This sourcebook details several major alien species encountered within the Third Imperium and neighboring space. Unlike a bestiary, it provides:
Traveller Aliens of Charted Space 2 is not just a monster manual; it is a cultural handbook for the
Aliens of Charted Space Volume 2 is a primary sourcebook for the
Roleplaying Game (Mongoose 2nd Edition) that provides in-depth lore, character creation rules, and technical data for three of the most influential and misunderstood cultures in the setting: the
While Volume 1 covers iconic warrior cultures like the Aslan and Vargr, Volume 2 focuses on "Aliens with a capital A"—species whose motivations and biological drives are profoundly different from the standard Imperial human experience. Core Content & Cultures
The book details the history, sociology, and biology of its three featured races: The Solomani (Original Humanity)
: Descendants of the humans left on Earth (Terra) when the Ancients transplanted Humaniti across the stars. Driven by a "Call to Greatness" and a belief in their own superiority, they maintain a powerful confederation often at odds with the Third Imperium. The Droyne (The Enigmatic Remnants)
: A widespread, winged race with a bizarre caste-based society. They are known to be a remnant of the mysterious "Ancients" who once ruled the galaxy, though their current scattered communities often range from high-tech starfarers to primitive tool-users. The Hivers (The Master Manipulators)
: Physically the most alien race in Charted Space, they lack recognizable emotions and are driven by an insatiable curiosity. They are legendary for "social engineering"—manipulating entire civilizations over centuries to fit their long-term plans. Gameplay Resources For players and referees, the Aliens of Charted Space Vol. 2 PDF includes practical gaming tools: Character Creation
: Specific rules and unique life-path systems for generating Solomani, Droyne, and Hiver Travellers. Technology & Gear : New equipment entries compatible with the Central Supply Catalogue Spacecraft : New ship designs and additions for the High Guard ship-building rules tailored to these specific cultures. Official Availability
The PDF and physical book are available through several official hobbyist retailers and the publisher: Digital/Physical : Available at Mongoose Publishing Dungeonland : Some retailers like Leisure Games offer the physical book with a complimentary PDF. character creation
for one of these specific races, or are you more interested in the ship designs unique to the Hiver Federation?
Traveller: Aliens of Charted Space Volume 2 is a pivotal expansion for the Mongoose Traveller 2nd Edition roleplaying game. Released in late 2021, this 272-page sourcebook provides deep lore and mechanical frameworks for three of the most influential powers in the galaxy: the Solomani, the Droyne, and the Hivers. traveller aliens of charted space 2 pdf
Whether you are looking for the Aliens of Charted Space 2 PDF to enhance your digital toolkit or a physical copy for your shelf, this volume is essential for any Referee wanting to move beyond the borders of the Third Imperium. Featured Cultures: The Power Brokers of the Stars
Unlike Volume 1, which focused on the martial Aslan and K'kree, Volume 2 delves into civilizations defined by manipulation, ancient history, and human evolution.
The Solomani: These are the original humans from Earth (Terra), who believe they are the rightful heirs to the stars. The book details the "Call to Greatness" that drives their society, alongside the darker aspects of the Solomani Security (SolSec) agents who monitor their citizens.
The Hivers: Physically unique and famously manipulative, Hivers are known for "social engineering" rather than direct warfare. The sourcebook reveals their long-term plans and the structure of the Hive Federation, where diverse races serve roles designed for them by their curious, emotionless masters.
The Droyne: Perhaps the most enigmatic race in Charted Space, the Droyne are a winged, caste-based society with deep ties to the "Ancients". This volume provides the necessary insights to portray their alien logic and complex social structures effectively. New Rules and Player Resources
Beyond the lore, this supplement offers extensive mechanical updates for players and Referees:
Detailed Character Creation: Complete lifepaths and rules for creating Travellers from each of these three races, allowing for unique roleplaying opportunities.
High Guard Additions: New ship designs and starship technologies specific to Solomani, Hiver, and Droyne fleets.
