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traveller:lowtech

Low Tech

Tech levels 0 - 4.

TL 0 : The Stone Age

Despite being designated as Technology Zero, this tech level represents probably the widest range of technological achievements on the entire scale - from chimpanzees bashing rocks together, to complex agriculture, cities and social civilisations. It also represents no technology at all - a barren world completely devoid of life is also defined as TL 0, though in practise there is considered a difference between no technology and TL 0.

The principle defining characteristic of a TL 0 society is that it has not figured out how to process metals. There is a difference between processing and using metals. Gold is often discovered quite early, and used as jewellery or a form of currency, but actually refining and processing metals is considered the domain of TL 1 and above.

Technology

Paleolithic

The earliest stage of a TL 0 society once it has discovered basic tool use. Entirely based on hunter/gatherer societies, tools tend to be of wood, stone or bone.

Mesolithic

Domestication of animals.

Neolithic

Farming.

Trade

Trade with TL 0 civilisations is rarely worthwhile, for not only do they lack any concept of what they want, they have little to offer. Pretty much anything that the can produce themselves is both readily available on other worlds, and of such poor quality that no-one else wants it.

However, there are many goods which a TL 0 society would find useful, from basic medicines, synthetic clothing and artistic items to metal tools and weapons. Neolithic societies may be interested in firearms, and will quickly learn how to use them, though will be unable to manufacture their own. It's even known for them to use advanced laser rifles, or navigation and communication systems.

Most TL 0 worlds are useful as sources of raw materials - wood, animal products and mineral deposits can be easily strip mined since any natives will not be able to object.

Societies

Paleolithic Nomads

Trade Codes: Poor, Non-Agricultural, Non-Industrial, Low Population

The only products they produce are animal products and stone weapons. Are generally not worth trading with, though such worlds may have mining outposts on them operated by off world companies. These will generally have their own supplies, but may be interested in non-standard goods.

Mesolithic Nomads

Trade Codes: Poor, Non-Agricultural, Non-Industrial, Low Population

Similar to Paleolithic Nomads, and are rarely worth dealing with.

Neolithic Nomads

Trade Codes: Poor, Non-Agricultural, Non-Industrial, Low Population

As for other TL 0 nomadic peoples.

Neolithic Tribes

Trade Codes: Poor, Non-Agricultural, Non-Industrial, Low Population

Settled tribes, practising primitive farming. Note that they still count as Non-Agricultural due to being subsistence farmers. They don't produce enough produce to make off world trade worthwhile.

However, they do have a need for a wider range of trade goods, especially agricultural implements.

Neolithic City States

Trade Codes: Poor, Non-Agricultural, Non-Industrial, Low Population

Primitive city states, making heavy use of farming to feed their growing population. Tend to be dictatorships or theocracies, and the powers that be may be interested in goods that can help control their populations.

TL 1 : The Bronze Age

TL 2 : The Iron Age

traveller/lowtech.txt · Last modified: 2014/04/27 21:09 by sam