Another possibility for including a hitlerian regime
in TNE;
The orders the RCES players are getting are becoming
more and more Imperialistic and violent. Pretty soon
(or eventually-depending on how the GM plays it) they
begin to realize that the gov't of the RCES has changed
due to the machinations of the charismatic president.
After awhile the "President" declares herself
"President for life" or somesuch. The rest, as they say, is
history (or herstory).
The players may react in one of several ways; Altruistic
or goody-goody players will somehow express outrage over
the atrocitys being committed (not to mention their own
orders) and will, in the end, divorce themselves from the
RCES, presumably hijacking some equipment along the way.
Other players (the normal characters) will need to be 'pushed'
out of the RCES. The point being to make the PCs Anti-Coalitionists.
This could be difficult in some of the campaigns I have played.
I have known *Characters* (as opposed to those who played them)
who would have done almost anything to become 'personal assistants'
to leaders like the one described above. Although this also has
adventure opportunities, I wouldn't want to give Traveller the
reputation D&D got when it was found that 'Devil Worship' was an
important possible aspect of the game.
To me this opens up a LOT of possibilities. How about an
anti-smash & grab???? Prop up a democratic leadership
that the RCES (now Nth Reich or somesuch) is trying to
topple. Run arms to planets taken over by the RCES to feed
rebellion.
I think under any of these circumstances the PCs will need a 'base'
to work from, and some NPC support; traders in the wilds, a gov't
on a threatened planet, etc.
I think I would probably use a blasted hulk of a large warship as
a base to work from (probably Matt's Azhanti High Lightning update).
This would give an overall goal (scrounging parts to make the thing
operational) a good defensive, but somewhat mobile base (keep 20% of
the weapons and 1/2 G manuver). Besides, I have the deck plans.
btw Hitler was BAD. He was evil, but playing a game with a similar
person as a _character_ is not a bad thing to do. Exception: I would do
nothing to idealize the evil leader if there were an immature person
playing the game (i.e. 16 yr old or less).
- -Pete