Central Supply Catalogue: A wealth of new equipment, weapons, and specialized gear unique to these cultures.
Vehicle Profiles: Comprehensive stats for the unique vehicles used across their respective territories. Digital and Physical Availability
For many modern groups, the Aliens of Charted Space Vol 2 PDF is the preferred format for quick referencing during sessions. It is widely available through official channels:
Mongoose Publishing: Offers the Aliens of Charted Space Vol. 2 directly, often providing a complimentary PDF with the purchase of a physical book. Cultural and Social Analysis The aliens of Charted
DriveThruRPG: A reliable source for the standalone PDF version, which includes digital bookmarks for easy navigation.
This book is highly recommended for fans of the Droyne and Hivers, as it transforms them from background lore into fully playable and understandable factions. Aliens of Charted Space Vol. 2 - Mongoose Publishing
The Traveller Aliens of Charted Space 2: A Comprehensive Analysis
Abstract
The science fiction universe of Traveller, created by Marc Miller, has been a staple of tabletop gaming since its inception in 1977. One of the most fascinating aspects of this universe is the diverse array of alien species that inhabit the galaxy. This paper will focus on the Traveller Aliens of Charted Space 2, exploring their characteristics, cultures, and roles within the game. A comprehensive analysis of these alien species will provide insight into the rich and complex universe of Traveller.
Introduction
The Traveller game system, now in its second edition, allows players to explore a vast, star-spanning galaxy filled with diverse alien civilizations. Charted Space 2, a core book in the Traveller series, presents a wealth of information on the various alien species that inhabit this universe. These aliens are not merely background characters, but rather fully realized entities with their own cultures, histories, and motivations.
The Aliens of Charted Space 2
Charted Space 2 presents a wide range of alien species, each with unique characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Some of the most notable aliens include:
Cultural and Social Analysis
The aliens of Charted Space 2 exhibit a diverse range of cultural and social structures. Some species, such as the Aslan and Kaggar, are highly organized and hierarchical, while others, like the Darmok and Varma, are more decentralized and individualistic. These cultural differences often lead to misunderstandings and conflicts between species.
The Aslan, for example, place great emphasis on honor and loyalty, which can sometimes lead to perceived arrogance or aloofness. In contrast, the Darmok are highly empathetic and community-oriented, often acting as mediators and diplomats. The Kaggar, with their hive-minded collective, can appear cold and calculating to other species. Appendix For those interested in further exploring the
Role in the Game
The aliens of Charted Space 2 play a vital role in the Traveller game. They serve as potential allies, enemies, or trading partners for player characters. Understanding the cultures, motivations, and characteristics of these alien species is crucial for navigating the complex web of intergalactic politics and diplomacy.
Game masters can use these aliens to create rich, immersive storylines and encounters. For example, a group of players might find themselves caught in the midst of an Aslan clan dispute, or negotiating a trade agreement with a group of Kaggar entrepreneurs.
Conclusion
The Traveller Aliens of Charted Space 2 are a fascinating and diverse array of species, each with their own unique characteristics, cultures, and roles within the game. A comprehensive analysis of these aliens provides insight into the rich and complex universe of Traveller, highlighting the intricate web of relationships and interactions between species.
By understanding the aliens of Charted Space 2, players and game masters can create engaging, immersive stories and adventures that explore the complexities of intergalactic politics, diplomacy, and culture.
References
Appendix
For those interested in further exploring the Traveller universe, I have included a list of additional resources:
By exploring these resources, fans of the Traveller universe can deepen their understanding of the game and its rich, diverse setting.
The book rounds out with smaller species. The most notable are:
While the first volume of this series covered the heavy hitters closer to the Imperial core, Aliens of Charted Space 2 focuses on the "Young Civilizations"—races that are technologically advanced but culturally distinct and often at odds with Imperial norms. The PDF provides definitive 2nd Edition updates for four major races: