Superstitions / Traditions

Spacers tend to have many traditions and superstitions, many of which are somewhat based on the chaotic nature of space and its inherent danger.

Some popular superstitions include:

1. All viewing ports and communication devices must be sealed shut and turned off before entering a neutron gate, and remain that way until you exit. Doing so prevents "hitchhikers" from getting aboard.

2. Never name a ship after one that's been destroyed: the lost ship's bad luck will pass onto the new one.

3. Never break a line of command switches. Like, if you need to turn on 3 lights in sequence, DON'T start by the last or the middle. Start by the first, second, and then third, in order.

4. Rats know a ship's condition better than anyone. If the rats suddenly disappear, the ship's next voyage will be its last.

5. If a nebula appears completely harmless, it must be avoided at all costs. Nothing in space is entirely harmless, and if something appears harmless, it is only hiding an even greater danger.

Some popular traditions include:

1. A tattoo of a tree informs whoever recovers your body that you want to be buried on a planet; a burning star means you want to be shot into the nearest sun.

2. If the crew witnesses the death of a star, the ship must slow down and pay respects to the star. Alternatively if they witness the birth of a star it is customary to place a birthday gift in the airlock and shoot it out for the star.

3. A tattoo of a bird from your homeworld ensures you’ll eventually return to it. (If you get the bird tattooed upside down, that ensures you won’t.)