The Virgo Cluster
Scope
The motivation behind building The Virgo Cluster
Use my creativity to create a part of the Traveller Universe that can be explored and enjoyed by many players.
The goal of the project
The satisfaction that I've created something that brings joy to players and UMs (Universe Masters).
The Virgo Cluster's Unique Selling point
Built from the ground up, starting with a Sector that has been hand made and detailed as it is explored.
Traveller is probably one of the original role playing games, dating from 1977. Initially, there was no background as that was to be the domain of the referee. After a couple of years, GDW began publishing an "official" setting. That background is detailed both officially and with player participation for 40 years plus.
The Virgo Cluster is a setting that is similar and parallel, but with some specific differences. Humans are the only intelligent species that have so far been encountered. Psionics works and is used and abused in the same way that magic is in fantasy settings. It's not scary, some have psionic abilities, some don't. Those with psionic abilities usually have drawbacks to create a character balance.
Technology, politics, and physical abilities parallel the Traveller game, it's just that the Virgo Cluster isn't an extension of the official "universe", but an extension of the universe possible using the game mechanics and rules. There is also a fairly liberal utilization of the extensive third party material available for players and referees, although rule zero is also applied as necessary to fix perceived balance issues or to keep the story interesting.
Theme
Genre
Following the moderately hard science fiction of the Traveller game and universe, making more use of psionics with no magic.
Reader Experience
Gritty, very Firefly inspired where people are just trying to get along in the universe, make their lives better if they can and desperately avoid making it worse.
Reader Tone
It's difficult, but not bleak. Every day brings new challenges, but the rewards are usually worth the risks.
Recurring Themes
Pirates, street gangs, exploring new worlds.
Character Agency
The characters don't have the power to change the universe, but they are able to impact the lives of those they encounter, hopefully in positive ways, or ensure that those who are not helping humanity survive are punished for their efforts.
Focus
Drama
Political intrigue between local leaders
Exploration of low tech worlds for "lost' technology
Heavy trade makes pirate drama
The military sometimes doesn't know who their leader is
Just staying alive is an adventure