Surveys

Note: This page is being taken apart in order to build the comprehensive survey series.

Unusual Item Surveys

Conventional planet- and orbit-bound sensors (including the various types of telescopes) can detect at extremely long ranges a large number of standard items that do not fit under the standard star system category, such as nebulae and non-standard stars. However, other interstellar items require detection by sensors in closer proximity, such as starships performing sector (or navigational) surveys (usually within 10 or so lightyears, depending on the long range sensor tech levels). Others require detection from almost right on top of them or there will be devastating consequences.

When a sector is generated (for game purposes), designate each of the items detected non-conventionally as U followed by the designation #, with the dedicated page indicating what exactly was generated in the notes section. When the item is then discovered, change the name to either the proper code (e.g., NMM for ion storm) or a proper name.

3. Interstellar Phenomena Survey – as detected
see Interstellar Phenomena for details

Roll 1d100	Item (Catalog ID)	Notes
01 - 02	Lost planet (Class R) (NMA)	Detectable at low-resolution range on starship long range sensors
03	Lost planet (Type I) (NMB)	Detectable at low-resolution range on starship long range sensors
04 - 09	Planetary nebula (1d10 x 0.1 lys diameter) (NMC) (go to Table 3.1)	Detectable by conventional sensors; always have a white dwarf (Class D) star at center
10 - 30	Small nebula (1d6 x 0.33 lys diameter) (NMD) (go to Table 3.1)	Detectable by conventional sensors
31 - 38	Large nebula (3d6 lys diameter) (NME) (go to Table 3.1)	Detectable by conventional sensors
39 - 44	Proto star (NMF)	Detectable by conventional sensors
45 - 48	T. Tauri star (NMG)	Detectable by conventional sensors
49 - 58	Variable star (NMH)	Detectable by conventional sensors
59	Neutron star (NMI)	Detectable by conventional sensors
60	Pulsar (NMJ)	Detectable by conventional sensors
61	Nova (NMK)	Detectable by conventional sensors
62 - 63	Lazarus star (NML)	Detectable by conventional sensors
64 - 65	Ion storm (1d10 strength level) (NMM)	Detectable only at high-resolution range on starship long range sensors
66 - 81	Plasma field (1d10 strength level) (NMN) (go to Table 3.2)	Detectable at low-resolution range on starship long range sensors
82	Subspace corridor (NMO)	Detectable only at high-resolution range on starship long range sensors
83	Interphase pocket (NMP)	Detectable only at high-resolution range on starship long range sensors
84	Subspace shockwave (NMQ)	Detectable only at high-resolution range on starship long range sensors
85 - 88	Subspace compression (NMR) (diameters of single-digit AUs)	Detectable only at high-resolution range on starship long range sensors
89	Subspace eddy (NMS) (Ex: loss of the HMS Prince Edward)	Detectable only at high-resolution range on starship long range sensors
90	Subspace Turbulence (NMT)	Detectable only at high-resolution range on starship long range sensors
91 - 92	Subspace Rift/Rupture (NMU)	Detectable only at high-resolution range on starship long range sensors
93	Subspace Vacuole (NMV)	Detectable only at high-resolution range on starship long range sensors
94 - 98	Star cluster (1d12 stars and roll for another interstellar phenomenon)	Detectable by conventional sensors
99	Wormhole (randomly determine exit) (NMX) (go to Table 3.3)	Detectable only at high-resolution range on starship long range sensors
00	Cosmic String (NMY) (1d10 light-years in length)	Detectable only at high-resolution range on starship long range sensors

3.1 Nebula Classes¹

Roll 1d100	Class
01-60	Class A (Hydrogen type)
61-64	Class C (Mutara type)
65-68	Class E (Gamma Eridani type)2
69-72	Class G (Dichromic type)
73-76	Class H (Hugora type)
77-79	Class I (Idari type)

Roll 1d100	Class
80-83	Class J (Mar Oscura type)
84-86	Class K (Cerulean type)
87-91	Class P (McAllister type)
92-94	Class R (Rolor type)
95-98	Class T (Emission type)
99-00	Class Y (Inversion type)

Note 1: See Nebula for descriptions and rules regarding the different types of nebulae.

Note 2: Re-roll if a planetary or small nebula.

3.1.1 Nebula Levels¹

Roll 1d20	Grade
1	Level 1
2	Level 2
3	Level 3
4	Level 4
5	Level 5
6	Level 6
7	Level 7
8	Level 8
9	Level 9

Roll 1d20	Grade
10	Level 11
11	Level 10
12	Level 12
13	Level 13
14	Level 14
15	Level 15
16	Level 16
17	Level 17
18-20	re-roll

Note 1: These levels indicate the basic structure and composition of individual nebulae, with no direct bearing to the game or charting.

3.2 Plasma Field Level (roll 1d10)

Roll 1d10	Level
01 – 10	Level of field (see Interstellar Phenomena: Plasma Field) Go to Table 3.2.1

3.2.1 Plasma Field Size

Roll 1d100	Size
01 – 15	Planetary sized (1d10 x 0.1 lys diameter)
16 - 77	Small (1d6 x 0.33 lys diameter)
78 - 00	Large (3d6 lys diameter)

3.3 Wormhole Opposite Side

Roll 1d100	Small
01 – 95	unattached opposite end (jumps around between quadrants/galaxies)
96 – 00	attached end (go to Table 3.1.)

3.3.1 Wormhole Exit Point

Roll 1d100	Small
01 – 06	within charted Alpha Quadrant
07 – 25	uncharted Alpha Quadrant
26 – 50	Beta Quadrant
51 – 75	Delta Quadrant
76 – 00	Gamma Quadrant

Intrasystem Surveys

4. Intrasystem Survey – 1d10 days (Part 1)

A. Main Sequence Stars	Roll for number of planets:
M (Red)	3d6-2
K (Orange)	3d6-2
G (Yellow)	3d6-2
F (Yellow-white)	3d6-1
A (White)	3d6-1
B (Blue-white)	3d6
O (Blue)	none
B. D (White dwarf)	3d6/2 (and all are Class C)
C. IR Sequence Stars/Blackholes	none

5. Intrasystem Survey (Part 2)

A. Planets of Main Sequence Stars Roll 1d100	Class	Example
01-05	Class A - Geothermal	Gothos
06-10	Class B - Geomorteus	Mercury
11-15	Class C - Geoinactive	Pluto
16-20	Class D - Dwarf Planet	Luna
21-22	Class E - Geoplastic	Excalbia
23-24	Class F - Geometallic	Janus IV
25-28	Class G - Geocrystalline	Delta Vega
29-35	Class H - Desert	Vulcan
36-40	Class I - Ice Giant	Uranus, Neptune
41-46	Class J - Gas Giant	Jupiter, Saturn
47-51	Class K - Adaptable	Mars

A. Planets of Main Sequence Stars Roll 1d100	Class	Example
52-58	Class L - Marginal	Indri VIII
59-65	Class M - Terrestrial	Earth
66-68	Class N - Reducing	Venus
69-72	Class O - Pelagic	Argo
73-79	Class P - Glaciated	Andor, Breen
80-82	Class Q - Variable	Genesis
83-85	Class S - Gas Hypergiant
86-87	Class T - Gas Ultragiant
88-89	Class U - Gas Low Density Giant
90	Class Y - Demon	Tholia
91-00	Class Z - Asteroid Belt

6. Intrasystem Survey (Part 3)

A. Satellites	Roll for number of moons based on planet Class	Result/Go to:
Class A, B, C, Q	1d100	Table 7A
Class D, R	n/a	no moons
Class E, F, G, H, K, L, M, N, O, P, Y	1d6-3	all Class D
I	roll: 0-8	Step 7B
J	3d6	Step 7B
S	4d6	Step 7C
T	1d8-5	Step 7D

7. Intrasystem Survey - Satellite Classes (Part 4)

Step 7A	Roll 1d100: Results
01 - 66	0 moons
67 - 00	1 Class D

Step 7B	Roll 1d100: Results
01 - 33	Ring
34 - 40	Class A
41 - 54	Class B
55 - 75	Class C
76 - 00	Class D

