Although still part of Gypsy Knights Games's alternate Traveller universe setting, the Peel Colonies are not in the Clement Sector at all, but in the Ariel Sector coreward of it. As such they are very new colonies, having only been established for some fifty years or less. Moveover, most of the worlds have not been fully explored - at least, not on the ground, whatever surveys might have been done from orbit.
We start with a map of the Peel Sub-sector, which contains some eighteen systems although only seven are as yet inhabited. There's a list of UWPs and other information, and a bit of background about the sub-sector as a whole.
We then move on to look at each settled world in turn. Each is presented in a standard manner, beginning with an overview of the star system as a whole with a diagram and notes about every body in the system. There's a map of at least the main world (often some of the other planets as well, especially if they have been visited) followed by physical, atmospheric, hydrographic and geographical details. This can include notable natural features and even some of the more interesting native plants and animals. Next we get to hear about the people: government type, law and culture. This background is quite detailed: Referees will have to determine how much is known by outsiders, particular those who are planning a visit.
The worlds on offer are quite varied. There's Layla, a place dedicated to individual freedom with extensive participatory democracy. Their commitment to freedom is deeply held and based on religion (although of course, nobody is compelled to believe!). About the only thing wrong with the place is that it's on the chilly side!
The New Perth system is well blessed with planets, two of which are inhabited. It's a representative democracy, colonised by the Australian Government (yes, the one on Earth) which was technically a treaty violation. A lot of Australian slang and even the playing of Aussie Rules Football is popular, and there are even some imported Australian plants and animals to be found.
Peel, on the other hand, is under military dictatorship. The founder, Jacob Peel, established the place as a society devoid of religion (which he and his followers saw as a malign influence on society) and after many years of ruling the place personally - including mandatory nutritional guidelines and requirements to have lots of children - he'd turned power over to an elected parliament. In the course of time, other ideas came into play, and these eventually led to civil war. The military contrived a cease-fire, only to grab control for themselves.
And so it goes on with some quite fascinating worlds that should prove interesting to visit (if they'll give you a visa!). Neachdain is a world with few native land animals but plenty of amphibians run by the Technical Coalition on the remains of a failed Celtic-based colony. Alverca is a sparsely-inhabited world of 75% water with an elected President where they speak Portuguese. Rocroi is much drier and in its 11 years of operation has acquired a mere three thousand odd colonists governed by a self-appointed 'King'. Finally, Ariel is another wet world (73% water) whose inhabitants mostly farm or fish, with a complex system of delegated democracy based on the unusual origins as a joint Palestinian and Israeli settlement!
There are suggestions for character generation for those coming from these worlds, some adventure ideas and even random encounters for some of the unexplored regions of different worlds. Oh, and a bestiary of some of the more unusual wildlife. All in all, there's a splendid frontier feel to the sub-sector which gives a true urge to go exploring!
Return to Peel Colonies page.
Reviewed: 17 November 2014
