.
That lasted for the better part of a century – right up until
the Federation’s border started moving ever closer to the Realizing military might would not win the day as long as
Empire’s. Worlds such as Benecia, Ajilon Prime, Xarantine, the terms of the treaty remained in effect, the High Council
Korvat, Barolia, Neural, Capella, and more were either decided to turn to QuchHa’.
claimed or explored by the Federation – worlds that the
Empire had its eyes on. In the century since the mutated virus ravaged the Empire,
QuchHa’ had tended to fall away from the teachings of
More to the point, the Federation had consolidated the Kahless. With many HemQuch viewing them as inferior – as
military might of their many subject species into a formidable more like Earthers than true Klingons – it was common for
force: Starfleet. In many conflicts, from Donatu V to Axanar QuchHa’ to reject Kahless’s tenets of honor.
and beyond, Starfleet proved itself able to hold its own
against the Klingon Defense Force. Chancellor Sturka therefore placed the disposition of
abiding by the terms of the treaty in the hands of QuchHa’.
Tensions rose and fell over the decades, though the most True Klingons – the HemQuch – would always keep their
peculiar campaign came on the planet Organia, shortly word, but who could trust the word of a QuchHa’? They
after border conflicts resulted in Chancellor Sturka formally were petty and treacherous – just like the Earthers, whose
declaring war on the Federation. DNA polluted their bloodstreams.
Chapter 02
24
On many worlds, the Empire launched clandestine THE ORGANIAN PEACE TREATY
campaigns to win worlds to their side under the terms of
the hated peace treaty. True, the Klingons in question used TRANSCRIPT OF KLINGON HIGH COUNCIL MEETING,
dishonorable means, but victory is truly the greatest honor in THE YEAR OF KAHLESS 893
any battle, and besides, the means were engaged by mere
QuchHa’, not true Klingons. CHANCELLOR STURKA: Who are you? Why have you invaded our
council chambers?
On Neural, a Klingon agent provided advanced (for them)
arms for one side of a conflict. On Almar’s Haven, a Klingon AYELBORNE: My name is Ayelborne. I am afraid that you must cease
agent upgraded an orbital weapons platform to fire photon your attempt to make war on the United Federation of Planets.
torpedoes instead of missiles. On Capella IV, a Klingon agent
negotiated for the rights to their topaline, aiding one side in a STURKA: How dare you! Remove this creature!
coup. On Archanis IV, a Klingon agent sabotaged a research
outpost. In the Hromi Cluster, a Klingon agent became an YAN-ISLETH WARRIOR: I cannot approach him, my lord!
advisor to the cluster’s Ruling Colloquy.
AYELBORNE: My people have stopped all your means of combat until a
In addition, QuchHa’ were used as deep-cover agents treaty may be arranged.
of Imperial Intelligence within the Federation. One of the
Empire’s most successful operations was sadly exposed STURKA: How dare you! Who are you to tell us who we may fight?
on Deep Station K-7, thanks to an infestation of the foul
creatures known as tribbles. Krek, son of Gralmek, had AYELBORNE: Who am I? Chancellor, I am simply the one who is
successfully replaced a minor bureaucrat in the Federation keeping you from fighting and dying needlessly.
government named Arne Darvin. One of his duties was to
poison a supply of quadrotriticale earmarked for Sherman’s TRANSCRIPT OF FEDERATION COUNCIL
Planet, as the Federation’s claim on the world rested on their MEETING, STARDATE 3272.6.
ability to grow quadrotriticale there. However, the tribbles
were able to identify Krek as a Klingon, and he was exposed, PRESIDENT KENNETH WESCOTT: Who're you? How'd you get in
discommended from the Empire, and exiled. Thanks to the here?
foul tribbles, the Empire’s claim on Sherman’s Planet was lost.
AYELBORNE: My name is Ayelborne. I am afraid that you must cease
(That mission also resulted in a large population of tribbles your attempt to make war on the Klingon Empire.
being beamed into the engine room of the I.K.S. Gr’oth.
Captain Koloth, son of Lasshar, was forced to scuttle his WESCOTT: I beg your pardon?
ship, though he later instructed Klingon scientists to engineer
a tribble predator, known as a glommer. Koloth later tracked AYELBORNE: My people have stopped all your means of combat until a
down the tribble homeworld and wiped the disgusting treaty may be arranged.
creatures from the face of the Galaxy.)
WESCOTT: That is – very presumptuous of you, sir.
The High Council also made overtures to the Romulans.
With the Federation growing like a tumor, it behooved both AYELBORNE: Perhaps, Mr. President. But we must insist – and we will
empires to work together against this cancer in the Galaxy. keep you from fighting and dying needlessly until there is a treaty.
While no treaty between the two nations was ever formalized,
there was an exchange of technology, with the Empire TRANSCRIPTS
providing larger, faster, more efficient space-faring vessels
and the Romulans providing superior cloaking technology. Council to replace him: Gorkon and B’rak. They fought, as is
traditional, and Gorkon was victorious.
Over time, relations between the Empire and the Federation
started to once again move toward all-out conflict. As the Unfortunately, Chancellor Gorkon simply continued his
decades passed, it became clear that, beyond initially predecessor’s policies regarding Praxis, not knowing that
preventing the two nations from going to war, the Organians the plants on Praxis were a sad model of inefficiency. Praxis
evinced no interest in enforcing the treaty. To that end, exploded, a disaster of truly epic proportions, and one that
Chancellor Sturka’s successor, Chancellor Kesh, increased endangered the very existence of Qo’noS as a world.
ship and weapons development on Praxis, the moon
orbiting Qo’noS. Faced with the prospect of a near-extinction-level event on
the homeworld, Chancellor Gorkon took the radical step of
When Chancellor Kesh died of an infection, the Arbiter of asking the Federation – the Empire’s bitter enemy for the
Succession chose the two strongest candidates on the High better part of a century – for assistance.
Chapter 02
26
deteriorated, even as first contact with the Cardassian Union the time of the turning
led to the Betreka Nebula Incident, an eighteen-year conflict
over the dispensation of the remains of the Ch’gran fleet, FROM THE WRITINGS OF KANG, 2344
discovered on Raknal V, a world desired by both nations.
Curzon Dax, now a Federation ambassador, negotiated a Only after encountering the Starfleet captain, James Kirk, did my view
settlement between the Empire – still not entirely recovered of the Federation in general and Humans in particular begin to change.
from Praxis’s destruction – and the Cardassians – still in I was only somewhat surprised to see him, many years later, at the
the throes of an expansionist phase that rivalled that of the forefront of bringing together the Empire and Federation at the Khitomer
Empire after the Hur’q invasion. conference. By this time I’d come to know the Trill, Curzon Dax. He was
only the second non-Klingon to earn my respect. He is the godfather
Both sides tried to develop Raknal V in the manner described of my son. Even more so than Kirk, Curzon sought to understand what
in the Organian Peace Treaty with the Federation, though the it was to be a Klingon. I firmly believe if not for his efforts following
results were less than stellar. After eighteen years of conflict, Khitomer, that first overture of peace would have died a miserable death.
all they had to show for their efforts were a lot of deaths and
lost ships on both sides, and they were no closer to claiming Now, decades later I read of the loss of Starfleet’s U.S.S. Enterprise. Its
Raknal V or the Ch’gran wreckage. captain, Rachel Garrett, and her crew sacrificed themselves to defend
Klingon citizens on Narendra III against a Romulan attack. Could this
The Romulans – who had stayed out of galactic affairs since be a turning point in the history of both our peoples? I used to believe
an incident with the Federation involving the vessel Tomed – peace with the Federation was impossible, but I have been proven
took advantage of the crumbling relations between the Empire wrong on numerous occasions throughout my life. I expect to be
and the Federation, as well as the distraction of the Cardassian corrected in similar fashion several more times before I die.
conflict, to attack Narendra III, site of the first conflict between
the two empires, using their new warbirds, massive ships
twice the size of the Klingon vessels they ambushed. Despite relations between the Federation and the Empire
being at their worst since before Praxis – indeed, since before
But the Klingons did not all die that day, because a Federation Organia – Captain Garrett did not hesitate to put her life on the
vessel came to their rescue. Captain Rachel Garrett defended line to save Klingon lives.
the Klingon Defense Force ships against the Romulan
aggressors, at the cost of her own life and that of her noble This act awakened the Empire to the realization that the
vessel, the U.S.S. Enterprise, NCC-1701-C. embarrassment of Praxis’s destruction blinded them to: the
Greetings Esteemed Commander, Not long after that, Chancellor K’mpec ascended to the head
of the High Council. He would go on to serve longer than
As you have no doubt heard, the events on Narendra anyone in that position. He consolidated the factions on the
III have led the Klingon Empire into an alliance with Council, solidified the alliance with the Federation, and led
the Federation. No doubt the Klingons will be pulled the Empire to a new age of prosperity.
into the Federation’s war. We who dwell in the border
territories are well familiar with the threats that arise But K’mpec maintained the peace through a building of
when the Klingon Defense Force is spread thin. consensus among disputing parties. Sometimes that required
Pirates! As the Rules of Acquisition warn us, “A capitulating to one House to maintain order in the Council.
distracted policeman is an opportunity.” Piracy in these
times will be inevitable. It would be an inconvenience The House of Duras has had a long history of cooperation
to me if your outpost were to fall; thus I would like with the Romulans. It was a member of that House that made
to extend an opportunity for you to expand your the initial contact with the Romulans to pursue the sharing of
defenses. Please let me know if you are interested. technology a century previous. Following Praxis’s destruction,
the House of Duras suffered many debts that Romulan
Chet, purveyor of fine weapons and rare fruits aristocrats took on in exchange for considerations that have
continued to influence Duras thinking in the decades since.
PERSONAL LOG
Most notably, the Council uncovered evidence that the
Romulan attack on Khitomer – which happened only two
THE KLINGON CIVIL WAR years after the ambush at Narendra – was aided and abetted
by Ja’rod, son of Duras.
RECOVERED COMMUNICATION FROM THE
VORN, 2367 Ja’rod’s own son, also named Duras, served on the High
FROM: Duras, Klingon High Council Member Council under Chancellor K’mpec. Exposing his father’s
TO: Embek, Servant of Duras treachery would ruin Duras’s reputation, but he was
sufficiently powerful for that to not matter as much as it
Why do you delay in obeying my order? We do not should. Politics often trump honor, and K’mpec, rather than
have time for cowardice. Allow Tovagh to implant sunder the Council, publicly stated that another Klingon
the triceron explosive in your arm at once. You are who died in the attack on Khitomer, Mogh, son of Worf,
a servant of the House of Duras, one whose family betrayed them.
owes us a debt, and I remind you that your life
belongs to me. Do you wish your mate and sons to The truth did not come out until after Chancellor K’mpec’s
suffer in squalor after I bury my kut’luch in your gut death. His final decision as chancellor was to choose an
for succumbing to fear at the crucial moment? Or will Earther – Captain Jean-Luc Picard of Starfleet – as his Arbiter
you face your duty as a Klingon, invite death into your of Succession. Duras was one of the candidates chosen to
teeth, and unlock a path for your kin as rewarded fight to the death, but he was killed in a duel of honor before
acolytes of my great House? he could fight the other candidate, Gowron, son of M’Rel.
As the only one left, Gowron became chancellor, though he
This is not just any death – to sacrifice one’s life to faced a challenge from Duras’s sisters, Lursa and B’Etor, who
fell a foe will bring honor to your name. More honor, tried to put Duras’s bastard son in place as a candidate for
Embek, than your life as a mediocre servant will ever chancellor. Civil war erupted, during which the truth about
earn you. Think of your family. Prepare to end your life Khitomer came out: that Ja’rod, not Mogh, betrayed the
with dignity and purpose. Or I will end it in disgrace. Empire to the Romulans. And Duras’s family continued to
function with Romulan support, a secret alliance exposed
Mind where you stand when the time comes. by the Earther Picard, which cost Lursa and B’Etor and their
Remember that it is Gowron we wish to kill with this nephew the chancellorship.
bomb, not our own people, though if the Federation
trespasser is caught in the blast, I will not mourn him. It was during Chancellor Gowron’s regime that the Empire
faced its greatest triumph and most vicious foe.
I will see you at the Sonchi ceremony. Heghlu’meH
QaQ jajvam On Boreth, a group of clerics, led by Koroth, created a clone
of Kahless, using genetic material from the relics touched by
RECOVERED COMMUNICATION Kahless. Placing all the knowledge from the sacred texts into
Chapter 02
28
the clone’s memory, they manufactured a reappearance of Decrypted Intel
Kahless before those who had made pilgrimage to Boreth.
TAL SHIAR INTERNAL MEMO
Koroth’s plan was to have the clone be considered to be
the return of Kahless as the Unforgettable One himself This is unexpected.
promised a millennium and a half previous. Chancellor
Gowron challenged the clerics, eventually exposing the None of the probability models from our highest
Klingon who appeared on Boreth as a clone. However, even analysts predicted a deviation of this magnitude.
with that revelation, many Klingons bent their knee to him, Everything said there was a 94% chance that K’mpec
believing him to be the return of Kahless as promised. After would diverge from all Klingon tradition and select
all, who was to say that this was not the way Kahless was K’Ehleyr for the Arbiter of Succession. We were
fated to return? prepared to put her through the BLUE SKY program
but now that would be a waste of resources.
Rather than split the Empire between those who believed
and those who thought him only a pale copy of the original, Involving Picard involves the Federation which means
Chancellor Gowron took a page from his predecessor, and Starfleet will have a faster reaction time to the internal
built consensus: he installed the clone as emperor – the affairs of the Klingons than we anticipated.
first emperor in three centuries. Like Emperor Yorlak and
his successors, this emperor would have no political power. We need to put Klingon history back on our timetable.
But he would have the ability to mold the Klingon heart, to Perhaps something in the triceron family will prove
remind the people of the teachings of Kahless and of how to beneficial.
live their lives as true Klingons – in truth, the very outcome
Koroth and the clerics had been hoping for, as they felt that INTERNAL MEMO
the Empire had strayed too far from Kahless’s ways and
needed to return to honor.
the Romulans and Cardassians into an ill-fated attack on
Klingons would need that strength, and their honor, in the the Dominion, one that left the Cardassian government in
coming times, for a new foe emerged greater than any the shambles. The Cardassian Union underwent a coup, where the
Empire had faced. civilian oversight of their military and intelligence arms – which
jointly ran their empire – took over the government.
A stable wormhole was discovered in the Denorios Belt, near
the former Cardassian world called Bajor. The Bajorans had At the urging of the shapeshifter posing as Martok,
the Federation administer the wormhole, which led to the Chancellor Gowron invaded Cardassia, believing the coup to
Gamma Quadrant, and vessels of the Empire were among be engineered by the Dominion. In truth, the response was
the many that went through to explore this new territory. the only part that was urged by the Dominion, and when the
Federation condemned the invasion, the Empire removed
The wormhole provided some insight into one of the great itself from the Khitomer Accords, putting the Federation and
mysteries of the Empire’s early history: the Hur’q. Dahar Empire at odds for the first time since Narendra III.
Master Kor led an expedition to the Gamma Quadrant to an
abandoned Hur’q museum, containing many relics from their In one year, the Dominion had destabilized two nations and
conquests, including the Sword of Kahless, though it was set two allies at odds with each other.
lost shortly thereafter. For centuries, Klingons explored the
black sky, hoping to take revenge on the conquerors who But while many battles were lost, the war continued – and
pillaged the homeworld, but never did the Empire encounter Klingons are at their best when fighting a war. The Martok
them again. If they came from so far as the Gamma shapeshifter was exposed on Ty’Gokor, and then Cardassia
Quadrant, it went some way toward explaining why they were surprised the Galaxy by joining the Dominion, giving the
never seen again. enemy a foothold on this side of the wormhole. In response,
Chancellor Gowron re-allied with the Federation, and together
A significant portion of the Gamma Quadrant was ruled by the the two former enemies joined forces against the Dominion.
Dominion, a multispecies empire that immediately declared
themselves to be the enemy of those who came through the The Dominion had a prison camp in the Gamma Quadrant
wormhole. The rulers of the Dominion were shapeshifters, and where they kept prisoners of war, including the original
they used their ability to alter their form to infiltrate the nations versions of some of the people they’d replaced, so that they
of the Alpha Quadrant side of the wormhole. could interrogate them to improve their impersonation. One
such was General Martok, who was taken prisoner while
Among those replaced was General Martok, Chancellor saber-bear hunting on Kang’s Summit and not permitted
Gowron’s chief of staff. The Dominion had already manipulated to die. Several prisoners, Martok among them, banded
Chapter 02
30
X And most impressive of all, Dahar Master Kor, who THE BOLDNESS OF
fought off an entire Jem’Hadar squadron with only a OUR ALLIES
single bird-of-prey.
PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE
The true turning point, however, was not B’Entra’s discovery FROM: Lieutenant Yarod Zanata, aboard
of the cure for the Breen weapon. Nor was it the retaking of U.S.S. Defiant
Deep Space 9, the outpost guarding the wormhole, which TO: Korgel Talina, Bajoran militia stationed on
was temporarily occupied by the Dominion. Nor was it Cardassian-occupied Terok Nor
the Romulans entering the war, though one suspects the
Romulans themselves believed that. No, it was, amazingly, My love, I know you won’t see this message till the
due to the Cardassians themselves turning on their dust settles, but I must share this moment of victory.
erstwhile masters. When it was the Dominion, the Breen, The Defiant broke through the blockade and is en
and the Cardassians against the Empire, the Federation, route to retake Deep Space 9!
and the Romulans, there was a certain evenness to the
odds, but the plurality of Cardassians switching sides The battle was intense – we lost the Sitak and the
changed the momentum. Majestic. Seeing Cardassian battle cruisers raked
by our phasers was a sight I’ll not soon forget,
However, the Dominion took the betrayal poorly. Before but the true glory of the offensive belongs to the
they finally surrendered to the Empire and their allies, they Klingon Defense Force led by General Martok. It
bombarded the surface of Cardassia Prime, leaving billions of was like a scene from a legend, Talina. In the thick
Cardassians dead. It was a final indignity, a dishonorable end of the fray, when needed most, the Klingon birds-
to a people who had belatedly found the proper path. of-prey came sailing out of the glow of the star and
cut into the Galor-class ships like knives through a
The day when Chancellor Martok stood on the ruins of hasperat soufflé.
Cardassia with his allies was a great day, as the Empire
celebrated its greatest triumph, no less sweet for having So often Starfleet must remain neutral, watch wars
been shared with former enemies. level civilizations, eschew involvement for the greater
good. I get that, but wraiths, it was satisfying to finally
Since the end of the war, Chancellor Martok has consolidated strike in full fury at the power-hungry heart of evil. To
his power base. He has restored the Order of the Bat’leth – hell with any empire that seeks to subjugate us. We
which had grown largely ceremonial over the centuries – to Bajorans know that all too well.
its original purpose of enforcing the words of Kahless and
the ways of honor among Klingons, and even retrieved the Tell Quark to ready whatever spirits the Cardassians
Sword of Kahless from where it had been lost in the Gamma haven’t guzzled. We’re coming home.
Quadrant. New ships have been built to keep the Empire
strong, and the worlds that fell to the Dominion have been PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE
restored to their former glory.
As for the Empire, if the past is any indication, their road to – Captain J’naQ
the future will be paved with battle, with glory, and with
honor forevermore! PERSONAL LOG
Captain Klag introduced himself then, and after a few drinks spun a Finally, I say – as if I, a common soldier of the
tale of his Gorkon and the Enterprise battling the spirit of “Malkus the lowlands, sought any of this. I simply wanted to fight
Mighty” and his mind-controlled minions at Narendra III. I’m not sure for the Empire. Perhaps it is fitting then that accepting
how much of it I believed, but I do like Starfleet and the Empire fighting the chancellorship led me to battle an unknown son
together. That’s the spirit behind this station, after all, inspired by the and his mad mother to avenge the deaths of you, our
sacrifice of the Enterprise-C three decades ago while trying to protect daughters, and countless others.
the Klingons from a Romulan attack.
Had I known its cost, would I have let Worf put this
With all the troubles the quadrants have faced lately, it sure does bring a cloak around my shoulders? It is a heavy burden for
little hope! a warrior alone in home and – I was about to write
heart, but, no, your heart remains with me. Mine
JOURNAL POST continues to beat only because yours is ever the
stronger. And no one can oppose the beating of two
Klingon hearts, as you know so well, my wife.
Qapla’
Martok
PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE
PRONUNCIATION: wa’ jaj ‘etIh ’uchchoHIaH tIhIngan puqIoD; jajvetIh IoD nen moj
TRANSLATION: The son of a Klingon is a man the day he can first hold a blade.
Chapter 02
32
CHAPTER THE KLINGON EMPIRE
02.30
KLINGON CULTURE
lIH
– KLINGON PROVERB
Chapter 02
34
Unlike the first part of this journey, the one seeking GENDER IDENTITY
formal recognition must now face traversing a gauntlet of AND SEXUALITY
warriors. As each pair of sentinels strike the participant with
ceremonial painstiks, the participant asserts that as of this As with many long-lived civilizations, it has required the advancement
day they are a warrior and stand ready to show their true of science and technology as well as a shifting of communal
heart. They further announce that they travel the River of sensibilities and efforts to understand the complex nature of gender
Blood, which surrounds the mythical realm of Sto-Vo-Kor, identity and sexuality as it relates to sentient beings. While much
the final resting place for the spirits of all Klingons who have of Klingon culture revolves around the concept of a male and
lived and died with honor. As the participant continues the female gender, particularly in the areas of reproduction, the past
ceremony, they must also submit to the ultimate test of a few centuries have brought with them an expanding awareness that
warrior’s strength: admitting their most intense personal gender identity goes far behind simple biology. Likewise, conventional
feelings while enduring the painstiks. By passing through notions of sexuality have also been challenged, pushing back against
the gauntlet of sentinels and enduring their trial, they thresholds of acceptance. With greater insight into the nature of
demonstrate their promise to uphold their personal honor gender and sexual diversity comes increased acceptance and though
as well as that of their family throughout their days until the there remains much progress to be made, Klingons appear to be
moment they face their own death. weathering this evolution of understanding with far more grace than
other societies facing similar challenges to established “norms.” Some
Rite of MajQa credit this admittedly recent development to the nature of Klingon
Hidden beneath the mountain regions north of the First City culture itself, which from its beginnings largely embraced the notion of
on Qo’noS, the Caves of No’Mat harbor a network of lava gender equality in theory if not always practice. To many, supporting
flows deep within the bedrock which provide heat for a maze such fluidity in gender and sexual identity is simply an expansion of a
of underground springs. Here, channels of mineral-laden rock concept they already accept.
produce spring water which has been long renowned for its
healing properties. Generations of Klingons have sought to
take advantage of the water’s proven restorative benefits. At
some point untold centuries ago, as individuals and groups some dismissed them as mere hallucinations induced by heat
ventured to the caverns in order to meditate while enjoying and dehydration, others found them profound and mystical.
the springs, reports of odd visions began to surface. While Over time, the caves became a point of pilgrimage for
Chapter 02
36
compatibility. Many a Klingon has accepted the challenge join together, no force can stop us.” After deciding they
of reading love poetry to their companion, who responds by prefer to seek their own destiny without need for deities,
throwing heavy objects at the reader. Avoiding injury while Kortar and his mate “destroyed the gods who created
continuing to read is considered a worthy achievement. them and turned the heavens to ashes.” The message
from the myth is clear: Husband and wife are equals,
Committing to a partner includes an elaborate wedding with neither having power over the other. After the story’s
ceremony, but making such a pledge can also be done at the recitation, the bride and groom wield bat’leths and carry
conclusion of a mating ritual. Reciting an oath of marriage in out a mock battle against one another as a representation
the presence of one another, even without the attendance of of the struggle that is their two hearts beating as one. Once
witnesses or spiritual leader, is considered a valid compact their battle is concluded, they recite their wedding vows,
in the eyes of Klingon law. Both partners must agree to recite pledging to stand together forever against all enemies. The
their part of the oath to validate the marriage as an equal ceremony is concluded when their guests symbolically
joining of mutual consent in order to be recognized from a “attack” them with large staffs known as Ma’Stakas,
legal standpoint. ceremonial weapons meant to symbolize how soldiers of
the tyrant Molor attacked Kahless and his bride, Lukara, on
Bre’Nan / Kal’Hyah their wedding day.
When Klingons decide to celebrate their joining with a formal
wedding ritual, there are a number of preliminary tasks Divorce
which must be completed before the actual ceremony can Even with a culture as devoted to the idea of marriage
take place. For the bride, asking to join her groom’s House being a lifetime commitment, divorce is still prevalent –
includes passing a rigid evaluation by the mistress of that and even more so in the modern age than in times past.
House, typically the groom’s mother or other female given Unlike the intricately detailed nature of weddings and the
that distinction in her stead. One of the demands placed rituals leading up to them, divorce in Klingon society is
upon the bride is the Bre’Nan, a series of grueling physical very straightforward. One can divorce a mate in moments,
and mental tasks that test the bride’s worthiness to join the simply by hitting their spouse with a backhanded strike
groom’s House. Though individual duties can vary based on across the face before reciting the established incantation,
the whims of the mistress; common assessments include “N’Gos tlhogh cha,” which translates as “Our marriage
knowledge regarding the history of women in the groom’s is done!” The divorce is final when the one proclaiming
family as well as the ability to carry out various ceremonial the end of the marriage spits on their spouse. As with the
functions expected of a House’s wives and mothers. If the simple, straightforward oath of marriage that bypasses the
bride fails any of the tests put before her, the mistress holds traditional wedding, no witnesses or officiant are required to
the right to cancel the wedding. be present for divorce proceedings.
Chapter 02
38
THE SWORD OF
KAHLESS
of Kahless.” Following his death, Kahless’s bat’leth took on a Sto-Vo-Kor is said to be surrounded by the River of
hallowed status among the Klingon people, with visitors from Blood and its halls guarded by the spirit of Kahless the
across Qo’noS venturing to the First City to behold the Sword Unforgettable himself. Only warriors who fall in honorable
with their own eyes. Centuries after Kahless journeyed to combat or while performing some selfless or courageous act
Sto-Vo-Kor, the bat’leth was stolen by the Hur’q during their are permitted to cross the river and request entry. Should
invasion of Qo’noS, and interest in its whereabouts sparked the fallen Klingon be deemed unworthy, they are cast away
generations of historians and treasure seekers. from Sto-Vo-Kor and instead sent to the Barge of the Dead.
Ferried to the underworld Gre’thor, the dishonored dead
Also held in high esteem is the armor worn by Sabak, a endure unending damnation and punishment. Those judged
warrior from the Heroic Age of Qo’noS who slew many of to be deserving of Sto-Vo-Kor join Kahless and all true
Molor’s soldiers in the days before Kahless rose to guide the warriors of the Black Fleet, waging eternal battle against
Klingon people to a new era of civilization. The chest plate noble foes.
and helmet he wore in battle are on display in the Hall of
Warriors located in the First City on Qo’noS. Another item Even if you do not die in combat or while carrying out some
passed down through the ages is the Emperor’s Crown. other worthy feat, entry to Sto-Vo-Kor can still be obtained.
Beginning with Kahless, the decorative headpiece was worn Allowing yourself to be killed by a fellow Klingon is one
by all emperors until power was shifted in the 21st century to option, but the more glorious route comes at the hands of
the Klingon High Council as led by a chancellor. The crown someone winning a great battle in your name. In order to
itself is kept with other valued artifacts in the Great Hall assure your acceptance to the afterlife, the other person
which serves as the Council’s formal meeting place. Another must face the same level of peril you would encounter in
item linked to Kahless is the Knife of Kirom, which is believed battle. They must be willing to give their life to your cause.
to be over a thousand years old and the only blade ever to Only then can your entry to Sto-Vo-Kor be achieved.
draw blood from the first emperor during battle. The weapon
still carries the stains of that day, and it is stored in a secret Though not all Klingon faiths and customs include a belief
location on Qo’noS where no Klingon is permitted to touch in Sto-Vo-Kor, most include some reverence for an afterlife,
it. Stories of the blade’s mystical powers as evidenced by its often accompanied by the idea of continuing to fight for the
ability to pierce the skin of the mighty Kahless remain popular Empire until the end of time itself.
as parables with which to entertain children.
Fek’lhr and Gre’thor
Sto-Vo-Kor Just as Kahless is regarded as the ultimate warrior and
A cornerstone of many Klingon belief systems and the one guardian of the Empire in this life and the next, Fek’lhr for all
true holdover from a time when religion carried far greater eternity represents everything considered dishonorable in
influence is the notion of an afterlife, an enchanted realm that Klingon society. Though he has been depicted in many forms
is an eternal sanctuary for those who have died with honor in over the course of history, his most common representation
service to the Empire and one’s family. According to Klingon is that of a disfigured Klingon, more beast than sentient being
mythology, Sto-Vo-Kor is the final reward granted to those as many believe Klingons were in the days before the Heroic
warriors who perish during battle or while carrying out an Age of Qo’noS and the rise of the Empire. Cast out from
epic, heroic deed. Qui’Tu, the place from which all life is believed to originate,
Fek’lhr was condemned to the underworld of Gre’thor, where
The journey of one’s honored spirit to the afterlife begins within he awaits the arrival of those unfit to enter Sto-Vo-Kor.
moments of death, when fellow warriors, family members,
or close friends stand guard over the body. They initiate a Dispatched to the afterlife aboard the Barge of the Dead, the
ritualistic death howl announcing the imminent departure of a souls of dishonored warriors sail across crimson waters that
warrior from this plane of existence. What happens after they are home to packs of Kos’Karii serpents. Those who survive
say farewell to their dead comrade varies depending on one’s the lure of these creatures arrive at the shores of Gre’thor,
religious beliefs or other cultural practices. Some segments where Fek’lhr offers them final pronouncement of their fate:
of Klingon society still observe the Ak’voh, in which the consignment to unending torment and the knowledge their
companions guard the body against predators, affording the dishonor stains their family legacy as long as the stars burn
dead warrior time to leave begin crossing to the afterlife. in space.
39
THE KLINGON EMPIRE
POLITICS OF THE
CHAPTER
02.40
EMPIRE
lIH
“A LEADER IS JUDGED NOT BY THE LENGTH OF HIS REIGN
BUT BY THE DECISIONS HE MAKES.”
political structure Empire were sown. The Council chamber is located on the
Great Hall’s main level. It consists of high, stone walls and a
Rule over the Klingon Empire began as a dynastic monarchy curved ceiling, with alcoves at regular intervals along its walls
during the Age of Kahless, with the emperor acting as that hold busts representing each of the emperors who once
supreme authority over the Klingon people. Descendants occupied this hallowed room. A massive statue of Kahless
of Kahless – at first those possessing direct lineage and greets visitors at the chamber’s entrance, while an ornate
later drawn from members of his ever-extended family stone throne is positioned at the room’s far end. Originally
line – provided the succession of emperors. This practice the station from which Kahless himself and all subsequent
continued for hundreds of years after Kahless’s death until emperors ruled the Klingon people, it now serves as the seat
the 21st century, when the last emperor, Koth, died without of power for the Chancellor.
leaving an heir or naming a successor. It was decided that
the High Council would assume all the duties normally The origins of the High Council trace back to the time of
reserved to the emperor. While voting not to abolish the Kahless, with the leaders of the planet’s Great Houses serving
practice of having an emperor, the Council elected to create as informal advisors to the First Emperor. These positions
a new role, a chancellor, to lead the group. This individual were filled in a manner similar to that of the emperor, with a
would preside over all Council activities, serve as the final family heir moving into the role upon the incapacitation or
authority on all decisions and initiatives put into motion by death of their predecessor. Over time, the Council formalized
the Council, and represent the Empire to the Klingon people the process for appointing new members, expanding the
as well as foreign powers in a manner similar to that once number of seats beyond those represented by the Great
performed by the emperor. Houses to allow for individuals who might speak for other
castes of Klingon society. This tradition and the Council’s
Today, the High Council is the Empire’s primary government duties as informal advisors to the emperor continued until
authority. When clerics from the planet Boreth revealed they the 21st century, at which time full leadership of the Empire
had created a clone of Kahless from the First Emperor’s was transferred to the High Council. Its first action was for
genetic material, the High Council decided to install him as its members to select one from among their number to serve
a head of state. From this largely ceremonial position, this as their leader – a single official to whom final authority for
“second coming of Kahless” continues to inspire all Klingons all matters of state was entrusted. This role was officially
by espousing the teachings and values of the original recognized as Chancellor of the High Council. In 2369 and
emperor and carried down through the ages by all citizens of with the emergence of a clone of Kahless the Unforgettable,
the Empire. Full governing power remains with the chancellor the High Council agreed to reestablish the position of
and the High Council. emperor so that he might serve in a ceremonial capacity.
While he is invited to advise on matters put before the High
Council, he carries no authority to make decisions or act
the klingon high council unilaterally on behalf of the Empire.
In its current form, the High Council is the ruling body of the At present, two dozen councilors serve on the High Council,
Klingon Empire, charged with overseeing all internal, political, with the Chancellor presiding over all matters. Tradition and
diplomatic, and military matters of interest and concern to formal procedures outline and tend to guide the process
the Klingon people. As it has for centuries, the Council meets of selecting who serves on the Council. Likewise, there
and conducts all of its business within the walls of the Great exist formal procedures for terminating members from their
Hall, the ancient fortress which lies at the heart of the First positions. Even with these protocols in place, the Chancellor
City on Qo’noS and from which the seeds of the Klingon is empowered to unilaterally add and remove members under
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certain unusual or even extreme circumstances. Corruption In addition to serving as executive advisors to the Chancellor
or acts of dishonor are the most common reasons to as well as the ruling body responsible for crafting and
undertake this usual step. enacting laws and other regulations, the High Council is
also the final authority in all civil and legal matters involving
The High Council acts as a legislature, making the laws the entire Empire. Included among their duties is presiding
and policies that govern the Empire and its citizens. All over trials brought before them by prosecution and defense
proposed legal measures are put before the entire Council litigators which are considered of sufficient importance they
for discussion and refinement after being brought by the exceed the scope and constraints of regional and district
Council member representing the commission or department courts and judges. Appeals of prior convictions in those
whose purview it falls under. These deliberation sessions lower courts can also be brought before the Council by way
are usually open to the public, with interested citizens of petition on behalf of the defendant. Councilors officiate
permitted to witness debates and votes from an observation such proceedings in a manner similar to a supreme court,
gallery high above the Council chamber’s main floor. The and their determination of guilt or innocence of crimes
primary exception to this long-standing tradition is when against the Empire is considered final. In these situations,
urgent matters of security or other sensitive subjects are the Council is empowered to adjudicate against an individual
considered. On these occasions, a number of measures as well as their entire family, with the Chancellor having final
are employed to insulate these meetings from the prying disposition over the accused. For truly heinous crimes and
eyes and ears of spies who may be sympathetic to outside other severe offenses, the impact against a defendant’s
influences if not outright working for a foreign government. House can have lasting impacts.
During public proceedings, onlookers are not permitted to
speak or otherwise disrupt the Council’s work without first On extreme occasions, the High Council may be called upon
being addressed by someone from the floor. Councilors have to carry out the act of discommendation against a Klingon
sometimes prepared their presentations for their colleagues citizen. When each councilor finds an accused Klingon guilty
and the Chancellor by including members of the public to of treason or other comparable high offenses against the
contribute their opinions or questions to the discussion. Empire and only after the Chancellor has ruled accordingly,
Chancellors have also often looked to the visitors to solicit the Council acts to strip the accused of their honor as well
reactions to points being debated by the Council. as their social status within Klingon society. The offender’s
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Picard of the Federation Starfleet to serve as Arbiter of GENERAL MARTOK
Succession. The announcement sent shockwaves through BECOMING CHANCELLOR
the Council and other Klingon officials, furthered by K’mpec’s
stated rationale that he could trust no Klingon to serve OFFICIAL PUBLIC RECORD; LEADERSHIP
honorably in this vital role. Not publicly shared at this time PRIORITIES OF THE KLINGON HIGH COUNCIL
was K’mpec’s admission to Picard he was dying as the result UNDER CHANCELLOR MARTOK, 2375
of slow poison administered to him over the course of many
months. Fearing one of the challengers for his seat might be 1. Purge the High Council and Great Houses of
responsible, he solicited the captain’s help to ensure a fair corruption and dishonorable practices.
and proper Rite of Succession was conducted for the good 2. Make the Council and its powers of polity more
of the Klingon people. accessible to common subjects of the Empire.
3. Improve diplomatic relations with the Empire’s
Upon an outgoing chancellor’s death, the Arbiter of allies.
Succession presides over a Sonchi ceremony, in which the 4. Reform the Oversight Council’s red-tape
deceased leader’s body is shocked with painstiks to ensure requirements for becoming an officer.
they are in fact dead. With that completed, the Arbiter 5. Open an official inquiry into the causes of poverty
announces the two strongest and most qualified challengers in the Ketha lowlands.
who will compete to succeed the previous chancellor. This 6. Join the Interplanetary Campaign for the Abolition
proclamation is followed by the challengers fighting each of Internment Camps and Forced Combat.
other to the death. The survivor of this contest earns the right 7. Commission songs of honor for the fallen heroes
to be named chancellor and assumes their new role with full of the Dominion War and decree an annual Day of
support of the High Council. Remembrance.
8. Renew efforts at expansion and exploration into
In the event a chancellor’s death is the result of unnatural the Shackleton Expanse for resources to aid in
causes such as assassination, a family member can ascend accelerating our rebuilding schedule.
to the position in their stead. After his murder by conspirators 9. Subsidize the fine bloodwine market.
in 2293, Chancellor Gorkon’s daughter, Azetbur, claimed the 10. Outlaw unnecessary paperwork.
chancellorship and to date is the only woman to have served
in such a capacity. On rarer occasions, a chancellor can be PERSONAL LOG
deposed if they are challenged to ritual combat. In 2375,
Lieutenant Worf defeated Chancellor Gowron in just such a As the Council is also responsible for officiating over legal
contest and was immediately recognized as the Empire’s new matters, particularly those involving high crimes against
chancellor. However, he instead named General Martok, a the Empire, they serve as both jury and judges throughout
close and trusted friend and noble warrior born of a common such proceedings. After hearing the evidence and listening
family rather than one of the Great Houses. Though Martok to witness testimony, councilors deliberate before reaching
had never sought such a role in Klingon politics, Worf knew a verdict, with the chancellor holding final sway over their
he would serve the Empire with honor as he had throughout decision as well as the authority to prescribe punishment.
his life, and convinced him to accept the chancellorship by Councilors are often selected to hear appeals for previous
quoting Kahless: “Great men do no seek power, they have convictions, and depending on the nature of the offense they
power thrust upon them.” hold the power to commute sentences. Considerations for
appeal for grievous crimes such as treason must be heard
Councilors before the entire Council, and once again the chancellor
The Council serves a number of functions as consultants casts the deciding vote.
to the chancellor. Each councilor serves as the leader of
a commission of the Klingon government, answerable to When the High Council is called upon to mediate over matters
the chancellor on all matters pertaining to their area of pertaining to any of the Great Houses, a councilor with no
responsibility. Among the more prominent departments ties to any of the impacted parties is assigned to officiate the
are defense, intelligence, diplomacy, commerce, energy arbitration process. If no Council members meet these criteria
production and regulation, science, infrastructure, and to avoid any potential conflicts of interest, a judge from the
environmental and resource management, education, district court level is appointed special arbiter status, answering
security, justice, and public health. Within their respective directly to the chancellor for the duration of the mediation.
departments, councilors are given wide latitude with respect
to staffing, agenda and task prioritization, use of personnel Council sessions take place in the Great Hall. All councilors
and resources, and other related subjects. However, they are are required to attend sessions for the duration of the
required to submit their proposals and recommendations to scheduled agenda, including votes on all key legislation.
the Council for debate and a vote, with all final authority for When not in session, councilors return to the respective
approvals or refusals at the chancellor’s direction. regions over which their Great Houses have traditionally
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began to see the advantages of pursuing partnership over a shining example of how two formidable foes came together
conquest. However, relations with other rivals and would-be to defeat a common enemy and enjoy the rewards of the
enemies continue to be cause for concern. ensuing peace. Away from matters of conflict, the Khitomer
Accords afford the Federation a previously unavailable
The United opportunity to explore largely uncharted areas of space
Federation of beyond Klingon territory. The Shackleton Expanse and the
Planets establishment of Narendra Station with its joint Federation-
Since their first encounter Klingon crew at the gateway to this new region offers much
with Humans in the mid-22nd potential for further strengthening this bond between two
century, the Empire’s early former adversaries.
relationship with the people
of Earth and later the Federation can be characterized as The Romulan
uneven. Long years of troubled peace were interrupted with Star Empire
brief yet intense periods of open hostilities and even outright As is true with the Federation,
war. The early to mid-23rd century saw the most conflict Klingon relations with the Romulans
between the two powers, but even as tensions mounted and have undergone a tumultuous history.
armies clashed there were those on both sides who strove During the mid-23rd century, there were
for harmony if not total peace. What can only be deemed a attempts to work with them in a technology sharing
seismic shift between the two rivals occurred near the end initiative, exchanging Klingon weapons designs for
of the 23rd century when the Federation pledged to assist information about their cloaking field generators. During this
Qo’noS in the wake of the Praxis incident. same period, both the Klingons and Romulans agreed to
establish a diplomatic presence on the third planet of the
Today, the Empire enjoys a mostly stable relationship with Nimbus system, located in the region of space intersected
the Federation and while the two powers may not always see by the Neutral Zones separating territory claimed by the
eye to eye, there remains a grudging respect, with each side three powers. While that peace initiative failed in short order,
coming to the aid of the other during times of crisis. Their there remained a desire from the High Council to share
alliance during the Dominion War and their shared victory is technology and information with the Romulans. According
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46
the foolhardy mistake of attempting to hijack a civilian or 2367, believed the conflict could spread far enough that
military Klingon vessel. Most Klingons regard Nausicaans the Assembly might feel compelled to act. Fortunately, that
as somewhat intriguing for their potential as opponents in never came to pass. At the outset of the Dominion War, the
individual combat, and more than a few such encounters Tholians signed a non-aggression pact with the Dominion,
have taken place when circumstances bring them together essentially offering free passage to the enemy forces invading
on non-aligned border planets and other remote locations. from the Gamma Quadrant.
Otherwise, the Empire is content to ignore Nausicaans so
long as they avoid Imperial space and take no action against THE MIRADORN
Klingon citizens. Another species that opted to remain on the sidelines during
the Dominion War, the Miradorn offer little of interest or
THE ORGANIANS consequence to the Empire. Indeed, many Klingons hold
One power which avoids all attempts at understanding is them at levels of contempt rivaled only by their scorn of the
the Organians. In the mid-23rd century, just as the Empire Ferengi. As with other parties like the Ferengi and the Orions,
was preparing for war against the Federation after years of Miradorn merchants still manage to gain favor by conducting
increasing tensions between the two enemies, the planet trade at bases and outposts well away from Qo’noS where
Organia appeared to be a prime target for conquest. Its the availability of numerous goods is far less than would
location near the Klingon border made it ideal as a forward be enjoyed within the Empire’s core systems. Imperial
outpost from which to launch coordinated offensives into Intelligence has also been known to employ Miradorn civilian
Federation territory. An occupation force was sent to Organia transports to surreptitiously ferry agents and other assets
to prepare the indigenous population for Klingon rule, but while hoping to avoid the attention of Federation starships
the Organians were not at all the simple, technologically and stations along the Neutral Zone.
and culturally undeveloped civilization they appeared to
be. They were in fact non-corporeal beings with advanced THE ORION SYNDICATE
psychokinetic capabilities which they used to incapacitate Another thorn in the side of the Empire – as well as the
both the Klingon and Federation war fleets. The Organians Federation and other rivals – is the Orion Syndicate. The
then imposed their own version of a peace treaty upon Orions’ formal government has made an official claim of
both powers, instituting a structured method of interaction neutrality and exercises great care to avoid any perception it
designed to let each side resolve disputes with the other has taken sides in any interstellar dispute. Meanwhile, pirate
without the need to resort to violence. Failure to abide by the vessels scour the spaceways in search of hapless civilian
terms of the treaty risked punishment from the Organians, vessels and other vulnerable targets. Like the Nausicaans,
who by now had more than demonstrated their ability to carry Orions tend to avoid encounters with Klingon ships, though
out their threat. Chastened by this figurative leash placed there have been reports of Klingon merchants and even
around their proverbial necks, Klingon leaders eventually military commanders contracting the services of Orion
surrendered to the situation, realizing they held no sway over privateers for all manner of illicit ventures. Members of the
such a powerful race. According to all available records, Klingon Defense Force are forbidden from participating in
the Organians vanished from their planet shortly after that such activities. Though the Orion government has made
encounter and there has been no subsequent communication occasional overtures to establish trade policies and other
from them, even during those periods where the Empire and commercial endeavors, the High Council does not recognize
the Federation were at odds if not war. One has to wonder that body as a legitimate authoritative entity.
what circumstances might force the Organians’ return.
THE BREEN CONFEDERACY
THE THOLIAN ASSEMBLY Cloaked in a veil of secrecy even thicker than that surrounding
Whereas the Gorn simply prefer to keep to themselves the Gorn or the Tholians, the Breen have remained an
and avoid the affairs of others so long as their territorial enigma for more than three centuries since the Empire’s first
boundaries are respected, Tholians are notoriously dealings with them. Fiercely protective of their territory, they
xenophobic. Although they are content to remain within their annihilated a fleet of Klingon warships sent by Chancellor
own region of space, they also have a habit of unexpectedly Mow’ga to conquer the Breen home planet during the Second
and unpredictably shifting their borders for reasons they Empire. None of those vessels was ever seen or heard from
usually choose not to share. First contact with the Klingons again, establishing the Breen as a primary force in the Alpha
came after Tholian ships attempted to assert ownership Quadrant. The Breen earned a measure of respect from the
of a star system recently conquered by Imperial warships. Empire in 2375 when they attacked Earth – itself an act of
The resulting skirmish pushed the Tholians away from that nearly unequaled audacity – but that deference was tempered
region and back behind their established borders where they by the Confederacy’s joining with the Dominion during the war.
remained until finally encountering a Federation starship in They remained allies until the end of that conflict, after which
2268. By the 24th century, the Tholians had become almost they were bound by the terms of the Dominion’s surrender as
isolationist, though some tactical experts, while considering detailed by the Treaty of Bajor. To this day, most Klingons eye
possible ramifications of civil war within the Empire in the Breen with unchecked suspicion and disdain.
KLINGON HOUSES
lIH
When Kahless united the Klingon people, he did so under the The greatest of the Houses are the ones with the noblest
banner of Klingons being warriors who would lead the charge warriors, the greatest records of battle, the most foes
into the glory of battle and combat. But in his wisdom, defeated, and the most profound influence on the history of
Kahless also recognized two important truths: that not every the Empire. These are the Houses whose scions crew the
Klingon is suited to be a warrior, and that no society can finest vessels in the Klingon Defense Force, and also serve
survive long if everyone is a warrior. on the High Council. They are the generals, the captains, the
Dahar Masters, the chancellors. They are the force behind
To that end, he and his mate, the Lady Lukara, codified the the Empire.
Klingon caste system that still provides the structure of the
Empire in the 24th century. GREAT HOUSES THROUGH HISTORY
Here are a few of the Houses that are no more as of the late
At the top of that caste system are the warriors of the Empire. 24th century, but who have had a particularly strong impact
All members of the warrior caste are part of a House, which on Klingon history and life in the Empire.
includes their entire family. The House is generally named
after the current House head, though some are named after THE HOUSE OF DURAS
historical figures who have been part of the House in the This House was founded by General Ja’rod of the First
past. (As an example, the current House of Kor was, for a Fleet, who led the Empire’s first campaign against the
long time, named the House of Mur’Eq, as he was a great Tholians. One of the support ships in his fleet was
and noble emperor.) commanded by his son, Captain Duras, and the day was
won due to Duras dying gloriously, sacrificing his ship to
A House’s status and holdings shift and change regularly. achieve victory. The Tholians were defeated and retreated,
If a House has many warriors who succeed in battle, their and from that day forward, the House of Duras became
status can increase. Altercations between Houses are very one spoken of in reverent tones. Over the centuries, the
common, and often battles between Houses can result in House remained powerful. A member of the House of Duras
one House taking over another. And if a House falls, due to made contact with the Romulans to exchange technology
too many losses in battle, or dishonorable behavior, or simply in the wake of growing Federation influence, and those ties
dying out naturally, then its holdings will be granted by the remained – Commander Ja’rod betrayed the Empire to the
High Council to another House that is worthy of them. There Romulans by giving them access to the Khitomer outpost
has rarely been a time when there were a set number of to destroy it, and his children, Councilor Duras, Lursa, and
major Houses, and those times have been fleeting. B’Etor, conspired with the Romulans to destabilize the
Empire after Chancellor K’mpec’s death (which they may
Once, all the major Houses were represented on the High have had a hand in). After fomenting a civil war, the House
Council, but there are far more major Houses than there are was discommendated.
Council seats – and, in truth, not every major House wishes
to involve themselves in politics. THE HOUSE OF MOGH
A House with a long and noble history, including several of
the warriors who fought against the Federation in the initial
skirmishes of the war that was curtailed by the Organians.
In the 23rd century, one member of this House, General
Worf, distinguished himself as an advocate, and he played a
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small but critical role in the aftermath of Chancellor Gorkon’s of Nakors until M’Rek became chancellor, and M’Rek himself
assassination, and later was involved in the Betreka Nebula was reluctant to change the name. This proved prophetic, as
Incident, during which he was killed. His son Mogh, for whom M’Rek’s indecision regarding the QuchHa’ situation and the
the House was named, was a decorated ship captain who Earth-Romulan War led to his reign being remembered as
won many campaigns, and was killed during the Khitomer a poor one. The House of Nakors was a great House – the
massacre. Mogh’s son Worf was raised in the Federation, House of M’Rek disappeared very quickly.
becoming the first Klingon to join Starfleet. However, the
House was dissolved by Chancellor Gowron when Worf THE HOUSE OF GORKON
opposed the invasion of Cardassia. Long advocates for making the Empire strong via alliances
with honorable peoples, when it was the House of Lantill,
THE HOUSE OF SOMPEK its warriors, led by General Lantill, were at the vanguard
One of the first Houses, originally named the House of of uniting the fractious Houses in the wake of Emperor
Kaldon after one of the first emperors. Many emperors Skolar’s fall and before the rise of Emperor Yorlak. After
came from this House, including Grayviq and Wokal, and of many years serving the Empire, including leading one of
course, Sompek. However, the conqueror of Tong Vey was the battle groups that faced the Federation at Donatu V,
also the last of his line, as the rest of the House had died Gorkon of the House of Lantill was elevated to the High
(many in glorious battle) or become attached by mating Council, and the House was renamed for him. He was at
to other Houses. He and his mate never had children, and the forefront of the Empire’s actions to attempt to thrive in
the succession of emperors was by named heir, not blood the wake of the restrictions imposed by the Organians, and
inheritance, and Sompek named a scion of another great he became chancellor after Kesh’s death. His response
House to succeed him. to the destruction of Praxis was to make overtures to the
Federation, and while he was assassinated before his
THE HOUSE OF BUDLESH work was done, his daughter Azetbur signed the Khitomer
Another House that traced its ancestry to the time just after Accords, cementing an alliance that continued to the 24th
Kahless’s ascension, the House of Budlesh included many century. Unfortunately, Azetbur herself came to a bad end,
fine warriors who fought bravely. In honor of his House’s as reactionary forces on the Council worked against her, and
accomplishments, as well as his own in fighting the Kinshaya she died at the hands of an assassin, bringing the House of
when they tried to take over the Lokka system, Budlesh Gorkon to an ignominious end.
was crowned emperor. But his own House was disgraced
by the actions of his mate, the Lady Vilik, who poisoned the THE HOUSE OF KAMARAG
emperor when he would not name her son from a previous One concept the Empire did not have until its encounters
mate to be heir. Budlesh instead named his nephew Yorq, with the Romulan Star Empire and later the worlds
who ascended to the throne and condemned Vilik for her that would make up the Federation is the notion of an
actions. Still, the stain of Budlesh dying in so ignominious a ambassador, one who would speak for the Empire to a
manner tainted the House. Yorq’s reign ended when he was foreign power. Prior to that, the only speaking to foreign
challenged for the throne by Gharkh, who became emperor. powers that the Empire did was down the barrel of a
The House of Budlesh died out soon thereafter. disruptor or at the point of a blade. For many turns, the
majority of such ambassadors came from the House of
THE HOUSE OF MOW’GA Kamarag, starting with Derrax, son of Kamarag, who spoke
The first chancellor after the time of emperors ended, for the Empire to the Romulans. The last member of the
Mow’ga’s ancestry was one of bravery and honor. That House of Kamarag carried the House name, and negotiated
House was one of the loudest (and one of the few) voices the Khitomer Accords, but the House had many holdings
condemning the decadence of Emperor Skolar, but also connected to Praxis; that moon’s destruction left the House
condemning the cowardly actions of vo’ruv’etlh in their destitute, and it soon collapsed.
guerrilla war against the emperor. Throughout the tumult,
the House of Mow’ga stood for honor when few in the Current Great Houses
Empire did, and he was rewarded with the chancellorship. This is a mere selection of some of the great Houses that sit
Unfortunately, the House later fell to ruin when they became atop the Empire today, making it stronger than ever. Most are
QuchHa’ from the Earther Augment Virus. Unable to stand represented in the Great Hall, whether the chancellor’s chair,
losing their cranial ridges, the surviving members of the the High Council, or the emperor’s throne, and all came there
House committed Mauk-to’Vor. due to the glory of their Houses.
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being named Dahar Master, and the House would remain he distinguished himself against Romulans, Tholians, and
named after one of the most legendary warriors in Klingon Cardassians, becoming one of the most feared warriors in
history, even after his death fighting the Dominion in the the Empire. Along with Koloth, Kor, and the Trill Starfleet
Kalandra sector. officer Jadzia Dax, successor to the great Curzon Dax, Kang
fought Qagh the albino at Secarus IV and died alongside
The House of Koloth was a minor House that produced a Koloth in that great victory.
few middling warriors over the centuries, but it wasn’t until
the Earther Augment Virus struck that the House came to Though the trio have gone to Sto-Vo-Kor after long and
glory, as many warriors from this House served on QuchHa’- magnificent lives, their Houses live on to continue their glory.
crewed ships, and none with more distinction than Koloth.
He led the Great Tribble Hunt that exterminated that foul THE HOUSE OF KAHLESS
species, he brought the legendary pirate Kuro to justice, and, In truth a House of one. The last descendent of Kahless and
with his two comrades, he defeated T’nag at Korma Pass Lukara died in battle centuries ago. But the clone of Kahless
and the albino depredator Qagh at Secarus IV. that was created by the clerics on Boreth was named
emperor. Though he was not born in the traditional sense,
Few Houses have achieved the glory of the House of Kang. he is the rightful heir to the Unforgettable One, and so must
A major House throughout the centuries after Lieutenant be considered a part of the House of Kahless. Chancellor
Kang sacrificed himself to destroy a Kinshaya outpost, the Gowron and the High Council resolved that the House would
House became QuchHa’, and received the same reduction be revived for the emperor and the emperor alone, especially
in status as the others who lost their cranial ridges. But since the clone is unable to reproduce and so will have no
in the 23rd century, Kang made a name for himself in blood heir. Still, the House of Kahless – originally created
battle against the Federation, from his days as a young by Lukara and Kahless when they united Qo’noS – has the
officer fighting the battles at Donatu V and Axanar, to his highest position of respect within the Empire.
command of the I.K.S. Vohtahk leading many campaigns
against Federation forces. After the Khitomer Accords,
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than combat – and for a brief period Grilka and the Ferengi THE HOUSE OF PALKAR
were mated, and so it was the House of Quark. Chancellor While never a powerful House, the House of Palkar has
Gowron gave Grilka special dispensation to lead the House, nonetheless taken service to the Empire extremely seriously.
which she still runs to this day, having divorced the Ferengi The threshold of the House seat has a saying etched in
and declined the honor of re-mating. wood above the door: “The House of Palkar will always
serve the Empire.” During the reign of Chancellor Sturka
THE HOUSE OF STRADA in the 23rd century, Palkar, son of Grevaq, served on the
Another House that received special dispensation for a flagship under the chancellor, and Palkar gave his life to
woman to run it, but it received that dispensation from save Sturka’s against an ambush by Tholians flying under
Chancellor Gorkon at the end of the 23rd century. Strada, a flag of truce. (Tholians have no honor.) Palkar had no
daughter of Lashis, had lost her mate to an illness and both House at the time – he was a bekk of no station – but the
her sons in battle against the Romulans. Chancellor Gorkon chancellor rewarded his mate and brother and children with
permitted her to run the House, which she did alongside land and holdings and a House in gratitude for his service.
her daughter, Torana. In the century since, the House has Palkar’s mate insisted the House be named for him, and
continued to be run by the women of the House. Torana took that has remained over the century since. In gratitude for
over after Strada, and also went on to compose some of the being made into nobility, the House has always insisted that
Empire’s finest operas. Her daughter B’Andai was a warrior in at least one, and preferably all, able-bodied family members
the Defense Force who had several children but never mated join the Defense Force. Seven members of the House of
– one of those children, Tavana, also served in the Defense Palkar served during the Dominion War, and they all died in
Force, serving under then-General Martok on the Rotarran glorious combat against the Jem’Hadar, the Cardassians,
before taking command of the Eleventh Fleet. But while some and the Breen. Following the war’s end, Kurak – a scientist
sons were born to the women of Strada, and while men did who designed the Negh’Var, Chancellor Gowron’s flagship
mate into the House, none became House head, and none – was forced to enlist to maintain that tradition until her
have challenged the special dispensation – at least, not nephew was old enough to attend officer training, and she
successfully, as plenty of unwise men have felt the blade of was made an engineer.
the women of the House for their effrontery.
THE HOUSE OF GOWRON
THE HOUSE OF NOGGRA Few Houses that include a chancellor would be considered
Lead by an advocate, the House of Noggra has had steady minor, but the House of Gowron – which was actually called
service, not just in the Defense Force, but also in matters the House of M’Rel until Gowron took on leadership of
legal and diplomatic. For this reason, the House’s record the High Council – was never a significant House. Gowron
of battle is not particularly long, but they come from a long himself was a warrior of some small renown, but he made
line of advocates and ambassadors. Past members of the a name for himself by agitating against the High Council,
House have included Kolos, who agitated for changes in the challenging many of their decisions – and doing so with the
Empire’s legal system in the 22nd century, as well as Kariss, support of many of his fellow warriors. Because his House
who drafted most of the Klingon portions of the Khitomer was minor, he was never considered for inclusion on the
Accords in the 23rd century, and Jeral’ad, who redefined Council, but his iconoclasm soon became legendary. When
the laws surrounding the commissioning and sale of artwork Chancellor K’mpec revealed that he was dying, only two
in the 24th century. Noggra himself defended B’Artra, a warriors petitioned to succeed him – Gowron, and Chancellor
servant in the Great Hall, who was accused of murdering a Duras. When Duras was killed in a separate duel, Gowron
custodian and not showing her face. Noggra proved that she ascended to the chancellorship. He led the Empire through
did not do the deed, and led the Imperial Guard to the true the coming of the clone of Kahless and the Dominion
killer. However, while the battlefield of the courtroom and War, before he was killed by a challenge to his leadership.
the negotiating table are worthy places for battle, the glory Through all that, his House never became significantly more
cannot match that of true physical combat, and so Noggra’s prominent, and after his death, it became a minor House with
House remains a minor one. no surviving warriors of distinction.
KLINGON DEFENSE
CHAPTER
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lIH
“TO DIE WHILE SERVING THE EMPIRE IS THE HOPE OF EVERY KLINGON.”
– KLINGON PROVERB
history and purpose More often than not, such pledges were fulfilled and Klingon
occupation forces took what remained of the world anyway.
The Klingon Defense Force is the modern successor to On other occasions a people managed to defeat Klingon
the Klingon Imperial Fleet, which was the Empire’s primary forces to the extent that the Empire showed its respect by
space-based military force in the 22nd and 23rd centuries. halting invasion attempts. In some instances, accords were
It is a multi-faceted organization charged with protecting reached and treaties signed, while other worlds were left to
the Klingon people from all external threats as well as those pursue their own destiny free from further aggression. It was
originating from within its borders. the ultimate compliment the Empire could pay to an enemy
who fought with such tenacity.
There was a time when the military was geared toward little
more than conflict and conquest. Indeed, the history of the Inevitably, these expansion efforts brought them into contact
Empire is built upon the conquest of other worlds and their with space-faring civilizations capable of matching Klingon
people. After enduring the Hur’q invasion, the plundering of warships in terms of military capabilities. Chief among these
Qo’noS, and near annihilation, the Klingon people marshaled potential rivals were the Humans of Earth and the Romulan
sufficient numbers and resources to mount a resistance Star Empire. The Humans in particular posed an interesting
against their oppressors. The costs of rebellion were high, challenge, in that while they displayed the technology and the
nearly extinguishing altogether what remained of the Empire, ability to fight when pressed, they preferred non-aggressive
but eventually the slaves turned back their masters. action to conflict. In the two centuries since first encountering
Humans, many Klingon commanders have commented on
After expelling the Hur’q from Qo’noS and reverse the seeming inconsistency of their attitudes and actions.
engineering the technology they left behind, the Empire took While they can be duplicitous, Humans also are capable of
to the stars, expanding outward first to colonize uninhabited demonstrating their own form of honor. Early encounters
planets and later to worlds that already were home to were characterized by actions taken regardless of risk to their
indigenous sentient populations. Unlike the Federation personal safety while being of benefit to the Empire. Their
Starfleet and its overtures of peace and cooperation for contradictory nature was at times confusing, intriguing, and
mutual benefit, the Empire was driven by a single goal: frustrating, and numerous Klingon military leaders cautioned
conquest. The Imperial Fleet was the instrument of this against underestimating these seemingly weak specimens.
agenda, establishing military garrisons on dozens of planets, This prudence was justified on more than one occasion when
forcing their native civilizations into line and ensuring they the Empire found itself at odds and even at war with Earth,
acted to serve the Empire’s interests. Most of these societies the people of which by then had assembled an interstellar
fell into line, motivated either by simple self-preservation coalition, the Federation, to extend its own influence farther
or the realization there actually were benefits to being away from their homeworld.
jeghpu’wI’, or “the conquered people.” Indeed, it has been
more than two centuries since a subjugated world has The Human ability to foster collaboration was amply
attempted to overthrow Klingon rule. demonstrated in the 22nd century when they enlisted the
assistance of the Andorians to defeat the Xindi, disrupting
War was not uncommon to those serving in the fleet or its that species’ agenda of destroying Earth. Humans followed
associated ground forces. While many worlds yielded to the this with an alliance of the Vulcans, Andorians, and
banner of the Empire, others fought with the same conviction Tellarites to defeat the Romulans and send them retreating
which had fueled the Klingons’ fight against their Hur’q behind their borders for more than a century. By the time
oppressors centuries earlier. These civilizations mounted this coalition grew into the United Federation of Planets,
their own defense, vowing to resist subjugation at all costs. wise Klingons realized this new union was not to be taken
lightly. Those charged with maintaining the readiness of
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the Klingon military apparatus began altering their training, Starfleet during times of crisis while still upholding its
tactical studies, and resource allocation and development promise to safeguard the Empire.
with an eye toward the challenges posed by the Federation
as a formidable adversary. Unlike Starfleet and similar organizations authorized by
their respective governments, the KDF is a purely military
Historians consider this era the impetus that forced the organization. It is by far the Empire’s single largest recipient
Empire to enter a period of reflection and assessment. of funding, resources, and personnel. Despite what
Klingon leaders began to examine their priorities. War and some argue is a “softening” of its agenda with respect to
skirmishes of varying intensity with the Federation, the expanding Imperial influence, the KDF still symbolizes the
Romulans, and other prominent neighbors forced expansion warrior ethos espoused not just by its soldiers but also all
and resource location and acquisition initiatives to turn away Klingons. The lessons of the past continue to inform the
from these rivals and toward other, largely uncharted regions actions of the present and the visions for tomorrow. Even
of space. Despite a strong desire for conflict and the base if it means fighting to the last breath of every man, woman,
need to fight so as to avoid being vanquished, efforts at and child, the Klingon Empire will never again bow before
outright conquest slackened. By the time the Empire signed an enemy.
the Khitomer Accords in the late 23rd century, such ventures
were on the decline. Decades later, after the Federation
demonstrated its willingness to stand with their allies, first organization
during key battles at Narendra III and the Khitomer outpost
and later during the Dominion War, Klingon leadership began Each of the Great Houses maintains its own military forces,
to realize this bond – forged from conflict, tested by mistrust descended in many ways from the armies which once fought
and uncertainty, and ultimately sealed by standing together one another across the surface of Qo’noS for territory and
before a common enemy – was not a fleeting aberration. resources before the Age of Kahless. In the modern day they
With that in mind, the mission of the Klingon Defense Force serve as militias of limited size and scope, tasked primarily
was realigned to reflect what its name implied: protecting with defense of the regions from which their parent Houses
the security of the Klingon people, a mandate broadened reside and serving as first response organizations in the
and strengthened by its ability to unite with the Federation event of natural calamity. Additionally, these units maintain
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Operating in parallel with the Deep Space Fleet is the Internal IMPERIAL INTELLIGENCE
Security Force. This is a permanently staffed element,
with its own command hierarchy, assets, and operational On par with other secretive organizations such as the Federation’s
mandates. Also answerable to the High Command, the ISF Starfleet Intelligence, the Romulan Star Empire’s Tal Shiar, or the
is responsible for patrolling Imperial space, staffing and Cardassian Union’s Obsidian Order, Imperial Intelligence is a clandestine
maintaining observation and tactical outposts along the component within the Klingon Defense Force. Its primary mission is the
borders, colony support and defense, law enforcement gathering and analysis of information obtained from other interstellar
including anti-piracy and interdiction, customs and other powers using all manner of covert means. Though it does occasionally
regulatory enforcement, and search and rescue. Vessels and conduct sanctioned activities against Klingon citizens, its main focus is
personnel from the Great House fleets can be called upon by observing, studying, and even acting against individuals and activities
the High Council to augment ISF assets. In times of conflict, deemed to be of concern to the security of the Empire.
the ISF operates in tandem with the Deep Space Fleet, acting
in accordance with direction from the High Command. A significant aspect of Imperial Intelligence efforts involves espionage
utilizing agents surgically altered to appear as members of the species
While rank and station are obvious components of Klingon being spied upon. Individuals trained for such duties undergo rigorous
military structure, both of these are viewed in tandem with an screening, evaluation, and training processes to determine their ability
individual warrior’s commitment to the principles of personal to work independently for extended periods of time. Agents who receive
honor and dedication to the accomplishment of any assigned these types of assignments are embedded behind enemy lines, often
mission for the glory of the Empire. Failure to meet such pursuing their mission for years without support. Such operatives are
expectations is viewed as a grievous assault on one’s own tasked with finding ways to insert themselves into low-level positions
honor as well as that of their fellow warriors and superior within a government or military organization. From these vantage points,
officers. Warriors who demonstrate an inability to meet these agents collect relevant information, either from firsthand observations
demands and commitments are expected to be disciplined or by infiltrating facilities, computer systems, and data storage archives.
if not executed as punishment for their actions. Indeed, any On infrequent occasions these individuals may be called upon to take
Klingon who fails to address such deficiency stands the risk actions designed to undermine the efforts of an adversarial power.
of being penalized. This can take the form of simple disruption of political agendas to
outright sabotage of installations or ships and even assassination of
Klingon Oversight Council key individuals. Agents killed or captured while on assignment were
Usually composed of a dozen officers, all ranked commander disavowed, and failing to carry out one’s mission is considered a
or higher, the Oversight Council is tasked with approving grave dishonor not just to the operative but also their family. Those
the selection of officer candidates for the KDF. This group who manage to return to the Empire often face severe consequences,
is often viewed by many veteran warriors as a “simple including discommendation and exile.
formality,” particularly when considering most defense force
officers are applicants drawn from one of the Great Houses. The life of an intelligence agent is not for every Klingon, but those
Legacy selection – the practice of accepting new recruits who choose to answer this call to duty know that they and others with
from families possessing a long history of honorable military similar convictions play a vital role in safeguarding the Empire and all
service – fills most available openings for new candidates. Klingon people.
After completing the standard entrance examination,
would-be officers only require a recommendation from a
sponsor, usually an active or retired officer in good standing recommendation each year as the review process is rigorous.
with the High Command. Once this is obtained, the recruit is Potential candidates are not even informed they are being
sent on for the basic training required of all warriors at one of considered for this program until they graduate basic training.
the KDF’s indoctrination centers. Upon completing that initial
phase, officer candidates receive additional instruction at veS Order of the bat’leth
DuSaq, the “School of War.” An elite group within the Klingon Defense Force, the Order
of the Bat’leth is a recognition bestowed upon those
While this aspect of the selection process is indeed routine warriors who have demonstrated remarkable courage and
and largely predictable, the Oversight Council also reviews achievement in battle. It is considered one of the highest
applications and entrance examinations submitted by awards any Klingon can receive, subordinate only to the Order
instructors at the various indoctrination centers. If a recruit of Kahless or being declared a Dahar Master. It was created
shows unusual aptitude or potential to succeed as an officer, by Lukara, wife of Kahless the Unforgettable, after his death,
they are flagged for additional scrutiny while still undergoing vowing that this exclusive fraternity would always exemplify
basic training. Upon graduation and assuming they have the warrior ethos and the highest measure of personal honor
passed all of the entrance and review requirements, they and courage as personified by her husband. Today, selection
are transferred from the enlisted ranks to veS DuSaq to of new inductees is conducted by a committee of six elder
receive officer candidate training in the hopes of earning members and overseen by the Chancellor of the High Council.
a commission. Fewer than fifty recruits receive this Requirements for entry are arduous and cloaked in secrecy,
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instruction within the first weeks of basic indoctrination. As with so much else about these training methods, the
Laced through this instruction is a continuous, extensive failure rate among candidates remains a closely guarded
series of weapons familiarization classes. Candidates begin secret. However, it is rumored for every one hundred
with static, known-distance marksmanship instruction recruits who enter an indoctrination center’s portals, fewer
using disruptor rifles and pistols. Scores are tracked than half succeed in navigating the course curriculum. The
throughout the entire training cycle and competition reward for reaching this goal is to be designated a basically
among classes is fierce. Subsequent phases of instruction trained warrior ready for greater, more targeted instruction.
include scenarios designed to mimic planet-based battle Depending on the chosen field of specialization, students
conditions. It is here that candidates learn basic battlefield can spend more than a year attending such courses before
survival skills and receive their first lessons in the art of being deployed to the KDF’s ground forces or aboard one of
ground combat. Days of training incorporate small unit the warships in the Empire’s vast fleet.
fire and maneuver principles such as infiltration, assault,
and force protection tactics. Each stage of training builds Officer Training
upon those preceding it until the final phase, when recruits Officers of the KDF generally are drawn from one of the
are tested on their ability to successfully apply all of the many prestigious Houses, with new candidates often
lessons learned both individually as well as while operating carrying on a family tradition of service dating back
within their ground combat team. As with marksmanship generations. Klingons choosing to pursue a military
testing, inter-class competition is intense, with a long commission must first complete training at one of the
tradition of trophies and other recognition for candidates military indoctrination centers as any other recruit. Only
and instructors alike. then will they be then sent to the veS DuSaq, or “the School
of War.” Here, the focus shifts from simple basic military
An effective soldier never ceases being a student, and the training to specialized curricula designed to prepare officers
learning process does not end with a recruit’s graduation for the demands of successfully leading Klingons in times of
and transfer to the Klingon Defense Force. Basic peace and conflict.
indoctrination is a process of establishing a foundation
upon which a warrior is built and maintained. All warriors Instructors emphasize developing the character of every
regardless of rank, posting, or area of technical expertise candidate so they come to fully understand the special
undertake regular class instruction and refresher training trust and expectations placed upon them as an officer.
designed to test their continued aptitude in a host of Students embrace an ethos which has defined the Klingon
essential military subjects. soldier for uncounted generations. They study history
and tactics, learning from the victories and failures of
RANK COMPARISONS
The Klingon Defense Force rank structure is largely a holdover from and adversarial powers, most ranks are not truly equivalent
that of the Klingon Imperial Fleet, at least so far as officer grades are across these entities. This chart attempts to draw as close a
concerned. Combining ground and air/space operations into the KDF’s comparison as practical based on the individual rank along
mandate required formalization of enlisted ranks for ground troops as with the responsibilities, expectations, and accomplishments
well as ship-based support personnel. While there are some similarities of individuals observed to hold such positions.
to the rank structure of other military organizations such as Starfleet
KDF RANK COMPARABLE STARFLEET RANK COMPARABLE ROMULAN RANK COMPARABLE CARDASSIAN RANK
General Admiral General Grand Gul
Brigadier Vice Admiral Admiral Legate
Colonel Commodore / Rear Admiral Colonel (Tal Shiar only) Jagul
Captain Fleet Captain N/A Gul
Commander Captain / Commander Commander / Dal / Dalin
Major (Tal Shiar only)
Lieutenant Lieutenant Commander / Sub-Commander / Glinn / Gil
Lieutenant Sub-Lieutenant
Ensign Ensign Centurion Gil
Sergeant Chief Petty Officer Centurion Gil
Corporal Petty Officer Centurion Gil
Bekk (“Warrior”) Crewman Uhlan Garresh / Gorr
EXCERPT FROM SPEECH GIVEN TO THE SURVIVORS OF While undertaking basic instruction, enlisted recruits and
DEFENSE FORCE OFFICER TRAINING BY GENERAL MALAT, officer candidates select a military specialty for which they
YEAR OF KAHLESS 801 will receive additional training before being posted to their
first duty assignment. While every member of the KDF is
From this day forward, some of you are true warriors of the Klingon expected to carry out the base functions of a warrior –
Empire. You have achieved the highest station possible: fighting the fighting the Empire’s enemies – the reality of modern day
Empire's battles. You are the vanguard of the High Council's army military readiness is that each member receives intensive
against whatever foes present themselves. No matter who we might skills training in a chosen area of expertise. Selection of these
face in combat, they shall be defeated, for you are Klingon warriors, all occupational fields is based first and foremost on the needs
descendants of Kahless himself! You all carry the crests of true warriors, of the Empire but also the qualifications and aptitude of the
the proud forehead of a true Klingon! individual warrior. Those who demonstrate proficiency with
technology may find themselves learning to be an engineer
Others of you – the QuchHa' who look upon me now with your or sensor systems officer aboard a warship assigned to
disgusting smooth foreheads – you too will serve the Empire, of course. the Internal Security Force or Deep Space Fleet. Others
You are soldiers, and I am sure you will follow orders with dispatch, even who display a propensity for mentoring or assisting other
though your blood is polluted with Earther DNA, thanks to Dr. Antaak recruits with test or drill preparations are screened to serve
and his vile experiments. Nonetheless, you will serve and serve well – or as instructors themselves, dispatched to schools devoted
die trying. to weapons or other vital equipment. Areas of specialization
which remove any Klingon from a position where they
Long live the Empire! might see battle are frequent targets of disdain by young,
inexperienced soldiers eager for their first taste glory. Elder
PERSONAL LOG warriors know better.
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32457 13459
80615 39470
invite those populations to reap the benefits that come Those not serving in their primary role often undertake any
with life under Imperial rule. The main exception to this number of ancillary tasks such as maintenance of weapons
practice comes on the rare occasion a planet challenges the and equipment, safety drills, or combat simulations. Given
Empire’s security or sovereignty. that whenever a ship goes into battle everyone aboard must
be ready to participate in the fight, even the lowliest cabin
During times of crisis, all priorities of the KDF shift to steward aboard a battle cruiser becomes proficient in their
defense of the Empire. The most recent major conflict, the vessel’s tactical and defensive systems. Every member of a
Dominion War, posed a threat to all Klingon people and ship’s crew is further required to demonstrate competence
brought about unprecedented military action on multiple in emergency procedures, including repair of vital systems.
fronts. Whereas in the past the KDF stood alone while There are also training requirements in a number of essential
fighting these battles, on this occasion alliances with the subjects in which crew members must requalify or recertify
Federation and eventually the Romulans ensured victory. at regular intervals. Most of these subjects relate to each
The war was hard fought and the costs were high, but Klingon’s status as a warrior first. Prominent examples of
the coalition which came together to defeat the Dominion the areas in which ability is evaluated include weapons and
proved that working together – even with those the Empire personal combat, physical fitness, and survival in space as
once called enemy – can achieve positive results. Today, well as a host of planetary conditions.
KDF vessels work in concert with Federation starships,
participating in joint training exercises, personnel exchange
and outreach programs, and combined service aboard landing parties
vessels, as well as ground installations and space-based
outposts. Narendra Station at the edge of the Shackleton For Klingons assigned to warships on long patrols, arriving
Expanse is the most recent and prominent example of this at a previously unknown or uncharted planet brings with it
program, featuring a blended complement of Federation an often welcome change from what can be long periods
and Imperial crews. Due to the success of the Narendra of mundane existence. When a vessel assumes orbit over
initiative, other combined bases are being planned for such a world, it is for one of two reasons: the planet must
deployment in both the Alpha and Beta Quadrants. be surveyed and explored to determine its value to the
Empire, or its usefulness has been ascertained and it is to
For the individual Klingon serving in the KDF, training and be claimed. Sensors and other technology aboard a warship
proficiency in a dedicated area of military expertise is the can provide information about a new world, but planting the
primary factor taken into consideration when directing Empire’s flag on new soil requires Klingons to venture to the
a warrior to a ship or base. Once posted to such an planet’s surface. This is especially true when confronting an
assignment, a Klingon’s duties are dominated with the indigenous population. Honor demands nothing less.
demands of their primary billet. Duty while serving at a
ground or space-based installation is somewhat similar to Survey Parties
a ship assignment, with the main difference being that for This is one of the few landing party functions where a
warships on patrol duty, shifts are shorter and there are few if military mission is not the primary focus but instead
any diversions from a daily schedule. concentration is shifted to a warship’s scientific contingent.
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THE KLINGON EMPIRE
WORLDS AND
CHAPTER
02.70
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LOCATIONS
"THERE WAS TIME, WHEN I WAS A YOUNG MAN, THE MERE MENTION
OF THE KLINGON EMPIRE MADE WORLDS TREMBLE."
The winds of time and change have divided the city into This is our planetary classification. We advise you refer to it as needed,
quarters: as we shall do the same with yours.
X The Old Quarter (veng 'ay' ngo') is all that is left of early X Level I: Chargh Class (Conquerable)
Klingon life, and in the face of history much of it has X Level II: Yan Class (Exploitable, of use)
withered like a faded memory – except for the Great Hall, X Level III: Toq Class (Habitable)
which resides near its center. From here the High Council
governs and passes out Klingon law. OFFICIAL MEMORANDUM
yIqIm! ngay' 'oH tlhIngan wo''e'. In 2369, the Guardian leader, Koroth, along with his fellow
QeHDaj tlhopDaq yInguqHa''eghmoH DuntaHmo'! caretakers, feared Klingons had strayed from the path of
yIyep'eghmoH, yermaj Da'elDI'. tlhIngan maH 'ej qoH DIcherghQo'. honor, so they devised a plan to stage Kahless’s return to
the people. The Guardians created a clone using preserved
Translation: genetic material from the true Kahless. The ruse was
Behold the glory that is the Klingon Empire. discovered, but in his wisdom Chancellor Gowron allowed
Bow before its majesty and fury. the Kahless clone to assume the title of emperor and become
Beware all those that step foot onto our soil, for we are Klingons, the moral and religious conscience of our society, without
and we do not suffer fools. wielding the political power of such a role.
Rumors that parts of Veng wa’ Dlch are under the influence of the
Leghbe’lu’wI’ is ridiculous. The Unseen are a myth. There is no fabled khitomer [yan class]
Klingon order that hears and sees all, manipulating history from the
shadows. These are nothing more than stories that fill children’s WORLD HISTORY
nightmares and holonovels. We are Klingons, not Romulans or This speck of a world forced its way into our history and has
Cardassian serpents slithering in the shadows. been a stain upon the Empire for far too long. The Galaxy
knows Khitomer as where peace began between the Empire
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and the Federation. But for generations Klingons rarely spoke praxis [yan class]
of it. It is said Chancellor Azetbur chose Khitomer for the
peace talks because she wanted somewhere on the rim of WORLD HISTORY
the Empire. A place she would never return to again, never When Klingons took those first steps into space, the only
be reminded that her first action as chancellor was to kneel. moon orbiting Qo’noS is what we first stood upon. The first
world to ever bear a Yan-Class designation, Praxis was the
And then there is the Khitomer curse. foundation the Empire was built upon. We first used it to mine
ore necessary for our factories, and then dilithium for the
Even today, Klingons throughout the Empire believe that fleets of battle cruisers that became the extension of our will
after Praxis we should have raged a war upon the Federation across the quadrant.
unlike the Galaxy has ever seen. But Azetbur chose a
different path for the Empire, a weaker path, and in doing When the Praxis incident occurred, it was unfortunate
so many believed she placed a curse upon the Empire that for the Empire. Many have said the incident was an
could only be removed with blood. When the Romulans
destroyed Khitomer in an unprovoked surprise attack, many
said it was the curse of Khitomer being fulfilled. narendra III outpost
Whether the attack on Khitomer was ill fortune or fate, the STARFLEET COMMUNIQUE RELEASED TO KLINGON EMPIRE BY
Empire has taken what it believed of the Khitomer curse and ORDER OF THE FEDERATION FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT
put it to rest along with our dead. Our colony on Khitomer
has been rebuilt and is thriving once again, but we will never This is Captain Rachel Garrett of the U.S.S. Enterprise. We’re responding
forget the thousands of Klingons who died that day in service at maximum warp to a distress signal from the Klingon outpost on
to the Empire. The obelisk we have placed on the site will be Narendra III. Sensors show the outpost is under attack by three,
a memorial for generations to come of the brave warriors that possibly four vessels. We’re the only Federation ship in this sector.
died, with honor. Send assistance…we’re going in.
STARFLEET COMMUNIQUE
narendra iii [yan class]
Praxis explosion
WORLD HISTORY
Narendra III allowed us to trade with the Romulans while also FEDERATION HISTORICAL DOCUMENT ATTACHED TO PRAXIS
keeping watch over them. Later, when the Humans and the RECORD BY ORDER OF KHITOMER ACCORDS
Federation began to emerge, we watched them from here as
well. The Human Captain Jonathan Archer had his trial and PERSONAL LOG: CAPTAIN ANGELA SIMS: U.S.S. HOPE
sentencing here for crimes against the Empire. (FEDERATION ECOLOGICAL SEARCH AND RESCUE UNIT)
When our allies, the Romulans, attacked us at Narendra III Once half of Praxis exploded, we got the call. Two hours later the Hope
we were caught off guard, but we were not surprised; after was ready to go in, but the politicians couldn’t decide what to do. If it
all, it is in a Romulan’s nature to deceive. What surprised us was up to me, we would’ve gone then, but orders are orders. So we
was a Federation starship coming to our aid. When we were waited on the edge of the Neutral Zone until the Kirk mess was sorted
at war with the Federation it was easy to understand our out. When we finally got the green light it was like nothing I’d ever
enemy. They were weak. They only met us on the battlefield seen before. Our navigational deflector burned out approaching Praxis
when forced, they did not enjoy fighting, they were not because of the sheer amount of macro and microscopic debris. Sensors
warriors. They spoke of peace and sought to conquer not worked, but with so much ionization in the atmosphere we couldn’t get a
with weapons, but with talk and negotiation. lock with the transporters, and the radiation made it too hot for shuttles.
For weeks it was just one problem stacked on top of another. I couldn’t
They had no honor. shake how much Praxis reminded me of Earth’s ancient Chernobyl
disaster, in so many ways.
Kahless once said Qap loD pagh Qu' puq (“A child cannot
do the work of a man.”) This is how we felt about the By the time we did get in, there weren’t many left alive to save.
Federation, children playing at war, not willing to make the According to our estimates what’s left of the dilithium mining facility on
necessary sacrifices – until Narendra III. A Human female Praxis will be burning well beyond the 32nd century.
captain put her ship in peril to aid an enemy in their time of
need, and fought to the last. Note: The document you have just read from our Federation allies is what
the Humans call a work of fiction, and it should be treated as such.
To fight a losing battle in defense of those that cannot defend
themselves…there is no greater honor. PERSONAL LOG
WORLD HISTORY
The Beta Penthe system has no habitable worlds, only an
extensive asteroid belt. Designated Yan-Class, the Rura
Penthe asteroid has a breathable atmosphere but little else,
essentially a mass of ice and dilithium floating in space.
The sub-zero surface temperatures on Rura Penthe makes
underground mining the only viable solution.
Chapter 02
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Today, Ty’Gokor serves as our military command center, an Eventually, because of the Dominion threat, a ceasefire was
honor previously only held by Qo’noS itself. One of the most established, and an armistice after that. When the peace
fortified locations in the quadrant, this jewel of the Empire resumed, all the Federation diplomats could talk about were
is protected by orbital weapons platforms, a defensive the lives lost on Ajilon. The Federation has never understood
shield, and a tachyon detection grid. Over thirty warships are what every Klingon knows.
stationed here at all times.
To have a rich and fulfilling life, one must have an enemy.
Rumors that a Federation team once infiltrated Ty’Gokor
are untrue. In 2373, Chancellor Gowron suspected the ELAS AND TROYIUS [YAN CLASS]
Dominion were attempting to infiltrate the High Council. He
gave special dispensation to the Changeling Odo and a small WORLD HISTORY
team to assist the Empire in rooting out and destroying the When we first discovered these planets and took command
Dominion threat. over them, they were deemed Toq-Class worlds. Found in
the Tellun star system, both worlds were populated. Each
THE HALL OF WARRIORS civilization possessed the elementary ability to destroy the
Erected on the final battlefield of Ty’Gokor where our warriors other, but little else. On Elas the only resource of interest
defeated their enemies and then drank bloodwine, the Hall of were the women. Apparently their tears caused men to fall
Warriors is sacred to all Klingons. As the Empire expanded under their control – useful against enemies of the Empire.
and our victories mounted, we erected statues to honor As for the Elasian men, as slaves, only their strong backs or
the deeds of the warriors that pushed the Empire forward deaths could prove their worth.
throughout history. From Kahless to Kang, the greatest of
us are memorialized here. An eternal flame burns within a Troyius held even less value to the Empire than Elas.
brazier in the center of the hall, reflecting the fire that burns The Troyians are a race of green-skinned talkers that say
within the Klingon heart. It is said if this flame is extinguished, nothing. Not even useful as slaves, extermination of the Troyius
the same fate will befall the Empire. inhabitants and repopulation by Klingon citizens was preferred.
THE ORDER OF THE BAT’LETH Before we could initiate these plans, we discovered that
Founded by Lady Lukara, widow of Kahless, this sacred stones common on both worlds, thought worthless by the
order has preserved the ideals and principles of honor that inhabitants, were actually dilithium crystals. At the same
Kahless intended. To be a member of the Order is to be a time, the Federation suddenly began to take interest in both
beacon of honor for all warriors, and indeed all Klingons, planets; they said it was out of a sense of peace.
to follow.
Ultimately, our initial plans for these worlds were not realized,
and while it would appear Elas and Troyius prefer Federation
other worlds rule, this is not the case. Over the last century, elements
within both governments have sought to keep peace with
the Federation and prevent war with the Empire. We have
AJILON PRIME [TOQ CLASS] AND THE established a network on both worlds that has fulfilled the
ARCHANIS SECTOR needs of the Empire, in many ways.
“…repeat this is the leader of the S.S. Botany Bay. My crew and I are What these aliens did left a bitter taste throughout the
on Ceti Alpha V. We need immediate evacuation. As best we can tell, Empire. Wars, like all good meals, should leave one satisfied
Ceti Alpha VI exploded yesterday and has devastatingly shifted our at its end.
orbit. Eight are dead, fourteen are wounded, and we need assistance!
I have created a transmitter from what is left of our farming equipment We had been denied our birthright. The Organians have
but the battery will only last another few hours. To whomever is hearing no honor.
this transmission…this is the S.S. Botany Bay. We need immediate
evacuation off of Ceti Alpha V! TRIBBLE PRIME
(IOTA Geminorum IV)
Message sent 0122 hours, Stardate 3537.7 By order of Imperial Mandate 7: NO VESSEL UNDER
ANY CONDITION, EMERGENCY OR OTHERWISE, IS TO
“Botany Bay, this is Commander Kang of the Klingon Cruiser Suvwl’. VISIT IOTA GEMINORIUM IV. Violation of this mandate is
You are correct. Ceti Alpha VI has exploded and shifted the orbit punishable by death.
of your planet. We are nearby and can render assistance. We have
scanned your settlement and determined that you are all Human, Tribbles are not the gentle, soft creatures they appear to
sworn enemies of the Empire. Therefore, you are not worthy of rescue, be. In truth they are escaped Kos’Karii, vile serpents from
so, we shall leave you with the proverb of Molor: bortaS bIr jablu'DI' Gre’Thor that are here to lure the living into complacency
reH QaQqu' nay'. I will translate for you. It means: Revenge is a dish and dishonor. They squeal in our presence, for only Klingons
that is best served cold.” know them for what they truly are, a blight that must be
eradicated from the universe and sent back to Gre’thor.
DECLASSIFIED TRANSMISSION Our fleet has bombarded their homeworld from above and
eliminated their threat to the Empire. We will do the same to
any that attempt to set foot on this miserable rock or give
the great tribble hunt safe harbor to any of these demons that may still remain!
We have at last traced them to their homeworld on the fourth planet Klingon vessels were ordered to avoid it at all costs.
in a neutral system that the Earthers have dubbed Iota Geminorum. However, Commander Kor decided to use the area to trap
Many of the tribbles on this world are more docile and less fertile Federation vessels always eager to explore and investigate.
than those we have encountered in the Empire and beyond, but no
matter. Our fleet has entered orbit and it will be the work of an hour Kor encountered Kirk and the Enterprise. Inside the Triangle,
to remove every tribble from the Galaxy with orbital bombardment, Kirk fired upon him without warning, and both vessels were
followed by transporting down another horde of glommers to make pulled into an abyss. A realm where time had no meaning
sure that every last tribble is eliminated. and ships from centuries long past still existed – their crews
untouched by the ravages of time. To make matters worse,
BATTLE LOG the abyss somehow drained power from the vessels, making
escape impossible.
Chapter 02
68
Kor and Kirk were transported away from their ships and timeless duty
placed before a council of captains, made up from ships lost
in the abyss. The council called the wretched place Elysia TRANSMISSION RELEASED FROM IMPERIAL INTELLIGENCE BY
and gave Kor and Kirk one choice – join or die. Fortunately, ORDER OF THE MARTOK ADMINISTRATION
Kor successfully executed a plan to escape, utilizing power
from both his ship and Kirk’s. The Enterprise immediately fled This is Captain K’Temoc of the Klingon warship T’Ong on return from
from the region after escaping the Triangle. our priority mission for the Empire. I am sending this encoded subspace
microburst directly to the last known coordinates of the High Command
While in Elysia, Kor’s ship’s sensors detected generators the on Qo’noS. It appears much has changed since we were ordered
size of moons located somewhere within the abyss. Perhaps through an unstable wormhole leading to the Delta Quadrant. I have
these machines were the technology siphoning energy from just been ordered to stand down by a Klingon, a Captain Worf of the
all the starships or weapons waiting to be discovered. Federation Starship Enterprise. Another Klingon, a female, commander
K’Ehleyr, is about to transport aboard to assume command of my vessel.
We sent a strike force of a half dozen warships into the zone While they claim the Empire and the Federation are no longer at war,
to pacify Elysia, retrieve the technology, and escape with the and their technology is superior, I do not trust them. Once I transmit
same method Kor used. They never returned, and their crews all data relating to the hybrid machine race we discovered in the Delta
are remembered as honored dead. Quadrant while cloaked, I will erase our computer banks and the log of
this transmission.
Since this venture failed, we have designated this Triangle off
limits to all Klingon vessels. The secrets of the abyss are not For the Empire!
worth the trouble.
PERSONAL LOG
GRE’THOR
When the dishonored die, their suffering is unending. Their
souls are sent to the Barge of the Dead where they meet A region between the Federation and the Empire that forbade
Kortar, the first Klingon, who became more powerful than the any vessel, any alien, any technology from encroaching
Gods who created him – for this he is eternally punished by upon our borders. Trespassing for any reason gave us the
ferrying the dishonored to Gre’thor. opportunity to show the Galaxy that their nightmares about
Klingons are true.
Upon the barge the stench of blood and sulphur are heavy,
and the dishonored cry out to a merciless audience as Years later, when the Khitomer Accords were signed, the
they are branded with the symbol of Gre’thor, the inverted Neutral Zone was dissolved. Today, we are allies with the
emblem of the Empire. In the blood-thickened waters, the vile Federation and enemies with the Romulans. Once again the
Kos’Karii serpents beckon to the dishonored on the barge, promise of peace is being offered to the Galaxy like candy
appearing and sounding as someone or something they love to children.
to lure them into the water to be devoured.
In the end, there will only be what there has always been.
When the dishonored arrive at Gre’thor, the demon Fek’lhr is
said to be torturing souls in the Cavern of Despair. However, The Empire.
the Guardians on Boreth believe that Gre’thor is different
for everyone, and stems out of our own fears. After all, we STO-VO-KOR
choose that which sustains us, or that which destroys us. For Klingons, there is no greater desire than to die in battle
with honor and there is no greater reward than to go to
v Sto-Vo-Kor.
When the Organian creatures imposed their treaty upon the
Empire and Federation they said they wanted to help us find When a Klingon dies with honor they will find themselves
what we could not on our own. in the river of the blood of the vanquished. As a warrior,
to be able to wade through the blood of your enemies is a
Peace. reward unto itself. Across the river, Sto-Vo-Kor, and Kahless
himself, await. There is no peace, no rest in Sto-Vo-Kor, only
Klingons understand there is no such thing. In those times glorious, eternal battle. On land with a bat’leth in one hand
we were allied with the Romulans and enemies with the and your enemy’s heart in the other, or amongst the stars
Federation. The only constant was war, and the Empire. with the Black Fleet.
TO: The House of Lorgh Graduates! Today I am here to talk to you about glorious battles,
FROM: Kurn and securing your places in Sto-Vo-Kor as warriors.
I called you father before I knew the truth, and I do so again, (Roars erupt from the graduates)
one final time.
Everyone wants to be a warrior. That is why there are so few
The lands and titles of my family have been seized, my scientists, doctors, or advocates in the Empire. Who can
daughters married to other houses, and I am invisible to our be bothered with professions that bear no glory? That is for
people. All that remains of the House of Mogh is a Starfleet commoners.
officer, and this message.
(Murmurs from the graduates)
The first time I died was in a back alley on Qo’noS during a
knife fight, protecting my brother’s honor. To my amazement I Despite what historians want you to believe, no royal blood
didn’t awaken in Sto-Vo-Kor but the Barge of the Dead. How courses through my veins. I, like my father, was born a
could this be? I lived a life of respect and honor. A Klingon commoner. He fought daily to feed and clothe his family.
sitting next to me on the barge howled in laughter at my Was he not a true warrior, were his battles not one of life or
confusion. He told me his name was Korris, and, like him, my death? If I was his only success, was he a failure?
mistake was in trusting Worf. I awoke in the Enterprise sickbay
and dismissed this as a coma-induced dream. You all know I was captured and imprisoned in a Dominion
internment camp for two years. I was forced to fight Jem’Hadar
The second time, Worf agreed to perform Mauk-to’Vor to in an arena continually, touching a lighted post every time I
restore my honor in death that his actions denied me in was knocked down, or I would forfeit the match. After a year
life. As he plunged the dagger into my chest I found myself of this I was exhausted mentally, physically. During one fight
standing in the River of Blood outside the walls of Sto-Vo- the Jem’Hadar leader reached in and pulled my eye right out
Kor. My father, who I only knew from pictures, now stood of its socket. What you do not know…what I have never told
before me, welcoming me into his embrace. But I was ripped anyone…is the next thing I knew, the light posts were still there,
out of his arms and returned to the living, to my dishonor, my but I was kneeling in the River of Blood, and the walls of
duty, and to my brother. I kept the experience to myself, but I Sto-Vo-Kor were before me.
began to see my life was no longer my own.
A woman that I had never seen before was there with me. She
The last time, I saw the Boslic captain raising the disruptor, told me she was an ambassador, and that she had come to
but honestly, I no longer cared. Not about Worf, or life, or make a plea of me. She told me I could go on to Sto-Vo-Kor,
even about dishonor. When the Boslic pulled the trigger I but if I returned, I would meet the love of her life, and that he
arrived, once again, in Gre’thor. I was greeted by Duras. To my would take my place on the battlefield and in turn, I would
surprise, the traitor of my father and family told me he pitied take his. She told me if I didn’t go back he would die, alone,
me. He told me Worf’s pride had denied me honor in life and surrounded by his enemies.
now Worf’s guilt would deny me dishonor in death. The next
thing I knew I had awoken...again. I tell you, I was tired, the Jem’Hadar had beaten the fight out
of me. But the more I thought about this man I didn’t know,
Kahless once said a warrior drinking bloodwine alone is the I couldn’t stomach the thought of him fighting alone, and in
shortest path to the truth. Sitting here, finishing this second that moment I remembered what it meant to be a Klingon!
bottle, I see now that my last loyal companion is my disruptor I touched the light post next to me and awoke in the arena.
– perhaps it can accomplish what my brother could not. I think A year later I met that woman’s mate. He did take my place on
I'll find out when I finish this bottle. the battlefield, and I have taken his. Ambassador K’Ehleyr was
not a warrior, not royalty, but yet she fought, and died, for the
Goodbye. Empire. With honor. If not for her, I would not be standing here
before you now. Graduates, if you remember but one thing I
SUBSPACE TRANSMISSION have said today, remember this: the Empire will always need
warriors, but not all warriors wield a bat’leth!
TRANSCRIPT
Chapter 02
70
CHAPTER 03.00
CORE RULES
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core rules
71
CHAPTER CORE RULES
03.10
CORE RULES
lIH
introduction Dice
In many roleplaying games, dice provide the varying chance
Every Star Trek Adventures game revolves around you and or probability of an action succeeding, and Star Trek
your fellow players roleplaying as a group of proud Klingon Adventures is no different. Star Trek Adventures uses two
warriors, fighting alongside their glorious allies and killing types of dice to resolve the actions a character attempts.
their dishonorable adversaries. Normally, you will roll a dice pool made up of several dice, all
at once, and count their results.
Your player characters are the protagonists of any Star
Trek Adventures game, Klingon warriors that crew a TWENTY-SIDED DICE
warship, bringing glory to the Klingon Empire. You control Twenty-sided dice (d20s) are used for resolving tasks, and
a main character of your own creation, and make decisions for rolling on certain mechanics tables. Often, you’ll roll two
for that character, roll dice, and engage with the events to five d20s, noted as Xd20, where X is the number of dice
of the story that the gamemaster narrates for the group. to be rolled. So, 2d20 denotes that two twenty-sided dice
You have a character sheet – a record of your character’s should be rolled.
abilities and other important information – that you’ll use
to interact with the story in play. You could also control CHALLENGE DICE
supporting characters, who represent lower-ranked The second type of dice are Challenge Dice, denoted in
members of your crew, as the mission dictates. Both kinds this Star Trek Adventures Klingon core rulebook by this
of player characters are described more fully in Chapter 4: symbol: A .
Reporting for Battle.
These six-sided dice are used primarily for inflicting Stress
Non-player characters (NPCs) are everyone else, from and determining how much protection a character receives
allies and innocent bystanders, to the adversaries the from cover. Each A has six faces with four possible results, as
player characters face. NPCs are collectively controlled by shown in the Challenge Dice table – a score of 0, 1, 2, and
the gamemaster. an effect.
Chapter 03
72
If you don’t have custom A available, you can use normal RE-ROLLS
six-sided dice instead – treat any die which rolls a 3 or 4 as
blank, and any die which rolls a 5 or 6 as a result of 1, plus When re-rolling your dice pool, you always choose the number of dice
an effect. you want to re-roll. The new results replace the original results, even if
they’re worse than the original results.
tasks Some situations allow you to re-roll a specific number of dice, while
others allow you to re-roll all the dice in your dice pool. Either way, you
Your characters in Star Trek Adventures are incredibly skilled can always choose how many dice you want to re-roll, up to the number
in battle and experienced as warriors to ensure that you can of dice listed.
defeat your foes and earn glory for the Empire. Whenever
your character’s success is in doubt or when failure or
complications are interesting, you roll dice in something b. If you do not have an applicable focus, then any d20
called a task. that rolls a 1 is a critical success, and generates 2
successes.
A task is an attempt to achieve a single activity, or forms
part of a larger goal or objective that could require several c. Each die that rolls a 20 causes a complication (page
tasks to complete. Succeeding at your task roll means that 77). Sometimes, complications occur on rolls other
your character achieves what they set out to do, while failure than 20, as described on page 78.
means your character didn’t achieve their goal; either way,
the story progresses. 5. Check Successes Against the Difficulty: If the number
of successes generated equals or beats the Difficulty of
You should be informed of the potential consequences for the task, then it is completed successfully. If the number
success and failure before you attempt a task – Klingon of successes is less than the Difficulty, you have failed
warriors are skilled and intelligent enough to know the most and brought dishonor on your House.
likely outcomes for their actions, and it’s assumed that given
enough time and the correct tools, your character will be able Each success above the Difficulty of the task becomes a
to succeed at just about anything they set their mind to. point of Momentum (page 75), a valuable resource that
tips the odds in your favor.
Attempting a Task
A task uses your character’s attributes, disciplines, and 6. Get the Result: The gamemaster describes the outcome,
focuses, and requires rolling a pool of two to five d20s. and if the task was successful you can spend Momentum
Attempting a task follows a specific process: to improve the result further. After this, the gamemaster
introduces any complications.
1. Choose Attribute + Discipline: The gamemaster chooses
which attribute and which discipline are appropriate for Combinations of attributes and disciplines are stated
the task, and if any of the character’s focuses apply. Add throughout this rulebook, but the gamemaster can choose to
together the attribute and the discipline chosen – this is change that combination if they wish. You can also suggest
your target number for each d20. an attribute and discipline combination to the gamemaster,
but they have the final say.
2. Set the Difficulty: The gamemaster sets the Difficulty of
the task, normally between 0 and 5. The Difficulty is the Task Difficulty
number of successes you must generate to successfully When the gamemaster asks you to attempt a task, they
complete the task. set the Difficulty of that task. Most tasks will have a basic
Difficulty of 1, though more routine or straightforward tasks
3. Roll the Dice Pool: Assemble your dice pool. You start may have a Difficulty of 0, and more complex or problematic
with 2d20, but you may buy up to three more d20s with tasks will have higher Difficulties. Tasks detailed elsewhere in
Momentum (page 75), and after you’ve added any dice, this book list a basic Difficulty but even those tasks should be
you roll the entire dice pool. evaluated in context to determine if other factors impact how
difficult the task is. The gamemaster should also determine if
4. Check for Successes: Each d20 that rolls equal to the task is possible or not, given the circumstances and the
or less than your target number generates 1 success. methods at the characters’ disposal.
However:
Traits, advantages, and complications – described in detail
a. If you have an applicable focus, you generate 2 on page 77 – will affect how difficult a task is or whether it is
successes if a d20 rolls equal to or less than your possible:
discipline rating.
core rules
73
X Advantages reduce the Difficulty of a task by 1, or make Assistance
a task possible if it was previously impossible. When you want to help another character with their task,
you can roll 1d20 and add any successes you generate to
X Disadvantages increase the Difficulty of a task by 1, or their result, so long as they score at least 1 success. The
make a task impossible if it was previously possible. character attempting the task is the leader, and rolls their
dice pool as normal. The gamemaster always has the final
X Traits can function as advantages or complications, say on whether you can assist someone else – there might
depending on the circumstances. be limited space that keeps people from helping, for example
– or apply other factors to the task roll, like increasing the
You should know the Difficulty of the tasks you attempt – complication range. A starship often assists characters
your characters are skilled professionals who can easily on tasks which use the ship’s systems, such as piloting it
evaluate how difficult an activity is. This lets you determine through stellar phenomena or firing its disruptors.
what you’ll need to do to have the best chance of success.
When you assist someone, you use your own attribute +
Example: The Earther Doctor McCoy is attempting to discipline target number and relevant focus, and count
perform CPR on the critically injured Chancellor Gorkon. This any successes from your 1d20 roll and add them to the
task has a basic Difficulty of 2, but there are other factors. leader’s task result (so long as the leader generates at least
Firstly, Dr. McCoy is not familiar with Klingon anatomy, which 1 success). When you assist someone, you can’t buy any
increases the Difficulty by 1. Secondly, McCoy (along with more d20s with Momentum, but your dice don’t count
the rest of his fellow senior officers) had endured a very late against the leader’s dice pool limit of 5d20.
night of tense diplomatic interactions over the banquet table
with the Klingons, adding a complication, Look Who Came to Example: Kurak is attempting to repair a faulty warp coil, with
Dinner. Thirdly, tensions are high on both the Enterprise and help from her subordinate. Kurak attempts the task as normal,
Qo’noS One, increasing the Difficulty by 1. Collectively, this scoring 2 successes. Her subordinate rolls 1d20 against her
increases the Difficulty to 4 and increases the complication Control + Engineering, and scores 1 success of her own,
range from 20 to 19–20. McCoy has no sickbay to rely on and which she adds to Kurak’s total, making 3 successes in total.
no nurses or other staff to assist him.
Opposed Tasks
When you are attempting a task against direct opposition,
like swinging a bat’leth at a foe who is trying to dodge out the
way, you attempt an opposed task. The character attempting
DIFFICULTY ZERO TASKS to do something is known as the active character, and the
other character seeking to resist or avoid the first character’s
Traits can reduce the Difficulty of a task to zero. A task may also be attempts is known as the reactive character.
so simple that it does not require dice to be rolled in the first place.
These are Difficulty 0 tasks. Both you and your opponent attempt a task as normal, each
with their own Difficulty. Both you and the gamemaster can
If a task is Difficulty 0, you don’t need to make a die roll – it is spend Momentum (or Threat in the gamemaster’s case) to
automatically successful with zero successes and no risk of buy more d20s for the roll. The outcome of the opposed task
complications. However, because no roll is made, you can’t generate depends on both characters’ task results, and Momentum
any Momentum – even bonus Momentum – and you cannot spend can be generated as normal.
any Momentum on the task’s result either.
X Active character succeeds, reactive character fails:
You can still ask permission from the gamemaster to roll your The active character achieves their goal, and their task is
dice pool against a Difficulty of 0, with every success generating successful. Each success generated by the active player
1 Momentum. This comes with the normal risk of generating above their Difficulty generates 1 Momentum.
complications by rolling a 20, as well. This sort of Difficulty 0 task can
be useful if it’s important to see how successful a character is, but X Active character fails, reactive character succeeds:
there’s no real chance of failure. The active character fails to achieve their goal, and each
success generated by the reactive player above their
Example: Lieutenant Kolach is piloting a bird-of-prey around a slow Difficulty generates 1 Momentum.
Orion merchantman during battle. There’s no real chance of failure, so
the gamemaster decides that the task has a Difficulty of 0. However, X Both characters fail: The active character fails to
it’s still valuable to see how well he succeeds, so Kolach rolls for the achieve their goal, and no Momentum is generated.
task, generating Momentum that can be used to benefit himself and
the crew later. X Both characters succeed: Compare the total
Momentum generated on each character’s task roll. The
Chapter 03
74
character with the higher Momentum wins, and achieves momentum
their goal, but loses one Momentum for each Momentum
their opponent scored. The loser then discards all the Whenever you attempt a task and generate more successes
Momentum they generated, and cannot spend any. In the than the Difficulty, these extra successes become Momentum,
case of a tie, the active character wins, but doesn’t have a valuable resource that allows you to improve on your
any Momentum left. success or save for the group. You don’t begin a mission with
any Momentum – it only comes from action!
Example: Lt. Commander Worf is locked in hand-to-hand
combat with a Jem’Hadar warrior, and Worf lashes out with Spending Momentum
his mek’leth. This is an opposed task, with a Difficulty of 1 The normal use for Momentum is to improve the outcome
for each participant. Worf has Daring 11 and Security 4, for of a successful task, such as gaining more information from
a target number of 15, and is using his focus in Mok’bara. research, inflicting more damage with an attack, or making
The Jem’Hadar warrior has Daring 11 and Security 3, for a more progress with an ongoing problem.
target number of 14. Worf rolls an 8 and a 12, scoring two
successes, enough to generate 1 Momentum. The Jem’Hadar When a task is successful, the gamemaster will describe the
rolls a 6 and a 15, scoring only a single success and no basic outcome of that task. You can then spend Momentum
Momentum. Worf wins, since he succeeded at the task to improve this outcome, or provide other benefits.
and generated more Momentum than the Jem’Hadar. The Momentum used in this way doesn’t need to be declared
gamemaster narrates that after a few moments of struggle, in advance, and each point can be spent one at a time as
Worf forces his way past the Jem’Hadar’s defenses and brings required. For example, a character may see how much
down his foe. Worf has 1 Momentum to spend as desired. damage an attack has inflicted before spending Momentum
to inflict more. Therefore, Momentum can’t be wasted on
something that wasn’t necessary.
core rules
75
used as many times as you want and have the Momentum Momentum pool rather than waiting for a successful task.
available to spend on them. These spends are referred to as Immediate, and they can be
used at any point in play.
Some Momentum spends can be used whenever they
are required, and may use points directly from the group’s Example: Lieutenant Maltz’s scan of a spatial anomaly
generated 3 Momentum. He spends the first point to gain
additional information from his scan. Not yet having enough
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO DIE! information, he spends the second point to get even more
information.
One common element of the exploits and successes of player
characters is a tendency to employ creative, often bizarre, strategies Saving Momentum
to resolve seemingly-impossible situations. This is the kind of bold and Any Momentum you don’t spend is saved to a group pool,
fearless Klingon warrior the KDF trains and employs with determination which can be added to or used by any player in the group,
and ingenuity. representing the benefits of your collective successes. This
pool cannot contain more than 6 points of Momentum. Any
Consequently, when running Star Trek Adventures, the gamemaster Momentum that cannot be added to the group pool is lost if
should not only expect, but encourage, plans that seem foolhardy or it isn’t spent immediately.
unachievable, though even if such a plan is possible, that doesn’t mean
it should be easy. The listed combinations of attribute and discipline for After succeeding on a task, you may spend points of
a given task may not necessarily apply to these unusual approaches, Momentum from the group pool in addition to those
so the gamemaster should feel free to use a different combination if generated during that task. As normal, Momentum only
the situation calls for it. Similarly, entertain the players’ suggestions for needs to be spent as needed, so you don’t have to choose
Momentum spends, advantages, and complications. how much Momentum you’re spending from the group pool
until you spend it, nor does it need to be spent all at once.
The following are common ways in which to spend Momentum. The At the end of each scene, 1 point of Momentum in the
Momentum table on page 173 in Chapter 6 provides additional options. pool is lost; Momentum cannot be saved forever.
Chapter 03
76
traits and complications USING THREAT TO PAY INSTEAD
Locations, characters, and situations all come in a variety of If you don’t have any Momentum, or you don’t want to use Momentum,
shapes and sizes, and these differences are handled in-game you can pay for some of these options by allowing the gamemaster
as traits. Each trait is a single word or a short phrase, which to increase their Threat pool instead: this specifically applies to any
describes a single significant fact about the scene. Momentum option listed as Immediate. If you pay for an Immediate
Momentum spend using Threat, the cost is the same, but the
Because a trait represents a significant fact, it imposes a gamemaster increases their Threat pool by that amount instead. You
context upon the world around it, and upon anything that can always use a mix of Momentum and Threat to pay for these spends.
would interact with whatever possesses that trait. These are Threat is explained in more detail on page 81.
useful for the gamemaster in adjudicating what is and isn’t
possible – as well as how difficult those things are to attempt
– and for the players in imagining the scene and figuring out
how they can interact with it.
POTENT TRAITS
X A situation trait is one that applies to the current
situation, but which is inherently temporary, lasting no If a trait has a particularly potent or intense effect, the gamemaster
longer than the current scene. Every character in the adds a number after the name of the trait, to show how much it
scene is affected by situation traits. Darkness is an changes the Difficulty of a task. For example, Darkness 2 means that
example of a situation trait. the Difficulty of tasks related to spotting things in the scene is increased
by 2, rather than 1.
X A location trait is one that applies to the current
location, and is permanent (or, at least as permanent as
the location itself is). Any character in that location is
affected by location traits when they interact with some Example: Commander Kor and several engineers are
facet of that location. Lava Flows is an example of a boarding an abandoned Gorn space station. The gamemaster
location trait. decides that the station itself has the traits Abandoned Gorn
Station and Power Off-line. These are both location traits –
X A personal trait is one that applies to a single character they’re both facts about the location itself, and they will stay
or creature, and is permanent (or, at least, cannot change around while they remain true. If the engineers get the power
without significant effort). A character or creature is back on-line, the Power Off-line trait will disappear, because
naturally affected by its own personal traits, and they it will no longer be true.
may also affect the characters and creatures who interact
with them. A character’s species is an example of a Traits serve one vital purpose for the game: they help the
personal trait. gamemaster determine what is and what isn’t possible.
In rules terms, whenever you try to attempt a task, the
X An equipment trait is one that describes a single piece gamemaster uses the traits present to assess the following:
of equipment. It’s permanent – so long as the item is
functional, it is represented by the trait – and can be X If the trait has no effect.
passed freely between characters as needed. An EV Suit
is an example of an equipment trait. X If the trait is beneficial – it allows the task to be attempted
when it might normally be impossible, or reduces its
Traits have no specific or exact duration. Instead, they exist Difficulty by 1.
so long as they remain true. As soon as a trait stops being
true, it is removed from play. When establishing a scene, X If the trait is detrimental – it prevents the task from
the gamemaster assigns whatever traits they feel are most being attempted when it might normally be possible, or
important to the scene, thinking of the environment and increases the Difficulty by 1.
current circumstances. The gamemaster should be open with
this process, allowing you to suggest traits at the start of a Advantages
scene, and allow for the possibility that traits may change An advantage is a trait which is inherently positive or
during the scene. beneficial, and which will never have a detrimental effect to
its owners. Advantages only ever make an activity possible
that wasn’t possible before, or reduce the Difficulty of a task.
They can also cancel out a complication, preventing either
from influencing the scene.
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Complications Depression. In her efforts to enlist Kor’s help, she accidentally
A complication is a trait which is inherently negative triggers his depression regarding his declining physique
or problematic, and which will never have a beneficial and capabilities. Kor acts upon the problems that the
effect upon its owners. Complications can prevent a complication represents, and calls for more wine.
character from attempting something that might otherwise
be possible, increase the Difficulty of a task (see Tasks, COMPLICATION RANGE
below), or cancel out an advantage, preventing either from Some circumstances can make a task more uncertain,
influencing the scene. though not necessarily any more difficult. These factors
increase the complication range of a task, making it more
When attempting a task, each d20 that rolls a 20 creates likely that complications will occur.
a complication, which comes into play once the task has
been resolved.
complication range
If you roll a 20, and you don’t want to suffer a complication, COMPLICATION COMPLICATION OCCURS ON...
RANGE
or the gamemaster doesn’t want to impose a complication
1 20
at this point, the complication can instead be ‘bought off’ by
2 19-20
adding 2 points to the gamemaster’s Threat pool (see Threat,
3 18-20
page 81).
4 17-20
5 16-20
Example: Lieutenant Dax is trying to convince her longtime
friend Kor to help convince Koloth and Kang that she should A character has a complication range of 1 normally, meaning
go with them to hunt down their mutual enemy, the Albino. whenever you roll a 20 you generate a complication.
Unfortunately, Dax fails at her task, and worse, rolls a 20 on Increasing the complication range by 1 (to range 2) means
one of her d20s, creating a complication: Kor’s Deepening that complications occur on the result of a 19 or 20 on a d20.
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Increasing the complication range by 2 (to range 3) means X Execute!: You can spend 1 Determination to immediately
complications will occur on an 18, 19, or 20, and so forth, as create an advantage that applies to the current scene
summarized on the Complication Range table. (see Traits, page 77). (Note that this option is referred
to as “Make It So” in the Starfleet-oriented Star Trek
The complication range can never be increased to more Adventures core rulebook.)
than 5.
X Ignore Injury: In combat, you may spend 1 Determination
Success at Cost to ignore the effects of an injury, and continue to act in
Some tasks can’t really be failed outright – rather, there is the scene. You do not need to cite a value to use this
uncertainty as to whether the task can be completed without Determination spend. For more information, see Healing,
problems. Your gamemaster may allow characters to Succeed Injuries, and Complications, page 171.
at Cost, either stating this before the task is attempted, or
providing the option after the dice have been rolled. If this X Special Technique: You can spend 1 Determination to
option is provided, you can choose to succeed at a task and gain the benefits of a single talent for the duration of the
suffer one automatic complication, in addition to any caused by current scene. You must meet the prerequisites for this
20s being rolled. These complications function exactly as those talent, and the gamemaster may veto talents which make
generated by rolling a 20, including being able to trade them for no sense for a character to suddenly obtain for a short
2 points of Threat, or using them to create other effects. while. This might represent some incidental knowledge
or training the character possesses which isn’t normally
Though the task has technically been successful, you can’t relevant, or the benefits of some piece of equipment or
spend Momentum to improve the outcome of a task that other circumstantial factor.
Succeeded at Cost – Momentum can only be spent if the
task was truly successful. Example: Captain Kang is leading a raiding party on
a smuggler’s den. Taking up position outside the den,
In some cases, the “cost” can be increased further, at the he analyzes the situation to find the best advantage for
gamemaster’s discretion, causing your character to suffer his squad. Doing so is a Daring + Security task with a
more than one automatic complication on a failed task. This Difficulty of 3. His attempt at the task fails, so he decides to
should be made clear when the option to Succeed at Cost reference his value “Be Patient, Be Vigilant,” and spends 1
is presented. Determination to re-roll his dice pool.
X Automatic Successes: You can spend 1 Determination Values can also hinder your character’s judgement,
to add a single bonus d20 to your dice pool that has making them biased, blinding them to possibilities, or
already rolled a 1, generating 2 successes automatically. otherwise impairing their ability to confront an enemy
This must be the first d20 you buy using either effectively. Klingon society demands a lot from your
Determination or Momentum. character, and can make them incredibly biased against
different ways of thinking outside of what is honorable in
X Re-roll: You can spend 1 Determination to re-roll any every situation.
number of d20s in your dice pool.
GAINING DETERMINATION
X Additional Task: You can spend 1 Determination to If your character is in a situation where one of their values
immediately perform another task as soon as this one or Dictates would make the situation more complicated
has been resolved. In combat, if you use Determination or more difficult, the gamemaster can offer you 1 point of
to attempt an additional task, do not increase the Determination in exchange for suffering a complication. This
Difficulty of the additional task. can take the form of a forced course of action, or a decision
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klingon dictates
VULCAN XENOANTHROPOLOGY SCHOOL ESSAY
T’Nal, please find below my observations from the textual analysis of the paradigm) can be, in essence, blamed and share the shame
Klingon Societal Dictates lecture. These are my conclusions from the of another. Their honorable actions can absolve the other
lesson. I apologize for my tardiness – Metana, my sehlat, was not fed at member’s dishonor, even in death or after the death of their
the designated time and took to trying to eat my PADD. dishonorable relation.
PERSONAL LOG
not to act, but any kind of complication is suitable so long Determination and asks that Worf refuse to help the Romulan.
as it fits the scene. You can always choose not to accept Worf accepts, and the resulting complication is that the
this offer, and you can even suggest a situation where one Romulan dies in sickbay.
of your values complicates your actions to the gamemaster.
If you accept the complication, then the setback occurs CHALLENGING VALUES AND DICTATES
without any ability to avoid it, and you gain 1 Determination. In some situations, a value could either help or hinder your
The gamemaster gets the final say, but complications character’s judgement. Some battles may present your
from values should only ever happen if both you and the character with a difficult choice, where their values are sorely
gamemaster agree. tested or shaking their belief in the mission’s Dictates.
Example: The Enterprise has rescued an injured Romulan Once per mission, if your character has a value which would
after responding to a distress call in the Neutral Zone. Dr. cause a complication, you may challenge that value instead.
Crusher is attempting to save the Romulan’s life, but the You immediately gain a point of Determination, and then
Romulan needs a blood transfusion. Worf is the only member cross out the challenged value. You cannot use it again
of the crew with the correct cellular factors to help. However, for the remainder of the mission. If your character has two
Worf despises Romulans, and has the value “Proud and opposing values that apply to the situation – one positive
Honorable Klingon.” The gamemaster offers Worf a point of and one negative – then you may apply both values to the
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situation, challenging the negative one and immediately WHAT CAN I USE by
spending the Determination for the positive value. Cross out GENERATING THREAT?
the negative value.
You can only generate Threat in place of spending Momentum on
Example: Shortly after Chancellor Gowron taking on the Immediate Momentum spends. That means, once you’ve rolled your
role of Chancellor, Captain Picard confronts Lieutenant dice pool, you can only spend the Momentum you have generated, and
Worf, and Worf is torn between his desires to assist the Momentum you have in the group pool – you can’t generate Threat
Gowron in an impending Klingon civil war and also retain for the gamemaster to Obtain Information, for bonus Stress, or any other
his position as a Starfleet officer. Worf chooses to embrace Momentum spend that isn’t immediate.
his Klingon side, and challenges his value “A Klingon
Warrior and a Starfleet Officer.” He crosses out the value IMMEDIATE MOMENTUM SPENDS
and gains a point of Determination. X Buy d20s: Add d20s to your dice pool. The first d20 generates
1 Threat, the second generates 2 Threat, and the third generates
At the end of the mission, you can alter the challenged 3 Threat.
value to reflect the change in your character’s beliefs, and
replace it with a new value that represents some other X Increase Difficulty (Repeatable): Increase the Difficulty of an
aspect of the character’s beliefs. Your new value can now opponent’s task by 1 by generating 2 Threat. You must decide to do
be used freely. this before any dice are rolled for that task.
Dictates can be challenged in the same way as values, but X Additional Minor Action (Repeatable): Take an additional minor
instead of crossing the Dictate out, challenging a Dictate action by generating 1 Threat per minor action.
could result in dishonor, as described in Chapter 4.60:
Character Development on page 127. X Keep the Initiative: Pass the order of play to an ally by generating
2 Threat (see Momemtum Spends, page 173).
The gamemaster begins play with 2 Threat for each X Threatening Circumstances: The circumstances of a
player, though this can change based on the tone of the new scene may be threatening enough to generate 1 or
story or the risk of the battle at hand. 2 Threat automatically. Similarly, some NPCs generate
Threat just for turning up, in response to circumstances,
or by taking certain actions.
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In return, the gamemaster can spend Threat in a few X Ignore NPC Complications: If an NPC rolls a
common ways: complication, the gamemaster can ignore the
complication by spending 2 Threat.
X NPC Momentum: The Threat pool serves as a mirror for
the players’ group Momentum pool. Thus, NPCs can use X Reinforcements: The gamemaster can bring in
Threat in all the ways that player characters use group additional NPCs during a scene. Minor NPCs cost 1
Momentum. Threat each, and Notable NPCs cost 2 each. Starship
reinforcements cost Threat equal to their Scale.
X Threatening Circumstances: For an NPC to take an
action or choice where a player character would generate X Environmental Effects: The gamemaster can trigger or
Threat because of threatening circumstances, the cause problems with the environment by spending Threat
gamemaster must spend Threat instead. – the cost depends on the severity of the problem.
ADVANCED RULES
lIH
This section details rules that the gamemaster may wish to A challenge represents any situation that requires multiple
use to add structure and detail to a scene or situation. These tasks to complete. There are different ways to resolve
rules aren’t required, but if used carefully, they can be a a challenge, depending on its nature and how your
valuable way to make a scene more engaging. gamemaster wants to present the situation. These different
options can be combined as the gamemaster sees fit,
Two additional rules detailed in this section can be used to providing a toolbox for structuring a wide range of different
structure larger problems or objectives your player characters problems for you to overcome.
face: challenges and extended tasks. A challenge organizes
a larger objective into a series of tasks, all of which must be Basic Challenges
completed to complete the overall goal. An extended task A basic challenge consists of two or more different tasks.
structures a larger problem much like a conflict, with a Stress These tasks are the core activities that must be completed
track and breakthroughs that must be gained in order to to overcome the challenge, and they are referred to as
complete the larger task at hand. key tasks. Once all the key tasks have been completed
successfully, the challenge is complete.
These rules also offer a chance for your whole group to
get involved in resolving their shared goals and problems, Normally, these key tasks be completed in any order, but
assisting one another, or attempting separate tasks while some circumstances may mean some key tasks cannot
working for a collective goal. be attempted until other key tasks are complete. These
restrictions should naturally flow from the narrative of the
situation – if the challenge is to reach engineering and shut
down the warp core before it breaches, then the task to
reach engineering must naturally come first.
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At the gamemaster’s discretion, you can attempt other tasks
during a basic challenge – these won’t directly contribute to 92401 725
overcoming the challenge, but they can be used to remove
complications, generate Momentum, or provide you with 15961 9641
more information.
core rules
83
Each task takes 2 intervals to attempt, though you can spend remaining intervals (2 intervals for the attempt, +1 interval
2 Momentum to reduce this to 1 interval. A complication for each complication). With only 1 interval remaining –
could cause a task to take longer, adding a single interval to only 1 minute left – Motak will need to finish this quickly
the task. This applies equally to both key tasks and to any with one last task roll, or be inside the blast radius as the
others attempted during the challenge. bomb detonates…
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X Stress Track: Each extended task has a Stress track, 2. Complete work: If you succeed, roll a dice pool of 2A +
which is shows how much work is involved. Whenever A equal to the discipline you used for that task. The total
you succeed at a task as part of an extended task, you rolled on these dice is the amount of work done.
will roll a number of Challenge Dice (A) and apply that
Stress to the track. 3. Inflict Stress: Reduce the A pool’s result by the
extended task’s Resistance, then add any remaining
X Breakthroughs: Each extended task has a number Stress to the Stress track.
of breakthroughs needed to complete it, called its
Magnitude. The number of breakthroughs is normally a. If 5 or more Stress is inflicted, after reduction for
1 to 5, which represent how large and complex an Resistance, you achieve 1 breakthrough.
undertaking the extended task is. When you achieve
enough breakthroughs, equal to the extended task’s b. If the Stress track is filled, or if you inflict any Stress
Magnitude, you complete the extended task. when the Stress track was already full, you achieve a
breakthrough.
X Difficulty: An extended task has a starting Difficulty,
normally equal to its Magnitude. As you achieve If you inflict 5 Stress and either fill the Stress track or
breakthroughs, the Difficulty of subsequent tasks it’s already full, you achieve 2 breakthroughs.
decrease. Tasks are affected by the scene’s traits
as normal. 4. Check the Magnitude: If the number of breakthroughs
achieved is equal to the extended task’s Magnitude, it is
X Resistance: Some extended tasks are particularly complete. Otherwise, the base Difficulty of the extended
arduous to overcome, and making progress is slower. task is reduced by one for each breakthrough achieved,
Like in combat, Resistance ignores some Stress when it to a minimum of 0. If the base Difficulty has already been
is applied to the extended task’s Stress track. reduced to 0, each subsequent breakthrough adds 1A to
any future rolls for work on the extended task.
Attempting an Extended Task
Whenever you work toward an extended task, you attempt a EXTENDED TASKS AND EFFECTS
task as normal, and then roll a pool of A to inflict Stress and Due to the use of A on extended tasks, some consideration
achieve breakthroughs. needs to be made for what happens when effects are rolled.
Under normal circumstances, the A used for an extended
1. Make a task roll: Resolve a task, as normal (described in task have no special effects, and thus each effect rolled
Tasks on page 73), against the extended task’s Difficulty. simply counts as 1 Stress, without any additional benefits.
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85
However, the gamemaster may award bonuses which trigger X Dead End: The gamemaster removes 4 Stress from
when any effects are rolled. These might be granted by your the Stress track, resolved after any breakthroughs are
character using the ideal tools for the job, an advantage achieved because of the task.
already in the scene, or by any talents your character has. X Unforeseen Problem: The gamemaster increases the
If you have multiple bonuses, then all of them are triggered extended task’s Resistance by 2, to a maximum of 4.
when an effect is rolled. The following are examples of how
effects might be treated in a particular extended task: If you decide to abandon an extended task or find yourself
unable to overcome it, then the gamemaster may declare
X Triumphant: If you achieve any breakthroughs, and one that you partially completed it – accomplishing your goal, but
or more effects were rolled, then you achieve 1 additional suffering one complication relating to the extended task for
breakthrough. each breakthrough you failed to achieve.
X Scrutinize X: You ignore X points of the extended task’s
Resistance for each effect rolled. Extended Tasks and
X Progression X: The character inflicts an additional X Momentum
Stress for each effect rolled. Momentum generated on the tasks that comprise an
extended task can be used in all the normal ways, but there
Extended Tasks and are a few Momentum spends that apply specifically to
Complications extended tasks:
Though complications generated during extended tasks can
be used normally, there are a few other ways they can be X Additional Work (1 Momentum, Repeatable): Add 1
employed during an extended task, representing setbacks. Stress to the A pool result.
Complications used for one of these purposes don’t count as X Piercing (1 Momentum, Repeatable): Ignore 2
normal complications in any other way; the complication is Resistance for this task.
“spent” to produce the effect chosen. X Re-roll A : Re-roll any number of A in your pool.
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CHAPTER 04.00
REPORTING FOR
BATTLE
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5732
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24
7’
6246 37931
26871’
INTRODUCTION
lIH
“I AM WORF, SON OF MOGH. I NOW TAKE MY PLACE AS FIRST OFFICER.
I SERVE THE CAPTAIN, BUT I STAND FOR THE CREW.”
What a fine collection of warriors you are…so eager for X Player characters consist of all the characters
battle. Look around you. What do you see? Those too weak used by a player to participate in the game.
to stand beside you are gone, yet you remain. That is as it Player characters are split into main characters
should be: the weak give place to the strong. No matter your and supporting characters. If a character is being
role, nor how many victories you have won, you have proven controlled by a player, it is a player character.
yourselves worthy of a place here…but you must not become
complacent or careless, for such may unmake even the X Main characters are the primary focus of this chapter,
mightiest of warriors. and they can be thought of as the main characters
of a Star Trek series or movie. They’re the ones who
appear in most episodes, and the ones who have the
overview biggest impact upon the story. Each player in Star Trek
Adventures has a main character to control, and ones
A great part of the enjoyment of roleplaying games is in created with this core rulebook will be proud warriors of
creating original characters and telling their stories. This the Klingon Empire, serving as senior officers aboard a
chapter describes how to do so. Star Trek Adventures Klingon starship. Each player chooses how their main
provides two methods of creating player characters, and character acts in scenes framed by the gamemaster.
these methods will produce roughly equivalent characters. This chapter presents two different methods of creating
Whatever method is used, it should be used for the entire main characters, but whichever method is chosen, it is
group, to get the same play experience. recommended that all the players use the same method.
The term “character” applies to both player characters (those X Supporting characters are like main characters in many
controlled by the players), and non-player characters (NPCs) ways, in that they’re a type of player character. However,
(characters controlled by the gamemaster). While NPCs are there is no fixed list of supporting characters; rather, a
treated differently in some aspects, they are otherwise like supporting character is created when needed to provide
player characters, and thus the use of “character” in this assistance in difficult situations, or to allow a player
chapter applies to both player characters and NPCs. to take part in a scene if their main character is busy
elsewhere. Supporting characters are not as complex
as main characters, so they can be created quickly,
characters in star trek but a group of players may find that they want to bring
adventures back favorite supporting characters time and time again,
allowing them to develop and grow into more fleshed-out
The Galaxy of Star Trek is filled with characters, who populate individuals. Supporting characters are described fully in
its worlds, crew its starships, and interact with one another in their own section, starting on page 124.
all manner of ways. To represent this abundance and diversity,
characters are composed of several elements that collectively X Non-player characters (NPCs) are all those characters
serve to depict how that individual interacts with the universe, who are not controlled by the players. They’re normally
both in game terms and in story terms. These elements are introduced and controlled by the gamemaster, though
attributes, disciplines, focuses, values, traits, and talents, if an NPC would be a friend or ally of the players’
and together they paint a picture of who a character is, what characters, the gamemaster may allow the players to
they’re good at, and how they view the universe around them. order and control the NPC during tense situations such
as combat. Non-player characters are described starting
Characters are divided into a few broad types for the on page 273, and guidance for the gamemaster to create
purposes of play: new NPCs is described starting on page 276.
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88
ERAS OF PLAY
Star Trek Adventures games are likely to take place in one of until the last few decades of the century. This era ended with
three main eras of play, distinct periods of time where important the destruction of Praxis and attempts by Chancellor Gorkon
events are unfolding and where the potential for glorious battle is to establish a lasting peace with the Federation, an endeavor
at the highest. These eras are discussed in brief below: achieved by his daughter and successor, Azetbur.
X ENTERPRISE: In the mid-22nd century, when Humans X THE NEXT GENERATION: By the middle of the 24th century,
were just starting to venture into space, various Houses and the Klingon Empire has had peace with the Federation for
factions within the Klingon Empire vied for supremacy. In decades, and the delicate peace that followed Gorkon’s death
large part, the Empire only really existed in name. Around has been replaced by stronger treaties in the 2340s. However,
this time, experimentation with the Human Augment virus this is still not truly a period of peace for the Empire. Rather,
accidentally created a deadly plague which, though halted, left relations deteriorate with the Romulan Star Empire, who
vast numbers of Klingons changed in appearance, lacking the break their previous alliances with the Klingons to undermine
characteristic cranial ridges of their species. relations between the Klingon Empire and the Federation.
This era also sees a continuation of internal conflicts: in the
X THE ORIGINAL SERIES: In the mid-23rd century, Klingon 2360s, Chancellor K’mpec is assassinated, and the resultant
Houses and the wider Klingon Empire both clashed with the succession challenge leads to a civil war, with the Empire
United Federation of Planets, seeking territory and glory, with divided between the Houses of Duras and Gowron, the latter
Klingon forces engaging in intermittent conflicts and raids all of whom is eventually declared Chancellor after the House
along their shared border. Even when these border wars were of Duras was revealed to be colluding with the Romulans.
not active, relations remained in a tense state of cold war. Tensions escalate further after this, with the appearance of a
During this era, the Klingons first began to employ cloaking clone of the first Emperor, Kahless the Unforgettable, and the
technology, though it is deployed unevenly across the fleet threat of the Dominion.
and was not a universal part of Klingon military technology
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attributes (DI'onmey) PLAY STYLE
Each character in Star Trek Adventures is defined by six There are a great many stories that can be told within the Star Trek
attributes. These are described in Chapter 3: Core Rules, universe and they don’t all revolve around the senior officers of a starship.
but they’re repeated here as a reminder. They embody the
character’s intrinsic physical and mental capabilities and the When starting a game of Star Trek Adventures, it’s a good idea to
ways they prefer to approach problems. These attributes are convene the group and figure out what style of game suits everyone – it
Control, Daring, Fitness, Insight, Presence, and Reason. does nobody any good if the gamemaster has one kind of game in mind,
Each attribute has a rating which determines its measure, and the players have another. Some groups may be fine with the default
with higher numbers reflecting greater ability. For humanoids, presumption of this core rulebook – that the main characters are Klingon
these attributes range from 7 to 12, with 8 representing warriors and senior officers aboard a vessel of the Klingon Imperial Fleet
average capabilities. Non-humanoid creatures may have or Klingon Defense Force – but others may prefer a different approach.
attributes across a broader range, and special abilities that Specialized problem-solving teams, squads of specialized shock troops,
increase their abilities further, though that is described more in or groups of lower-ranking warriors may be more comfortable for some
the NPCs special rules section on page 278. groups, in which case, ignore the section of these rules that asks the
players to choose a role, as they pertain to senior staff.
You may encounter situations for which more than one of
your character’s attributes are applicable. In these cases, Other styles of play receive focus in other Star Trek Adventures
it is important to consider the context of the situation, and sourcebooks. The traditional Starfleet crew is covered in the main core
how the character is choosing to approach the problem. The rulebook, and the Gamma Quadrant and Delta Quadrant Sourcebooks
gamemaster may choose which attribute is most applicable provide advice on adding alien characters to a traditional Starfleet crew
to a situation if more than one could be used, or they may (and easily adapted to adding alien characters to a Klingon crew).
leave the choice up to the player.
A character might use Control: X When attempting to employ raw physical force to a
situation.
X When performing precise or delicate work. X When performing some strenuous or tiring physical activity.
X When performing a task that involves careful timing or X When trying to resist, or act despite the effects of, some
accuracy. physically debilitating condition, such as poisoning,
X When giving detailed instructions. disease, and extremes of environment.
X To resist mental assault, duress, or other stressful
situations through an orderly mind and the application Insight (YajlaHchu')
of discipline. Insight is about instincts and gut reactions, as well as
understanding others and being open to different ideas and
Daring (ngIl) ways of thinking. It covers self-awareness, being conscious
Daring comes into play whenever a character reacts a new of a creature’s current state of mind, and hard-earned
situation without doubt, hesitation, or caution. It covers wisdom, and relies upon a person’s emotional intelligence,
circumstances where characters take decisive action without empathy, and experiences.
a detailed plan or analysis, and it relies on gut instinct and
quick reflexes. A character might use Insight:
A character might use Daring: X When attempting to understand the feelings of another
creature.
X When responding to an emergency. X When trying to determine how another creature might
X When attempting to evade or resist some form of think or act, to anticipate or predict its actions.
immediate danger. X When trying to overcome their own judgements and
X When acting aggressively. preconceptions.
X When acting based on instinct. X When attempting to calm or reassure others.
X To resist mental assault, fear, or panic through X When allowing past experiences and instinct to discern
stubbornness and defiance. changes in the environment around them.
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discipline rating
RATING DISCIPLINE MEANING
1 Untrained, unskilled, lacking in innate
aptitude
2 Basic training, rudimentary skill, or a
raw but undeveloped aptitude
3 Professional competence, from a
Conn (Degh) combination of training and talent
Conn covers piloting craft of all sizes, from ground vehicles 4 Experienced and well-trained, or an
aptitude developed through study and
and shuttles, to grand starships. It also includes navigation
training
– both on the ground and in space – and an understanding 5 Excellence within the field, achievable
of starship operations, including the procedures and through dedication and experience
cultures of space travel and exploration. 6 Exceptional, often a combination of
intense training, hard-won experience,
and natural aptitude.
A character might use Conn with:
X Control, to direct a starship or other vessel through a X Insight, to make an “educated guess” about unknown or
difficult environment, or to operate a craft with such extremely unfamiliar technology, or to try and understand
precision as to aid someone else’s activities. the behavior of artificial creatures.
X Daring, to direct a starship or other vessel to avoid a X Presence, to explain in an engaging manner an
sudden and imminent danger, or to perform extreme extremely complex technical problem or solution to
or unorthodox maneuvers with a craft using “feel” and someone with less engineering knowledge, or to argue
relying on reflexes. the merits of a specific approach to a problem with
X Fitness, to move quickly and effectively in an environment another engineer.
suit, including moving through zero-gravity, or resisting X Reason, to study the designs of a device or system and
the deleterious effects of extreme acceleration or gain additional understanding of its function, or to design
unpredictable motion without an inertial dampening field. a new device or system from scratch.
X Insight, to judge the nature or intent of another vessel
by the way it is moving or determining the source of a Security (Hung)
problem with a familiar vessel. Security is the use of force during combat – making
X Presence, to maintain professional decorum and attacks, essentially – as well as observing and analyzing
etiquette when representing your ship or Starfleet in threatening situations and watching for potential perils.
formal circumstances, or to argue effectively over a It also encompasses interrogation and intimidation,
matter of starship protocol, or a course of action. stealth and infiltration, as well as an in-depth knowledge
X Reason, to plot a course through a difficult environment, of weaponry, combat styles, and strategy. It also covers
or to determine their location or the location of someone survival skills and athleticism.
else based on available data.
A character might use Security with:
Engineering (jonSeH yaH)
Engineering covers inventing, understanding, designing, X Control, to attack an enemy from a distance, or to
repairing, and maintaining technology, as well as using any stay unseen or unnoticed when moving amongst
technology not specifically covered by another discipline. hostile creatures.
X Daring, to attack and defend in melee combat, or to
A character might use Engineering with: scare or intimidate someone with the threat of violence.
X Fitness, to restrain an unwilling prisoner, or to climb or
X Control, to adjust or repair a sophisticated device or swim in difficult circumstances.
system, or to operate extremely complex devices like X Insight, to judge whether an individual is a threat to you
transporters. or your allies, or to discern if there is the potential for an
X Daring, to make improvised repairs to a device in an ambush or trap.
adverse situation, or to improvise a technical solution to X Presence, to question someone suspected of a crime,
a problem by using technology in an unusual, innovative, or to impress upon someone the danger of a course of
or reckless manner. action or decision.
X Fitness, to perform physically taxing, repetitive, or X Reason, to identify the participants of a battle by
arduous technical activities as efficiently as possible studying the aftermath, or to devise a plan for a
despite physical strain, or to perform a technical activity dangerous situation, be it combat, wilderness survival,
reliant on the application of physical force. infiltration, or some combination thereof.
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X Insight, to diagnose a patient’s illness or injury from a Example focuses include: Astronavigation, Astrophysics,
description of the symptoms, or to provide therapeutic Botany, Composure, Computers, Cybernetics, Diplomacy,
care for a patient who is traumatized or otherwise in Electro-Plasma Power Systems, Emergency Medicine,
distress. Espionage, EVA, Evasive Action, Exo-tectonics, Genetics,
X Presence, to convey to a stubborn or unwilling patient Geology, Disruptors, Hand-to-Hand Combat, Helm
the seriousness of their case or the necessity of the Operations, Hunting, Infectious Diseases, Infiltration,
treatment, or to speak on a patient’s behalf about their Interrogation, Linguistics, Mok’bara, Persuasion, Philosophy,
case to convince others of a specific course of action. Physics, Psychiatry, Quantum Mechanics, Shipboard Tactical
X Reason, to diagnose a patient’s illness from a thorough Systems, Small Craft, Spatial Phenomena, Survival, Temporal
examination, or to research an unknown disease, Mechanics, Transporters and Replicators, Trauma Surgery,
procedure, or treatment. Virology, Warp Field Dynamics, Xenobiology.
The disciplines characters are trained in are broad; Talents are additional benefits that a character possesses
focuses allow a character to demonstrate talent for a that define areas of specialty, the advantages of the
narrower set of disciplines, representing specialization character’s personal approach to circumstances, and other
and the kind of expertise that comes from deeper study decisive abilities. These normally take the form of a bonus
and practical experiences. Focuses are not tied to any – extra d20s, re-rolls, bonus Momentum, the ability to use
specific discipline and can thus be applied to any task a a different discipline in a given situation, and so forth – that
character attempts, so long as the focus would logically applies when the character is performing types of tasks or
benefit the task being attempted. taking an approach to a situation.
Main characters start with six focuses. Each focus should Many talents have one or more specific requirements. These
be narrower than the six disciplines every character is are conditions that must be fulfilled before the talent can be
trained in, but they shouldn’t be so narrow as to never come selected, such as belonging to a specific species, or having
up in play. Further, because there is no specific link between a discipline at a specific rating or above. A selection of
disciplines and focuses, a focus may be valuable for tasks talents is provided in Chapter 4.30: Talents, starting on page
covering more than one discipline – for example, a focus in 118. Additional talents may be found in the three Star Trek
astrophysics could easily be used for Science tasks, but it Adventures division supplemental rulebooks.
also has potential uses when trying to plot a course using
Conn. When choosing a focus, it is still worth considering
which discipline it is most likely to be used with.
LIFEPATH CHARACTER
CHAPTER
04.20
lIH
CREATION
“WE ARE KLINGONS!”
– KRUGE
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lifepath summary STEP ONE: Choose the character’s Species. The options presented in this
rulebook are Klingon, and Klingon (QuchHa’). Other species options can be
As the Lifepath consists of many steps and choices, found in other Star Trek Adventures supplements. Each species grants:
it’s useful to review a summary of the process before X A species trait
you begin. X +1 to each of three attributes
X Access to talents unique to that species
At the start of the Lifepath, a character will
have a score of 7 in each attribute, and a score
of 1 in each discipline. Throughout the process, STEP TWO: Choose the character’s Environment; this is the type of world
the character will gain an additional 14 points spread the character was raised on. Each Environment grants:
across their attributes, and an additional 10 points X A value
spread across their disciplines. X +1 to one attribute, and +1 to one discipline.
Klingon (QuchHa’)
ENTERPRISE ERA OR ORIGINAL SERIES ERA
In 2154, a lethal, metagenic strain of the Levodian flu
ran rampant through the Klingon Empire, infecting vast
numbers of Klingons. Though a cure was eventually
devised, the combination of the plague’s metagenic
effects and the cure itself led to numerous physiological
and genetic changes in those afflicted, most notably
the dissolution of their cranial ridges and a number of
neurological alterations, to a point where they somewhat
resemble Humans, with these changes passed onto the
descendants of those afflicted. These altered Klingons
came to be known as QuchHa’, “the unhappy ones,”
for their seeming deformity, while those who escaped
the plague’s effects were commonly referred to as the
HemQuch. Though still hardy and vigorous, the QuchHa’
tend to express the customary aggression of their culture
as a ruthless cunning, and they are often regarded as less
honorable and trustworthy. They join the armed forces and
intelligence services in great numbers to prove their worth
and gain glory as a result of this discrimination. By the
early 2270s, almost all QuchHa’ had undergone corrective
treatment to restore their Klingon physiology, and Klingons
in later eras refuse to discuss the matter with outsiders.
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discriminated against or regarded as cowardly, shameful, MIXED-HERITAGE CHARACTERS
or un-Klingon in nature, a stigma that they frequently
strive to disprove, or which frees them to take actions Though relatively uncommon, especially in earlier eras, Klingons have
that other Klingons may not regard as proper. Their been known to procreate with members of other species: characters
altered genetics leave them less susceptible to a number such as Alexander Rozhenko, son of Worf, and B’Elanna Torres,
of diseases and disorders that affect Klingons but allows daughter of Miral, are notable Klingons in The Next Generation era who
them to contract a number of Human diseases that are part Human. Those who favor the Klingon side of their ancestry more
Klingons are normally immune to. may find themselves becoming Klingon warriors.
X TALENTS: The character receives full access to all To create mixed-heritage characters, choose two species, one of which
the Klingon-specific talents detailed on page 119, and will be the primary species – the one the character favors. The character
they may also select from the QuchHa’ talents below. is treated as a member of the primary species for attribute bonuses; most
QuchHa’ Klingons do not have to take the Brak’lul talent. mixed-heritage characters take more after one parent than another. The
character gains the species traits for both parent species, and they may
CRUEL select talents from both parent species. Mixed-heritage Klingon characters
Requirements: QuchHa’, or gamemaster’s permission are not required to select the Brak’lul talent (though they are still allowed to
You have a tendency towards ruthlessness and cruelty, and if the player wishes – the talent becomes optional rather than mandatory).
the reputation to match, always seeking to undermine those
you wish to destroy before you deal the final blow. When
you attempt a Task to identify the weaknesses or flaws of an
enemy, or matters they are particularly sensitive or protective THE DIVIDE
about, you may reduce the Difficulty by 1. If the enemy has
a trait which reflects this weakness (such as an advantage The distinction between QuchHa’ and HemQuch exists between 2155 and
you’ve created, or a complication they’re suffering from), you the early 2270s, corresponding with the appearance of Klingon characters
may re-roll a single d20 on the next attack or persuasion Task within The Original Series. While only smooth-headed QuchHa’ Klingons
you attempt against them. ever appeared in The Original Series (and are never said to be anything
other than just Klingons), and never appeared again outside of it (and
SUPERIOR AMBITION characters such as Kor, Koloth, and Kang appeared both smooth-headed
Requirements: QuchHa’, or gamemaster’s permission in The Original Series and in full Klingon glory in Star Trek: Deep Space
You believe that your cunning and insight give you an Nine), the option to play either type of Klingon in that timeframe is provided
advantage over other Klingons, and your ambition is greater here to provide the greatest flexibility and potential for interesting stories.
than theirs. When you spend Determination, you may add
three to Threat in order to gain two benefits from spending Individual groups may ignore or amend this as they wish, only using
Determination, instead of one. smooth-headed or ridge-headed Klingons in the Original Series era at
their discretion.
While this book delves into Klingon culture in some detail, we can only VALUE: Select a value for your character, which reflects
really scratch the surface. Further, as the Klingon Empire is said to having been raised upon Qo’noS, at the very heart of
have existed for well over a thousand years, and Klingon culture since Klingon civilization.
long before that, we can easily imagine that there are far more as-yet- ATTRIBUTE: Choose one of the following attributes to and
unexplored elements about Klingon history, art, philosophy, tradition, increase it by 1: Daring, Fitness, or Presence.
adornment, dialect, and so forth. More than that, as a civilization that DISCIPLINE: Choose one of Command, Security, or Science,
spans dozens of worlds, there is room for considerable variation in this and increase that discipline by 1.
culture from region to region and world to world. These cultures and
subcultures will have spread, mixed, and interwoven over the centuries, Core Worlds
rising and falling in prominence as different Houses and different You come from one of the Empire’s oldest or most
philosophies ascend or decline. prosperous colonies. These colonies often have a fiercely
independent outlook, having developed with little aid
The same can be said of ethnicity. Variation in physiognomy, skin from the Empire in their earliest days, and the pride that
color, and so forth can be found amongst all species, typically accompanies being amongst the first of their kind to tame
because of evolutionary adaptations to specific climates on a an alien world still remains in the descendants of those
species’ homeworld. Klingons are little different, and there are a wide first settlers.
range of skin colors, hair types, and other such variations, and for
essentially the same reasons. VALUE: Select a value for your character, which reflects
having been raised upon one of the Empire’s earliest or most
prosperous colonies.
ATTRIBUTE: Choose one of the following attributes and
increase it by 1: Daring or Presence.
GLORY TO YOU, DISCIPLINE: Choose one of Command, Conn, or Security,
AND YOUR HOUSE and increase that discipline by 1.
The normal Lifepath process assumes ordinary, “commoner” Klingons Isolated Colony
from relatively humble backgrounds – or as humble as a Klingon’s family You come from a colony isolated from the rest of the
history can be – but the Klingon Empire, as a society with many feudal Empire, and from the wider Galaxy. Worlds like Boreth
aspects to it, retains a system of landed nobility, with the wealthiest, use this isolation as an opportunity for spirituality and
most powerful, and most prestigious extended families, or Houses, contemplation, while others are settled because they
shaping the day-to-day politics of the Empire. Scions of these Great present unique opportunities to perform research far
Houses often serve as officers in either the Klingon Defense Force or from the scrutiny and politicking of the core worlds. Even
their own house military. in the Empire, these worlds emphasize learning and
introspection.
If you wish to create a Klingon character who belongs to a Great House,
you may do so by replacing Step Two and Step Three of the Lifepath VALUE: Select a value for your character, which reflects
with the results of House Creation, described on page 135. having been raised in relative isolation from the rest of the
Empire, or their attitudes towards their home’s focus.
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ATTRIBUTE: Choose one of the following attributes and Another Species’ World
increase it by 1: Reason or Insight. You grew up amongst non-Klingons. Perhaps you were part
DISCIPLINE: Choose one of Engineering, Science, or of a Klingon enclave overseeing a conquered world, or you
Medicine, and increase that discipline by 1. were raised amongst exiles, or orphaned during a battle or
disaster and raised by aliens. You might have been raised
Frontier Colony in the Empire, or you may be an outsider to it. Whatever
You come from a colony located on the fringes of the Empire, the situation, you have chosen to serve the Empire and
either on the edge of explored space or on the border with prove that you are as Klingon as anyone born on Qo’noS,
the Federation or the Romulan Empire. Your world may even even if you may have different perspectives on Klingon
have been claimed from one of those rival powers during culture and tradition.
a conflict in previous generations. Frontier colonies tend to
produce determined people, stubborn and well-prepared for VALUE: Select a value for your character, which reflects
the dangers their home may present, and entirely willing to having been raised amongst or alongside those of another
fight to keep what they have settled. species, and perhaps having an outsider’s perspective on the
Empire.
VALUE: Select a value for your character, which reflects ATTRIBUTE: Choose one of your character’s attributes and
having been raised in relative isolation from the rest of the increase it by 1. This should be an attribute which reflects the
Empire, or their attitudes towards their home’s focus. culture or species your character grew up within.
ATTRIBUTE: Choose one of the following attributes and DISCIPLINE: Choose any one discipline and increase it by 1.
increase it by 1: Daring or Control.
DISCIPLINE: Choose one of Conn, Security, or Medicine, Example: The next step for Nathan’s character is
and increase that discipline by 1. Environment. Nathan rolls for this, to see if it produces any
interesting results. He rolls a 16 – Another Species’ World –
Starship or Space Station and sees some interesting possibilities there.
You grew up in space, travelling aboard a starship or living
aboard a space station. You won’t have been raised aboard Nathan decides that the world his character was raised on
a warship, but many freighters, transports, and other civilian was a former Romulan prisoner-of-war camp, conquered by
vessels have a tradition of family or generational crews. Those the Klingons when he was a child. He was born there, the
raised in space learn the ways of shipboard life as children, child of two of the prisoners. With that in mind, Nathan adds
and many take to a spacefaring life easily as a result. 1 to the character’s Control, bringing it up to 8: restraint is
necessary under the dominion of Romulan prison guards. He
VALUE: Select a value for your character, which reflects also adds 1 to his Security discipline, having been surrounded
having been raised in the close-knit community of a starship by soldiers – captive and enemy alike – all his life. Finally, he
or space station. adds a value: “Survival Must be Earned”.
ATTRIBUTE: Choose one of the following attributes and
increase it by 1: Control or Insight.
DISCIPLINE: Choose one of Command, Conn, or
Engineering, and increase that discipline by 1.
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Caste
D20 ROLL CASTE ACCEPTED CASTE REBELLED AGAINST CASTE DISCIPLINES, FOCUS, AND TALENT
1-3 Warrior Daring +2, Fitness +1 Reason +2, Insight +1 Command, Conn, or Security +1; focus; talent
4-6 Merchant Daring +1, Presence +2 Reason +1, Insight +2 Command, Engineering, or Science +1; focus, talent
7-9 Agriculture Control +1, Fitness +2 Presence +1, Fitness +2 Conn, Security, or Medicine +1; focus; talent
10-12 Scientific Control +2, Reason +1 Daring +1, Insight +2 Engineering, Science, or Medicine +1; focus; talent
13-15 Artistic Insight +1, Presence +2 Daring +1, Fitness +2 Command, Engineering, or Science +1; focus, talent
16-18 Academic Control +1, Reason +2 Fitness +1, Insight +2 Command, Security, or Science +1; focus, talent
19-20 Roll Again
DISCIPLINES AND FOCUS: Your rural upbringing allows you ATTRIBUTES: If you accepted your caste, then you’ve
to increase any one of Conn, Security, or Medicine by 1. developed a deep understanding of the passions and motives
of others. Increase your Insight by 1 and your Presence by 2.
Your focus should relate to your upbringing, covering skills
learned during your formative years. Examples include: If you rebelled against your caste, then you’re probably more
Animal Handling, Athletics, Emergency Medicine, Endurance, inclined to action than expression. Increase your Daring by 1
Ground Vehicles, Infectious Diseases, Navigation, Toxicology, and your Fitness by 2.
Survival Training.
DISCIPLINES AND FOCUS: Your exposure to the arts
TALENT: You also gain a single talent, which may be allows you to increase any one of Command, Engineering, or
chosen freely. Science by 1.
DISCIPLINES AND FOCUS: Your exposure to the ways of ATTRIBUTES: If you accepted your caste, then you’re
science and technology allows you to increase any one of disciplined, well-read, and familiar with the arts of research
Engineering, Science, or Medicine by 1. and debate. Increase your Control by 1 and your Reason by 2.
Your focus should relate to your upbringing, covering If you rebelled against your caste, then you’ve probably
skills learned during your formative years. Examples sought out more tangible things to focus your attentions
include: Astrophysics, Astronavigation, Computers, upon. Increase your Fitness by 1 and your Insight by 2.
Cybernetics, Power Systems, Genetics, Physics, Subspace
Communications, Surgery, Temporal Mechanics, Quantum DISCIPLINES AND FOCUS: Your exposure to learning
Mechanics, Warp Field Dynamics, Xenobiology. and reasoned discourse allows you to increase any one of
Command, Security, or Science by 1.
TALENT: You also gain a single talent, which may be
chosen freely. Your focus should relate to your upbringing, covering skills
learned during your formative years. Examples include:
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104
Composure, Debate, Diplomacy, Espionage, Etiquette, training
Interrogation, Law, Philosophy.
D20 ROLL TRAINING
TALENT: You also gain a single talent, which may be 1-5 Command X Add one value reflecting their time training
Officer X Spread 3 points between 2 or 3 attributes
chosen freely. X Increase Command or Security by 2,
and increase the other by 1
Example: The character is starting to take shape, and Nathan X Increase one discipline other than
moves on to the next step – determining the character’s caste. Command or Security by 1
X Add 3 focuses (at least one relating to
He has an idea of what could work, but he rolls the dice to your training)
see if that suggests anything. A roll of 5 is the Merchant caste, X Add one talent (chosen freely)
which doesn’t necessarily fit the character taking shape in 6-10 Technical X Add one value reflecting their time training
Nathan’s imagination, so he ignores the roll and chooses the Officer X Spread 3 points between 2 or 3 attributes
X Increase one discipline (Conn, Engineering,
Warrior caste; if the character’s parents were prisoners-of-
Medicine, or Science) by 2, one of these
war, then at least one of them is likely to have been of the by 1, and ANY other discipline by 1
Warrior caste. But rebelling against that upbringing seems like X Add 3 focuses (at least one relating to
an interesting option – the character saw the Klingon way as your training)
flawed, because he grew up around captive warriors, warriors X Add one talent (chosen freely)
11-15 Enlisted X Add one value reflecting their time training
who had failed and been failed by their superiors.
Warrior X Spread 3 points between 2 or 3 attributes
X Increase Conn or Security by 2, and
With this choice, Nathan now has a Reason of 9 and an Insight ANY other two disciplines by 1
of 8, and he chooses the Command discipline to increase to 2. X Add 3 focuses (at least one relating to
His calm, restrained manner suggests a focus in Composure, your training)
X Add one talent (chosen freely)
and he selects a talent, Dauntless, to emphasize this further.
16-20 Laborer X Add one value reflecting their time training
X Spread 3 points between 2 or 3 attributes
X Increase Engineering, Science, or Medicine
step FOUR: training by 2, and ANY other two disciplines by 1
X Add 3 focuses relating to your training
X Add one talent (chosen freely)
You have chosen to commit your life to the Klingon Empire
as a warrior, joining the Klingon Defense Force to protect the
Empire and its interests. But this is not a trivial thing to do. ship, your crew, and the Empire (and possibly a particular
Joining the crew of a starship takes training and dedication, House as well), to varying degrees depending on your
and to be an officer rather than merely a bekk requires posting, and this may involve a degree of diplomacy as well
grueling entrance exams and the approval of the Oversight as strength at arms.
Council. There are training facilities on every major world in
the Empire, but the most prestigious academies are found on VALUE: You gain a single value, which should reflect some
Qo’noS and Ty’Gokor, and a young cadet may spend much aspect of your character’s beliefs developed during their time
of their training off-world engaging in fleet exercises and training to become an officer.
other practical study.
ATTRIBUTES: You gain three points, which may be split
A warrior or laborer who enlists will undergo basic training, between two or three attributes (increase three attributes
and then be assigned to a vessel or other posting. An by 1 each or increase one by 2 and another by 1). You may
officer will spend several years training, and then receive an select these attributes freely.
assignment worthy of their skills.
DISCIPLINES: Choose one of Command or Security
A character’s training has a significant impact upon them in and increase the chosen discipline by 2. Then, increase
game terms. The way these improvements are provided is the other by 1. Finally, add 1 to any discipline other than
explained in full below. Command or Security.
You may choose your character’s training, or randomly FOCUSES: Select three focuses, at least one of which
determine it from the table shown above by rolling a d20. should relate to your chosen training. Examples for
Command Officer focuses include: Blades, Composure,
Command Officer Diplomacy, Disruptors, Espionage, Etiquette, Hand-to-
Your training was in leadership, but you have honed your Hand Combat, Inspiration, Intimidation, Lead by Example,
martial prowess too, for any leader who cannot defend Persuasion, Shipboard Tactical Systems, Survival.
themselves is not worthy of their rank…and you may find you
have to put this to the test if an underling challenges you for TALENT: You also gain a single talent, which may be
position. You are required to serve as a representative of your chosen freely.
VALUE: You gain a single value, which should reflect some Laborer
aspect of your character’s beliefs developed during their time The Klingon Defense Force has need of more than merely
training to become an officer. warriors. Numerous practical and technical aspects of
military life require workers to perform routine, mundane
ATTRIBUTES: You gain three points, which may be split labors, assisting with the maintenance and upkeep of the
between two or three attributes (increase three attributes ship, overseeing cargo, preparing meals for the crew and
by 1 each or increase one by 2 and another by 1). You may officers, providing basic first aid, and a variety of other
select these attributes freely. tasks. This is vital work, but not especially glorious, though
a few of the civilian laborers working on KDF vessels catch
DISCIPLINES: Choose one of Conn, Engineering, Medicine, the attentions of their superiors and receive the opportunity
or Science and increase the chosen discipline by 2. Then, to better themselves, being permitted to enlist or even
increase one of the others by 1. Finally, add 1 to any being offered a battlefield commission if they have proven
discipline not already increased at this stage. themselves worthy.
FOCUSES: Select three focuses, at least one of which VALUE: You gain a single value, which should reflect
should relate to your chosen training. Examples for Technical some aspect of your character’s beliefs developed during
Officer focuses include: Astrophysics, Astronavigation, their service.
Computers, Cybernetics, Electro-Plasma Power Systems,
Emergency Medicine, Extra-Vehicular Activity, Genetics, ATTRIBUTES: You gain three points, which may be split
Helm Operations, Infectious Diseases, Physics, Quantum between two or three attributes (increase three attributes
Mechanics, Sensor Operations, Shipboard Tactical Systems, by 1 each or increase one by 2 and another by 1). You may
Transporters, Trauma Surgery, Warp Field Dynamics. select these attributes freely.
TALENT: You also gain a single talent, which may be DISCIPLINES: Choose one of Engineering, Science, or
chosen freely. Medicine and increase the chosen discipline by 2. Then,
increase any two other disciplines by 1.
Enlisted Warrior
Whether you chose to enlist as an ordinary bekk, or warrior, FOCUSES: Select three focuses, reflecting the duties
or could not gain admission to one of the prestigious you carry out aboard ship. Examples for Laborer focuses
military academies to become an officer, you joined the include: Animal Handling, Computers, Electro-Plasma Power
Klingon Defense Force as one of the rank-and-file. You Systems, Emergency Medicine, Starship Maintenance,
may yet attain some important position aboard the ship, or Survival, Transporter Systems.
achieve glory sufficient to earn a battlefield commission, but
for now, you fight where the officers command, and do so TALENT: You also gain a single talent, which may be
without complaint. chosen freely.
VALUE: You gain a single value, which should reflect some Example: Nathan’s character clearly stands apart from other
aspect of your character’s beliefs developed during their Klingons, and he takes the Technical Officer path during his
training and early years of service. training. Nathan chooses a value for the character: “Conquer
What You Desire”, reflecting the character’s discontent and
ATTRIBUTES: You gain three points, which may be split ambition. Then, he chooses to increase two of the character’s
between two or three attributes (increase three attributes attributes, adding 2 to Control and 1 to Daring, for totals
by 1 each or increase one by 2 and another by 1). You may of Control 10 and Daring 9. Next, he chooses to increase
select these attributes freely. his Conn by 2, his Engineering by 1, and his Security by 1,
bringing him to totals of Conn 3, Engineering 2, Security
DISCIPLINES: Choose one of Conn or Security and increase 3. He selects three focuses: Hand-to-Hand Combat, Helm
the chosen discipline by 2. Then, increase any two other Operations, and Shipboard Tactical Systems. Finally, he
disciplines by 1. selects a talent: Quick to Action.
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step five: career character AGE
At this stage, you have a choice to make about the character. A young Klingon reaches maturity swiftly, commonly reaching
This decision is a clear one: is the character a young officer, adolescence by the age of eight, and being fully-grown soon after. In
eager for glory and with their whole career ahead of them, many families, a young Klingon may still spend several years studying
have they served in the KDF for several years, or are they a and training before they go out to make a name for themselves, but a
veteran with decades of experience? Klingon of ten years is physically an adult and permitted to make their
own decisions, including enlisting in the armed forces.
This stage grants the character a value and a talent. This
stage should always be chosen manually, rather than rolled And, while they start young, and the lifespan of Klingon warriors is
– if you’re creating your character randomly, default to the often cut short by death in battle – preferably an honorable one – those
Experienced Warrior option, below. Klingons who do survive to old age can often live for well over a hundred
and fifty years, and a small number of veterans of the intermittent
Young Warrior conflicts between the Federation and Klingon Empire live to see the
The character is defined by their potential more than their Federation become allies, and the early stages of the Dominion War.
skill. Their raw talent and their expectations of what the However, while these old warriors are often regarded as indestructible
universe is like have not yet been tempered by reality. legends, Klingons generally regard the frailties of age as a weakness
and tend to shun those they perceive as having succumbed to their
VALUE: The character receives a value, which must reflect advanced age.
the character’s inexperience and naïveté in some way.
A character can be of any age in Star Trek Adventures, though this
TALENT: The character receives a single talent: Untapped should normally be guided by the choice made in Step Five of the
Potential, described below. Lifepath. A Young Warrior is likely to be in their teens or early 20s: old
enough to have completed training, but not old enough to have done
UNTAPPED POTENTIAL (TALENT) much else. Most Experienced Officers working up the ranks will be in
Requirements: Young Warrior (only available during their late 20s, or their 30s or 40s. A Veteran Warrior should be in their
character creation) 50s or 60s, or even older, remembering that a Klingon who survives
The character is inexperienced, but eager for glory and retains their strength and vitality well into old age.
recognition. The character may not have or increase any
attribute above 11, or any discipline above 4 while they have
this talent (and may have to adjust attributes and disciplines
accordingly at the end of character creation). Whenever the VALUE: The character receives a value, which must reflect
character succeeds at a task for which they bought one or more the character’s years of experience and the beliefs they’ve
additional dice with either Momentum or Threat, they may roll formed over their long career.
1A. The character receives bonus Momentum equal to the roll
of the A and adds one point to Threat if an effect is rolled. The TALENT: The character receives a single talent: Veteran,
character cannot gain any higher rank than bekk (for enlisted described below.
characters), or Lieutenant (for officers) while they possess this
talent. See page 128 for information on how a player can ‘buy VETERAN (TALENT)
off’ this talent, representing their character’s growth. Requirements: Veteran Officer (during character creation, or
at gamemaster’s discretion)
Experienced Warrior The character is wise and experienced and draws upon inner
The character has several years of experience in service of reserves of willpower and determination in a more measured
the Empire and is enjoying a promising career. This is the and considered way. Whenever the character spends a point
default assumption for characters created using these rules. of Determination, roll 1A. If an effect is rolled, immediately
regain that spent point of Determination. The character
VALUE: The character receives a value, and this can be has a rank of at least Sergeant (for enlisted characters) or
chosen freely. Lieutenant (for officers).
TALENT: The character receives a single talent, which may Example: It’s now time to look at the length of the character’s
be chosen freely. career. There’s no roll here, and Nathan chooses the Young
Warrior option. From this, he gains the talent Untapped
Veteran Warrior Potential, and chooses the value “Brute strength is not the
The character has decades of experience in the service of the most important asset in a fight”.
Empire, and has served on many ships and space stations.
The character’s judgement and opinions are highly regarded
by subordinates, peers, and even superiors.
career events
D20 ROLL CAREER EVENT BENEFITS
1 Ship Destroyed Daring +1, Security +1, gain one relevant focus
2 Death of A Friend Insight +1, Medicine +1, gain one relevant focus
3 Lauded by Another Culture Presence +1, Science +1. gain one relevant focus, gain one relevant trait
4 Negotiate A Treaty Control +1, Command +1, gain one relevant focus
5 Required to Take Command Daring +1, Command +1, gain one relevant focus
6 Encounter with A Truly Alien Being Reason +1, Science +1, gain one relevant focus
7 Serious Injury Fitness +1, Medicine +1. gain one relevant focus, gain one relevant trait
8 Glorious Battle! Fitness +1, Security +1, gain one relevant focus
9 Mentored One attribute +1. Conn +1, gain one relevant focus, Special (see entry)
10 Transporter Accident Control +1, Conn +1, gain one relevant focus
11 Dealing with A Plague Insight +1, Medicine +1, gain one relevant focus
12 Dishonored Self for A Superior Presence +1, Command +1, gain one relevant focus
13 Challenged a Superior Reason +1, Conn +1, gain one relevant focus
14 New Battle Strategy Daring +1, Security +1, gain one relevant focus
15 Employed Dishonorable Means to Triumph Insight +1, Science +1, gain one relevant focus
16 Discovers an Artifact Reason +1, Engineering +1, gain one relevant focus
17 Honor and Glory Fitness +1, any one discipline +1, gain one relevant focus, Special (see entry)
18 Solved an Engineering Crisis Control +1, Engineering +1, gain one relevant focus
19 Breakthrough or Invention One attribute +1, Engineering +1, gain one relevant focus
20 Conquest Presence +1, any one discipline +1, gain one relevant focus
Chapter 04
108
but it may also represent a skill or pursuit the character takes FOCUS: The character gains a focus, which should reflect
up in their fallen friend’s memory or to prevent the same thing the character’s experiences during the crisis. Examples
happening in the future. include: Lead by Example, Inspiration, or Composure.
4. Negotiate A Treaty X What was happening when you were injured? Who was
You were part of a delegation that helped negotiate a treaty, responsible? Why did you not die?
agreement, or alliance with a culture outside the Empire X What did the recovery entail? Do you need a prosthesis
or cybernetic as a result?
X What culture was the treaty with? What was it for?
X Why was the culture not simply conquered by the Empire? ATTRIBUTE: The character’s long, arduous recovery forced
them to think about their health more, increasing their
ATTRIBUTE: The character’s familiarity with minutia and the Fitness by 1.
careful work of diplomacy increases their Control by 1. DISCIPLINE: Being surrounded by doctors for a long time
DISCIPLINE: The character’s familiarity with diplomacy and increased the character’s Medicine by 1.
negotiation increases their Command by 1. FOCUS: The character gains a focus, which should reflect the
FOCUS: The character gains a focus, which should reflect circumstances of the character’s injury, something that helped
the character’s experience with the negotiations. Examples them through recovery, or something they took up after
include: Diplomacy, Negotiation, or Galactic Politics. recovering. Examples include: Athletics, Art, or Philosophy.
TRAIT: The character may gain a trait, which should reflect
5. Required to Take Command some lasting effect of the character’s injury or the way they
During a mission, a crisis left the mission’s leader unable to recovered. Examples include: Prosthetic Implant, or some
lead. This required you to take command, something you form of disability.
may not have been prepared for.
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110
11. Dealing with A Plague 14. New Battle Strategy
Your ship was assigned to provide aid a world dealing with In combat with a hostile force, you devised a new strategy
an epidemic. or tactic.
X What was the disease that was running rampant? What X Who was the battle against? Was it in space or on the
planet it was affecting? ground?
X Did the character deal directly with the sick? How was X What strategy did you devise?
the character involved?
ATTRIBUTE: The character’s creativity under pressure shows
ATTRIBUTE: Helping a people in distress during a massive boldness and ingenuity, increasing Daring by 1.
crisis helped the character understand people, increasing DISCIPLINE: The character’s combat experience increases
Insight by 1. their Security by 1.
DISCIPLINE: Dealing with a problem of this nature increases FOCUS: The character gains a focus, reflecting their decisive
the character’s Medicine by 1. battlefield leadership. Examples include: Combat Tactics,
FOCUS: The character gains a focus, which should reflect Hazard Awareness, or Lead by Example.
how they helped during the crisis. Examples include:
Infectious Diseases, Emergency Medicine, or Triage. 15. Employed Dishonorable
Means to Triumph
12. Dishonored Self for A Desperate to achieve victory and gain glory at any cost, you
Superior resorted to shameful methods.
You were placed in a situation where you had to choose
between a superior officer and your own honor, and you chose X Who did you defeat? What method did you employ to
to follow the superior. You dishonored yourself in the process. defeat them?
X Have you managed to keep your shameful tactics secret?
X Who was the superior? What did they order you to do? If not, what consequences did you face? Would you do
How do you feel now? it again?
X What were the repercussions of this? Are the details of
this event on record? Were you right to do this? ATTRIBUTE:The character employed cunning and guile to
secure victory, increasing Insight by 1.
ATTRIBUTE:The character learned a lot from the superior on DISCIPLINE: The character’s deceptive, underhanded
how to command respect, increasing Presence by 1. methods come with esoteric knowledge, increasing
DISCIPLINE: Difficult decisions are part of being a leader; Science by 1.
the character increases their Command by 1. FOCUS: The character gains a focus, reflecting what
FOCUS: The character gains a focus, reflecting the event the character learned from the event. Examples include:
and its aftermath. Examples include: Persuasion, Inspiration, Toxicology, Stealth, or Deception.
or Investigation.
16. Discovers an Artifact
13. Challenged a Superior During a survey mission, the character discovered a device
You were placed in a situation where you had to choose or fragment of technology from a now-extinct civilization.
between a trusted superior and your own honor, and you
chose to disobey their superior, challenging them to a duel X What did this piece of technology do? Does it still
for the affront. function now?
X What is known about the civilization that made it?
X Who was the superior? What did they order you to do?
How do you feel now? ATTRIBUTE: The character’s studied the technology
X What were the repercussions of this? Did you slay your intently, seeking to uncover its secrets, increasing
superior? If not, how did you survive? Reason by 1.
DISCIPLINE: The character’s is more able to understand
ATTRIBUTE: The character learned to evaluate situations on unfamiliar technology, increasing Engineering by 1.
their own merit, rather than blindly trusting others, increasing FOCUS: The character gains a focus, reflecting the event
Reason by 1. and its aftermath. Examples include: Ancient Technology,
DISCIPLINE: The legal proceedings that followed gave the Reverse Engineering, Computers.
character a greater insight into Starfleet protocol, increasing
Conn by 1.
FOCUS: The character gains a focus, reflecting the event and
its aftermath. Examples include: Law and Justice, Hand-to-
Hand Combat, or Blades.
Chapter 04
112
Once this has been done, the character may then increase rare – they may refer to themselves as the son/daughter/child
two attributes by 1 each; again, the normal limits apply. of whomever raised them (as adoptive families in Klingon
culture are commonplace), or as the son/daughter/child of
DISCIPLINES: A character may not have any disciplines “none” (though the latter tends only to be used by those who
above 5 and may not have more than one discipline at 5 are shamed or outcast).
(if the character has the Untapped Potential talent, from
Step Five, they may not have any attributes above 4 Klingons will also belong to a House: this is their clan, or
instead). For any discipline which has a rating above and extended family, and even the lowliest of Houses is an
beyond those limits, reduce it until it is within the limit. institution of great importance to its members, because it
For each point reduced on a discipline, increase another represents their history, traditions, and close bonds of loyalty
discipline by 1, though the limits noted above must still and honor. A Klingon House is normally named after one of
be obeyed. its early or significant forebears (commonly, but not always,
a family patriarch). Klingons are often given the names of
Once this has been done, the character may then increase important forebears, and so significant names will reappear
two disciplines by 1 each; again, the normal limits apply. every few generations: there have been many in the House
of Duras who have been called Duras themselves, and Worf
TALENTS: The character gains a single talent. is a name used by several generations of the now-defunct
House of Mogh. More detail on Klingon Houses can be found
FINAL DETAILS: Finally, there are a few other things that in Chapter 2.50: The Klingon Houses.
need to be determined:
In the most formal circumstances, a Klingon will be referred
X Stress: A character has Maximum Stress equal to their to by their personal name, the name of their parent, and then
Fitness attribute, plus their Security discipline. the name of their House: for example, Worf, son of Mogh,
X Damage Bonus: On all attacks, a character gains bonus of the House of Martok. In less-formal situations, the House
A equal to their Security discipline. name will be omitted, and during normal conversation, a
X Name: Choose the character’s name, if this hasn’t been Klingon will only be referred to by their personal name.
done already.
X Department: The character’s Department will normally The example names listed below are presented in two
be the same as their highest discipline (in the case of a forms: a form transliterated into English (normally used when
tie, the player chooses). speaking languages other than Klingon), and then the more
X Rank and Role: This should be done with the rest of the accurate tlhIngan Hol version in parentheses.
group. Ranks and roles are described in more detail on
page 115. Common Feminine Klingon names: Azetbur (‘a’Setbur),
X Equipment: The character receives a communicator, a B’Elanna (beylana), B’Etor (be’etor), Bu’kah (bu’qaH),
uniform, and additional equipment described later. Ch’Rega (chI’regha’), Doran (Do’ran), Gi’ral (ghIral), Grilka
(ghIrIlqa’), Huss (HuS), K’Ehleyr (qeylar), Krelik (Qeyliq), Kurak
Once these final details have been resolved, the character (quraq), L’Naan (lI’nan), Lukara (luqara’), Lursa (lurSa’), Mara
is complete! (mara), Miral (mIral), Sirella (Sir’el’a), Tavana (ta’vanaH),
Valkris (valQIS)
Personal Details
The final step of the Lifepath is about turning the choices and Common Masculine Klingon names: A’trom (‘atrom),
numbers of the Lifepath into a person, whose story can be Barot (barot), Chang (cheng), Gorkon (ghorqan), Huraga
explored as the game progresses. (Hur’agha), Maltz (matlh), M’Lind (mI’lIn), Mogh (mogh),
Pok (paq), Kargan (qarghan), Kang (qeng), Kerla (qerla’),
NAME K’mpec (qI’empeq), Koloth (qolotlh), Kor (qor), Korax
Every character needs a name. This can be anything, though (qoreQ), Ko’lek (qo’leq), Krell (Qel), T’vis (tI’vIS), Toral (toral),
it’s probably best to avoid anything that would break the Torg (torgh), Klaa (tlha’a), Klavek (tlha’veq)
mood of the game. A character’s name reflects their culture –
different species and cultures have different conventions for PERSONALITY
how they give names, and many cultures ascribe traditional Once you and the other players all have an idea of what
meanings to names, or require that a name take a certain form. your characters are like, and have thought about what
experiences and career choices have shaped their life to
Klingons have only a single name, but formal Klingon forms date, consider what sort of personality the character has. Are
of address reference the individual’s ancestry for specificity, they grumpy, by-the-book? Eager for battle and glory? Wise?
so when first introduced, a Klingon will state their name, Thoughtful? Tired of routine or easily bored? Calm? Even
and that they are the son, daughter, or child of one of their choosing a few adjectives like this can help in figuring out
parents. If the Klingon’s parents are unknown – though this is the personality of a character. If doesn’t mean they’re always
Chapter 04
114
Like a character’s personality, a character’s relationships can CHALLENGE
– and should – evolve over time, and some relationships may
become so strong (whether friendly or adversarial) that they It’s a well-known and widely misunderstood fact of the Klingon military
can become values for the character. The R’uustai talent even that advancement can be attained through assassination. In truth,
grants a character an extra value specifically to represent an Klingon vessels are significantly more disciplined than this would imply,
especially close bond between two characters. as these advancements occur in ritual challenges to single combat, and
there are specific circumstances in which a challenge may be issued.
RANK AND ROLE
A character’s place within the crew of their ship is an A warrior may only challenge their immediate superior. Laborers may
important consideration, but it’s one that should be left to the not challenge anyone, as they are considered civilians and beneath the
end of the character creation process if this method is used. military hierarchy.
Role will have the greatest impact upon the character in A challenge may only be issued in circumstances where the superior is
play than their rank will, so this should be determined perceived to be derelict in their responsibilities, through cowardice or
first. Main characters will normally be the senior officers of grave dishonor.
the ship, the group of personnel who make the important
decisions about the ship and its mission, and who aid the If a challenge is issued, it must be met. Failing to accept a challenge is
commanding officer as department heads, subject matter possible in theory, but to do so is seen to be cowardly and dishonorable.
experts, and trusted advisors. A vessel’s commanding officer and first officer both have the right to
dismiss a challenge if they feel it was issued without cause, unless they
Main characters may fill any of the following roles aboard are the one being challenged. Furthermore, issuing a challenge without
their ship. Not every ship will have every role, and not every cause is considered shameful in its own right.
role must be filled by a main character. The senior staff are
chosen at the discretion of the commanding officer, so if Assuming the challenge goes ahead, then the warriors will take up
there are roles not represented in the group, that isn’t a blades and commence the duel. All Klingons bear a d’k tahg dagger
problem. Some roles may only be taken by officers, which which is suitable for such a duel, but they may use larger blades – a
will be denoted by the role containing the word ‘officer’. mek’leth or bat’leth, typically – if available, and both combatants
should have the option to wield the same type of blade. The
Each role comes with a distinct benefit in-game, as well combatants will fight until one is incapacitated, and it is considered
as defining what the character’s job is aboard ship. These standard form for the victor to execute the loser (though there are
in-game benefits are marked in italics in the entries below. exceptions to this, at the victor’s discretion; to be spared is considered
a dishonor, however).
X Commanding Officer (ra’wI): Normally holding the
rank of captain or commander, the commanding officer If the victor was the one who issued the challenge, then they take on
makes all important decisions concerning the ship and their defeated superior’s duties and responsibilities, and they are often
the mission, and should expect total obedience from elevated in rank to that of their foe as well (at the commanding officer’s
the crew, in exchange for the responsibility to lead them discretion; in the case of a challenge to become commanding officer, a
to glorious victories and bring honor to ship and crew promotion in rank can only come from Klingon High Command).
alike. The commanding officer may promote officers
and may elevate enlisted personnel and even laborers
to officer status, though unjustified promotions and
signs of favoritism are likely to result in a challenge. When another character in communication with the
first officer spends a point of Determination, the first
The commanding officer may spend a point of officer may spend 3 Momentum (Immediate) to let that
Determination to grant any other character they can character regain the spent point of Determination.
communicate with one point of Determination; this
does not have to be linked to a value. X Second Officer/Third Officer (yaS cha’DIch/yaS
wejDIch): The second and third officers are the next
X First Officer (yaS wa’DIch): The ship’s second-in- in line to command after the first officer, though they
command, the first officer “serves the captain, but typically have other roles aboard ship as well, and have
stands for the crew”. In practice, this mean that the first less direct interaction with the commanding officer, often
officer represents the crew’s needs and wishes to the performing their duties on other shifts. The third officer
commanding officer, but also to ensure that the crew is in particular is likely to be a young officer with little field
functioning properly. They will assume command if the experience, learning how a starship is run.
commanding officer is incapacitated and may challenge
the commanding officer if they see signs of weakness The second officer becomes first officer if the previous
or dishonor. first officer is incapacitated or successfully challenges the
X Helm Officer (DeghwI’): The helm officer is responsible X Surgeon (HaqwI’): Every Klingon vessel includes
for laying a course and controlling the ship’s speed. a physician of some kind, and though they are not
For travel at warp, this is mostly automated with the customarily officers, they are nevertheless well-
helm officer overseeing and correcting for unexpected respected: every warrior aboard a vessel will owe life or
activity. A skilled helm officer is respected for their limb to the surgeon’s care. Even outside of battle, the
ability to manually control their ship, both in space and surgeon is kept busy tending to injuries sustained in
(in smaller ships) in atmosphere and will have learned training, brawling, or other common activities. Klingon
a wide range of tactical maneuvers and be able to medicine is primarily focused on getting the patient
perform them instantly when commanded. back into action as quickly as possible, commonly using
stimulants and pain suppressants and quickly mending
When the helm officer succeeds at a Conn task to broken bones and flesh wounds to send injured crew
control a starship, they generate one point of bonus back to their posts in minutes. Only the most severe
Momentum to be used on that task. Bonus Momentum injuries may require lengthy care, and a Klingon surgeon
may not be saved. may perform triage with a ruthlessness that would shock
a Federation doctor.
X Weapons Officer (nuHpIn): The weapons officer has
direct control of the ship’s weaponry, and is responsible When a surgeon succeeds at a Medicine task to stabilize
for their maintenance and upkeep. Since this can vary an injured character, they need only spend 1 Momentum
from vessel to vessel, it is vital that a ship’s weapons rather than 2 to get the patient back on their feet and able
officer be completely familiar with the arsenal they to act again.
oversee. The weapons officer also has the duty of
becoming familiar with enemy vessels, learning their X Ship’s Cook (vutwI’): Every Klingon ship has a cook –
strengths, weaknesses, and capabilities to advise the larger ships may have several, in which case this role
commanding officer during battle. applies to the head cook – who is responsible for ensuring
that the crew is well-fed. The whole crew customarily eats
When the weapons officer succeeds at an attack with the together, and most Klingons are disdainful of replicated
ship’s weapons, they may re-roll a number of A on the food. The ship’s cook is thus of vital importance, as good
damage roll equal to the weapons officer’s Security score. meals ensure the crew remains in good spirits and ready
for battle. Their role also includes raising and butchering
X Science Officer (QeDpIn): The science officer is animals kept aboard, such as targs.
responsible for interpreting all sensor data the ship
collects, as well as advising the commanding officer Once per adventure, before a new scene begins, the
about any scientific phenomena encountered which ship’s cook may declare a short scene of the crew eating
could affect the ship or its mission. The science officer a meal together. At the end of this scene, instead of
also assesses planetary conditions for landing parties reducing the group’s Momentum pool by 1, roll 1A, and
and makes recommendations as to the best landing add the total rolled to the group’s Momentum pool. If
site. In combat, they gather data on enemy vessels and the commanding officer allows, the meal may include
pass this to other officers to devise effective tactics. bloodwine; in this case, roll 3A instead of 1, but add 1
to Threat for each effect rolled, as the crew gets a little
When the science officer succeeds at a task assisted too drunk.
by the ship’s Computers or Sensors, or using a
tricorder, the character generates one bonus Once the characters’ roles have been chosen, you should
Momentum, which may only be used on the Obtain determine your character’s rank. A character may be of
Information Momentum spend. any rank, though there are a few restrictions in specific
circumstances. The choice made in Step Five may limit which
X Engineering Officer (jonpIn): Overseeing the engineers ranks you may choose for your character.
who operate in the engine room, the engineering officer
serves on the bridge and is responsible for monitoring The line officer ranks of the Klingon Defense Force are below.
and reporting on the condition of the ship, coordinating Flag officer ranks are above this, but they are not covered
damage control, distributing power to different systems, in this book. Rules for Admiralty-level play, commanding
and operating non-weapon systems such as the cloaking squadrons and fleets of ships, can be found in the
device and shields. Command Division Sourcebook.
Chapter 04
116
X Captain (HoD): Only the commanding officer may select Example: Morek,
this rank, and no more than one character may select it. son of barot
X Commander (la’): This is the lowest rank the Finally, Nathan puts the finishing touches on his character. First, a final
commanding officer may have. value: “There is Nothing more Honorable than Victory”, reflecting how
the character views the methods he’s used to get to where he is. Next,
X Lieutenant (Sogh): This is the highest rank permitted Nathan adjusts the characters’ attributes. As none of them are above 11
by an officer with the Untapped Potential talent, and the (a lower limit because of Untapped Potential), he doesn’t need to reduce
lowest rank permitted by officers with the Veteran talent. any of them, so he moves on to increase two attributes by 1 each. He
increases Control to 9 and Presence to 10.
X Ensign (lagh): This is the lowest rank available to any
officer, and those who receive a battlefield commission Next, he makes similar adjustments to his disciplines. None of them are
will start at this rank. above 4, so no adjustments are needed. He chooses to increase Conn to
4, and Engineering to 3.
Enlisted personnel use a different set of ranks, presented
below. Laborers do not have any rank and are considered Next, the last few details. The character’s maximum Stress is 11 – equal
lower ranking than even a bekk fresh out of training. to his Fitness of 8, plus his Security of 3 – and he adds 3A to the
damage of all attacks he makes.
X Sergeant (bu’): The highest enlisted rank available to
any character, and the only enlisted rank available to The character’s name needs to be decided. Nathan looks over a few
characters with the Veteran talent. examples, and comes up with something similar: Morek, son of Barot. He
also decides that Morek has no specific House worth mentioning (as his
X Corporal (Da’) parents carry the shame of having been captured), and that he’s young
for an officer, not even 20 years old. Nathan puts some thought into his
X Bekk (beq): The lowest rank available to enlisted appearance and personality as well.
personnel, and the only enlisted rank available to
characters with the Untapped Potential talent. Then, with the rest of his group, Nathan looks over the senior staff roles.
His high Conn makes him a solid candidate for helm officer, and as the
Klingons do not purely measure status by rank, however. A young officer aboard the ship, he’d make a decent third officer as well:
character’s House, their ship, and their personal honor and learning the ropes under a more senior command crew. He’s had a few
achievements all reflect upon them, creating a complex, early successes, though somewhat unscrupulously, so he’s attained the
fluid hierarchy which outsiders do not typically understand. rank of Lieutenant.
Matters of honor and standing are discussed later on this
chapter, on page 131. Lastly, he notes down starting equipment: uniform, a communicator, a
tricorder, a d’k tahg, and a disruptor pistol. With that done, Lieutenant
Morek is ready for duty…and carefully watching the second officer for
equipment signs of weakness.
TALENTS
lIH
– KLINGON APHORISM
overview the talents they select to suit their own tastes and the
backgrounds of their characters; this will not affect the rules
A character is more than the sum of its parts, and a for that talent in any way. Some of the talents in this section
character’s attributes, disciplines, and focuses alone do are identical to talents found in the Starfleet-oriented Star
not give a full picture of what they are truly capable of. The Trek Adventures core rulebook, but have been re-named to
Klingon Defense Force only accepts the best, and only the be more Klingon in feel.
best of the best rise to the challenges of command. These
characters have a particular way of interacting with the BOLD
Galaxy that let them overcome impossible odds and triumph Requirements: None
when others might falter. Talents set these exceptional You must choose a single discipline when you select this
individuals apart. talent. Whenever you attempt a task with that discipline,
and you buy one or more d20s by adding to Threat, you
Mechanically, a talent gives you a game advantage in specific may re-roll a single d20. You may select this talent multiple
circumstances. Every main character begins play with four times, once for each discipline. You may not select this
talents, many of which are directly related to one of the six talent for any discipline for which you already have the
disciplines, enhancing how the character employs their Cautious talent.
training and expertise.
CAUTIOUS
Some talents have one or more specific requirements. These Requirements: None
are conditions that must be fulfilled before the talent can be You must choose a single discipline when you select this
selected, such as belonging to a specific species, or having a talent. Whenever you attempt a task with that discipline,
discipline at a specific rating or above. and you buy one or more d20s by spending Momentum,
you may re-roll a single d20. You may select this talent
Beyond that, each talent has a condition and a benefit. multiple times, once for each discipline. You may not select
The condition is the circumstances under which the talent this talent for any discipline for which you already have the
can be used, and the benefit is what the character gains Bold talent.
from meeting that condition. Some of these conditions are
mechanical in nature – using a specific game option, like COLLABORATION
buying bonus d20s, or succeeding at a specific kind of task – Requirements: None
while others may be more narrative. You must choose a single discipline when you select this
talent. Whenever an ally attempts a task using that discipline,
A number of the talents in this section can only be taken you may spend 1 Momentum (Immediate) to allow them to
by Klingon characters. As a result, they cannot be used use your score for that discipline, and one of your focuses.
by characters from any species other than Klingon, unless
a player and gamemaster want to adapt it to work with a CONSTANTLY WATCHING
different species or a completely unique creation. Requirements: None
When you attempt a task to detect danger or hidden
enemies, reduce the Difficulty by 1.
Standard Talents
DAUNTLESS
Most of the talents listed here are available to all characters, Requirements: None
regardless of species. Unless otherwise noted, each talent Whenever you attempt a task to resist being intimidated or
may only be selected once. Players are free to rename threatened, you may add a bonus d20 to your dice pool.
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PERSONAL EFFECTS Klingon Species Talents
Requirements: Main Character
The character possesses some significant and uncommon The following talents are available to all Klingon characters.
item or device which is not part of the Klingon Defense The Brak’lul talent is mandatory for all Klingon characters
Force’s standard issue, but which is nevertheless useful for other than those with the QuchHa’ trait.
missions. See Chapter 5.10: Technology for more details
on obtaining equipment. A character may select this talent BRAK’LUL
multiple times. Requirements: Klingon
Various physiological redundancies mean that wounds
STUDIOUS which would kill other humanoid species don’t affect you as
Requirements: None severely. You gain 2 Resistance against all non-lethal attacks.
Whenever you spend 1 or more Momentum to Obtain In addition, whenever you are the target of a First Aid task,
Information, you may ask one additional question (in total, you reduce the Difficulty of that task by 1, to a minimum of 1.
not per Momentum spent on Obtain Information).
KILLER’S INSTINCT
TECHNICAL EXPERTISE Requirements: Klingon, or gamemaster’s permission
Requirements: None You have shed blood, and will not hesitate to do so again. So
Whenever you attempt a task assisted by the ship’s familiar are you with the intent to kill that you can even see it in
Computers or Sensors, you may re-roll one d20 (which may others when you look them in the eyes. When you choose to
be the ship’s die). make a lethal attack, you do not add to Threat for doing so. In
addition, whenever an enemy you can see attempts to make a
TOUGH lethal attack against you, you may add 1 to Threat to increase
Requirements: None the Difficulty of their attack by 1, as you react to their intent.
Whenever you Avoid an Injury, the cost is reduced by 1, to a
minimum of 1. R’UUSTAI
Requirements: Klingon, or gamemaster’s permission
You have lit the candles, spoken words to honor your
parents, and given your House’s sash to another, joining in
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TRIAGE IN THE NICK OF TIME
Requirements: Medicine 3+ Requirements: Engineering 3+ or Science 3+
When you attempt a task to identify specific injuries or Whenever you succeed at an Engineering or Science task
illnesses, or to determine the severity of a patient’s condition, as part of an extended task, you score 1 additional work for
you may spend 1 Momentum (Repeatable) to diagnose one every effect rolled.
additional patient.
INTENSE SCRUTINY
Requirements: Engineering 3+ or Science 3+
Engineering Talents Whenever you succeed at a task using Reason or Control as
part of an extended task, you may ignore up to 2 Resistance
MORE POWER! for every effect rolled.
Requirements: Engineering 3+
Whenever you succeed at an Engineering task aboard your TESTING A THEORY
own ship, you may spend 1 Momentum to regain one Requirements: Science 2+
spent Power. When you attempt a task using Engineering or Science, you
may roll one additional d20, so long as you succeeded at a
This talent is called A Little More Power in the original previous task covering the same scientific or technological
core rulebook. field earlier in the same adventure.
I KNOW MY SHIP
Requirements: Engineering 4+ Security Talents
Whenever you attempt a task to determine the source of a
technical problem with your ship, add one bonus d20. CLOSE PROTECTION
Requirements: Security 4+
IN THE NICK OF TIME When you make a successful attack, you may spend one
Requirements: Engineering 3+ or Science 3+ Momentum to protect a single ally within close range. The
Whenever you succeed at an Engineering or Science task next attack against that ally before the start of your next turn
as part of an extended task, you score 1 additional work for increases in Difficulty by 1.
every effect rolled.
INTERROGATION
INTENSE SCRUTINY Requirements: Security 3+
Requirements: Engineering 3+ or Science 3+ When you succeed at a task to coerce someone to reveal
Whenever you succeed at a task using Reason or Control as information in a social conflict, you gain 1 bonus Momentum,
part of an extended task, you may ignore up to 2 Resistance which may only be spent on the Obtain Information
for every effect rolled. Momentum spend.
CREATION IN PLAY
lIH
– KLAG
overview the character to do. For this reason, some elements that
are left until last in Lifepath creation are determined up-front
The other method of creating a main character is somewhat with Creation in Play.
simpler, but it does require that you have a greater
understanding of what you want your character to be and do This method uses the following steps:
before play begins.
1. Choose the character’s role.
This method allows you to partially create your character, 2. Assign the character’s attributes.
while leaving many of the details undefined, so that they 3. Choose the character’s species.
can be determined during play itself, revealing the character 4. Assign the character’s disciplines.
through action in the same way that a character’s capabilities 5. Choose a single value.
might be introduced to an audience watching a television 6. Begin play!
show or movie.
CHOOSE THE CHARACTER’S ROLE
Creating the partial character should be a relatively swift First and foremost, you should determine the role the
process, but one that requires you to know what you want character will fill within the group and aboard the ship.
This is the same as choosing the character’s role at the
end of Lifepath Creation (page 96), only the rest of the
WHICH METHOD? character’s details have not yet been determined. Instead,
the character will be created to fill that role, rather than
When starting a campaign, it is recommended that all players create their choosing a role once the character has been completed.
characters with the same method, either the Lifepath method detailed You should also determine whether or not the character
on pages 96-117, or the Creation in Play method described here, rather is an officer, and you should also note the equipment the
than using a mix of methods. character will start with.
The Lifepath method tends to produce characters with broader, more ASSIGN THE CHARACTER’S ATTRIBUTES
rounded capabilities, with their focuses and talents selected from Next, assign the following ratings to your character’s
different steps in the process. Creation in Play tends to produce attributes, in any order:
characters whose abilities fit the scenario they first encountered. These
two differing approaches can produce a bit of discord if some characters 10, 10, 9, 9, 8, 7
are created through the Lifepath and some are created in play, with some
characters being more specialized than others. CHOOSE THE CHARACTER’S SPECIES
Next, you should select the species you wish the character
After a few adventures, characters will have had a few opportunities to to be. This will normally be Klingon, but you may instead
adjust, and these sorts of differences disappear. Still, using a mixture of select Klingon (QuchHa’) if you’re playing in the Original
Lifepath and Creation in Play can produce a few unexpected challenges, Series era. You then increase the character’s attributes
so we recommend only using one method or the other unless the as described in the entry for the species chosen. If you
gamemaster is experienced enough to handle those challenges. choose Klingon as your character’s species, the character
immediately gains the Brak’lul talent.
Later in a campaign, either method is fine for introducing new characters
if you have a new player join the group or a player’s main character dies. ASSIGN THE CHARACTER’S DISCIPLINES
Next, you should choose two disciplines. One of the two
disciplines chosen is assigned a rating of either 4 or 5.
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The other discipline chosen is then assigned a rating based X DISCIPLINES: The character has four disciplines left
on the choice above: if the first discipline is a 5, then the unrated. Whenever called upon to attempt a task that
second discipline is a 3; if the first discipline is a 4, then the would use an unrated discipline, you must choose
second discipline will be a 4 as well. to define that discipline. The character’s remaining
disciplines must be given one of the following ratings: 3,
Leave the ratings for the other four disciplines blank at this 2, 2, and 1. Each one of those ratings may only be used
stage. They will be determined during play. once. The task is then attempted using that newly rated
discipline.
CHOOSE A SINGLE VALUE
Finally, you should choose a single value. This value should X FOCUSES: The character has all six focuses left
reflect the basic concept you have for the character. The undefined. Whenever called upon to attempt a task, you
character’s other values will be determined during play. may declare that they’re choosing to define one of their
focuses. You choose a focus applicable to the task being
BEGIN PLAY! attempted. The task is then attempted using the new
At this stage, the character should have their role, their focus.
species (including the accompanying trait), a full range of
attributes, two of their six disciplines, and a single value, plus X TALENTS: The character has three or four talents left
the Brak’lul talent if the character is Klingon. This is all that’s undefined. At any point during the session, you may
needed to get started. declare that they’re choosing to define one of their
talents; this may even be in the middle of resolving a
The gamemaster should then begin play, devising a basic task. You select one talent, for which the character must
mission for a group of partially-created characters. This meet the requirements (if any). Play then resumes with
scenario shouldn’t be too complex or involved, as it mainly the character gaining the benefits of that talent. However,
serves as an opportunity to introduce and flesh out the the character may not retroactively benefit from having
characters. During this mission, each main character should the talent – they cannot change things that happened
have a basic opportunity to show off their skills. Each before the talent was gained.
character will have the following elements left undetermined:
Once the first session is done, the main characters should be
X VALUES: The character has three values left undefined. fully developed and fleshed out. If any characters still have
When attempting a task, you may declare that you’re elements undefined, the players should feel free to decide
defining one of the character’s remaining values. You upon those elements either after the first session or leave
choose a value applicable to the task the character them undefined until subsequent sessions.
is attempting, and immediately gain a point of
Determination, which may be used with that value Example: Jim’s playing in a TOS-era campaign using creation
straight away. in play. He decides that he wants to play the ship’s First
Officer. He then chooses the following attributes: Daring 10,
Control 9, Fitness 9, Insight 8, Presence 10, Reason 7. He
decides to play a QuchHa’ character, suitable for the era,
increasing Control to 10, Insight to 9, and Presence to 11.
40921 9862121
SUPPORTING
CHAPTER
04.50
CHARACTERS
lIH
– KLINGON APHORISM
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one or more uncontrolled characters in the scene, the Creating a Supporting
player may choose to have the uncontrolled character Character
suffer the complication or injury instead. In the case of The number of supporting characters present during any
an injury, the uncontrolled character cannot be used game is variable, and players do not inherently own any
in any way for the remainder of the scene, and if the supporting characters – though they can lay claim to them
injury was lethal, they will require medical attention or during play, for the duration of that adventure.
die. If a player character suffers an Injury or is otherwise
incapacitated, they may immediately choose to take over A group of players will have a maximum number of
an uncontrolled character for the remainder of the scene. supporting characters that can be used during a single
adventure; this number is equal to the Crew Support rating
Further, uncontrolled characters can be treated as an of the group’s ship (Crew Support is described in full in
advantage, to allow a task to be attempted which would Chapter 7.20: Starship Fundamentals). During an adventure,
otherwise be impossible (for activities that would require players may choose to introduce one or more supporting
multiple people), or to reduce the difficulty of a task – simply characters at the start of any scene, either creating those
providing an extra pair of hands and an extra set of senses characters anew or choosing from amongst previously
can be valuable. created supporting characters. The total number of
supporting characters introduced during a single adventure
cannot exceed the Crew Support rating.
2. Attributes and Species: Secondly, assign the X Attributes: The supporting character increases a single
character’s attribute scores. The character will have attribute by 1. This option may only be chosen once.
attribute scores of 10, 9, 9, 8, 8, and 7, arranged in any
order. Also, at this stage, choose the character’s species, X Disciplines: The supporting character increases a single
and note down both their species trait, and adjust the discipline by 1. This option may only be chosen once.
attributes accordingly.
X Focuses: The supporting character chooses one
3. Disciplines: Next, assign the character’s disciplines. additional focus. This option may be chosen three times,
The character will have discipline scores of 4, 3, 2, 2, gaining a new focus each time.
1, and 1, arranged in any order. The character’s highest
discipline should match up with the department chosen X Talents: The supporting character gains a single talent
in step one. that they meet the requirements for. This option may be
chosen multiple times, gaining a different talent each
4. Focuses: After this, choose three focuses for the time, up to a maximum of four talents.
character. At least one of these should match up with the
purpose defined in step one. Once all the options listed above have been taken, a
supporting character cannot improve further simply by being
5. Finishing Up: Finally, give the character their standard introduced to an adventure. However, supporting characters
issue equipment (uniform, communicator, tricorder, d’k can also be improved as part of a main character’s
tahg, disruptor pistol, and possibly other tools), and advancement – reflecting a main character training and
choose an appropriate name and rank for the character. developing the personnel under them.
If the character is Klingon, but not QuchHa’, they also
receive the Brak’lul talent immediately. Supporting
characters should rarely be senior officers (except in supporting character
cases where your group of player characters does options
not fill every senior officer role), and should usually be
considered civilian laborers or to have an enlisted rank of This section describes a few optional rules that affect the
corporal or lower. way supporting characters are used in play.
Supporting characters do not have the same level of detail X Extra Players: In a group with a small number of
as main characters, and initially will lack values and talents. players, some challenging situations can become
Further, a supporting character has no Determination to more difficult than it otherwise should be. If the group
spend (and, lacking a value, no way to earn determination has three or fewer players, the gamemaster may allow
either). Supporting characters can obtain these details and some or all players in the group to take control of up to
develop during play. two characters during a scene; this would increase the
number of player characters, each of whom gets their
own turn during a round of combat, for example. The
gamemaster may vary this from scene to scene if they
wish or apply it only to specific types of scene (such as
space combat, to ensure that all the vital bridge stations
are filled).
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REPORTING FOR BATTLE
CHARACTER
CHAPTER
04.60
DEVELOPMENT
lIH
"THE WAY OF THE WARRIOR IS NOT A HUMBLE PATH.
SHOW SOME PRIDE IN YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS.”
Milestones are connected to a character’s values, and to In addition, if you challenged a value, you may rewrite that
the Dictates present during missions. Values are what drive value. The new value should relate somehow to what it was
a character’s actions, and a milestone is a significant point before, and how the character’s views have changed as a
reached because of those actions. Milestones also vary in result of the situation that caused the challenge. It doesn’t
significance, with greater impact the more a character is have to be a big difference – and often, it won’t be – but
involved in the action. the new value should demonstrate how the character’s
perspectives have shifted.
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milestone options character arc options
PERSONAL GROWTH PERSONAL GROWTH
You may improve one of your attributes. You may improve one of your attributes.
Choose a single attribute and increase it by 1. Choose a single attribute and increase it by 1.
You may not increase an attribute above 11 with You may not increase an attribute above 12 in this manner.
this, and you may only increase each attribute You may improve one of your disciplines.
once using a milestone. Choose a single discipline and increase it by 1.
You may improve one of your disciplines. You may not increase a discipline above 5 in this manner.
Choose a single discipline and increase it by 1. You may create one additional value for the character.
You may not increase a discipline above 4 with You may gain one additional talent.
this, and you may only increase each discipline
once using a milestone.
You may gain one additional focus. SHIP & CREW IMPROVEMENTS
You may gain one additional talent. Choose one of the ship’s systems and increase it by 1.
Each system may only be increased by 1 in this way.
Choose one of the ship’s departments, and increase it by 1, to a
SHIP & CREW IMPROVEMENTS maximum of 5. Each system may only be increased by 1 in this way.
You may help a supporting character in Select one additional talent for the ship, which may ignore the
their training: Increase one of the supporting normal maximum number of talents a ship may possess.
character’s attributes or disciplines, or give them You may swap one of the ship’s talents, with the ship removing
one extra focus or talent, as described above. some specialized systems to make way for others. Choose one of
You may adjust the ship’s systems. Reduce one the ship’s talents and replace it with a new one.
system by 1 and increase another system by 1.
You may not increase a system to above 11, nor
may you reduce a system to below 6. Each character arc is a string of adventures connected by
You may adjust the ship’s departments, altering
a single value. At a minimum, this will be three adventures:
the ship’s priorities and crew duties. You reduce
one department by 1 and increase another by 1. an initial one where you used that value, a milestone where
You can’t increase any department to more than you called back to that initial adventure, and the third one
4 in this way, nor can you reduce a department which calls back to that milestone. However, each time
below 1.
you complete a character arc, it takes a little more effort to
You may swap one of the ship’s talents, with the
complete the next character arc.
ship removing some specialized systems to make
way for others. Choose one of the ship’s talents
and replace it with a new one. When you complete a character arc, you may change your
character using one of the options in the table above instead
of one of the normal milestone options.
Example: In a later mission, Morek, son of Barot, calls upon Further, the total number of adventures required to make
his “Survival Must Be Earned” value, describing how it up a character arc increases by 1 for each character arc
relates to a similar situation in a previous mission – a mission
where he also used that value. He gains an extra point of
Determination immediately. At the end of the mission, Morek PLAYER-FACING
gains a milestone, and marks in his log that he’s referenced ADVANCEMENT
the previous mission.
This system of milestones is designed so that a main character’s
Afterwards, he chooses a single milestone benefit. Seeking to advancement is driven by players, rather than something which happens
advance his standing in the crew, he adds 1 to his Security, in passively in the background or at the gamemaster’s discretion. All
case an opportunity arises to challenge a superior. the decisions made when adding a log entry, reaching a milestone, or
completing a character arc are made by you, the player, and they all
Character Arcs stem from the decision to use a value.
Each milestone is built on calling back to prior experiences
and being influenced by them. Character arcs are the next As you begin each session with one Determination, you always have the
step of that, showing how a character has developed over a potential to use at least one value or Dictate in every adventure, so there
longer stretch of time and a number of important events. should always be at least a little potential for growth if the character is an
active part of an adventure.
When you make a call back to a previous adventure, you
may gain an additional benefit if that previous adventure was The gamemaster is able to help this along by creating and suggesting
a milestone, creating a character arc. You can only get this opportunities where a value might be useful, but ultimately, the power to
additional benefit a few times, as they represent momentous guide your character’s growth rests in the hands of one person: you.
and significant events in the character’s life, and moments
like that don’t come along very often.
A main character has a Reputation rating, which is an Example: D’Ghor, son of Moreth, has a Reputation of 4, and
approximate measure of how their peers and superiors is seeking warriors to join his crew for a dangerous mission
regard them. But this is not merely a passive indicator: it against the Dominion. When he attempts to persuade
can serve as a limited defense against the accusations and another warrior to join his crew, the gamemaster asks for a
challenges of others and allow them greater leeway and Presence + Command task. D’Ghor’s Command is only 2,
freedom to act. but he can use his Reputation of 4 in place of his Command
discipline for this task.
A main character begins play with a Reputation score of 3.
Effects of Reputation
What Reputation Means Naturally, Reputation is not fixed; it changes as you face new
Under normal circumstances, a character’s Reputation challenges and the consequences of your decisions. Actions
will serve as a basic guide for how well-regarded they are in-keeping with the traditions and values of the Klingon
amongst other Klingons, and maybe even beyond. It should Empire can see your Reputation increase, while choices and
serve as a guideline for how other Klingons – outside the outcomes which reflect poorly upon your ship, your family,
character’s ship and crew – view the character. It’s unlikely and the Empire may reduce your Reputation and may even
to influence people the character knows personally, as they’ll see other consequences for the character.
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Further, a character’s reputation can be a source of benefits THE REPUTATION ROLL
or problems during play. This is all resolved at the end of Once the questions have been asked, and any positive and
an adventure. negative influences have been counted out, you make a
reputation roll. This is handled similarly to a task, though it
At the end of an adventure, the gamemaster should doesn’t use any of the character’s attributes or disciplines.
consider the outcome of the adventure, the decisions that
were taken, and decide which factors may influence a
character’s Reputation. The gamemaster is the final arbiter DETERMINE TARGET NUMBER
of whether an action has a positive or negative influence Your target number for this roll is equal to
upon a character’s Reputation, but the simplest method is 7 plus your Reputation.
a list of simple yes or no questions. The gamemaster may
add questions as they see fit, and published adventures
may include additional questions specific to that mission. SET DIFFICULTY
This should still be done even for a character who was slain The Difficulty of this roll is equal to the number of
during the adventure, as the dead rely on honor just as much negative influences you have.
as the living do.
There are more potential negative influences than there ASSEMBLE DICE POOL
are positive influences, as Klingon honor is meant to be a Roll a number of d20s equal to the number of positive
standard that individuals must strive to uphold. It should, at influences you have. Unlike a normal task, there is no
times, be difficult to be honorable, and it is a test of character maximum number of d20s for this roll.
to retain one’s honor in dishonorable times.
X Was your mission victorious? X Any d20 which rolls equal to or less than your
X Did you positively use one or more of the adventure’s Reputation rating will generate 2 successes instead.
Dictates? X Any 20 rolled is a Complication, which may
X Did you obey the orders given to you by your superiors? generate Shame if you fail the Reputation roll. If
X Did you condemn the dishonorable acts of others? you’ve already got Shame, then your chance of a
X Did you kill enemy warriors? Complication is higher.
X Did you declare yourself, so that your enemies knew who
they faced?
X If you were injured or slain, did you do so in battle, facing COMPARE TO DIFFICULTY
your enemy head-on? If the number of successes you scored is equal to
or higher than the Difficulty, then you’ve acted with
NEGATIVE INFLUENCES sufficient honor. If the number of successes you scored is
Answering yes to any of these questions is considered a less than the Difficulty, then you are dishonorable.
negative influence on the character’s Reputation.
X Each success scored above the Difficulty becomes
X Was your mission a failure? a point of Glory, which you may spend on various
X Did you challenge one of the adventure’s Dictates? benefits.
X Were you disobedient to your superiors? X If you’re dishonorable, then you suffer 1 Shame
X Did you allow an insult to yourself, your ship, your crew, for each success you scored less than the number
or your House go unchallenged? needed, plus one extra Shame for each die that
X Did you cheat or break a promise? rolled a 20.
X Did you allow the dishonorable acts of another to go
unchallenged?
X Did you take prisoners, or allow yourself to be captured? OUTCOME
X Did you retreat, relent, or surrender in battle? Spend any Glory you’ve gained,
X Did you employ poison? or any Shame you’ve suffered.
X Did you kill those who could not defend themselves, or
who were significantly weaker than you? When making Reputation rolls, it is best to have the
X Did you seek to undermine your foes before attacking, or commanding officer make their roll first, as the results of their
attack using stealth, deception, or betrayal? roll may impact the rolls of other characters.
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influence on the character’s Reputation roll, and it must must have achieved victory in at least three famous or well-
be done before that character rolls. known battles, and victory must have been achieved directly
because of the character’s efforts.
X Awards: Glory may be used to purchase awards, Benefit: Once per adventure, before attempting a task
which provide limited, but potent benefits to those who and applying a focus, you may choose one of your
achieve them. Each award has a different cost and may focuses. For the remainder of the scene, on any task
have additional requirements. A selection of awards is which uses that focus, you will score two successes for
presented below, and gamemasters are encouraged to any die that rolls equal to twice your discipline score. For
devise their own. example, if you have a discipline score of 4, then any die
that rolls an 8 or lower scores two successes for any task
X Status: Create an additional trait for the character, which using that focus.
reflects their achievements, recognition, or special status,
or remove a trait which represents something negative ORDER OF THE BAT’LETH
or detrimental to the character. If the character is a One of the highest honors a Klingon can receive, the Order of
commanding officer, then they may add a trait to their the Bat’leth is for those warriors who distinguish themselves
ship instead. This costs 3 Glory. in battle. New members are inducted in an annual ceremony
held on Ty’Gokor, which is preceded by a day’s drunken
X Elevation: A character who is a laborer or warrior may revelry, serving as a test of endurance for the recipients.
petition their commanding officer to be given a battlefield The order was founded by Lukara, the widow of Kahless, to
commission and become an officer, by spending 3 Glory. ensure that the Empire’s honor and dignity were maintained.
If the commanding officer refuses, no Glory is spent.
Cost: 4
X Promotion: A character may petition their commanding Conditions: The character must have succeeded at a
officer to be promoted to a higher rank, by spending particularly bold, risky, daring, or heroic action during combat.
3 Glory. If the commanding officer refuses, no Glory Benefit: Once per adventure, after rolling for a task, you
is spent. A commander may not promote anyone to may do one of the following: gain two bonus Momentum on
commander or above, and a captain may not promote a successful task (bonus Momentum may not be saved), or
anyone to captain or above. ignore a single complication suffered on a task (before the
gamemaster announces the complication’s effect).
X House Rewards: A character may spend Glory to elevate
the standing of their House. See the section on House ORDER OF KAHLESS
Creation and Development on page 135 for details. The highest honor a Klingon can receive, this prestigious
honor is awarded only at the discretion of the Chancellor
AWARDS or the Emperor. Only those of outstanding honor and
Awards are issued in recognition of honorable and accomplishment can hope to be awarded the Star of
distinguished achievements, often during grand ceremonies Kahless, the medal which represents this honor.
which involve feasting and drinking. These awards are
accompanied by a medal or other decoration, normally affixed Cost: 5
upon the warrior’s uniform or House sash, and may often mean Conditions: The character must be an officer in a command
induction into a ceremonial organization, called an Order. or leadership position who has led their crew in a succession
of difficult missions and faced personal danger on at least
Each award has a listed cost in Glory, and a condition which two of those missions.
must have been met during the preceding adventure for the Benefit: Once per adventure, when you use the Direct task
award to have been issued: if the condition is not met, the or otherwise assist a subordinate, you may treat your d20 as
character cannot spend Glory to purchase the award. if it had rolled a 1.
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REPORTING FOR BATTLE
DEVELOPMENT
lIH
"THE FAMILY OF A KLINGON WARRIOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS ACTIONS
AND HE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIRS.”
Chapter 04
136
VALUES: Example values for this House are: LEADERS
X There is nothing more honorable than victory Your ancestors have taken on many roles leading,
X May your enemies run in fear! directing, and coordinating others, from military officers, to
X Conquer what you desire! bureaucrats, to politicians, and more besides. Even if you
do not follow in their footsteps, the lessons of their lives
REPUTATION: Characters from this House have a starting continue to guide you.
Reputation of 2 rather than the standard 3.
DISCIPLINE: Characters from this House have a tradition of
NEW AND RISING leadership and add 1 to Command.
Your House was once insignificant, but through tireless FOCUS: Example focuses for this House are: Composure,
struggle and more than a little guile, it has gained much Diplomacy, History, Law, Lead by Example, Strategy/Tactics,
respect. Gaining status as proud and valued sons and Teaching.
daughters of the Empire has been a long, slow road, but TALENT: Characters from this House may select the
nothing gained easily endures. Commanding Bloodline and Ancestor’s Mien talents,
described below.
ATTRIBUTES: Characters from this House are enduring and
cunning, and they gain +1 Fitness and +1 Reason. COMMANDING BLOODLINE (HOUSE TALENT)
Requirement: Member of <House>
VALUES: Example values for this House are: You come from a long line of leaders, and that brings you
X Virtue is its own reward respect and prestige which you can wield to lead others.
X A sharp knife is nothing without a sharp eye When you attempt a Command task, or attempt to assist
X Admire those with dirt under their fingernails another character using Command, you ignore the first
complication rolled on that task (by anyone involved).
House Legacy
A House’s legacy is what it is known for, and what fields or ANCESTOR’S MIEN (HOUSE TALENT)
endeavors have made it noteworthy. It is also an expectation: Requirement: Member of <House>
a House which has produced numerous revered warriors You bear the countenance and manner of a renowned
expects future generations to follow that same path, as much predecessor, and lead as if you were their legend reborn,
because of the dictates of a family’s caste as because of the inspiring your subordinates to push themselves. When you
expectation to live up to ancestral achievements. succeed at a Command task, you may spend Momentum
to recover your allies’ Stress: for 1 Momentum (Repeatable),
Each House Legacy provides +1 to a single discipline, a one ally who can see and hear you recovers Stress equal to
selection of suggested focuses for a character to choose your Reputation.
from, and a pair of talents which only characters from a
House with that legacy may select. A character created using WARRIORS
a House may pick a single focus from that list or create one Your ancestors were warriors, spilling blood on battlefields
of their own inspired by the suggestions, and they may select on a hundred different worlds. Whether rank and file warriors,
one of the talents provided by their House, or any other talent or officers leading from the front, your ancestry is filled with
which they have access to. tales of martial prowess and glorious battle. Even if you
do not follow in their footsteps, the lessons of their lives
All talents provided by a House have a Requirement of continue to guide you.
“Member of <House>”. In each case, replace <House> with
the name of the House you’ve created for the talents granted DISCIPLINE: Characters from this House have a tradition of
by that House’s legacy. martial prowess and add 1 to Security.
FOCUS: Example focuses for this House are: Blades,
Disruptors, First Aid, Hand-to-Hand Combat, Intimidation,
house legacy Lead by Example, Strategy/Tactics.
TALENT: Characters from this House may select the Ancestral
D20 ROLL HOUSE LEGACY
Blade and Trained from Birth talents, described below.
1-3 Leaders
4-6 Warriors
ANCESTRAL BLADE (HOUSE TALENT)
7-9 Spacefarers
Requirement: Member of <House>
10-12 Engineers
You own an heirloom of your House, a blade which has been
13-15 Scientists
borne by your forebears into countless battles. Choose a
16-18 Physicians
bat’leth or a mek’leth; you own an exceptionally crafted
19-20 Roll Again
version of the chosen weapon (alongside your standard issue
gear), which inflicts +1A stress compared to an ordinary one.
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138
PHYSICIANS pIl
Your ancestors were physicians, doctors, and surgeons Many of your ancestors are people of mighty presence and
who prevented Klingons from being dishonorably slain by grand passions, and others were drawn to them for their
disease or infection, or who repaired their wounds when they larger-than-life exuberance and vigor.
were injured. Warriors have little regard for the science of
medicine, but they are grateful at least for those who practice ATTRIBUTES: Characters from this House add 1 to each of
it. Even if you do not follow in their footsteps, the lessons of Fitness and Presence.
their lives continue to guide you. DISCIPLINE: Add 1 to any one discipline.
house temperament
D20 ROLL HOUSE TEMPERAMENT BENEFITS
1-3 pIl: Enthusiastic, Active Fitness +1, Presence +1; Increase one discipline by 1
4-6 QeH: Hot-Tempered, Ambitious Daring +1, Insight +1; Increase one discipline by 1
7-9 buS: Thoughtful, Introspective Control +1, Reason +1; Increase one discipline by 1
10-12 jot: Calm, Stoic Control +1, Fitness +1; Increase one discipline by 1
13-15 Duj ngaDHa': Audacious, Reckless Daring +1, Presence +1; Increase one discipline by 1
16-18 lurDech pab: Traditional, Unyielding Insight +1, Reason +1; Increase one discipline by 1
19-20 Roll Again
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the case, and such exceptions only grow more numerous suffering shame
with the passing of centuries, much to the discontent of
those already in power. YOUR HOUSE’S OTHER HOUSE’S DISPOSITION
REPUTATION RESPECT RIVALRY
If only one player character belongs to a House, then this is 1 1 20
easy: the player character can be the leader of their House or 2 2 or less 19 or higher
not at their discretion, though a character with the Untapped 3 3 or less 18 or higher
Potential talent cannot be the leader of their House (though 4 4 or less 17 or higher
they may be the leader’s heir) at character creation. 5 5 or less 16 or higher
If there are multiple player characters belonging to the same X You may attempt to call upon your House’s connections
House, establish an order of succession amongst them, by or resources, employing them to aid you. When you
whatever means are agreeable. The characters are all part of do this, create a target number by adding together one
the same extended family (note, this does not require them of the House’s attributes and the House’s Reputation,
to be related by blood, as Great Houses often adopt honored and roll a single d20, as per the rules for assistance:
friends and trusted advisors), but some are more connected in essence, your House may assist you on tasks you
to the House’s leader than others. attempt, if the task would involve or benefit from the
resources and connections your House has.
Note that the order of succession within the House does
not have to match rank or status elsewhere: it has been X You may introduce one additional supporting character
known for siblings to outrank one another in different per adventure, who must represent an advisor, retainer,
circumstances, where one is of higher military rank while bodyguard, or junior member of the House.
another leads their House.
X The gamemaster may use your House as a way to introduce
A House is named either for its current leader, or for a plotlines, story details, and even complications for you:
significant past leader. As the name of a past leader is often being part of a Great House often means solving problems.
reused within a family line, a House may have a name which
is both current and historical. Regardless, the normal naming
conventions for characters (page 113) can be used again here. WHO’S IN CHARGE?
Leadership of a Great House can be a matter of grave importance, and
the house in play there are numerous ways that it can change. A few are noted below.
How a House affects character creation is only one part of X Death is the ordinary one. The previous leader dies, and the next
it, however. A Klingon’s House is an enduring part of the way in line takes their place. A House with no obvious heir may become
they go about daily life, and the Great Houses have influence nameless until succession can be determined.
far beyond merely their own members.
X Conquest allows a more powerful House to claim the lands and
During play, a House has a number of standard effects and resources of another House. Normally done to eliminate a rival
functions. In addition, you may use the milestones, Glory, and House, especially one with no surviving heir.
Shame a character accrues to influence the House to which
they belong. X Brek’tal applies when a House leader with no heir is slain honorably;
the leader’s widow may choose their former husband’s killer as
Normal Uses their new husband. There’s no requirement to do this: the choice is
There are a number of common effects which apply to entirely at the widow’s discretion.
characters who belong to a Great House.
X Similarly, special dispensation can be granted by the Council to the
X As noted earlier in this section, each character who widow of a slain leader to lead the House on their own, if they have
belongs to a Great House will have the House’s name as no heir and the former leader died ignobly or accidentally.
an additional character trait, in the form of “House of…”; if
the character is the leader of their Great House, then they X A trusted advisor of a House – known as a gin’tak – may challenge
may have “Leader of the House of…” as a Trait instead. the leader of a House if they believe that the leader is unfit to rule, in
a rite known as ya’nora kor.
X Whenever you encounter another Klingon of a Great
House, roll 1d20 on the following table; a low roll means X If an heir is not of age, then it may be necessary to have others –
that the other House respects yours, a high roll means advisors or the former leader’s siblings – rule in the heir’s stead.
that they are a rival.
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CHAPTER 05.00
WEAPONS AND
TECHNOLOGY
96241
14501 97136
9262
378
5732
9574
372
24
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6246 37931
26871’
TECHNOLOGY
lIH
– EMPEROR KAHLESS II
A few items are so ubiquitous amongst Klingon personnel that the rules Characters wishing to take or use items beyond this must
assume their presence as a matter of course. The items a character retrieve them from storage, replicate them, or otherwise
gains as standard-issue equipment during character creation are spend a little time to collect them.
regarded this way.
X If the situation is not time-sensitive, or where the
It falls to the gamemaster to determine whether a given item’s effects situation cannot get worse by spending time preparing,
are assumed (and thus already included in the Difficulty of a task, or the this can be done for free: the character states which
ability to attempt the task in the first place), or if using the item will affect equipment they wish to obtain, and they obtain it.
the task further. If an item’s effects are assumed, then the absence of
that item will make tasks more difficult, or even impossible, equivalent to X If the situation is time-sensitive, or where the situation
a complication. could deteriorate by spending additional time preparing,
obtaining equipment is costly: the character states
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144
which item they wish to obtain, and then must spend CARRYING CAPACITY
Momentum to retrieve it.
Characters can only carry so much at any one time. In addition
OPPORTUNITY COST to their standard equipment, and any equipment the character is
Spending Momentum to obtain an item is regarded as an wearing, a character may carry up to two items at once, or a single
opportunity cost: time spent gathering extra items steals large item (or two-handed weapon). A character may also wear
away potential opportunities that the crew may have, or a single suit (armor or an EVA suit). A character may try to carry
even creates opportunities for the situation to get worse. more than this, but each additional item imposes a complication
Whenever an item has an opportunity cost, it will be listed (“Overburdened” or something similar) on the character, which will
as Opportunity X, where X is the amount of Momentum that hinder the character’s physical activities and may prevent them from
must be spent to obtain the item. Opportunity costs are an taking certain actions (you can’t wield a weapon if your hands are full,
Immediate Momentum spend (see page 81) – the Momentum for example).
spent does not have to come from a successful task, and
it can be paid for from the group’s saved Momentum or by
adding to Threat.
Obtaining Multiple Items
ESCALATION COST When a character obtains an item, they obtain one copy
Some items – most commonly weapons, destructive of that item. If they wish to obtain additional copies, they
equipment, or anything that signifies aggression – may have must pay the opportunity cost for each copy of that item
an additional or different cost. This is called an escalation individually.
cost, and it is paid by adding to Threat, to reflect potentially
escalating an uncertain or dangerous situation. Items with an Escalation costs are not increased in this manner. A single
escalation cost will be listed with Escalation X, where X is escalation cost is paid regardless of how many copies of a
the amount of Threat added when the item is obtained. specific item is obtained, but if a character wishes to obtain
multiple different items, they must pay the escalation cost for
A given item may have both an opportunity cost and an each of those different items, where applicable.
escalation cost.
In these situations, obtaining the right equipment for a job is Innovation is about providing options for other tasks and
a task, or perhaps even a challenge or extended task. This is challenges. Innovation allows a character to push the limits
especially the case where an objective cannot be completed, of existing technologies, often to create new or greater
or an activity cannot be attempted at all, without the use functionality for some form of technology, such as using a
of a specific technology. Like most equipment in Star Trek warship’s navigational deflector to project streams of high-
Adventures, such an item may only be an advantage, but energy particles, or increasing the range and effectiveness of
gaining that advantage is a significant hurdle that must be a transporter system.
overcome before any progress can be made.
As these uses aren’t standard, they can come with some
The gamemaster’s discretion applies with regard to form of cost above and beyond the time and tasks or
unusual equipment of this sort, in determining how the challenges needed to make the changes. These nonstandard
characters may need to go about acquiring or constructing uses of technology could draw disproportionate amounts
the equipment they need. This could take many forms – of power, or put a strain on the system being modified, or
negotiating the use of technology from its creator, designing require that some other systems be disabled to create the
or inventing the technology to fabricate, or figuring out a new effect.
way to modify existing technology – and doing so could
even serve as the core objective of several scenes or even A need for innovation may stem from a new scientific
entire missions. discovery, such as those explained in Chapter 7.70: The Final
Frontier, and technically-minded characters may embark
upon an innovation immediately after making a discovery.
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146
science, and should really be some manner of vaguely- X Location: The innovation can only be completed in a
intelligible “technobabble” – the most important part is that it specific place, due to being built upon some immobile
makes some sense in story terms, and that the explanation facility or reliant on certain spatial or subspace
sounds like it makes sense. The accurate science isn’t a conditions, or some other quirk of location. Gaining
concern for the players – the characters should all have access to that location may be tricky, but that’s not the
expertise enough to know the specifics. only way that location can be a problem – it also means
that it cannot be relocated in the face of an enemy
At this point, the characters should define what system attack, or that circumstances in that location pose
or existing technology the innovation will build upon. The a time limit all their own due to a shifting or perilous
farther the purpose (what the innovation wants to achieve) environment.
or scale (how big the effect is) is from the normal function
of that technology, the more difficult everything else in this At this point, the characters should attempt to create a
process will become, and some innovations may be deemed final schematic for the innovation. This will invariably be a
impossible if the technology and the outcome are too far task, or perhaps an extended task if the work is perilous or
apart in terms of function or scale. time-sensitive, and it should use the Engineering discipline.
It should also use the Success at Cost rules (page 79) – you
DEVELOPMENT can’t really fail at this stage, but the result may not be quite
The gamemaster then defines a cost for the innovation. as was hoped. The gamemaster should set the Difficulty as
This will come in the form of some narrative requirement, normal, accounting for the costs already paid, and should
an amount of time, the support of personnel, some limited also determine the number of complications that occur on a
resource, some physical or geographic need (being in failed task.
the right place), or anything else the gamemaster feels is
appropriate. The type and scope of this cost should partly The gamemaster should keep track of the number of
reflect the difficulty of the overall innovation, and how big complications which occur as a result, but should not define
a conceptual gap exists between the basic technology and what they are immediately: they apply in the next stage.
the intended result, and particularly complex innovations
could have multiple costs. However, the costs should be PROTOTYPE
achievable – they should make the problem challenging, A prototype of the innovation has been created and
not impossible. assembled, and is ready to be used for its intended purpose.
It serves as two advantages for whatever purpose the device
X Time: The innovation may be entirely possible, but it’ll was designed to fulfill, and it can be used as soon as the
take a while, and in that time, the situation may grow characters need it. However, nothing created in this way is
worse or other problems may arise. The innovation won’t perfect – the character is using technology in ways outside
be rendered useless by the time, but the delay can cause the normal design parameters, often while under pressure
other issues, and will require the engineer’s attention and with limited resources. This is a very different experience
for the whole duration, preventing them from getting from designing a system from scratch under laboratory
involved in other activities. conditions, and nothing ever goes entirely to plan here.
There are invariably some issues that make the innovation
X Materials: Some aspect of the innovation requires a less convenient to use, and this is the point where the
rare, difficult-to-access, restricted, or otherwise hard-to- gamemaster determines what they are and reveals them to
acquire material resource. Obtaining that resource could the characters.
end up being a task or challenge.
The drawback(s) are up to the gamemaster to determine,
X Personnel: The innovation requires more than one and the number and severity of these drawbacks should be
person to work on it. In the simplest terms, this might based on the complexity of the innovation, as well as on the
mean obtaining an engineering or scientific team to work number of complications generated on the task or obstacle
on the innovation (see the “Personnel” sidebar, page during the previous stage. Examples include:
146), for however long it takes, or using a supporting
character. It may even require another player character or X Extremely large and bulky: The innovation’s final form
an important NPC to be involved, taking up their time and is big, often to a point where moving it into position
effort towards the completion of the innovation. In more becomes difficult. This should require a task to get
complicated situations, it might need specialist input, the innovation into position before it can be used. The
requiring the contributions or even presence of a noted more complications put toward this drawback, the more
expert in a specific field, and this may pose difficulties difficult the task.
if they have conditions for their assistance, possibly
requiring social conflict to convince them to help.
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148
X Massive power requirements: The innovation needs While many staples of modern technology – warp drive,
vast quantities of energy to function, and may need to transporters, directed energy weapons – have existed for
be hooked up to powerful reactors such as a warship’s generations, the sophistication of those technologies has
reactor core. This could hinder the function of other increased over time as new generations developed and
devices drawing from the same power source – you advanced those technologies.
can’t use the warp drive if power from the reactor
core is being diverted to some innovative-but-power- During a normal mission, characters will mostly have access
hungry creation. Using the innovation should require to the technologies of their era: their disruptors, tricorders,
the expenditure of at least one point of power from communicators, and their ship will all use contemporary
some source. The more complications put toward this technology. However, some situations – including the ever-
drawback, the more power the innovation requires. problematic time travel – can bring characters into contact
with technology decades or even centuries more advanced,
X Distinctive energy signature: The innovation’s output or less advanced, than the devices they are accustomed to.
produces an obvious and easy-to-detect signature
that can potentially draw unwanted attention or make More Advanced
stealth impossible. The more complications put toward Technology from the future is typically far more sophisticated
this drawback, the more potent the signature and the and capable than the devices that preceded it. Similarly, some
easier it is to detect. advanced alien cultures may have technology that appears
miraculous even to the most sophisticated devices that the
X Burn out: The innovation puts a lot of strain on the Empire has ever created. This might take a few different forms:
systems being used. The innovation can only be used
a limited number of times, and in the process, it causes X Unprecedented Technology: The device or technology
damage to the systems it was built upon. This may has no equivalent, and achieves something that familiar
mean that the process of using the innovation may technology cannot. An iconic example of this would be
require repairs to restore the underlying technologies the mobile holoemitter used by Voyager’s Emergency
after the innovation has been used. The more Medical Hologram, derived from 29th century technology.
complications put toward this drawback, the more This can be achieved with an advantage, as with most
quickly the system burns out, allowing fewer uses. devices – what differs is what the advantage represents
and enables, which is something beyond the reach of the
X Mutually exclusive: The innovation so thoroughly alters technologies that the characters normally interact with.
the normal function of the underlying technology that This technology may not be easy to reproduce, or it may
it will take time and effort to restore the system to its be difficult or even impossible to repair if damaged.
normal working state after use. This may not require
a task (or require a Difficulty 0 task), but it will take X Later Generation Technology: The device or
time, and prevent characters from making use of the technology is of a familiar type, but several decades,
technology’s normal function until it has been restored. or even centuries, ahead of familiar examples. This
The more complications put toward this drawback, the can easily be handled by applying one or more extra
more difficult and/or time-consuming it is to restore the advantages onto the device: it does the same thing as
system’s normal function. contemporary versions, but better, faster, and more
effectively, as well as having features and capabilities
that may only be theoretical for a contemporary version.
advanced technology A good example of this would be the tricorders of the
29th century’s Starfleet, which can detect and monitor
At times, the normal rules for equipment and technology things which a 24th century tricorder cannot, and which
may not be entirely satisfactory. This might be because the is a more effective device overall. Again, this additional
technology involved is especially complex or unusual, because advanced functionality may make the device harder,
it varies from the norm in some notable way, or because it is or even impossible to recreate, or it may mean that it
specialized or especially suited to a certain activity. cannot be repaired if it malfunctions or suffers damage.
This section provides guidance for the gamemaster, but it is X Unfamiliar Designs: A possible consequence of
presented here so that players can see the possibilities and handling advanced technology is that it is unfamiliar –
suggest instances where they may be relevant. it may have components or design elements that may
be partly or entirely unrecognizable to those trying
Generations of Technology to use or examine the device. This could serve as a
Most of the well-known cultures found in the Alpha and complication, increasing the Difficulty of, or making
Beta Quadrants have traveled the stars for centuries, impossible, certain tasks involving the device, but that
and have a long history of both conflict and cooperation. may run counter to the benefits of the technology,
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150
CHAPTER WEAPONS AND TECHNOLOGY
05.20
COMBAT GEAR
lIH
This section provides descriptions of a range of melee and initial target, and then one additional target within Close
ranged weapons and types of armor in use by Klingon range of the initial target for each effect rolled, starting
personnel and other cultures in the Alpha and Beta Quadrants. with the next closest (as determined by the gamemaster).
Weapons, protective gear, and other items used in combat If any complications are rolled when using an area attack,
have additional rules above and beyond simply being treated the gamemaster may choose to use complications to
as an advantage. These descriptions identify the weapon’s have an ally in the area affected by the attack. A target
effects and qualities, game statistics, and armor ratings. cannot be hit if it would have been more difficult to hit
than the initial target.
X Effects and Qualities: These are additional rules, X Accurate: The weapon is especially precise, often
providing additional restrictions or benefits that apply to incorporating additional sights that allow the user to use
the weapon’s use. the weapon more accurately. If the character performs
the Aim minor action before making an attack with this
Stress Effects weapon, then any number of d20s may be re-rolled,
The following abilities provide additional benefits whenever instead of the normal benefits of aiming.
an effect is rolled on the A (see Challenge Dice on page 72).
Whether one or more effects are rolled, all Stress effects that X Charge: The weapon has an adaptable energy supply,
apply to that attack are always triggered. allowing its potency to be scaled to various levels. If
the character performs a Prepare minor action before
X Area: The attack affects a wider area, and can affect attacking with this weapon, they may add one of the
several targets at once. The attack automatically affects following weapon Stress effects to the attack: Area,
any character or damageable object within reach of the Intense, Piercing 2, or Vicious 1.
X Deadly: The weapon is designed to be lethal; if the X Heavy blades like the Klingon bat’leth, Jem’Hadar
character attempts to make a non-lethal attack with this kar’takin, and Vulcan lirpa only see use in heavily ritualized
weapon, the Difficulty of the attack increases by 1. combat or in situations where hand-to-hand combat is
almost assured.
X Debilitating: Medicine tasks to perform first aid on
characters injured by this weapon, or to heal injuries X Bludgeons – ranging from improvised blunt objects to
caused by this weapon, increase in Difficulty by 1. batons, cudgels, and maces – are a useful way of fending
off aggressors or disabling enemies. This profile can also
X Grenade: The weapon is a throwable explosive or be used for any two-handed ranged weapon, wielded as
energetic device, normally carried in small quantities. an impromptu club.
It cannot be used to make attacks against an enemy
at long or extreme range. A character with a grenade Disruptors and Other Energy
weapon has sufficient grenades to make three attacks Weapons
with it during a scene. Disruptor and plasma weapons typically use a high-density
power cell to provide power, or an energy source of similar
X Hidden X: The weapon is easy to conceal, or designed capacity. Pistols can be held in a single hand, while rifles
to be disguised as something else. When the weapon is tend to need the use of two hands to properly balance
hidden, any search of the owning character requires an and aim. These weapons are typically less versatile than
Insight + Security or Reason + Security task, with a phasers, but inflict significantly more damage; their brutal
Difficulty of X, to locate the weapon. A character may use simplicity makes them more appealing to those who seek
a minor action to conceal a Hidden weapon. a weapon more than a tool. The modular disruptor pistol
variant is favored by Imperial Intelligence operatives for
X Inaccurate: The weapon is imprecise and clumsy, and its concealability potential – the components are easily
very little can be done to change that. The character disguised as parts of the standard Klingon armored uniform.
gains no benefit from the Aim minor action when making
an attack with this weapon. X Disruptor weapons rely on extremely high energy
particle discharges that will burn or boil targets at the
X Non-Lethal: The weapon is crippling, rather than deadly; lowest settings, and can disintegrate a target if enough
if the character attempts to make a lethal attack with this energy is applied.
weapon, the Difficulty of the attack increases by 1.
X The plasma weapons used by the Dominion’s Jem’Hadar
Melee Weapons soldiers cause severe burns and death through thermal
Nearly every sentient species at one time in their history has shock, and incorporate an anticoagulant effect that
developed weapons capable of breaking limbs or cutting makes injuries inflicted by them far harder to treat.
flesh. Some of these weapons were culturally important
to those species and have remained in use even after that Phasers
culture entered the wider interstellar culture. X Developed in the mid-22nd century, the hand phaser was
an outgrowth from research into focused particle streams
X Every character has the means to make an unarmed for higher efficiency warp cores. Primitive phaser systems,
attack, striking with fists, feet, knees, elbows, head, or such as the phase pistol and ship-mounted phase cannon,
otherwise using brute force without a weapon. Countless were refined into true phaser systems by the 23rd century.
martial arts, such as Klingon Mok’bara, Vulcan Suus Like ship-mounted phasers, hand phasers use a phased
Mahna, and Human styles like boxing or aikido, exist and modulated particle beam that can transmit incredible
to allow individuals to hone their ability to disable foes amounts of energy onto a target depending on the setting
without weapons. of the device and the frequency of the power modulation.
X Bladed weapons such as the knife or dagger continue X All hand phasers use a high-energy power cell as their
to be useful as tools or for close combat situations. power source, and are split into three categories that
Developments over the centuries in materials science have are dependent on the power storage capabilities of the
given these weapons continued use in nearly every service device. At their lowest settings, all phasers are capable
as backup weapons or as tools that can be used in lieu of of long-term use, but at their highest settings a type-1
more specialist equipment. hand phaser, may only have enough energy stored for a
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152
weapons
NAME TYPE STRESS RATING SIZE QUALITIES COST
Unarmed Strike Melee 1A , Knockdown 1H Non-lethal –
Knife/Dagger Melee 1A , Vicious 1 1H Deadly, Hidden 1 Opportunity 1
(d’k tahg, mevak, etc.)
Blade Melee 2A , Vicious 1 1H – Opportunity 1
(sword, mek’leth, ushaan-tor, etc.)
Heavy Blade Melee 3A , Vicious 1 2H – Opportunity 1
(bat'leth, gin'tak, kar'takin, lirpa) Escalation 1
Bludgeon Melee 2A , Knockdown 1H – Opportunity 1
Painstik Melee 3A 2H Intense, Charge, Non-lethal Opportunity 1
Modular Disruptor Pistol Ranged 2A 1H Cumbersome, Hidden 2, Opportunity 1
Inaccurate
Disruptor Pistol Ranged 3A , Vicious 1 1H – Standard Issue
Disruptor Rifle Ranged 4A , Vicious 1 2H Accurate Opportunity 1
Escalation 2
Phaser Type-1 Ranged 2A 1H Charge, Hidden 1 Not Available
Phaser Type-2 Ranged 3A 1H Charge Not Available
Phaser Type-3 (Phaser Rifle) Ranged 4A 2H Accurate, Charge Not Available
Pulse Grenade Ranged 4A , Area 1H Charge, Grenade Not Available
Andorian Plasma Rifle Ranged 4A , Intense 2H Accurate, Deadly Not Available
Jem’Hadar Plasma Pistol Ranged 3A , Vicious 1 1H Debilitating Not Available
Jem’Hadar Plasma Rifle Ranged 4A , Vicious 1 2H Accurate, Debilitating Not Available
Phase Pistol Ranged 3A 1H – Not Available
Particle Rifle Ranged 4A 2H Accurate Not Available
This is my second time dealing with a kut’luch in less than a month. Light Body Armor
The Klingons have a lot of weapons but this assassin’s blade is Starting in the 2270s, most Klingon personnel serving in the
particularly nasty. One of the 12-inch blades pierced Lieutenant Worf’s Klingon Defense Force, be they warrior or technician, were
liver, the other hit a kidney. If I hadn’t been with him when he was issued a set of light body armor as standard equipment. A suit
attacked, the poison on the blade would’ve probably killed him. of light armor consists of padded torso protection, reinforced
shoulder pads and spine guards, and thick gloves and boots.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t save the two Nausicaans that attacked him. I’ve Commanding officers and other dignitaries often wear a
never seen Worf like that, his brutality, like he was letting loose something decorated sash or mantle atop their armor.
inside him. When it was over I could see he barely recognized me.
Heavy Body Armor
I’m always amazed by Worf’s healing abilities; twelve hours from the Heavy body armor has been issued periodically to Klingon
attack and he’s ready for duty. I was surprised to see the kut’luch being warriors at various times in the Empire’s history, most
used by Nausicaans and not Klingons. When I asked Worf if the attack commonly for ceremonial purposes or for the Chancellor’s
had anything to do with his discommendation or the Klingon Duras, he own personal guard. Other species employ heavy body
wouldn’t answer me. armor as well, which normally takes the form of a bulky blast
vest and helmet, both designed to absorb and disperse
PERSONAL LOG impacts and energy attacks.
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Environment Suits
Environment suits or EV suits are normally used for extra-
armor types
vehicular activities – such as moving in hard vacuum. They
NAME RESISTANCE COST
provide minimal physical protection, mainly due to being
Light Body Armor 1 Standard equipment
made of tough materials. These suits are issued as and when
Heavy Body Armor 2 Opportunity 1 Escalation 1
a mission requires – the opportunity cost may be ignored
Environment Suit 1 Opportunity 2
if the mission takes place in an environment that would be
Personal Force Field 4 Opportunity 1 Escalation 2
deadly without protection. The suits contain magnetic boots,
a supply of breathable atmosphere, radiation shielding, and
a communications relay more powerful than a standard
personal communicator. of such devices mean they have limited use in protracted
fighting. A character with a personal force field gains the listed
Personal Force Fields Resistance, but must roll 1A after each time they are hit by an
These personal shields are sometimes issued to alien security attack; if an effect is rolled, the force field loses power for the
and combat personnel, though the power requirements rest of the scene, and no longer provides Resistance.
TOOLS AND
CHAPTER
05.30
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PORTABLE GEAR
“EVEN THE BEST BLADE WILL RUST AND GROW DULL UNLESS IT IS CARED FOR.”
– EMPEROR KAHLESS II
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Anti-grav Sled (Opportunity 2): The anti-grav sled Beacons (Opportunity 1): Like most battery powered light
resembles a small cart without wheels. On the bottom of sources dating back to the 20th century, the standard issue
the device there are multiple graviton emitters that counter Starfleet beacon has a wider range of functions, including
the local gravity field, effectively making the sled and any changing the frequency of the light emitted from the near
items placed on it nearly weightless, though not massless. infrared to long-wave ultraviolet, or providing a “white” light
In a natural gravity field the sled is less efficient, while on for species that evolved with different natural light. Beacons
a vessel that has gravity plating, the sled interacts with the can also be set to emit entirely in the near infrared, providing a
ships computer to lower the artificial gravity around the short-term heat source in a survival situation. Standard Defense
sled, allowing more mass to be moved and for a longer Force beacons are usually hand-held or fitted to disruptor rifles.
operational timespan. Versions which double as stretchers
for transporting injured personnel are often used in medical Communicator (Standard Issue): The standard Klingon
wards, sickbays, and hospitals. communicator is a ubiquitous piece of technology. During the
22nd and 23rd centuries, these devices were hand-held and
Audio Receiver (Standard Issue for Communications allowed the user to communicate with a warship in orbit or
Officer, Opportunity 1 otherwise): Often confused with another communicator broadcasting on the same series of
jewelry, the ear receiver has fallen out of favor since the subspace channels. By the 24th century the communicator
23rd century, but still can be seen in use by specialists in was further miniaturized with the introduction of isolinear
communication technologies as well as lingual and other technologies, and allowed constant contact with a warship’s
aural sciences. The audio receiver ties directly into shipboard main computer and the ability to communicate directly with
communication networks and allows the user to listen to any other crew member wearing a similar device. The 23rd
data coming across not only subspace frequencies typically and 24th century versions of these devices also include a
used for long-range communication and ship to surface, but small, but complex universal translator.
also inter-ship computer alerts and data so as not to distract
others at nearby stations with the chatter. The receiver can Emergency Transponder (Opportunity 1): Emergency
also be programmed to provide aural or vibrational feedback transponders are small hand-held devices capable of
to users, allowing sensor operators greater accuracy in their transmitting strong subspace signals with limited amounts of
duties. Characters using the ear receiver gain the advantage data. This data usually consists of a wave-guide that allows
of reducing the Threat range of tasks by 1 that involve starship sensors to detect the transmitter from light-years
communications, starship operations, or sensor operations. away when there is no interference, and from AUs away with
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CHAPTER 06.00
CONFLICT
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24
7’
6246 37931
26871’
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CHAPTER CONFLICT
06.10
INTRODUCTION
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– KLINGON PROVERB
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CHAPTER CONFLICT
06.20
SOCIAL CONFLICT
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– GENERAL CHANG
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If the Persuasion task succeeds, you complete your Example: Captain Kang, believing Kirk to be responsible for
objective, and the other party agrees with you or agrees to killing his crew and disabling his ship, threatens to take the
your demands. If the Persuasion task fails – even if it failed Enterprise from Kirk. Kang demands that Kirk contact his
automatically – then not only do you not get what you wanted ship to beam them all aboard, a Persuasion task that is nearly
from the exchange, but you cannot try again without some impossible – Kirk has no intention of allowing the Klingons
change of circumstances, or by altering the request. to beam aboard the Enterprise, much less commandeer her.
Kang decides to intimidate Kirk – Kang has caught Kirk and
During a social conflict, each side may have different goals, his landing party unawares, and is willing to take extreme
meaning that each side will engage in their own tasks to measures to brow-beat Kirk into submission.
further those goals. Even in something as seemingly one-
directional as an interrogation, the interrogator will be trying Intimidating Kirk is difficult – he is strong-willed, resolute, and
to get information, while the interrogated party may have a fiercely protective of his ship and crew. Kang rolls his Daring
goal all their own, such as trying to prove their innocence. + Command Persuasion task, with his Intimidation focus, and
the gamemaster sets his Difficulty at 5, given that he does
As a Persuasion task is driven by its context, what is have advantages and is willing to go to extremes to get what
impossible in one situation may be entirely feasible in he wants. Kirk gathers his dice and uses one of his values to
another. In order to make your opposition pliable to your spend Determination, rolling Control + Command to stand
demands, it may be useful to break up an objective into firm; because complying with Kang would force Kirk to go
smaller Persuasion tasks – in the form of a challenge – and against his nature, the gamemaster sets his Difficulty at 1.
pursue an overall objective that way. Kirk generates more Momentum, winning the first round, and
tells Kang to “Go to the devil.”
Social Tools
This is also where social tools come in – the methods by Kang decides to make good on his threat and has his landing
which you can alter the context and circumstances of a party torture Chekov. Kang rolls another Persuasion task, this
social conflict, moving things in your favor. Each social tool one at Difficulty 2. Kirk tries to resist, but Kang generates
is a trait, and they can be used individually or collectively to more Momentum this time. Unwilling to see Chekov harmed
shape a social conflict. any further, Kirk begs Kang to stop the torture and then
agrees to have everyone beamed up to the Enterprise.
INTIMIDATION
A direct and crude method of coercion is to inspire fear, DECEPTION
doubt, and uncertainty in your opponent. Intimidation uses Falsehoods and deceit can be valuable tools, and honorable
threats to compel someone into action by convincing others if the ends are honorable too – but lies are dangerous.
that their non-compliance will be met with force. Deception can be used by itself to make a request
seem more reasonable or palatable, or it can be used in
Intimidating someone is an opposed task, with the Difficulty conjunction with other tools to create a more significant
of each task based on the relative perceived strengths of impact. However, effective deception requires skill, cunning,
each side – it is easier to intimidate, and to resist intimidation, and an understanding of who is being lied to.
from a position of strength. Intimidating someone, naturally,
requires that they believe that there is a real threat. Deception is always an opposed task, with the deceiver’s
Difficulty based on how reasonable or believable the lie is
Successfully intimidating someone imposes a trait upon to the target, and the target’s Difficulty being determined by
them, representing their fear of whatever the threat was. their suspicions. Successfully deceiving someone convinces
Failing to intimidate someone makes further attempts to them of something that is not true, creates an advantage that
intimidate them in the same scene more difficult, often represents the lie they now believe, and will shape their future
requiring even greater threats to compensate for this. actions accordingly.
The drawback of intimidation is that it is inherently hostile, Deception can be used to establish lies in preparation for
which can cause problems of its own. Employing intimidation future Persuasion tasks. Empty threats can intimidate a foe
creates an antagonistic tension between the two sides – with a peril they believe is real, and history is full of scams,
represented by traits – which can worsen other forms of cons, and tricks where people bargained with things they
interactions, cause lingering resentment, or even provoke a didn’t own. The problem with deception is, of course, that it’s
target to aggression. Intimidation is not a path to a protracted all a lie. If the target discovers that they were deceived, they
and stable peace. will hesitate to trust your character in the future, and may
even seek retribution – in effect the advantage you created
becomes a complication. Further, any complications suffered
while establishing a lie may reveal flaws in your deception,
making the target suspicious.
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Example: While Kirk and his crew, and Kang and the tools. Providing proof of your ability to carry out a threat
survivors of his vessel, are all aboard the Enterprise and can be vital when intimidating someone, giving evidence of
under the influence of an alien entity, Kirk manages to capture your ability to pay during negotiations can smooth things
Kang’s wife Mara and has her held on the bridge. In an effort along, and even deception can benefit from the right forged
to convince Kang to make peace before the alien entity documentation if it helps make the lie more believable.
destroys the Enterprise, Kirk tries to bluff Kang by suggesting
they’ll kill Mara if Kang doesn’t make peace. Example: Desperate for another solution to convince Kang
to work with him to stop the alien entity, Kirk decides to
The gamemaster sets the Difficulty at 4; it’s a longshot to try try and ask Mara for help. He knows that he and his crew
and deceive Kang, given how resolute and ruthless he is. Kirk have tried to be trustworthy and helpful since encountering
and Kang make their opposed rolls, and Kang generates more Kang, including beaming survivors over to the Enterprise,
Momentum. Kang pauses and then notes that Mara will simply treating their wounded in sickbay, and rescuing Mara from
be a victim of war. Realizing that Kang has called his bluff, Kirk assault. The gamemaster sets Kirk’s Persuasion task at
must find another way to convince Kang to make peace. Difficulty 3 – Kirk’s actions and those of his crew have
helped soften Mara’s opinion of Starfleeters, though she still
EVIDENCE doesn’t trust them. When Mara wonders why Kirk won’t go
The counterpoint to deception is evidence – offering through with killing her, he notes that the Federation doesn’t
something that provides certainty and proof of your claims. act like that, and that she’s been listening to propaganda
In many cases, providing evidence may be a straightforward fables. He also notes that it’s the alien entity that has set
affair, automatically successful, but convincing someone that this particular stage for violence, not Kirk or his crew. The
the evidence is legitimate may be difficult, particularly if that gamemaster notes that revealing these facts bring the
person expects deception, which may set a Difficulty for a Difficulty down to 1. Kirk plays off Mara’s comment about
task. Each piece of evidence is a trait, either allowing you to survival and states that mutual trust can help create another
attempt a Persuasion task or decreasing the Difficulty by 1. way to survive. They make their opposed rolls, and Kirk
generates more Momentum, succeeding at the task. Mara
Evidence can be used in conjunction with any of the other agrees to help him try and talk Kang into working with Kirk
social tools, and their use is often the driving force of those rather than against him.
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SOCIAL CONFLICT IN COMBAT Negotiations may involve a lot of position shifting from both
sides, as they make and retract offers, or discover that the
Social conflict and combat are not mutually exclusive modes of conflict. other party doesn’t have what they want. In some situations,
So long as characters can communicate, they can engage in social numerous sessions of negotiation may be needed to obtain
conflict. While the most natural uses for social conflict in combat – what one party wants from someone else to progress.
convincing the other side to surrender – are not honorable, and Klingons
don’t take prisoners, it can be used to convince opponents to put down The drawback to negotiation is the cost of success. You may
their blades and begin talking again. find yourself offering more than you wanted to give up, or
you may find that what you obtained was worth far less than
In these instances, it’s worth remembering that communication the price you paid for it. Failing to provide what was offered
doesn’t have to mean speech, text, or any other form of complex can also produce serious problems, which can be particularly
communication. Actions can convey ideas as effectively as words, so significant if the negotiations were based on a lie.
long as the ideas aren’t particularly nuanced or complex. A blast from a
disruptor can be a threat, while conveying a false appearance – hidden In some ways, negotiation is the antithesis of intimidation
troops, or a feigned retreat – can be an effective deception. Using these – achieving a goal through offering something productive,
non-verbal cues, as well as more precise forms of communication, can rather than threatening something destructive. Certainly, few
be an effective way of achieving victory. beings will be amenable to trade and negotiation with those
they’ve been threatened by, and such trades may have a
steeper cost because of previous hostilities.
NEGOTIATION
Negotiation is a fine art, requiring a keen mind and strong Example: Armed with the evidence that his father, Mogh, is
willpower. Negotiation involves compensation in exchange innocent of any wrongdoing regarding the Khitomer massacre
for granting a request, and this compensation can take many and that it is Duras’s father, Ja’rod, who is the traitor, Worf
forms, with different people and different circumstances confronts Chancellor K’mpec in closed meeting and attempts
susceptible to different offers. The Ferengi and many other to persuade him to impose justice on Duras and his House.
cultures trade in gold-pressed latinum and other precious K’mpec refuses to hear it, knowing that if the truth were
goods, continually adjusting their offers until they reach revealed, it would plunge the Empire into civil war. After
the best deal for themselves. Diplomats mediate disputes, some consideration and some impassioned words from
arranging the terms of trade agreements and territorial Captain Picard, Worf offers a proposal: he will keep the truth
disputes by securing concessions from each side until to himself and accept discommendation in order to preserve
everyone is happy (or at least willing to comply). the stability of the Empire. This creates an advantage of
“Something K’mpec Needs” toward the Persuasion task,
When you negotiate with someone you create an and a complication of “Discommended” going forward that
advantage that represents what you’re willing to offer, and a significantly impacts Worf’s status within the Empire and any
complication that represents the cost of that offer. Each new dealings he may have with any Klingon in the future. Where
offer is considered a new change of circumstances for the previously the Persuasion task would have been impossible,
Persuasion task as well. Negotiation doesn’t require a task by now there is a possibility. The Difficulty of the task is now 5,
itself – it is more a process of trial and error. allowing Worf to attempt the Persuasion task.
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PERSONAL COMBAT
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"EVEN HALF DRUNK, KLINGONS ARE AMONG THE BEST WARRIORS IN THE GALAXY.”
the warrior’s way as distinct zones, using the internal walls and bulkheads
as natural divisions, while a city street may focus zones
Combat, warfare, and martial prowess are where you earn around features like parked vehicles, the fronts of buildings,
glory for your House, and for the Klingon Empire. There alleyways, and so forth.
is no greater honor than victory, and these rules will give
you the means to attain those victories. Klingon warriors You track your character’s place in combat by noting which
make up the greatest military force in the Alpha and Beta zone they are in. This should be relatively easy in most
Quadrants, respected and feared in equal measure by allies cases, as zones are defined by the terrain around them, so
and enemies alike. tracking your character can be a matter of simple description
– “behind the control console” or “standing by the shuttle.”
Klingon history is full of heroes, battles won against This has the advantage of relying on natural language and
insurmountable odds, and wars fought for the expansion of intuitive concepts, rather than specific game terms, and
the Empire. Ritualized combat also has deeper meaning and avoids the tracking of relative distances which can become
consequence, from the challenge of a superior to deciding fiddly where there are many characters present.
the winning candidate to chancellorship of the High Council.
However it is framed, personal combat is a proud and Zones do not have a fixed size; they are based on the
honorable part of Klingon culture that is well practiced and features of the battlefield. A forest may be divided into many
devastatingly effective. small zones between trees, while its clearings will have larger
zones. Larger zones convey quicker movement and easier
Combat is first framed by the gamemaster in terms of the target acquisition in open areas, while the smaller zones
battlefield – in zones and any environmental traits. Then, convey cramped conditions and short lines of sight.
the turn order is established as normal, and you act on your
turn and the round ends when every character has had the Individual zones often have terrain effects defined when
chance to act. the gamemaster creates them, like cover or difficult terrain,
interactive objects, or hazards. Some zones may be defined
more by the absence of terrain than its presence, and
the battlefield some environments are enhanced by a few “empty” zones
between obstacles.
In battle, knowing where every combatant is vitally
importance, and determining both absolute position (where
you are on the battlefield) and relative position (how far USING MAPS
you are from a given friend or foe) is essential. Rather than
track everything in precise distances, Star Trek Adventures Larger or particularly complex scenes may become tricky to track purely
resolves this matter using zones and distances. by memory, so your gamemaster may wish to sketch a map or use
some of the Star Trek Adventures geomorphic deck tiles provided by
Zones Modiphius Entertainment. You can mark your character positions using
A battlefield in which you fight is always a discrete location tokens or miniatures and moving them around as required. Modiphius
– a building, a colony street, an area of wilderness, part of Entertainment stocks a range of Star Trek Adventures miniatures,
a starship, or other area. A battlefield is divided into several including Klingon warriors.
zones based on the terrain in the area. A relatively simple
battlefield may consist of three to five significant zones,
while complex environments may have many more. For
example, combat inside a starship may treat individual rooms
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165
Distances OTHER SENSES
Movement and ranged attacks are measured in four Humanoid perception, broadly, is dominated by sight and
distances, and one state, based on the battlefield’s zones. hearing, but other senses can come into play depending
on the species. A character’s sense of touch is limited to
X The state of Reach is when an object or character is Reach. The keen sense of smell most Klingons have is
within arm’s length of your character. You enter Reach to effective within Close range, and tasks made to detect
interact with objects manually or to make a melee attack. something by smell beyond Close range increase in
Reach isn’t a specific range, rather a state you can enter Difficulty by 1 per zone. Humans, Vulcans, Romulans,
when you move. When you move your character into or and most other civilized species can only detect the most
within a zone, you can declare that they are moving into pungent smells outside of Reach.
or out of Reach of something. Being within Reach of an
enemy increases the Difficulty of any task that isn’t a A species with a particularly keen sense may reduce the
melee attack by 1. Difficulty of all tasks related to that sense, while dull senses
X Close range is defined as the zone you are in, or a increase the Difficulty of those tasks – in any case, this is
distance of 0 zones. covered by the creature’s species trait.
X Medium range is defined as an adjacent zone, or a
distance of 1 zone. Telepathy can be thought of as a sense in this regard, able to
X Long range is defined as two zones away, or a distance discern thoughts and the mental presence of other creatures
of 2 zones. over a distance. Similarly, the use of scanning equipment
X Extreme range is any zone beyond long range, or a can allow you to detect things that one would be unable to
distance of 3 or more zones. perceive otherwise.
While prone, a character can re-roll any number of cover dice, and the A zone will either provide cover to any creature in the zone,
Difficulty of all ranged attacks against you from Medium range or farther or the gamemaster may point out features within the zone
away increase by 1. However, melee attacks and ranged attacks at Close that grant cover (requiring you to be within reach of that
range gain 2 bonus Momentum against you, and you cannot attempt any feature to benefit from its Resistance).
movement-related tasks.
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Interactive Objects minor actions
Interactive objects are any object or terrain feature that you
can manipulate. Doors and windows are a common example, ACTION DESCRIPTION
as are control panels and computer terminals. Interacting Aim f Y
ou can re-roll a single d20 when you make an
attack this turn.
with these objects may only take a minor action, but a
Draw Item f Y ou pick up an item within reach or draw an item
complex object might need a task to interact with properly, at
you are carrying.
the discretion of the gamemaster. f If the item doesn’t require a task to use, you can
use it immediately for free.
Stand/ f Y ou can drop to the ground, making yourself a
actions Drop Prone smaller target, or Move from prone to standing,
losing all the effects of being prone.
f You cannot Stand and Drop Prone in the same turn.
On your turn you can take one minor action and attempt
Interact f Y ou interact with an object in the environment.
one task. You can take more minor actions by spending
f C omplex interactions may require a task instead.
Momentum, and attempt a second task by spending
Movement f M ove to any point within Medium range. You
Momentum or Determination. cannot take this minor action if you perform any
movement-related tasks this turn.
Minor Actions f T his movement is slow and careful enough to move
through difficult or hazardous terrain without a
Minor actions are short activities that do not count as a
problem.
task, and do not require dice to be rolled. They are taken in f If there are any enemies within Reach of you, you
support of a task, like moving into position before making cannot perform this action.
an attack. You can take one minor action per turn, and take Prepare f Y
ou prepare for or set up a task. Some items or
any number of additional minor actions by spending one tasks require this minor action before the task
can be attempted, or grant special benefits for
Momentum for each extra minor action (Immediate).
performing this task.
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Tasks
You can attempt one task during your turn. You can attempt
a second task in your turn by spending Determination (as
described in Determination page 79), spending 2 Momentum
7826
after your first successful task (your next task increases in 3269
Difficulty by 1), or if you are the subject of the Direct task.
tasks
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making an attack ASSISTANCE IN COMBAT
Attacks are the most important and direct of tasks in combat The Assist task works a little differently than most other tasks in combat.
and require a little more discussion than the normal tasks. In these situations, you can choose to assist at the moment another
The process for making an attack is as follows: character declares the task you wish to assist, even though it isn’t your
turn. However, you can only provide this assistance if you have not
already acted this round, and providing assistance means that you will
CHOOSE A WEAPON AND TARGET not take a turn of your own later in the round – assisting takes up your
Choose the weapon you plan to attack with, turn instead.
and a viable target. A melee attack can only be
attempted within Reach. A ranged attack can target While this may seem a little more complex on the surface, in play it
anything within your line of sight. makes teamwork and assistance easier to resolve: you don’t have to
plan in advance if you want to assist someone, you simply declare it at
the moment it becomes relevant, so long as you’re not doing anything
LETHAL OR NON-LETHAL else that round.
Choose whether the attack is intended to be non-lethal
or lethal. Some lethal or non-lethal attacks are more
difficult depending on the weapon. Melee Combat Example: Koloth, along with his allies, enters
the Albino’s stronghold and immediately engages with the
security guards. Koloth attacks a guard to kill (adding 1 to
ATTEMPT A TASK, Threat) and rolls his Daring + Security, scoring only a single
DETERMINED BY THE TYPE OF ATTACK: success, while the guard generates one success on his own
Daring + Security task. Since Koloth was the aggressor, he
X Melee attack: Attempt a Daring + Security task wins the tie and rolls to inflict Stress. Not inflicting enough
with a Difficulty of 1, opposed by your target’s Stress to knock out the guard, the fight continues, and the
Daring + Security (also Difficulty 1). If your target guard attacks back during his own turn. On the next turn,
wins the opposed task, then they inflict stress on Koloth buys an extra d20 by adding to Threat, and scores
you instead. enough successes to not only hit the guard but boost his
X Ranged attack: Attempt a Control + Security Stress so that the guard is incapacitated.
task with a Difficulty of 2. The Difficulty increases
1 if there is an enemy within your Reach. The Ranged Combat Example: During battle, several
complication range of the attack increases by 1 Jem’Hadar soldiers beam onto General Martok’s warship,
if there are creatures within Reach of your target, and Martok and his loyal bridge crew find themselves
with a complication meaning you hit the other surrounded. Martok pulls his disruptor pistol and declares
creatures as well. that he’s attacking to kill a Jem’Hadar (adding 1 to Threat),
buys an extra d20 with Momentum, and opens fire, rolling
his Control 9 + Security 4 task. He generates the necessary
INFLICT STRESS 2 successes and hits his target. Martok rolls his 7A for
If your task succeeds then the attack inflicts stress, Stress and deals enough to incapacitate the Jem’Hadar.
as described below.
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169
stress and injury Resistance
You may also have some Resistance allowing you to shrug
When you successfully hit an opponent during combat, they off some Stress through protective gear, innate resilience, or
may become injured. Some environmental effects also come circumstantial advantages like cover. Resistance comes in
with a risk of injury, such as falling from great heights, being two forms – static values, which normally represent armor
set on fire, exposure to hostile environments, industrial or and innate resilience, and A, which represent inconsistent
engineering accidents, and a range of other hazards. and circumstantial protection, such as cover.
X Disengage: The character may move safely away from their When your character suffers an injury, they are incapacitated
opponent. The character moves to any point within Close range and unable to take any actions or attempt any tasks for the
which is outside of their opponent’s reach. remainder of the scene. If your character would suffer two
injuries from a single attack, resolve those injuries one at a
X Grapple: The character grabs their opponent. This requires that the time (based on whichever condition occurred first).
character has an empty hand. This places a Grappled complication
on the target, which will prevent them from taking any actions If your character is already injured by a non-lethal attack,
other than trying to break free (Difficulty 2, Fitness + Security) or then another injury (of any kind) immediately turns that into
attacking the grappling character (which increases in Difficulty by 1). a lethal injury. If your character has already been injured by a
The grappling character gains one bonus Momentum on all melee lethal attack, then another injury instantly kills your character.
attacks against the grappled character. The complication is removed At the gamemaster’s discretion, a dead character may be
automatically when the grappling character chooses, or when they disintegrated entirely.
move out of reach.
CONSEQUENCES OF INJURIES
X Shove: The character forces their opponent away. The target If the injury came from a non-lethal attack, your character
is moved out of reach, to any other point within Close range. In recovers from their injury at the start of the next scene,
addition, the character rolls their normal unarmed strike Stress dice, though not any complications they suffered because of those
but does not inflict any Stress; the stress dice are rolled only to see injuries. Your character regains consciousness, though they
if the knockdown effect triggers. If there is a hazard that a character might be a little dizzy or disoriented for a few moments.
could be pushed over, then they will only fall if they are knocked Of course, they may also have been captured while
prone as part of this attack. unconscious, which brings a new set of problems.
X Strike: The character harms their opponent. The character rolls their If the injury came from lethal attack, then things can only
normal melee Stress dice and inflicts Stress normally. get worse. At the end of a scene in which a character was
injured by a lethal attack, then they will die unless they have
been stabilized through the First Aid task. If your character
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has been stabilized then they’re still injured, and unable to OBJECTS AND STRESS
take minor actions or attempt tasks until the injury has been
healed properly, but they’re no longer in immediate danger If you’re attacking objects, the gamemaster can also track their integrity
of death. by using Stress tracks, functioning the same way as characters’ Stress
tracks, and most objects will have a small amount of Resistance,
Injured characters cannot be targeted by any further attacks representing their durability. Where a character would suffer an injury,
unless you generate 1 Threat (or the gamemaster spends an object will break – walls and barriers are opened, complex systems
1 Threat for an NPC). Inflicting an injury on an already- cease to function, etc. Especially sturdy objects may require several
injured character will kill them immediately, if the attack is “injuries” to completely break them.
lethal – there’s only so much a body can take, even with the
resilience of a Klingon warrior.
IGNORING AN INJURY
AVOIDING INJURY Instead of avoiding an injury, you can spend a point of
Characters don’t sit idly by and suffer injuries. Many proud Determination to ignore the effects of an injury for the
warriors – including all player characters – have a limited remainder of a scene. Unlike most uses of Determination, this
ability to fend off mortal wounds, by diving aside at the last doesn’t require that the character has a value appropriate for
possible moment, pushing through the pain, or otherwise the situation – this use is always available.
dodging out of the way. This kind of desperate act cannot be
done indefinitely, and it always comes at a price – whether It is also risky: the character is still injured, but they’re giving
giving up on opportunities, giving the enemy an edge, or up the “protection” of being incapacitated (i.e., enemies no
allowing some other problem to occur. longer need to spend Threat to target the injured character),
so another lethal injury will be fatal. At the end of the scene,
When your character suffers an injury, you have the option the character returns to suffering the effects of the injury
of avoiding it. Avoiding an Injury is a Momentum spend normally, and any Medicine tasks made to heal the injury
that prevents the injury from happening. Avoiding an Injury increases in Difficulty by 1.
costs 2 Momentum (Immediate), and the character suffers
no effects from being injured, and may continue to act as HEALING, INJURIES, AND COMPLICATIONS
normal. Avoiding an Injury does not remove any other effects You may provide first aid to your fallen comrades to
from the attack – Stress is still inflicted, the character may fight another day! If you succeed with the First Aid task,
have been knocked prone, etc. attempting a Daring + Medicine task with a Difficulty of 1,
the injured character is stabilized and will not die at the
You can pay for Avoid an Injury by generating Threat instead end of the scene. Your patient still requires proper treatment
of spending Momentum, and you can also Avoid an Injury by to recover from the injury fully and will be incapacitated
suffering a complication, which represents a minor injury, or until you do.
some other consequence of the attack such as a bystander
hit, damage to machinery nearby, etc. Recovering from the injury is a different matter and cannot
be done during a combat scene. When you are injured you
Regardless of how it is paid for, you can only Avoid an require treatment to remove your injury and return to active
Injury once per scene until succeeding at a Recover task duty. Medical treatment to remove an injury is a Control
(page 168). You cannot stockpile extra chances to Avoid + Medicine task with a Difficulty of 3, though traits such
an Injury – if you already have a chance to Avoid an Injury, as the equipment available, the place where the treatment
you can’t gain an extra chance to use later – and an unused is being performed, and the number of injury-related
chance left over at the end of the scene is lost. complications the patient is suffering from can all adjust
this Difficulty. It is, naturally, much easier to treat serious
Example: Commander Kurn, in hand-to-hand combat with injuries in a well-stocked medical ward than it is to provide
several other Klingons during the Klingon civil war, disables that same treatment in a damp cave with a basic medkit.
one of his attackers but is attacked from behind by another, Success on this task removes the injury completely, as well
who stabs him with a d’k tahg dagger. The Klingon has 1 as all related complications.
Momentum left from his attack, and rolls 4A for Stress,
for a result of 1, 2, 0, and an effect, for a total of 4 Stress. If you need to heal any medical complications – any
Spending his Momentum to add 1 to the Stress for a total complications that affect a character’s physical or mental
of 5, the Klingon inflicts an injury on Kurn. Kurn chooses to health – it takes a Control + Medicine task with a Difficulty
suffer a complication to pay for avoiding the injury, describing of 2 to remove one such complication, and additional
it as taking a minor wound. He’s hurt, but can still stand and complications can be removed for 2 Momentum each
fight for now. (Repeatable).
conflict
171
weapons and effects when using an Area attack, the gamemaster can choose
to use complications to have an ally in the area affected
Stress inflicted by weapons and hazards have a few common by the attack. A target cannot be hit if it would have been
functions. The key elements of a weapon are the type of more difficult to hit than the initial target.
weapon it is, its Stress rating, the size of the weapon, and any
qualities it possesses that influence how it is used. X Intense: The attack inflicts massive harm on a target,
incapacitating them far more swiftly. The Momentum
X Weapon Type: Either melee or ranged, determining what cost to Avoid an Injury caused by an Intense weapon
kind of attack you can make. increases by 1 for each effect rolled.
X Stress Rating: This will be a number of A you roll and X Knockdown: If one or more effects are rolled on this
will list any effects that trigger when an effect symbol is attack, then the target is knocked prone. The target
rolled in the dice pool. can resist this effect by adding a number of points
to Threat (or spend for NPCs) equal to the number of
X You roll additional A equal to your character’s effects rolled.
Security discipline whenever you inflict Stress on a
target with an attack. X Piercing X: The attack ignores X points of the target’s
total Resistance for each effect rolled.
X Size: Weapons will either be one-handed (1H) or two-
handed (2H). A two-handed weapon can be used in one X Vicious X: The attack inflicts X additional Stress for each
hand to make an attack, but the Difficulty increases by 1. effect rolled.
IMPROVISED ATTACKS
Improvised attacks take the form of more mundane objects being X Size: If the item used to make the attack is carried in one
used as weapons. You may need to create an advantage to assemble hand, then the attack’s size is 1H. If it takes two hands to
an improvised weapon or set up a trap. Once you have created the make the attack, then its size is 2H.
advantage, the gamemaster should determine the type, stress rating,
size, and qualities of the attack, as well as any other limitations. The X Qualities: All improvised attacks have the Cumbersome
gamemaster should also determine what combination of attribute + quality – they’re not as easy to use offensively as a
discipline is used to make the attack. proper weapon. The gamemaster may determine that the
attack has other qualities, based on how it is used.
X Type: Melee or ranged, based on your intent. A poisoned hypospray
is used at reach, so it’s a melee attack, while a rockslide is ranged X Other Limitations: The gamemaster may introduce
because it affects enemies at a distance. other narrative limitations, particularly if the attack is
particularly potent. This may limit how often the attack
X Stress Rating: 2A + A equal to the discipline you are using to make can be used, or lingering consequences from the attack.
the attack. Larger attacks can have more A at the gamemaster’s
discretion. The gamemaster can add a single effect to the attack as
well, if required.
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this weapon, you may add one of the following effects to benefit from the Aim minor action when making an
the attack: Area, Intense, Piercing 2, or Vicious 1. attack with this weapon.
X Cumbersome: The weapon takes patience and precision X Non-lethal: The weapon is debilitating, rather than
to use effectively. You cannot attack with a cumbersome deadly. When you make lethal attacks with this weapon
weapon unless you take the Prepare minor action. the Difficulty increases by 1.
momentum spends
conflict
173
Melee Combat Example
Kang, Kor, Koloth, and Jadzia Dax are fulfilling a blood oath is enough for Kang to climb the stairs and get within reach of the
against the Albino, a notorious criminal and murderer. Dax and Albino. Having completed the task, the players hand the initiative
her allies, all player characters, assault the Albino’s compound to the other side.
and corner him and a few of his guards in his main hall. Scenes in
the compound currently have the “Tetryon Dampening Field” trait, Kathleen announces the Albino attacks Kang with his sword.
which disables all energy weapons. The gamemaster, Kathleen, Kathleen spends a point of Threat for an extra d20 and attempts
recognizes that a bloody melee combat encounter is about to take a Daring + Security task, which must be opposed by the same
place and reminds the players that any characters who become roll from Kang. The Albino scores 3 successes, while Kang scores
injured will die at the conclusion of the scene if they are not only 2. Kathleen announces that the attack succeeds and deals
stabilized by a First Aid task. 8 Stress, inflicting an injury on Kang. Miguel could avoid the
injury by spending 2 Momentum or accepting a complication. But
The Albino stands atop a tall staircase, so Kathleen rules he’s at Miguel decides Kang is more likely to go out in a blaze of glory
Long range, or a distance of 2 zones, from the player characters at and instead decides to spend a point of Determination to ignore
the start of the scene. Three of the Albino’s guards stand between the effects of the injury. Accordingly, Kang suffers an injury as
the player characters and the Albino, and Kathleen rules they’re at usual but continues to participate in the scene. This means Kang
Medium range, or a distance of 1 zone. will die if he takes another lethal injury or if he does not receive
medical attention before the conclusion of the scene.
Koloth has the highest Daring, so he acts first. He uses a minor
action to move one zone and into reach with one of the Albino’s The initiative shifts back to the player characters. Teresa, Dax’s
guards. Koloth then uses his task to attack the guard with player, uses a minor action to move within reach of one of the
his bat’leth. Koloth’s player, Ray, rolls a Difficulty 1 Daring + guards and uses her task to swing her bat’leth. Teresa rolls 1
Security task, opposed by the same roll from the guard. Ray success on her Daring + Security task, but Kathleen rolls 2
buys an extra d20 for the roll by paying 1 Threat to Kathleen. Ray successes on the opposed roll for the guard. Kathleen declares
rolls 2 successes, and Kathleen rolls 1 success for the guard. that the guard reversed Dax’s attack. Kathleen rolls to inflict Stress
Therefore, the attack succeeds and Ray rolls to inflict Stress. The and deals 5 Stress to Dax. Teresa decides she doesn’t want Dax
attack deals 6 Stress to the guard, which exceeds the 5 Stress to drop out of the fight, so she spends 2 Momentum to avoid the
necessary to cause an injury. Kathleen rules Koloth’s bat’leth injury resulting from the guard’s reversed attack.
slices into the guard’s midsection, dealing a grievous wound that
takes the guard out of the fight. This process continues until every character has acted during the
first combat round. The second round begins with the initiative
Miguel, playing Kang, wants to charge into the brawl as quickly as belonging to the Albino and his allies. The combat encounter
possible, so he spends 2 Momentum to keep the initiative on his proceeds until the fight is resolved.
side. Miguel then takes the Sprint action to give Kang a chance to
reach the Albino immediately. Miguel rolls a Difficulty 0 Fitness + At the end of the fight, the Klingon warriors and Dax are victorious.
Security task and gets 1 success. Kang moves into the adjacent However, Koloth and Kang have suffered mortal wounds and
zone automatically, and Miguel spends the point of Momentum he are injured. “Today is a good day to die,” Miguel croaks before
generated on the roll to move through one additional zone, which declaring that Kang has passed into Sto-vo-kor.
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CHAPTER 07.00
TO COMMAND
THE STARS
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THE KLINGON
CHAPTER
07.10
lIH
IMPERIAL FLEET
"A KLINGON IS HIS WORK."
– KLINGON PROVERB
life on board As engineers toil in the reactor pit, surgeons tend to the
injuries of their comrades (as much as the injured desire to be
Life aboard a Klingon Defense Force vessel is a true tended to), and officers on the bridge chart courses and track
warrior’s life, of hard work, drills, ambushes, raids, and targets, Klingon opera is sung, echoing down the hallways
battles, all in the pursuit of a glorious victory. A clear chain and bolstering the hearts with tales of valiance and triumph.
of command provides you with a simplified, heightened Morale is kept high through fighting battles and winning, and
version of larger Klingon society, with clear strata from glory is rewarded with barrels of bloodwine and fresh gagh
servants, to warriors, and officers – crew and warriors from served in the communal mess hall. With mixed crews, it is
lower castes, and members of the Great Houses of nobility not unheard of for eligible Klingons to take a mate while on
serving the Empire as officers. Every single member of board, although these courtships tend to be short-lived if
your crew is dedicated, determined, and disciplined, the vessel is actively engaged in battle, and the pair are still
focused on the singular cause of victory at the expense of expected to continue their duties diligently regardless of the
your lives, if necessary. other’s injury or death.
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Ship Regime ship roles
Your regime aboard is as grueling as a warrior’s life requires.
When you are not needed at your station – either running Aboard all Klingon vessels, roles fall within five departments:
combat drills or destroying your enemies – you are expected command, weapons, helm and navigation, engineering, and
to train with your fellow warriors and devote yourself to science. Each department has a lead officer, and under them
studying tactics and the vulnerabilities of your enemy. warriors who fulfill their duties.
Training halls are found aboard every Klingon vessel, and Captain
warriors from all over the ship are expected to train with The captain is the commanding officer of the ship, with the
each other to learn from each other and prepare themselves Defense Force rank of general, captain, or commander. They
for any opponent. Within these halls you will find everyone, hold the lives of the crew in their hands, and issue orders to
from the engineering crew to your captain, training with each their officers to execute battle plans and provide direction
other, learning and teaching fighting techniques. These halls and strategy in combat.
are well stocked with a proud arsenal of weapons – bat’leths,
d’k tahg daggers, gin’tak spears, and mek’leths. As captain, you expect nothing less than the total devotion of
your crew, so that they may lead you all to glory and victory
Your duties will be hard but rewarding – a dream for every – but good captains take the responsibility of their command
Klingon warrior. Your place aboard the ship will have seriously, considering the advice of their officers without
significant bearing on your duty roster, and most – if not all appearing weak. Captains that make rash, questionable
– Klingon warriors will spend a duty shift aboard the bridge tactical decisions, however, soon lose the trust of their crew,
so that any hand can take control in the heat of battle if their and the best captains do not let their pride get in the way of
superiors are killed. the glory a crew seeks.
Any leisure time you have can usually be spent in the mess You have the ability to make field promotions, even raising
hall, where the entire crew are welcome and eat together to servants on board to the strata of warrior. Many under
build ship morale and comradeship. Barrels of bloodwine you will be lieutenants, sergeants, or bekk, who could be
and fresh dishes are served by the ship’s cook, warriors promoted to replace lost officers or raised in rank if they are
drunkenly boast of their glorious achievements, and Klingon exceptionally honorable.
opera is sung. When they aren’t socializing, some Klingons
seek the company of Kahless, meditating and praying so that
they might receive a vision of an upcoming battle or guidance
from the Unforgettable.
Discipline
Discipline aboard Imperial vessels is swift and harsh, and
dealt from your immediate superiors. When you enter service
you pledge your life to the ship and its captain. Often, the
first officer will accept your life and pledges in return to be
your voice to the captain – the captain then accepts your life
for the glory of the Empire.
Chapter 07
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they are operable. You must also manage the power used the beliefs in honor and glory, Klingon medicine is not as
by the different systems aboard the ship, altering the flow of refined as other civilizations and the surgeon’s work is often
power and rerouting it to those systems that need it most. rudimentary, focusing on getting the patient back to their
duties as quickly as possible rather than caring for their long-
During your leisure shift, it may be that you go over term health. And even when not under battle conditions, your
maintenance reports and keep up system tests so that the medical bay is often full of Klingons with minor injuries from
ship is at its peak performance – a Klingon Defense Force fighting or training that need attention.
vessel must be ready to go into battle at a moment’s notice,
and the responsibility of keeping the ship’s systems ready Ship’s Cook
like this is squared solely on your shoulders with the support Even though the ship’s cook is a servant like any other on
of your engineers under you. board, they are often considered the most important Klingon
on the ship, as meals are a communal affair and bring up
Ship’s Surgeon the morale of the entire crew. The renown of the ship is often
While a Klingon’s honor demands they die an honorable reflected in the freshness of its ingredients – the more alive
death, no Klingon throws away their life needlessly, and so the better. As ship’s cook, you are an excellent butcher, able
if they can serve the Empire even though they have suffered to skin and carve cuts of meat and prepare dishes of live
an injury it’s down to the ship’s surgeon to patch them back delicacies with strong spice mixes.
up and get them ready for combat again as soon as possible.
Klingon anatomy is tough and resilient, with redundant In your galley, next to the mess hall, you are responsible for
organs due to brak’lul. cultivating and caring for your live ingredients – gagh, krada,
pipius, racht and targ. Slaughtering and butchering these
As the ship’s Haqwl’, administering medicine to your fellow creatures is both an art and a requirement for Klingon cuisine,
warriors is a lot harder than any other species. Warriors as no replicators are used in preparing these meals. Klingons
are expected to survive grievous wounds from their own value the flavor and texture of real ingredients, and to have
resilience, or die from the battle, not be denied a place replaced them with replicated copies would constitute a
in Sto-Vo-Kor by a surgeon in a medical ward. Due to failure that would result in your death!
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TO COMMAND THE STARS
STARSHIP
CHAPTER
07.20
lIH
FUNDAMENTALS
"WHAT MAGNIFICENT BATTLES WE COULD HAVE AT THE HELM OF THIS SHIP.”
– CAPTAIN KORRIS
starship profiles X Shields represent the Stress track of the ship, and
as Stress is inflicted the ship loses points of shields.
Just as with characters, starships are represented using Once the shields have been reduced to 0, the ship has
attributes, disciplines, traits, and talents, but these statistics lost shields, and is open to suffering hull breaches and
reflect different things about the vessel, like systems instead damage to its systems.
of attributes, departments instead of disciplines, scale to
describe their size, and crew support to represent how much X Power represents a pool of points you can spend to
you can use your crew as a resource. take actions with the ship. Some actions require Power,
like going to warp or firing phasers. A ship’s Power
Starships have the following statistics in their profile: represents its surplus power supply, and once your
Power is reduced to 0, actions that use Power start
X Systems describe the ship’s main attributes: affecting main power with complications to key systems.
Communications, Computers, Engines, Sensors,
Structure, and Weapons. X Crew Support reflects the amount of crew on board that
you can call upon to assist you with your missions. You
X Departments reflect the different teams of personnel can spend crew support points to introduce secondary
aboard, and their individual expertise. The departments characters to your missions.
are Command, Conn, Engineering, Security, Science, and
Medicine – just like characters’ disciplines. Systems
Each starship in Star Trek Adventures is defined by six
X Focuses are handled differently; unlike characters, ships systems. They are usually rated from 6-12, describing the
don’t have a list of focuses. Instead, when you roll a capabilities of the ship compared to other vessels. When you
pool of d20s for a starship, the ship counts as having an roll a d20 for your starship, its systems form the first part of
applicable focus. Every d20 result equal to or under the your target number – just like your character’s attributes.
ship’s department value generates 2 successes.
X Communications: Subspace transceivers used to hail
X Talents are special features of a starship, just like ships, starbases, and planets.
characters. Ship talents are listed on page 225.
X Computers: A starship’s core operating systems,
X Traits are also applicable for ships. By default, your processors, and data storage.
starship will have the Klingon Starship trait that identifies
its origin in the Klingon Empire. It can have more traits, X Engines: The propulsion systems – thrusters, impulse
depending on its service history, notoriety, or any engines, and warp drive.
circumstances affecting it at the time.
X Sensors: Instruments to scan the ship and its
X Scale is a numerical value that describes a ship’s size, environment, as well as its transporters.
from 1 reflecting a shuttlecraft-sized vessel, to Scale 6 for
a Negh’Var-class warship. X Structure: Structural integrity, hull, shielding, and life
support systems.
X Resistance reflects the strength of the ship’s hull against
damage, and absorbs Stress, just like armor does for X Weapons: A ship’s offensive weapons systems, including
characters. A starship’s base Resistance is equal to its energy and torpedo delivery methods.
scale, and can be improved with talents.
Chapter 07
182
how much support those fields receive aboard the ship, as Talents
noted in the Department Table. Each department covers a Starships have talents, just as characters do, representing
wide range of activities. Some activities may fit under more areas of design and specialization. They provide similar
than one department, so which one is most applicable to benefits to the talents of your player characters, but the
any of those things will depend on circumstances more than context is determined by the starship rather than by any
anything else. character’s behavior. A ship has a number of talents equal
to its scale.
COMMAND (meH)
Command represents the organization of the ship’s crew, and Traits
its chain of command. It also represents how well the ship A starship will typically have one or more traits, the first of
represents the honor and glory of the Empire, and conveys which will always be the name of the civilization which created
those things to both allies and outsiders, which can be it – Klingon ships all have the Klingon Starship trait. Traits are
valuable in diplomatic situations. descriptions of the important aspects of the ship. They help
define what the ship is and what it can do, and they can be
CONN (Degh) employed in the same way as traits for a location or situation,
Conn is the quality of the ship’s flight control and such as to increase or reduce the Difficulty of tasks.
astronavigation systems, as well as the expertise of its
flight crews and the maintenance personnel responsible for A ship may have additional traits reflecting other definitive
maintaining those systems. elements of its construction or purpose, or even the influence
of past events, and can be applied both positively and
ENGINEERING (jonSeH yaH) negatively. Traits, and their effects upon play, are described in
Engineering represents the quality and quantity of the ship’s full on page 77.
engineering and technical personnel, as well as the tools and
facilities they work with. Example: The I.K.S. Negh’Var has two traits: Klingon
Starship and Klingon Flagship. The first is the ship’s origin
SECURITY (Hung) – it is a Klingon starship, and anything that affects Klingon
Security represents the skill, training, and numbers of the technology in a certain way, or for which being Klingon
ship’s warriors, as well as other on-board security systems technology is advantageous or problematic, is impacted by
such as containment fields, and the refinement and this trait. The second reflects the fact that the Negh’Var is an
calibration of tactical systems. honored and prestigious vessel within the Klingon Empire,
and thus may impact how others perceive her, and her crew,
SCIENCE (QeD) whether positively or negatively.
Science represents the scientific personnel aboard the ship,
their laboratories, their analytical facilities, and the other Scale
tools and systems available for analyzing data and studying Vessels come in a wide range of sizes, from shuttlecraft to
the unknown. grand battleships. A vessel’s scale represents its size, using
a number typically between 2 and 6, with larger numbers
MEDICINE (ropyaH) representing bigger ships. Most vessels fall into this range,
Medicine represents the ship’s medical facilities as well as
the doctors who work there. Most of the uses of Medicine
are internal to the ship, rather than affecting objects outside Vessel Scale
the ship.
SCALE EXAMPLE SHIPS
Focuses 1 Shuttles, Fighters – any small craft
Unlike characters, starships do not have a list of focuses,
and instead treat every task as if it had an applicable focus. 2 Runabout, Maquis Raider
When you roll any d20 on behalf of the ship, each result
equal to or less than the ship’s department value generates B’rel-class bird-of-prey, Federation Defiant-class starship,
3
two successes. Jem’Hadar attack ship
D7 battle cruiser, Federation Constitution-class starship,
4
Example: Grotok is trying to steer the I.K.S. Gr’oth through Cardassian Galor-class cruiser
an uncharted section of the Betreka Nebula. He rolls his K’vort-class bird-of-prey, Vor’cha-class attack cruiser, Federation
5
Control 10 and Conn 3, and is assisted by the ship’s Engines Excelsior-class starship, Federation Sovereign-class starship
8 and Conn 3. On the ship’s die, any roll of a 1, 2, or 3 – Negh’var-class battle cruiser, Federation Galaxy-class starship,
6
equal to or less than the vessel’s Conn department – scores Romulan D’deridex-class warbird, Jem’Hadar battle cruiser
two successes. 7 Borg Sphere
Chapter 07
184
circumstances. Some actions, such as going to warp or USING POWER TO
restoring depleted shields, require you to spend Power GENERATE MOMENTUM
simply to perform the action, while others can gain a bonus
from using additional Power. If no other benefit for using Power is listed, then the following effect can
be used: when attempting a task with the ship, one or more Power may
LOSING POWER be spent before rolling, with each point increasing the complication
Power can also be lost because of complications, stress, range of the task by 1. This represents the risk of overloads from
environmental phenomena, and effects. If the ship would lose putting too much power into a system. If successful, the character
more power than it has remaining – if the loss would reduce generates 1 additional Momentum for each point of Power spent.
the ship’s current Power to less than 0 – then the ship suffers
a complication to a randomly-determined system. This
complication relates to the loss of vital power to some aspect X Torpedo weapons roll a fixed number of A + the
of the ship’s operation. ship’s Security department.
X Range: This will be either Close, Medium, or Long. This X Disruptor: Used by Klingon and Romulan vessels,
is not a maximum range, but rather its optimal range, as disruptors are potent weapons that inflict grievous
described in “Environments and Zones” on page 192. All damage. Disruptors have the Vicious 1 effect.
torpedo weapons are Long range.
X Phaser: Common to Starfleet and Cardassian vessels,
X Stress Rating: This is the number of A you roll to inflict and many early Klingon vessels, phasers are a precise and
Stress from a successful attack. The attack’s effects will adaptable weapon. Phasers have the Versatile 2 quality.
also be listed, which trigger when one or more effect is
rolled in the A pool. X Phased Polaron Beam: Used mainly by the Dominion,
phased polaron weapons are especially effective at
X Energy weapons roll A equal to the ship’s Scale + overwhelming deflector shields. Phased polaron beam
Security department. weapons have the Piercing 2 effect.
X Cannons are close-range, rapid-firing weapons that X Quantum torpedoes are a recent development by the
shoot pulses or bolts of energy rather than consistent Federation and are not available to the Klingon Empire
beams. They are inaccurate at longer ranges, but the until after the Dominion War. They’re more powerful
volley of quick pulses can be devastating. Cannons have than photon torpedoes, though the way they achieve
a Range category of Close, and increase the weapon’s this is classified. They have a base Stress rating of 4A
Stress rating by 2A. with the Vicious 1 effect, and the Calibration and High
Yield qualities.
X Banks are a collection of two or more emitters, fired in
unison. They produce a focused beam of energy that X Plasma torpedoes have been used by the Romulans
can inflict considerable damage. Banks have a Range and have a wider blast range, spreading a lingering
category of Medium, and increase the weapon’s Stress field of plasma around their target. They have a base
rating by 1A. Stress rating of 3A, the Persistent effect, and the
Calibration quality.
X Arrays are long strips of linked emitters that share a
power feed, allowing the ship to fire from any point DELIVERY METHOD
along the strip. This allows the ship to fire in multiple Torpedo launchers or torpedo banks launch torpedoes
directions at once, or to adjust and fire on moving targets from a series of tubes along the hull. A bank of launchers
repeatedly in quick succession. Arrays have a Range often allows a salvo of payloads to be launched in quick
category of Medium. In addition, when declaring the succession. All torpedoes have a range category of Long.
target of an attack with an array, you may choose either
the Area or Spread effect. Weapon Effects
The following effects provide additional benefits to your
Torpedoes attack whenever an effect is rolled in the A pool (see
Self-propelled projectiles, containing large volatile, energetic, Challenge Dice on page 72). When one or more effects are
or explosive payloads, torpedoes are a less precise and less rolled, all of the weapon’s effects that apply to that attack
subtle weapon than a beam of energy, but they are potent are triggered.
when used correctly.
X Area: The attack automatically affects any vessel or
Making an attack with a torpedo has a Difficulty of 3. damageable object within Contact of the initial target,
Torpedoes do not have a Power requirement, and cannot and then one additional target within Close range of
benefit from additional Power spent on their attacks. However, the initial target for each effect rolled, starting with
torpedoes are potent enough that they can escalate conflicts, the next closest (as determined by the gamemaster).
so declaring an attack with a torpedo adds 1 to Threat. If one or more complications is rolled when using
an area attack, the gamemaster may choose to use
Torpedoes may be fired in a salvo: a volley of several complications to have an allied vessel or neutral
torpedoes, intended to have a much greater effect. Firing bystander in the area affected by the attack. A target
a salvo of torpedoes adds 3 to Threat instead of 1, but it cannot be hit if it would have been more difficult to hit
increases the attack’s Stress rating by 1A, and grants the than the initial target.
Spread effect to the attack.
X Dampening: The attack removes one point of the
Unlike energy weapons, torpedoes don’t use the ship’s Scale target’s Power for each effect rolled.
as part of their damage value. Instead, they use the damage
value listed below, and then add extra A equal to the ship’s X Persistent X: At the end of each round, the target
Security skill. vessel suffers an additional X Stress, for a number of
rounds equal to the number of effects rolled.
TYPE
Torpedoes come in several types, though photon X Piercing X: The attack ignores X points of the target’s
torpedoes are the most common, and the type used as total Resistance for each effect rolled.
standard aboard Klingon vessels. Other types are listed
here for comparison. X Spread: If one or more effects are rolled, the attack
inflicts an additional hit to a random system (even if the
X Photon torpedoes use a simple payload of matter and attack was targeting a specific system), which inflicts
anti-matter to create a large, devastating explosion. half the Stress of the initial hit, rounding up. Increase the
They’re commonly used by many cultures, including damage of this additional hit by +1 per effect rolled after
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the first. This additional hit is resolved separately, and it is In these situations, the ship assists the character’s
reduced by Resistance, reduces Shields, and potentially actions, using a target number made from its own system
causes breaches separately from the main hit. + department combination, as if it had an applicable focus.
You can always get another player to roll the ship’s d20
X Vicious X: The attack inflicts X additional Stress for each during your task.
effect rolled.
Except with the gamemaster’s express permission, no
Weapon Qualities more than one character may assist on a ship action – the
The following qualities alter the way the weapon functions, character leading the task is assisted by the ship and up to
some in positive ways, others by applying restrictions. one other character. You can only fit so many officers around
a single console, after all.
X Calibration: The weapon requires careful calibration
before firing. You cannot attack with the weapon unless
you take the Prepare minor action. starship tasks
X Devastating: Engineering tasks to repair breaches The following actions are the broad descriptions of
caused by this weapon increase in difficulty by 1. how each bridge station has functioned over the eras
of interstellar travel. Outside of starship combat, these
X Hidden X: The weapon is hidden, and any scan of the actions can be attempted at any time during the scene,
vessel to locate the weapon increases in Difficulty by X. so long as you are in a position to complete the action –
You may use a single minor action to conceal a either at the correct station, or having rerouted controls to
Hidden weapon. a station you operate.
Operating a starship is not much different than the way your A ship can move through space at varying speeds. Using
characters interact with their environment normally. The rules thrusters to make precise movements, ships can dock
for tasks still apply to a character aboard a starship, and with stations or one another, while impulse power propels
many of the activities a character engages in aboard ship ships through a single star system in about an hour at full
will be resolved in the same ways that they would be on the impulse. Initiating the impulse drive costs 1 Power.
surface of a strange new world.
Travelling at warp, at speeds faster than light, makes
A crucial concept for starship operations is the difference interstellar travel much quicker than at the sublight speeds
between actions taken aboard a starship, and actions taken of impulse drive. As warp speeds increased, travel between
with a starship. systems and sectors reduced from years or months, to
weeks and days. Engaging the warp drive, to travel at warp
Tasks Aboard the Ship speeds, costs Power equal to the warp factor the ship will
A ship is as much a location for action as it is a tool for the travel at – so going to Warp 6 costs 6 Power.
characters. In many situations, you may be called upon
to attempt tasks while your character is aboard their own Navigation
ship. These actions are resolved normally, though at the Plotting a course or analyzing navigational data may
gamemaster’s discretion, the character may treat the ship’s improve the chances of the helm officer to maneuver
facilities and personnel as an advantage. the ship without risking damage to the ship and its crew.
Plotting a course is a Reason + Conn task, assisted by the
Ship Tasks ship’s Computers + Conn, with a Difficulty of 2. Charting
Conversely, if the character is actively making use of the objects and hazards is assisted by the ship’s Sensors +
ship itself to perform the task, like using the ship’s library Conn. Doing either of these two actions represents the
computer to research something, or flying between systems creation of an advantage for the helm officer, reducing the
and firing photon torpedoes, then the ship becomes a much Difficulty of their tasks to maneuver the ship by 1.
more prominent part of the task.
Warp 1 1,078 million 1 5 years 20 years Warp 9 1.6 trillion 1,516 1 day 5 days
Warp 2 11 billion 10 6 months 3 years Warp 9.2 1.78 trillion 1,649 1 day 4 days
Warp 3 42 billion 39 2 months 1 year Warp 9.6 2.06 trillion 1,909 23 hours 4 days
Warp 4 109 billion 102 18 days 2 months Warp 9.9 3.29 trillion 3,053 14 hours 2 days
Warp 5 230 billion 214 9 days 1 month Warp 9.99 8.53 trillion 7,912 6 hours 22 hours
Warp 6 423 billion 392 5 days 19 days Warp 9.999 215 trillion 199,516 13 minutes 53 minutes
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Opening hailing frequencies – either requesting an open DETECTING A
channel to communicate, or responding to a hail – is a CLOAKED VESSEL
Difficulty 0 task, using Control + Engineering, assisted
by the ship’s Communications + Engineering. Again, the Detecting a cloaked vessel is an incredibly difficult task, and there’s
environment the ship is in may impede communication, or an arms race between cloaking and sensor technology, so each new
active jamming attempts may raise the Difficulty of the task. method for detecting a cloaked ship is usually countered by the next
generation of cloaking device.
Intercepting a transmission can be attempted, with a task
and Difficulty determined by the gamemaster, based on the Normally, attempting to detect the presence of a cloaked vessel is a
level of encryption the transmission has. Alternatively, you Difficulty 5 task. Klingon cloaking devices are less sophisticated than
could try to jam another ship from sending and receiving Romulan advances in the technology, and so detecting cloaked Klingon
transmissions, using a Control + Engineering task, assisted ships is Difficulty 4 in normal conditions. The details of this task – what
by the ship’s Communications + Security, with a Difficulty attribute and discipline, and systems and departments, it uses – will
you choose, and if you meet it that becomes the Difficulty for vary depending on how you approach the task, and the gamemaster’s
the targeted ship to use its communications systems. discretion. Environmental factors, such as gas or dust clouds, may
reduce this Difficulty.
Engineering
The maintenance of the ship, as well as its ability to fabricate Once a cloaked vessel has been detected, it can be attacked – however,
equipment and adapt a vessel depending on the mission, the cloak still increases the Difficulty of attacks by 1 and prevents the
occurs mainly in the reactor pit and a station on the bridge. attacker from targeting specific systems.
In the engineering sections of the ship, engineering staff keep
main systems running and combat ready.
Cloaking devices are under the control of the engineering
Engineering tasks aboard your vessel can be attempted department aboard Klingon vessels, and controlled by the
from either the engineering bridge station or the reactor engineering station on the bridge. Working in coordination
pit – where most of the key engineering tasks take place. with helm and tactical, the engineer at their aft bridge
Aside from organizing repair crews to fix damaged systems station will engage or disengage the cloak. To cloak the
with Presence + Engineering (with a Difficulty set by the ship you must attempt a Control + Engineering task with
system and its level of damage), you can manage power a Difficulty of 2, assisted by the ship’s Engines + Security.
levels and regenerate shields. You may also want to get your This task costs 3 Power, and if successful the vessel gains
hands dirty, and take repairs on yourself. Doing so is an the Cloaked trait. While cloaked, you cannot attempt
Engineering task with a Difficulty dependent on the job at any attacks with the ship, and you cannot be the target
hand and the gamemaster’s discretion. Repairing damaged of an attack unless the attacker has found some way of
and disabled systems is covered in Repairing Damage, detecting your cloaked ship. While cloaked, your vessel’s
page 201. Shields drop to 0, and return to their previous value when
the tactical officer takes the Raise Shields minor action.
You can reroute power in order to increase your Power Decloaking requires a minor action, from the engineering
pool, with a Daring or Control + Engineering task with a station on the bridge.
Difficulty of 2. A success gives the ship 1 more Power, and
1 additional Power per Momentum you spend (Repeatable), Shuttlebays and Cargo Bays
and you can push the number of Power you have above the Most starships have one or more launch bays for small craft
ship’s starting total. – work pods, shuttlecraft, and larger attack fighters. These
vessels are frequently used for transit (when transporters
Regenerating Shields requires a Control + Engineering aren’t available or suitable), reconnaissance, tactical
task with a Difficulty of 1, assisted by the ship’s Structure + assistance, and a range of other missions and may often be
Engineering, and it costs 1 Power. Success means the ship required to depart or return in hazardous situations.
regains 2 points of Shields, plus 2 per Momentum you spend
(Repeatable). If the ship doesn’t have any Shields when you You can launch or land a small craft as a task in the helm
attempt the task, the task’s Difficulty increases by 1. station of the craft – a Control + Conn task with a Difficulty
of 0 under normal circumstances. Small craft operations are
Cloaking Device discussed in more detail on page 190.
Cloaking devices, which mask Klingon combat vessels from
visual detection and other ships’ sensors, are commonplace Cargo bays inside the ship are large storage areas, often with
throughout the Klingon Defense Force. They are complex industrial transporters – or external doors in older ships – that
pieces of technology that allow ships to ambush others and house cargo modules, supplies, munitions, and other freight
travel undetected behind enemy lines. necessary for your mission.
During starship combat, there will be minor crew injuries Using the transporters at warp is nearly impossible without
throughout the ship, which medical personnel can deal with significant preparation. You may need to complete a gated
by quickly patching up the walking wounded and sending challenge before being able to attempt the transport, and
them back into the fight. When the ship has suffered one or even then the Difficulty will be 4 or 5 depending on the
more breaches during a scene (see page 199), and you are gamemaster’s discretion.
in charge of the medical ward, choose a single department
and attempt a Daring + Medicine task with a Difficulty of
2, assisted by the ship’s Computers + Medicine. If you small craft operations
succeed, the next task which uses that department may
re-roll one d20, as injured personnel from that department Shuttles and other small craft – also known as auxiliary craft
rush back to work. – are commonly found aboard warships and space stations,
as well as other facilities. The terms apply to any small vessel
Transporter Rooms which can function independently of a warship for a short
A transporter room – a starship will have at least one – time, and which are employed in circumstances which would
serves to transport crew directly to and from the pad inside be unsuitable for a full-size warship.
the transporter room with another location, either aboard
another vessel or down to a planet. Transporters work by Use of shuttles to move personnel and cargo short
converting matter into energy, and projecting that energy to distances (between ships) is less common with the use of
another location and re-materializing the energy signature transporters do fulfill those roles, but it’s always valuable to
of the being registered as energy in the pattern buffer. Each have a few auxiliary craft on board in case of emergencies
transporter room contains both a transporter pad, normally or unusual situations.
sufficient for five or six people at once, and all the control
systems necessary to operate that transporter with maximum In game terms, Small Craft are Scale 1 and Scale 2 craft, with
effectiveness. a few additional considerations:
You can transport cargo, items, characters, or creatures to X Traits: All Small Craft have the trait Small Craft in
or from the transporter room with a Control + Engineering addition to any others.
task, assisted by the ship’s Sensors + Engineering, with the
following Difficulties: X Systems: Small craft have the same set of systems as a
warship, though their scores tend to be somewhat lower
X From transporter pad to transporter pad: Difficulty 1 as befits their smaller size and more limited capabilities.
(Costs 1 Power) Unarmed small craft have a Weapons system of 0.
X From transporter pad to site: Difficulty 2 (Costs 1 Power)
X From site to transporter pad: Difficulty 2 (Costs 1 Power) X Departments: Small craft have the same set of
X Site to site transport: Difficulty 3 (Costs 1 Power) departments as a warship, but their scores are never
higher than 2, and are often 0, due to limited facilities
Using the transporters also costs at least 1 Power to perform. and a complete lack of support personnel. The only
This Power cost may increase if the transport is proving department a small craft will always have will be Conn,
difficult, or you are transporting a large quantity of matter which will always be at least 1.
or people, or as a result of previous complications, at the
gamemaster’s discretion.
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X Talents: Small craft do not normally have talents. Some Launch and Landing Procedures
advanced, unique, or customizable small craft may Most starships carry far more small craft, of many different
have one or two talents as befits their more advanced kinds, than can actually be supported at any one time. Ships
capabilities. will hold several shuttles, shuttlepods, and other auxiliary
craft in storage in case of emergencies or to replace lost
X Scale: As noted above, small craft are normally Scale 1, craft, but only a fraction of the ship’s full complement will be
or Scale 2 at the most. ready and available for use most of the time.
X Resistance: Small craft have Resistance per their Scale, A warship can support a number of active small craft equal
as normal. to its Scale minus 1 at any one time. This number is doubled
for ships with the Extensive Shuttlebays talent, as they’re
X Shields: Small craft have Shields equal to half their specially equipped to handle large quantities of auxiliary
normal values; add together Structure and Security, then craft. Scale 2 craft, being significantly larger than most
halve the total, rounding down. auxiliary craft, count as two craft towards this limit.
X Power: Small craft have much smaller power plants than Moving to the shuttlebay uses the Change Positions minor
full-size starships, and only generate Power equal to half action to relocate to a different part of the ship, and then
their Engines score (rounding up). a Maneuver task (with a Difficulty of 0) to launch and pilot
the shuttle to any point within Close range of the ship (but
X Crew Support: Small craft do not have Crew Support. outside of it). Launching a shuttle cannot be performed while
a ship’s shields are up.
X Maximum Capacity: Small craft can only carry a finite
number of characters, as noted in each entry. Landing a shuttle is similar, requiring a Maneuver task under
a few stipulations: the shuttle must be within Close range
X Roles: Small craft have two roles: Pilot (covering helm of the ship, and the ship’s shields may not be up. Under
and navigation), and Operations (internal systems, normal circumstances, this requires no further task as the
sensors, and tactical if the craft has weapons). There are shuttle is guided in by tractor beams and lands safely. In an
no other roles aboard. emergency, a rapid landing may be required, increasing the
Difficulty by 2, and causing 6A Stress to the shuttle (this may
In addition to the above, when small craft are attacked by succeed at cost at the gamemaster’s discretion, allowing the
any full-size warship (any vessel of Scale 3 or above), the shuttle to crash-land, but the resultant crash-landing means
Difficulty of the attack increases by 1. that the shuttlebay cannot be used again that adventure).
STARSHIP COMBAT
lIH
– GENERAL CHANG
war among the stars An environment for starship combat covers a large area of
space – potentially an area tens or hundreds of millions of
Combat between starships is no less deadly and intense kilometers across, and even this is only a tiny fraction of
than personal combat, and no less costly – but it is seldom the area within a star system. This area may be the edge
as swift. Large, powerful warships with powerful deflector of a nebula, an asteroid belt, the orbit of one or more small
shields can weather hostile situations, while nimble attack planets, or any other region of space, though it is worth
craft can maneuver around stellar phenomena and make remembering that because battles are always fought for a
themselves difficult to target. Once a vessel’s shields are reason, they are often fought somewhere interesting. The
worn down and a target lock gained, grievous damage can environment is then divided into zones based on physical
be dealt upon hull and systems, resulting in the proud deaths objects, spatial phenomena, and other details within the
of dozens or hundreds of honorable warriors. area. Starship combat zones can easily be defined in three
dimensions, with zones “above” and “below” one another,
Just as with personal combat, at the core of starship combat and with empty zones to provide sizeable gaps between
is making an attack, a specific form of task intended to inflict objects and phenomena. A relatively simple battlefield may
Stress, but successful attacks against starships are seldom consist of three to five significant zones, while complex
so final as against individual characters. environments may have many more. More zones are typically
more interesting than fewer, as they provide a greater variety
Turn Order of movement options and tactical opportunities, but this can
Starship combat uses the same action order as other conflicts, take more planning on the part of the gamemaster.
as described at the start of Chapter 6: Conflict, page 159. One
player begins, taking minor actions and one task in their turn, As with personal combat, zones have no fixed size, and
before handing play over to the gamemaster, or keeping the these can be varied to accommodate the gamemaster’s
initiative by spending Momentum and handing over to an ally. preferences and the scene’s needs. Zones within a nebula
may be smaller, representing more difficult movement and
Each character involved in the starship combat scene, from sensor interference, while open space may have larger zones.
the commanding officer and their bridge crew, to engineers By and large, the same advice that applies to personal scale
and ship’s doctors, each take a turn in each round, while zones apply to starship combat as well, and if you want to
NPC starships take a number of turns equal to their Scale. use concrete values rather than abstract ranges, you are
With each character controlling a different aspect of the encouraged to set specific sizes and shapes for individual
ship’s operation, teamwork and the order in which you take zones, and apply them as a grid.
your turns is incredibly important – a successful attack
pattern maneuver from the helm officer lines up a shot for the Individual zones may have spatial phenomena traits that
tactical officer, but it means nothing if the engineering officer provide concealment or interference, make maneuver tasks
on the bridge doesn’t decloak the ship in time. Starship more difficult, present hazards that inflict Stress to ships, or
combat relies on timing and teamwork. otherwise alter the way vessels interact with the area.
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might be ‘behind the moon’ or ‘on the edge of the gas cloud’. SHIP-TO-SHIP
This has the advantage of relying on natural language and COMMUNICATION
intuitive concepts, rather than specific game terms, and
avoids the tracking of specific distances which can become Communication within a starship combat is a simple matter; subspace
awkward when there are several vessels present. communications works at faster-than-light speeds that far exceed the
maximum velocity of a starship, meaning that communicating with
Larger or particularly complex scenes may become difficult anyone else in the same combat is instantaneous whether they are within
to track purely by memory, so you may wish to use a Close range or out at Extreme range – both between departments within
sketched map, marking vessel positions in pencil, or using a starship, and between starships.
tokens or miniatures, and moving them as required.
Distances and Range X Close range is defined as the zone you are in, or a
Movement and ranged attacks range are measured in one distance of 0 zones.
state and four distances, based on the battlefield’s zones –
Contact, Close, Medium, Long, and Extreme. X Medium range is defined as an adjacent zone, or a
distance of 1 zone.
X The state of Contact is when an object or other starship
is touching the vessel, or within range to physically dock. X Long range is defined as two zones away, or a distance
This state is used for ships docking with starbases and of 2 zones.
other facilities. Contact isn’t a specific range, but rather
a state which a vessel can enter when it moves – when X Extreme range is any zone beyond long range, or a
your vessel moves into or within a zone, you can move distance of 3 or more zones.
into or out of Contact of an object or other vessel in the
same zone. Moving into Contact too quickly can result in
damage due to high-speed collisions.
As with personal combat, on your turn you can take one X Direct: The officer provides clear, concise orders.
minor action and attempt one task. You can take more minor Choose one other officer currently on the bridge to
actions by spending Momentum, and attempt a second task attempt a single task, determined by you. You assist their
by spending Momentum or Determination. task using your Command. Unlike in personal combat,
you may use this action more than once per scene.
Unlike with personal combat, however, the tasks available
to you are based on station you are at on the bridge – or X Override: You override the controls of another station,
elsewhere on the ship – and different officers will be given attempting a task available to that station, but increasing
access to different systems as befits their role. This section the Difficulty by 1.
lists the common stations found aboard Klingon starships,
the tasks you can attempt from those stations, and the minor X Rally: You inspire the crew with a war cry, leading them
actions you can perform. into battle. Attempt a Presence + Command task with a
Difficulty of 0 to generate Momentum for the crew, either
to use straight away or to save to the group pool.
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A first officer cannot take actions that would contradict those X Chart Hazard: You mark hazards along a planned
of the captain, but can otherwise make use of the command course. This is a Reason + Conn task, assisted by
chair tasks, making the ship more efficient in a crisis by the ship’s Sensors + Conn, with a Difficulty of 2. If
spreading the captain’s workload. successful, you nominate a single hazard and reduce the
Difficulty of any task to avoid that hazard by 2. You can
HELM nominate one additional hazard for every 2 Momentum
The following tasks can be attempted at the helm station. you spend (repeatable).
Unless otherwise described, these are a Control + Conn task
with a Difficulty of 0, assisted by the ship’s Engines + Conn. SENSORS
The following tasks can be undertaken by characters who are
X Maneuver: You use the ship’s thrusters to adjust at a sensors station.
position, moving the ship anywhere within Medium range.
X Sensor Sweep: You locate objects or phenomena in
X Impulse: (Cost: 1 Power) You engage the ship’s impulse space, or otherwise obtain information about something
engines to move anywhere within Long range. going on outside the ship. This is a Reason + Science
task, assisted by the ship’s Sensors + Science, with
X Warp: (Cost: 1 Power per zone moved) You use the a Difficulty of 0. Interference, ambient conditions, or
ship’s warp drive to move 2 or more zones. particularly unusual or unfamiliar phenomena increase
this Difficulty. Momentum spent on this task is normally
X Evasive Action: (Cost: 1 Power) You maneuver swiftly spent on the Obtain Information Momentum spend.
and unpredictably, attempting to avoid enemy targeting.
Attempt a Daring + Conn task with a Difficulty of 1, X Scan for Weakness: You scan an enemy vessel,
assisted by the ship’s Structure + Conn. If successful, looking for vulnerabilities. Choose a single target you
until your next turn, all attacks targeting the ship, and all can detect, and attempt a Control + Science task
attacks made by your ship, increase in Difficulty by 1. with a Difficulty of 1, assisted by the ship’s Sensors +
Security. This task increases in Difficulty by 1 for each
X Attack Pattern: (Cost: 1 Power) You take a course that range category beyond Close between your ship and
makes it easier to target the enemy. Attempt a Daring the chosen target. If you succeed, then the vessel’s
+ Conn task with a Difficulty of 1, assisted by the ship’s next attack before the end of your next turn, gains
Weapons + Conn. If successful, until your next turn, all the Piercing 2 quality. Further, if any bonus d20s are
attacks made by your ship, and all attacks targeting your purchased for that next attack, it inflicts +1A damage
ship, reduce in Difficulty by 1, to a minimum of 1. for each bonus d20 purchased.
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Choose a single vessel or other target within Medium destination. The Difficulty of this task increases by 1
range to jam. Attempt a Control + Engineering task, if the target is not on a transporter pad, and 1 if the
assisted by the ship’s Communications + Security. destination is not a transporter pad, and may increase
You choose the Difficulty – 1, 2, or 3. If you succeed, further based on interference or other conditions. The
the target increases the Difficulty of Open Hailing target cannot be transported to or from any location with
Frequencies tasks by an amount equal to the Difficulty more than 0 Shields.
you chose.
X Damage Report: You put out a call to all decks, making an attack
and receive reports of damage from across the ship.
This is an Insight + Command task with a Difficulty Attacks are the most important and direct of tasks in
of 1, assisted by the ship’s Communications + starship combat and require a little more discussion than
Engineering. If successful, you reduce the Difficulty the normal tasks. The process for making an attack is
of the next task to perform repairs by 1. Affect 1 as follows:
additional task for 1 Momentum (repeatable), or reduce
the Difficulty of the next task by an additional step for 1. Choose a Weapon System and Target: Choose the
2 Momentum (repeatable). weapon system you plan to attack with, and a viable
target. This will normally be a choice between an energy
INTERNAL SYSTEMS weapon and a torpedo attack.
The following tasks can be undertaken by characters who are
at the internal systems station. 2. Task: Attempt a Control + Security task, assisted by the
ship’s Weapons + Security, with a Difficulty determined
X Power Management: You reroute power from various by the weapon used.
systems, replenishing reserves and freeing up power
for other systems. This requires a Daring or Control a. Energy Weapon: Difficulty 2, with the Difficulty
+ Engineering task with a Difficulty of 2, which you increasing by 1 for each range band away from the
can decide to Succeed at Cost. If successful, the ship weapon’s optimal range.
gains 1 point of Power, plus 1 additional Power per
Momentum spent (repeatable). You may increase the b. Torpedoes: Difficulty 3, with the Difficulty increasing
ship’s Power above its normal maximum using this task. by 1 for each range band away from the weapon’s
Complications from this task represent power being optimal range.
removed from one system to power another, increasing
the Difficulty of tasks with that system by 1. c. Targeting a Specific System: If you target a specific
system, the Difficulty increases by 1.
X Regenerate Shields: (Cost: 1 Power) Attempt a Control
+ Engineering task with a Difficulty of 1, assisted by 3. Inflict Stress: If your task succeeds then the attack
the ship’s Structure + Engineering. If successful, the inflicts Stress, as described below.
ship regains 2 points of Shields, plus 2 additional points
of Shields for each Momentum spent (repeatable). The a. Randomly Determine System Hit: Roll 1d20 and
Difficulty is increased by 1 if your Shields are at 0 when compare the result to the Starship Hit Locations table.
you attempt this task.
X Damage Control: You attempt to repair the effects STARSHIP HIT LOCATIONS
of a breach. Choose a single damaged or disabled
system, and attempt a Presence + Engineering task When you do not designate a specific ship’s system to target, use this
with a Difficulty determined by the system and its status table to determine which system you hit, and apply any breaches to that
(see page 199). If successful, the system is restored to system. If the system you hit is already destroyed, any further breaches
function and can be used again normally. This task does are applied to the system in the If Destroyed, Hit column.
not remove any breaches the ship has suffered – only the
D20 ROLL SYSTEM HIT IF DESTROYED, HIT…
effects imposed by the breaches.
1 Communications Computers
2 Computers Communications
X Transporters: (Cost: 1 Power) Target a group of
3-6 Engines See Warp Core Breach Imminent!
characters or objects in the same location, and a
7-9 Sensors Weapons
destination, both within Close range of the ship.
10-17 Structure Engines
Attempt a Control + Engineering task with a Difficulty
18-20 Weapons Sensors
of 1, assisted by the ship’s Sensors + Engineering. If
successful you instantly transport your targets to the
c. Roll Cover: The target rolls any cover A their ship Ships have a quantity of Shields, representing their defensive
has available and adds it to the Resistance they have forcefields. A ship’s maximum Shields are equal to its
due to their Scale, and reduces your A result by the Structure + Security. At the start of a new scene, a ship’s
total Resistance. Shields returns to their normal value, and can be raised or
lowered to this normal maximum value.
d. Inflict Stress: The target reduces their Shields by the
amount of remaining Stress from the total, resolves Resistance
any effects, and checks to see if they have sustained Starships also have a quantity of Resistance, equal to its
a breach. Scale. This resistance reduces the total Stress suffered,
allowing them to shrug off some of the attack’s A result.
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COVER for Starships
Cover includes common effects, representing objects that interfere FRAGILE
with a vessel’s ability to see or attack a target directly. Cover The cover is especially fragile and will disperse entirely is it is
functions the same way for spacecraft as it does for characters – damaged. Each effect rolled permanently reduces the number of
granting some additional Resistance in the form of one or more A . If a A that area of cover provides by 1A , after the current attack has
zone provides cover, it provides cover to all vessels within that zone. been resolved. If that would reduce the cover to 0A , that cover
is destroyed.
Cover or concealment may have special effects that trigger on each
effect rolled on those A , just like attacks do. These should be deter- VOLATILE
mined by the gamemaster in advance, but a few examples include: The cover is exceedingly volatile, likely to ignite or explode. If any
effects are rolled, then all vessels within the zone immediately
DENSE suffer 5A Piercing 2 Stress. This Stress increases by 1A for each
The cover is particularly dense, making it especially hard to score a effect rolled when the targeted ship rolls their cover A . After the
good hit. Each effect rolled generates 1 additional Resistance. attack is resolved, the zone no longer grants any cover.
A. You suffer 5 or more Stress from a single attack or X Impact: Every time a system suffers a breach, it cannot
hazard, after reduction from Resistance. be used until the relevant bridge station restores it using
the Restore minor action.
B. Your Shields are reduced to 0 by that attack or hazard.
X Damaged: When the total number of breaches the
C. If your Shields were at 0 before the attack or hazard, and system has suffered reaches half the ship’s Scale, tasks
the attack or hazard inflicts any Stress. that use that system are increased in Difficulty by 2. The
Difficulty to repair this effect is 3.
If two of these conditions is true from a single attack, your
ship suffers two breaches. X Disabled: When the total number of breaches the system
has suffered reaches the ship’s Scale, it is disabled. All
System Damage Thresholds tasks that rely on that system are impossible, and cannot
Breaches are tracked and affect systems separately from be attempted. The Difficulty to repair this effect is 4.
one another. The effect of a breach to a system varies
based on two factors: which system was hit, and how X Destroyed: If the total number of breaches suffered
many breaches that system has already suffered. For each ever exceeds the ship’s Scale, that system is utterly
system, a breach has an immediate impact – a short- destroyed. All tasks that rely on that system are
term penalty, such as being unable to use that system impossible, and no repair attempts can be made until the
temporarily. Then, if the number of breaches suffered to that ship reaches appropriate starship repair facilities. Further
system meets certain thresholds, the ship suffers additional breaches inflicted against that system instead affect a
penalties as well. different system: roll the hit location again.
X Destroyed: If the Engines are destroyed, the ship loses 3 Power at If the ship suffers a loss of containment, then the reactors
the end of every round and can no longer regain or generate more may explode at any moment; roll one or more A at the end
Power. Further, roll a number of A equal to the number of breaches of each round, starting with 1 at the end of the round in
the engines have suffered in excess of the ship’s Scale; if any effects which the containment loss began, and increasing by 1A for
are rolled, the warp core begins to lose containment, and may each successive round (so, 2A for the second round, 3A
explode (see sidebar). for the third, and so forth). If one or more effects are rolled,
the reactors explode, destroying the ship immediately, killing
STRUCTURE all aboard, and inflicting 3A Piercing 2 damage to all other
X Impact: If the ship’s Structure suffers any breaches, roll 1A – if an ships within Close range. Add a number of additional A to
effect is rolled, then a random main or supporting character on the this damage equal to the exploding ship’s Scale (bigger ships
ship suffers a lethal injury. They may avoid the injury as normal (see have bigger reactors).
Avoiding an Injury on page 171).
This can, however, be avoided. Characters in engineering
X Damaged: If the ship’s Structure is damaged, all tasks to repair may attempt to stabilize the reactor, or they may try to eject
breach effects suffer complications on a d20 roll of 18-20, as the reactor entirely (though not all ships have the capability to
multiple hull breaches require sections of the ship to be sealed off by eject their reactors, so their crews may wish to abandon ship).
emergency containment fields. In addition, the ship’s Resistance is
reduced by 1. X Stabilize the Reactor: This is an extended task, with
Work 8, Magnitude 3, Resistance 2, and a base Difficulty
X Disabled: If the ship’s Structure is disabled, all tasks to repair breach of 3. Succeeding at this extended task prevents the
effects increase in Difficulty by 1 due to widespread destruction. In reactor from exploding. Common combinations for this
addition, the ship’s Resistance is halved (rounding up). will be Daring or Control + Engineering.
X Destroyed: If the Structure of the ship is destroyed, with hull X Eject the Reactor: This is a Daring + Engineering task,
breaches across the ship, fires raging, and life support systems with a Difficulty of 2. Success means that the reactor is
failing, the ship is crippled. The ship’s Resistance is 0, tasks to successfully ejected. If ejected, continue to roll to see if
repair other systems on the ship can no longer be attempted it explodes; when it does, it will not destroy the ship (as
during combat, and the ship may not move except by thrusters it’s been ejected and is no longer within the ship), but
(as per the Maneuver task), as faster velocities might tear the all ships, including the one that ejected it, within Close
ship apart. range will still suffer damage when it detonates.
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Repairing Damage During the course of battle, the ship may also suffer
If a ship is suffering from effects due to breaches, you can complications that relate to the condition or function of
attempt tasks to repair that damage. These are not full repairs the ship. You can also remove these by engineering
– this would take time and resources not readily available tasks, and are regarded as repairs. The normal Difficulty
in battle – but starships are designed with redundancies to remove these is 2, though this may vary based on the
and back-ups, and a skilled engineer can re-route around gamemaster’s discretion.
damaged systems to create impromptu solutions.
The Damage Control task listed on page 197 is a typical starship combat
way of repairing a damaged system, with an officer momentum spends
sending a repair team to handle the repairs. However, you
can also use the Change Position minor action to move Momentum is a key tactical resource during combat. When
elsewhere in the ship, and attempt to lead the repairs you generate Momentum in combat, there are several options
personally. This takes a Daring or Control + Engineering available to help defeat your enemies, empower your allies,
task, with a Difficulty of 3 for damaged systems, or 4 for and bolster your own glory.
disabled systems.
You have all the normal Momentum options available to
Any repairs you make will remove the effects imposed by you in a combat scene, with additional options that relate
damaged or disabled systems, but it doesn’t actually remove directly to starship combat. As normal, spends listed as
any breaches that caused those conditions. As a result, if a Repeatable means they can be repeated as many times as
damaged system is repaired and suffers an additional breach, you have Momentum to pay for them, and spends listed as
it can suffer from the damaged condition again. Breaches Immediate can be played at any time during your turn
cannot be repaired in combat or during a mission – such (and can be paid for by generating Threat). If a Momentum
intensive repairs require days or weeks of work at a starbase spend is neither Immediate nor Repeatable, you can only
or other facility, and only occur between missions. use them once per turn.
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CHAPTER TO COMMAND THE STARS
07.40
STARSHIP CREATION
lIH
– GENERAL CHANG
5. On the ship sheet, add the following elements as needed: X SCALE: A starship’s Scale is determined by its class.
X TRAITS: A starship has a single trait – Klingon X RESISTANCE: A starship has Resistance equal to its
Starship – as standard. It may have others, if the Scale. Talents may modify this further.
players and gamemaster desire. See Traits on page
227 for more on additional starship traits. X SHIELDS: A starship has Shields equal to its Structure
plus its Security. Talents may modify this further.
X TALENTS: A starship should have a number of
talents equal to its Scale. Some of these may be X POWER: A starship’s normal Power capacity is equal
determined by spaceframe, and at least one should to its Engines. Talents may modify this further.
6. Finally, select a name for the vessel (see page 228 for D5-Class Battle Cruiser
more information). Entered Service: 2146
OVERVIEW
The D5 battle cruiser was the latest iteration of Imperial
assault starship design from the engineering team at the
DaQ’yan Forge when it was introduced in 2146 in the lead
COMMON KLINGON up to the campaign to conquer the B’Moth system and its
SPECIAL RULES indigenous inhabitants. The B’Moth people were a newly
warp capable species discovered in 2141 and had shown
Cloaking Device: Fully introduced in 2272 (see D7/K’tinga). The vessel a long history of civil conflict that had made them into
has a device that allows it to vanish from sensors. Operating the device formidable warriors. The D5 led the charge against the
requires a Control + Engineering task with a Difficulty of 2, assisted by B’Moth and its ablative armor proved more than capable
the ship’s Engines + Security as this is a task from the tactical position. against the layered planetary defenses and heavy particle
This task has a Power requirement of 3. If successful, the vessel gains cannon emplacements mounted on orbiting defense
the Cloaked trait. While cloaked, the vessel cannot attempt any attacks, asteroids circling high above the world. When the Empire
nor can it be the target of an attack unless the attacker has found some first encountered United Earth and saw that the Vulcan
way of detecting the cloaked vessel. While cloaked, a vessel’s shields High Command was assisting them through personnel
are down. It requires a minor action to decloak a vessel. exchange, the High Council felt that this new Human
menace was the largest threat to the Empire since the
Targ-Pit: Not all early Klingon ships came with an area dedicated defeat of the Hur’Q.
to targs or other live animals to be used as food, for sport, or for
companionship. Those that did saw better morale, but also more disease The D5s of the fleet were recalled and refit with newly
and had the requirement of keeping extra foodstock for the animals on developed defensive shields based on salvaged Vulcan
board. This is why it is a trait rather than a talent. Every Klingon vessel systems from a destroyed spy vessel attempting to gain
of Scale 5 or larger will have a targ-pit as standard and will not have the knowledge of the dilithium refinement facilities on Praxis.
trait listed; those that are Scale 4 and smaller will have it listed. These newly upgraded D5s were deployed into systems
controlled by the Empire and between Qo’noS and Earth.
Quantum Torpedoes: The Klingon Empire doesn’t gain access to By 2155, all D5s had been refit in time for the outbreak
quantum torpedo technology until after the end of the Dominion War. of the Earth-Romulan War. The D5 continued to serve
When choosing a mission profile that includes quantum torpedoes, that with honor in the KDF even after the Earth-Romulan War.
vessel may equip photon torpedoes if it normally does not have them; Improved weapon systems and warp coils were installed
otherwise that talent does not apply. If playing after the Dominion War, through the 22nd century, and improvements in solid
treat the quantum torpedo trait normally. state micro-engineering and symmetrical subspace field
generation allowed the D5 to continue to serve as a battle
cruiser until the introduction of the D7 in the late 2250s The
D5 was then moved to secondary positions in battle cruiser
squadrons, and by the 2270s the D5 was phased out of
front-line service entirely and moved to system defense and
House fleets.
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CAPABILITIES Raptor-class Scout Vessel
The D5, like all later battle cruiser designs produced by the Entered Service: 2146
DaQ’yan Forge, had two semi-isolated and independent
sections meant to be able to continue operation in combat OVERVIEW
regardless of large scale hull breaches or damage to the The Empire grew slowly in the decades prior to first contact
other. The forward section was the command and control with Humans. The majority of the Imperial fleet was engaged
pod located on a long boom that could detach from the rest with spacefaring civilizations rimward of the homeworld, and
of the vessel in case of extreme damage and act as a lifeboat due to this short-sightedness, the shipyards of the Empire
of sorts. The forward pod also contained the vessel’s photon had been focusing on larger, more combat worthy ship
torpedo launch system that had two separate ammunition designs. The neglected small scouts of the Klingon Defense
feed mechanisms that were protected by the bulk of the Force of the time dated back to the years just after the
forward-facing disruptor cannons. Even after much of the development of warp travel, meaning that the main combat
D5’s ablative armor was removed during its shielding refit, forces of the Empire could easily outpace the scouts they
armor was kept in areas to protect vital systems including the needed to find enemy outposts, make contact with new
torpedo storage system, the command deck, and secondary species, and find new worthy enemies for the Empire. Using
fusion reactors. many of the design elements from the newly launched D5
battle cruiser, the first of the new Raptor class scouts was
Further disruptor cannons were installed across the dorsal launched from the Kahless’ Blade orbital shipyards above
and ventral surfaces of the engineering hull, with two on Qo’noS in 2146. This class of vessel stayed in service
each side being mounted on a turret to allow attacks against through the Earth-Romulan War, protecting the small shared
targets at any angle to the vessel. The engineering hull also border region between our Empire and theirs, and went
mounted the D5’s two advanced warp nacelles that could on to perform with honor until after the brief conflict with
pitch and yaw allowing a warp velocity of warp 6, a high warp the Federation in 2267 showed the spaceframe’s age and
acceleration, and a stable subspace field even while in areas limitations. Few of these vessels continue to be active in the
of gravimetric distortion. Two impulse drive units provided Empire, used by short distance Imperial merchantmen to
sublight propulsion using the ship’s primary fusion reactors. move meat animals such as targ and gagh.
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CAPABILITIES K’Toch Scout
Compared to the other similarly-sized starships of its time, the Entered Service: 2128
Vo’n’talk class has a smaller crew complement as there are
fewer weapons emplacements than the D5, and it has fewer OVERVIEW
positions for scientific specialists than the Raptor. However, As has been the case through the history of Klingon
this class requires nearly twice the number of engineers expansion, the High Council and KDF has always placed
trained in warp core operations and the maintenance of the highest priority on training warriors and constructing
subspace field coils due to the complex warp-wing systems. combat vessels to house and move them from system to
As the starship moves into warp, the wings adjust their pitch system. Vessels that were meant for exploration or the
and angle, and the main computer adjusts the pulses of warp discovery of new resources and species to exploit weren’t
plasma to specific coils to produce a highly stable warp field. even considered for construction. This philosophy slowly
These multiple small warp coils allow this class to achieve began to change as the star systems within a moderate
speeds of warp 6.15, and even if the vessel lost over half journey from Qo’noS were firmly under the control of the
the warp coils in each wing, it still is able to form a stable High Council and easy-to-access resources were consumed
subspace field to enter and exit warp. In 2167, one starship of quickly in the Empire’s expansion. The compromise was
this class had sustained damage to over 60% of its warp coils approved in 2128 with the K‘Toch-class, which was given
from an encounter with an Andorian-crewed Starfleet vessel minimal support at first, being constructed with easy to
and was still able to return to Qo’noS at a speed of warp 3.2. manufacture parts and primitive technology to leave the
best for the battle cruisers. What the KDF did not anticipate
Engineers felt they could remove half the fusion reactors as were the Great Houses manufacturing these starships for
the vessel massed lower than other vessels of its size, but themselves to allow both their scientists and explorers to
the warriors of the KDF fought (literally) to keep the extra seek out new opportunities for glory. One of these vessels
impulse power installed. This was because the impulse deck crashed on Earth in 2151, initiating contact with Humans.
also used magnetic baffles to direct thrust up to 30 degrees The High Council had two of these vessels assigned as
from the axis of the ship, augmenting the vessel’s reaction packet ships to move between Qo’noS and important
control systems and making the Vo’n’talk one of the most systems in the Empire.
nimble vessels in service to the Empire at the time. As a
historical note, this class was also the first in the KDF to have As larger vessels later came into service with a more open
each vessel equipped with the new tractor beam system, role that could include exploratory duties, the K’Toch class
utilizing a subspace field to direct and polarize gravitons. was relegated to courier duties and moving warriors from
ships to planetary surfaces when transporter systems
TRAITS: Klingon Starship, Bird-of-Prey were not useable. This class continued service long after
its spaceframe was deemed to be too old and fragile for
systems continued use, and was only removed from active duty from
some minor Houses in the early 24th century when a new
COMMS 06 ENGINES 08 STRUCTURE 06 vessel came into service based heavily on the K’Toch, the
Qo’Toch heavy fighter.
COMPUTERS 06 SENSORS 07 WEAPONS 07
CAPABILITIES
Departments The K’Toch class scout was a multi-purpose starship that
used design features dating back to the first Klingon warp
COMMAND – SECURITY +1 SCIENCE – ships. The class consisted of a large open crew section, a
small cramped support and engineering section aft, and a
CONN +1 ENGINEERING +1 MEDICINE –
propulsion ‘sled’ located below that contained the vessel’s
antimatter cells, small fission core, and reaction control.
SCALE: 3 The vessel could be piloted and maintained by a single
crewmember if required, but a more typical crew ranged from
WEAPONS: three to five warriors or scientists. Sleeping shelves would
X Disruptor Cannons pull out from the bulkhead under each station as the vessel
X Photon Torpedoes was too small for individual quarters. While primitive even by
X Tractor Beam (Strength 2) mid-22nd century standards, the fission pile that powered
the vessel’s sublight drive was easy to maintain and repair,
TALENTS: and difficult to totally destroy without the loss of the entire
X Improved Reaction Control System spaceframe. The fission reactor also assisted a small matter/
X Redundant Systems (Warp Drive) antimatter core in powering the vessel’s warp coils and gave
the tiny ship a maximum sustained velocity of warp 4, with
emergency velocities approaching warp 5.3.
Tu’YuQ Exploratory Ship The engineering hull, aft of the boom-like neck of the
Entered Service: 2176 vessel, consisted of a similar layout and systems as the
Vo’N’Talk class. Additional deuterium storage on the port
OVERVIEW and starboard of the impulse drive deck allowed this class
Research and development of new technologies has rarely extended deployment times. Finally, two small one-person
been the priority of the Klingon Defense Force and had been shuttlepods were installed on the port and starboard sides
left to civilian research teams and institutions of education. of the boom, allowing small excursions to the surface of
After the formation of the United Federation of Planets and worlds when the commander considered the landing of the
its rapid expansion towards Qo’noS, the High Council felt vessel a tactical liability. Refits of this class occurred after
that the exploration duties of the KDF should be expanded the successful reverse engineering of Federation duotronic
in order to push the frontiers of the Empire further than just computer systems, and gave a new lease on life to these
conquest could achieve. Designing the new starship class aging vessels. Further refits would go on to improve the
was a group of academics from across Qo’noS and overseen vessel’s warp capabilities and sensor resolution.
by two generals from the KDF to ensure the new vessel
would still bring honor to the Empire. The result was the
Tu’YuQ-class exploratory ship.
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TRAITS: Klingon Starship, Bird-of-Prey D7-Class Battle Cruiser
Entered Service: 2250
systems
OVERVIEW
COMMS 07 ENGINES 07 STRUCTURE 05 The mid-23rd century saw increasing competition between
the Empire and the Federation for space supremacy across
COMPUTERS 08 SENSORS 07 WEAPONS 07
our shared border region. The KDF had been relying on
refitted D5 cruisers nearly 100 years old, and still capable
Departments of expanding the far-flung borders of the Empire, but the
introduction by Starfleet of the Constitution-class heavy
COMMAND – SECURITY +1 SCIENCE +1 cruiser in 2243 laid bare the Empire’s reliance on these
ancient vessels. A long-term development plan was set into
CONN – ENGINEERING – MEDICINE +1
motion by the High Council, and overseen by General Koro,
to develop a suitable weapons platform to challenge Starfleet
SCALE: 3 in firepower and in deep space deployments. The final design
of the D7 occurred in 2247, but when the Empire was able
WEAPONS: to capture a functional duotronic computer system from a
X Disruptor Cannons Starfleet vessel, further installation of the sensor and data
X Photon Torpedoes networks in the D7 was halted until the duotronic systems
X Tractor Beam (Strength 2) were reverse engineered in 2250. The first D7 launched to
great celebration only two months later.
TALENTS:
X High Resolution Sensors The D7 battlecruiser became the most visible symbol of the
X Improved Power Systems Empire and squadrons of the vessels would attack and harass
Federation outposts and illegal colonies regularly. Even then,
this symbol of strength and power almost fell away when a
brief alliance with the Romulan Star Empire allowed the KDF
access to cloaking devices. The then current D7 spaceframe
The new battle cruiser design came into service in 2270 and SCALE: 4
would continue to serve the KDF as its front-line starship until
the mid-24th century when the introduction of larger vessels WEAPONS:
such as the Vor’cha and NegH’Var class battle cruisers X Disruptor Cannons
relegated the venerable design to escort and support duties. X Phaser Banks
X Photon Torpedoes
CAPABILITIES X Tractor Beam (Strength 3)
The D7 continues the long design traditions of the KDF by
having a command pod at the end of a long detachable TALENTS:
boom that connects to the engineering hull. With the primary X Cloaking Device (After 2272)
purpose of the D7 being war, the weapon systems on X Rugged Design
board had top priority for the use of internal volume. Two
separate photon torpedo launchers provide the primary
destructive capabilities for the spaceframe. The D7 was also B’rel-class Bird-of-Prey
equipped with both phaser banks and disruptor cannons. Entered Service: 2280
The interior volume of the battle cruiser was a departure
from more traditional designs in the KDF as the corridors and OVERVIEW
maintenance areas had an openness and ease of access Before K’tinga discovered the Romulan treachery with
to critical systems in mind. While most warriors have little trading our Empire faulty cloaking devices, the engineers in
understanding or care for maintenance of critical systems, the KDF began designing a starship capable of using the
the D7 had easy to understand instructions on the inside faulty cloaking device as is. The vessel would need to have
of bulkheads to show how systems may be repaired or a low internal volume, thin armor plating in order to allow the
maintained, even for crew members of subject worlds who cloaking field to adequately project around the vessel, and
may not yet understand Klingon. Refits for the D7 and K’tinga have significant power capacity to allow the operation of the
depended greatly on if it was in service to the KDF or a Great cloaking field and other vital ship’s systems. Early on it was
House, with the KDF focusing on improving warp capabilities determined that a bird-of-prey design similar to the Vo’n’talk
and increasing EPS connections to weapon systems and class would provide the ideal form for the new vessel.
some Great Houses focusing on improving the vessel’s ability
to act as a command ship in ways similar to Qo’noS One. The first B’rel launched in 2280 and undertook a harrowing
shakedown cruise that had the vessel journey from Qo’noS
to the Federation world of Mars where it observed the
expansion of Utopia Planitia that was ongoing at the time,
and then returning to the homeworld all while undetected
and under cloak. This tremendous success showed the
Chancellor and the Great Houses the potential for this vessel
235 and by 10 years after its introduction, B’rel birds-of-prey
were leaving the Empire’s drydocks at the same rate as
79210 K’tinga-class battle cruisers. The success of K’tinga in not
only uncovering the Romulan lies, but in redesigning the D7
and building the first B’rel allowed him to start his own lesser
House. The B’rel class would become the inspiration for two
further bird-of-prey designs by House K’tinga, the D12 and
the K’vort class.
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CAPABILITIES TRAITS: Klingon Starship, Bird-of-Prey
Like most large Klingon starships, the B’rel-class bird-of-prey
consists of a command pod at the end of a long boom. This systems
boom attaches to the vessel’s main engineering and support
hull and pitch-adjustable wings. The command pod contains COMMS 08 ENGINES 09 STRUCTURE 07
the bridge and large captain’s quarters that both had its
COMPUTERS 07 SENSORS 07 WEAPONS 09
own sanitation facilities and an area dedicated to either a
targ-pit or gagh breeding tub so the commanding officer may
always have fresh food on hand. The majority of the small Departments
crew of 12 to 20 officers and enlisted lived and worked in the
engineering hull. Directly behind the junction of the boom COMMAND – SECURITY +1 SCIENCE –
and engineering hull was the cloaking device. Direct power
CONN +2 ENGINEERING – MEDICINE –
linkages between the cloaking device ran aft into the vessel’s
matter/antimatter reactor, allowing the device to draw directly
on warp plasma rather than putting a heavy demand on SCALE: 3
the EPS system. Aft of the warp core are two multistage
fusion reactors that function on a deuterium reaction, but WEAPONS:
can run on standard hydrogen at a lower efficiency. The X Disruptor Cannons
power generated from these reactors give the B’rel class X Photon Torpedoes
an impressive sublight acceleration and a top warp velocity X Tractor Beam (Strength 2)
of 9.9 for a very short duration. While the cloak is active,
the drain on power is more extreme than later classes, and TALENTS:
cruising warp velocities are reduced to warp 5 for the original X Cloaking Device
production runs, later improved to warp 6.5 depending on X Fast Targeting Systems
how well the warp coils in the vessel’s highly adjustable
wings could compensate for disturbed space-time.
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212
Qo’toch Heavy Fighter after the antimatter stores are depleted, the fusion core can
Entered Service: 2298 provide low warp speeds of 3.5 until the vessel is able to
return to dock.
OVERVIEW
With the deployment of the Pach’Nom-class multirole escort, Two separate mission packages that can be mounted
the KDF wished to add a newly designed heavy fighter and to the hard points on the ventral section of the Qo’Toch
support vessel that could augment that vessel’s capabilities. class have been developed. A heavy weapons mount
The first Qo’Toch-class heavy fighter left its hangar in allows photon torpedoes to be mounted, or a secondary
mid-2298 and saw immediate success in assisting I.K.S. fusion reactor dedicated to powering a phaser cannon. A
Pach’Nom in its assignment in the Brestant system. second package for reconnaissance purposes consists of
a magnetic bottle for additional anti-matter storage that
Intended as a replacement for the old K’Toch class, many can extend high warp capabilities out to three weeks and
minor docks and starbases were able to recycle the old additional multispectral, gravimetric, and subspace sensor
craft and build new Qo’Toch class fighters with few new packages that give the scouts on board higher resolution
materials outside of small duotronic computers and newer and longer range for finding and locating targets, or
weapon systems. The Qo’Toch class became ubiquitous scouting out enemy positions.
across the Empire as escorts to merchant vessels, patrol
ships for star systems experiencing light amounts of piracy, Refits leading up to the Dominion War included
and during planetary assaults where there was heavy improvements to disruptor targeting systems, improvements
ground resistance. During the war with the Federation to the structural integrity fields needed to allow more extreme
in 2372 and during the Dominion War, these vessels atmospheric maneuvering, and higher efficiency impulse
were employed in much the same manner as Starfleet drive emitters to allow for greater acceleration in space and
runabouts and often in cooperation with them as Allied near the ground.
forces approached Cardassia. While these fighters are
currently over 70 years old, routine refit cycles and ease of TRAITS: Klingon Starship
construction ensure that this fighter will see service in the
KDF into the 25th century. systems
Chapter 07
214
D12-class Bird-of-Prey vessel came with a sizeable targ breeding pit and gagh farm.
Entered Service: 2315 The gagh farm was actually a part of the waste recycling
systems on board and took strain off the mechanical and
OVERVIEW chemical parts of that system. A full crew could go for years
The routine maintenance and replacement of warp coils without having to return to a Klingon colony world to restock
had become a concern for the Empire as our borders were on gagh.
quickly being pushed further anti-spinward away from
the Federation and into regions with few warp-capable Like the B’rel class, the D12 had forward- and aft-mounted
civilizations that had infrastructure the KDF could use for photon torpedo launchers and swivel-mounted disruptor
repairs and refurbishments. The use of the basic design of cannons at the end of each wing. In addition, there were two
the B’rel was an intelligent choice as the adaptable subspace disruptor banks over the aft impulse manifold that gave the
geometry of the vessel due to the warp coils in its pitch D12 a greater range of firing patterns that the B’rel class.
variable wings meant that less strain would be on each Armor, internal bulkheads, and structural integrity fields
individual coil. House K’tinga proposed the D12, a larger were strengthened to deal with the greater mass of the D12,
and more capable version of the B’rel class. As much of the giving it better maneuverability and acceleration compared
equipment and most systems would be standard across the to vessels of similar mass, but also making the systems deep
B’rel and D12, the High Council and the generals of the KDF inside its engineering hull difficult to damage.
agreed to the design without passing it through the regular
reviews. This act would later result in discommendation of By 2369, engineers of House D’Ghor had developed a new
two KDF generals and four separate claims for the Rite of plasma coil to replace the faulty equipment, but it only
Vengeance against House K’tinga. mattered to them as they were the last House to continue
to use them instead of the newer K’Vort class birds-of-prey.
The first D12 was launched from the K’tinga Orbital Factory Even then, their reputation makes many warriors feel to serve
in 2315 and was assigned to commanders and crews on them is to be dishonored.
with experience operating as scouts from older B’rel class
vessels. The majority of the hulls produced went into service TRAITS: Klingon Starship, Bird-of-Prey, Bad Reputation
with the KDF, though a small amount served in the fleets of
House Konjah and Martok. In 2339, a D12 serving House systems
Konjah, I.K.S. Konjah’s Mek’leth, suffered a plasma coil failure
while cloaked during a mission inside the Gorn Hegemony. COMMS 09 ENGINES 09 STRUCTURE 08
According to the emergency transmission, the vessel’s
COMPUTERS 07 SENSORS 07 WEAPONS 10
cloak failed catastrophically, causing damage to the impulse
engines. As the vessel was following a Gorn Varanus-class
battleship, it was spotted and quickly destroyed with the Departments
loss of all warriors on board. A second disaster followed with
a KDF D12 having to eject its warp core after a plasma coil COMMAND – SECURITY +2 SCIENCE –
failure overloaded the entire EPS system.
CONN +1 ENGINEERING – MEDICINE –
CAPABILITIES
The standards laid out in the High Council policy on SCALE: 4
non-military transports ensured that most classes have
similar performance, equipment, systems, and types WEAPONS:
of personnel on board. These classes typically have X Disruptor Banks
between 80 to 100 officers and crew and the capacity to X Tractor Beam (Strength 3)
transport 500 passengers for long trips, and in emergency
evacuations up a thousand, though the live food animal TALENTS:
breeding facilities on board are unable to accommodate X Redundant Systems (Life Support / Structure)
the demand such high numbers of passengers place on X Rugged Design
them. Passengers are split among six separate airtight
sections with sleeping accommodations, small medical
ward, targ-pit, and Feasting Hall. During times of war, each K’Vort-class Bird-of-Prey
of these passenger sections can be replaced with ‘barracks Entered Service: 2349
pods’ allowing the transport of a company of ground troops
along with shuttlecraft launch and recovery systems to OVERVIEW
allow the landing of troops from orbit. This modification After the incidents with the D12, the starship designers of
does require a drydock and at least a month of refitting as House K’tinga decided to attempt to regain their honor and
the superstructure of the ship requires reinforcement. A clear the reputation of their bird-of-prey design by scaling
larger and better-equipped medical ward is in the forward the vessel upwards in size and capability to produce the
crew section and is utilized by the crew or by passengers largest and most powerful warship in the Empire, the K’Vort
requiring more extensive medical care than can be provided class. Production of the spaceframe suffered setbacks as
by the facilities in their section. larger and more complex drydocks were required to be built
to support construction. The first of these drydocks was
The aft section of the vessel contains both the fusion finished in high polar orbit over Qo’noS, followed soon after
reactors for the sublight impulse drive, and the small warp by an asteroid based facility in the K’tinga system and a
core that allows the vessel to achieve cruising speeds of similar facility built inside a sizable chunk of the remains of
over warp 6. The two sets of warp coils at the far rear of Praxis. The first of the new K’Vort class vessels launched in
the vessel are in close proximity, and at speeds of above 2349 and immediately had a trial by fire in a border conflict
warp 5 the field can become unstable. When this occurs, with the Gorn Hegemony that had begun the year previously.
warp field stabilizers located at the end of each hull wing Any doubts to the quality of the systems installed proved
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to be unfounded as I.K.S. K’Vort itself spent two years on contains four separate magnetic and subspace field
constant combat patrol between Torna IV and Cestus III, generators that pull in all atomic and low mass molecular
achieving three confirmed Gorn cruiser and two frigate kills material, diverting the deuterium to the fusion reactors
during that time. and warp core storage tanks for later use. All other
material is processed into the replicator system, or if it is
After the border conflict ceased with the Hegemony, ceding compressible such as helium, it is shunted to RCS tanks
six uninhabited, but strategically important star systems spread out across the wings. This extra input is needed
to the Empire, conversion of smaller docks to be able to as the K’Vort class has nearly double the amount of
handle the construction of the K’Vort class began in all thrusters as more recent designs of similar mass such as
of the Great Houses. In just 10 standard years, the new the Vor’cha class. During combat maneuvers the vessel’s
birds-of-prey became more numerous than the K’tinga in impressive impulse drive and the RCS fine tunes the
the KDF. Production of this spaceframe has only slowed vessel’s angle of attack and can even allow the vessel to
with the development of the Vor’cha-class battle cruiser and swing end over end in less than two seconds. Additionally,
Negh’Var-class battleship, but this now-iconic design will the wings can independently pitch, yaw, and roll to
surely have a place in the fleet for many decades to come. compensate for loss of thrusters from combat damage
and more easily bring the vessel around onto a course the
CAPABILITIES helmsman requires.
A much larger design than the D12 or B’rel class birds-
of-prey, the K’Vort requires a crew of 200 for assignments Like other House K’tinga birds-of-prey, the K’Vort class
where combat is not expected, such as patrolling the has wing mounted disruptor cannons that independently
Federation border or assisting in exploration of the anti- swivel and target hostile starships. These vessels also have
spinward reaches of the Empire. A crew of 500 plus 100 a disruptor array wrapped around the command pod, a
specially trained warriors used to board enemy vessels is disruptor array along the trailing edge of each wing, and
more typical during combat operations where casualties two small arrays protecting the vessel’s belly shuttlebay.
would normally reduce a smaller crew’s effectiveness. While these vessels have a forward and aft mounted
torpedo launch system, designers also included two
One of the most significant systems changes from hardpoint mounts near the wing tips for rapid fire torpedo
smaller models is the vessel’s Bussard ramscoop and launch systems or for probe command and control systems
reaction control system. The leading edge of each wing depending on the needs of the KDF.
K'VORT
7654 7402
246 924
9283 2856
247 1403
9643 62
342 27913
087 42
1343 8324
The far aft of the vessel contains the propulsion systems, the
shuttlebay, and the vessel’s weapon systems. The sublight
drive uses two impulse manifolds in separate sections on
the dorsal and ventral side of the engineering hull, each with
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three separate fusion reactors. These allow each reactor habitation areas, and includes a short-range single person
to operate far below capacity, putting less strain on the transporter. A crew of two is assigned to the craft during
power systems. These reactors also allow the vessel to have combat missions, one to pilot and the other to control the
access to staggering amounts of energy in emergencies and weapon systems. The shuttle has a disruptor array capable
assists the vessel’s small but efficient warp core to provide of firing in almost any direction and has the hard point and
the power needed to keep the warp coils fully charged and EPS connections available to mount a photon torpedo
generating a stable subspace field. system on its ventral hull. The craft is powered by two small
helium-deuterium micro-fusion reactors that power sublight
TRAITS: Klingon Starship, Civilian, Targ-Pit propulsion and shuttle systems. Warp power is provided by
a small antimatter power cell that can allow the shuttle to
systems maintain warp 4 for two days. Additional antimatter pods
can be mounted in drop tanks below the shuttle to extend its
COMMS 09 ENGINES 10 STRUCTURE 08 warp flight time.
Departments systems
COMMAND – SECURITY – SCIENCE – COMMS 05 ENGINES 07 STRUCTURE 05
SCALE: 5 Departments
OVERVIEW TALENTS:
Previous to the 2350s, shuttlecraft in use by the KDF had X Improved Reaction Control Systems
little standardization as each was built by local shipyards
and different Houses. While there were all capable of
docking at standard ports on KDF starships, replacement Vor’cha-class Destroyer
parts for damaged vehicles were difficult for starship Entered Service: 2367
quartermasters to keep in stock, and many shuttles were
scuttled rather than take up space in repair bays waiting OVERVIEW
for parts to come from a specific House halfway across the Peace with the Federation and the static border with the
Empire. The standardization of transports in the Empire gave Romulan Star Empire during the first half of the 24th century
rise to the idea of a single type of shuttle for use in the KDF had led the KDF to become complacent with battle cruiser
that would also fill the role of light fighter. The Toron-class design. This was highlighted in 2357 when Chancellor
shuttle is the result, assigned to combat space patrol in the K’mpec was leading a sizable formation of K’tinga-class and
Qo’noS system in 2357. B’rel-class starships aboard Qo’noS One in a show of force
against the Gorn Hegemony. Qo’nos One was to launch the
CAPABILITIES first salvo of photon torpedoes against a Hegemony asteroid
The Toron class is similar in many regards to Starfleet mining complex discovered light years inside the Empire’s
shuttles. It can be crewed by a single warrior, but may borders, but the power draw for the new torpedo systems
transport up to eight in emergency circumstances for short was too much for the aging vessel and the torpedo misfired
periods of time. The vessel has rudimentary sanitation and and lodged inside the unpowered launch mechanism before
9862121 40921
detonating and killing many warriors. A furious Chancellor engineering hull. Unlike the vessels before it, the Vor’cha
K’mpec transferred his flag to the B’rel class I.K.S. Pla’na could separate just the command pod where earlier
Tok and ensured the mining complex was destroyed before designs would also take the boom with it. The command
ordering the KDF to design a new vessel, impressive enough pod has two fusion reactors to power its sublight drive,
to be a flagship for the Empire. the forward mounted disruptor cannons, photon torpedo
launchers, and life support. The engineering hull also has
Rapid advancements in warp core design, computer a ‘flying bridge’ in a triangular section that can take over
technology, and sensor systems from the Empire’s friendship command and control functions from the forward bridge.
with the Federation meant the design of the Vor’cha class This section of the vessel can also be used as a lifeboat,
kept undergoing revisions. Chancellor K’mpec would die detaching itself from the engineering hull and maneuvering
from a cowardly assassination via poison only ten standard away with its own impulse manifolds, and continuing
days before the launch of his new flagship in 2367. The the fight with a series of disruptor banks. Other weapon
second vessel built, I.K.S. K’mpec, was named after the late systems installed include disruptor cannons on the warp
Chancellor by then-Chancellor Gowron and gifted to House nacelles, two torpedo tubes in the command pod, two
K’mpec to honor their namesake’s sacrifice. tubes in the engineering hull, and two tubes straddling
the shuttle bay. In order to free up power for the extensive
While the Vor’cha class was originally intended to be only weapon systems, this class utilizes bulkheads that seal
used as flagships or as command vessels in large squadrons areas of the vessel off automatically when going into
or small groups of battle cruisers, this has changed since the combat instead of an internal shield system.
brief war with the Federation and the war with the Dominion.
K’tinga-class vessels are slowly being replaced by the new As the largest vessel constructed by the KDF at the time,
Vor’cha class as quickly as warriors are trained in the new the Vor’cha could accommodate a sizable crew of nearly
vessel’s systems. 2,000 warriors. Not all of these warriors are required for
the command and control or weapon systems, rather the
CAPABILITIES energy and propulsion systems were the largest and most
Like the K’tinga before it, the Vor’cha continues the powerfully built until the introduction of the Negh’Var class
tradition of the KDF having its battle cruisers consist in 2372. The Vor’cha compares closely with the sublight
of a command pod at the end of a long boom and an performance of the K’tinga class while being over three
Chapter 07
220
times as massive. Its warp core can produce nearly 90% of WEAPONS:
the output of a Starfleet Galaxy-class starship and allows a X Disruptor Cannons
cruising speed of warp 7 and emergency speeds of up to X Disruptor Banks
warp 9.6. X Photon Torpedoes
X Tractor Beam (Strength 4)
The KDF is currently debating the priority for the first refit
cycle of the Vor’cha class. While some generals feel that TALENTS:
additional subspace communication relays and boosted X Cloaking Device
transmission strength is needed for properly utilizing this X Command Ship
class against enemies as advanced as the Dominion, others X Improved Hull Integrity
feel that all problems can be solved with the installation of
additional disruptor cannons.
Negh’Var-class Warship
TRAITS: Klingon Starship Entered Service: 2372
systems OVERVIEW
While the Vor’cha-class attack cruiser was a more than
COMMS 09 ENGINES 10 STRUCTURE 10 suitable command vessel, many generals still chose to lead
from the older K’tinga-class battle cruisers as that class
COMPUTERS 09 SENSORS 09 WEAPONS 10
holds a strong place in our Empire’s collective glory. The KDF
and High Council determined that a new battleship class
Departments would draw the last of the holdouts away from their century-
old starships. This new battleship would need to be capable
COMMAND +1 SECURITY +2 SCIENCE – of taking on the most advanced vessels of the Dominion
and other enemies. While not a true command ship, the new
CONN – ENGINEERING – MEDICINE –
Negh’Var-class warship is intended to lead from the front
rather than assist generals in coordinating the battle.
SCALE: 5
The first vessel launched in 2372, I.K.S. Negh’Var, was
assigned to act as the flagship of the Imperial Fleet with
CAPABILITIES Departments
The Negh’Var class is a truly impressive warship, almost
double the mass and requiring a quarter more crew then the COMMAND +1 SECURITY +1 SCIENCE –
Vor’cha class. This high number of crew is required because
CONN – ENGINEERING +1 MEDICINE –
of the complexity of the systems on board the vessel, most
needed for the power and propulsion systems. The mass
of the vessel required four separate warp nacelles, the two SCALE: 6
dorsal nacelles having 24 sets of warp coils, and the two
ventral nacelles having only 20 sets, and each set powered WEAPONS:
by its own large warp core. In addition, two weapons and X Disruptor Cannons
propulsion sections jut downwards from each wing, each X Disruptor Array (See Special Rules)
containing a warp field stabilizer, a fusion power plant for X Photon Torpedoes
an impulse drive, and a subspace field vectored thrust X Tractor Beam (Strength 5)
assembly. The resulting impulse performance is only slightly
less than that of the Vor’cha class, but equal to that smaller TALENTS:
vessel when at warp speeds. X Cloaking Device
X Extensive Shuttlebays
The weapon systems standard on a Negh’Var class put X Fast Targeting Systems
many Dominion vessels to shame. The multi-deck pod X Secondary Reactors
on the dorsal aft of the vessel contains a sizeable fighter
bay and combat space operations center capable of
coordinating the maneuvers and support for a squadron of
heavy fighters or two squadrons of standard fighters at any
given time. The vessel has multiple disruptor cannons linked
to the vessel’s adaptive multispectral subspace sensors,
giving each weapon system accurate targeting information
out to beyond the effective range of the weapons. At the
front of the wing-mounted weapon and propulsion pods
are disruptor arrays that have their own isolated targeting
systems, power supply, and crews able to take over
manual targeting in case of damage. This isolation is due
to concerns of Changeling infiltrators sabotaging the vessel
during combat. Even if the main vessel was disabled,
these arrays could continue to operate and destroy hostile
targets, and the likelihood of infiltrators being on the ship
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mission profile Intelligence and
Reconnaissance Operations
A ship’s mission profile is integral to what distinguishes one The scout vessels of the KDF are employed to explore, chart,
vessel from another in the same class. It determines what and report back on regions of space the Empire has interest
systems are equipped, what equipment and personnel are in, including those sectors controlled by hostile governments
required to complete its mission, and what duties it will when intelligence is needed for military operations and
perform for the Empire. invasions. They may also be used during fleet engagements
for signals warfare, denying the enemy the use of their
The players choose a single mission profile for their sensors or communications.
starship. This will provide the ship’s departments (which are
already granted by the class), and a single talent chosen Departments
from a short list.
COMMAND 02 SECURITY 02 SCIENCE 03
Crisis Response and
CONN 02 ENGINEERING 02 MEDICINE 01
Interception
These vessels are equipped to respond quickly to a crisis
anywhere in the Empire, whatever it may be. These vessels TALENTS:
are capable of maintaining high warp velocities for longer Select one of the following talents:
periods to intercept intruders, extensive shuttlebays for use
in moving emergency supplies or for boarding actions, and X Electronic Warfare Systems
may also serve as troop transports for planetary invasions. X Improved Reaction Control System
X Improved Warp Drive
Departments X High Resolution Sensors
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starship weapons STARSHIP weapons
The armaments of the warships of the Empire have changed ENERGY WEAPONS
little since first contact with Humans, with the primary (Stress rating = ship’s Scale + Security)
differences being improvements to the destructive power of
EFFECTS / QUALITIES
the weapon or increases in effective range. Starship weapons TYPE DIFFICULTY POWER
(PAGE 186-187)
are detailed in full in Chapter 7.20: Starship Fundamentals,
Disruptor Vicious 1 2 1*
starting on page 181. A summary table of starship weapons
Phaser Versatile 2 2 1*
and their statistics is provided below for ease of reference
Phased Polaron Beam Piercing 2 2 1*
when building and using your player’s warship.
* An attacker may spend up to 2 points of additional Power to add
1 A to the Stress rating for each Power spent.
Beyond that, most talents have a condition, and a benefit. Medical Ward advantage, which applies to all tasks related to
The condition is the circumstances under which the talent medicine and biology performed within the ward itself. This
can be used, and the benefit is what is gained from meeting advantage is lost if the ship’s Computers system is disabled.
that condition. Some of these conditions are mechanical
in nature – using a specific game option, like buying bonus ADVANCED RESEARCH FACILITIES
d20s, or succeeding at a specific kind of task – while Requirements: Science 3+
others may be more narrative. Other talents may otherwise The vessel is equipped with additional laboratories and
provide a flat bonus to one of the ship’s functions, such as long-term research facilities, which allow the crew to study
Resistance, Shields, or Power. phenomena over a protracted period, and thus generate a
wealth of useful information. Whenever a character aboard
None of these talents may be selected more than once, the ship attempts a task to perform research, and they are
unless otherwise noted. If two different talents have benefits assisted by the ship’s Computers + Science, the character
which can be combined, their benefits stack. gains one bonus Momentum, which must be used for the
Obtain Information Momentum spend.
ABLATIVE ARMOR
The vessel’s hull plating has an additional ablative layer, ADVANCED SENSOR SUITES
that disintegrates slowly under extreme temperatures, such The vessel’s sensors are amongst the most sophisticated
as those caused by energy weapons and torpedo blasts, and advanced available in the fleet. Unless the ship’s Sensors
dissipating the energy, and protecting the ship. Older have suffered one or more breaches, whenever a character
models of starships with this talent have additional hull performs a task assisted by the ship’s Sensors, they may
plating, thickening the normal protection the vessel has. reduce the Difficulty of the task by 1, to a minimum of 0.
This plating is replaced periodically. The ship’s Resistance is
increased by 2. ADVANCED SHIELDS
The vessel’s shields are state of the art, using developments
ADVANCED MEDICAL WARD that other cultures have not yet learned to overcome, or
The ship’s medical ward is well equipped, and larger than which simply provide greater protection for the same power
normal for a ship of this size. The ship gains the Advanced expenditure. The ship’s maximum Shields are increased by 5.
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226
QUANTUM TORPEDOES TRAITS
Requirements: 2375 or later A starship is more than just the technologies that went into
The vessel has been equipped with the latest in ship-to- creating it, or the crew that inhabit and operate it. Starships
ship munitions: quantum torpedoes. The ship has quantum are symbols, sending a message to all who cross paths
torpedoes in addition to any other form of torpedo it carries. with them. Starships are a product of their time, shaped by
the circumstances of their creation. Starships represent the
RAPID-FIRE TORPEDO LAUNCHER nature of their cultures, both in terms of technology but also
The vessel’s torpedo launchers have been redesigned to in the purpose of the ship.
allow the ship to fire multiple torpedoes much more quickly
and accurately. Whenever the crew add 3 to Threat to Starships have at least one trait, representing the
fire a torpedo salvo, they may re-roll a single d20 on the culture that created it and the technology base that it
attack, and any number of A on the damage roll. was created from. This is the ship’s origin, and it serves
much the same purpose as a character’s species –
REDUNDANT SYSTEMS identifying where the ship came from, and encapsulating
The ship has multiple additional redundancies that allow it all those little quirks and variances peculiar to that
to withstand severe damage more easily. Nominate a single origin. In the case of the Klingon Defense Force, this
system. When that system becomes Damaged or Disabled, trait will always be Klingon Starship.
the crew may choose to activate the backups as a minor
action; if the system was Damaged, it is no longer Damaged. Starships may have other traits beyond this, representing
If it was Disabled, it becomes Damaged instead. A system’s some other aspect of the ship’s nature. The gamemaster
backups may only be activated once per adventure, so should allow the players to select no more than two
subsequent damage will have the normal effect. additional traits, and they should ensure that all traits are
fundamentally neutral – neither wholly positive nor
RUGGED DESIGN entirely negative. A few example traits (which may be
The ship is designed with the frontier in mind, with a renamed as needed), and what they may represent,
durable construction and easy access to critical systems are listed below.
that allow repairs to be made easily. Reduce the Difficulty
of all tasks to repair the ship by 1, to a minimum of 1. X Prototype: The ship is the first of its class. It’s brand
new, highly sophisticated, and not yet fully tested.
STARSHIP SEPARATION Foes may underestimate the ship’s capabilities,
Requirements: Any non-bird-of-prey class or but technical problems with the ship may produce
gamemaster’s discretion only unexpected complications as experimental systems
The ship is designed so that the spaceframe can be interact strangely.
separated, usually the command section from the
engineering section, to operate as two distinct ships. Each X Bird-of-Prey: The ship conforms to the style of vessels
section has the same systems, departments, talents, and known as the bird-of-prey, having adjustable wings
weapons, but their Scale is one lower than the whole ship that contain the vessel’s warp coils. These vessels
(recalculate anything derived from Scale), and each section can maneuver in atmospheres much better than other
only has half the Power (round down) that the ship had starships as the wings can provide lift instead of relying
before separation. Further, if the ship has suffered any on antigravity or raw impulse power. They also can be
damage, ongoing effects of that damage apply equally to more fragile as the wings are thin compared to the rest of
both sections. Sections separated from the engineering hull the hull, and access to repairing systems contained in the
of a starship have no warp capability. wings can be difficult.
Separating is a Control + Conn task with a Difficulty X Renowned: The ship and her crew have a proud
of 3, assisted by the ship’s Structure + Engineering, reputation, but such a reputation also draws the ire
performed from the internal systems position or main of enemies who can gain glory in the defeat of such a
engineering. Reconnecting requires the same task with prestigious vessel.
Difficulty of 1, but from crew in both parts of the ship; if
either task fails, the reconnection fails. Separating and X Long-Serving: The ship has been a part of the fleet for
reconnection cannot be done if the structure of either ship decades, and has served with distinction. Even with refits,
has been Damaged or Disabled. the older technology isn’t quite as capable as the latest
designs, but her crew know her systems and her quirks
SECONDARY REACTORS well, and can get the most out of her when it counts.
The ship has additional impulse and fusion reactors that
allow the ship to generate far greater quantities of energy.
Increase the ship’s normal Power capacity by 5.
1368
235
3291
6012
474 04836
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CHAPTER TO COMMAND THE STARS
07.50
KLINGON STARBASES
lIH
expanding the empire any visitor from attempting to find any surviving DNA of the
hated creature that used to call that planet home, but also to
Since the time of Kahless, the Klingon Empire has been occasionally bombard the surface with photon torpedoes to
expanding. First on Qo’noS alone, then across its stellar ensure the planet continues to burn.
system, and finally across this spur of the galactic arm.
Regardless of where or when, two constants have been the Leisure and Foreign Relations
need for warriors and places where they may sharpen their These facilities are constructed along the ever-expanding
blades. Since the development of space travel after the border of the Empire as the comforts many warriors demand
Hur’q, these places have been called many things, but today are often light-years away. These starbases contain large
they are known as starbases. agricultural areas meant to raise food animals as well as
provide the base ingredients for the fermentation of bloodwine.
With the KDF constructing facilities for the Empire as a Warriors can find challenge halls, dueling grounds, weapon
whole, and the Great Houses contributing each in their own forges, and other businesses meant to provide entertainments
way, there are many different kinds of starbases across the of a more carnal nature on these starbases. As these facilities
Empire. Following is a brief summary of those types. are on the edges of the Empire, they also double as places
for the Empire to share our ancient beliefs and customs with
Warship Construction and those curious about how the Klingon people live.
Maintenance
The warships of the Klingon Empire do not spring forth from Trade and Material Support
the vacuum by themselves. It takes the effort of workers, Every system in the Empire contains facilities constructed
engineers, and even warriors to construct a new spaceframe. to serve as centers for the collection and transportation
After battle these same warships must come back and be of goods. Each inhabited world will have a ground base
repaired to slaughter the enemies of the Empire once again. spaceport used for shuttlecraft to move goods too delicate
Where these weapons spring from are the drydocks and for a cargo transporter to move into orbit, often with
starbase construction facilities orbiting many of the inhabited sprawling bunkers and industrial manufacturing facilities
worlds of the Empire. These starbases can require crew of surrounding it. A similar facility constructed in orbit contains
merely dozens for smaller facilities capable of handling only the primary cargo transporters and ship docking facilities,
the smallest of birds-of-prey, to needing tens of thousands of but orbiting close by are other cargo storage bunkers that
trained engineers and workers like House K’tinga’s sprawling vessels can individually dock to or transport goods from.
construction yards circling its home world. These facilities see high traffic from non-Imperial sources,
and thus there is always a need for KDF battle cruisers to be
Subjugation and Fortresses on station to maintain proper order.
These facilities are in close proximity to strategically
important worlds or systems, or around particularly
rebellious worlds on the edges of the Empire that require a LEADING BY THE STOMACHS
firm reminder to continue to integrate into Klingon culture.
While these starbases often include facilities for warship PERSONAL LOG, COMMANDER FOLASH, 2365
maintenance, their primary systems are weapons. Heavily
shielded and armored, these fortresses can withstand the “It’s not often you get a taste of home when out on a long patrol; that’s
assault of an entire fleet of hostile battle cruisers and have why stopping in at an outpost with a skilled gagh breeder is important
enough disruptor emplacements and photon torpedo tubes to keep morale up.”
to dissuade any but the bravest from straying too near. One
such station orbits Iota Geminorum IV to both dissuade PERSONAL LOG
Warriors may feel that being assigned to a starbase isn’t the klingon border starbase
finest way to gain a name for themselves, but they would be
wrong. There is always honor to be had building weapons of The Empire maintains well-armed and armored space stations
war, and warriors assigned to a battle station will inevitably along the borders of the Empire or in orbit of key planets.
see their share of slaughter. Even those that are assigned to These bases serve as sector command hubs or as staging
protect merchants and guard prisoners will be able to put areas for battle groups or transport convoys. The statistics
their knowledge of force to use dispatching enemies of the below represent a standard 24th century KDF starbase.
Empire. Warriors will always find themselves being used in
the best way their skills allow on worlds and starships nearby, TRAITS: Klingon Starbase
and the skills gained during a starbase assignment are always
welcome on the newest battle cruisers leaving drydock. systems
Chapter 07
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CHAPTER TO COMMAND THE STARS
07.60
KLINGON COLONIES
lIH
“I DIDN’T KNOW IT WAS A KLINGON PLANET!”
“TRIBBLES DON’T LIKE KLINGONS. THAT SHOULD HAVE GIVEN YOU SOME CLUE.”
living on the edge of gain specialized skills that would serve them well in combat
expansion on worlds that aren’t easily inhabitable.
The Klingon Empire has been expanding rapidly since our The Federation coddles prisoners in its penal colonies, but
first foray to the stars. New settled (and conquered) worlds the Empire will inevitably put criminals and disgraced warriors
require far more attention by the warriors of the Klingon to work mining needed materials wherever that may be. The
Defense Force than the older and more established worlds environments may not be as harsh as those found on exo-
near Qo’noS. Worlds that the Empire, or its Great Houses, colonies, but thin-skinned petaQ will certainly develop a hide if
have settled are more accepting of edicts from Qo’noS. These they wish to survive. Large and successful penal colonies may
newly settled worlds typically report to the bureaucracy of become the center of a small settlement of support workers
their Great House, or directly to the Imperial Department of and gradually become a more accepted part of the Empire.
Internal Development on Qo’noS. When reports become few
or cease, it is possible that such worlds have been invaded by Specialized colonies such as those dedicated to pure research
a hostile force and overwhelmed the local militia or they have or for the merchant trade are rare in the Empire. While the
become uncooperative and rebellious, requiring invasion, Klingon people do not ignore these aspects of galactic life,
subjugation, and in extreme cases, annihilation. The survival they are in fact vital to the growth of the Empire. It is seen as
of these colonies is not a top priority for the Empire as failure a waste of resources to dedicate whole worlds or large bodies
tends to remove the weak from our species. to colonies focused solely on these specializations. The High
Council prefers large research facilities to be near a heavy
Larger colonies, or colonies that have access to rare KDF presence to ensure the safety of scientists and the proper
materials or resources, require a stronger KDF presence. distribution to all Houses of any discoveries made. Similarly,
Many home worlds of subject species of the Empire fall a trading post away from large population centers means that
into this category as well. These worlds have, at minimum, goods must be shipped back and forth continually. It is much
the presence of a single battle cruiser, and often more preferred that trading areas be on established colony worlds
during times of crisis. Large rebellious worlds inhabited where internal security can ensure that laws are not broken by
by other intelligent life-forms require a not insignificant underhanded merchants, and speeding up the movement of
amount of resources when combined across the Empire, goods to where they are needed most.
and these worlds will often have a small starbase or fortress
constructed in a polar orbit to allow the KDF to suppress any
uprising, even with minimal battle cruiser support. Outside Ruminations on
of times of open warfare, a warrior serving the KDF will likely colonization
see assignments taking them to these worlds, defending
them against intrusions from the Romulans or Gorn, or COLONEL RU’FOLUS, KLINGON AMBASSADOR TO THE
putting down rebellious petaQ. FEDERATION 2299–2306
There are more specialized types of colony such as exo- Expansion is one commonality between the Federation and the Empire.
colonies, where a Klingon may serve to prove their real Both our cultures wish to settle new worlds, to bring new sources of
mettle. These are worlds such as the dreaded Rura Penthe material into our sphere of influence, and to give new oppurtunities to
or the sun-skimming asteroids housing the anti-matter our citizens. Unlike the Federation, the Empire doesn’t mind expanding
production factories circling the blue-white giant at Adhara. at the point of a bat’leth.
Here warriors may find themselves keeping criminal scum in
line to produce material for the Empire, but warriors may also PERSONAL LOG
– AMBASSADOR K’EHLEYR
strange new worlds life-forms that live in subsurface cavern complexes. While
typically useless for any purpose except mining, some
One or more planets surround most stars, and every one of of the larger Class-D worlds, like the Andorian world of
these worlds is utterly unique. All warriors should keep in Weytahn, can be terraformed.
mind that each new world they encounter has the potential
to be deadly and, at the same time, home to secrets found Average Gravity: Negligible to 1G, most are between 0.05
nowhere else. However, it is also important to remember and 0.5 G
that the vast majority of these millions of planets fall into Dangers: Deadly atmosphere (vacuum), hazardous, hostile,
one of a relatively small number of types. While our Imperial or deadly temperatures, hazardous or hostile radiation
Department of Stellar Records has refused to adopt the
Federation’s planet and star classification systems (see Class-H
sidebar on page 63), we Imperial scientists believe we need These are hot, dry terrestrial planets, which have little
something more granular than the three planetary levels surface water or ice and are, at best, marginally habitable by
currently in use by our bureaucracy. To that end, we use the humanoids. Although some Class-H worlds have oxygen-
Federation’s classification system throughout the following argon atmospheres, many have atmospheres that are mildly
report, which describes the eight most common classes of poisonous, making long-term survival impossible. Humanoid
planets. Other types of planets exist, but are sufficiently rare colonies have been established on Class-H worlds, but they
or idiosyncratic to defy any type of standard classification. rarely thrive.
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Class-J Average Gravity: 0.8 to 3 Gs
Class-J worlds are the most common gas giant planets Dangers: Deadly atmosphere, hazardous, hostile, or deadly
found. These are large worlds that are typically between 3 temperatures, possibly hazardous, hostile, or deadly radiation
and 15 times Qo’noS’s diameter that have enormous and
dense atmospheres primarily composed of either methane Class-K
(on smaller Class-J planets) or hydrogen (on larger Class-J These frigid worlds include a relatively broad range of
planets) and their surface is almost impossible to reach due planets, from cold, dry worlds, which typically possesses
to the size and density of their atmospheres. No Class-J relatively thin carbon dioxide atmospheres, to somewhat
planet is habitable by humanoids and they are impossible to larger planets. These frigid worlds have denser atmospheres
terraform. However, some have their own entirely airborne of methane and nitrogen. These worlds are not gas giants,
alien ecosystems and may even be home to exceptionally because they all possess a solid surface, but none are
alien and intelligent creatures. Class-J planets can be found habitable without extensive terraforming. The coldest are
anywhere in a star system, from intensely hot worlds close to simply too hostile to terraform.
their primary to distant frozen worlds. Some Class-M planets
orbit Class-J worlds as moons. Average Gravity: 0.25 to 2 Gs
Dangers: Deadly atmosphere, hostile or deadly
temperatures, possibly hazardous or hostile radiation
X Hazardous Environment: Any hazardous environmental X Deadly atmospheres are poisonous or otherwise rapidly fatal,
danger inflicts Stress at a rate of between X/hour and like chlorine atmospheres, extreme atmospheric pressure, or
X/day, depending upon the severity of the hazard. the vacuum of space.
Appropriate survival gear permits humanoids to endure
this environment indefinitely. X Hazardous temperatures for humanoids are above 50 C or
below 0 C, and include extreme environments on Class-M
X Hostile Environment: Any hostile environmental danger planets, like glaciers and hot sandy deserts. Proper survival
inflicts Stress at a rate of between X/minute and X/5 minutes, gear can completely eliminate this damage.
depending upon the severity of the hazard. Only environment
suits permit humanoids to endure hostile environments for X Hostile temperatures are above 80 C or below -50 C.
more than a few minutes.
X Deadly temperatures are above 200 C or below -200 C, and
X Deadly Environment: Any deadly environmental danger include planets covered in lakes of liquid nitrogen or where lead
inflicts Stress at a rate of X/round. Humanoids must wear is molten.
space suits to survive in deadly environments. However,
while space suits can protect against deadly atmospheres X Hazardous radiation includes residual radiation from a nuclear
for as long as their life support lasts, extended exposure war several decades before, normal stellar and cosmic radiation
to deadly temperatures or radiation can cause space suits on an airless world, radiation from natural radioactive materials,
to malfunction. and radiation from massive stellar storms on a Class-M planet.
Anti-radiation suits or an adequate supply of the correct anti-
The above consequences are cumulative, so a world with a radiation drugs can reduce or eliminate this damage.
hostile atmosphere and hazardous temperatures would require
characters to suffer Stress caused by both threats. X Hostile radiation includes radioactive fallout from recent
nuclear explosions, residual radiation from a nuclear war
X Hazardous atmospheres contain a modest amount of several years before, radiation from stellar storms on an
oxygen, but either that amount is insufficient for the long-term unshielded spacecraft or an airless world, and radiation from
survival of humanoids or the atmosphere contains slow toxins, unshielded fission reactors or other dangerous radiation leaks.
like traces of chlorine or too much carbon dioxide. Respirator
masks or specialized medications can reduce or eliminate X Deadly radiation includes radiation from nuclear weapons,
these harmful effects. radiation from massive stellar storms on an unshielded
spacecraft or airless planet, or exceptionally bad radiation leaks.
Class-H
Class-D
Class-L
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236
Class-T
Class-M
Anomalous
Class-Y
Class-J world. Gas giants only remain this large when they
have not yet finished forming. The largest Class-T worlds are
a hallmark of a very young stellar system. All Class-T planets protected by specially-modified shields in order to survive the
possess exceedingly high gravity and pressure. Even a brief thermionic radiation.
artificial gravity failure can incapacitate the crew of a warship
in the upper atmosphere of a Class-T planet, and venturing Average Gravity: 0.5 to 1.5 Gs
deeper than the upper atmosphere of such a world can Possible Threats: Deadly atmosphere, deadly temperatures,
exceed the structural integrity of almost any warship. Also, deadly radiation
they are only found in exceedingly young star systems, which
abound with asteroids, dark matter, strong stellar flares, and Anomalous Worlds
many other dangers rarely found in older star systems. While most worlds fall into one of the above standard types,
a few do not, and these planets are, by definition, worthy
Average Gravity: 2 to 10 Gs of further investigation. There are many reasons why a
Dangers: Deadly atmosphere, hazardous, hostile, or deadly world might fall outside the expected range of planetary
temperatures, possibly hazardous, hostile, or deadly radiation classification. The Empire’s knowledge of planetary formation
is large but incomplete. Some naturally-occurring worlds
Class-Y may provide opportunities to expand this knowledge.
Sometimes called "demon planets," Class-Y worlds are Theoretically possible examples include a pair of planets
noted for dense, toxic, highly corrosive atmospheres, surface closely orbiting around one another that share the same
temperatures that exceed 200 C, and periodic thermionic atmosphere or exceedingly ovoid or ellipsoidal worlds that
radiation discharges. These radiation discharges mean that have been reshaped by their star’s tidal forces or by their
even entering a low orbit around a Class-Y world can be own sufficiently rapid rotation.
hazardous. In addition, both the radiation and dense clouds
that surround all Class-Y worlds limit the utility of sensor Often the strangest and most intriguing worlds are those
scans from orbit. Because of the multitude of dangers that have been reshaped or even created whole cloth by a
Class-Y worlds present, the High Council considers them to technologically-advanced sentient species. There are literally
be the terrestrial planets least hospitable to humanoid life. no rules for what governs such planets. One may be millions
They are almost instantly fatal to unprotected humanoids, of years old, another might only be several centuries old, and
and space suits, probes, and even warships must all be a warship could even encounter a world being constructed.
The Vulcan Science Academy celebrates this multiformity Large groups may change their behavior, also. That Gunji
in its core tenet: “Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations.” jackdaw may be frightened away by a single disruptor blast,
A noble sentiment, but one rarely considered by warriors but a flock is far more likely to stampede. Just be careful
hungry for battle and glory. While we celebrate the differences where that stampede ends up.
throughout the Galaxy, we are prepared for anything.
PARASITES
Now, some of your crew may be faster than the rest, while Have you seen the old intercepted reports from the Earther
others smarter, and yet more might display extreme strength Deneva colony? Creatures that attach themselves to and
reserves, but that will mean nothing when facing down a within sentient species have proven on multiple occasions
Chapter 07
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the ability to infiltrate settlements or groups with different stellar phenomena
degrees of success, with the most significant infiltration
on record being that of the neural parasites which infected
Starfleet Command in 2364. The Dangers of Space
Space is a dangerous place. Even the smallest main sequence
Without going into too much detail, as the motivations of stars produce more energy per second than the entire Empire
any particular alien life are impossible to predict, you should does with its antimatter reactors and fusion power plants.
be aware that this kind of infiltration is possible. Aliens you With that kind of energy, both beautiful and dangerous
encounter, other KDF ships, or even members of your own occurrences are commonplace across the Galaxy.
crew can be infected by such creatures, and you should do
everything within your power to eliminate the threat those you Nebula
find in this condition pose to you, your ship, and the Empire. Nebula are gas and dust clouds that are left over from stars
that have undergone nova or supernova, or even gas clouds
As for their capabilities, be aware that they may retain all hundreds of light-years across that still exist from before the
abilities their host had, including their memories. There is formation of the Galaxy. Typically, these clouds are made
even a chance that the parasite may push the host’s body up of hydrogen and helium, along with trace amounts of
to feats of strength or endurance far surpassing that of the heavier elements. Nebula are lit by ionization and light from
host’s normal abilities. stars (or stellar remnants) within them, and flying through
such highly-charged clouds of gas tends to disrupt starship
TERRAIN ADVANTAGE sensors. While warp travel through nebula is possible due
While it might be nice to think you will always be dealing to a starship’s deflector array moving the particles away,
with the most unknowable creatures in safe environments, slight gravitation eddies and density fluctuations mean some
chances are that you will be dealing with them on their own warship captains tend to go around nebula rather than risk
turf. After all, a mugato is not likely to attack you unless you damaging their ships. Some nebula have been in existence
enter its mountain territory. for billions of years without collapsing and can be home
to strange native life-forms, so exploration of these clouds
Creatures such as spiders – and many others – generally is often a priority. Examples of these objects are the Orion
prefer dark places, polar creatures often prefer the cold, Complex, the Mutara Nebula, and the Coalsack Nebula.
and aquatic creatures often have no small amount of trouble
on land. If you can find a way to even out that advantage
then you are going to be better off, either by removing your
disadvantage, or negating their advantage. EFFECTS ON SHIPS
The technology at your disposal will prove to be a great Each type of stellar phenomena can be placed into one of five severity
asset. You will always be able to see better with a tricorder, categories, from low to high: I, II, III, IV, and V. Task Difficulty increases
or take action from a distance with a disruptor. However, by one for each level.
warriors are often in situations involving dangerous non-
sentient life due to being taken out of their comfort zone. Example: Lieutenant Kurn is attempting to achieve a weapons lock on
Do not become too reliant on that technology and never an Orion freighter while maneuvering in the Betreka Nebula. The nebula
forget that you are a warrior, and your greatest tools are your is considered a Class II Nebula, thus Kurn’s task increases by 2 Difficulty.
weapons and your ability to use them.
The complication range increases due to stellar phenomena in the
SPACEFARING CREATURES following starship systems and disciplines, depending on the severity,
Creatures which live in space have often been the bane unless otherwise stated in adventure rules or specific examples:
of warship captains’ safety. While we have surrounded
ourselves with alloys and warmth, they have grown to adapt X Nebula: Sensor operations, tactical systems, warp systems.
themselves to the rigors of space travel. These creatures X Ion Storms / Radiation Storms, Stellar Flares: Shields, sensors,
often have abilities far surpassing those of our own warships. and transporters. Possible radiation damage to crew.
The spacefaring creature Captain Jean-Luc Picard’s crew X Nova: Shields and sensors.
dubbed “Junior,” the Crystalline Entity, and various cloud- X Supernova: Shields, sensors, sublight and warp systems.
based creatures have all shown themselves to be more than X Pulsar / Black Hole: Shields, navigation, sublight and warp
capable of disabling or placing drains on a warship’s ability systems, sensors, structural integrity.
to function. X Gravitational Waves: Navigation, warp systems.
As with all non-sentient creatures, these entities will have Other effects and system challenges may be required when a starship
their own needs and desires, which are often the key to first encounters these phenomena.
preventing their interference with Imperial operations.
The stars of the Galaxy come in hundreds of forms, V (Main-Sequence), and VI (Sub-Dwarfs), and VII /
from tiny brown dwarfs to massive stars like UY Scuti. WD (White Dwarfs). Most stars in the galaxy are Main
The Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram (or HR Diagram) is Sequence (V) and fuse hydrogen at their cores to produce
humanity’s best attempt to categorize all observed stars energy. The Sun is a G2V. Sub-Dwarfs (VI) are similar
into groups for ease of classification and study. The two to Main Sequence stars, but typically have less heavy
axes of this diagram are temperature and luminosity. elements (greater atomic mass than helium) than Main
Sequence and thus burn cooler than Main Sequence.
Most stars that you and your crew will encounter will Main Sequence stars tend to be stable, and thus provide
fall into seven temperature categories that range from planets around them with relatively greater opportunities
warmest to coolest: O (blue), B (blue-white), A (white), for life to evolve.
F (yellow-white), G (yellow), K (orange), M (red). Each
of these categories is sub-divided into ten fractional The luminosity classes brighter than the main sequence
numbers to show where in that code the star falls. Sol is (super-giants, bright giants, giants, and sun giants) nearly
a G2 star, thus it is on the warmer end of yellow G-class always involve stars that have begun to age out of the
stars while the primary star of 61 Cygni (the home system main sequence. As stars get older they expand as they
of the Tellarites) is a K5 star, in the middle of the orange K cool. This expansion, and greater surface area of the star,
class stars. Other temperature categories include L (cool is what allows these stars to become so bright. Worlds
reds), Y (brown dwarfs), C (Carbon Stars), and D (White around these stars tend to be lifeless or show the signs
Dwarfs) to name but a few. Hotter stars tend to burn of previous life. As these stars are so luminous, radiation
quickly and have short lifespans measured in as little as can prove to be an extreme hazard around them even
millions of years, and cold red stars burn slowly and can for the most well shielded science vessel. As these stars
possibly have lifespans reaching trillions of years. continue to age they will either form a nova or supernova
(see The Dangers of Space, below). Some examples of
The second axis on the HR Diagram is luminosity. these brighter stars include: Pollux (K0III, or an orange
Stars can be split into 7 general categories (with other giant), Rasalgethi (M5Ib, or a red supergiant), and Rigel
sub-categories left out for sake of clarity): I (Super- (B8Ia, or a blue supergiant).
giants), II (Bright Giants), III (Giants), IV (Sub-Giants),
SCIENTIFIC EXCERPT
Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram
6
10 HOT & SUPERGIANTS COOL &
BRIGHT BRIGHT
4
10 GIANTS
LUMINOSITY
2 MAIN
10
SEQUENCE
-2
10 WHITE DWARF
HOT & COOL &
-4 DIM DIM
10
TEMPERATURE, TK
Chapter 07
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Flares, Radiation Storms, severe damage to unshielded electronics and delicate ship
and Geomagnetic Storms systems. Ion storms can hold together over decades and
Flares, radiation storms, and geomagnetic storms are travel across light-years before finally dissipating when
interlinked. Flares can occur on any star, but more often conditions are right. Numerous questionable examples in
around small stars such as Class-M main sequence Starfleet history record encounters with ion storms, but
stars. These bursts of energy erupt out of the star and none so strong as the Halkan Storm of 2267 that focused
often outshine the rest of the star for hours at a time. the subspace scanning array of Enterprise’s transporter
The charged particles and radiation from such flares can systems in such a way as to accidently tunnel through
cause problems with a starship’s shields and sensors, subspace into a parallel timeline, beaming alternative
and unprotected crew on the surface of planets without versions of members of her bridge crew aboard. When
a magnetic field can receive heavy doses of radiation. On we first learned of this previously-classified event, it
worlds that do have a magnetic field, such as Qo’noS, was dismissed as Federation lies, but in recent months
flares cause aurora that can destroy large electronic Ambassador Worf has confirmed the truth of the event.
networks, disrupt communications, and even stop
transporter operations. Flare stars are stars that tend Novas
to have these events occur far more often than others. A nova is the gradual death of a star as its core contracts
Examples of stars like this are: Proxima Centauri (home and gets hotter, blowing off the outer layers of its atmosphere
of Earth’s earliest colony), Wolf 359 (site of the Borg’s and that material accreting onto a nearby stellar partner
devastating battle against Starfleet in 2367), and II Pegasi. (typically a white dwarf) which then accumulates mass until
it explodes in an uncontrolled fusion reaction. As most stars
Ion Storms form binary pairs this is an event that is semi-common, but
Ion storms are severe versions of flares and radiation still dangerous. The rapid expansion of stellar material away
storms. They start the same way, with a powerful burst of from the star’s core can also result in the beginnings of a
energy from a star or stellar body, powerful enough that the stellar nebula. These high-energy events wash out sensors,
radiation density of the pulse can ionize interstellar gases can sterilize worlds that are even protected by the most
and punch through most planetary magnetic fields, causing advanced shielding, and can pose significant radiation
Chapter 07
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CHAPTER TO COMMAND THE STARS
07.80
ALIEN VESSELS
lIH
"I DIDN'T MEAN TO SAY THAT THE ENTERPRISE SHOULD BE HAULING GARBAGE.
I MEANT TO SAY THAT IT SHOULD BE HAULED AWAY AS GARBAGE!”
– KORAX
systems
Constitution Refit
COMMS 07 ENGINES 08 STRUCTURE 08 In the early 2270s, the surviving Constitution-class starships
underwent a significant refit program, essentially rebuilding
COMPUTERS 07 SENSORS 08 WEAPONS 08
the ships entirely. These refit Constitutions remained in
service for the next two decades, but they were phased out
Departments of service as the century came to a close.
COMMAND 03 SECURITY 02 SCIENCE 03 For games set between the 2270s and the 2290s, the
gamemaster may represent refitted Constitution-class ships
CONN 02 ENGINEERING 03 MEDICINE 02
by applying the rules for refits, adding 1 to one of the vessel’s
systems for each decade since the class was first launched
POWER: 8 SCALE: 4 in 2243. In addition, refit Constitution-class ships remove the
SHIELDS: 11 RESISTANCE: 4 Independent Phaser Power special rule.
CREW: Talented (Attribute 10, Discipline 3)
Chapter 07
244
Defiant class NON-PLAYER
A new type of Starfleet vessel, first seen in action in 2371, the CHARACTER SHIPS
Defiant class has little in common with a typical Federation
starship. Compact, with powerful engines, potent weapons, This section contains an assortment of NPC vessels which can be
and a densely armored hull, the first example of this class used as allies and adversaries during games of Star Trek Adventures.
lived up to its name with a ferocity and tenacity seldom seen As they are NPC vessels, they aren’t presented in quite the same way
in Starfleet’s ships. In recent years, more Defiant-class ships as the spaceframes earlier in this chapter: where the spaceframes are
have entered service, serving a role in Starfleet that mirrors incomplete, designed to be used to construct the player characters’
the Klingon Defense Force’s use of birds-of-prey – strikes ship, NPC vessels are complete profiles, and already include a mission
against remote outposts and isolated vessels, or grouped profile, talents, and perhaps other special rules distinct to that type
into squadrons as escorts for larger ships. of vessel. As a reminder, starship talent descriptions can be found
starting on page 225.
TRAITS: Federation Starship
systems
Excelsior class
COMMS 09 ENGINES 10 STRUCTURE 08 Larger, faster, and more capable than the Constitution-class
ships they replaced, Excelsior-class starships have been a
COMPUTERS 09 SENSORS 09 WEAPONS 13
Starfleet mainstay for decades, and they are still a common
sight even into the late 24th century. Few starship designs
Departments have stood the test of time as well as the Excelsior, and
though they are beginning to show their age as the conflict
COMMAND 02 SECURITY 02 SCIENCE 01 with the Dominion escalates, they still form a significant
portion of any Federation battle group.
CONN 03 ENGINEERING 05 MEDICINE 02
SPECIAL RULES:
X Ablative Armor (Talent, included) Power: 14 SCALE: 5
X Improved Impulse Drive: When the ship performs the SHIELDS: 11 RESISTANCE: 6
Impulse, Attack Pattern, Evasive Action, or Ramming CREW: Talented (Attribute 10, Discipline 3)
Speed tasks, it may spend 2 Momentum to add 1
Difficulty to all attacks against the ship until the next time WEAPONS:
it takes a movement action. X Phaser Banks (Energy, Range Medium, 8A, Versatile 2)
X Photon Torpedoes (Torpedo, Range Long, 5A, High Yield)
X Tractor Beam (Strength 4)
SPECIAL RULES:
X Improved Impulse Drive: When the ship performs the
Impulse, Attack Pattern, Evasive Action, or Ramming
Speed tasks, it may spend 2 Momentum to add 1
Difficulty to all attacks against the ship until the next time
it takes a movement action.
X Secondary Reactors (Talent, included)
X Improved Hull Integrity (Talent, included)
systems
COMMS 10 ENGINES 11 STRUCTURE 08
GaTH’k: Death of COMPUTERS 11 SENSORS 10 WEAPONS 09
a Flagship
Translation of an ode of respect written by Departments
Klingon Basai Master G'gosht following the
death of the Duras sisters while destroying the COMMAND 02 SECURITY 02 SCIENCE 04
Enterprise-D.
CONN 04 ENGINEERING 02 MEDICINE 01
Chapter 07
246
romulan star empire
Bird-of-Prey
This design of Romulan warship was commonplace during
the 23rd century, an evolution of Romulan vessels used the
century prior. Early prototypes of Romulan cloaking devices
were tested aboard ships of this sort, which had limitations,
such as an inability to fire weapons while under cloak.
systems
COMMS 06 ENGINES 07 STRUCTURE 07
Departments
COMMAND 01 SECURITY 03 SCIENCE 02
SPECIAL RULES:
X Extensive Shuttlebays (Talent)
X High Resolution Sensors (Talent)
Departments
COMMAND 02 SECURITY 03 SCIENCE 02
Chapter 07
248
cardassian union dominion
Departments
Departments
COMMAND 01 SECURITY 02 SCIENCE 01
COMMAND 02 SECURITY 02 SCIENCE 01
CONN 04 ENGINEERING 04 MEDICINE 01
CONN 02 ENGINEERING 03 MEDICINE 02
POWER: 7 SCALE: 3
POWER: 9 SCALE: 4 SHIELDS: 11 RESISTANCE: 3
SHIELDS: 11 RESISTANCE: 4 CREW: Talented (Attribute 10, Discipline 3)
CREW: Proficient (Attribute 9, Discipline 2)
WEAPONS:
WEAPONS: X Disruptor Cannon (Energy, Range Close, 9A, Vicious 1)
X Disruptor Banks (Energy, Range Medium, 8A, Vicious 1) X Phased Polaron Beam Bank (Energy, Range Medium,
X Phaser Arrays (Energy, Range Medium, 7A, Versatile 2) 8A, Piercing 2)
X Tractor Beam (Strength 3) X Photon Torpedoes (Torpedo, Range Long, 7A, High Yield)
X Tractor Beam (Strength 2)
Gul Amor
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
PERSONAL LOG
Chapter 07
250
borg collective SHIELDS: 15 RESISTANCE: 7
CREW: Exceptional (Attribute 11, Discipline 4)
SPECIAL RULES:
X Adaptive Subspace Field: Whenever a Borg cube suffers ferengi alliance
one or more breaches, roll 1A for each breach the cube is
currently suffering from. If any effects are rolled, the cube
has adapted to that weapon type (phasers, disruptors, D’kora-class Marauder
These sizeable craft are utilized mainly by individual Ferengi
– the Ferengi Alliance is most accurately described as a
COMMON BORG collection of culturally-affiliated “businesses” – for defense,
SPECIAL RULES trade, salvage, piracy, and any other activities their owners
think they can profit from.
The following rules are common to Borg vessels:
TRAITS: Ferengi Marauder
X Advanced Transporters: The transporters used by the Borg are
significantly more advanced than those of the Alpha and Beta
systems
Quadrant cultures, functioning over much longer ranges, and even
effective through deflector shields. Vessels with this ability can use COMMS 09 ENGINES 10 STRUCTURE 10
their transporters to beam targets to or from a location within Long
range, rather than Close range. Further, they may transport targets COMPUTERS 08 SENSORS 09 WEAPONS 07
to and from locations protected by shields, though the Difficulty
increases by 1 in this case.
Departments
X Regenerative Systems: Borg technology is highly adaptive and can COMMAND 03 SECURITY 02 SCIENCE 02
regenerate from damage very swiftly. When a Borg vessel succeeds
at a task to repair damage, the ship also repairs a single breach, plus CONN 01 ENGINEERING 02 MEDICINE 02
one additional breach per Momentum spent (Repeatable).
POWER: 10 SCALE: 5
X Threat Protocols: Borg vessels respond to hostile action with SHIELDS: 12 RESISTANCE: 5
carefully analyzed amounts of force. A Borg vessel will take as many CREW: Proficient (Attribute 9, Discipline 2)
turns as the combined number of turns their opponents take – total
up the number of player characters, plus the scale of NPC vessels WEAPONS:
arrayed against the Borg, and this will provide the number of turns X Phaser Banks (Energy, Range Medium, 8A, Versatile 2)
the Borg vessel will take. If there are multiple Borg vessels, this is the X Electro-Magnetic Pulse (Energy, Range Close, 10A,
number of turns that the Borg vessels will share between them. Piercing 1, Dampening)
X Photon Torpedoes (Torpedo, Range Long, 5A, High Yield)
X Tractor Beam (Strength 4)
Chapter 07
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CHAPTER 08.00
GAMEMASTERING
96241
14501 97136
9262
378
5732
9574
372
24
7’
6246 37931
26871’
gamemastering
253
GAMEMASTERING
lIH
ADVENTURES
"ADMIRE THE PERSON WITH DIRT UNDER [THEIR] FINGERNAILS.”
– KLINGON APHORISM
leading the adventure A dichotomy also exists for you while sitting in the
gamemaster’s chair at the gaming table. You are a storyteller
The gamemaster is a key role in tabletop roleplaying games, who is framing the adventure your players are navigating –
providing the narration, non-player characters’ actions, and you help them make informed choices by highlighting their
consequences for players’ actions, as well as facilitating circumstances and ability to act, but you also take charge
the rules to progress the story being told around the table. of the opposition, the antagonists and their plans, actively
You are the one player around the table who takes the working against the player characters.
responsibility to know the rules, prepare the structure of the
mission, and run the game. It can be a challenging role, but This chapter will outline your role as the gamemaster in Star
one that is often hugely rewarding. Trek Adventures, how to utilize the rules, structure missions
and a continuing campaign, create locations, and provide
opposition and adversaries for players.
BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER
Telling a Story
Everything in this rulebook so far has been directed at the players, player Gamemasters are primarily storytellers – they frame
characters, and gamemaster. This chapter, however, is entirely for the the action and show the other players at the table the
gamemaster, the host of the game. It discusses the nuts and bolts of challenges present in the unfolding plot. Gamemasters
gamemastering, creating missions and ongoing campaigns, playing aren’t storytellers in a sense that they compose the entire
adversaries, and gaming in Gene Roddenberry’s Star Trek universe. narrative and dictate all the actions that the characters
will take in the story. Your role is to create the setting and
Star Trek, as a collection of television and feature film stories, explores circumstances for the player characters to act within.
what it means to be Humans of our time, through the voyages of both This is called framing a scene. Framing is simply
Human and non-Human crews aboard starships exploring the Galaxy. providing a description of the circumstances the player
While the science, technology, and intergalactic setting are of great characters find themselves in, introducing the players to
interest, Star Trek stories are always about the crew’s personal journeys: the situation at hand.
Captain Kirk, Dr. McCoy, and Commander Spock’s incredible friendship,
Lt. Commander Data’s desire to be Human, Odo’s personal journey of The gamemaster is the person who creates problems for
self-discovery, Worf’s exploration of himself as a Klingon in a non- the player characters to solve, and then presents those
Klingon world, Captain Janeway’s struggle as a leader far from home, problems to the players, and responds to their solutions
Captain Archer’s efforts to pioneer what it means to explore responsibly. creatively and dramatically. The key difference that a
These stories all resonate with us, and tell us something about our lives roleplaying game has compared with normal storytelling
now – even with the trappings of disruptors, photon torpedoes, and the is the addition of the players at the table. They collaborate
Federation’s Prime Directive. with the gamemaster, shaping their own characters’
responses to the unfolding drama by trying to solve the
Star Trek Adventures aims to provide a tabletop game that evokes those conflicts presented to them.
same themes, as well as to convey the excitement of adventure and
discovery in the final frontier. This chapter will provide gamemasters with It’s key as a gamemaster to have the structure of the story
the tools to facilitate and run game sessions of Star Trek Adventures in mind while leaving space for the player characters to act.
for a new starship and her crew, whether it’s a Klingon-focused game, a You can do this by having key points of the story prepared –
traditional Starfleet campaign, or something new and different. Chapter 9: events that would happen regardless of player intervention
For the Glory of the Empire, builds on the content of this chapter and – as well as having the mission’s beginning clearly prepared
focuses on creating Klingon-focused missions and campaigns. while also having in mind possible outcomes of the mission,
including what the consequences are for failure.
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The rhythm of telling a story at the table goes something like keeping in mind the consequences for the story and any
this, depending on the group: effect on the scene’s traits.
X Gamemaster frames the action: The gamemaster X Repeat until the scene or encounter is resolved:
describes the scene or encounter remembering how the A scene may be complete once players feel they’ve
following things impact the scene: Who, What, Where, done everything they want to do or go somewhere else,
When, and Why. (Though “Why” is often left for the while an encounter is over once the danger, problem, or
players to discover.) conflict has been resolved.
X Gamemaster establishes traits: The gamemaster Ask any gamemaster who has run more than a couple
informs the players of any traits that are affecting the of game sessions and they will tell you: “Encounters
scene or encounter, marking them as advantages or never survive first contact with the players.” Players will
complications if necessary. undoubtedly think of a possible solution you haven’t planned
for, or come up with a completely new use for a discipline,
X Players take actions: The players tell the gamemaster or succeed against the odds through sheer luck – and
what they’d like to do within the scene or encounter. In
scenes, this will be more freeform, while encounters will
be more structured, with an order in which players act SHOW, DON’T TELL
in turn.
Another useful dramatic saying that works well for gamemasters is
X Player and gamemaster resolve action: The player “Show, don’t tell.” This simply means describing a scene for the players
either rolls some dice or describes how they are going without giving away the intentions of the NPCs or a larger plot point.
about their desired action. The gamemaster adjudicates Instead of saying, “the Romulan commander is angry at you,” you could
the result. say, “The Romulan commander sneers at you through the main viewer,
his eyes burning with intensity as he leans in.” This description lets
X Gamemaster responds to the actions and narrates players come to their own conclusions about how the commander feels,
the consequences: The gamemaster then responds to and have more space to roleplay and make choices on how to act next.
the players’ actions, describing what happens as a result,
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even more possibilities exist in Star Trek Adventures as can always check back to the relevant section of rules before
technology is adapted, jury-rigged, or changed to suit the next session.
the crisis at hand. Players are inventors as much as the
gamemaster is a storyteller, and so your ability to creatively The players are there to enjoy roleplaying as their characters
adapt the story in response to the characters’ actions is key but are also there to play a game – with rules and challenges
to the fun and progress of the story being told. to overcome. There are some players who enjoy trying to
“beat” the game you run, or “win” the scenario you have
Resolving the Rules written for them. While this is in no way a less valuable way
Gamemasters also decides which rules come into play in to enjoy playing Star Trek Adventures, it’s important to note
scenes and encounters, calling on players to complete that at no time should the gamemaster be playing against
tasks or engage in conflict. They are also responsible for the players. You are still providing a story which is creatively
interpreting the results of dice rolls for tasks, extended resolved and intended to provide you and your players with
tasks, and challenges. It is the role of the gamemaster, along an entertaining game session.
with the player involved, to decide on which attribute and
discipline combination is used as a target number, with the Deciding on the outcomes of tasks and dice rolls are the two
gamemaster having the final say. It’s also the gamemaster’s middle points of encounters, as laid out above, but it’s worth
responsibility to oversee the results of those dice rolls, examining them in more detail:
checking the player’s successes and failures as needed.
X Player frames their action: The players tell the
These responsibilities mean that you should be familiar with gamemaster what they’d like to do within the encounter.
the rules inasmuch as you can run the game competently.
The game will slow down if, in every encounter, you need to X The Gamemaster asks for the relevant dice roll: The
reference numerous rules and different chapters of the core gamemaster decides on the best rule mechanic to use to
rulebook. If a rule does need looking up, it may be helpful to resolve the action, be that a dice roll for a task, a series
ask one player at the table to check those specific rules. One of rolls for an extended task, or including a challenge of
player may enjoy being designated to do that during game some kind. The gamemaster states the Difficulty of the
sessions, but, if pressed and not able to look up the rules, it’s roll (1 to 5 successes depending on the situation). The
also fine to “wing it,” using your best judgement to keep the gamemaster always has the final say. It is here you may
action going. Even if you contradict the rules as written, you also want to add any further Difficulty from complications
or Threat.
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styles of play the Duras family held over much of the Klingon High
Council, though there are still divisive elements throughout
When beginning a game of Star Trek Adventures, you may the Empire. Chancellor Gowron needs more loyal allies to
be about to run a single session, a short series of sessions, support his initiatives, and this presents an opportunity for
or a campaign of missions with no planned end – in all cases player characters from Houses minor and major alike to step
you will want to consider carefully what style of game you forward and perform acts of daring heroism in support of
want to run, its themes, goals, and structure. their chancellor and Empire.
Star Trek Adventures presents several styles of play for Lower Decks
gamemasters to consider, mostly tied to the setting of our Another option for gamemasters and players is a game
edition of the roleplaying game. The following are different based around the lower decks of a warship. Rather than
themes or settings a gamemaster may want to consider the player characters being the command and bridge
when devising the start of their game. You may have a officers, they have duties in the various departments
clear idea of the game you want to run, or you may want and decks aboard the ship but know each other through
your players to give their views and come to a decision. camaraderie or through interconnected teams. They
Fundamentally, the style of game the whole group is could be warriors, medics, scientists, or engineers. Or
happy with should be played – that may be found through they could even be new recruits, assigned to a warship
playing a few sessions, or through group consensus before for field training.
missions start.
A Port in a Storm
Proud Sons and Daughters While seldom favored by true warriors, some Klingons may
of Kahless find themselves posted to starbases and space stations.
By default, the player characters are senior officers aboard Personnel aboard space stations provide various roles,
a warship, from captain down to recruit, and they operate with officers taking a lead role if the facility is of high
the ship they are aboard at one of the control stations on strategic importance or serves as a diplomatic neutral
the bridge or as heads of department around the ship, like ground for species in its sector of space. Engineers may
sickbay or main engineering. Whether a new crew to their find assignment aboard drydocks, starship research and
assignment or a veteran group of warriors, mission by development stations, or listening posts, while warriors
mission the characters are out exploring the Galaxy. must contend themselves with security details and
training, unless a true battle finds the station. Scientists
The Empire Needs Loyal may be posted to stations or outposts of scientific value,
Soldiers conducting scans and research on nearby planets that
Late in 2371, the powerful Duras sisters Lursa and B’Etor cannot sustain a colony or stellar phenomena, and any
are killed after destroying the U.S.S. Enterprise-D over Klingon facility requires surgeons and medics to patch up
Veridian III. Their deaths largely bring an end to the influence those injured in battle or training.
In the 22nd century, Klingons roamed the space lanes with In the 23rd century, the Empire was forced to adjust their
daring and impunity, encountering Vulcans, Andorians, and expansion intentions with the rise of Starfleet, which had
other species and laying claim to worlds and resources in powerful new Constitution-class vessels slipping out of docks
the name of the Klingon Empire or the House to which they and pushing the boundaries of discovered space. Klingon
owed fealty. Humans from the United Earth Starfleet were games in the 23rd century are much more about politics,
venturing out for the first time with the NX-01 Enterprise and negotiations, and power plays on the final frontier. Wily Klingon
then the NX-02 Columbia, with others following soon after. commanders and crews regularly face off against Federation
The Federation was either non-existent, or in its infancy, with crews in an ever-escalating galactic cold war which occasionally
Humans, Vulcans, Andorians, Tellarites, and a handful of other escalates into brief periods of open conflict.
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In this style of play, missions and adventure comes to the may just be a new home for a new community of people.
players, or is embedded in relationships with regular NPCs as Klingon warriors may revel in the experience of living out on
starships of all civilizations come and go. But that also doesn’t the fringes of known space, hunting in a new wilderness,
stop player characters from jumping aboard a shuttlecraft, or putting down rebellions on worlds still struggling with
scout ship, or support vessel to investigate local incidents. their new reality. The struggles and duties on a colony are
different, but not so drastically from those aboard a starship.
Living on the Final Frontier The order and security of the community is obviously a
Defense Force personnel may even, on occasion, be primary concern, and while maintaining or establishing
assigned to colonies or outposts on a distant planet, infrastructure is not really warriors’ work, it is a necessary
especially on newly conquered worlds still adjusting to the part of conquest. Ensuring that order is maintained and
rule of the Empire. The planet may have a certain valuable expanding the colony or outpost allows it to flourish – it all
resource to investigate and mine or harvest, while others depends on the objectives of the assignment.
GAMEMASTERING
CHARACTER
CHAPTER
08.20
lIH
CREATION
"YOU ARE CUNNING. YOU MUST HAVE KLINGON BLOOD!”
While you, as the gamemaster, won’t be playing the player to is important when it comes to competently fulfilling their
characters created for a game of Star Trek Adventures, role within the group and aboard the starship. Less important
you should guide the players through the character creation factors for these players might be values or focuses.
process, helping them make informed choices about their
characters. You should take into consideration the style of Species Concept
play as well as the concept each player would like to pursue. A Player may not know what position or rank they wish to
play but know they want to play a standard Klingon or a
QuchHa’ (though the latter is only available in games set
approaches to character in the 23rd century). The Lifepath approach to character
creation generation on page 96 would be a great way to make a
player character, as species selection is the first step. Players
Gamemasters should thoroughly familiarize themselves with who have a firm idea of their species before creating a
Chapter 4: Reporting for Battle, which clearly outlines how to character see something interesting in a particular choice.
create a character from conception to completion. However, Often, this means a value related to their species will be more
you may want to alter the order of that process for your own important to them than any others. Players who have a clear
benefit or the benefit of the players at your table. There are idea of which species they want to play may have a trait they
various starting points as well as a re-ordered process that want to highlight and play in contrast to the other players.
you can follow if desired.
Values Concept
Role Concept A player may come to character creation with a clear value
A player may come to character creation with a clear idea in mind – about their upbringing, core belief, or motivation.
of which role they want to fulfill in the group – by default a Two players may come to the table with a clear idea of
leadership position aboard their starship. Or the group may creating characters that share a relationship value. From this
have come to a consensus on which player will fulfill which concept, players and gamemasters are free to use either
role. They may want to be the engineering officer, weapons the Lifepath or Create in Play methods, but focusing first
officer, or even the captain. In this case, it may be best to on where that value comes from (species, environment, or
use the Creation in Play rules (page 122). Knowing which training) then moving back to the remaining steps in order. A
attributes to increase and which disciplines to allocate scores value could inform which role they take aboard the starship,
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or may inform which division they belong to. It may be a CREATION QUESTIONS
value chosen from a certain species or related to a certain
origin. With a value as a concept, character creation can be The most creative part of character generation, where the player has
an artistic process, with each decision informing which part the most originality, is the values system – developing four values that
of character creation to move onto next. describe the core beliefs of their character. But a process like this can be
challenging, with players feeling blocked or short of ideas.
Randomization
Some players may be averse to creating characters, or It might be helpful to ask them questions about their developing
parts of their character’s history, randomly from the tables background so they can frame their values based on that portion of their
presented in Chapter 4: Reporting for Battle. However, life. “How did living on a starbase change your view of the Empire?”
don’t dismiss randomization out of hand as either lazy “How did rebelling against growing up surrounded by science and
or uncreative. Some unexpected background details can technology make your parents feel?” “How did your acceptance into
develop from rolling randomly on the tables for environment, officer training affect your friendships with other warriors?” By offering
caste, or career events that could even complicate or some context to these values, you limit the unimaginable possibilities the
contradict the character’s background so far. A security player can’t navigate and give them something concrete to work with.
officer who fled a fight is arguably a more interesting and
complex character than one who is incredibly brave, whilst
a command division character who has had a problem with At the gamemaster’s discretion, a player character may
authority in their career can provide a roleplaying challenge begin play with traits in addition to their species trait(s).
for the player. Trying to link random elements or events can These should have a clear place in representing the nature
be fun and rewarding in themselves, building an interesting and experiences of the character, reflecting definitive
history for the character that reflects the sometimes-random facets of the character’s existence which are unlikely or
nature of life itself. even impossible to change. This might be something like a
disability or injury, such as General Martok’s missing eye.
And remember, with any of the tables in the Lifepath process, It might be something secret or shameful, such as Kurn,
a player may roll, and then choose an option other than the son of Mogh, operating under a false name to protect him
one they rolled: rolling in this way can be used as a way to from his family’s shame. It may even represent a reputation
find inspiration, as rolls are not binding. or status, and the benefits and problems that accompany
them, such as Kor’s renown for his decisive victory over the
Creating Values Romulans at Klach D'kel Brakt.
Creating values can be challenging. Another variant of the
standard Lifepath style of character creation would be to Traits of this sort should be neutral where possible – either
not develop values for the character until all the steps have rarely applicable outside of exceptional circumstances,
been completed and the player has better idea of who the or applicable in both positive and negative ways. If a trait
character is. That’s not to say this is a hard and fast rule – is purely negative – essentially a complication – consider
instead, you can encourage players to create values if and granting an advantage to balance it out. For disabilities such
when they have ideas for them at any point in character as blindness, this can take the form of a piece of equipment
creation; just keep track of how many values they can create that not only helps the character operate normally, but gives
at that step in the Lifepath. them some other benefit too.
Traits Characters may gain traits relating to their renown and deeds
As standard, a player character has at least a single trait – as a result of their reputation, as described on page 130.
their species – with the potential for others. These traits – as
permanent, or at the very least enduring, elements of the As for changing traits later? That’s more complicated, and is
character’s nature – are not handed out lightly as part of described on pages 133-134.
character creation.
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GAMEMASTERING
MANAGING THE
CHAPTER
08.30
lIH
RULES
“THOUGH THE KLINGONS ARE BRUTAL AND AGGRESSIVE,
THEY ARE MOST EFFICIENT.”
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the gamemaster. If the group has just faced off against a KEEPING TRACK OF TRAITS
difficult opponent, tensions may have been running high, so
easing that with simpler tasks may release that tension and Keeping track of traits, advantages, and complications should make
give the players and characters a bit of a break from the high this aspect of the game accessible and simple. There are a number
stakes of saving the Galaxy. They may also just be having a of playing aids that can be used at the table to do that. Ultimately,
bad night with some unlucky rolls, and no one will think less traits should be easy to access and usable for both players and
of a gamemaster for allowing success so the story develops gamemasters, so having them clearly visible will help the game run
and the fun of the game continues. more smoothly.
Having traits written down in the middle of the table or in the corner of
momentum each zone in an encounter will help everyone track and use traits to their
advantage. Index cards, sticky notes, whiteboards, or gaming mats all
Momentum is a game tool that rewards players for rolling well fulfill that task and are easy ways to illustrate traits in play.
and succeeding with style. Momentum is a group pool that
can be used by anyone and helps with group cohesion, as
one player’s success can help another succeed. therefore its traits), through spending 2 Threat when a scene
or encounter is already in play, or by a character through
Chapter 3: Core Rules lists many possible ways to spend spending Momentum or Threat. Traits should last for as long
Momentum, on page 76, but that shouldn’t be seen as as they are applicable, but don’t necessarily change or go
a finite list. At any stage, any player should be able to away just because the story moves away from a location and
propose a new way to use Momentum, providing it is in comes back later – a planet’s atmosphere doesn’t change
keeping with a mission, campaign, or the Star Trek setting. much in the lifespans of most species, so a trait linked to
Encourage unique and creative Momentum spends and a planet’s atmosphere will appear as many times as the
remember that a Momentum spend doesn’t have to be characters are there.
linked to a task.
Traits are broken up into several types, denoting where they
show up. Situation traits tend to only be temporary, while
traits location traits will come up every time the players visit that
place, and a character or species trait reflects a certain
Traits, advantages, and complications form a system that character, particularly NPCs. These types should tell you in
assists you while framing a scene, by highlighting the what circumstances they come up. Location traits may affect
circumstances that may affect characters, benefit them, all tasks in the area, while character traits will only affect
and also hinder their actions. Traits can do a number of certain interactions with one character.
things, and a good mix is vital to establishing a scene that
characters can navigate effectively. Particularly potent traits may be indicated by a number
after them. A “Hazardous Atmosphere 2” trait will mean it
Traits that aren’t inherently advantageous or that complicate increases Difficulties by 2 rather than just 1 and may even
the scene have the potential to do both, depending on the make most tasks impossible to accomplish without an
characters present and the tasks they want to attempt. appropriate advantage. It essentially counts as two identical
Traits will either present the characters with an advantage, traits, rather than one.
present them with a complication, or not affect the scene in
this circumstance. As gamemaster, you have the final say in Advantages
whether they affect the task or not. Advantages are traits that are inherently advantageous to
characters and will only ever provide a benefit. Advantages
Traits can: come about mostly from equipment, Momentum spends, or
Threat spends in the case of NPCs. They reduce difficulties
X Increase the difficulty of a task for characters attempting tasks the advantage relates to or
X Decrease the difficulty of a task make that task possible where it normally wouldn’t have
X Make a task possible, where it otherwise wouldn’t have been. Advantages can be shared, as either a new location
been possible or situation trait, or can be personal to a character as a
X Make a task impossible, where it otherwise would have character trait. Remember that you can always spend Threat
been possible just as players spend Momentum, creating advantages for
your NPCs during a scene or encounter. Advantages can
Traits can last for a number of scenes, rounds, or even over never be used as a complication against a character – they
several game sessions, and may have a lasting impact on are only ever helpful.
the characters. They can be introduced either when you
are framing a scene (establishing its circumstances and
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Complications complication range
Complications are traits that get in the way or complicate
a character’s tasks. They either increase a task’s Difficulty COMPLICATION
COMPLICATIONS OCCUR ON…
RANGE
or make it impossible where normally it would have been
1 20
possible. A complication allows for creative additions
2 19-20
or changes to your scenes and is the type of trait the
3 18-20
gamemaster has most agency over during play. For example,
4 17-20
an engineer might succeed in their task but blow out some
5 16-20
power relays, blocking them off from their crewmates.
In essence, this creates a new obstacle for the player
characters. Combined with incoming Romulans, it could values and dictates
make for an interesting encounter. Alternatively, it could
be saved for later when the players come to spend Power Values form the fundamental aspect of a character’s beliefs
– it could hinder the players when they need it most. But and personality. They define who the player characters are
complications aren’t as powerful as spending a lot of Threat, and how they react in any given situation. While players can
and players should be able to overcome those setbacks with use these values to grant them a use of their Determination,
a task or a short challenge. and it gives them a framework to roleplay by, you as the
gamemaster can use those values against a player character,
You can also increase the complication range of a task, giving them the option of accepting a complication.
given the circumstances of the scene or the task. By
increasing the complication range you give more possibility Citing a value to develop a complication for a player uses
to a complication arising, letting you either bank 2 Threat or the character’s beliefs against them to develop drama and a
create a complication for that player character. mechanical disadvantage within the mission. If a character
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value would ever mean that the character would not act as in Momentum from the group’s pool. However, the
the player intends, or if it brings up dramatic conflict because character may instead choose to pay some or all that
of the circumstances, then present the player with a decision. cost by adding 1 Threat to the pool for each point of
The player character can either: Momentum that would otherwise have been spent.
X Accept a complication about their value and receive one X Complications: When a character suffers one or more
point of Determination complications on a task, they or the gamemaster may
X Decline the complication choose not to have the complication take effect, in
exchange for adding 2 Threat to the pool.
If the player accepts the complication, then it could change
the scene in one of the following ways: increase the Difficulty X Threatening Circumstances: The environment or
of tasks relating to that complication or make certain tasks circumstances of a new scene may be threatening
impossible. In this instance, a complication may take the enough to warrant adding 1 or 2 Threat to the pool
form of prohibiting a certain course of action. Complications automatically. Similarly, some NPCs – this will be listed
relating to values are always personal and don’t affect other in their rules – may generate Threat just for turning up, in
characters. This could mean that the player character finds it response to circumstances, or by taking certain actions.
more difficult to attempt tasks relating to that value or simply This also includes activities that escalate the tensions of
won’t attempt them at all. the scene, such as player characters using deadly force.
Threat provides a unique mechanic to raise the stakes of the X Environmental Effects: The gamemaster may trigger or cause
scene, encounter, or even the entire mission. It allows you to problems with the environment by spending Threat.
increase task Difficulty, provide complications, and change
the scene in your favor. X Reversal: The gamemaster may end a scene or encounter
prematurely, with the situation unresolved, by spending 2 Threat
The gamemaster usually begins every session with 2 Threat for each player character present in that scene or encounter. The
for each player at the table (some published adventures gamemaster describes the manner in which the situation escalates
have the gamemaster start with more, depending on how or deteriorates in a major way – such as large numbers of enemy
challenging the adventure is meant to be for players). This reinforcements, or some other imminent catastrophe – and then
allows you to have a pool of Threat available at the beginning ends the scene. This cannot be used to harm or kill the player
of the game. You will also gain Threat in the following ways: characters directly, only to radically change their circumstances, and
the players should be given a few moments to discuss their new
X Immediate Momentum: Whenever a character uses situation before the gamemaster sets a new scene (either with those
an Immediate Momentum spend – such as to buy characters, or, to raise the tension, with other characters elsewhere).
bonus d20s – they normally choose to pay that cost
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X Non-Player Character Momentum: NPCs with unspent It’s especially effective when the way the gamemaster spends
Momentum cannot save it as player characters can – Threat has a clear tie to the way Threat was generated in a
NPCs don’t have a group Momentum pool. Instead, an scene. If the scene says there’s an alarm panel, then an NPC
NPC can spend Momentum to add to Threat, adding one activating that panel may add to Threat, and then that Threat
Threat for each Momentum spent (Repeatable). can naturally be used to bring in reinforcements, creating a
sense of cause and effect. This approach can be helpful for
When you are framing a scene, it is up to you which traits you making Threat seem like a natural part of the process, rather
establish, affecting how the player characters will interact than something abrupt or intrusive.
with the scene. Once the scene is underway, the only way to
change those circumstances is the use of Threat, or through
the actions of NPCs. opposed tasks
This is very important: any change the gamemaster wishes Opposed tasks are just like tasks above, except there is an
to make to circumstances once a scene has begun must active, opposite force working against the player characters.
come from either an NPC or from spending Threat. It’s at this point that you can actively roll dice related to the
task at hand, based on your NPCs or other forces working
You could bring in reinforcements during an encounter, against the players.
or increase the Difficulty of curing a virus, but Threat
really comes into its own when used as a creative tool to Opposed tasks, in general, should only be attempted by
completely change the circumstances the player characters sentient beings, or other opponents capable of reason and
find themselves in. From plot twists to unexpected events, dynamic opposition (which includes sophisticated computers
Threat can be used to create a shift in the dramatic and other automata). Environmental factors like freak
conflict. You could spend that 5 Threat to bring in five more weather, atmospheric conditions, and stellar phenomena
Romulan warriors, but what if, instead, the klaxons on only raise Difficulties or are forces to be overcome by the
board suddenly sounded “Self-destruct sequence initiated, player characters and are covered better with traits or
silent countdown begun…” The encounter has changed complications. It’s a great opportunity for NPCs important
completely and the player characters need to decide how to the story to be highlighted through dice rolls as well as
to act next. roleplaying. Main adversaries can be showcased in this way,
and it’s also a great opportunity to develop some additional
Threat also relies on an economy with the players at the Threat if the NPC does particularly well. You should use
table, as well as the Threat your NPCs generate through their opposed tasks in moments of direct, non-life-threatening
own “Momentum.” Remember that players can always pay conflict, or where both player character and NPC are striving
for their Create Opportunity Momentum spend (page 276) for the same simple goal within a scene.
with Threat. You may also wish to bank 2 Threat instead of
implementing a complication from a player’s dice roll. Interpreting the results of an opposed task calls for a
greater degree of bookkeeping because the gamemaster
needs to adjudicate both results and then compare the two,
MELEE ATTACKS IN COMBAT accounting for all the gained Momentum or complications
that may arise. You may even find you need to think on
Melee attack tasks in combat are always opposed tasks and, as such, a your feet when it comes to narrating the outcome, with the
number of outcomes can present themselves. possibility of both sides succeeding on the task or both
failing. How should one party win out if both succeed?
X Attacker wins and inflicts Stress to their target – This result is easily How do both of the characters acting manage to fail the
adjudicated, track the Stress to your NPC. task? Opposed tasks can create a momentary sense of
drama or tension as well as having unexpected and exciting
X Target wins and inflicts Stress to their attacker – In a reversal of consequences for the story.
fortune, your NPC wins the fight and can inflict Stress on the
player character.
extended tasks
Always remember that you can spend Threat to create opportunity and
gain more d20s or to increase your opponent’s Difficulty. In such cases, Extended tasks provide a greater challenge for the player
both sides must decide whether or not to increase Difficulty by spending characters than normal tasks. While tasks represent
Momentum or Threat before either side picks up the dice. Similarly, attempting to resolve a problem with one approach and in a
both sides must have determined if they wish to buy any dice before short amount of time, extended tasks give the gamemaster
either side rolls (this is best done by both sides choosing in secret and the opportunity to present problems that require a longer
revealing just before they roll). amount of time and greater degree of work to resolve while
there is pressure on the characters to achieve the task. At
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their heart, extended tasks are a pacing tool, designed to X Consequences: The extended task itself is risky, with
extend a difficult or dangerous activity in order to emphasize potential consequences either for failed tasks, or for
the peril and create drama and tension. complications that occur during attempted tasks.
These consequences may involve damage, or other
Extended tasks should only be introduced where there is lingering problems that make it unwise to make too
a definitive pressure on the player characters to achieve many attempts. Defusing a bomb which has anti-tamper
the task; that pressure ultimately provides excitement and mechanisms or disabling a booby-trapped system –
drama, and without it, an extended task will feel like rolling methods favored by Romulans and Cardassians – are
dice for the sake of rolling. The following suggestions can good examples of this kind of extended task, with failed
provide this by adding some peril or problem that worsens attempts or complications triggering a response from
the longer they take. the device. Attempting to achieve an objective stealthily
is another good example, where failed attempts or
X Combat: The extended task takes place during combat complications can draw unwanted attention.
(see the combat rules for more details). Tasks can only
be attempted on a character’s turn, and the rest of X Limited Attempts: The extended task can only be
combat rages around the characters as they attempt attempted a set number of times, normally equal to the
to complete the extended task. The dangers inherent Magnitude, or one lower than the Magnitude, depending
in combat offer plenty of risk to make an extended task on how problematic the extended task is meant to be
exciting, particularly if overcoming the extended task is (less is more problematic). If the number of attempts are
the objective for the combat as a whole – the combat used up without the extended task being completed,
ends when the extended task is completed, and the then the characters suffer some manner of consequence.
combat serves to put pressure on the characters while
they work toward that goal. These sorts of extended tasks X Peril: The extended task takes place amongst some
can also be a useful way to keep non-combat characters persistent peril or hazard. This might be a constantly-
occupied during a combat, as their skills might be vital to hostile environment (such as a barely-breathable
the extended task. atmosphere, extreme temperatures, deadly radiation,
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or some other environment that will have a constant Stress Track
effect), or an environment that presents a risk (such as The Stress track of an extended task is a number from 5 to 20,
being on the hull of the ship wearing an environment suit, which players progress along depending on the totals scored
where a suit breach or being knocked away could prove on Challenge Dice. Progress can be an indication of how much
disastrous). If there’s a constant peril, the characters time is required to resolve the extended task or how complex
suffer a small amount of damage or a complication with the problem is, but care is required when framing this within a
each attempted task (see Damage, Injury, and Recovery, mission. If the extended task is not of much importance for the
later), making it dangerous to spend too long attempting ongoing story, but is required in the session, consider giving
the task. If there’s a risky environment, each attempted it a low Stress track value, between 5 and 10. Only extended
task adds one point to Threat, which the gamemaster may tasks that provide genuine tension to player’s engagement with
spend to turn that potential for risk into actual danger. the plot of the mission, or are imperative to resolve the conflict
at hand, should be given longer Stress tracks.
X Time Pressure: The extended task must be completed
within a set amount of time, and exceeding this time limit There is a danger that longer extended tasks could become
either makes it impossible to progress or results in some tedious, as a lot of smaller tasks and Challenge Dice rolls
severe consequence. At the start of the extended task, are required to resolve them, particularly if luck is not on the
the gamemaster determines the number of intervals that players’ side. You should always keep in mind the dramatic
the extended task must be completed within, and how situation at hand, narrating how progress is being made,
long a period that each Interval represents (ten minutes, rather than relying on the dice and the mechanics to tell the
an hour, a day, etc.). The ideal number of intervals is about story. How does the character’s approach or discipline being
2-3 times the extended task’s Magnitude, with a smaller used inform the progress? Are there any specific approaches
number of intervals resulting in more time pressure on the that should be especially effective, giving the character extra
characters. The gamemaster should also determine what benefits for effects rolled on their A?
happens when time runs out – this should be a severe
consequence, and it may even be fatal or disastrous. Each Magnitude
task attempted takes two intervals, though this can be The Magnitude of an extended task represents how large
reduced to one by spending 2 Momentum on a successful and complex the task is, and also provides the players with
task, and/or increased by 1 for each complication suffered the number of breakthroughs they require. Magnitudes of
(instead of the complications’ normal effects). 1 or 2 should be used when a problem or project isn’t very
complex or outside the normal remit for the characters.
Extended tasks have several considerations when framing Greater Magnitudes of 3 to 5 represent very complex
them for players. You should build your extended tasks problems or situations with newly discovered phenomena or
with the following in mind, and be cautious about when to unusual circumstances. Like the Difficulty of normal tasks,
implement them. environmental factors or adverse situations may increase the
Magnitude by one or two steps, but the gamemaster should
be careful making increases, as repeated tasks at a Difficulty
LONG-TERM EXTENDED TASKS at 3 or more will drain players’ resources or give you Threat
based on their choices. Difficulty can always be increased or
Normally, an extended task will take place within a single scene, and reduced through advantages or complications.
may often be the key activity that defines a scene. However, it is possible
to use them to represent a broader problem, resolved across several Breakthroughs
scenes, an entire adventure, or even several sessions of play. A breakthrough represents success in an extended task, a
point in the scene or encounter where the player characters
These kinds of extended tasks tend not to have immediate, severe both make some progress toward resolving the problem and
consequences, and commonly represent a problem being worked on gain some insight into its nature. Breakthroughs occur when
over a protracted period, such as a long-term project by a member of the players roll well, when their characters do good work on
the crew. They can also be used to help shape the pace and progress of the problem at hand, or at the end of the work track when
a whole adventure, with one attempt made in each scene – that attempt a lot of work has already been done. Breakthroughs early
will be affected by the scene it takes place within, and the result of that on could be “eureka moments,” maybe providing the player
attempt may shape following scenes for good or ill. characters with some insight into what actions are having the
most effect. In a mechanical sense, it reduces the Difficulty
With a long-term extended task, it’s important to define how frequently by 1. A breakthrough may also award them additional
attempts can be made to overcome it. This should be proportionate Momentum in future tasks relating to this extended task or
to how long it is meant to last – an extended task lasting an adventure give them a better idea of which disciplines would be more
should allow no more than one attempt per scene, while one lasting appropriate or useful. Breakthroughs when the work track is
several adventures should only allow one attempt per adventure at most. full come from a lot of work already being done on solving
the problem at hand and so the results ride on the progress
already carried out.
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Resistance structuring the challenge but does give clarity to the players
Resistance should be reserved for the most arduous of on what they need to do. While it can be a little uncreative
extended tasks, where obstacles have been placed in for players, sometimes situations call for a very specific
the way of the characters by opposing forces, or where response or course of action. Linear challenges are a good
environmental factors make progress particularly difficult. way to add a little depth to a challenge without the need for a
Resistance will make the extended task longer, so only use it lot of bookkeeping.
where necessary to the dramatic tension, or as the actions of
the NPCs or situation make things more difficult. Momentum Example: A group of newly-assigned warriors are trying to
spent by the players can reduce Resistance; this can be navigate their way through the wilderness after crash-landing
made sense of dramatically by the characters finding a way on an unfamiliar planet, trying to reach a Klingon outpost.
around the challenging factor or succeeding at their task in Each key task in the challenge represents a single obstacle
such a way that it mitigates the obstruction of their attempts. along their route, which they will logically encounter in a
specific order. First, they must determine which path to take
Complications to get to the outpost. Then, they have to carefully navigate
When complications come up in extended tasks, they a hazardous ravine. Finally, they must traverse a predator-
have ramifications for the work or Resistance of the task. infested geyser field to reach their destination.
Narratively this could come down to a number of reasons,
such as technology overloading or breaking down due to Gated Challenges
adaptation, gaffes in political situations, or biology or naturally- In a gated challenge, the key tasks can only be attempted
occurring phenomena adapting to the characters’ actions. once other tasks in the challenge have been completed.
Complications from extended tasks don’t usually carry over This provides the players with a little more flexibility, allowing
into the story as a whole unless absolutely appropriate. them to approach the challenge from a number of angles,
or choose from branching options. When building gated
Peril and Time challenges, you should note your final task or objective in the
It may be that the extended task occurs without constraints middle or at the end of your structure, then place the other
on time or without an imminent danger, but, while framing key tasks around it, indicating what tasks must be completed
the extended task, the gamemaster should consider the before the players can move onto the others.
situation around the task. It may be that the players only
have a certain amount of time to complete their attempts to
resolve the problem, meaning limited attempts should be Valve off the plasma Close off reactant
placed on the players’ tasks, related to the Magnitude. Or to the warp field coils injectors
the extended task may be attempted around an immediate
peril or during conflict, in which case the Magnitude may be
greater or characters may take damage from attempts or
complications. Framing an extended task within a perilous Vent remaining gases
scene or encounter will build the tension and make the tasks
exciting for the players.
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Non-Key Tasks Opposition
Players may want to spend time preparing for a key task, Your NPCs may be in a position to interfere with the player
making rolls that don’t attempt to complete the key task characters’ plans or even to attempt the same challenge.
but instead prepare for it in some way. That’s not a problem In this case, you’ll want to consider what kind of opposition
and, in this case, you should use your best judgement to they provide and how to use that in the challenge.
frame the task, and its Difficulty. If successful, completing
a non-key task could lower the Difficulty of the key task or Disruption provides an increase in difficulty but nothing
add an advantage to it, but it alone will never complete the more, and could come in the form of traps or preparations
key task. NPCs have made before the player characters attempted
the challenge. This is great if your NPCs knew the player
Example: Nikki wants to repair the plasma manifolds in characters were coming, or were clever enough to establish
the lower decks of her warship, and the first key task in contingencies, should their plans be interfered with.
this linear challenge is an assessment of the damage. She
wants to prepare by gathering the right tools, calibrating If your NPCs are present and can act at the same time as
equipment, and the like. The gamemaster asks her to use the player characters, you may want to make the tasks in the
Reason + Engineering, with a Difficulty of 1. With a target challenge opposed tasks. This represents the NPCs trying to
number of 15, she rolls 4 and 13 on 2d20, scoring two accomplish the same thing as the players but for a different
successes. She adds the advantage “Right tools for the job” reason or end result. It could also be opposition in the form
to the scene and banks 1 point of Momentum. That gives of sabotaging the players’ actions. As with opposed tasks,
her an advantage when attempting the first key task in new advantages or complications may arise from Momentum
the challenge. or Threat spends, or failed rolls.
Timed Challenges Contested challenges form a race for either the players
Combining the pressure of time, or a deadline, to any of the or the NPCs to complete the tasks first. In this case, you
above structures can add tension to the scenes in which should resort to a turn order, much like conflict as detailed
the challenge takes place, and you should always have in Chapter 6. Both sets of characters will attempt a task
consequences in mind if time runs out. Make sure you have but one after the other, back and forth, until every character
a clear idea of how many intervals the challenge takes, has been able to act. Take as many rounds as you need
normally around 2-3 times the number of key tasks, and for one side to complete the challenge, at which point the
have a good idea of how long that interval is: 30 minutes, an group that didn’t complete it has failed. It could be that
hour, a day? Once that’s framed, keep track of how long task you lock off tasks based on who succeeds first – in which
attempts have taken and how long the player characters have case, the side who cannot attempt the key task should take
left – and if they aren’t aware of that you can build tension by appropriate steps and attempt tasks in order to unlock that
telling them! Task attempts always take 2 intervals of time, key task again. In this situation, the groups effectively take
because players can reduce that to 1 interval by spending control of certain tasks once complete; this should only
Momentum. Also bear in mind that if players wish to prepare be done if there are multiple ways of completion, as in a
for tasks, that will take time, too. Don’t be afraid to tick off gated challenge.
some intervals in the process. Ultimately, a combination of
time and the structures above can bring some diversity to Always be mindful that groups of characters attempting the
your game and add in some tension or climax once the final same tasks can meet and, if they have different goals, may
key tasks are being attempted. come into conflict. Always be ready for the groups to collide
in a combat encounter to punctuate the overall challenge.
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CHAPTER GAMEMASTERING
08.40
PLAYER CHARACTERS
lIH
“YOU SWEAR WELL, PICARD. YOU MUST HAVE KLINGON BLOOD IN YOUR VEINS.”
– GOVERNOR VAGH
what makes us different will have some other, secondary, specialties to their
character, placing more importance toward one of the other
Star Trek Adventures can be a markedly different disciplines during character creation. Make a note of these
experience from other examples of both the roleplay gaming abilities and encourage their use or provide opportunities to
and science fiction genres. Where most science fiction show how that training might influence the character in the
stories focus on conflict, wars, aggressive aliens, and command decisions they make.
humanity as heroes, Star Trek can be seen, on the whole, to
subvert those tropes, leaning more toward a future in which Most player groups are normally governed by group
understanding, cooperation, exploration, and discovery consensus in their roleplaying games and, while this can
is the focus and driving force of its stories. The opening be true of your missions, there are story elements that may
sequence of the original Star Trek series begins with Captain require the captain or commander to make a decision on
Kirk explaining the five-year mission of the Enterprise: “to behalf of their crew. This can always be done in an out-of-
explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new character fashion as a discussion in which the whole group
civilizations,” not for war but for knowledge. has a say; however, the command role really shines when a
difficult decision has to be made by one individual, and there
In that sense, Star Trek Adventures is not your usual brand may not be time for counsel. The gamemaster might mark
of roleplaying game, in which most time spent at the table key moments of decision-making in the upcoming mission
is engaged in armed conflict with monsters or antagonistic before the session, so that when they come up it is down to
species. Star Trek Adventures’ missions and campaigns, the captain or the commander what course of action to take.
even those with a Klingon orientation, will always have a
strong element of exploration and discovery in some form, In terms of rules, the command role is often one of
with each player character having a key role in supporting assistance and direction. In combat, command characters
that effort. This section will tell you, as the gamemaster, how may order their fellow player characters, granting them an
to highlight those individual player character roles in a game additional task in that round of an encounter, providing assist
on the frontier of the Star Trek Galaxy. roles in other scenes, or inspiring them to greater heights
by generating Momentum. They are also the focal point
of starship combat, as their orders should be followed by
conquering the stars the bridge crew. Command characters can be a linchpin in
tactical play while engaged in starship combat, the one who
holds a strategy in their head while each other character
Command fulfills a specific duty on the bridge.
Those players taking a role within the group as captains
of their vessel or commanders of their officers have made Values for command characters will often be strongly phrased
the decision to bring leadership and authority to the player toward leadership and core Klingon beliefs, and thematically
group dynamic. These players form the core decision- it is a captain with strong values that shapes the ship and
making characters within the group, leading teams and their crew to act and react in a certain way to the discoveries
making tough choices. they face out on the frontiers of space. It’s the command
character’s values that arguably should be the ones of most
Command characters often excel in diplomatic situations or importance, as these values will shape the whole group’s
scenes which rely on the Presence attribute and Command strategy for completing missions. Challenging these values
discipline, so make sure these players are engaged in those may have more impact on the ongoing missions of the crew
scenes, while other attributes in conjunction with Command and, as such, particular attention should be paid to both the
may aid them in different situations. Command characters commanding officer’s, and the first officer’s, values.
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Conn stalking prey. They could even become wrapped up in a plot
Conn roles aboard warships focus heavily on piloting and within Imperial Intelligence.
navigation, and players who choose this role imagine
controlling massive warships, flying shuttles and scout Warriors are prepared to lay down their lives for the values
vessels, and setting course for the unknown. they uphold and this should be tested as far as it can,
depending on the mission. Their values may also reflect their
Conn characters excel in moments of tense action in which dedications to particular organizations or individuals, which
harmful spatial phenomena need to be navigated, shuttlecraft could change depending on a series of missions or when that
need to be piloted through the tightest terrain, and where faith is tested. Challenging a value in this way could be a key
the crew requires a steady hand and strong nerves at the part of their character development.
controls. Their attributes lean heavily toward Control and
Daring, while the Conn discipline is their most valued, so Engineering
creating situations in which these are tested, or raising the Engineering officers are the mechanical bedrock of the KDF.
stakes by increasing the Difficulty of these tasks, will make As experts in their field, they have an in-depth knowledge
the conn officers of your game shine. Conn officers will also of the technology available to the Empire and aren’t afraid
have knowledge or even some focuses in astronavigation or to improvise and adapt the technology at their disposal in
the theory of phenomena and anomalies, and this knowledge order to overcome trouble. Players who choose engineering
can be key to the success of a mission or the survival of characters expect to get their hands dirty in the engine room
the crew. Highlighting these challenges for the conn officers of the players’ warship and lead technical tasks, providing
provide them some interesting moments in the game and valuable, creative ideas during a mission.
a chance at the spotlight in a session. Beyond this, conn
officers tend to be versatile, with their abilities often useful in Head engineering officer aboard a warship is a prestigious
a variety of situations, allowing them to fare well in combat role and one that shines in times of conflict and
and engineering challenges as well as when flying the ship. during problem solving. These are the players who will
predominantly manage the power systems of a warship
Their values may be about taking risks or on focus and and push the laws of physics to their very limits. They favor
control; challenging those values may be difficult, but they the Engineering discipline but may also have some Science
will give conn players a needed boost in deadly moments. knowledge, with focuses based around their particular fields
of expertise. They will revel in challenges and tasks related
Security to repair, reverse engineering, or even adaptation of current
Many Klingon warriors will emphasize the Security discipline, technology. See “Today is a Good Day to Die!” in Chapter
as befits military personnel in a warrior culture. They will 3: Core Rules on page 76 for more guidance on handling
see action in landing parties, ship-to-ship combat, boarding the rules when your engineers have an idea they want to try
actions, and even in resolving disputes amongst themselves. and make a reality. You can challenge these characters by
Players who choose to emphasize their Security discipline will giving them complex mechanical and technological tasks and
often be tasked with defending their fellow player characters, mysteries, as well as working on emergency repairs while in
and be proficient in both physical and ranged combat. starship combat.
Warriors take the main role in scenes that require feats of An engineer’s values might be tied to a sense of invention
physical strength, tests of fitness, of martial prowess, or and discovery, or they might be more practically applicable.
strategic insight. They come into their own while in combat Challenging their values will likely come through new
encounters, often having the highest potential damage in discoveries or adapting technology, or where the engineer
the player group, as their score in the Security discipline is has failed to make repairs at the cost of a starship or
likely to be the highest and directly influences the A they roll crewmates’ lives.
for their attacks. In these encounters, the mightiest warriors
have the spotlight, often ordering or directing teammates on Science
courses of action while being the key strategist. But while Characters in the sciences division are the ones who revel
it may seem simple to focus on battle, what other roles do in the search and discovery of new planets, phenomena,
warriors fulfill when security is not an issue? and alien life. They work predominantly as advisors to the
commanding officers and the rest of the player group;
During starship combat, a weapons officer concerns however, they will find their own reward in being the first to
themselves with the ship’s tactical systems, preparing make a discovery or even find something that changes their
weapon systems, firing disruptors and torpedoes, and whole perception of the Galaxy.
giving tactical appraisals to the commanding officers. They
can also take the lead during investigations of Klingon A career in the sciences is one in which those individuals
jurisdiction and keep order aboard Klingon vessels and have excelled in their fields compared to their peers, and
outposts, rooting out dishonorable conduct like a hunter often carries a social stigma as scientists are commonly
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looked down upon by the warrior caste…at least, until ORDERS AND GROUP COHESION
the science officer’s insights help their comrades secure
victory. Science officers come into their own when Gamemasters with ranking officers at the table should note that roleplaying
knowledge and theories add to the crew’s engagement is a collective storytelling experience, and most games favor decisions
with the mission they are on. They delight in the discovery made by the group as a whole. Captains may order subordinate characters,
of new phenomena, as well as providing the team with but commanding officers like Koloth and Martok often rely on information
unique insights and possible solutions to the problems provided by their senior officers to make decisions. Commanding officers
they face. Science officers usually have high Reason and/ surround themselves with experts and often make decisions by consulting
or Insight as well as high scores in the Science discipline these experts. This way, a player group will feel like they have made a
and possibly Engineering or Medicine. Science officers are group decision, even if the captain’s word is final.
challenged when they are called upon for new theories and
the practical application of those theories. Their players will
want puzzles to solve and new phenomena to study and The player character in a medical role should have the highest
catalogue, turning the unknown into studied experience. Medicine discipline score of the group, meaning they are the
most qualified individual when it comes to diagnosis, surgery,
A science officer may be the one of all the player characters dispensing medicines, and clinical examination. They will relish
who has values closely tied to exploration and discovery, challenges of this nature – injured crewmates, discovering and
which means that the development and challenging of those curing new diseases, and investigating medical mysteries.
values can come easily from making those discoveries and While other player characters may have a Medicine score of
finding out something new about the Galaxy. only 1 or 2 below the head medical officer, you should reserve
key successes and information on progress in certain related
Medical tasks for the head because of their unique role.
Medical officers are distinct within the player group for being
the individuals on the crew to shine in the field of medicine A medical officer’s values will invariably be based in their
and medical care. Players who have chosen this path have work. Healing others and saving lives are vital to a medic’s
dedicated themselves to the care of the player characters’ duty, and they would not pledge themselves to such a task
well-being and may have taken an oath to heal the injured and unless it spoke deeply to their values. That may come into
sick, whether they are Klingon or not. They will usually take an question when facing an alien species bent on genocide, or
interest in several areas of medicine, including xenobiology, where the cure of a disease may come at the cost of hurting
and may be learned in the physiology of many species. other sentient life.
GAMEMASTERING
SUPPORTING
CHAPTER
08.50
lIH
CHARACTERS
"WE DO NOT FIGHT MERELY TO SPILL BLOOD, BUT TO ENRICH THE SPIRIT.”
– EMPEROR KAHLESS II
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an adventure that doesn’t focus on their main character, If a player has multiple characters in a single scene, then
or account for players who are absent. the player may not directly control those other characters.
Characters which are not under the direct control of
X They allow the players to split their characters between any player cannot perform the full range of actions and
different activities in different locations without being left tasks available to a character under a player’s control.
out of the game for long stretches. As gamemaster, you should familiarize yourself with the
content on pages 124-126 so that you can provide advice
X They allow smaller groups of players to bolster their to players who choose to play supporting characters in a
numbers during challenges, such as by ensuring that given encounter or scene.
enough bridge stations are manned during a space battle.
Supporting Character Options
Creating a Supporting As a reminder, there are a few optional rules that affect the
Character way supporting characters are used in play.
A group of players will have a maximum number of supporting
characters that can be used during a single adventure; this X Extra Players: In a group with a small number of players,
number is the crew support of the group’s ship (crew support some challenging situations can become more difficult
is described in full in Chapter 7: To Command the Stars). than they otherwise should be. If the group has three or
During an adventure, players may choose to introduce one or fewer players, you may allow some or all of the group’s
more supporting characters at the start of any scene, either players to take control of two characters during a scene;
creating those characters anew or choosing from amongst this would increase the number of player characters, each
previously created supporting characters. of whom gets their own turn during a round of combat, for
example. You may vary this from scene to scene or apply
While it is the players’ responsibility to create supporting it only to specific types of scene (such as space combat,
characters, you may choose to do so as well, depending to ensure that all the vital bridge stations are filled).
on your game’s needs and your group dynamic. Some
players relish the opportunity to contribute to the overall X More Orders: In combat, the Direct task may be used
game experience by creating supporting characters and by any player character, so long as they are using it on
sharing the logistical workload, while others prefer to show an uncontrolled character that they have authority over.
up and play and may not want to be bothered by creating When used on another player character, the normal limits
NPCs. If you discover your group needs a few more for the Direct task still apply.
supporting characters to choose from, by all means create
some, but only after first asking the players if they’ll take
on the work themselves.
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GAMEMASTERING
NON-PLAYER
CHAPTER
08.60
lIH
CHARACTERS
"OWN THE DAY!”
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Roleplaying as Alien NPCs npcs as opposition
Many Star Trek episodes introduce an alien species as
the subject of the plotline, just for a single episode. These Attempting tasks and acting in combat works exactly the
“aliens of the week” often have a couple of key qualities that same for NPCs as it does for player characters.
separate them from the regular species seen on Star Trek.
When it comes to creating these aliens, and roleplaying their Suffering Stress with NPCs and starships, on the other
various NPCs, it may be easier to use two or more traits hand, is different from the normal rules for player characters
rather than a one-word species trait to remind you of what and their starships. These rules are streamlined for the
they are like and how they are different. These traits can be gamemaster so you can focus on resolving actions quickly
physical, mental, cultural, or behavioral in nature, but they and allowing the player characters to have more of the
should always clearly contrast or complement the player spotlight in scenes and encounters.
character species available.
During combat, NPCs react differently when damage is
dealt to them. Minor NPCs cannot spend Threat to ignore
an injury, and as such any damage over 5 points of Stress,
after Resistance, immediately defeats a Minor NPC. You can
spend 2 Threat for a Notable NPC to avoid one injury, but
may not do it again in the same encounter, so the next time
the Notable NPC suffers an injury they are defeated. Major
NPCs may spend 2 Threat to avoid an injury as many times
as they like, depending on the pool of Threat available. This
gives them an advantage against the player characters, who
can only avoid their first injury.
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random physical NPCS ON EITHER SIDE
or mental traits
Under most circumstances, the rules for NPCs cover adversaries –
D20 ROLL TRAIT those who are opposed to the player characters’ goals in some way.
1 Spines Most of the time, NPCs whose goals align with those of the player
2 Extremely long tongue characters don’t require hard-and-fast rules to the same degree as
3 Low body temperature adversarial NPCs.
4 Breathes a different element
5 Sensitive to vibrations That isn’t always the case, however. And, in some cases, an NPC’s goals
6 Hermaphrodite may shift – at some points making them an ally, while at others making
them an opponent. To handle this, use the following guidelines:
7 Sensitive to light
8 Large teeth
9 Excessive fur X If an NPC is an Adversary: The NPC spends points from the
10 Inhale food whole gamemaster’s Threat pool to buy Immediate Momentum spends,
11 Breathes a different gas and adds surplus Momentum to the Threat pool instead of having
a group Momentum pool. Any instance where a player character
12 Chameleonic skin
would add to Threat, an adversarial NPC spends from Threat
13 Multiple stomachs needing
constant food instead. NPC abilities that specifically cost Threat remove points
14 Photosynthesis from the Threat pool.
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Threat As Momentum NPC Starship Damage
The gamemaster’s Threat pool also functions as a pool of While NPC vessels can make use of the full damage rules,
Momentum for NPCs, as well as its usual function of allowing this can become burdensome in larger battles where many
the gamemaster to alter the scene or encounter. As such, ships are involved. In these situations, the following quick
when NPCs gain extra successes when attempting tasks or damage rules can be used as an alternative.
attacks, those successes can be banked just as Momentum
can, on a one by one basis, adding to the Threat pool. If no specific system has been targeted on an NPC ship
You may want to immediately spend that Threat, however, using these rules, do not roll for which System has been hit.
depending on the circumstances. Instead, apply the following effects:
The following Momentum spends (Immediate and X Impact: Whenever the ship suffers one or more
Repeatable) are the most utilized when it comes to breaches, it loses a single turn during the next round.
controlling NPCs: This is not cumulative. It also loses 2 Power.
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To create a Minor NPC: QUICK PROMOTIONS
AND ADJUSTMENTS
X Begin by describing their species as a trait (see Step 1:
Species on page 96 for more information). The processes here are intended for guidance and are a quick and easy
way of developing NPCs either at the table or before a game session.
X Distribute scores of 9, 9, 8, 8, 7, 7 to their attributes. However, you may want to tweak scores presented in NPC descriptions
to suit your story, mission, or game difficulty. You can always raise
X Choose two disciplines to set to 2, two disciplines to set or lower attributes or disciplines, but always keep in mind that you
to 1, and leave the other two at 0. should balance those scores: for every point you raise, you should
lower another. Also remember that attributes at creation can only be a
X Add one or two special rules, as described below. maximum of 12 and disciplines a maximum of 5.
X Determine final details: A game is always enhanced for players if NPCs improve along with
them, or become named adversaries who appear in later sessions.
X Derive maximum Stress by combining their Fitness You may want to promote a Minor NPC to a Notable NPC, or even
attribute and Security discipline. a Notable NPC to a Major NPC if their interactions with the player
characters are meaningful enough to earn them promotion within
X Give them weapons and derive their stress rating the story.
(Weapon A value + Security discipline).
To quickly promote a Minor NPC to a Notable NPC, add one point each
to their best two attributes, add one point to every discipline, and give
Creating Notable NPCs them two focuses and a single value. Remember to revise their Stress
Notables are a cut above Minors and are often aides to Major and weapon A total based on those increases, if necessary.
NPCs. They are comparable to supporting characters, and
are usually named. If encountered as a group or with several To quickly promote a Notable NPC to a Major NPC, add two more
Minors, Notables can form a more formidable obstacle and attribute points while remembering that attributes cannot be increased
drain the player characters’ resources, forcing them to use beyond 12, then add four more points to their disciplines while
Determination or to buy Threat to overcome them. remembering that disciplines cannot be increased beyond 5. Give them
up to a total of six focuses, two more talents, and two more values. Go
To create a Notable NPC: through the finishing touches by checking their derived statistics such as
Stress and weapon A total.
X Begin by choosing the character’s species.
X Make their most important/applicable attribute a score X Give them a single value.
of 10, then distribute scores of 9, 9, 8, 8, and 7 to the
remaining attributes. Apply the character’s species X Determine final details:
modifiers to their attributes.
X Derive maximum Stress from combining their Fitness
X Make their most important discipline a score of 3, attribute and Security discipline.
with two more disciplines a score of 2, the next two
disciplines a score of 1, and the last discipline a 0. X Give them weapons and derive their Stress rating
(Weapon A value + Security discipline).
X Name two or three appropriate focuses.
X Give them a name and rank or position, as
X Add two or three special rules, as described below. appropriate.
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PRONUNCIATION: nIteb SuvnIS DevwI’
TRANSLATION: A leader must stand alone.
X Create Values: Create up to four values as described in The following are several common special rules and
Chapter 4: Reporting for Battle. abilities possessed by exceptionally different or alien
adversaries in Star Trek Adventures. These abilities are
X Determine final details: often referred to by name only in individual NPC entries, in
which case you should refer here for the specifics of each
X Derive maximum Stress from combining their Fitness special rule or ability.
attribute and Security discipline.
EXTRAORDINARY ATTRIBUTE X
X Give them weapons and derive their Stress rating One or more of the creature’s attributes are far beyond the
(Weapon A value + Security discipline). normal range for humanoids. This is indicated by a number,
which is added as automatic successes on tasks using that
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attribute. For example, a creature with Extraordinary Reason creature can be injured by attacks which exploit that
1 gains one success on all tasks using Reason, in addition to weakness (this also bypasses the effects of the other
any generated by rolling. Extraordinary attributes, in addition Invulnerable variations). The gamemaster’s discretion
to being noted in a creature’s Special Abilities section, will be applies as to how the weakness may be discovered.
noted next to the attribute as an extra value in parentheses.
X Staggered: The creature cannot be injured, but it can be
FAST RECOVERY X hurt. If the creature would ever suffer an injury, it instead
The creature recovers from stress and injury quickly. At the loses the ability to perform any tasks or minor actions on
start of each of its turns, the creature regains X stress, up to its next turn. This effect is not cumulative.
its normal maximum. If the creature is injured at the start of
its turn, it may instead spend 2 Threat to remove that injury. X Wrathful: The creature grows angry when challenged; if
the creature would ever suffer an injury, it instead adds 2
IMMUNE TO X to Threat.
The creature is unaffected by conditions caused by a trait or
source of difficulty or hindrance present in a scene, such as MACHINE X
vacuum, extremes of temperature, poison, disease, etc. The The creature is not a living being, but a machine, or some
most common sources of conditions are described below: form of cybernetic organism. It is highly resistant to
environmental conditions, reducing the Difficulty of tasks
X Cold: The creature is unaffected by effects derived from to resist extremes of heat and cold by 2, and it is immune
extreme cold, including damage. to the effects of suffocation, hard vacuum, starvation, and
thirst. Further, the machine’s sturdy construction grants it
X Disease: The creature is immune to the effects of disease, Resistance equal to X.
and will never suffer the symptoms of any disease. If the
creature is exposed to a disease it may become a carrier – MENACING
able to spread the disease if it is contagious. The creature is dangerous, heralding a greater problem for
those who confront it. When a creature with this rule enters a
X Fear: The creature is incapable of feeling fear, continuing scene, immediately add a point to the Threat pool, regardless
undeterred despite the greatest terror. The creature of whether it is an ally or an enemy.
cannot be intimidated or threatened.
NIGHT VISION
X Heat: The creature is unaffected by effects derived from The creature has some way of perceiving its environment
extreme heat, including damage caused by fire. even in pitch darkness – perceiving infrared or ultraviolet
light, echolocation, or some other method. Tasks the creature
X Pain: The creature is incapable of feeling pain, attempts do not increase in Difficulty because of darkness.
continuing undeterred despite the most horrific agony.
The creature has +3 Resistance against non-lethal THREATENING X
attacks, and it is unaffected by any penalties or The creature is powerful and dangerous, with a vitality and
hindrances caused by pain. drive that allows it to triumph where others might fail. The
creature begins each scene with X Threat, that may only
X Poison: The creature is unaffected by all forms of poison, be used to benefit itself, and which are not drawn from
venom, and toxin. the general Threat pool. If the creature is an adversary,
it may spend from that pool instead of spending from
X Vacuum: The creature suffers no damage from the gamemaster’s Threat pool. If the creature is an allied
being exposed to hard vacuum, or other extremes of NPC, it may spend from this pool instead of adding to the
atmospheric pressure, and cannot suffocate. gamemaster’s Threat pool.
INVULNERABLE
The creature is impervious to harm, and cannot be injured npcs and values
in any way; attacks can be attempted and Stress is rolled
as normal, and the creature has a Stress track, but it cannot Typically speaking, NPCs don’t have Determination points
suffer injuries. This can take different forms, as described to spend; only Major NPCs can gain the benefit of them.
below. These variations can be combined. However, some NPCs do have values. In situations where
an NPC’s value creates a complication, or their values
X Specific Weakness: The creature has a specific are challenged, the gamemaster adds 3 to Threat, rather
weakness – a weak spot, a certain frequency of energy, a than giving the NPC a point of Determination. Similarly,
certain material – which can overcome its invulnerability. when their value would be beneficial, an NPC can spend
If this weakness is discovered and employed, then the 3 Threat to gain the effects of a point of Determination.
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GAMEMASTERING
EXPERIENCE AND
CHAPTER
08.70
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PROMOTION
"A KLINGON’S HONOR MEANS MORE TO HIM THAN HIS LIFE.”
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Character Arcs throughout all Star Trek series, and should be something to
As discussed in Chapter 4.60: Character Development, consider when planning your own adventures.
each milestone is built on calling back to prior experiences
and being influenced by them. Character arcs are the next
step of that, showing how a character has developed over a reputation
longer stretch of time and a number of important events.
A main character has a Reputation rating, which is an
When players make a callback to a previous adventure, they approximate measure of how their peers and superiors
may gain an additional benefit if that previous adventure was regard them. But this is not merely a passive indicator: it
a milestone, creating a character arc. They can only get this can serve as a limited defense against the accusations and
additional benefit a few times, as they represent momentous challenges of others and allow them greater leeway and
and significant events in the character’s life, and moments freedom to act. Remember: A main character begins play
like that shouldn’t come along very often. with a Reputation score of 3.
While the whole process of milestones and creating Reputation is detailed in full in Chapter 4.60: Character
character arcs is player-initiated and player-owned, you Advancement. Gamemasters should fully familiarize
should consider how you structure your missions and themselves with the rules and guidance contained therein.
campaigns so that you are giving each player character
opportunities to challenge values consistently, and build What Reputation Means
into your missions the potential for each player character Under normal circumstances, a character’s Reputation
to develop a character arc. This is an instance where the will serve as a basic guide for how well-regarded they are
game can be truly collaborative, with the players starting among other Klingons, and maybe even beyond. It should
a potential character arc by challenging a value in one serve as a guideline for how other Klingons – outside the
episode, and then the gamemaster intentionally structuring character’s ship and crew – view the character. It’s unlikely
a scene or encounter in a future mission that might give that to influence people the character knows personally, as they’ll
same character the opportunity to build on that challenge have formed their own opinions, but it will influence the
and to further develop a character arc. This sort of character views of those who haven’t yet met the character, as well as
development over the course of a campaign is prevalent influencing the most formal interactions.
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Effects of Reputation may add questions as you see fit, and published adventures
Naturally, Reputation is not fixed; it changes as the may include additional questions specific to that mission.
characters face new challenges and the consequences of This should still be done even for a character who was
their decisions. Actions in-keeping with the traditions and slain during the adventure, as the dead rely on honor just
values of the Klingon Empire can see Reputation increase, as much as the living do, and players will want to be able
while choices and outcomes which reflect poorly upon ship, to prove that their character died honorably, particularly if it
family, and the Empire may reduce Reputation and may even would affect their House.
see other consequences for the character.
There are more potential negative influences than there
From the gamemaster’s perspective, this may lead to are positive influences, as Klingon honor is meant to be a
NPCs responding to the player characters based on their standard that individuals must strive to uphold. It should, at
Reputation (at least at first). Reputation can serve as a way times, be difficult to be honorable, and it is a test of character
to set up new adventures or new challenges as different to retain one’s honor in dishonorable times. You should bear
factions seek to enlist the aid or curry favor with a renowned this in mind as you judge which factors affect a character’s
warrior, while dishonorable deeds may produce challenges Reputation: characters have to work to maintain their
and create strife. The same is true in reverse too – an Reputation.
honorable Klingon may make enemies of those who are
envious or ambitious, and a dishonorable Klingon may be Glory and Shame
enlisted for secretive schemes and underhanded plots. Player characters may gain Glory when they are deemed to
have acted honorably, and it is a powerful tool to help further
At the end of an adventure, consider the outcome of characters’ career and achieve their ambitions. They may
the adventure, and the decisions that were taken, and also suffer Shame when they are deemed to have acted
then decide which factors may influence a character’s dishonorably, and it can drive a Klingon to great lengths to
Reputation. You’re the final arbiter of whether an action see it expunged. Glory and Shame are discussed in more
has a positive or negative influence upon a character’s detail in Chapter 4.60: Character Development, pages 132-
Reputation, but the simplest method is a list of simple 134. Gamemasters should familiarize themselves with those
yes-or-no questions, such as those presented below. You rules to better assist players during the game.
CHAPTER GAMEMASTERING
08.80
CREATING MISSIONS
lIH
– GOWRON
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planning missions and SAMPLE MISSION OUTLINE
sessions
WORKING TITLE: “WORDS AND DEEDS”
The traditional format of Star Trek episodes includes a short X Premise: The insults Lieutenant Kamor has been slinging around the
teaser scene that sets up the story, and up to five acts, each Triangle’s spaceports catch up to her in a major way and the whole
act consisting of two or more scenes or encounters that carry crew gets involved.
the story forward to a logical and satisfying conclusion. A
mission in Star Trek Adventures can be constructed in much X Teaser: While on shore leave, Lt. Kamor and her allies are ambushed
the same way, though there is more flexibility required since and captured outside a seedy establishment on Pollux Station.
it’s usually not possible to accurately predict what a group of
player characters will do when faced with specific scenarios. X Act One: Our heroes attempt to escape and fail, then meet the brains
behind their capture: Sladell, the Orion operative they ran into a
As a best practice, it’s a good idea to come up with a story couple episodes ago. Sladell wants more information on their ship’s
or concept, and then create some form of outline that mission in the Triangle, and wants to gather up more information to
broadly details the various moments in the story, the flow use against them and the captain. The captain and the rest of the
of those moments, and a notional ending of how the story crew, meanwhile, might attempt a search and rescue mission and
might ideally play out. The outline could be as simple as a meet fierce resistance.
few bullet points, or could go into more detail, such as a
paragraph per encounter or scene. Use whatever level of X Act Two: Sladell tries to lean on Kamor and the others, suggesting
detail you need for the purposes of your storytelling. he has information they want or makes threats he may or may not
be able to back up. In between torture sessions, the characters
Once you have outlined a mission, classify all the key story encounter some of the other prisoners and learn that there may
elements into two types of events: scenes and encounters be someone or something pulling Sladell’s strings. Also, add in a
(combat and non-combat), which, collectively, will help possible subplot for B’Kell: one of the alien prisoners notices his
tell that story by carrying it from event to event, based on House crest and gives him a cryptic piece of information about his
the players’ actions and successes and failures. Scenes sister’s whereabouts (we’ll follow up on this in the season finale).
tend to favor roleplaying and drama over rolling dice, while
encounters are where the characters put their abilities to the X Act Three: Adjust as needed based on the players’ actions – do they
test and the players put dice to the table. A good mission will attempt a breakout combined with an effort from the ship’s crew to
usually have a mixture of both types of events. If a mission search for and rescue them, do they negotiate with Sladell for their
ends up swaying toward one type of event over the other, release, do they get the other prisoners involved?
consider planning the next mission with an eye to creating
a balance. Follow up a mission focused on starship combat X Epilogue: Assuming all goes well, Kamor and the others escape
encounters with an intrigue-laden ambassador’s ball full of back to the ship and live to fight another day. Now, however,
roleplaying scenes, or vice versa. they may have some new allies or enemies to contend with in
future adventures.
The number of scenes and encounters you need will vary
based on how ambitious the story you want to tell is. It
may require you to be flexible in your planning so that if When establishing scenes and encounters, there is a
players breeze through or really struggle with the scenes and balance to be struck between the players’ intentions and
encounters you’ve planned, you can add or subtract scenes the events you’re presenting. Broadly, the players choose
and encounters as needed to keep the story moving toward a the direction of the story by choosing what it is they want to
satisfying conclusion. do, where they intend to go, and so forth…but you choose
what happens when they get there, or if they’re interrupted
Different groups have different needs for their game sessions. along the way, or if the outcome of their intended actions
Some meet for short two-hour sessions every week. Others leads to conflict or mishap. Balancing this is vital for
meet once a month but play for eight hours or more. Discuss giving the players a feeling of agency and control over the
with your players what sort of session schedule works best circumstances around them, while still keeping them on their
for your lives. Plan a scene or encounter for every 30 minutes toes and presenting them with the unexpected – if things go
of playing time, plus two or three extras for maximum according to plan too much, the players will grow bored, but
storyline flexibility. This may mean that your mission will if every course of action is interrupted or causes a setback,
take more than one session to complete, or may fit into one the players may feel constrained and restless.
dense, action-packed session. It may take some practice to
dial in the right number of scenes and encounters to include The best Star Trek Adventures missions feature a strong
in a given game session for your group, and by extension balance of scenes and encounters. Let’s look at each of
the ideal number of scenes and encounters you’ll want to these elements in more detail.
prepare for each of your missions.
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scenes Scenes are still likely to have dice rolls, just not as many as
encounters. These rolls should not impede the flow of the
The key to making great scenes is figuring out the dramatic story but offer interesting directions for the story to go based
question. If a player wants to do something and there on the success or the failure of the roll. Failure should not
is nothing to be revealed by their action, make a quick mean the game stalls until a success is rolled. It means the
judgment and move on. There is a reason Star Trek doesn’t players might have to choose a different path to get to the
show every turbolift ride or replicator meal. Those elements end of the adventure. These rolls can also offer additional
add color to scenes, but deciding what gets spotlight time information that can let players prepare for later encounters
at the table will help the overall pacing of your game. Design or hint at plot twists. So long as the necessary information to
scenes that ask a question about the adventure, or one of the move to the next scene is communicated, it is okay to add in
characters, or preferably, both. rolls for a little extra tension.
Most scenes have an element of plot development. Whatever A key element in scene pacing is knowing where to start
adventure you have in mind for your crew requires scenes and where to end. Get right to the thrust of the scene. If the
where they uncover the plot. This means investigating the characters are questioning a prisoner, start the scene in the
subspace anomaly or talking to the refugees from the planet brig with the prisoner offering the information for a price. If
and so on. Make sure that whatever information is necessary the players have been sent to pick up a passenger, start the
to move to the next scene is accessible without rolling dice. scene where they realize the person is not there. Getting to
Dice rolls still cause tension, and taking time to explore all the the question keeps players involved in the scene and pushing
angles can be important, but hiding vital information behind a toward its resolution. Likewise, once the question is resolved,
locked door often ends up an exercise in frustration. moving on to the next scene or encounter should happen
fairly quickly.
Many scenes also offer character development. This
development connects the scene to the characters and
engages the players. Your players have already given encounters
you direction on what character development they wish
to see through their character’s values. Values are there Encounters are where characters are tested. Dice are
to be explored and challenged. A character with a value rolled, resources are spent, and the story changes based
connecting them to a rival, for example, should see that rival on whether the characters succeed or fail. Encounters
define the character as the character defines the rivalry. Why encompass everything from tense starship battles to
are they rivals? Is there something about the rival that the dramatic negotiating scenes. These are the moments that
character admires or respects? Is there a step too far that the turn Klingon warriors into galactic legends. Each of these
rival will not take against the characters? These are scenes legends begins with a risk. Sometimes the legend is about a
that should happen during play because they reflect on the triumph of ingenuity and courage. Sometimes the legend is a
values of the characters at the table. cautionary tale about hubris and handling failure.
They may also offer chances for your NPCs to shine, interacting with Use common sense and clear judgment in obvious
the player characters for a couple of minutes, to get story details to the situations. A Negh’var-class warship facing off against a
group, or highlight certain personality traits before cutting back to the shuttlecraft in a head-to-head battle in the middle of deep
main plot. space is not going to end well for the shuttlecraft. There
are ways to even the odds. The shuttlecraft could lead the
Side scenes can also be used to plant future plot components or to warship into a nebula to negate shields and sensors. The
provide some foreshadowing for future missions, as a means to add shuttle could have access to the command codes for the
more depth and detail to an ongoing campaign. larger ship. In these cases, an encounter is interesting, since
it will require some good rolls to put those plans into motion.
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Gamemasters cannot anticipate every course of action players Doq (Red) solutions use command and diplomacy to solve
might take to resolve an encounter. The discovery of the story an encounter. Many tense standoffs between enemies are
between the players and the gamemaster is part of the fun. defused via viewscreen negotiation. It is not always altruistic
Players sometimes come up with a plan that is so crazy it just either; convincing someone you have the upper hand when
might work, and should be rewarded for their creative thinking. you do not also falls under this type of solution.
Plots that require players to fail encounters, like ambushes,
should be carefully considered. Players do not like to lose and Science is a major component of SuD (Blue) solutions.
will push harder than Captain Kirk against a no-win scenario. Technological solutions abound, but sometimes technology
needs to be adapted, prototyped, or otherwise engineered to
Instead, gamemasters should think about multiple solutions fix a problem. Blue solutions also include sneaking into or out
to an encounter. There are three general solutions for an of an encounter and other clever ways of avoiding violence,
encounter: talking through it, thinking through it, and fighting as well as medical solutions.
through it. Each of these solutions should be viable, though
not necessarily equally so. A captured crew is going to have Sometimes, action is the best way out. qol'om (Gold)
a difficult time fighting their way out of a Cardassian prison solutions come when the shields are up and the disruptors
camp, but planning and executing a prison break seems are blazing. Landing parties also get into tactical situations
like a better option. That crew might also try to ply the Gul that require some fast action and risky maneuvers. Klingon
in charge with information in exchange for freedom which, warriors relish combat, and are trained to handle fights,
depending on the character, might be more, or less, difficult. whether they were planned or seemed unavoidable.
We have classified these solutions along the lines of the
branch colors of Starfleet, in order to keep them consistent More information about using plot components in a Klingon-
with the solutions and plot components presented in the focused campaign may be found in Chapter 9.10: Klingon
Starfleet-oriented core rulebook and the three division Campaigns, starting on page 292.
supplemental sourcebooks.
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combat encounters Turns move back and forth between both the players and
gamemaster’s NPCs. It’s always the gamemaster’s decision
on which side goes first but the players should always be
Pacing favored unless there is a specific reason the NPCs should act
Combat encounters are a much more structured version first (an unnoticed ambush, for example) or the gamemaster
of a scene within Star Trek Adventures and roleplaying chooses to spend Threat.
in general. While in a scene, any character can speak or
attempt a task in any order, while encounters require there Establishing Zones
to be turns and rounds to represent the passage of time as Zones make up the spaces in which a combat encounter
combatants attempt to take each other out simultaneously. takes place. They have no fixed size and it’s up to you to
Turns allow you to fairly resolve character’s actions and determine their shape and size based on the terrain of the
rounds before moving onto the next, representing a short combat area. The sizes of Zones may also depend on the
period in which one participant has acted. There are as many features present in the encounter, becoming proportionally
turns in a round as there are characters able to act. smaller or larger depending on the space available for the
combatants – moving through a narrow street will have
proportionally smaller zones than an open field.
FIGHTING SMART
Establishing zones inside a building will be comparatively
Most sentient beings value their lives, and fear of death is a common easy, as each room can be a zone, while a more open
trait for intelligent species as well – even for the hardened warriors of landscape may have a mix of zone sizes based on the
most civilizations. Of course, species like Klingons or the Borg don’t fear obstacles and features of the terrain. The only other factor
death, particularly if the Klingon lieutenant believes “Today is a good day in defining zones would then be their relative positions,
to die!” But most groups, in combat, will either flee or tactically retreat which can be easily done via a sketch on paper or gaming
when faced with overwhelming odds or an overpowering foe, and even mat, or by laying out a selection of index cards or similar,
fearless foes have been known to retreat when success is impossible. with each card representing one or two zones. Once this is
done, note how the zones are connected to one another,
Don’t hesitate to finish a combat encounter with an escape or retreat whether they are open to move freely between, contain
for your NPCs if the story would make sense for them to do so. The use some obstacle between them, have doors between them,
of transporter technology is useful in this regard as, so long as there or whether there are features in place that make moving
is nothing stopping transportation, an NPC with a comlink to another between them impossible.
location with a transporter pad can ask to be beamed to safety, stopping
the combat encounter in its tracks. If it makes things interesting, you Terrain
may also use a Control + Science task, rolled by an NPC outside of Terrain takes the form of traits for combat encounters. Each
the encounter, to attempt the transport. Ensure you frame the Difficulty zone doesn’t have to be named, but by doing so it gives a
correctly, with a Difficulty 2 as a base, and increasing or decreasing the clear idea of what is there.
difficulty of the task based on location or environmental traits.
Marking down traits in certain zones can be done directly
The use of transporters can also be a useful tool for ambushes and onto the map available for the players, and can include
surprise attacks and, used sparingly, these encounters can create a things that affect the encounter, like “Smoke” (as a situation
sense of danger and uncertainty for your player characters. But, always trait), “Lava” (as a location trait) or “Snow Dunes” (as an
remember that an ambushing team beaming in is effectively going in blind environmental trait).
and has to orient themselves once they appear in the target location, so
only in very rare circumstances would the NPC side get the first turn. Combatants
Combatants often, but not always, take two sides, both
Further, so useful are transporters in combat that most civilizations with rival or conflicting objectives that have led them to
have developed methods and tools for blocking transport – sometimes fight for those objectives. These two sides are often the
just interfering with the scanners, other times making the process player characters and the NPCs of your mission, the player
deadly; many combats are shaped by the presence of anti-transporter characters representing a landing party and your NPCs
technology, and end when that technology is shut down or destroyed, representing a rival crew or antagonistic beings.
allowing one side to beam out or summon reinforcements.
When building a combat encounter’s NPC team, you
During starship combat, enemy vessels with cloaking devices can be should take note of the circumstances that have brought
used to similar effect; a cloaked ship can appear and vanish almost at the conflict to fruition, and therefore how many combatants
will, making them exceptional for ambushes and surprise attacks. Of to have and how those teams are comprised. NPCs might
course, cloaking devices are not perfect, and a cloaked ship becomes work like a mob, with an irrational mentality to their actions,
extremely vulnerable if it has been detected. or they might be calculating, working tactically in small
teams. These circumstances should dictate where to place
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the combatants, noting once again the exact moment combat in space
that led to a combat encounter starting. Place the player
characters depending on where they are at the start of the
encounter, then place your NPCs as they either enter or Pacing
make their violent intent known. The first round then begins, Combat encounters in space work similarly in terms of
with the first turn going to either the players or, in special pacing, but rules for NPC starships have been streamlined
circumstances, the NPCs. for ease of use at the gaming table. Space combat still
takes place over turns and rounds – turns moving back and
The other consideration to have when placing combatant forth between both the player characters and secondary
NPCs for a combat encounter is the size of the force you are characters in the relevant bridge roles and the NPC starships.
placing in the encounter and the relative level of threat those
NPCs pose. As a rule of thumb, every three Minor NPCs Individual NPC crewmembers’ turns are not tracked like
equal two player characters, Notable NPCs equal one player their player counterparts. Instead, each NPC ship takes
character, and a Major NPC is powerful enough to represent multiple turns during each round – one turn for each point
two player characters in the encounter. So, with a group of Scale the ship has – representing the individual actions
of five player characters, NPCs could be grouped in the of that ship’s crew. However, each task attempted after the
following ways: first during each round from any single role (Tactical, Helm,
Sensor Operations, Internal Systems, etc.) increases in
X Unorganized Group / Mob: 8 Minor NPCs Difficulty by 1.
X Enemy Squad: 1 Notable NPC, 6 Minor NPCs
X Two Tactical Teams: 2 Notable NPCs, 4 Minor NPCs Multiple ships may take some effort to track, in terms of
X Equivalent Landing Party: 5 Notable NPCs number of turns taken, or tasks per bridge role, so it’s often
X Leader and Guards/Advisors: 1 Major NPC, 4 Minor NPCs valuable to note down basic information for each starship
X Leader and Lieutenants: 1 Major NPC, 2 Notable NPCs you control: number of turns taken (relating to Scale), number
X Leader and Cadre: 1 Major NPC, 1 Notable NPC, of tasks attempted per bridge role, Stress, breaches, shields,
3 Minor NPCs etc. Well-organized notes can be vital for running more
complex ship combats.
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It’s worth noting that starship combat is different than that
PLANET of personal combat, where each player character acts
independently following broad orders. Player characters will
find success much easier if they work more cohesively as
a team, moving the ship into an advantageous position to
MOON line up a disruptor shot, regulating power to the weapons,
PLAYERS’ then firing, all over the space of a number of turns. Emphasis
VESSEL should be placed on the team working collectively and
operating as one agent within the combat: the starship.
The same can be said for NPC starships. Moving them into
a favorable firing arc could show the players that the enemy
ship intends to fire next turn, while evasive maneuvers could
ENEMY show them that the enemy ship is fleeing or wary of their
FIGHTERS MOON
next attack. While under attack in the Star Trek series, bridge
officers are often heard telling their commanders, “They’ve
MOON raised shields,” or “They’re powering up their weapons
systems.” None of these actions should be secret, so long as
there is someone crewing an operations, tactical, or science
station, so you should declare these actions and events as
they appear to the player characters’ sensors and, vice versa,
have your NPC starships react in the same way.
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It may be useful for more simple starship combat Starships, on the whole, are similar in strength and
encounters to keep the “map’ of the encounter based capabilities to one another; however, certain ships are
on the descriptions of the bodies and phenomena in the significantly smaller or less well equipped. A good indication
scene, such as “behind the moon,” or “inside the nebula,” of balance when building a starship combat encounter is the
rather than mapping it out on the tabletop. Alternatively, Scale of a ship. Because NPC starships take as many turns
if both sides are in motion, zones may only show relative as their Scale value, a starship with a Scale of 3 will take
distances rather than absolute position, perhaps if one side about half as many turns as the player characters. With that
is pursuing the other. in mind, having multiple starships with similar Scale to the
number of players at the table will mean that you take two
Obstacles and Phenomena or three times as many turns as the player characters. Try to
Chapter 7.70: The Final Frontier gives excellent examples avoid giving enemy ships too many turns above the player’s
of phenomena and obstacles that affect starships and their limit, and aim to balance encounters so that smaller Scale
crew while in a combat encounter. On pages 241-242 you ships engage the players in groups equaling or exceeding the
can find great examples of phenomena and their effect on player’s vessel’s Scale.
starships. These environmental traits increase Difficulty or
make things possible or impossible where they wouldn’t However, as the Security division statistic of the starship
be otherwise, as well as increasing the complication range scales the A rolled for the damage of attacks, NPC ships
of certain tasks. should be added to balance the threat posed by the
players’ vessel. Any player vessel with a Security above
Phenomena in space usually form their own zones, due to 3 should face additional NPC starships. Likewise, NPC
the size and nature of spatial bodies, and marking their name starships with a Security higher than 3 pose more risk to
as a trait is simple when mapping out a starship combat a player vessel, and the number of them present in the
encounter, writing them directly onto a map as you would in a encounter should be reduced to reflect this. Similarly, ships
personal combat encounter. with a Security of 1 may be ill-suited to combat in general,
and may struggle to face enemies of comparable size
Combatants without luck, skill, and cunning.
An NPC ship does not have specific crew at individual
positions on the bridge – this level of detail is unnecessary For example, a player vessel with five players controlling
for running an NPC ship. Instead, each NPC vessel has a bridge stations could face:
Crew Quality, which provides ratings which serve as the
attribute and discipline scores needed by the vessel for X Several Scale 2 vessels
any given Task. NPC crew used in this way are always X Two Scale 3 vessels
considered to have an applicable focus. X One Scale 4 vessel with Security above 3
X One Scale 5 vessel
If one or more ships is crewed by specific named NPCs
(Notable or Major), each such NPC may replace one of their Above all, remember that conflict is not always fair or
ship’s normal turns, and their tasks are resolved in the same balanced, and there are numerous examples within Star
way as a player character’s tasks. Major NPCs tend to take Trek of starships being outnumbered or so overpowered
the commanding officer post on their ships, as they are in comparison to their opponents that the antagonists
captains, commanders, generals, guls, and other leaders. the characters face are of no threat. While you should
In most circumstances, there’ll be one Major NPC present use these circumstances sparingly, missions or storylines
in this way at most, but it is possible to have more – you may present times in which the odds are stacked against
could even create an entire bridge crew of Notable and Major one side or another. In these circumstances, it may be
NPCs for a recurring adversary ship, as a counterpart to the favorable to go back to a normal scene or social conflict
players. This does take a lot more effort to run, but if you’re to resolve the dispute or negotiate with a more powerful
confident in your ability to keep it all running smoothly, the enemy, to determine victory conditions other than “defeat
option is there. all the opposing vessels,” or to create some circumstances
that shift the fight such as a nebula that provides
concealment, or a diversion that allows a withdrawal
crew quality without pursuit.
gamemastering
289
GAMEMASTERING
CREATING
CHAPTER
08.90
lIH
CAMPAIGNS
"KAHLESS, WE IMPLORE YOU TO REMEMBER THOSE WARRIORS
WHO HAVE FALLEN IN YOUR NAME.”
– KOHLAR
Many campaigns are episodic in nature, where each mission There are many different ways to start a campaign. Is the crew
or episode stands alone and consists of a story told from already a few months into a tour? Is the ship full of unproven
beginning to end, with no specific story tie to the episode technology that requires maintenance or unexpected fixes?
or adventure that occurred prior to or after it. Scenes and While players are making their characters, you should discuss
encounters within the standalone mission naturally occur one your ideas for the beginning of the campaign. Your characters
after the other, in a logical flow of action, reaction, action, may have connections with each other. They may have
reaction, etc. In a single-session mission it sometimes pays reputations to live up to – or down from. These elements
to string several scenes in a row to build up tension that is do not have to be fully developed, since half the fun will be
released in a huge encounter at the end of the mission. exploring them in later sessions, but putting them in place at
the beginning of a campaign will enable them to grow.
The advantage to running a full campaign over a single
mission is that you can tell more complex stories over Take time to think about the end of the campaign as well.
multiple missions and game sessions. If you have an Long-term campaigns that last for years are the stuff of
expansive story that will not fit in a single session, think legends. Unfortunately, real-life challenges often intervene
about how many sessions it might take to tell. If possible, and a game that fades into obscurity can leave everyone
work in a cliffhanger at the end of each session that will keep feeling unsatisfied. Using a final episode to wrap up
your players on the hook to come back next time and see questions and plotlines gives everyone a sense of closure
how the story continues. and the feeling of a complete story.
Campaigns also enable you to feed longer stories to players The end of one campaign can mean the beginning of a new
little by little as time passes and as characters learn more one. The Star Trek universe offers great precedent in stories
about each other. A character who starts out as a third officer involving Klingon legacies. Many of the films and episodes
in the first episode and grows in skill and rank over time focus on the crew of a warship. Other ships have generational
will make for a tremendous moment in your game if they stories to tell with a new campaign set in the halls of an old
someday take a command of their own. ship familiar to everyone at the table. Legacy campaigns can
also be connected to characters. A favorite character with a
While it is important in the short term to give each session famous grandfather might find that older character and his
a beginning, middle, and an end, also consider planning crew at the center of a new campaign in an earlier timeline.
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CHAPTER 09.00
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KLINGON CAMPAIGNS
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"THEY WILL SING OF WHAT WE DID HERE LONG AFTER OUR BONES ARE DUST.”
Klingons are, with perhaps the exception of Vulcans, stories worthy of song
the most iconic species introduced by the Star Trek
universe. Passionate, proud, and brutally warlike, they Gamemasters are encouraged to review Klingon-focused
have traditionally been represented as an antithesis to episodes prior to developing story arcs for Klingon
the ideals for the United Federation of Planets. Where the adventures (see page 9 for episode suggestions). In
Federation embraced peaceful coexistence, the Klingons addition, there are numerous Star Trek novels dedicated to
revel in warfare and conflict. If Starfleet ventured into the entirely Klingon stories, and though they are not specifically
stars for exploration and discovery, the Klingons did so for accepted as part of the Star Trek canon, they can serve as
subjugation and conquest. fantastic resources for representing Klingon culture and life
aboard Klingon starships.
For much of the history of Star Trek, these two powers
were at odds with one another, often flashing into open The role of the gamemaster remains unchanged for Klingon-
battle. And yet, over the years the relationship between based Star Trek Adventures games, and the various
these two bitter enemies evolved from open aggression, structures outlined in Chapter 8: Gamemastering are equally
into cold hostility, then into tense coexistence, and finally applicable for such stories as they are for games focused on
a lasting alliance and even friendship. To anyone who Starfleet characters. The major differences between Klingon
understands Klingon culture, these eventual bonds were and Starfleet campaigns will be the circumstances of the
clearly inevitable, for Klingons rejoice in the discovery of a adventures and the motivations of the characters involved.
worthy adversary, and when such a foe is able to withstand
the might of the Empire, they earn the respect of any true In general, the Dictates that guide Klingon characters are
Klingon warrior. drastically different than the Directives governing their Starfleet
counterparts. As an example, the Klingon Empire does not
accept or respect the theory of non-interference with pre-warp
civilizations, and, in fact, considers it their duty to bring such
DICTATES FOR cultures into the galactic community as contributing members
KLINGON GAMES of the Klingon Empire, under its direct supervision. Further,
the Empire considers the exploitation of natural resources,
Providing Dictates for Klingon characters can be somewhat challenging, up to and including strip-mining and ecological devastation,
as the Defense Force can be both more and less restrictive than Starfleet. a normal and acceptable practice and has been known to
The Defense Force has few explicit laws and customs itself, but instead forcibly relocate or irradiate entire planetary populations if
reinforces Klingon cultural ideals and the expectations of personal honor deemed necessary to facilitate the most efficient acquisition
aggressively. Here are a list of example Dictates that can be directly of such materials. Beyond pre-warp and resource-rich
included in Klingon games or used to develop others. Also review the worlds, Klingons rarely respect the laws and customs of other
sidebar titled “Klingon Dictates” in Chapter 3: Core Rules, page 80, for civilizations and expect to be able to behave according to their
additional ideas for Dictates. own codes of conduct. With this in mind, it is important to
establish the lasting and temporary Dictates that will apply to
X “There is nothing more honorable than victory.” player characters’ current and ongoing missions.
X “Bring glory to the Empire.”
X “Never be captured alive.” At the core of any game are dramatic conflicts. In this way,
X “Honor your word and the word of the Empire.” Klingon-focused games are no different than those focused
X “Klingons do not run from battle.” on Starfleet characters. The major difference, however,
X “Great men do not seek power; it is thrust upon them.” will be how the characters respond to and address the
circumstances of these conflicts. Resorting to combat is
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not a last resort for Klingons, and in fact, may be their first in the Empire. Instead of assuming the roles of the command
instinct and one that they indulge in frequently. It is important and senior staff, the characters are a close-knit group of
to remember that Klingons do not see violence as a failure to warriors serving at the lowest levels of the chain of command.
find alternative solutions, and instead consider it the natural The opportune setting for games focused on such a group
response to opposition and an opportunity to bring glory and is during any period of major or sustained warfare, where
honor to themselves, their House, and the Empire. This is the player characters will be called to battle during ground
especially true when such conflict is a deadly affair, for dying invasions or boarding actions against enemy vessels. When
in battle is the surest way one can earn a place in Sto-Vo- not engaged in combat, these Klingon warriors are tasked
Kor, and it is a prospect that nearly every Klingon warrior with providing basic support to the ship’s crew, spending
craves. Gamemasters should expect for the players to opt time in training and combat simulations, and entertaining
for battle whenever the opportunity presents itself, and plan themselves to stave off boredom and restlessness.
accordingly. Even when all-out battle is not a viable option for
the entire crew, conflicts between individual characters will To Survive, We Must Expand
likely result in personal challenges. Like all interstellar civilizations, the Empire maintains and
operates numerous permanent outposts and stations. Most of
these are located in near-orbit of major Klingon colony worlds
styles of play or vital planets under Klingon governance, but there are a
number of deep-space facilities that serve as staging grounds,
Star Trek Adventures presents several different themes resupply posts, or strategic holdings. Those bases around
and settings that can be used to develop the foundation for Klingon-held worlds are under the direct command of the
the game. The gamemaster may already have an idea or a Klingon governor or their military advisor, but the deep space
direction they want to pursue for the stories that will be told stations are commanded by a captain or general of the Defense
during the game, or this decision can be a collaborative effort Force. Postings to these facilities, like other such assignments,
between the gamemaster and players. Regardless of how the are generally considered to be worthy for only incompetent,
basic outline of the game is chosen, what is important is that dishonored, or similar individuals otherwise deemed unfit for
the game is something that engages the entire group. service on a Klingon warship. It should, however, be noted
that the ranking officer of these facilities is often charged with
In Space, All Warriors Are command of squadrons or entire fleets, and being posted to
Cold Warriors their staff can be seen as a prestigious or honorable position,
The goal of every officer in the Defense Force is to serve on depending on the ranking officer’s reputation and influence.
a Klingon warship, and the player characters are the senior
staff aboard a Klingon vessel. While it is generally considered Klingon characters in games such as these will likely be
to be more desirable to serve on the larger, newer, and assigned to the ranking general’s staff, or as the command
more powerful warships, each ship maintains a record of staff of the facility or station itself. If the station is located
its accomplishments in battle. Therefore, serving aboard an along a volatile border on in a region that is likely to see
elite, though small, bird-of-prey is considered a greater honor significant fighting, posting here could bring a great deal of
than on a battle cruiser that has done little to distinguish honor and glory to the individual Klingon warrior and their
itself. Assignment to an underperforming ship, however, House. If the game is not intended to focus on the social
provides an excellent opportunity for an ambitious group of stigma usually placed on such positions, gamemasters
Klingon officers to demonstrate their personal abilities, as are encouraged to establish that the location is of vital
a sudden turn in the ship’s fortunes will be credited to the importance to the Empire and to ensure that the characters
capabilities of its new crew instead of simply a reinforcement have ample opportunity to prove themselves in battle.
of the ship’s existing performance. Differences in the size
of the character’s ship can also impact the story. Larger Conquer What You Desire
ships carry larger crew complements, and therefore increase The Klingon Empire is vast, and encompasses many worlds.
the opportunity for senior officers to have their positions Klingons themselves, however, are not entirely known for
challenged by subordinates looking for promotions. their desire to colonize wild frontiers. As most industry is
focused on supporting the Empire, and more importantly
If a Warrior Does Not Fight, the ships and stations of the Defense Force, Klingons that
He Does Not Breathe have chosen to settle on new worlds derive a great deal of
Every sizeable Klingon warship carries a complement of personal pride from their efforts to tame these new planets
Klingon soldiers for boarding actions and ground assaults. and make them contributing members of Klingon society.
These warriors make up the basic workforce on board when This is especially true for inhabited worlds that have been
the ship is not in active combat, and perform various duties conquered and are now under Klingon governance. While the
from internal security and basic maintenance to janitorial majority of Klingons settled in such locations are likely to be
details. As this contingent is organized into squads of roughly civilians, inevitably Klingon warriors are needed to provide
five individuals at full strength, it makes a perfect basis for stability and protection, while enforcing loyalty and order.
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The Shackleton Expanse
One of the newest regions of exploration, the Shackleton Expanse and exploration missions are considered a poor use of a Klingon
has become a focal point of the nature of relations between warship, especially when it is highly unlikely Starfleet will stand
the Empire and the Federation. While the rest of the Galaxy is idle if a world ripe for conquest presents itself. Unlike Starfleet,
preparing for war with the Dominion, the isolated reaches of the the High Council does not consider this area of exploration and
Expanse are on the farthest edge of known space in the Beta expansion to be an immediate priority.
Quadrant. While the Starfleet vessels assigned here have been
tasked with mapping, survey, and other exploratory missions, Given the tidings of war with the Dominion and General Martok’s
the Empire is most interested in identifying potential new sources belief that the unrest within the Cardassian Union is a Changeling
of raw materials for its industrial sectors. This area of space is plot demanding an immediate pre-emptive strike, the most
near one of the most remote Federation starbases, and is jointly decorated and capable officers and crews within the Defense
operated by Starfleet and the Defense Force. Agreements between Force are being prepared for battle. What remains are those
the two powers stipulate that “reasonable” territorial claims individuals with poor reputations and service records to be
made by the Empire will be honored and those systems will be assigned here, though the Empire would not be so short-sighted
incorporated into Klingon territory. There remains some discussion as to not include at least a handful of capable and trusted officers
of what the Federation considers reasonable, but the Defense to oversee Klingon interests. General Kargan, in particular, has
Force regional command expects little resistance from Starfleet in developed a cadre of senior officers as his advisors within the
the event of claim disputes. Shackleton Expanse, and can call in trusted captains and their
warships to support his operations. This, and similar situations
While the Starfleet officers and other Federation staff at Narendra elsewhere in the Beta Quadrant, provide a gamemaster an
Station are clearly optimistic and excited about their postings excellent opportunity to try a Klingon-based Admiralty campaign
and eager to begin, the same cannot be said for the Klingon (see Chapter 3 of The Command Division supplement for more
warriors assigned to this area. For Klingons warriors, scientific information on Admiralty-level campaigns).
OBLIGATIONS TO HOUSE
generating Doq Nearly all Klingon officers have some affiliation to one of
plot components the many Houses that make up the higher tiers of Klingon
society. Especially influential Houses may even command
D20 ROLL DOQ PLOT COMPONENT the fealty of one or more Klingon ships, usually because
1 Diplomacy the captain and/or the senior command staff are members
2–5 Matters of Honor of that House or otherwise allied to it. In such cases, the
6–8 Conspiracy House can expect the support of these ships and officers in
9–12 Obligations to House various official and unofficial duties to the House, such as
13–15 Political Rivalry transporting members of the House, protecting its holdings
16–18 Show the Flag and interests, or assisting in scientific or engineering research
19–20 Spiritual valuable to the House’s prospects.
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POLITICAL RIVALRY generating SuD
The dynamics of Klingon politics are as dangerous and plot components
deadly as everything else in Klingon society. While these
rivalries are usually restricted to single individuals or D20 ROLL SUD PLOT COMPONENT
1–3 Space Exploration
between two Houses, there have been several cases where
4–7 Medical Crisis
the situation escalates into widespread turmoil or civil war.
8–10 Planetary Survey
Klingon crews may find themselves directly involved in
11-15 Research and Testing
events, either as a participant or as a neutral third party
16-18 Anomaly Investigation
hosting ceremonial proceedings. Ships hosting these kinds
19-20 Evacuation
of gatherings are expected to provide security for both rival
parties, and also any arbiters that are involved. Allowing any
member of the group to come to harm, outside of a direct equipment and sensor technology is on par with the other
challenge or dual, is seen as a great dishonor to the hosts. major powers, though enhancements and refits made to
older Klingon ships rarely include making more than the most
SHOW THE FLAG basic improvements to these systems.
The Empire boasts one of the largest and most fearsome
military fleets known, and wastes no opportunity to impress or SPACE EXPLORATION
intimidate others with displays of its might. Vessels assigned The Defense Force rarely engages in active efforts to explore
to represent the Empire in this way are usually not expected to space for its own sake. Klingons have been traveling the
come into direct conflict, but instead simply to project power stars for centuries, and for most warriors each new sector
along and beyond the borders of Klingon space. Unlike other looked much like the previous. Instead, Klingon vessels
similar missions, Klingon captains consider being chosen for venture into unknown areas to expand the borders of the
such assignments to be a great honor for themselves and their Empire and seek out new potential conquests, and the space
ships. These missions usually entail traveling through allied or between points of interest is automatically surveyed as the
neutral territory and stopping over at strategically important ship passes through. With little opportunity for honor, glory,
facilities and bases, as well as meeting with important or battle, Klingon crews find these assignments tedious, and
commanders or dignitaries in these regions, all the while instances of arguments, brawls, and other disciplinary issues
demonstrating the impressiveness and ferocity of the Empire. all increase during long periods in deep space.
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Much like scientists, exceptional Klingon engineers are generating QOL'OM
few and far between, but those few are often recognized plot components
as experts throughout the Empire. Unfortunately, Klingon
warriors have little patience for technical problems that D20 ROLL QOL'OM PLOT COMPONENT
impact the effectiveness of their ships and equipment and 1–3 Escort
expect that engineers will keep these things in perfect 4–7 Patrol
working order at all times, regardless of how unreasonable 8–10 Challenge
that expectation may be. 11-13 Tactical Assault
14-15 Oaths of Vengeance
ESCORT 16-17 Espionage
Since nearly all Klingon vessels, including transports and 18-20 Defense
freighters, are armed, it is not usually necessary for Klingon
warships to provide armed escort, unless these ships are TACTICAL ASSAULT
entering an active combat zone. Dignitaries and government Klingon warriors have a well-deserved reputation for their
officials, however, rarely travel without an honor guard, and prowess in hand-to-hand combat, as well as their ability
it is common for them to travel with a handful of ships in to wage ship-to-ship engagements. Boarding actions
their flotilla as escorts. Considering that these esteemed and planetary assaults are a common tactic during
individuals traditionally possess significant personal honor Klingon conflicts. Few Klingons officers, however, trust
and influence, being attached to such groups is a sign completely in the superiority of these skills, and executing
that the ship, along with its officers and crew, are held in a successful conquest also requires careful planning and
high regard. As most Klingon worlds are heavily fortified, implementation. These efforts include understanding the
ambushes by rivals and assassination attempts are usually surrounding terrain or space, enemy emplacements and
attempted while in transit. disposition, proper deployments, and so on, ensuring that
every department aboard is involved. While the ultimate
PATROL strategy used remains the senior officer’s discretion,
One of most common duties assigned to Defense Force only truly inspired or foolish commanders ignore the
ships, patrol missions ensure that the vast territory claimed recommendations of their staff.
by the Empire remains free of infrequent piracy and enemy
incursions. At any time, a significant amount of the Klingon OATHS OF VENGEANCE
fleet is engaged in these kinds of missions, and this allows Death is a constant aspect of Klingon life, but when the
High Command to maintain a sizable number of ships that family or friends of a slain Klingon feels they’ve been
can respond to developing situations quickly. Patrol duties killed dishonorably or their death has inflicted dishonor to
can also provide a ship’s crew a reprieve from extended deep themselves, they may swear an Oath of Vengeance. Like
space deployments, as it is customary for Klingon vessels many other matters involving a Klingon’s honor, the Defense
to make port at stations and bases along its route. This also Force allows Klingon officers a high amount of freedom in
ensures that there is a regular influx of new Klingon officers pursuing such oaths, so long as it does not immediately
to prevent an undue amount of power consolidation by local interfere with an assigned mission. The conflicts that
governors, as they never know when the next patrolling result from pursuing an oath are always to the death and
cruiser may arrive. are usually between two single individuals. There are
cases, however, where an entire crew has sworn an oath
CHALLENGE against some enemy or rival, and Klingon history has many
Promotion within the Defense Force is unique, when examples where the oath of a single Klingon has grown and
compared to their allies. Officers are expected to challenge cascaded until it encompassed entire regions of space or
a superior to personal combat for their position the moment pitted Houses against each other.
they sense weakness or incompetence, and assume that
role upon victory. Such contests can be, and often are, fatal, ESPIONAGE
but this is not a requirement. Challenges to senior command Wars are fought with information as much as weapons,
or bridge officer positions, and beyond, are considered a and Klingons have become quite skilled at gathering
great spectacle and draw roaring crowds. For this reason, information by both covert and overt means. The Klingon
all Klingon officers must be capable fighters. Assuming such Empire employs an intelligence organization, just like
a position, however, requires the officer to be skilled in the every major power in the Galaxy, which reports to High
duties of that role, and more than one ambitious junior officer Command and can request Klingon vessels be sent on
has suffered humiliation at the hands of a vengeful captain missions to investigate rumors or observe enemies, and the
for failing to perform as expected after emerging victorious crews involved may not even be aware of the true nature
in a duel. By tradition, only the first officer has the right to of their mission. Given that nearly all Klingon vessels are
challenge a ship’s captain. equipped with a cloaking device, most are equally capable
of completing the vast majority of these missions. In rare
MISSION BRIEFS
lIH
– KANG
Title: An evocative title for the episode or mission. Key Non-Player Characters: Brief descriptions of key
NPCs presented in the mission brief, including the main
Suggested Era of Play: The Star Trek time period in which antagonist(s). This element may also suggest specific NPCs
the mission brief is recommended to be set (Enterprise era, from Chapter 10: Allies and Adversaries to use or adapt for
Original Series era, The Next Generation era.). the mission.
Suggested Spotlight Role: The suggested player character Conclusion: The intended ending of the mission, with
role the mission brief focuses on (player character roles suggestions on how to adjust the conclusion if the players
are discussed in Chapter 4.20: Lifepath Character Creation move the story in unanticipated directions. This element may
on pages 115-116). This can be used to help you and your also include a suggested coda scene or a closing captain’s
players plan character-focused episodes and character arcs. log or personal log entry, bookending the mission based on
the opening log entry, if one was provided.
Synopsis: High-level summary of the mission brief, detailing
the key points such as location, key antagonists, the plot, Adding This Mission to Your Campaign: Advice on how
etc. The synopsis generally explains how the story might you might fit the mission brief into your ongoing campaign.
relate to the player characters and provides the essential
details needed to start developing the story.
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300
“strength of belief”
Suggested Era of Play: Enterprise era
Suggested Spotlight Role: Captain
Chapter 09
302
“Disruptors At Dawn”
Suggested Era of Play: Enterprise era
Suggested Spotlight Role: Weapons Officer
Synopsis There is also the opportunity to prepare any traps for use
The player characters respond to a distress call from an against the invaders.
outpost on the planet Barook, site of one of the Empire’s
remote dilithium mines. Upon arriving, they find the civilian BLOODY SUNRISE
inhabitants picking up their wounded and dead, worried The next morning, the dust of approaching marauders
about another attack, given that almost all their warriors died appears on the horizon. The indigenous aliens charge toward
during a recent attack by indigenous aliens. the outpost, beam weapons blazing and blades shining in
the morning sun. There are ten marauders for every player
character involved in the battle, though you can adjust this
Opening Log number to change the difficulty of the battle as desired.
“These miners have not even a bekk to defend them, Minor Beats
but they are Klingon! I will issue them weapons from A science officer or engineering officer might discover that
the ship’s armory and prepare them for battle. No foul the dilithium produced by the mine is unusually pure. If the
novpu’ will take this colony away from the Empire!” colony should survive the next alien attack, they should
consider notifying the High Council to send a stronger
WEAPONS OFFICER’S LOG military presence to defend the colony. Also, one or more of
the player characters could engage in a relationship with a
local resident, creating the potential for a subplot or conflict.
Major Beats
ASSESSING THE SITUATION Key Non-Player Characters
Landing at the colony, the player characters must learn what The colony’s denizens can be represented by the statistics
happened and who is responsible for the attacks, and lend for a Klingon Corpsman, page 316, with the addition of one
any medical assistance to the remaining locals. Perhaps Klingon Veteran, on page 319. The alien marauders may be
some of the mining machinery was damaged in the recent represented by the statistics for Jem’Hadar Warriors (page
attack, which gives an engineering officer the opportunity 355), minus The Shroud special rule.
to make repairs. Once the player characters learn that the
colony was attacked by indigenous aliens, they’ll realize Conclusion
that they are the colony’s only hope for survival, given If the player characters arm and train the locals, and are
the remoteness of the colony and the lack of able-bodied creative in their battle plans, they should win the day. If any
warriors left to defend. of the characters befriended one of the locals, how does that
subplot play out? Is the local killed during the battle? Does
CONVINCING THE LOCALS one of the player characters leave a blossoming relationship
The commanding officer faces a challenge when attempting behind? Did they create a new enemy to deal with?
to persuade the locals to stay and fight. Some hold true to
their Klingon nature and desire to fight, while others may
be full of fear – they insist they are laborers, not warriors. adding this mission
Perhaps there are native predators also picking off the weak, to your campaign
and some of the colonists are looking for any excuse to get
off the planet and look for a more defensible home. This adventure can be dropped into any campaign as an
opportunity for battle and glory, to generate new subplots, or to
PREPARING FOR BATTLE introduce a new threat to Klingon holdings along the edge of the
The weapons officer and other crew members must Empire’s sphere of influence.
prepare the miners for the next attack. They use weapons
from the ship’s armory as well as any that can be crafted
quickly for use in battle. The weapons officer may take the
lead in training the miners on how to use the weapons.
Chapter 09
304
“The Great Gorn Gaffe”
Suggested Era of Play: The Original Series era
Suggested Spotlight Role: Surgeon
“So, finally the Empire has lost enough warriors in the Minor Beats
Gorn border region. Now, we go stand guard over A rivalry between L’Hov and Korvad could lead to extended
some nearly depleted dilithium mine. It is, perhaps, investigations. Meanwhile, by having the two mines originally
only a political move, but things are never simple in belong to other species, political tensions in the area could
this region. I will keep my d’k tahg sharp and prepare escalate into further conflicts.
for wounded.”
Key Non-Player Characters
SURGEON’S PERSONAL LOG Overseer L’Hov is the administrator with ambitions to quickly
further her House. Use the statistics for Lursa on page 336 to
represent her. Korvad is the engineer with as much concern
Major Beats for staff as for profits. He can be represented by the statistics
A COMFORTING PRESENCE for Lieutenant Klag on page 332. Use the statistics for a
Arriving in space outside of a small dilithium mine run by Starfleet Engineer on page 346 to represent Tyran (change his
Overseer L’Hov, the player characters are immediately Fitness and Stress to 10 and use only unarmed strike). Use
attacked by a Gorn ship claiming to protect the outpost, Romulan Uhlans (page 349) to represent any Orion guards.
which shows signs of a recent attack. The overseer is grateful
for their assistance but does not want the player characters Conclusion
to linger. Chief Miner Korvad counters that the characters If all Gorn miners are killed, the overseer may require the
should stay, as he could use help rescuing miners lost in the players to acquire a new workforce. In all cases, the mission
damaged tunnels. Unusual equipment of Gorn design fills the should end with the dilithium from the two mines continuing
mine. Searching the tunnels, player characters find that many to flow into the Empire.
of the miners are injured and require medical attention.
Synopsis et’KelChu, large creatures that will attack any nearby ship,
A famous composer of Klingon opera, brother to a member attempting to feed on energy, and are all but immune to
of the High Council, has gone missing. His long-range shuttle energy weapons.
failed to arrive and has disappeared into a dangerous region
of space. The characters have been tasked with finding and, DANCE PARTNER
if possible, rescuing him. The shuttle drifted due to its momentum and the turbulent
stellar winds throughout the nebula. The interference makes
using transporters and tractor beams problematic. There
Opening Log are Klingon life-signs still on board, but the small vessel
is tumbling and twisting erratically. Without transporters,
“We have been dispatched on a personal errand the characters must dock and extend an umbilical. The
for the High Council to search for a shuttle that’s characters must match and parallel the motion of the shuttle
gone missing. While I dislike being tasked like exactly throughout the time the rescue is underway.
some bureaucratic functionary, I cannot risk
refusing the request.” Minor Beats
The nebula is an excellent place for an ambush if the player
SHIP’S LOG characters have made enemies of another powerful House or
crew. It also makes for a good final resting place for missing
ships. The shuttle could also be transporting other interesting
Major Beats NPCs connected to on-going plots in your campaign.
BREAD CRUMBS
There is a sizable amount of ship traffic in the region, Key Non-Player Characters
and someone familiar with the shipping lanes can use Et’KelChu are spacefaring lifeforms that are treated as both
that knowledge to track any ships that may have traveled an NPC and ship, using their system scores as attributes.
through. The long-range sensors of a passing transport They have System scores of 7, Security of 3 and all other
spotted the shuttle two days before. Once the players have departments of 2. They also have Power 5, Scale 2, Shields
moved to its last known position, the science officer and 0, and Resistance 4. As an energy-consuming species,
flight controller are able to extrapolate its direction, using et’KelChu reduce the damage inflicted by any energy attack
careful projections and flight path calculations, based on a to 1 and have a special energy draining attack. This attack
faint warp signature. ignores shields and drains Power equal to the damage
inflicted, and is resolved at Range Close and 2A. Consider
THE FOOD CHAIN starting the encounter with a number of these creatures equal
The trail goes cold in a region of space called the Swamp, to half the number of player characters.
known for navigational hazards, subspace distortions,
and a large stellar nursery. While the navigational hazards Conclusion
require quick reflexes and coordination among the sensor With the evacuation of the shuttle’s crew and passengers,
operator, conn, and engineering, the real dangers are the the player characters are able to withdraw from the region.
If unable to locate the shuttle, there is always the possibility
that interference will lessen, allowing for a weak distress call.
adding this mission If the et’KelChu prove too difficult, have one wander off after
to your campaign it suffers a breach. If the encounter is too easy, spend Threat
to bring in more as necessary.
This mission can be added to any campaign, and the name of the
councilor and their House has been undefined to allow you to use any
important figure from your existing campaign.
Chapter 09
306
“Gale Force”
Suggested Era of Play: The Original Series era
Suggested Spotlight Role: Science Officer
Chapter 09
308
“My Ally Or My Enemy”
Suggested Era of Play: The Next Generation era
Suggested Spotlight Role: Second Officer / Third Officer
Minor Beats
Opening Log This adventure offers the opportunity for player characters
to make allies or enemies among other Houses, through
“It is a dark day for the Empire. My sources inform questioning and interacting with the other members of the
me that Chancellor K’mpec will not survive another crew. Those new friendships or rivalries could turn into
season, and that it is not clear who the most worthy ongoing subplots in your campaign.
successors will be. Gowron and Duras appear to be
the front-runners, though neither is powerful enough Key Non-Player Characters
to stand firm as chancellor. I am uncertain who to Feel free to use any of the Klingon NPCs detailed on pages
back, or who to trust.” 315-319 to fill out your ship’s crew roster as needed to
provide the player characters with worthy antagonists to
OFFICER’S LOG contend with during this adventure.
Conclusion
Major Beats No matter which side the crew ends up supporting in the
SOUNDING OUT THE CREW impending civil war, the player characters are instrumental in
The player characters, especially junior officers or any that uniting the factions aboard the ship under a common banner.
are not the captain or first officer, have the opportunity That may be for Gowron, Duras, another contender (perhaps
to deliver the news to their subordinates that the Empire even one of the player characters’ own Houses), or just
stands on shaky ground. Loyalties must be declared, and, unified and loyal to the ship and crew itself. Bonded together,
if necessary, tested. Some of the player characters might the ship and crew will brave the coming storm, together.
choose to test this directly, while others may take a more
subtle approach. Either way, they collectively determine
that the lower decks of their warship are full of dissenting adding this mission
voices, with the crew split among several possible to your campaign
contenders for chancellor.
The Empire has experienced several periods of internal instability
THE AGITATORS throughout the Star Trek timeline, so this adventure could fit into nearly
As the ship conducts normal operations, grumblings rise any campaign, especially ones that have political threads running through
within the lower decks. Investigation by the senior staff them. Simply change the names of the current chancellor and the top
proceed, with blades pointing to several possibilities of contenders to match your campaign’s time period.
agitators within the ranks, who create dissent and trigger
small disagreements that threaten to turn into larger conflicts.
Do the officers try to deal with the dissent themselves, or
report the problems up the chain of command to the first
officer or captain?
Minor Beats
Major Beats Equipment failures on board the ship provide excellent
ALLEGATIONS AND INTRIGUES opportunities for unforeseen challenges to the players.
The intelligence arm of the Klingon Empire believes the Similarly, the senior Klingon engineer at the shipyard is likely
failures are a complex series of intentional sabotage. to take offense at the suggestion that their construction work
An intelligence operative, Ja’Bruk, has arrived and is is faulty and will surely challenge anyone who says otherwise.
investigating the personnel assigned to the shipyard
as potential suspects. He has no interest in working or Key Non-Player Characters
coordinating with anyone else, and considers the characters’ Ja’Bruk uses the Klingon Infiltrator statistics on page 319,
involvement and investigations with suspicion. while Karilo uses the Ferengi Salesman statistics on page 354.
Conclusion
adding this mission Once the group discovers the truth behind these failures and
to your campaign locates Karilo, they will be able to correct the faulty computer
code and ensure the problems do not continue. If they have
Inserting this mission into your ongoing game is only a matter of achieved significant success, they may even be able to
waiting until there is a break in the planned activities. It may also ensure that issues of this nature are automatically identified
be helpful to begin hinting at unexplained system malfunctions, in the future.
equipment failures, and even destroyed ships throughout the fleet,
especially in the local sectors.
Chapter 09
310
“Who Holds Dominion Here?”
Suggested Era of Play: The Next Generation era
Suggested Spotlight Role: Weapons Officer
Chapter 09
312
CHAPTER 10.00
ALLIES AND
ADVERSARIES
96241
14501 97136
9262
378
5732
9574
372
24
7’
6246 37931
26871’
USING NON-PLAYER
CHAPTER
10.10
lIH
CHARACTERS
"REVENGE IS A DISH THAT IS BEST SERVED COLD.”
– KLINGON PROVERB
This chapter presents a variety of non-player characters Characters, we have repeated some key information here for
(NPCs) the gamemaster may wish to include in their ease of reference, specifically related to using NPCs in an
encounters and adventures. While detailed advice on using encounter or mission and adjusting NPC statistics to create a
and creating NPCs was covered in Chapter 8.60: Non-Player greater challenge for player characters.
Chapter 10
314
CHAPTER ALLIES AND ADVERSARIES
10.20
Originating from the planet Qo’noS in the Beta Quadrant, the SPECIAL RULES:
Klingon Empire is a warrior-dominated species and one of X Brak’lul: A Klingon Warrior’s Resistance is increased by
the major powers in the known Galaxy. This section presents 2 against non-lethal attacks. In addition, whenever they
several generic Klingon NPCs for use in your adventures as are the target of a First Aid task, reduce the Difficulty of
well as a large selection of Klingon characters from across that task by 1, to a minimum of 1.
the established Star Trek timeline, representing every era of X Warrior’s Spirit: When a Klingon Warrior attempts a
play from 2151 to 2379. Additional Klingon NPCs may be melee attack, and purchases one or more additional dice
found in the Beta Quadrant Sourcebook. with Threat, they may re-roll any number of d20s.
TRAIT: Klingon
Attributes
CONTROL 07 FITNESS 09 PRESENCE 08
Disciplines
COMMAND 01 SECURITY 02 SCIENCE –
ATTACKS:
X Unarmed Strike (Melee, 3A, Knockdown, Size 1H,
Non-lethal)
X D’k tahg Dagger (Melee, 3A, Vicious 1, Size 1H, Deadly,
Hidden 1)
X Escalation Bat’leth (Melee, 5A, Vicious 1, Size 2H,
Cumbersome)
X Disruptor Pistol (Ranged, 5A, Vicious 1, Size 1H)
X Escalation Disruptor Rifle (Ranged, 6A, Vicious 1,
Size 2H, Accurate)
Unappreciated and often ridiculed by the warrior caste, While most Klingon warriors shrug off injuries when they
Klingon analysts serve aboard warships, space stations, receive them in battle and generally prefer to wear battle
and deep space outposts, conducting scientific research scars with pride rather than get them healed properly, there
and laboratory experiments. Analysts may not be effective are times when it’s necessary or preferred to get injuries
warriors, but they play an unglamorous but necessary role in tended to. Klingon corpsmen are trained battlefield medics
Klingon cultural advancement. with terrible bedside manners.
Attributes Attributes
CONTROL 09 FITNESS 07 PRESENCE 07 CONTROL 09 FITNESS 07 PRESENCE 07
Disciplines Disciplines
COMMAND 01 SECURITY 01 SCIENCE 02 COMMAND 01 SECURITY 01 SCIENCE 02
ATTACKS: ATTACKS:
X Unarmed Strike (Melee, 2A, Knockdown, Size 1H, X Unarmed Strike (Melee, 2A, Knockdown, Size 1H,
Non-lethal) Non-lethal)
X D’k tahg Dagger (Melee, 2A, Vicious 1, Size 1H) X D’k tahg Dagger (Melee, 2A, Vicious 1, Size 1H, Deadly,
X Escalation Bat’leth (Melee, 4A, Vicious 1, Size 2H, Hidden 1)
Cumbersome) X Escalation Bat’leth (Melee, 4A, Vicious 1, Size 2H,
X Disruptor Pistol (Ranged, 4A, Vicious 1, Size 1H) Cumbersome)
X Escalation Disruptor Rifle (Ranged, 5A, Vicious 1, X Disruptor Pistol (Ranged, 4A, Vicious 1, Size 1H)
Size 2H, Accurate) X Escalation Disruptor Rifle (Ranged, 5A, Vicious 1,
Size 2H, Accurate)
SPECIAL RULES:
X Brak’lul: A Klingon Analyst’s Resistance is increased by SPECIAL RULES:
2 against non-lethal attacks. In addition, whenever they X Brak’lul: A Klingon Corpsman’s Resistance is increased
are the target of a First Aid task, reduce the Difficulty of by 2 against non-lethal attacks. In addition, whenever
that task by 1, to a minimum of 1. they are the target of a First Aid task, reduce the Difficulty
X Warrior’s Spirit: When a Klingon Analyst attempts a of that task by 1, to a minimum of 1.
melee attack, and purchases one or more additional dice X Warrior’s Spirit: When a Klingon Corpsman attempts a
with Threat, they may re-roll any number of d20s. melee attack, and purchases one or more additional dice
with Threat, they may re-roll any number of d20s.
Chapter 10
316
klingon engineer [minor] klingon pilot [minor]
Somewhat more respected than their scientific brethren, Many Klingon warriors prefer to face their enemies head-on,
Klingon engineers are tasked with keeping the Empire’s in physical face-to-face combat. Others, notably Klingon
warships, stations, and equipment in good working order. pilots, prefer to wear their fighters and warships like armor
A warrior with a poorly-operating or inoperative vessel or and engage their enemies in space. More than one alien
weapon is less effective on the battlefield, which means species has underestimated Klingon prowess at the helm
that skilled engineers are a prized resource to have on one’s and paid for their arrogance with their lives. Klingon pilots are
warship or in one’s squad. The best engineers in the KDF are fearless in battle and often push their vehicles far beyond any
jealously guarded by their captains and crews. reasonable safety restrictions.
Attributes Attributes
CONTROL 07 FITNESS 08 PRESENCE 07 CONTROL 09 FITNESS 08 PRESENCE 07
Disciplines Disciplines
COMMAND – SECURITY 02 SCIENCE 01 COMMAND 01 SECURITY 01 SCIENCE –
ATTACKS: ATTACKS:
X Unarmed Strike (Melee, 3A, Knockdown, Size 1H, X Unarmed Strike (Melee, 2A, Knockdown, Size 1H,
Non-lethal) Non-lethal)
X D’k tahg Dagger (Melee, 3A, Vicious 1, Size 1H, Deadly, X D’k tahg Dagger (Melee, 2A, Vicious 1, Size 1H, Deadly,
Hidden 1) Hidden 1)
X Escalation Bat’leth (Melee, 5A, Vicious 1, Size 2H, X Escalation Bat’leth (Melee, 4A, Vicious 1, Size 2H,
Cumbersome) Cumbersome)
X Disruptor Pistol (Ranged, 5A, Vicious 1, Size 1H) X Disruptor Pistol (Ranged, 4A, Vicious 1, Size 1H)
X Escalation Disruptor Rifle (Ranged, 6A, Vicious 1, X Escalation Disruptor Rifle (Ranged, 5A, Vicious 1,
Size 2H, Accurate) Size 2H, Accurate)
Klingon border agents act as liaisons between the Empire’s A Klingon ship’s cook plays a crucial role aboard any
regional governors and the ruling bodies of planets the warship. They prepare all the meals the crew shares, tend
Empire annexes, conquers, or otherwise plants a flag upon. to the food animals aboard, and supervise the storage and
Border agents educate the ignorant about Klingon politics safety of the warship’s bloodwine barrels. It is a known
and law, and lay the groundwork for the planet’s absorption fact throughout the Empire that a well-fed crew is a more
into the Empire. effective crew.
VALUE: You Will Do This for the Good of the Empire, or You VALUE: A Warship Crew Fights on its Stomach
Will Die
Attributes
Attributes
CONTROL 10 FITNESS 08 PRESENCE 10
CONTROL 08 FITNESS 09 PRESENCE 11
DARING 09 INSIGHT 09 REASON 08
DARING 10 INSIGHT 09 REASON 07
Disciplines
Disciplines
COMMAND 01 SECURITY 01 SCIENCE 03
COMMAND 03 SECURITY 02 SCIENCE 02
CONN – ENGINEERING 02 MEDICINE 02
CONN – ENGINEERING 01 MEDICINE 01
Chapter 10
318
klingon infiltrator klingon veteran [notable]
[notable]
Klingon veterans have not only proven themselves in
Though the Klingon Imperial Intelligence service is much battle but normally have a long family background of
maligned and usually regarded as inferior to intelligence honor and tradition and often serve as officers. A Klingon
agencies such as the Tal Shiar and the Obsidian Order, veteran must be seen to be authoritative at all times
Klingon infiltrators and intelligence operatives are quite or they may be forced to prove themselves in a trial of
effective at their duties. While there is little personal honor in combat by their subordinates.
winning a battle one cannot celebrate in song and story, the
rewards for the Empire are significant, and that is what drives TRAIT: Klingon
Klingon infiltrators to do their best work.
VALUE: Today is a Good Day to Die!
TRAIT: Klingon
Attributes
VALUE: Skulking in the Shadows is Not Glorious, But
Often Necessary CONTROL 09 FITNESS 11 PRESENCE 09
A massive warrior standing well over two meters in height, While not as physically imposing as many warriors he served
Klaang was a courier in the service of the Klingon High with, Antaak was still a notable presence. Keenly intelligent
Council in 2151. He holds enormous historical significance and observant, he chose to be a healer at a time in the
for the Empire and for Earth, and by extension the United Empire’s history when healers were held in very low esteem.
Federation of Planets, as he was the first Klingon the He was a practical man who believed that a warrior who lived
Humans had ever encountered. Klaang’s crash-landing on to fight another day was of greater value to the Empire than
Earth en route to Qo’noS from the Rigel system inadvertently a dead one.
hurled the fledgling Human Starfleet onto the intergalactic
stage, triggering the series of events that led to the founding A noteworthy researcher in the field of metagenics, Antaak
of the Federation a mere decade later. was partially responsible for the differences in Klingon
appearance over the late 22nd and 23rd centuries. An ill-
TRAIT: Klingon advised attempt to create Klingon Augments accidentally
created a potentially lethal epidemic. Aided by the Denobulan
VALUE: My Message Is My Mission physician Phlox, Antaak helped create a cure for the
metagenic virus he had also helped create. The price for
Attributes the cure was the creation of the QuchHa', Human-looking
Klingons without their characteristic cranial ridges.
CONTROL 08 FITNESS 11 PRESENCE 10
TRAIT: Klingon
DARING 10 INSIGHT 07 REASON 08
Chapter 10
320
X Field Medicine: When attempting a Medicine task, SPECIAL RULES:
Antaak may ignore any increase in Difficulty for working X A Little Bit Extra: Whenever she succeeds at a task
without the proper tools or equipment. using Science, Mara gains 1 bonus Momentum that she
X Warrior’s Spirit: When Antaak attempts a melee attack, can only spend on Obtain Information.
and purchases one or more additional dice with Threat, X Brak’lul: Mara’s Resistance is increased by 2 against
he may re-roll any number of d20s. non-lethal attacks. In addition, whenever she is the target
of a First Aid task, reduce the Difficulty of that task by 1,
to a minimum of 1.
mara [notable] X Scientific Advisor: When Mara assists another character
using the Science discipline, the character being assisted
A striking QuchHa' woman of fierce intelligence, Mara was may re-roll a single d20.
the wife of Commander Kang, as well as his science officer. X Warrior’s Spirit: When Mara attempts a melee attack,
In both capacities, she saw it as her duty to balance to her and purchases one or more additional dice with Threat,
husband’s impulsive nature. Unlike stereotypical Klingon she may re-roll any number of d20s.
warriors, Mara generally remained in the background,
gathering data. She was unafraid to use her authority
as both science officer and Kang’s wife to offer the
commander insight and advice, whether he wanted it or
not. While an observer by nature, she acted decisively when
needed. She was as instrumental in her husband’s success
as Kang was himself.
TRAIT: Klingon
Attributes
CONTROL 09 FITNESS 08 PRESENCE 09
Disciplines
COMMAND 02 SECURITY 02 SCIENCE 03
ATTACKS:
X Unarmed Strike (Melee, 3A, Knockdown, Size 1H,
Non-lethal)
X D’k tahg Dagger (Melee, 3A, Vicious 1, Size 1H, Deadly,
Hidden 1)
X Escalation Bat’leth (Melee, 5A, Vicious 1, Size 2H,
Cumbersome)
X Disruptor Pistol (Ranged, 5A, Vicious 1, Size 1H)
X Escalation Disruptor Rifle (Ranged, 6A, Vicious 1,
Size 2H, Accurate)
His early days were marked by impulsiveness. This was Their quarry was elusive, however, and it tested even
quickly tempered by his own intelligence, as well as the Kang’s persistence to track him down. He finally found the
influence of Mara, a science officer who would soon become Albino on Secarus IV, and arranged for his friends to meet
has par’Mach’kai. He became a dedicated and effective him on space station Deep Space 9 so that they could at
leader, achieving command of a starship in a remarkably last have their final battle. On the station, they found that
short time. Along the way, he became fast friends with Koloth Curzon Dax had died and his symbiont and memories had
and Kor, who would grow into legends alongside him. Their passed to Jadzia Dax. She held herself bound to Curzon’s
missions would frequently intersect each other, and would oath, and accompanied the wej loDnI' to the Albino’s
often produce results greater than the sum of their parts. fortress. There, finally free to release decades of rage
They became known as the wej loDnI', the Three Brothers. and frustration, Kang paved not just his path to Sto-Vo-
Kor, but also his fallen son’s, with the blood of their foes,
A warrior is known by his adversaries, and the son of and sent the Albino to Gre’thor with his own hand before
K’naiah had many great ones. Like many of the QuchHa’, succumbing to his own wounds.
he was often deployed along the Federation border and
had many encounters with their Starfleet, including several TRAIT: Klingon
notable face-offs with Captain James T. Kirk and the U.S.S.
Enterprise. None of his foes, however, would prove as VALUES:
formidable and implacable as the Albino. X Be Patient, Be Vigilant
X Impulsive, But Not Foolish
X Only a Fool Fights in a Burning House
ON DOING BATTLE AGAINST X Proud and Honorable
AND ALONGSIDE JAMES T. KIRK
Attributes
LETTER FROM CAPTAIN KANG TO HIS FATHER GENERAL K'NAIAH
CONTROL 08 FITNESS 11 PRESENCE 11
I have achieved a most peculiar victory, Father – I have allied myself with
DARING 12 INSIGHT 09 REASON 08
an Earther.
A strange creature invaded both my ship and that of Captain James Disciplines
T. Kirk of the Enterprise, whom I have met in battle several times. The
creature manipulated Klingon and Earther alike, destroying the Voh'tahk COMMAND 05 SECURITY 04 SCIENCE 02
and killing all but forty of my crew, and trapping all but forty of Kirk's
CONN 03 ENGINEERING 01 MEDICINE 01
crew belowdecks. We were pitted against each other, numbers even, but
not allowed to die. Our natural hatred for an enemy was expanded by the
entity, turning into a blinding hatred that was not worthy of either side. FOCUSES: Composure, Diplomacy, Hand-to-Hand Combat,
Intimidation, Leadership, Starship Tactics
To make the battles bloodier, phasers and disruptors were replaced
with swords. Most warriors were able to make the transition, and to my STRESS: 15 RESISTANCE: 1 (Armor)
surprise, our enemy could as well – the Earthers Sulu and Scott were
particularly adept. ATTACKS:
X Unarmed Strike (Melee, 5A, Knockdown, Size 1H,
But we need no outside assistance to hate Humans. If I am to defeat Non-lethal)
Kirk, it will be on our terms, not those imposed by a creature using us X D’k tahg Dagger (Melee, 5A, Vicious 1, Size 1H, Deadly,
for amusement. Kirk and I joined in laughter at this common enemy, Hidden 1)
driving it away. X Escalation Bat’leth (Melee, 7A, Vicious 1, Size 2H,
Cumbersome)
It was indeed a peculiar victory. X Disruptor Pistol (Ranged, 7A, Vicious 1, Size 1H)
X Escalation Disruptor Rifle (Ranged, 8A, Vicious 1,
PERSONAL LETTER Size 2H, Accurate)
Chapter 10
322
SPECIAL RULES: his anger into his bat’leth, showing the enemy why he was a
X Brak’lul: Kang’s Resistance is increased by 2 against Dahar Master and clearing a path through their foe’s guards
non-lethal attacks. In addition, whenever he is the target so that one of his companions could complete their quest.
of a First Aid task, reduce the Difficulty of that task by 1, His entry into Sto-Vo-Kor assured, his only misfortune was to
to a minimum of 1. die before he saw Kang strike the death blow.
X Cunning Negotiator: Whenever Kang attempts a
Presence task to influence an opponent during a TRAIT: Klingon
negotiation, he may re-roll one d20.
X Follow My Lead: Once per scene, when Kang succeeds VALUES:
at a task during combat or another perilous situation, X Always Maintain Your Composure
he may spend three Threat. If he does, choose a single X Respect Me or Fear Me
ally. The next task that ally attempts counts as having X The Letter of the Law Outweighs the Spirit
assistance from Kang, using his Presence + Command. X Words Are Some of My Sharpest Weapons
X Warrior’s Spirit: When Kang attempts a melee attack,
and purchases one or more additional dice with Threat, Attributes
he may re-roll any number of d20s.
CONTROL 09 FITNESS 09 PRESENCE 12
Rising quickly through the ranks, he would command STRESS: 13 RESISTANCE: 1 (Armor)
starships along both the Romulan and Federation borders.
He wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty; in fact, he rather ATTACKS:
enjoyed testing his military skills. However, he enjoyed battles X Unarmed Strike (Melee, 5A, Knockdown, Size 1H,
of wits as much as he enjoyed using his bat’leth; some of his Non-lethal)
most famous battles never involved a single drop of blood X D’k tahg Dagger (Melee, 5A, Vicious 1, Size 1H, Deadly,
being spilled. Like his companions Kang and Kor, he had Hidden 1)
many conflicts with Starfleet. He took a special pleasure X Escalation Bat’leth (Melee, 7A, Vicious 1, Size 2H,
from his encounters with Captain James Kirk of the U.S.S. Cumbersome)
Enterprise; he respected the Human, and he long considered X Disruptor Pistol (Ranged, 7A, Vicious 1, Size 1H)
Kirk his equal in verbal sparring. One of his great regrets in X Escalation Disruptor Rifle (Ranged, 8A, Vicious 1, Size
life was not getting to face Kirk in martial combat. 2H, Accurate)
It was his talent with words that made him an ambassador, SPECIAL RULES:
and ultimately engendered his friendship with his Federation X Brak’lul: Koloth’s Resistance is increased by 2 against
counterpart, Curzon Dax – though not before both men had non-lethal attacks. In addition, whenever he is the target
enraged one another at the negotiating table on Korvat. of a First Aid task, reduce the Difficulty of that task by 1,
to a minimum of 1.
After the Albino murdered his son, Koloth changed, probably X Cutting Wit: Koloth fights as much with words as with
the most of any of the wej loDnI'. He became withdrawn weapons. When in personal combat against an enemy
and taciturn, especially after their early attempts at exacting who can understand him, he may use Presence instead
justice failed. Eschewing diplomatic functions and his of Daring to attack.
once-beloved debates, he turned himself almost entirely to X Dauntless: Whenever Koloth attempts a task to resist
his martial practice. Exercising the patience Kor and Kang being intimidated or threatened, he may add a bonus d20
lacked, Koloth honed himself for decades. to his dice pool.
X Warrior’s Spirit: When Koloth attempts a melee attack,
When the time finally came on Secarus IV, those decades of and purchases one or more additional dice with Threat,
training finally had their outlet. The son of Lasshar focused he may re-roll any number of d20s.
Unlike his fellows in the wej loDnI', Kor, son of Rynar, was CONTROL 11 FITNESS 10 PRESENCE 10
born of a noble House. Members of the House of Kor, whose
DARING 10 INSIGHT 09 REASON 09
name he bore with great pride, were accustomed to lead. Kor
was no different, swiftly ascending the ranks to command
of a battlecruiser. He also served as the military governor Disciplines
of several conquered worlds until more permanent leaders
could arrive. COMMAND 04 SECURITY 04 SCIENCE 01
TRAIT: Klingon
VALUES:
X I Play the Game of War to Win
X Survival Must Be Earned
X The Empire’s Will Be Done
X To the Victor Goes the Glory
Chapter 10
324
“arne darvin” [notable] SPECIAL RULES:
X Brak’lul: Despite his Human appearance, Darvin’s
A QuchHa’ of relatively slight stature, Krek, son of Gralmek, Resistance is increased by 2 against non-lethal attacks.
bore a remarkable resemblance to a Human named Arne In addition, whenever he is the target of a First Aid task,
Darvin. After a few subtle surgical procedures to better match reduce the Difficulty of that task by 1, to a minimum of 1.
his target, Krek killed the real Darvin and took his place as the X Constantly Watching: When Darvin attempts a task to
newly assigned assistant to Nilz Baris, a Federation official detect danger or hidden enemies, reduce the Difficulty by 1.
overseeing their colonial efforts on Sermanyu’q, or Sherman’s X Undercover: When attempting a Control + Security task
Planet. “Darvin’s” mission was to poison a grain shipment, to avoid being noticed or discovered, Darvin may roll one
which would cause the Federation colony to fail and give the additional d20.
Empire the advantage in claiming the planet. The plot was X Warrior’s Spirit: When Darvin attempts a melee attack,
thwarted by Captain James Kirk of the U.S.S. Enterprise. and purchases one or more additional dice with Threat,
Krek was briefly imprisoned and was subsequently he may re-roll any number of d20s.
discommended by the Empire upon his release.
Attributes
CONTROL 10 FITNESS 09 PRESENCE 08
Disciplines
COMMAND 02 SECURITY 03 SCIENCE 01
STRESS: 12 RESISTANCE: 0
ATTACKS:
X Unarmed Strike (Melee, 4A, Knockdown, Size 1H,
Non-lethal)
X D’k tahg Dagger (Melee, 4A, Vicious 1, Size 1H, Deadly,
Hidden 1)
X Disruptor Pistol (Ranged, 6A, Vicious 1, Size 1H)
X Phaser Type-1 (Ranged, 5A, Size 1H, Charge, Hidden 1)
I.K.S. KATAI, 2285 X Unarmed Strike (Melee, 5A, Knockdown, Size 1H,
Non-lethal)
FEDERATION TRANSCRIPT OF VIDEO RECOVERED FROM THE X D’k tahg Dagger (Melee, 5A, Vicious 1, Size 1H, Deadly,
CAPTURED BIRD-OF-PREY RECHRISTENED “HMS BOUNTY” Hidden 1)
X Escalation Bat’leth (Melee, 7A, Vicious 1, Size 2H,
I will seize Genesis, the Federation’s secret weapon, before they unleash Cumbersome)
it upon the Empire. With my faithful crew, we will scream “We are X Disruptor Pistol (Ranged, 7A, Vicious 1, Size 1H)
Klingons” into the void and be heard, even across the vacuum of space, X Escalation Disruptor Rifle (Ranged, 8A, Vicious 1,
throughout the Empire and Federation alike. Size 2H, Accurate)
The High Council has appeased the Federation for twenty years, SPECIAL RULES:
allowing brave Klingon hearts to weaken and fester. The topaline mines X Brak’lul: Kruge’s Resistance is increased by 2 against
on Capella IV were rightfully ours to exploit, as were the resources of non-lethal attacks. In addition, whenever he is the target
Neural and Sherman’s Planet and so much more. of a First Aid task, reduce the Difficulty of that task by 1,
to a minimum of 1.
But Starfleet interferes with our right to live and grow at every turn, X Dauntless: Whenever Kruge attempts a task to resist
and at the center of our most humiliating defeats is always James being intimidated or threatened, he may add a bonus d20
T. Kirk, now revealed – through the heroic sacrifice of Valkris – to be to his dice pool.
involved with Genesis, nothing less than the coming genocide of the X Tactical Genius: Once per scene, if Kruge succeeds at
Klingon people. an Insight + Command task to assess his opponent, he
may spend 2 Threat to allow all under his command to
I will do whatever necessary to protect the Empire in spite of the High re-roll one d20 on their next task.
Council. I will bring them Kirk’s head on a bat’leth, even though if I fail X Threatening 3: When the player characters encounter
they will scurry to the Federation to disavow me. Today is a good day Kruge, add three Threat to the Threat pool.
to die! X Warrior’s Spirit: When Kruge attempts a melee attack,
and purchases one or more additional dice with Threat,
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT he may re-roll any number of d20s.
Chapter 10
326
maltz [minor] commander Klaa [notable]
Sensor operations officer Maltz was one of the more trusted Captain Klaa is a young up and coming commander in the
members of Kruge’s crew and one of only two he entrusted Empire with a thirst to be known as the greatest warrior in
with a viewing of Admiral Kirk’s Genesis briefing. Maltz was the Galaxy. He is a tall and well-muscled Klingon who prides
the sole survivor of Kruge’s crew after his comrades were himself on his combat prowess both on his ship, the Okrona,
killed either in the Enterprise’s destruction or on the Genesis and off. Klaa claims to have studied the career of Starfleet
Planet at the hands of Kirk and his allies. Kruge left Maltz Captain James T. Kirk since he was a boy, both respecting
in charge of his ship before his fateful confrontation with and hating him at the same time. Klaa is a skilled gunner and
Kirk, only for Kirk to beam aboard Kruge’s ship victorious, often hunts down targets to challenge his skills, be they ships
commandeer the vessel, and take Maltz prisoner, flippantly or otherwise.
disregarding his desire to die with honor instead.
TRAIT: Klingon
TRAIT: Klingon
VALUE: I Will Be the Greatest Warrior in the Galaxy
Attributes
Attributes
CONTROL 07 FITNESS 08 PRESENCE 09
CONTROL 09 FITNESS 11 PRESENCE 09
DARING 08 INSIGHT 09 REASON 07
DARING 10 INSIGHT 08 REASON 07
Disciplines
Disciplines
COMMAND – SECURITY 01 SCIENCE 02
COMMAND 02 SECURITY 03 SCIENCE –
CONN 02 ENGINEERING 01 MEDICINE –
CONN 02 ENGINEERING 01 MEDICINE 01
Vixis is the first officer of the I.K.S. Okrona under Captain General Chang was a decorated officer who rose in ranks
Klaa and is fiercely loyal to her captain. She is physically to become Chancellor Gorkon’s chief of staff. Despite the
imposing and possessed of a keen intellect, which she Chancellor’s willingness to work with the Federation in a time of
has turned to linguistics and communications. Vixis is great Klingon need, Chang was a hardline militant who wanted
cunning, not above using subterfuge against her enemies. the cold war with the Federation to continue. He played a key
She has extensive knowledge of Starfleet communications role in the conspiracy that led to Gorkon’s death and the near-
protocols, intercepting messages from starships in the field destruction of any hope of Klingon-Federation peace.
and sending false reply messages to lure them into Captain
Klaa’s gunsights. When Chancellor Gorkon’s vessel, Qo’noS One, rendezvoused
with Captain James T. Kirk’s U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-A,
TRAIT: Klingon Chang took command of a classified, experimental bird-of-prey
that could fire weaponry even while cloaked. Chang launched
VALUE: Intellect Can Be As Deadly As a Dagger for the torpedoes at Qo’noS One while cloaked beneath Enterprise,
Wise Warrior crippling Gorkon’s vessel. Crewmen from Enterprise, who were
also part of the conspiracy, beamed aboard Qo’noS One in the
Attributes ensuing confusion and assassinated Gorkon.
CONTROL 08 FITNESS 09 PRESENCE 10 Chang then orchestrated the trial and conviction of Captain
Kirk and Doctor Leonard McCoy, though he was dismayed
DARING 08 INSIGHT 09 REASON 10
when the expected death sentence was commuted to
life imprisonment on Rura Penthe. When Kirk and McCoy
Disciplines escaped and returned to the Enterprise, Chang piloted his
bird-of-prey to Khitomer, the location of peace talks between
COMMAND 02 SECURITY 01 SCIENCE 02 the Federation and Gorkon’s successor, his daughter Azetbur.
Chang attempted to destroy the Enterprise before Kirk could
CONN 03 ENGINEERING 01 MEDICINE –
deliver news of the conspiracy, but the Starfleet crew was able
to adapt a torpedo to detect Chang’s vessel. Together with
FOCUSES: Communications Systems, Starfleet the U.S.S. Excelsior, the Enterprise pinpointed and destroyed
Communication Protocols Chang and his warship. With the conspiracy quashed, the
Klingons and Federation took a small step toward peace.
STRESS: 10 RESISTANCE: 1 (Armor)
TRAIT: Klingon
ATTACKS:
X Unarmed Strike (Melee, 2A, Knockdown, Size 1H, VALUES:
Non-lethal) X In Space, All Warriors Are Cold Warriors
X D’k tahg Dagger (Melee, 2A, Vicious 1, Size 1H, Deadly, X Better to Die on Our Feet than Live on Our Knees
Hidden 1) X Cry Havoc and Let Slip the Dogs of War!
X Escalation Bat’leth (Melee, 4A, Vicious 1, Size 2H, X No Peace In Our Time
Cumbersome)
X Disruptor Pistol (Ranged, 4A, Vicious 1, Size 1H) Attributes
Chapter 10
328
ATTACKS: FOCUSES: Negotiation, Strategy and Tactics
X Unarmed Strike (Melee, 6A, Knockdown, Size 1H,
Non-lethal) STRESS: 10 RESISTANCE: 1 (Armor)
X D’k tahg Dagger (Melee, 6A, Vicious 1, Size 1H, Deadly,
Hidden 1) ATTACKS:
X Escalation Bat’leth (Melee, 8A, Vicious 1, Size 2H, X Unarmed Strike (Melee, 3A, Knockdown, Size 1H,
Cumbersome) Non-lethal)
X Disruptor Pistol (Ranged, 8A, Vicious 1, Size 1H) X D’k tahg Dagger (Melee, 3A, Vicious 1, Size 1H, Deadly,
X Escalation Disruptor Rifle (Ranged, 9A, Vicious 1, Hidden 1)
Size 2H, Accurate) X Escalation Bat’leth (Melee, 5A, Vicious 1, Size 2H,
Cumbersome)
SPECIAL RULES: X Disruptor Pistol (Ranged, 5A, Vicious 1, Size 1H)
X Bold (Command): Whenever General Chang attempts a X Escalation Disruptor Rifle (Ranged, 6A, Vicious 1,
task with the Command discipline, and buys one or more Size 2H, Accurate)
d20s by adding to Threat, he may re-roll a single d20.
X Brak’lul: General Chang’s Resistance is increased by 2 SPECIAL RULES:
against non-lethal attacks. In addition, whenever he is X Brak’lul: Korrd’s Resistance is increased by 2 against
the target of a First Aid task, reduce the Difficulty of that non-lethal attacks. In addition, whenever he is the target
task by 1, to a minimum of 1. of a First Aid task, reduce the Difficulty of that task by 1,
X Dauntless: Whenever General Chang attempts a task to a minimum of 1.
to resist being intimidated or threatened, he may add a X Cold Reading: Succeeding at a task during social
bonus d20 to his dice pool. conflict generates one bonus Momentum which must
X Tough: Whenever General Chang Avoids an Injury, the be used for the Obtain Information Momentum spend to
cost is reduced by 1, to a minimum of 1. gain knowledge about an individual on the other side of
X Warrior’s Spirit: When General Chang attempts a melee the interaction. If the social conflict involves an extended
attack, and purchases one or more additional dice with task, Koord gains the Scrutinize 1 benefit (see page 86)
Threat, he may re-roll any number of d20s. when rolling Challenge Dice.
X Fleet Commander: Commanding a vessel during a fleet
action reduces the Difficulty of a task to grant a bonus to
general korrd [notable] Korrd’s vessel or group by 1, to a minimum of 1. Aboard
a vessel during a fleet action, Korrd
General Korrd is an extraordinary tactician and military may treat the vessel as having a
leader for the Klingon Empire, and his tactics were studied Command department of 4+,
and taught by Starfleet Academy in the early 2250s. At the regardless of the actual value.
height of his career, Korrd was in command of patrol forces X Warrior’s Spirit: When
in the Shepard Sector, where he was held responsible for not Korrd attempts a
stopping Orion raids on planets therein. He was transferred melee attack,
to the K’Rebeca Sector where he served as field commander. and purchases
Korrd, however, lost favor with Klingon High Command and one or more
was relegated to representative duties on Nimbus III, where additional dice
he fell into heavy drinking. with Threat,
he may re-roll
TRAIT: Klingon any number
of d20s.
VALUE: A Warrior for Peace is No Less a Warrior
Attributes
CONTROL 09 FITNESS 08 PRESENCE 11
Disciplines
COMMAND 03 SECURITY 02 SCIENCE –
Chapter 10
330
X Dauntless: Whenever Kamarag attempts a task to resist X Escalation Bat’leth (Melee, 5A, Vicious 1, Size 2H,
being intimidated or threatened, he may add a bonus d20 Cumbersome)
to his dice pool. X Disruptor Pistol (Ranged, 5A, Vicious 1, Size 1H)
X Warrior’s Spirit: When Kamarag attempts a melee X Escalation Disruptor Rifle (Ranged, 6A, Vicious 1, Size
attack, and purchases one or more additional dice with 2H, Accurate)
Threat, he may re-roll any number of d20s.
SPECIAL RULES:
X Brak’lul: Gorkon’s Resistance is increased by 2 against
chancellor gorkon non-lethal attacks. In addition, whenever he is the target
[notable] of a First Aid task, reduce the Difficulty of that task by 1,
to a minimum of 1.
Chancellor Gorkon was the leader of the Klingon High X Cold Reading: Succeeding at a task during social
Council in the late 23rd century and was assassinated conflict generates one bonus Momentum which must
in 2293 during a peace initiative with the Federation be used for the Obtain Information Momentum spend to
by members of his own government, Starfleet, and the gain knowledge about an individual on the other side of
Romulan Star Empire. Gorkon was known for his moderate the interaction. If the social conflict involves an extended
stances regarding relations with the Federation. He dutifully task, Gorkon gains the Scrutinize 1 benefit (see page 86)
maintained the Klingon military as a deterrent against any when rolling Challenge Dice.
aggressive actions by their perennial enemies, but he did not X Decisive Leadership: In a conflict, whenever Gorkon
engage in any open hostilities, much to the chagrin of several performs the Assist task and would then pay two
of his closest advisors as well as some in the High Council Momentum to keep the initiative, the cost to keep the
as well, who viewed him as being weak. Gorkon was well initiative is reduced to 0.
aware of his opposition and had been wise enough to groom X Warrior’s Spirit: When Gorkon attempts a melee attack,
his daughter, Azetbur, as his successor in order to carry on and purchases one or more additional dice with Threat,
his work should the worst happen. Imposing and tall, Gorkon he may re-roll any number of d20s.
stood out in his crimson armor and bone cane. Gorkon was
a cunning man with a sharp intellect who could outthink his
opponents or convince them that his stance was the right
one for the Empire, thus gaining an ally. He was normally A NEW HOPE FOR PEACE
soft-spoken and rarely raised his voice, though this did
nothing to diminish his presence. EXCERPT FROM PERSONAL LOG OF SPOCK, CAPTAIN,
STARFLEET, 2293
TRAIT: Klingon
I grieve for Gorkon.
VALUE: Peace is the Undiscovered Country
He was a remarkable individual, possessing keen insight. I have
Attributes encountered other Klingons who shared similar qualities, but few with
such singular vision as Gorkon. When the Praxis moon exploded and
CONTROL 07 FITNESS 09 PRESENCE 11 threatened all life on Qo’noS, he saw a unique opportunity. As a result
of previous dialogues with the chancellor, I was confident he would be
DARING 10 INSIGHT 09 REASON 08
open to considering less martial courses of action. He accepted my offer
to discuss the situation and in short order we reached an agreement. The
Disciplines Federation would assist the Klingon Empire in its time of need.
COMMAND 03 SECURITY 02 SCIENCE – What I failed to anticipate was the resistance from elements on both
sides who seemed unable to believe even the possibility of reaching
CONN 02 ENGINEERING 01 MEDICINE 01
détente. Neither Gorkon nor I envisioned what ultimately happened: his
brutal murder while the U.S.S. Enterprise accompanied his ship to Earth.
FOCUSES: Diplomacy, Persuasion How could I be so naive? Should I have heeded the warnings of my
friend and captain, James Kirk?
STRESS: 11 RESISTANCE: 1 (Armor)
I can do nothing for Gorkon, but I can pledge my assistance to his
ATTACKS: daughter, Azetbur, who now leads the Klingon High Council. With her
X Unarmed Strike (Melee, 3A, Knockdown, Size 1H, father’s killers exposed, she now can focus on realizing her father’s
Non-lethal) vision. I remain hopeful.
X D’k tahg Dagger (Melee, 3A, Vicious 1, Size 1H, Deadly,
Hidden 1) PERSONAL LOG
Chapter 10
332
TRAIT: Klingon U.S.S. Enterprise, the latter act resulting in Korris’s death
at the hands of a fellow Klingon, Enterprise crewmember
VALUE: A Klingon Is His Work, Not His Family Lieutenant Worf.
Chapter 10
334
TRAIT: Klingon ATTACKS:
X Unarmed Strike (Melee, 5A, Knockdown, Size 1H, Nonlethal)
VALUES: X D’k tahg Dagger (Melee, 5A, Vicious 1, Size 1H, Deadly,
X All Who Oppose Me Are Traitors Hidden 1)
X Honor Is Fine, but Glory Is Supreme X Escalation Bat’leth (Melee, 7A, Vicious 1, Size 2H,
X I Am True to My Friends...So Long as They Obey Me Cumbersome)
X We Can Uphold Klingon Tradition without Being a Slave to It X Disruptor Pistol (Ranged, 7A, Vicious 1, Size 1H)
X Escalation Disruptor Rifle (Ranged, 8A, Vicious 1,
Attributes Size 2H, Accurate)
PRIORITY SUBSPACE
TRANSMISSION FROM DEEP
SPACE NINE TO QO’NOS
TO: M’Rel
FROM: Worf
I do not regret my actions – what I did, I did for the good of the Empire, it
was not personal. I have known Gowron for many years. At times I have
had the honor to call him friend, and enemy. Today he was neither, today
he was a man who allowed his pride and ego to come before the Empire
and the Alpha Quadrant.
You may decide to seek revenge for my actions, that is your right. But
know this: I once spared the life of a boy who sought retribution against
me for his father’s actions. I will not spare a father or his agents seeking
retribution for his son’s recklessness.
Kahless said do not fret for the warrior that leads the battle, nor the warrior
that allows others to fight for him; both, in the end, get what they deserve.
Know that your son died well, in battle, and I made sure he did not
die alone.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
Disciplines Lursa and B’Etor spent the next few years as renegades of
the Empire, engaging in various schemes to raise enough
COMMAND 04 SECURITY 04 SCIENCE 01 capital to rebuild their fleet – specializing in selling explosives.
Lursa died with her sister in 2371 during their attack on the
CONN 03 ENGINEERING 02 MEDICINE 02
Enterprise-D – an attack which also destroyed the Enterprise.
FOCUSES: Deception, Hand-to-Hand Combat, Klingon Lursa was generally calm and rational, as well as
History, Klingon Law, Romulan Tactics manipulative and deceptive. As the inheritor to her family’s
network of contacts and informants, Lursa has connections
STRESS: 14 RESISTANCE: 1 (Armor) with the Romulan Star Empire and possibly underworld
organizations. She approached negotiations – and
ATTACKS: interrogations – with civility rather than violence or overt
X Unarmed Strike (Melee, 5A, Knockdown, Size 1H, threats. She seemed to disapprove of her sister’s flirtations,
Nonlethal) but otherwise the two appeared to get along well.
X D’k tahg Dagger (Melee, 5A, Vicious 1, Size 1H, Deadly,
Hidden 1) A year before she died, Lursa was pregnant with her first son.
His whereabouts are unknown.
Chapter 10
336
TRAIT: Klingon B’etor [major]
Chapter 10
338
SPECIAL RULES: Attributes
X Brak’lul: K’Ehleyr’s Resistance is increased by 2 against
non-lethal attacks. In addition, whenever she is the target CONTROL 09 FITNESS 09 PRESENCE 11
of a First Aid task, reduce the Difficulty of that task by 1,
DARING 08 INSIGHT 08 REASON 09
to a minimum of 1.
X Cunning Negotiator: Whenever K’Ehleyr attempts
a Presence task to influence an opponent during a Disciplines
negotiation, she may re-roll one d20.
X Proficiency: When performing a command task, K’Ehleyr COMMAND 02 SECURITY 02 SCIENCE 01
adds one bonus d20.
CONN 01 ENGINEERING 03 MEDICINE –
X Resolute: K’Ehleyr is indomitable and unwilling to
succumb to adversity. This increases her maximum
Stress by 3. FOCUSES: Diplomacy, Hand-to-Hand Combat, Shipboard
X Warrior’s Spirit: When K’Ehleyr attempts a melee attack, Tactical Systems
and purchases one or more additional dice with Threat,
she may re-roll any number of d20s. STRESS: 11 RESISTANCE: 1 (Armor)
ATTACKS:
X Unarmed Strike (Melee, 3A, Knockdown, Size 1H,
Non-lethal)
X D’k tahg Dagger (Melee, 3A, Vicious 1, Size 1H, Deadly,
Hidden 1)
X Escalation Bat’leth (Melee, 5A, Vicious 1, Size 2H,
Cumbersome)
X Disruptor Pistol (Ranged, 5A, Vicious 1, Size 1H)
X Escalation Disruptor Rifle (Ranged, 6A, Vicious 1,
alexander rozhenko Size 2H, Accurate)
[notable]
SPECIAL RULES:
Alexander Rozhenko is the son of Worf and the late K’Ehleyr, X Cunning Negotiator: Whenever Alexander Rozhenko
making him one-quarter Human. Born in 2366, he matured attempts a Presence task to influence an opponent
rapidly, reaching physical adulthood by 2374. He first met during a negotiation, he may re-roll one d20.
Worf shortly before his mother’s murder in 2367, whereupon X Studious: Whenever Alexander Rozhenko spends 1 or
he lived alternately with his father on the U.S.S. Enterprise more Momentum to Obtain Information, he may ask one
and with Worf’s foster parents Sergey and Helena Rozhenko additional question (in total, not per Momentum spent on
on Earth. His mother did not teach him Klingon values, and Obtain Information).
he resisted Worf’s efforts to instill them, leading to ongoing X Warrior’s Spirit: When Alexander Rozhenko attempts a
conflict before Worf learned to respect his son’s right to follow melee attack, and purchases one or more additional dice
his own path. with Threat, he may re-roll any number of d20s.
Chapter 10
340
Optional Variant: Rodek HOPE FROM THE RUINS
Unknown to the general public, Worf did not kill Kurn but
arranged for his memory to be erased and his appearance SERGEY ROZHENKO, CHIEF PETTY OFFICER, STARFLEET
surgically altered. He was given a new identity as Rodek, (RETIRED), 2376
the amnesiac son of Noggra, an old friend of Mogh. If
a gamemaster wishes to use Rodek, Kurn’s statistics When I joined Starfleet, I was well aware of the Federation’s troubled
could be used with minor changes, such as swapping out history with the Klingons and our often-strained attempts to make
Commanding Presence for a different talent (since Rodek has peace with the Empire. Still, it wasn’t surprising in 2346 when my ship,
no memory of being a commanding officer) and substituting the U.S.S. Intrepid, answered a distress call from a Klingon colony
new values, such as: on the planet Khitomer. An orbital assault by Romulan warships had
crippled the colony’s infrastructure and killed nearly eighty percent of
X Death Before Dishonor its population.
X Still a Klingon, Even Without My Memories
X Today Is a Good Day to Die! I was among the first members of the Intrepid’s crew to transport to the
surface in an attempt to render aid. It was among this devastation that I
found Worf, a young Klingon boy orphaned after losing his family to the
worf [major] attack. After getting to know him during our relief efforts, I couldn’t bear
the thought of leaving him. My wife, Helena, and I decided to adopt Worf
Worf, son of Mogh, was born in 2340 and orphaned in the and raise him as our own son. We did our best to teach him about his
Romulan attack on the Khitomer outpost six years later. own heritage while showing him the best the Federation could offer. The
Taken in by Starfleet petty officer Sergey Rozhenko and his Khitomer massacre would weigh heavily on the Empire for many years,
wife Helena, Worf grew up among Humans on the Gault but I’d like to believe Worf is its enduring legacy, symbolizing the peace
colony and Earth, alongside the Rozhenkos’ biological son now enjoyed between the Federation and the Empire.
Nikolai, yet his foster parents encouraged him to study his
Klingon heritage, which he embraced with fervor. PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE
On a pilgrimage to Qo’noS in 2355, Worf experienced a into his House, working as Martok’s right hand during the
vision prophesying that he would do something no Klingon Dominion War. Late in the war, Worf grew disillusioned with
had ever done. He later fulfilled that prophecy by enrolling in Gowron’s corruption and challenged him, slaying Gowron in
Starfleet Academy. In 2364, he was assigned to the U.S.S. honorable combat and naming Martok the new chancellor.
Enterprise under Captain Jean-Luc Picard, who appointed Upon the end of the war in 2375, Worf became Federation
him bridge watch officer to give him a breadth of experience Ambassador to the Klingon Empire, a post he held for four
in multiple disciplines. A year later, Worf succeeded his years until he chose to return to Starfleet as first officer of
murdered friend Natasha Yar as the Enterprise‘s security the Enterprise-E.
chief, a post he held until the ship’s destruction in 2371.
TRAIT: Klingon
Despite his Starfleet service, Worf became heavily embroiled
in Klingon politics, starting when his father was posthumously VALUES:
accused of treason in the Khitomer Massacre. Worf accepted X A Klingon Warrior and a Starfleet Officer
that false charge and endured discommendation to prevent X I Am Not a Merry Man!
his family’s rivals, the House of Duras, from launching a X The True Test of a Warrior Is Within
civil war. Yet Worf later played a hand in the ascension of X Today Is a Good Day to Die!
Chancellor Gowron when he slew Duras in revenge for the
murder of K’Ehleyr, the mother of his son Alexander. When Attributes
the delayed civil war finally broke out in late 2367, Worf’s
defense of Gowron earned back his honor. CONTROL 10 FITNESS 10 PRESENCE 10
SPECIAL RULES:
X Bold (Command): Whenever Worf attempts a task with Kahless II (Clone) [notable]
Command, and he buys one or more d20s by adding to
Threat, he may re-roll a single d20. The clone of Kahless the Unforgettable was created in 2369
by the clerics of the monastery on Boreth in an attempt to
present him as the original and, through him, usurp rule of
the Empire from a government that they felt had allowed
widespread infection of Klingon culture with corruption and
dishonor. The clone believed himself to be the true Kahless,
owing to the extensive knowledge of the original’s history
with which the clerics programmed his mind.
Attributes
CONTROL 07 FITNESS 09 PRESENCE 11
Disciplines
COMMAND 03 SECURITY 02 SCIENCE 02
Chapter 10
342
FOCUSES: Inspiration, Klingon History Father To Son
STRESS: 11 RESISTANCE: 1 (Armor) SUBSPACE TRANSMISSION FROM
AMBASSADOR WORF TO I.K.S. YA’VANG
ATTACKS:
X Unarmed Strike (Melee, 3A, Knockdown, Size 1H, Alexander,
Non-lethal)
X D’k tahg Dagger (Melee, 3A, Vicious 1, Size 1H, Deadly, I have put this off for far too long, but now that you
Hidden 1) are a man, I can speak to you as such.
X Escalation Bat’leth (Melee, 5A, Vicious 1, Size 2H,
Cumbersome) With all that I have seen and experienced, I’m
X Disruptor Pistol (Ranged, 5A, Vicious 1, Size 1H) surprised it’s taken me this long to see what has
X Escalation Disruptor Rifle (Ranged, 6A, Vicious 1, always been right in front of me.
Size 2H, Accurate)
Time is not linear. Time is a circle.
SPECIAL RULES:
X Brak’lul: Kahless II’s Resistance is increased by 2 When I was young and my blood burned for battle
against non-lethal attacks. In addition, whenever he is I wanted nothing more than to be a warrior. I did
the target of a First Aid task, reduce the Difficulty of that everything I could to get posted on the Enterprise,
task by 1, to a minimum of 1. because while I knew it was a vessel of exploration,
X First into Battle: When Kahless II makes a successful I dreamed of it going to war. K’Ehleyr laughed at my
attack, he may spend 3 Threat to assist another Klingon’s lust for battle, made fun of it and my immaturity. I
next attack with his Daring + Command. loved her from the moment I met her, but I resented
X Simulated Memories: The clerics of Boreth programmed her humor, resented that she wanted to become a
Kahless II with an encyclopedic knowledge of Klingon diplomat and not a true warrior, resented how, like
customs and all stories and legends related to the me, she wrestled with being from two worlds, but was
original Kahless. Kahless II gains one automatic success able to find a place in both.
on all Reason-based tasks related to these subjects, in
addition to those rolled. And now here I am, an ambassador for the Federation,
X Warrior’s Spirit: When Kahless II attempts a melee to the Empire, just like your mother was. Every day
attack, and purchases one or more additional dice with as I undertake challenges on this new battlefield, I
Threat, he may re-roll any number of d20s. find myself wishing I had her patience, strength, and
humor, but I am pleased that you already do.
40
921
Chapter 10
344
ALLIES AND ADVERSARIES
UNITED FEDERATION
CHAPTER
10.30
lIH
OF PLANETS
"…THE FEDERATION IS PLEDGED NOT TO INTERFERE WITH THE INTERNAL
AFFAIRS OF OTHERS. HOW CONVENIENT THAT MUST BE...”
– KEEVE FALOR
starfleet security
officer [minor]
TRAIT: Human
Attributes ATTACKS:
X Unarmed Strike (Melee, 3A,
CONTROL 09 FITNESS 08 PRESENCE 08 Knockdown, Size 1H, Non-lethal)
X Phaser Type-2 (Ranged, 5A,
DARING 09 INSIGHT 07 REASON 07
Size 1H, Charge, Hidden)
X Escalation Phaser Rifle
Disciplines (Ranged, 6A, Size 2H,
Accurate, Charge)
COMMAND 02 SECURITY 02 SCIENCE –
STRESS: 10 RESISTANCE: 0
The conn officer (abbreviated from flight controller) is Members of the Starfleet Corps of Engineers maintain
responsible for both the helm and navigation systems aboard the countless technological devices used throughout the
Federation starships, from Danube-class runabouts to the Federation every day. Aboard a starship, the engineers are
colossal Galaxy-class vessels. At least one trained conn responsible for repairing shipboard systems, managing
officer is present on the bridge at all times. power usage, and providing and maintaining any equipment
used by the ship’s other departments.
TRAIT: Human
TRAIT: Human
Attributes
Attributes
CONTROL 09 FITNESS 07 PRESENCE 08
CONTROL 09 FITNESS 08 PRESENCE 07
DARING 09 INSIGHT 07 REASON 08
DARING 07 INSIGHT 08 REASON 09
Disciplines
Disciplines
COMMAND 01 SECURITY 01 SCIENCE –
COMMAND 01 SECURITY – SCIENCE 02
CONN 02 ENGINEERING 02 MEDICINE –
CONN 01 ENGINEERING 02 MEDICINE –
STRESS: 8 RESISTANCE: 0
STRESS: 8 RESISTANCE: 0
ATTACKS:
X Unarmed Strike (Melee, 2A, ATTACKS:
Knockdown, Size 1H, Non-lethal) X Unarmed Strike (Melee, 1A, Knockdown, Size 1H,
X Phaser Type-1 (Ranged, 3A, Non-lethal)
Size 1H, Charge, Hidden) X Phaser Type-1 (Ranged, 2A, Size 1H, Charge, Hidden)
X Escalation Phaser Type-2 X Escalation Phaser Type-2 (Ranged, 3A, Size 1H,
(Ranged, 4A, Size 1H, Charge) Charge)
Chapter 10
346
starfleet science starfleet intelligence
officer [minor] operative [notable]
As an integral part of Starfleet, science officers cover the Starfleet Intelligence agents operate across the Alpha and
hundreds of areas of expertise essential to the continuation Beta Quadrants in service of the Federation, often working
and development of the Federation. Starfleet Medical, a in disguise and at great risk in places Starfleet crews cannot
branch within the Science division, is the body responsible officially go. Operatives are responsible for a wide variety of
for the care and treatment of all Starfleet personnel. duties, including information gathering, diplomatic relations,
and defensive sanitizations.
TRAIT: Human
TRAIT: Human
Attributes
VALUE: The Shield of the Federation
CONTROL 08 FITNESS 07 PRESENCE 08
THE MAQUIS
Many Maquis terrorists are drawn from the ranks of angry or frustrated
ex-Starfleet officers, and as such you may use the Federation NPCs
presented here in place of Maquis fighters. Additional information on
the Maquis may be found in the Alpha Quadrant Sourcebook.
VALUES: VALUES:
X Logic is the Beginning of Wisdom, Not the End X There Is No Higher Calling Than to Serve
X A Failure to Act Can Be As Dangerous As Acting Rashly X We Endure Hardship So That Others Do Not Have To
Attributes Attributes
CONTROL 12 FITNESS 09 PRESENCE 10 CONTROL 08 FITNESS 10 PRESENCE 11
Disciplines Disciplines
COMMAND 04 SECURITY 03 SCIENCE 03 COMMAND 04 SECURITY 03 SCIENCE 02
FOCUSES: Astrophysics, Composure, Diplomacy, Starship FOCUSES: Endurance, Fleet Strategy and Tactics,
Tactics Inspiration, Military History
ATTACKS: ATTACKS:
X Vulcan Nerve Pinch (Melee, 4A, Intense, Size 1H, X Unarmed Strike (Melee, 4A, Knockdown, Size 1H,
Non-lethal) Non-lethal)
X Phaser type-2 (Ranged, 6A, Size 1H, Charge, Hidden) X Phaser Type-2 (Ranged, 6A, Size 1H, Charge)
X Escalation Phaser Rifle (Ranged, 7A, Size 1H, Charge)
SPECIAL RULES:
SPECIAL RULES: X Accomplished Strategist: Admiral Thyran is a skilled
X Considered Every Outcome: Captain T’Mek is a keenly commander who learned the arts of warfare commanding
analytical commander, regarding every situation from a ships in battle. Whenever he attempts a task to
myriad of different angles and considering the advice of formulate, execute, or explain a strategy, he may spend 1
her senior staff before coming to a command decision. Threat to re-roll his dice pool.
When she succeeds at a Reason + Command task, X Counter-Ploy: Whenever an enemy attempts a task
T’Mek scores one additional Momentum. to create an advantage representing some manner of
X Kolinahr: Captain T’Mek reduces the Difficulty of all strategy or tactic, Admiral Thyran may spend 1 Threat
tasks to resist coercion, mental intrusion, pain, and other to increase the Difficulty by 1. Further, if this task then
mental attacks by 2. fails, Thyran may immediately spend 1 additional
Threat to create an advantage of his own, representing
his own stratagem.
Chapter 10
348
ALLIES AND ADVERSARIES
ROMULAN STAR
CHAPTER
10.40
lIH
EMPIRE
“COME CLOSE TO ME, KLINGON. LET ME DIE WITH MY HANDS AT YOUR THROAT.”
The Romulan Star Empire is a reclusive and secretive galactic X Wary: Whenever a Romulan Uhlan attempts a task to
power that has only recently returned to galactic affairs after notice or detect an enemy or hazard, they may re-roll
a long period of isolationism. Based on the twin worlds of one d20.
Romulus and Remus, the Romulan Star Empire spans a
considerable area of the Beta Quadrant and has clashed with
both the Klingon Empire and the Federation on numerous ROMULAN CHARACTERS
occasions. More information about the Romulans may be
found in the Beta Quadrant Sourcebook. Romulans are similar to Vulcans, having diverged from their common
ancestors, though they did not adopt the stoicism and logic of their
cousins. Romulans are a cruel and ruthless people, quick to anger, and
romulan uhlan [minor] easily moved to emotion. A culture of military discipline seems to keep
their worst members directed toward useful ends, though paranoia
The Romulan uhlan is the lowest ranking officer in the Romulan and self-interest motivate Romulan politics as much as a desire for
Guard and makes up a substantial number of their personnel. collective benefit; at times, it seems that the only thing keeping the
Romulan Star Empire together is the fact that Romulans despise other
TRAIT: Romulan species more than they despise one another. Romulan characters have
the following modifiers:
Attributes
X Attributes: +1 Control, +1 Fitness, +1 Reason
CONTROL 09 FITNESS 08 PRESENCE 07 X Trait: Romulan. Romulan physiology
is not meaningfully different from
DARING 07 INSIGHT 08 REASON 09 that of Vulcans, though a portion
of the Romulan species exhibits
a v-shaped forehead ridge not
Disciplines
evident in Vulcans. The largest
COMMAND 01 SECURITY 02 SCIENCE – difference is that most
Romulans lack the intense
CONN 02 ENGINEERING 01 MEDICINE – mental discipline common
to Vulcans. Psychologically
STRESS: 10 RESISTANCE: 0 and culturally, Romulans
prize cunning and strength
ATTACKS: of will, and are distrustful of
X Unarmed Strike (Melee, 3A, Knockdown, Size 1H, other species: this opinion is
Non-lethal) reciprocated, as Romulans
X Dagger (Melee, 3A, Vicious 1, Size 1H) have a reputation for
X Disruptor Pistol (Ranged, 5A, Vicious 1, Size 1H) manipulation, deception,
X Escalation Disruptor Rifle (Ranged, 6A, Vicious 1, and betrayal.
Size 2H, Accurate)
SPECIAL RULES:
X Guile and Cunning: When attempting to remain hidden
or unnoticed, a Romulan Uhlan may spend 1 Threat to
increase the Difficulty of enemy tasks to detect them by 1.
The Romulan centurion is a mid-ranking officer in the The Tal Shiar is a secret Imperial Intelligence service that
Romulan Guard roughly equivalent to a lieutenant in the operates autonomously from the Romulan government and
Klingon Defense Force. They can be found as heads of is responsible for enforcing the loyalty of its citizens and the
departments aboard starships and throughout their Empire. security of the Empire. Even a low-ranking Tal Shiar major
has the authority to overrule the commanders, generals, and
TRAIT: Romulan admirals of the Romulan Guard. Verohk is an example of a
trained Tal Shiar agent.
VALUE: I Will Not Fail in My Duty to the Empire
TRAIT: Romulan
Attributes
VALUES:
CONTROL 09 FITNESS 10 PRESENCE 10 X The Ends Justify the Means
X Everything I Do, I Do for Romulus
DARING 09 INSIGHT 07 REASON 09
Attributes
Disciplines
CONTROL 11 FITNESS 09 PRESENCE 09
COMMAND 03 SECURITY 02 SCIENCE 01
DARING 09 INSIGHT 10 REASON 11
CONN 02 ENGINEERING 01 MEDICINE –
Disciplines
FOCUSES: Guerilla Tactics, Paranoia
COMMAND 04 SECURITY 03 SCIENCE 03
STRESS: 12 RESISTANCE: 0
CONN 02 ENGINEERING 02 MEDICINE 02
ATTACKS:
X Unarmed Strike (Melee, 3A, Knockdown, Size 1H, FOCUSES: Deception, Infiltration, Interrogation, Propaganda
Non-lethal)
X Dagger (Melee, 3A, Vicious 1, Size 1H) STRESS: 12 RESISTANCE: 0
X Disruptor Pistol (Ranged, 5A, Vicious 1, Size 1H)
X Escalation Disruptor Rifle (Ranged, 6A, Vicious 1, Size ATTACKS:
2H, Accurate) X Unarmed Strike (Melee, 4A, Knockdown, Size 1H,
Non-lethal)
SPECIAL RULES: X Dagger (Melee, 4A, Vicious 1, Size 1H)
X Ambush: When attacking an opponent who is unaware, X Disruptor Pistol (Ranged, 6A, Vicious 1, Size 1H)
a Romulan Centurion may spend 2 Threat to allow the
Centurion and all Romulans under their command to SPECIAL RULES:
re-roll any number of d20s on their attack rolls. X Guile and Cunning: When attempting to remain hidden
X Guile and Cunning: When attempting to remain hidden or unnoticed, Major Verohk may spend 1 Threat to
or unnoticed, a Romulan Centurion may spend 1 Threat increase the Difficulty of enemy tasks to detect her by 1.
to increase the Difficulty of enemy tasks to detect them X Ruthless and Determined: Major Verohk may spend
by 1. 2 Threat to gain the effects of a point of Determination,
X Wary: Whenever a Romulan Centurion attempts a task rather than the normal 3.
to notice or detect an enemy or hazard, they may re-roll X Supreme Authority: Whenever a Romulan currently
one d20. under Major Verohk’s command attempts a task to resist
persuasion or intimidation, Verohk may spend 1 Threat
to allow that Romulan to re-roll, even if Verohk is not
present in that scene herself.
X Wary: Whenever Major Verohk attempts a task to notice
or detect an enemy or hazard, she may re-roll one d20.
Chapter 10
350
CHAPTER ALLIES AND ADVERSARIES
10.50
CARDASSIAN UNION
lIH
“THE VERY NOTION THAT A CARDASSIAN COULD HAVE ANYTHING
IN COMMON WITH A KLINGON…IT TURNS MY STOMACH.”
– GUL OCETT
The Cardassian Union was a once-peaceful civilization that X Loyal and Disciplined: Whenever a Cardassian Soldier
developed into a militaristic power to acquire new territories receives assistance from a superior on a task, the
to support their resource-poor world. The Cardassians Cardassian Soldier may re-roll a single d20.
have been at odds with the Klingons for decades, with the
Empire usually proving victorious in skirmishes and extended
engagements. More information about the Cardassians may CARDASSIAN CHARACTERS
be found in the Alpha Quadrant Sourcebook.
Cardassians are tall, grey-skinned humanoids with pronounced
ridges on their bodies and faces. Their culture demands absolute
cardassian soldier loyalty to family and to the state – with Cardassian morality plays
[minor] often depicting conflicts between the two – and they prize individual
cunning, self-control, and the ability to endure hardship. Cardassians
Cardassian soldiers can be found operating in many different are a secretive people, even among close friends and family, and being
posts throughout the Union, such as ground troops, ship suspicious and skeptical of others is regarded as wise and prudent.
crews, or enforcing laws across their territories. They value educational attainment and knowledge, and they are fond
of conversation and lively debate. They are frequently regarded as
TRAIT: Cardassian domineering, ruthless, arrogant, and duplicitous. Cardassian characters
have the following modifiers:
Attributes
X Attributes: +1 Control, +1 Presence, +1 Reason
CONTROL 09 FITNESS 08 PRESENCE 08 X Trait: Cardassian. Cardassians possess extraordinary mental
discipline, and commonly have photographic memories, the
DARING 07 INSIGHT 07 REASON 09 result of intense training during childhood. They are intolerant of
cold environments, but quite comfortable at higher
temperatures. Cardassian hearing is slightly less
Disciplines
acute than that of Klingons or Humans, and they are
COMMAND 02 SECURITY 02 SCIENCE – uncomfortable in bright light.
Disciplines
Disciplines
COMMAND 03 SECURITY 02 SCIENCE 01
COMMAND 04 SECURITY 03 SCIENCE 02
CONN 02 ENGINEERING 01 MEDICINE –
CONN 03 ENGINEERING 03 MEDICINE 01
Chapter 10
352
CHAPTER ALLIES AND ADVERSARIES
10.60
FERENGI ALLIANCE
lIH
"THEN WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT THE FERENGI IS TRUE. YOU'RE ALL LYING,
THIEVING, COWARDS WHO HAVE NO SENSE OF LOYALTY OR HONOR.”
– GRILKA
A Ferengi salesman is a master negotiator and trader that DaiMon is a purchasable military, mercantile, or political rank
can be found across the Galaxy in pursuit of the next big that allows for command of a starship and the conducting
business deal. Where there is latinum to be made, a Ferengi of trade negotiations or even piracy on behalf of the Ferengi
salesman is not far away. Alliance. Any DaiMon found using methods unapproved (or
which are not adequately profitable) by the Alliance or their
TRAIT: Ferengi investors may lose command and be stripped of their rank.
Skel is representative of the average DaiMon.
VALUE: 1st Rule of Acquisition: Once You Have Their Money,
Never Give It Back TRAIT: Ferengi
Attributes VALUES:
X 48th Rule of Acquisition: The Bigger the Smile, the
CONTROL 09 FITNESS 07 PRESENCE 11 Sharper the Knife
X 211th Rule of Acquisition: Employees Are the Rungs on
DARING 09 INSIGHT 09 REASON 09
the Ladder to Success; Don’t Hesitate to Step On Them
Disciplines Attributes
COMMAND 03 SECURITY 02 SCIENCE 01 CONTROL 10 FITNESS 08 PRESENCE 11
Chapter 10
354
CHAPTER ALLIES AND ADVERSARIES
10.70
THE DOMINION
lIH
"[THE JEM’HADAR ARE] SOULLESS CREATURES, WORF, FIGHTING FOR
NO GOAL, NO PURPOSE EXCEPT TO SERVE THE FOUNDERS.”
– GENERAL MARTOK
Established over ten thousand years ago, the Dominion is DOMINION CHARACTERS
an interstellar power originating in the Gamma Quadrant
that seeks to bring order to the Galaxy through subjugation JEM’HADAR
and diplomacy. Ruled by the shape-changing Founders, Created to serve as the Dominion’s military,
and served by their genetically-engineered subordinates Jem'Hadar are bred in birthing chambers, growing
the Jem'Hadar and the Vorta, the Dominion has influence to maturity in three days, and developing complex
over hundreds of worlds and civilizations. Greater detail reasoning and language skills within a day of birth.
about the Dominion may be found in the Gamma Quadrant Once mature, they do not eat, drink, or
Sourcebook. sleep, taking all nourishment from a drug –
ketracel-white (“the white”) – distributed by
their Vorta overseer as a means of ensuring
jem'hadar warrior [minor] loyalty. Few Jem’Hadar live for longer than
15 years due simply to battlefield casualties, with
Created solely for combat, Jem’Hadar warriors are reliant those living to 20 being regarded as “Elders.”
on the nutrition of the addictive narcotic ketracel-white. Jem’Hadar characters have the following modifiers:
Withdrawal from this drug causes pain, madness, and
eventually death, ensuring absolute loyalty to the Dominion. X Attributes: +1 Daring, +1 Fitness, +1 Insight
X Trait: Jem’Hadar. Individual Jem’Hadar
TRAIT: Jem’Hadar are physically powerful, far stronger and
more resilient than Humans. They have
exceptionally keen eyesight, and act utterly
Attributes
without fear or hesitation in battle. They do
CONTROL 08 FITNESS 09 PRESENCE 07 not regard death with apprehension, and
are extremely aggressive, limited only by
DARING 09 INSIGHT 08 REASON 07 their absolute obedience to the Founders
and the Vorta.
Disciplines
VORTA
COMMAND 01 SECURITY 02 SCIENCE – Created to serve as the Dominion’s
advisors, scientists, diplomats, and overseers, the Vorta act
CONN 02 ENGINEERING 01 MEDICINE – as the Founders’ closest servants and foremost representatives.
Vorta are cloned in batches, a new clone being activated and placed
STRESS: 11 RESISTANCE: 2 (Armor) into service upon the death of a predecessor, receiving the memories
of their predecessor, while remaining a distinct individual. Vorta are
ATTACKS: cunning and clever, but have little creativity or sense of aesthetics. Vorta
X Unarmed Strike (Melee, 3A, Knockdown, Vicious 1, Size 1H) characters have the following modifiers:
X Blade (Melee, 4A, Vicious 1, Size 1H)
X Escalation Kar’takin (Melee, 5A, Vicious 1, Size 2H) X Attributes: +1 Insight, +1 Presence, +1 Reason
X Plasma Rifle (Ranged, 6A, Vicious 1, Size 2H, Accurate, X Trait: Vorta. Vorta have keen hearing, but relatively poor eyesight.
Debilitating) They are immune to most forms of poison. Vorta are absolutely loyal
to the Dominion, revering the Founders as living gods. Those who
encounter the Vorta often regard them as insincere or manipulative.
Disciplines
Disciplines
COMMAND 02 SECURITY 03 SCIENCE –
COMMAND 04 SECURITY 02 SCIENCE 03
CONN 02 ENGINEERING 01 MEDICINE 01
CONN 03 ENGINEERING 02 MEDICINE 02
Chapter 10
356
ALLIES AND ADVERSARIES
THE BORG
CHAPTER
10.80
lIH
COLLECTIVE
"RESISTANCE IS FUTILE.”
– THE BORG
Cybernetic humanoids from the Delta Quadrant, the Borg have BORG CHARACTERS
traveled the Galaxy assimilating over ten thousand different
species to add to their Collective. There is no individuality Borg is not something that a person is born to, but rather something
within the Collective; each drone is linked by a hive mind to that they are forced to become – though for infants and children
one another and given a new designation according to their assimilated by the Collective, they may have little or no memory of any
place within the group. The Borg Collective is described in other life. The Borg meld biology with technology, and a drone will have
greater detail in the Delta Quadrant Sourcebook. countless implants, the result of both invasive surgery and aggressive
nanotechnology. Borg NPCs are all mixed-species characters – their
original species, and their new reality as part of the Collective.
borg tactical drone
[minor] X Attributes: Borg characters do not receive any specific attribute
increases, nor do they use those of their original species; instead,
A Borg tactical drone can be any one of the thousands of they increase any three attributes by 1.
species assimilated by the Collective, but all have the same
basic modifications: enhanced strength, a personal force X Trait: Borg. Borg are extremely strong and resilient, owing to their
field, a neural transceiver that connects to the hive mind, and technologically-enhanced physiology. They lack self-determination
an assimilation tubule. and intuition, relying on directives and protocols from the Collective,
and the gestalt consciousness of countless other Borg drones.
This profile represents an assimilated Klingon, whose size
and strength make them ideally suited to becoming tactical COMMON BORG SPECIAL RULES
drones. It can be adjusted to represent other species by Borg NPCs commonly use the following special rules:
changing the second species trait (examples of other species
traits may be found on pages 349, 351, 353, and 355). X Adaptive Shielding: Each time a single Borg drone within a scene is
injured by an energy-based ranged weapon (such as a disruptor or
TRAITS: Borg, Klingon phaser), roll 1A for each drone injured by that type of weapon. If an
effect is rolled, then all Borg drones in that scene become immune
to that type of ranged weapon. Melee attacks and projectiles are
Attributes
unaffected by this.Assimilation: A character injured by assimilation
CONTROL 08 FITNESS 09 PRESENCE 07 tubules has been injected with Borg nanoprobes, beginning the
process of assimilation. This process is extremely difficult to reverse
DARING 09 INSIGHT 07 REASON 08 – if the character dies from that injury, they become a nascent drone.
If the character’s injury is stabilized, they must add one to Threat at
the start of each scene in order to not succumb to the nanoprobes,
Disciplines
until they can have the nanoprobes removed and their injury healed (a
COMMAND – SECURITY 02 SCIENCE 01 Control + Medicine task with a Difficulty of 4).
CONN 01 ENGINEERING 01 MEDICINE – X Threat Protocols: Borg drones will not attack or take any other
hostile or tactical actions unless attacked first, or directed to do
STRESS: 11 RESISTANCE: 3 (Exoplating) so by the Collective. During any scene, it costs 1 Threat to allow a
drone to make attacks or take hostile action for the remainder of
ATTACKS: this scene; this cost is waived for all drones present in the scene
X Unarmed Strike (Melee, 3A, Knockdown, Size 1H, Non-lethal) (including reinforcements arriving during the scene) if any drone is
X Escalation Assimilation Tubules (Melee, 5A, Intense, attacked.
Size 1H, Deadly, Debilitating)
Disciplines ATTACKS:
X Unarmed Strike (Melee, 2A, Knockdown, Size 1H,
COMMAND – SECURITY 01 SCIENCE 02 Non-lethal)
X Escalation Assimilation Tubules (Melee, 4A, Intense,
CONN 01 ENGINEERING 02 MEDICINE –
Size 1H, Deadly, Debilitating)
Chapter 10
358
ALLIES AND ADVERSARIES
BEASTS OF THE
CHAPTER
10.90
lIH
GALAXY
“YOU DO NOT KILL AN ANIMAL UNLESS YOU INTEND TO EAT IT.”
– TOQ
Finding yourself at the mercy of life in the Galaxy is never a glommer [minor]
position a warship captain should find themselves in. This
section should help you understand a creature’s strengths Glommers are genetically-engineered bulbous predators with
and weaknesses, including how to exploit them. four spindly legs and two eye-stalks, created by the Klingon
geneticist Kej. Glommers were designed solely to hunt, kill,
and eat tribbles. The independent space trader Cyrano Jones
denevan neural parasite stole a glommer in the 23rd century to aid in cleaning a
[minor] tribble infestation on Deep Space Station K-7.
STRESS: 9 RESISTANCE: 0
SPECIAL RULES
X Attach: Should the Neural Parasite become attached to
an area on a host creature large enough to hold it (i.e., a
humanoid torso), the parasite fuses with the creature’s
nervous system, in essence controlling the creature.
Chapter 10
360
Attributes
CONTROL 04 FITNESS 11 PRESENCE 08
Disciplines
COMMAND 02 SECURITY 02 SCIENCE –
STRESS: 13 RESISTANCE: 0
ATTACKS:
X Tusks (Melee, 3A, Knockdown, Size 1H) – even one disguised or surgically altered – within Close
X Bite (Melee, 3A, Vicious 1, Size 1H, Cumbersome) range, while a disguised Klingon must attempt a Control
+ Command task with a Difficulty of 2 to mask their
SPECIAL RULES disgust at the presence of a tribble.
X Boar Rush: The targ charges at the character, attempting
to knock them to the ground. In doing this, the targ
moves up to two zones into melee range with the mugato [notable]
character and performs a “Tusks” attack.
The mugato of the planet Neural is a white-furred carnivorous
ape. Regularly attacking humanoids who stray too close to
tribble [minor] their mountain home, the mugato are known for biting their
prey, injecting them with a fatal poison.
Tribbles are small furry life-forms, often regarded as
unintelligent, and are native to the plant Iota Geminorum IV. It will generally choose to use its poison if it perceives the
They make soft, calming, purring sounds when touched, and threat as a future food source, due to the slow-acting nature
breed at an alarming rate outside of their native world. When of the poison. The primary cure for this poison is the local
in close proximity to Klingons, tribbles emit a high-pitched mahko root, the use of which is known to locals.
shriek. It is suggested that due to both species having a
keen sense of smell, they find each other repulsive, the main TRAIT: Mugato
reason for their mortal rivalry.
VALUES: Territorial Predator
TRAIT: Tribble
Attributes
Attributes
CONTROL 06 FITNESS 11 PRESENCE 10
CONTROL 04 FITNESS 04 PRESENCE 09
DARING 08 INSIGHT 04 REASON 06
DARING 08 INSIGHT 06 REASON 06
Disciplines
Disciplines
COMMAND – SECURITY 02 SCIENCE –
COMMAND – SECURITY 02 SCIENCE –
CONN – ENGINEERING – MEDICINE –
CONN – ENGINEERING – MEDICINE –
Attributes VALUES:
X Arboreal Hunter
CONTROL 08 FITNESS 12 PRESENCE 09 X Pays Small Creatures Little Heed
ATTACKS:
X Claws (Melee, 5A Area, Vicious 1, Size 1H)
X Teeth (Melee, 6A Piercing 2, Vicious 1, Size 1H,
Debilitating)
X Fire breath (Ranged, 5A Area, Intense, Size 1H)
SPECIAL RULES:
X Massive: The Berengarian Dragon is massive. It has
twice as much stress as normal. Further, it takes 8 Stress
to inflict an injury instead of 5.
Chapter 10
362
CHAPTER 11.00
INTRODUCTORY
ADVENTURE
96241
14501 97136
9262
378
5732
9574
372
24
7’
6246 37931
26871’
introductory adventure
363
INTRODUCTORY ADVENTURE
THE ORACLE OF
CHAPTER
11.10
lIH
BAR’KOTH REACH
"SEEK THE ORACLE, BUT ONLY IF YE BE WARRIORS OF VALOR!"
– KLINGON PROVERB
introduction The oracle praises the player characters for their wit, which
allowed them to overcome the temporal incursions, and their
This brief adventure introduces new players and strength, which allowed them to defeat the sentry beasts.
gamemasters to the Star Trek universe from a decidedly Glorithar also tells the player characters of her tragic life. She
Klingon point of view. The players take on the roles of was once part of a noble House, and she and her brother
Klingon warriors questing for honor and yearning for a gathered a fleet of Klingon warriors with which they planned
chance to prove themselves in battle. This scenario may be to conquer the Empire. But Glorithar learned that her brother
used as a one-shot adventure or as the introductory story for planned to execute not only the heads of their rival Houses
an ongoing Klingon campaign. but also many neutral Houses as well. She thought the plan
cruel and killed her brother in single combat to stop him.
Many generals loyal to her brother sought to destroy her,
synopsis but she used a chroniton weapon that essentially froze her
foes in time. Heartbroken and alone, she turned to a life
The player characters, stationed aboard a bird-of-prey, set of mediation and study and became a well-known oracle
out to seek the wisdom and blessing of the fabled oracle throughout the Empire.
of Bar’Koth Reach. Klingon tradition tells of a great warrior
named Glorithar who turned to a life of contemplation and But the chronitons she used to flood the Bar’Koth Reach
seclusion within a small temple located somewhere in the are decaying, and her enemies soon will reemerge into the
Bar’Koth Reach, a densely-packed asteroid field. Only time stream. Glorithar expects their leader, General Gruth,
worthy Klingon warriors possess the courage and guile to will want revenge. At the climax of the scenario, a time
negotiate the dangers of the Reach and locate the oracle, anomaly forms inside the temple and several of Glorithar’s
who will reward successful visitors with guidance on the old enemies rejoin the timestream. The player characters
attainment of glory. Most Klingon warriors who set out on this must choose to either allow them to exact their revenge on
journey fail in their quest. Glorithar or fight by her side.
The player characters will quickly discover the asteroid field If the player characters defend Glorithar and survive the
resonates with chroniton radiation, creating navigational scenario, Glorithar prophesizes that a great victory awaits
hazards as well as the possibility that any wrong move them in the Shackleton Expanse. She then boards a shuttle
could cause a temporal displacement that sends their ship and drifts out into the cosmos, where she plans to die alone.
back to the moment it entered the Bar’Koth Reach. The Her song, she says, has reached its end, but the player
player characters’ bird-of-prey also may encounter temporal characters’ song has yet to be written.
echoes, or brief glimpses of a starship battle that took place
decades ago inside the Reach. These echoes emerge from Gamemasters begin this scenario with two points of
temporal anomalies before mysteriously disappearing. Threat for each player.
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364
scene 1: welcome to commander’s LOg
bar’KOTH REACH
“I have determined that it is time for my crew to
After the commander of the player characters’ ship reads take its rightful place among the Empire’s most
the log entry, the gamemaster should read or paraphrase revered warriors. Accordingly, we have decided to
the following: travel to Bar’Koth Reach to receive the blessing
of the legendary oracle there. The journey through
You’ve dropped out of warp near Bar’Koth Reach, the asteroid field has claimed the lives of countless
and a massive asteroid field crowds the viewscreen. Klingon warriors over the decades, but the few who
Moments later, everyone on the bridge feels a prickly have entered the oracle’s temple and heard her
sensation on their skin. The sensation intensifies wisdom have earned great honor for themselves,
until it becomes overwhelming. Suddenly, every their Houses, and the Empire. I have no doubt we are
warrior and instrument reading on the bridge moves equal to the task. The oracle will have no choice but
backward to where it was several moments earlier to grant us her blessing, and word of our courageous
before the prickly sensation dissipates and normal deeds will spread throughout the Empire. Qapla’!”
bridge activity resumes. It was as if everything aboard
the ship shifted backward in time for a few seconds
before the normal passage of time reasserted itself.
Any player character operating a sensor station can scan the task to plot the course fails, the piloting task becomes
nearby space to try and determine what just happened. This Difficulty 3 instead of Difficulty 2.
requires a Reason + Science task, assisted by the ship’s
Sensors + Science, with a Difficulty of 1. A success allows If the task to pilot the ship fails, the vessel runs into a
the player character to pick up elevated ambient chroniton massive temporal anomaly. The anomaly engulfs the entire
levels throughout the Bar’Koth Reach, causing temporal ship and sends it back to the precise moment it entered
anomalies to swirl among the asteroids. This will create a the asteroid field. In this case, the gamemaster should start
navigational hazard for any ship trying to pass through the the scenario from the beginning and have the commander
asteroids and is likely one of the reasons so many previous of the bird-of-prey read the log entry at the beginning of
attempts to reach the oracle have failed. the adventure. The player characters will feel a tingling
sensation for a few moments and then realize that they’ve
Player characters can spend a point of Momentum to done all this before.
Obtain Information, which reveals that the exotic element
dibermanium makes up much of the asteroid field. The Alternatively, the gamemaster can spend 2 Threat to trigger
dibermanium appears to resonate with the chronitons, a complication caused by the temporal anomaly, which has
which has kept them from dissipating. This means the the same effect detailed above. The gamemaster can use
chronitons could have originated decades, maybe even this Threat spend at any point during this scenario until the
centuries, in the past, but they continue to cause temporal final scene when the chronitons decay completely and the
disturbances because of the dibermanium. The Obtain temporal disturbances cease.
Information spend also allows the player characters to
discern that, although the dibermanium has allowed the If the player characters successfully complete the piloting
temporal disturbances to persist for a length of time, the task, their bird-of-prey glides through the asteroid field and
effect won’t last forever and is fading. This region of space avoids the major temporal anomalies on its way to the outpost
has experienced temporal disturbances for decades, but where Glorithar lives. However, before they reach the outpost,
those disturbances soon will cease. sensors detect debris spilling out of one of the temporal
anomalies. A Difficulty 2 Reason + Science task, assisted by
The high levels of chronitons create a complication for the ship’s Sensors + Science, shows the wreckage belongs
any scene that takes place in the Bar’Koth Reach. This to an old Klingon ship that predates even the aging D7 battle
complication is titled “Elevated Chroniton Levels 1,” and it cruisers. Sensors find no life signs among the debris and
increases the Difficulty of any tasks attempting to navigate show that part of the wreckage is slightly out of phase with
through the Reach or scan the area with sensors or surrounding space. An Obtain Information Momentum spend
tricorders. Piloting the bird-of-prey through the asteroid field indicates the wreckage is much better preserved than the
to the oracle’s outpost will require two tasks. The first task is age of the vessel would suggest, as if the wreckage passed
to plot a course by successfully completing a Difficulty 2 through the temporal anomaly and traveled into the future.
Reason + Conn task, assisted by the ship’s Sensors +
Science. The second task, piloting the ship through the At any point during this initial scene, the player characters
asteroid field, must be performed by the character at the may wish to search the ship’s computer database to learn
helm by completing a Difficulty 2 Control + Conn task. If more about Glorithar, the oracle of Bar’Koth Reach. Her
Introductory Adventure
365
name and reputation as a wise sage have spread throughout scene 2: the outpost
the Empire. It does not require a task for any of the player
characters to recall that she is widely believed to have Glorithar’s outpost awaits at the heart of the Bar’Koth
been an accomplished warrior who devoted her life to Reach. Once the player characters successfully pilot their
quiet contemplation and solitude on her asteroid outpost. bird-of-prey into the vicinity of the outpost, they see an
Searching the ship’s computer is a Difficulty 0 task, which aging but sturdy artificial structure built directly into a
the player characters can attempt by using Reason + large asteroid. Klingon engineers hollowed out much of
Command, assisted by the ship’s Computers + Command, the asteroid’s core to make room for the structure, which
to call up details contained in the Empire’s archives. Such a was constructed from the inside of the asteroid outward.
search reveals the following information: Several structures, including communications towers
and docking ports, protrude outward from the asteroid’s
Glorithar’s brother, Kel’Dragh, was the heir of a powerful surface. Player characters who look closely can spot
Klingon House. Glorithar and Kel’Dragh worked together several domes on the surface of the asteroid that house
to assemble a powerful fleet of ships commanded by a hydroponics gardens.
team of veteran Klingon warriors. It was widely expected
that Kel’Dragh, backed by his fleet, would ascend to the The player characters can scan the outpost with sensors.
chancellorship, with Glorithar as his main advisor. However, This is a Difficulty 2 task using Reason + Science, assisted
dissent among Kel’Dragh’s generals led to an insurrection by the ship’s Sensors + Science, unless they’ve found a way
that claimed Kel’Dragh’s life. Glorithar fought and defeated to filter out the chroniton interference. A successful sensor
the rebellious generals and likely could have pressed on to scan shows the outpost runs on a fusion generator, which is
claim more territory. Instead, heartbroken by the loss of her currently powering life support, artificial gravity, and minimal
brother, she remained on her outpost in the Bar’Koth Reach. defense screens that keep large asteroids from colliding
She is now considered among the wisest oracles in the with the outpost but probably wouldn’t last long against a
history of the Empire. disruptor barrage.
Gamemaster Note: The official historical record contained in The player characters can gain access to the outpost by
the Empire’s archives misses a few critical details, which the beaming into one of the hydroponics domes or by docking
player characters may discover in the course of this scenario. their bird-of-prey to the outpost. Beaming aboard requires
For the full story, see the sidebar titled The Story of Glorithar, a Difficulty 2 Reason + Science task, assisted by the
Oracle of Bar’Koth Reach. ship’s Sensors + Science to calibrate the transporter to
Chapter 11
366
compensate for the chroniton interference. A failed roll means TRAINED TARGS [MINOR]
the player characters materialize about five meters above
the deck of the intended beam-down location, causing each Glorithar keeps packs of trained targs as her only companions aboard
character to take 3A damage when they fall to the ground. the outpost. Some of the beasts roam the corridors and act as sentries
Docking the ship requires a Difficulty 2 Control + Conn to test the combat prowess of any who seek Glorithar’s wisdom. She
task, assisted by the ship’s Engines + Conn. A failed roll keeps her favorite targs within the temple and treats them as pets.
means chronitons confused the ship’s lateral sensors and
the ship lurched into the outpost, causing 5A damage to the TRAIT: Targ
bird-of-prey.
Attributes
Once the player characters gain entrance to the outpost, the
gamemaster should read or paraphrase the following: CONTROL 05 FITNESS 11 PRESENCE 08
Gamemaster Note: This encounter foreshadows the such a state of disrepair that it would be impossible to bring
climax of this scenario, in which several Klingon warriors the equipment back online without additional parts.
who were frozen in time by Glorithar’s chroniton generator
return to the normal timestream. The chronitons in the This device was originally constructed under orders from
Bar’Koth Reach are finally decaying decades after the Glorithar and Kel’Dragh, which they used to keep hostile
battle. The temporal anomalies that swept up many of the forces from finding their outpost. Glorithar overloaded the
ships and warriors who fought in the battle are fading away. device during the battle with the forces loyal to her brother to
Gamemasters can repeat this encounter throughout this wipe many of her foes from the timestream.
scene if the action slows down.
Once the player characters have had a few minutes to
The player characters will have to make their way toward examine the equipment, they hear fierce growls and the
the core of the outpost, where Glorithar has set up her frantic pounding of hooves charging in their direction. A pack
temple and spends virtually all of her time. Before they can of six targs, sentries bred by Glorithar, defends her temple
enter the temple, however, the player characters encounter and attack anyone who tries to gain access. If the player
a large chamber filled with scientific equipment that isn’t characters successfully dispatch Glorithar’s guard targs, they
immediately recognizable. If the player characters examine can enter the central chamber of the outpost, which Glorithar
the technology and successfully complete a Difficulty 3 has converted into a temple.
Reason + Engineering task, they conclude this equipment
could be used to generate chronitons and distribute them
throughout local space. Utilizing the Additional Information
Momentum spend allows them to deduce that the
equipment has been powered down for decades and is in
Introductory Adventure
367
scene 3: glorithar’s oracle of the Bar’Koth Reach, for my song is nearly
Temple complete. Why have you come to see me?”
The gamemaster should read or paraphrase the following to If the player characters ask Glorithar for advice on the
the players when they enter the temple: attainment of glory, she stresses the importance of sacrifice
for the good of the Empire. She says the Empire’s greatest
The smell of burning incense hangs heavy in the air threat always originates from within, pointing to treachery and
at the heart of the outpost. Banners emblazoned mistrust among the Empire’s great Houses as more corrosive
with ancient Klingon symbols cover the walls, and than anything done by the Romulans or other rival powers.
candles flicker amid the gloom, faintly illuminating a
pair of dozing targs held in place by heavy leashes If asked for her blessing, she grants it but tells the player
in a corner of the room. The bent form of an elderly characters that her blessing soon will be worthless. At this
Klingon woman sits silently in the center of the point, she tells the player characters the full story that led her
temple. A bat’leth and mek’leth, both finely crafted, to kill her own brother in single combat with the bat’leth she
rest near her feet. She appears to be in deep still carries. The gamemaster can relate any of the material
meditation, her shoulders rising and falling slowly with contained in the Story of Glorithar, Oracle of Bar’Koth Reach
her breathing. She makes no other movement. sidebar from earlier in this scenario to the players.
The old woman is Glorithar, the sage whose blessing the Cunning use of the chroniton generator gave her the
player characters seek. She’s aware that the player characters advantage she needed to overcome her foes. Now, however,
have entered her temple, but she will not speak to them until the chronitons that sustain the temporal anomalies are
they approach and address her. If they speak to her, Glorithar decaying. The warriors who were wiped from the timestream
slowly opens her eyes and speaks in a raspy voice. will return to normal space and time at any moment.
“I suspect,” she tells the player characters with resignation,
“The temporal anomalies in the asteroid field tested “they will want their vengeance. I am too old to fight them
your wits, and my targs tested your mettle,” she and too old to run from them. So I wait.”
tells the player characters. “And you have proven
yourselves worthy. Welcome to my temple. Yet you Moments later, a temporal anomaly ripples open in the temple
will be the last to receive the blessing of Glorithar, the and deposits General Gruth and five time-displaced warriors
generator Room
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Chapter 11
368
TIME-DISPLACED WARRIOR [MINOR]
These Klingon warriors were forced from the timestream by STRESS: 11 RESISTANCE: 1 (Armor)
Glorithar’s chroniton generator decades ago, but the chronitons
have dissipated, allowing them to return to normal space and time. ATTACKS:
X Unarmed Strike (Melee, 3A, Knockdown, Size 1H, Non-lethal)
TRAIT: Klingon X D’k tahg dagger (Melee, 3A, Vicious 1, Size 1H, Deadly,
Hidden 1)
Attributes X Disruptor Pistol (Ranged, 5A, Vicious 1, Size 1H)
glorithar [MajOR]
Glorithar has devoted her life to solitary contemplation and FOCUSES: Bladed Weapons, Klingon Philosophy, Klingon
meditation, granting audiences only to those Klingons who prove Spirituality, Meditation
themselves worthy of braving the hazards of the Bar’Koth Reach
and her targ sentries. She knows the chronitons in the region are STRESS: 15 RESISTANCE: 1 (Armor)
fading and that her enemies likely will soon reappear in normal
space and time. She views the coming battle with resignation and ATTACKS:
even some relief. X Unarmed Strike (Melee, 6A, Knockdown, Size 1H, Non-lethal)
X D’k tahg dagger (Melee, 6A, Vicious 1, Size 1H, Deadly,
TRAITS: Klingon, Elder, Oracle Hidden 1)
X Mek’leth sword (Melee, 7A, Vicious 1, Size 1H)
VALUES: X Escalation Bat’leth (Melee 8A, Vicious 1, Size 2H)
X The Glory of the Empire Is More Important than the
Glory of the Warrior SPECIAL RULES:
X My Enemies Will Someday Return to Normal Space and Time; X Brak’lul: Glorithar’s Resistance is increased by 2 against
I Will Not Retreat from Them non-lethal attacks. In addition, whenever she is the target of a
X Speak No Unnecessary Words First Aid task, she reduces the Difficulty of that task by 1, to a
X My Song Nears Its End minimum of 1.
X Warrior’s Spirit: When Glorithar attempts a melee attack, and
Attributes purchases one or more additional dice with Threat, she may
re-roll any number of d20s.
CONTROL 08 FITNESS 10 PRESENCE 11 X Bat’leth Proficiency: Glorithar wields the same bat’leth
she used to defeat her brother in single combat. Whenever
DARING 11 INSIGHT 10 REASON 09
Glorithar attempts an attack with her bat’leth, she gains one
bonus d20.
Disciplines X Song of Glory: Any time Glorithar assists an ally in a combat-
related task, she sings a traditional Klingon war song that
COMMAND 04 SECURITY 05 SCIENCE 02 inspires her, allowing her to re-roll her d20.
X Klingon Lore Familiarity: Any time Glorithar attempts a task
CONN 03 ENGINEERING 01 MEDICINE 01
to recall information about a Klingon legend from memory,
the Difficulty for the task is reduced by 1.
Introductory Adventure
369
GENERAL GRUTH [NOTABLE] into the room. They act disoriented at first but quickly gain their
bearings. Gruth glares at Glorithar, recognizing her despite her
Loyal to Glorithar’s brother, Kel’Dragh, when General Gruth learned of aged appearance and bellows: “I don’t know what deception
Kel’Dragh’s death, he swore vengeance on Glorithar. Glorithar lured him you’ve attempted, traitor, but you will die for your crimes.”
into the central chamber of her outpost and used her chroniton generator
to sweep him and his warriors out of the timestream. Now, he’s returned Glorithar lifts her bat’leth and replies, “Let’s finish this.”
to normal space and time and seeks to fulfill his vow of revenge.
This leaves the player characters with a choice. They can
TRAIT: Klingon decide to leave Glorithar to her fate, in which case Gruth and
his bloodthirsty warriors enact their vengeance. However, the
VALUE: I Have Sworn to Avenge the Death of Kel’Dragh by Slaying player characters can also choose to fight alongside Glorithar.
Glorithar This will be a bloody and glorious battle to the death. Neither
Gruth nor Glorithar will give up the fight until their dying
Attributes breath, nor will either one show mercy to their foes. Player
characters can spend their turn unleashing the two sleeping
CONTROL 10 FITNESS 09 PRESENCE 08 targs, who are Glorithar’s cherished pets. Freeing a single targ
is a Difficulty 0 task, requiring a character to either remove the
DARING 09 INSIGHT 07 REASON 08
beast’s collar or cut through its leash. The beasts will join the
fray and fight to the death in defense of their master.
Disciplines
This fight is intended to be the climax of the scenario, as
COMMAND 02 SECURITY 03 SCIENCE – skilled warriors battle to prove themselves victorious in a
decades-old grudge. The player characters can choose
CONN 02 ENGINEERING 01 MEDICINE 01 to fight with disruptors, but their foes will taunt them and
question their courage, choosing instead to fight with blades.
FOCUSES: Bladed Weapons, Fleet Combat The temple encompasses a small area and constitutes only
a single zone, further encouraging the player characters to
STRESS: 12 RESISTANCE: 1 (Armor) fight with melee weapons in close quarters. Gamemasters can
spend Threat to cause additional time-displaced warriors to
ATTACKS: emerge from temporal anomalies. In this case, the number of
X Unarmed Strike (Melee, 4A Knockdown, Size 1H, Non-lethal) warriors costs an equivalent number of Threat.
X D’k tahg dagger (Melee, 4A, Vicious 1, Size 1H, Deadly, Hidden 1)
X Escalation Bat’leth (Melee 6A, Vicious 1, Size 2H)
X Disruptor Pistol (Ranged, 6A, Vicious 1, Size 1H) conclusion
SPECIAL RULES: No matter how the fight between Glorithar and Gruth ends, the
X Brak’lul: Gruth’s Resistance is increased by 2 against non-lethal player characters will be the last Klingons to seek the blessing
attacks. In addition, whenever he is the target of a First Aid task, of the oracle of Bar’Koth Reach. If Glorithar falls in battle, her
he reduces the Difficulty of that task by 1, to a minimum of 1. last words are, “Kel’Dragh, today I join you in Sto-Vo-Kor.”
X Warrior’s Spirit: When Gruth attempts a melee attack, and
purchases one or more additional dice with Threat, he may re-roll If, however, she survives the battle with Gruth, she tells the
any number of d20s. player characters they have earned her gratitude. “Even
X Vengeance Bound: Whenever Gruth attempts an attack against greater glory awaits you in the Shackleton Expanse,” she tells
Glorithar with a bladed weapon, he gains one bonus d20. the player characters. “Go, and bring honor to the Empire.”
She then explains that, with Gruth’s death, her story has
reached its end. She offers the most worthy player character
CONTINUING VOYAGES… her bat’leth (gamemaster choice or poll the players) and
climbs aboard a small shuttlecraft and launches into space,
Gamemasters and players who wish to continue their characters’ where she plans to spend her final days meditating, never to
adventures following the events of “The Oracle of Bar’Koth Reach” can be heard from again.
use any of the adventure seeds from Chapter 9.20, material from the Living
Campaign available online, or may choose to pick up the Shackleton Once the characters watch her shuttle depart, they can beam
Expanse Campaign Setting. Modiphius also offers a selection of Klingon- back to their bird-of-prey and set course for their next glorious
themed standalone adventures in electronic format on www.modiphius.net adventure. Gamemasters planning to take their campaign to
with which to continue the story of your valiant warriors! a location other than the Shackleton Expanse can substitute
their location of choice.
Chapter 11
370
APPENDIX
First contact is hard, figuring out if that new alien is saying brak’lul Hegh’bat D’Har
“take me to your leader” or “I will gut you like a trout.” And Fek’lhr Mek’ba R’uustai
even subsequent interactions with new languages may lead
to mistakes and false assumptions. What do we know about This situation greatly improved around the time of the
the person we’re depending on to acquire the basics for our creation of the Genesis Planet (circa stardate 8227.6) at
language database? Are they competent? Is their vocabulary which time a Klingon officer was acquired by the Federation
strong or even representative of the larger society? Are they and apparently held for years in a detention facility on Earth
speaking a dialect? where he received regular visits from a linguist. The reports
from those encounters led to our first real understanding of
All of these problems came up in our early understanding the language and resulted in an explosion of scholarship and
of Klingon. The initial reports coming out of Broken Bow, insight, including several popular books and the creation of
Oklahoma described Klingon as having “80 poly-guttural academies and institutes dedicated to the language.
dialects constructed on an adaptive syntax." Which in turn
may be responsible for Starfleet putting too much emphasis We now know that it is not enough to speak of tlhIngan Hol
on understanding whatever dialect was spoken by that “Klingon language” but rather that this term refers to the
one individual, rather than holding out for access to a more standard dialect, or ta’ Hol “the Emperor’s language,” which
“official” version of the language, as spoken by government is the preferred version spoken in the veng wa’Dich, the First
officials or imperial representatives. City, on Qo’noS, and thus by default is the “official” version.
Even after experts began to learn more about the language, Traditionally, the two main enemies of language
their reports were poorly understood by nonlinguists. We see comprehension are time and distance, and even with the
this in the fact that for many years, Starfleet personnel did advances made in the speed of interstellar communications,
not realize that Klingon possesses a “glottal stop.” In case an empire as vast as the Klingons’ has resulted in linguistic
you are unaware – as was the case for so many – a glottal diversity. Even on the homeworld, some regions have held
stop is a brief cessation of air and can occur between other onto their own unique ways of speaking. The major and
speech sounds. Two examples in English reveal we actually documented dialects include the Qotmagh (Krotmag) dialect,
use this ourselves. It’s the brief pause between syllables in the taq’ev (Tak’ev) dialect, and most especially the mo’rISqa’
expressions like “uh uh” or “uh oh.” There are many terrestrial (Morska) dialect. This last one is especially popular for
languages that use the glottal stop and it is typically speakers of Federation Standard because many of the more
represented with a single apostrophe. Klingon uses it with the difficult sounds heard in ta’ Hol are much closer to familiar
same regularity as any other letter of their alphabet. Federation Standard sounds in the Morskan dialect.
Unfortunately, in attempting to understand this aspect And finally, while it may not often come up, Klingons do
of Klingon phonology, these same nonlinguists began acknowledge linguistic change, lumping together all previous
throwing in apostrophes left and right in ways that make no forms as no’ Hol, “ancestors’ language.”
sense and produce sound combinations that simply could
not be Klingon words. They might be close, but that just
perpetuated their use.
klingon language
371
basic grammar Verbs also can take a prefix, which reveals who and how
many make up the subject, and likewise for the object (if
the verb takes an object). This extends the economy of the
Speech Sounds language. Consider the simple verb HoH “kill.” A prefix turns
While many of the sounds in the Klingon language are the it into a full sentence:
same (or sufficiently similar) as the sounds of Federation
Standard, more than a few are not. A detailed explanation jIHoH choHoH SaHoH wIHoH nIHoH
of them is beyond the scope of this piece. That said, as a “I kill” “you kill me” “I kill you all” “we kill it” “they kill you”
general rule, it is not uncommon to find you are having to
clear your throat and even spit in the course of speaking Technically, a noun or verb can have as many additional
the language. This is not a bad thing, and shows your elements tacked on the end as there are types (one from
commitment to proper pronunciation. While your fellow each, arrayed in the proper order), but, in reality, Klingons
conversant may not appreciate being spat upon, if you speak don’t talk like that. It’s arguably quite economical to pack that
forcefully and with conviction you will earn their respect. much meaning into a single word, but it’s just not practical to
say something like:
Parts of Speech
Klingon keeps things simple. There are only three kinds of maHoHchuqbe’rupchoHmoHba’taH’a’
words: nouns (DIpmey), verbs, (wotmey), and everything "as we’re obviously not ready to begin to cause to
else (chuvmey – literally “leftovers”). Many languages – continuously kill one another"
English among them – place an emphasis on nouns. We like
to talk about things. People, places, and things. tlhIngan More commonly, Klingons will use two or three suffixes to
Hol, on the other hand, focuses on verbs. These generally focus on the most important points to be conveyed, for
take two forms: verbs of action and verbs of state. The example:
former are pretty clear, verbs that describe something muHoHqa’laH
you do (e.g., tlhutlh “drink”). The latter is as close as the “he can kill me again”
language comes to having adjectives and adverbs (e.g.,
chech, “be drunk”).
Aspect vs. Tense
Beyond nouns and verbs, anything you want to say will Speakers of Federation Standard often experience
be expressed using chuvmey. This will include simple confusion when told that Klingon doesn’t have tense. We’re
words such as “yes” and “no,” conjunctions (“and,” used to being able to talk about things in the future or the
“but”), time stamps (“soon,” “sometimes”), and assorted past. Klingon will still let you do this, but not by using tense.
other words that serve to modify the entire sentence (e.g., And there’s no shortage of Earth-native languages that work
batlhHa’ “dishonorably”). the same way. Instead of tense, Klingon marks its verbs
using a grammatical feature called aspect. Aspect doesn’t
Word Order tell you when an action took place or when it might or could
A typical Klingon sentence contains a subject, an object, have taken place (let’s not forget fun tenses like imperfect
and a verb, much like your average sentence in Federation and conditional). Instead the focus is on whether the action
Standard. The key difference is that the latter language was completed.
generally orders these elements as S-V-O. Klingon uses
O-V-S instead. One way to look at this is that every Klingon This idea follows naturally from the Klingon emphasis on
sentence is like a murder mystery: First we find out who’s verbs rather than nouns. Culturally, as well as linguistically,
lying dead on the floor (object), then we found out how they the main idea isn’t on the thing that is/was/will act, but rather
died (verb), and lastly we learn who killed them (subject). on whether or not you actually did it. Not surprisingly, Klingon
indicates aspect using a set of verb suffixes (type 7), and
Suffixes and Prefixes even goes so far as to distinguish not just if an action was
Klingon is an “agglutinative” language, which means it completed, but also if it was intentional. It’s a subtle thing,
allows the construction of new words by stringing together but consider the difference between:
meaningful elements. Nouns and verbs can both expand
with complex and subtle shades of meaning by the addition vIHoHpu’ vIHoHta’
of suffixes to the root word. There are five types of noun
suffixes, and each type offers multiple options that include Both of these translate as “I killed him” but the aspect suffix
pluralization, possession, qualification, and even grammatical –pu’ only tells us that the action is complete. The use of –ta’
relations. Klingon verbs can sample from nine suffix types, takes us a step further and indicates not only completion, but
with a tenth type that follows some different rules for their that it’s something I did deliberately.
placement. These types cover everything from volition,
change, capability, respect, negation, and much more.
appendices
372
Grammatical Taboos “f” or “k” or “x” or “z.” However, there is a “ng” a “tlh” and of
All cultures and languages have their taboos, things you don’t course the aforementioned glottal stop “‘” just to keep you
do or say, and Klingon is no exception. Chief among these on your toes.
is the use of one of the type 2 verb suffixes, -vIp “be afraid.”
It’s perfectly fine to say something like choHoHvIp “you are And one more trick for you: Klingon has two very different
afraid to kill me,” but no Klingon speaker should ever speak sounds that it represents with the letter “q,” and so uses
in the first person (I / we) when -vIp is attached to the verb. capitalization to distinguish them. This can create all kinds of
There is no honor in admitting to being afraid, of anything. havoc if you forget this distinction and mix them up.
This is a good place to talk about one of the more interesting Qu’ qu’
parts of Klingon compared to many Human languages. duty or quest or mission “be fierce”
It’s inclusive. It uses the same word for personal pronouns
regardless of the sex of the person involved. Klingons avoided Before moving on, it’s worth noting that many in the
that particular political correctness debate and got it right Federation use and even write the occasional Klingon word,
from the beginning. However, the language does draw a not as it would be rendered in tlhIngan Hol, but instead
line distinguishing those individuals that possess language, reflecting their untrained ear and attempt to transcribe it
and those that do not. This shows up in a couple different (often as not with gratuitous apostrophes). A few well-known
places, but it’s worth mentioning here because some of the examples will illustrate this point:
possessive noun suffixes (type 4) make use of this distinction.
betleH qagh Qo’noS
SoSlI’ SoSlIj bat’leth gagh Kronos
The point of all this is that you don’t want to mistakenly refer Keep this in mind when experiencing something as simple
to someone else using a suffix that implies they can’t speak. as asking someone to pass you the salt shaker at dinner.
It’s a subtle insult, but a powerful one. Klingons don’t ask, they demand. From this perspective, the
closest thing to “please” in Klingon might be the word “now”:
klingon language
373
any further comment or action. The existence of replacement wejputlh is a more subtle expletive, and one whose meaning
proverbs also reduces the need to defend one’s honor when is well known. It translates as “charming” and carries a heavy
accidentally sloshing another bar patron’s mug of bloodwine connotation of irony when used.
or similar minor infractions. Here are a couple of examples:
Last, let us speak of the popular Klingon pastime known
HIvqa’ veqlargh jagh yIbuStaH as mu’qaD veS “curse warfare.” This can be something
“The Fek’lhr strikes again” “Concentrate on the enemy!” as simple as name calling (epithets) or as elaborate as a
detailed description of some failing – hypothetical or real –
SECRECY PROVERBS of one’s opponent. Let’s start with epithets. Here are a few
It has been observed that the Empire runs on honor. A of the better-known ones. Any of these could be used as
Klingon’s word must be their bond, and being able to keep a a simple insult, or as the opening salvo in a round of curse
secret is the cornerstone of any promise. A ritualized set of warfare:
oaths have emerged called secrecy proverbs. These are well
established (i.e., don’t attempt to generate your own on the Ha’DIbaH petaQ qoH taHqeq
fly) and may sound incongruous or out of context, but you
can expect to hear one when confidentiality is required. A few Qovpatlh toDSaH tu’HomIraH veQ
examples:
But that’s just to get things rolling. From there, proper curse
jIjatlhpa’ jatlh Hovmey warfare requires more than just name calling. Here are some
“The stars will speak before I do” classic examples:
appendices
374
INDEX 7826
3269
22nd century����������������22-24, 101, 257 Black Fleet��������������������������������� 39, 69 Cloaked Vessel, Detecting������������ 189 Demotion��������������������������������������� 134
23rd century�����������������24-26, 102, 257 Black Holes����������������������������������� 242 Colliding Neutron Stars����������������� 242 Denevan Neural Parasite��������������� 359
24th century���������������������4, 26-31, 102 Bladed Weapon Training����������������� 58 Colonies, Klingon�������������������233-234 Denobulan��������������������������������������� 23
Blood Oaths������������������������������������ 33 Combat Encounters���������������286-287 Denorios Belt����������������������������� 14, 29
Actions �������������������������������� 167, 194 Bloodwine������������������������ 67, 177, 232 Combat Gear��������������������������151-155 Department, Character������������������ 113
Added Stress��������������������������������� 173 Blue (SuD) Plot Components�������� 297 Combat in Space��������������������287-289 Department, Ship�������������������182-183
Additional Work (Task Effect)����������� 86 Boarding Parties������������������������������ 61 Combat Momentum Spends��������� 173 Determination�������������������������7, 79-81
Advanced Rules�������������������������82-86 Body Armor����������������������������154-155 Combat, Personal���160, 164, 165-174 Detronal Scanner��������������������������� 156
Advantage������ 73-74, 77-78, 144, 261 Boreth�������������������� 21, 28, 38, 64, 342 Combatants��������������������������� 286, 289 Dice��������������������������������������������� 6, 72
Advantage, Create����������� 76, 168, 173 Borg Collective�������������������������������� 17 Command Chair���������������������������� 194 f Challenge Dice�������������� 7, 72, 169
Advisor, High Council���������������������� 44 Borg Collective NPCs�������������357-358 Command (meH) (Department)����� 183 f Dice pool����������������������������� 72, 73
Ajilon Prime������������������������������� 24, 67 Borg Collective Vessels����������251-252 Command (ra’wl’) (Discipline)���������� 92 f Twenty-sided Dice (d20s)��������� 72
Akira-class Starship ���������������������� 243 BortaS Etlh, I.K.S.�������������������������� 214 Command Role����������������������������� 269 f Twenty-sided Dice (d20s), Buying
Ak’voh���������������������������������������� 36, 39 Bounty, HMS������������ see Katai, I.K.S. Commander (la’)���������������������������� 117 ������������������������������������ 76, 81, 173
Alien Encounters��������������������238-239 Brak’lul������������������������������ see Talents Commanding Officer (ra’wI)��� 115, 269 Dictates����80, 127, 129, 262-263, 292
Alien Humanoid Appearance��������� 273 Breaches��������������������������������199-201 Commend Another������������������������ 132 Difficulty���������� 73-74, 75, 85, 260-261
Alien NPCs���������������������������������274-5 Breakthroughs������������������� 84, 85, 266 Communications (Qum) (System) Difficulty 0 Tasks������������������������������ 74
Alpha Quadrant��������������������������12-15 Breen����������������������������� 14, 30, 31, 47 ���������������������������������� 182, 188, 196 Dilithium������������������������������������� 65, 67
Amar System��������������������������������� 222 B’rel-class Bird-of-Prey����������������� 210 Communicator������������������������������� 157 Diplomatic Relations������������������44-47
Ambassadors���������������������������������� 44 Broken Bow����������������������������� 23, 371 Complication��������������78-79, 262, 267 Disadvantages��������������������������������� 74
Anabolic Protoplaser/Dermal Budlesh, Emperor���������������������������� 22 Complication Range���������������� 78, 262 Disarm������������������������������������������� 173
Regenerator������������������������������ 156 Burned Quarter Complication, Ignoring�������������� 81, 82 Discipline Aboard Imperial vessels� 177
Andorian Empire������������������������ 22, 54 (veng ’ay’ meQlu’pu’bogh)��������� 64 Computers (De’wl’) (System)��������� 182 Discipline Rating������������������������������ 93
Anomalous Worlds������������������������ 237 Conflict�����������������������������83, 159-174 Disciplines (Sunmey)�����73, 88, 92-95,
Antaak, Dr.������������������������� 23, 52, 320 Cable Grapplers���������������������������� 148 Conflict Structure�������������������������� 160 122, 123
Anti-grav���������������������������������������� 156 Caleb IV������������������������������������� 12, 50 Conn (Degh) (Discipline)���������� 93, 183 Discommendation������������������� 41, 134
Anti-grav Sled������������������������������� 157 Campaign Design�������������������������� 290 Conn (Role)������������������������������������ 270 Disgrace by Association���������������� 142
Arbiter of Succession����� 28-29, 42-43 Cannons�������������������������������� 186, 225 Consequences of Injuries�������������� 170 Dishonor by Association��������������� 134
Archanis IV / Achanis Sector 25, 67 Capella IV�������������������������� 24, 25, 326 Constellation-class Starship���������� 243 Disruption�������������������������������� 83, 268
Archer, Captain Jonathan���������� 65, 66 Captain (HoD)������������������������ 117, 177 Constitution-class Starship����������� 244 Disruptors�������������������������������������� 152
Area (Weapon Effect)������������� 151, 172 Cardassia Prime������������������������ 31, 46 Contact������������������������������������������ 193 Distance���������������������������������������� 166
Armor and Protective Gear�����154-155 Cardassian DMZ������������������������������ 14 Control (SeH) (Attribute)������������������ 91 D’kora-class Marauder������������������ 252
Arrays������������������������������������ 186, 225 Cardassian Union���������� 13, 14, 29, 46 Core Rules����������������������������������72-82 d’k tahg���������������������� 50, 58, 115, 153
Atmosphere, Hostile���������������������������� Cardassian Union NPCs���������351-352 Corporal (Da’)�������������������������������� 117 Dominion����12, 13, 17-18, 29, 46, 341
see Environmental Damage Types Cardassian Union Vessels������������� 249 Councilors����������������������������������43-44 Dominion NPCs����������������������355-356
Assistance��������������������������������������� 74 Career�������������������������������������������� 107 Cover������������������������������������� 166, 169 Dominion Vessels�������������������249-250
Assistance in Combat������������������� 169 Career Events�������������������������108-112 Cover for Starships����������������������� 199 Dominion War��������������� 13, 16, 31, 55,
Attacks, Making����������������������������� 169 Cargo Bay�������������������������������������� 189 Create Advantage������������ 76, 168, 173 213, 214
Attributes (DI’onmey)������73, 91-92, 96 Caste��������������������20, 34, 48, 102-105 Crew Quality���������������������������������� 289 Donatu V ����������������������������� 12, 49, 51
Attributes, Assigning��������������������� 122 f Academic�������������������������������� 104 Crew Support������������������������ 125, 185 Doq (Red) Plot Components��������� 296
Audio Receiver������������������������������ 157 f Agriculture ����������������������������� 103 Crusher, Doctor Beverly���������������� 154 Doq (Red) Solutions���������������������� 285
Augment Virus������������� 23, 26, 89, 320 f Artistic������������������������������������� 104 Crystalline Entity���������������������������� 239 Duras, Captain��������������������������������� 48
see also QuchHa’ f Merchant �������������������������������� 103 Culture, Klingon����������������������������� 100 Duras, Councilor��������� 28, 48, 53, 334,
Auxiliary Craft�������������������������������� 190 f Scientific �������������������������������� 104 Cybernetics����������������������������������� 158 336, 338, 341
Avoiding Injury������������������������� 81, 171 f Warrior������������������������������������ 102
Awards������������������������������������������� 133 Cavern of Despair���������������������������� 69 D5-class Battle Cruiser����������������� 204 Earth-Romulan War������������������������� 23
Axanar��������������������������������������� 24, 51 Ceremonial Death Howl������������������� 36 D7-class Battle Cruiser����������������� 209 Effects������������������������������72, 172-173
Azetbur, Chancellor������ 26, 43, 49, 65, Ceti Alpha VI / V������������������������������ 68 D12-class Bird-of-Prey������������������ 215 Elas�������������������������������������������������� 67
328, 331, 332 Challenge������������������� 82-84, 267-268 Dahar Master��������������������� 21, 57, 133 Emergency Surgical Kit����������������� 156
f Challenge, Basic������������������82-83 Dax, Curzon������� 26, 27, 322, 323, 324 Emergency Transponder��������������� 157
Bajor������������������������������������������ 14, 29 f Challenge, Contested������������� 268 Dax, Jadzia���������������������� 51, 322, 341 Encounters���������������������283, 284-287
Bajoran Wormhole��������������� 12, 17, 29 f Challenge, Linear�������������� 83, 267 Damage Bonus������������������������������ 113 Energy Weapon Training������������������ 58
Banks������������������������������������ 186, 225 f Challenge, Gated�������������� 83, 267 Dampening (Weapons Effect)�������� 186 Energy Weapons, Early������������������ 154
Barge of the Dead��������������� 38, 39, 69 f Challenge, Group���������������������� 83 Daring attribute (ngIl)����������������������� 91 Engineering (jonSeH yaH) (Discipline)
Bar’Koth Reach����������������������������� 364 f Challenge, Timed�������������� 83, 268 Darvin, Arne�������������������������� see Krek �������������������������������������������� 93, 183
bat’leth�������������� 20, 37, 38, 58, 64, 153 Challenge Dice�������������������� 7, 72, 169 D’deridex-class Warbird���������������� 248 Engineering Tasks������������������������� 189
Bazaar (ngevmeH yotlh)������������������ 64 Challenge, Ritual��������������������������� 115 Dead End (Task Effect)�������������������� 86 Engineering (Role)����������������� 178, 270
Beacons���������������������������������������� 157 Chancellor��������������������������������� 40, 42 Death��������������������������������������������� 134 Engineering Devices���������������������� 155
Beasts of the Galaxy��������������359-362 Chang, General��������26, 328-329, 332 Deception�������������������������������������� 162 Engineering Multi-Tool/Engineering
Bekk (beq) (“Warrior”)�������������� 58, 117 Changeling������������������������������ 17, 334 Deep Space 9���������� 31, 250, 322, 341 Toolkit��������������������������������������� 155
B’Entra��������������������������������������� 14, 30 Character��������� see Player Character Deep Space Fleet���������������� 55, 59, 60 Engineering Officer (jonpIn)��� 116, 270
Berengarian Dragon���������������������� 362 Character, Active����������������������������� 74 Deep Space Station K-7���� 25, 26, 359 Engines (jonta’) (System)��������������� 182
Beta Quadrant����������������������15, 16-17 Chargh-class Planet������������ 63, 66, 67 Defiant-class Starship������������������� 245 Engines, Breach of������������������������ 200
B’Etor�������������4, 28, 48, 257, 337-338 Ch’gran�������������������������������� 13, 21, 27 Defiant, U.S.S.����������������� 31, 325, 341 Ensign (lagh)���������������������������������� 117
Betreka Nebula�������������� 13, 21, 27, 49 Chronometer��������������������������������� 155 Deflector Shields��������������see Shields Enterprise NX-01������������� 23, 257, 339
Bird-of-Prey (Romulan)������������������ 247 Cloaking Device������106, 189, 204, 247 Delta Triangle����������������������������� 50, 68 see also Eras of Play, Enterprise
index
375
Enterprise NCC-1701, U.S.S. Gruth, General����������������������� 364, 370 House Talents������������������� see Talents Klingon High Council������34, 39, 40-44
������������������ 322, 323, 325, 326, 327 gul�������������������������������������������������� 352 House Temperament��������������139-140 Klingon Imperial Fleet�������������� 54, 176
Enterprise NCC-1701-A, U.S.S.��� 328, Humans������������������������� 27, 45, 54, 98 Klingon Language������������������������� 371
331, 332 Hall of Warriors�������������� 30, 39, 55, 67 Hur’q������������������������������ 21, 22, 29, 33 Klingon Oversight Council��������������� 56
Enterprise NCC-1701-C, U.S.S. Haqwl’ (Sick Bay)�������������������������� 179 Hur’q Invasion��������������� 12, 19, 23, 54 Klingon Society������������������������������� 34
���������������������������������������� 27, 32, 65 Healing, Injuries, and Complications H’vis������������������������������������������������� 30 Klingon Planetary Adventures������� 234
Enterprise NCC-1701-D, U.S.S. �������������������������������������������������� 171 Hypospray������������������������������������� 156 Klingon, QuchHa’�����������������������98-99
4, 257, 333, 336, 337, 338, 339, 341 Helm�������������������������������������� 187, 195 Klingon-Romulan Border��������������� 294
Enterprise NCC-1701-E, U.S.S. Helm Officer (DeghwI’)���������� 116, 178 Imperial Intelligence������ 25, 26, 47, 57 Klingon Ship Design Doctrine������� 203
�������������������������������������������� 16, 341 HemQuch (Klingon Species)23, 24, 98 Increase Difficulty�������������� 76, 81, 173 Klingon Starbases������������������229-232
Environment (Upbringing)���������99-101 Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram������� 240 Injuries������������������������������������������� 170 Klingon Starship (Trait)������������������ 183
Environment and Zones���������192-194 High Command (Military Commission see also Avoid an Injury Klinzhai Star System����������������������� 63
Environment Suits������������������������� 155 of the High Council)�������������������� 55 Injury, Ignoring������������������������� 79, 171 K’mpec, Chancellor������ 28, 42, 43, 48,
Environmental Damage Types������� 235 High Council, Klingon�����������������40-44 Innovation�������������������������������146-149 219, 334, 336, 338
Environmental Effects���������������������� 82 Hirogen�������������������������������������������� 18 Insight attribute (YajlaHchu’)������������ 91 K’mpec, I.K.S.������������������������������� 220
Equipment����������������������������� 113, 117 Holographic Imager����������������������� 158 Intense (Weapon Effect)�������� 151, 172 K’Nera, General������������������������� 50, 52
Equipment, Common�������������������� 144 Holography������������������������������������ 148 Internal Security Force�������������� 55, 59 Knife of Kirom���������������������������������� 39
Equipment, Obtaining�������������144-145 Holy Order of the Kinshaya������� 17, 21 Internal Systems�������������������� 196, 197 Knockdown (Weapon Effect)���151, 172
Equipment, Unusual���������������������� 146 Honor��������� 19, 20, 29, 33, 36, 41, 130 Intervals�������������� see Task, Extended Kolos, Advocate������������������������ 53, 66
Eras of Play��������������������������������� 5, 89 House (tuq)�������������������������48-53, 135 Intimidation (Trait)�������������������������� 162 Koloth, Captain������������������ 25, 26, 323
f Enterprise�������������������� 89, 98, 101 f Antaak��������������������������������������� 52 Intrepid-class Starship������������������ 246 Konjah’s Mek’leth, I.K.S.���������������� 215
f The Next Generation Era��� 89, 102 f B’Elarra������������������������������������� 52 Ion Storms������������������������������������� 241 Komms, I.K.S.���������������������������������� 16
f The Original Series����� 89, 98, 102 f Budlesh������������������������������������� 49 Iw’Cha’Par (Blood Hawk) Kor, Commander���� 24, 26, 29, 31, 67,
Escalation������������������������������ 145, 314 f Krota������������see House, B’Elarra Heavy Explorer������������������������� 214 68, 69, 324
Essential Klingon Viewing������������������ 9 f D’Ghor���������������������� 52, 215, 343 Koroth���������������������������������������� 29, 64
Evidence���������������������������������������� 163 f Duras������������� 16, 28, 42, 48, 334, jeghpu’wI’���������������������������� 12, 21, 54 Korrd, General������������������������������� 329
Excelsior, U.S.S.���������������������������� 328 337, 340 Jem’Hadar������� 14, 17, 18, 30, 50, 324 Korris, Captain������������������������� 70, 333
Excelsior-class Starship���������������� 245 f Gank����������������������������������������� 52 Jem’Hadar NPCs��������������������355-356 Kortar����������������������������������� 34, 37, 38
Examples of Play������������������������������� 8 f Gorkon�������������������������������������� 49 Jem’Hadar Vessels�����������������249-250 Korvat���������������������������������������� 24, 50
Experience and Promotion�����280-282 f Gowron������������������������������������� 53 Jones, Cyrano������������������������������� 359 Kos’Karii (Serpents)������������� 39, 68, 69
f Great Houses, current���������49-51 Koth, Emperor��������������������� 22, 40, 42
Failing Forward������������������������������ 256 f Great Houses, historical������48-47 Kahless�����������������4, 19-21, 33, 38, 64 Kreel Alliance����������������������������� 21, 22
Federation Species����������������������� 345 f Grilka�������������������������������� 52, 343 Kahless II (clone)��� 28, 42, 64, 89, 342 Krek����������������������������������� 25, 26, 325
Fek’lhr (Demon)������������������������� 39, 69 f Kahless������������������������������������� 51 Kahless, Age of������������������������� 33, 40 Kri’stak (QIStaq) Volcano���� 20, 38, 64,
Ferengi Alliance����������������� 14, 46, 164 f Kamarag����������������������������������� 49 Kahless, Sword of��� 21, 29, 31, 39, 64 133
Ferengi Alliance NPCs������������353-354 f Kang������������������������������������50-51 Kaldon, Emperor����������������������� 19, 21 Krit��������������������������������������������� 23, 52
Ferengi Alliance Vessels���������������� 252 f Karban�������������������������������������� 50 Kal’Hyah or the “path of clarity”������ 37 Kronos One, I.K.S.������������������������� 332
Fighting for Position���������������������� 176 f Klag������������������������������������������� 50 Kamarag, Ambassador������������ 49, 330 Kruge, Commander�� 26, 326, 327, 330
First Aid��������������������������������� 168, 170 f K’mpec������������������������������������� 50 Kang, Commander���� 26, 51, 321, 322 K’Tal������������������������������������������������� 50
First City��������������� see Veng wa’ Dlch f Korrd������������ see House, K’mpec Katai, I.K.S.������������������������������ 26, 326 K’Toch Scout��������������������������������� 207
First Officer (yaS wa’DIch)����� 115, 178 f K’naiah�������������������������������������� 23 Keep the Initiative������������ 81, 160, 173 Kurn��������������������������������336, 339-340
Fitness (HoS) (Attribute)������������������ 91 f K’Nera��������������������������������������� 50 K’Ehleyr������������������338-339, 341, 343 K’Vagh, General������������������������������� 23
Fluidic Space����������������������������������� 18 f Koloth����������������������������������50-51 Kel’Dragh��������������������������������������� 366 K’Vort, I.K.S.���������������������������������� 217
Focus (buSchoHghach)������ 73, 88, 95, f Kor�������������������������48, 50-51, 324 Kesh, Chancellor����������������������� 25, 49 K’Vort-class Bird-of-Prey�������216-217
123, 183 �������������� see also House, Mur’Eq Ketracel-white����������� 30, 50, 355, 356
f Kozak�������������������������������� 52, 343 Khitomer����������������������� 27, 28, 42, 64, Lake of Lusor����������������������������� 38, 64
Gagh�������������������������������������� 179, 180 f Kras������������������������������������������ 23 328, 339, 341 Laser Scalpel��������������������������������� 156
Gain Favor������������������������������������� 132 f Krell������������������������������������������� 52 Khitomer Accords��� 26, 29, 45, 46, 49, Lasshar������������������������������������ 25, 323
Galactic Overview����������������������12-18 f Kruge���������������������������������������� 50 55, 67, 334 Launch and Landing Procedures��� 191
Galaxy-class Starship�������������������� 246 f K’Tal������������������������������������������ 50 Khitomer Massacre��������������� 334, 341 Legacy Selection����������������������������� 56
Galor-class Cruiser������������������������ 249 f K’tinga����������������������������� 215, 216 Kinshaya������������������������ 17, 22, 50, 51 Leghbe’lu’wI’ (the Unseen)�������������� 64
Gamemaster��������������� 6, 72, 131, 161, f Lasshar������������������������������������� 23 Kirk, James T.��������� 24, 26, 27, 66, 67, Leisure Time���������������������������������� 177
254, 255, 256 f Martok���������������������������31, 49-50 68, 322, 323 Levodian Flu���������������������������� 23, 302
Gamemastering����������������������253-290 f Minor Houses����������������������52-53 Ki’tang, I.K.S.����������������������������� 14, 30 Lieutenant (Sogh)�������������������������� 117
Gamma Quadrant���������������������������� 29 f Mogh������������������������� 48, 216, 334 Klaa, Captain������������������� 18, 327, 328 Life on Board��������������������������176-177
Garrett, Captain Rachel������������� 27, 65 f Molor����������������������������������������� 52 Klaang������������������������������� 22, 23, 320 Lifepath Character Creation�����96-117
Gender Identity and Sexuality��������� 35 f Morglar�������������������������������������� 23 Klach D’Kel Brakt�������������������� 50, 324 Linguacode Translation Matrix������ 148
Genesis Planet / Project��� 26, 50, 326, f Mow’ga������������������������������������� 49 Klag����������������������30, 32, 50, 332-333 lirpa������������������������������������������������ 153
327, 330 f M’Rek��������������������������������������� 49 Klingon (Species)������������������������98-99 Log Entries���������������������������� 127, 280
Gharkh, Emperor����������������������������� 49 f Mur’Eq�������������������� 23, 24, 48, 50 Klingon-Cardassian War���������������� 334 Lukara, Lady������������������ 19, 20, 21, 64
gin’tak (Heavy Blade)������� 12, 177, 153 ���������������������see also House, Kor Klingon Civil War������������������� 334, 336 Lursa�������4, 28, 48, 257, 334, 336-337
gin’tak (Trusted Advisor)���������������� 141 f Noggra�������������������������������������� 53 Klingon Culture�������������33-39, 90, 100
glinn����������������������������������������������� 352 f Palkar���������������������������������������� 53 Klingon Defense Force (KDF) Magnitude������������������������������� 85, 266
Glommer���������������������������������� 25, 359 f Sompek������������������������������������ 49 ������� 5-6, 23, 44, 47, 48, 54-61, 105 Main Characters������������������������������ 88
Glory���������������������� 131, 132, 134, 282 f Strada��������������������������������������� 53 f Assignment ����������������������������� 59 Maltz���������������������������������������������� 327
Gr’oth, I.K.S.������������������������������������ 25 f Wakras�������������������������������������� 52 f Duties �������������������������������������� 60 Maneuver (Task)�������������������� 191, 195
Gold (qol’om) Plot Components���� 298 House Advancement��������������������� 142 f History and Purpose ��������������� 54 Maquis������������������������������������� 14, 347
Gorkon, Chancellor���� 25, 49, 66, 328, House Attributes���������������������������� 140 f Officer Training ������������������������ 59 Mara������������������������������������� 321, 322
330, 331 House Creation and Development f Ongoing Education ����������������� 59 Maps���������������������������������������������� 165
Gorn Hegemony������������������������ 16, 46 �������������������������������������������135-140 f Organization ���������������������������� 55 Martok����17, 29-31, 32, 43, 49, 57, 70,
Gowron, Chancellor������� 13, 14, 28, 29 House Disposition������������������������� 141 f Training ����������������������������������� 57 295, 324, 334, 339, 341
30, 42, 46, 257, 334-335, 340, 341 House Leadership������������������140-141 Klingon Dictates������������������������������ 80 Martok, (Changeling)��������������� 46, 334
Gralmek����������������������������� 25, 26, 325 House Legacy������������������������137-139 Klingon Diplomatic Corps��������������� 44 Mass Spectrometer����������������������� 156
Gravitational Distortions���������������� 242 House in Play�������������������������141-142 Klingon Empire���������������������������11-70 Ma’Stakas (Ceremonial Staff)���������� 37
Great Houses�����������������������������48-51 House Reputation�������������������������� 140 Klingon Empire, History��������������19-32 Mauk-to’Vor����������������������� 49, 70, 340
Gre’thor������������������������������� 38, 39, 69 House Rewards����������������������������� 133 Klingon Empire NPCs�������������315-344 Mav, General����������������������������������� 21
Grilka��������������������������������53, 343-344 House Status��������������������������136-137 Klingon Empire Vessels����������204-222 Mavlaq��������������������������������������������� 30
appendices
376
McCoy, Dr. Leonard���������������� 66, 328, f Notable��� 273, 274, 287, 289, 314 Players��������������������������������������� 6, 255 Science (Role)�������������������������������� 270
330, 332 NPC Momentum�������� 81, 82, 264, 276 Plot Components�������������������296-300 Scrutinize X (Task Effect)����������������� 86
Medical Devices���������������������������� 156 NPC Momentum Spends�������������� 276 Politics of the Empire�����������������40-48 Secarus IV����������������������� 51, 322, 323
Medical Officers���������������������������� 271 NPC Ships����������������������������� 245, 289 Polygeminus Grex������������������������� 214 Secondary Target�������������������������� 173
Medical Ward�������������������������������� 190 NPC Special Rules���������������������278-9 Praxis������������������12, 16, 25, 49, 65-66 Second Officer/Third Officer
Medicine (ropyaH) (Discipline)� 94, 183 f Extraordinary Attribute X ������� 278 Presence (SaH) (Attribute)��������������� 92 (yaS cha’DIch/yaS wejDIch)115, 178
mek’leth��������������������������� 58, 115, 153 f Fast Recovery X ��������������������� 279 Progression X (Task Effect)�������������� 86 Security (Hung) (Discipline)����� 93, 183
Melee Attack������������������������� 169, 264 f Immune To X �������������������������� 279 Promotion������������������������������ 133, 280 Security (Role)������������������������������� 270
Melee Combat Options����������������� 170 f Invulnerable ��������������������������� 279 Promotion, Quick������������������� 277, 314 Security Oversight������������������195-196
Melee Weapons����������������������������� 152 f Machine X ������������������������������ 279 Prone������������������������������������� 166, 167 Sehlat������������������������������������ 238, 362
Merchantman�������������������������������� 330 f Menacing ������������������������������� 279 Pulsars������������������������������������������� 242 Sensor Operations������������������������ 188
Milestone����������������127-130, 142, 280 f Night Vision ���������������������������� 279 Sensors (noch) (System)�������� 182, 195
Minor Actions������������������ 81, 173, 167 f Threatening X ������������������������� 279 qaDrav (Dueling Arena)�������������������� 52 Sergeant (bu’)�������������������������������� 117
f Aim ����������������������������������������� 167 NPC Starship Damage���������� 200, 276 Qagh the Albino���������� 26, 51, 322-324 Shackleton Expanse����� 12, 13, 45, 60,
f Draw Item ������������������������������ 167 NPCs and Values������������������� 279, 314 Qam-Chee��������������������������� 19, 63, 64 295, 364
f Drop Prone ���������������������������� 167 NPCs as Opposition���������������������� 274 Q Continuum����������������������������������� 18 Shame������������������� 131, 132, 134, 282
f Interact ����������������������������������� 167 NPCs, Creating�����������������������276-278 qeS’a’ (Klingon Art of War)�������������� 21 Sherman's Planet (Sermanyu’q)
f Movement ������������������������������ 167 NPCs on Either Side���������������������� 275 qol'om (Gold) Plot Components ��� 298 �������������������������������������� 25, 26, 325
f Prepare ���������������������������������� 167 Nyberrite Alliance���������������������������� 14 qol'om (Gold) Solution������������������� 285 Shields������������������������������������������� 184
f Stand ������������������������������������� 167 Qo’noS������ 19, 26, 39, 50, 54, 63, 100 Shields and Stress������������������198-201
Minor Actions (Starships) ������������� 194 Obstacles and Phenomena����������� 289 Qo’noS One��������������������������� 219, 328 Shifts��������������������������������������������� 176
f Move ������������������������������������� 194 Obtain Information������������������� 76, 173 Qo’toch Heavy Fighter������������������ 213 Shinzon���������������������������������������� 5, 16
f Prepare ��������������������������������� 194 Obtaining Multiple Items��������������� 145 Quadrant����������������������������������������� 15 Ship and Crew Improvements������� 129
f Restore ��������������������������������� 194 Occupation Forces�������������������������� 61 Quantum Torpedoes���������������������� 204 Ship, Alien�������������see Vessels, Alien
Miradorn������������������������������ 14, 30, 47 Officer Exchange Program���� 102, 294 Quark����������������������������� 6, 31, 53, 343 Ship, Klingon����������see Spaceframes
Miranda-class Starship������������������ 247 Officer Training�������������������������������� 59 QuchHa’������������� 23-26, 49, 52, 98-99 Ship, NPC������������������������������ 245, 289
Mission Briefs�������������������������300-312 Okrona, I.K.S.�������������������������� 18, 328 Quin’Lat������������������������������������������� 64 Ship Regime���������������������������������� 177
Mission Profiles, Starship�������223-224 Old Quarter (veng ’ay' ngo’)������������ 63 Qui’Tu���������������������������������������� 38, 39 Ship Roles������������������������������177-179
Missions, Creating �����������������282-289 Opportunity Cost��������������������������� 145 Ship’s Cook (vutwI’) (Role)����� 116, 179
Missions, Planning������������������������ 283 Opposition������������������������������� 83, 268 Ra-ghoratreii, President������������������ 26 Ship’s Menu����������������������������������� 180
Mogh��������������������������������� 28, 49, 339 Orders, Military���������������� see Awards Raknal V������������������������������������ 13, 27 Ship-to-Ship Communication�������� 193
Mok’bara (Fighting Discipline)��� 21, 58 Orders and Group Cohesion��������� 271 Radiation��������������see Environmental Shuttlebay������������������������������������� 189
Molor����������������������������� 19, 20, 33, 52 Organia���������������������������24, 50, 67-68 Damage Types Shuttles����������������������������������������� 190
Momentum�� 7, 73, 75-76, 77, 173, 261 Organian Peace Treaty��12, 24, 27, 102 Ranged Attack������������������������������� 169 Side Scenes and Sub-Plots���������� 284
Momentum, Bonus�������������������������� 76 Organians���������������� 12, 13, 18, 24, 47 Raptor-class Scout Vessel������������ 205 Sirella, Lady������������������������������� 32, 50
Momentum, Saving������������������������� 76 Orion Syndicate ������������������������ 17, 47 Reach�������������������������������������������� 166 Sisko, Captain Benjamin������� 250, 325
Momentum Spends����������������������� 173 Reactive Character�������������������������� 74 Skel, Daimon��������������������������������� 354
Momentum Spends, Immediate Pach’Nom multirole escort������������ 212 Reason (meqlaHchu’) (Attribute)����� 92 Skolar, Emperor������������������������� 22, 49
������������������������������������ 76, 77, 81, 201 Pacing����������������������������������� 286, 287 Red (Doq) Plot Components��������� 296 Small Craft operations������������190-191
Momentum Spends, Repeatable Pagh, I.K.S.������������������������������ 30, 332 Refits��������������������������������������������� 224 Social Conflict����������������160, 161-164
������������������������������������������������ 75, 201 Palkar���������������������������������������������� 53 Religion���������������������������������������38-39 Social Tools����������������������������162-164
Momentum Spends, Starship Combat paq’batlh����������������������������������� 21, 64 Replicators���������������������������� 144, 148 Solar Flares������������������������������������ 241
����������������������������������������������������201 Parasites���������������������������������������� 238 Reputation������ 127, 130-134, 281-282 Sompek, Emperor��������������� 19, 22, 49
Momentum, Using Threat to Pay���� 77 Par’tok-class Transport����������������� 218 Reputation Roll������������������������������ 131 Sonchi Ceremony���������������������������� 43
Monitoring Device������������������������� 156 Pattern Enhancer��������������������������� 158 Reputation, House������������������������� 140 Spacefaring Creatures������������������� 239
Movement and Terrain������������������� 166 Pelosa Minor����������������������������������� 30 Reputation, Increasing������������������ 132 Spaceframes��������������������������204-222
Mow’ga, Chancellor������������ 19, 22, 47 Penetration������������������������������������ 173 Re-roll���������������������������������������� 73, 79 Special Rules��������������������������������� 278
M’Raq���������������������������������������������� 50 Peril����������������������������������������265-266 Re-roll Challenge Dice Pool���������� 173 f Borg���������������������������������������� 357
M’Rek, Chancellor��������� 22, 23, 49, 52 Peril and Time�������������������������������� 267 Resistance������ 85, 154, 170, 184, 198, f Borg Vessels��������������������������� 252
Mugato������������������������������������������ 361 Persistent X����������������������������������� 186 199, 267 f Dominion Vessels������������������� 250
Mur’Eq, Emperor����������������������� 19, 50 Personal Access Display Device Rhozhenko, Weapons Officer f Klingon Vessels����������������������� 204
(PADD)�������������������������������������� 158 Alexander����� 32, 99, 338, 339, 340 f Romulan Star Empire Vessels�� 247
Nakors��������������������������������������������� 49 Personal Force Fields�������������������� 155 Riker, Commander William T.�� 32, 332 Species�������������������������������96-99, 122
Narendra III / Narendra system Personal Growth���������������������������� 129 Rite of Succession�������������������������� 42 Species 8472����������������������������������� 18
���������� 16, 21, 27, 28, 32, 46, 55, 65 Personnel�������������������������������������� 146 Rites and Rituals������������������������34-36 Spock���������������������������� 330, 331, 332
Narendra Station����������������� 12, 45, 60 Persuasion Task���������������������161-165 Rodek�������������������������������������������� 341 Starbases, Klingon�����������������229-232
Nausicaans���������������������������������46-47 Phased Polaron Beam������������������� 185 Romulan Star Empire��� 16, 21, 22, 25, Starfleet������������������������������� 12, 24, 26
Navigation����������������������������� 187, 195 Phaser����������������������������152-154, 185 30, 31, 45-46, 54, 65, 89 see also United Federation of
Nebula������������������������������������������� 239 Phlox, Doctor��������������������������� 23, 320 Romulan Star Empire NPCs���349-350 Planets
Negh’Var, I.K.S.������������������������ 53, 221 Picard, Captain Jean-Luc��� 16, 28, 42, Romulan Star Empire Vessels�247-248 Starfleet NPCs������������������������345-348
Negh’Var-class Warship���������221-222 239, 334, 336, 341 Rotarran, I.K.S.���������������� 53, 202, 250 Starship Combat �������������������192-202
Negotiation������������������������������������ 164 Piercing (Task Effect)����������������������� 86 Round������������������������������������ 160, 287 f Distances and Range ������������ 193
Neural�������������������������� 24, 25, 52, 361 Piercing X���������������������� 151, 172, 186 Rules, Advanced������������������������82-86 f Distances and Sensors ���������� 194
Neurocortical Monitor�������������������� 156 Planetary Classification����63, 234-237 Rules, Core���������������������������������72-82 f Example���������������������������������� 202
Neutral Zone���������������� 45, 65, 69, 294 Plasma Torch��������������������������������� 156 Rules, Managing���������������������260-268 f Hit Locations��������������������������� 197
Neutron Stars�������������������������������� 242 Player Characters���������������88, 96-117 Rules, Resolving���������������������������� 256 f Making an Attack�������������������� 197
New Quarter (veng ’ay’ chu’)����������� 64 f Character Age������������������������� 107 Rura Penthe����������������������������� 66, 328 f Momentum Spends���������������� 201
Nimbus III / Nimbus System���� 45, 329 f Character Appearance����������� 114 R’uustai (Rite of Bonding)�� 36, 52, 119 f Movement and Terrain������������ 194
Ning’tao, I.K.S.������������������������������ 324 f Character Arc���������� 129, 142, 281 Rynar��������������������������������������� 24, 324 f Systems���������������������������181-182
Noggra������������������������������������� 53, 341 f Character Name��������������������� 113 f Turn Order������������������������������� 192
No’Mat, Caves of���������������������� 35, 36 f Character Personality������������� 113 Sabak���������������������������������������������� 39 f Weapon Effects����������������186-187
Novas�������������������������������������������� 241 f Character Rank and Role115, 122 Sacred Texts������������������������������������ 38 f Weapon Qualities�������������������� 187
NPC (Non-Player Character) f Character Relationships��������� 114 Sarek, Ambassador����������������� 26, 330 f Weapons������������������185-187, 225
������������������� 6, 72, 88 273, 287, 314 f Character Creation������������96-117 Scale�������������������������������������� 183, 185 Starship Creation��������������������203-228
NPC Categories��������������������� 273, 314 f Character Development���127-134 Scenes����������������������������������� 283, 284 Starship Fundamentals����������181-191
f Major������� 273, 274, 287, 289, 314 f Characters, Mixed-Heritage����� 99 Science Officer (QeDpIn)������� 116, 178 Starship Mission Profiles��������223-224
f Minor��������������� 273, 274, 287, 314 Player-Facing Advancement��������� 129 Science (QeD) (Discipline)������� 94, 183 Starship, Operating����������������������� 187
index
377
Starship Profiles���������������������181-185 f Commanding Bloodline���������� 137 Task, Non-key�������������������������������� 268 ushaan-tor������������������������������������� 153
f Crew Support������������������������� 185 f Computer Expertise���������������� 121 Task, Opposed���74-75, 162, 264, 268
f Departments��������������������������� 182 f Constantly Watching�������������� 118 Task, Ship-assisted����������������������� 187 Vacuum State Change������������������� 242
f Focuses���������������������������������� 183 f Cruel����������������������������������������� 99 Task, Starship�������������������������187-190 Valkris������������������������������ 26, 326, 330
f Power ������������������������������������� 184 f Dauntless�������������������������������� 118 Technology�����������������������������144-150 Values (ghobmey)�������������� 88, 90, 123
f Resistance������������������������������ 184 f Doctor’s Orders���������������������� 121 Technology, Advanced�����������149-150 Values and Dictates���� 79-81, 262-263
f Scale��������������������������������������� 183 f Family Secrets������������������������ 138 Technology, Generations of����������� 149 Values, Challenging������������80-81, 127
f Shields������������������������������������ 183 f Field Medicine������������������������ 121 Technology, Klingon���������������������� 148 Values and NPCs������������������� 279, 314
f System������������������������������������ 181 f First Response������������������������ 121 Tellarite Unity����������������������������������� 22 Vanden III����������������������������������������� 50
f Talents������������������������������������� 183 f Fly-By������������������������������������� 120 Terok Nor���������������see Deep Space 9 Veng wa’ Dlch (The First City)
f Traits��������������������������������������� 183 f Follow My Lead���������������������� 120 Terrain������������������������������������ 286, 239 ���������������������������� 20, 22, 35, 38, 63
Starship Talents��������������183, 225-227 f I Know My Ship���������������������� 121 Tholian Assembly���������� 12, 15, 21, 47 Veridian III�������������������������� 4, 257, 337
Starship Tasks�������� 187-190, 194-197 f Intense Scrutiny���������������������� 121 Tholians������������� 15, 22, 30, 48, 52, 53 Verohk, Major (Tal Shiar Agent)����� 350
Status������������������������������������ 133, 134 f Interrogation��������������������������� 120 Threat��������������������� 7, 81-82, 263-264 veS DuSaq (“School of War”)���� 56, 59
Stellar Cartography for Beginners�� 240 f In the Nick of Time������������������ 121 Threat as Momentum�������������������� 276 Vessels, Alien��������������������������243-252
Stellar Phenomena�����������������239-242 f Jury-Rig���������������������������������� 121 Threat, Generating��������������������������� 81 Vessels, Klingon���������������������204-222
Storms, Radiation and Geomagnetic f Killer’s Instinct������������������������� 119 Threat Spends������������������������������� 263 Vicious X (Weapon Effect)����� 151, 172
�������������������������������������������������� 241 f Mean Right Hook�������������������� 120 Thyran, Rear-admiral��������������������� 348 Vilik, Lady���������������������������������� 22, 49
Sto-Vo-Kor��������19, 20, 21, 35, 36, 37, f Mechanical Insights���������������� 138 Time-Displaced Warrior����������������� 369 Vixis, First Officer�������������������������� 328
38, 39, 69, 176 f More Power!��������������������������� 121 Time Pressure����� see Task, Extended Vo’n’talk (22nd century Bird-of-Prey)
Stress���������������������113, 169, 170-171 f Old Lessons���������������������������� 138 Time Travel���������������������������� 242, 325 �������������������������������������������������� 206
Stress and Shields������������������������� 198 f Pack Tactics���������������������������� 120 T'mek, Captain������������������������������ 348 Vor’cha-class Destroyer���������������� 219
Stress Effects�������������������������������� 151 f Personal Effects���������������������� 119 Tools and Portable Gear���������155-158 Vohtah, I.K.S.����������������������������������� 51
Stress Rating��������������������������������� 198 f Physician’s Eye����������������������� 139 Toq-class Planet������������������ 63, 64, 67 Vorta���������������������������������������� 17, 355
Stress Track��������������������� 85, 170, 266 f Precise Evasion���������������������� 120 Toral��������������������������������������� 336, 337 vo’ruv’etlh (Sword of Justice)���� 22, 49
Stress, Objects and ���������������������� 171 f Push the Limits����������������������� 120 Torana���������������������������������������������� 53 Voyager NCC-74656, U.S.S.��� 4, 9, 18
Structure (Qur) (System)�������� 182, 200 f Quick Study���������������������������� 121 Toron-class Shuttlepod����������������� 219 Vulcan������������������������ 22, 54, 101, 204
Sturka, Chancellor��������������������� 24, 53 f Quick to Action����������������������� 121 Torpedoes������������������������������ 186, 225
Styles of Play���� 91, 257-258, 293-296 f R’uustai����������������������������������� 119 Torres, B’Elanna������������������������������ 99 Waddle, Barry����������������������� see Krek
Subspace Rifts������������������������������ 242 f Studious���������������������������������� 119 Training���������������������������������������105-6 Warp Core Breach������������������������� 200
Success������������������������������������������� 73 f Starship Expert����������������������� 120 Traits (DI’onmey)������73, 74, 77-79, 90, Warp Factors��������������������������������� 188
Success at Cost������������������������������ 79 f Superior Ambition��������������������� 99 96, 183, 261-262 Warship Construction and
SuD (Blue) Plot Components�������� 297 f Supervisor������������������������������� 120 Traits, Klingon Starship����������������� 227 Maintenance ��������������������������� 229
SuD (Blue) Solutions���������������������� 285 f Taught by Pain������������������������ 138 Traits, Potent����������������������������������� 77 Weapons ���������������� 151-154, 172-173
Suliban Cabal���������������������������������� 22 f Testing a Theory��������������������� 121 Transporters���������������������������������� 190 Weapon Qualities�������������������151-152
Supernovas����������������������������������� 242 f Technical Expertise����������������� 119 Treaty of Bajor��������������������������������� 47 Weapons and Technology������143-158
Supporting Characters������������� 72, 88, f To Battle!��������������������������������� 120 Tremak, Gul����������������������������������� 352 Weapons Officer (nuHpIn)����� 116, 178
124-126, 271-272 f Tough�������������������������������������� 119 Tribble�������������������������������������� 25, 361 Weapons (nuHmey) (System)�������� 182
Surgeon (HaqwI’) (Role)��������� 116, 179 f Trained from Birth������������������� 138 Tribble Prime (Iota Geminorum IV)��� 68 Weddings, Klingon�������������������������� 37
Survey Parties��������������������������������� 61 f Triage�������������������������������������� 121 Tricorder�������������������������������� 117, 155 wej loDnI’ (Three Brothers)�����322-324
Swift Task�������������������������������������� 173 f Trusted Hands������������������������ 139 Tri-laser Connector������������������������ 156 Woktar��������������������������������������������� 30
System Damage Thresholds��������� 199 f Veteran������������������������������������ 107 Triumphant (Task Effect)������������������ 86 Women within Klingon Society
f Untapped Potential��������� 107, 141 Troyius��������������������������������������������� 67 ������������������������������������� 34, 36, 53 135
Tactical���������������������������������� 188, 196 f War Leader����������������������������� 120 Turn���������������������������������������� 160, 287 Worf, General����������������������������������� 48
Talarian Hook Spider������������� 238, 360 f Warrior’s Spirit������������������������ 120 Turn Order������������������������������������� 160 Worf, Commander���� 42, 43, 250, 333,
Talarians�������������������������������������14-15 f Warrior’s Strike����������������������� 120 Tu’YuQ Exploratory Ship��������������� 208 334, 338, 339, 341-342, 343
Talents (laHmey)���95, 96, 97, 118-121 f Well-Travelled������������������������� 138 Ty’Gokor���������� 16, 21, 29, 55, 66, 105 Worlds and Locations�����������������63-70
f Advisor������������������������������������ 120 Tal Shiar������������������������������� 4, 29, 350 Tyrants, Klingon������������������������������� 19 Wormholes������������������������������������ 242
f Ancestor’s Mien���������������������� 137 Targ���������179, 180, 204, 238, 360-361 Tzenkethi Coalition�������������������������� 15
f Ancestral Blade���������������������� 137 Targ, Trained���������������������������������� 367 Xindi ������������������������������������������������ 54
f A Little More Power���������������� 121 Targ-Pit������������������������������������������ 204 Unforeseen Problem (Task Effect)��� 86
f A Tradition of Discover����������� 138 Taris, Vorta Overseer��������������������� 356 Uniforms���������������������������������������� 117 Yan-class Planet ����� 63, 64, 65, 66, 67
f Bold���������������������������������������� 118 Task������������������������7, 73-75, 168, 260 United Earth������������������������������������ 22 Yar, Natasha���������������������������������� 341
f Brak’lul������������������������������������ 119 see also Combat Task United Federation of Planets (UFP) Ya’Vang, I.K.S.��������� 32, 339, 340, 343
f Call Out Targets���������������������� 120 Task Difficulty���������������������73-74, 260 ������������������������ 12, 24, 45, 54, 89, 148 Yorlak, Emperor ������������������ 22, 29, 49
f Cautious��������������������������������� 118 Task, Long-term Extended������������ 266 UFP NPCs��������������������������������345-348
f Close Protection��������������������� 120 Task, Extended����� 82, 84-86, 264-266 UFP Vessels�����������������������������243-247 Zones����������������������165, 166, 192-193
f Collaboration�������������������������� 118 Task, Key����������������������������������������� 82 Universal Translator����������������������� 158 Zones, Establishing��������������� 286, 288
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS and writers of the FASA, Last Unicorn Games, and Decipher versions of
The STA development team thank the following people and Star Trek roleplaying games; John Van Citters, Marian Cordry, and the
organizations for their contributions to the ever-expanding Star Trek rest of the team at CBS Studios; and, especially, the thousands of Star
universe, which provided inspiration and insight during the writing of Trek Adventures fans who have shared their comments, enthusiasm,
this book. In no particular order: Marc Okrand (creator of the Klingon and actual play reports and videos. Qapla’!
language, author of Star Trek: The Klingon Dictionary, Star Trek: Klingon
for the Galactic Traveler, Star Trek: The Klingon Way); Keith R.A. We also celebrate and remember all the members of the extended Star
DeCandido (Star Trek: The Klingon Art of War); Michael Jan Friedman Trek family who now roam the halls of Sto-Vo-Kor among the honored
(Star Trek: The Next Generation – Kahless); John M. Ford (Star Trek: dead. Actors, writers, producers, artists, staff members, and more; far
The Final Reflection); Dayton Ward (Hidden Universe Travel Guide to too many to name, but not so many to forget; without your work over
The Klingon Empire); the Klingon Language Institute; Delia Greve, Larry the past 50+ years, we would not have such a deep sandbox within
Nemecek, Ali Ries, Lieven Litaer and the Epic Ink team; the developers which to play. Thank you, all.
appendices
378
NAME HOUSE
RANK ROLE
SPECIES TRAITS
K .D .F . Personnel File
Attributes Focuses
CONTROL FITNESS PRESENCE
Disciplines
COMMAND SECURITY SCIENCE
Values Stress
Injuries
Determination
Talents
NAME/TYPE
QUALITIES
NAME/TYPE
QUALITIES
NAME/TYPE
QUALITIES
Lifepath
Environment Career Events
Caste
Career
House Information
INFLUENCE MIGHT WEALTH
Legacy
Temperament
NAME/TYPE
SCALE
QUALITIES
Departments
NAME/TYPE
COMMAND SECURITY SCIENCE
QUALITIES
CONN ENGINEERING MEDICINE
NAME/TYPE
QUALITIES
Talents
NAME/TYPE
QUALITIES
Launch Bay
™ & © 2020 CBS Studios Inc. STAR TREK and related marks and logos are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved. Permission is granted to make copies of this page for personal use only.
EXPLORE STRANGE NEW
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BETA QUADRANT
TODAY IS A
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WE DO NOT FIGHT MERELY TO SPILL BLOOD,
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- EMPEROR KAHLESS II
THE KLINGON EMPIRE core rulebook for the Star Trek Adventures Roleplaying Game
takes you to the final frontier of the Galaxy, where new worlds and new civilizations
await bold Klingon warriors hungry for glory and honor. Your duties may take you to
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ISBN 978-1-910132-95-1