Step 7C	Roll 1d100: Results
01 - 20	Ring
21 - 25	Class A
26 - 34	Class B
35 - 47	Class C
48 - 74	Class D
75 - 79	Class E
80 - 84	Class F
85 - 89	Class G
90 - 91	Class H
92	Class K
93	Class L
94 - 95	Class M
96	Class N
97	Class O
98	Class P
99	Class Q
00	Class Y

Step 7D	Roll 1d100: Results
00 - 51	Ring
52 - 56	Class A
57 - 62	Class B
63 - 67	Class C
68 - 84	Class D
85 - 88	Class E
89 - 92	Class F
92 - 96	Class G
97 - 00	Class Q

Habitability & Resources Surveys

If any class H, K, L, M, O, or P planets are found, the ship immediately investigates. In an extremely high orbit – geosynchronous with the day side and in radio-frequency silence in order to not be discovered by celestial observatories or other tracking devices – begin scan of the planet. Otherwise, a dedicated surveyor will be scheduled for sometime in the future to conduct an extensive orbital/ground survey. All portions of the habitability survey take 1d6 days.

8. Habitability survey

A. Determine planetary gravity (G) (Alternate Method)	Roll (1d10 + 5)/10
B. Determine diameter (km) (Alternate Method)	Multiply 13,000 by G
C. Determine surface area (km^2) (Alternate Method)	Multiply 510,075,000 by G
D. Determine water area (%)	Roll:
Class H	1d20
Class L	1d20+20
Class M	1d60+20
Class O	1d20+80
Class P	1d100 (ice-covered)
E. Determine rotation period	Roll 2d10+14 hours
F. Determine atmospheric density (see Expanded rules)	Roll 1d10:
01-02	thin atmosphere
03-08	standard atmosphere
09-10	thick atmosphere

Resources survey

G. (1) Class B Resource menu	Roll 1d100:
01 - 06 Table R7	51 - 63 Table R20
07 - 19 Table R15	64 - 75 Table R21
20 - 31 Table R16	76 - 88 Table R25
32 - 38 Table R17	89 - 00 Table R28
39 - 50 Table R18
G. (2) Class C Resource menu	Roll 1d100:
01 - 07 Table R2	46 - 48 Table R15
08 - 15 Table R3	49 - 56 Table R17
16 - 22 Table R7	57 - 63 Table R19
23 - 30 Table R8	64 - 71 Table R22
31 - 33 Table R10	72 - 78 Table R26
34 - 37 Table R11	79 - 85 Table R28
38 - 41 Table R12	86 - 93 Table R29
42 - 45 Table R13	94 - 00 Table R31
42 - 45 Table R13	94 - 00 Table R31

G. (3) Class D Resource menu	Roll 1d100:
01 - 06 Table R7	51 - 56 Table R18
07 - 11 Table R8	57 - 61 Table R19
12 - 17 Table R9	62 - 67 Table R22
18 - 22 Table R10	68 - 72 Table R23
23 - 28 Table R11	73 - 78 Table R26
29 - 33 Table R12	79 - 83 Table R27
34 - 39 Table R13	84 - 89 Table R28
40 - 44 Table R15	90 - 94 Table R29
45 - 50 Table R17	95 - 00 Table R31
G. (4) Class E Resource menu	Roll 1d100:
01 - 50 Table R3	51 - 00 Table R24
G. (5) Classes F & G Resource menu	Roll 1d100:
01 - 33 Table R3	68 - 00 Table R24
34 - 67 Table R6
G. (6) Class H Resource menu	Roll 1d100:
01 - 40 Table R6	61 - 80 Table R10
41 - 60 Table R7	81 - 00 Table R13

G. (7) Class K Resource menu	Roll 1d100:
01 - 06 Table R3	45 - 50 Table R17
07 - 13 Table R4	51 - 56 Table R18
14 - 19 Table R7	57 - 63 Table R19
20 - 22 Table R9	64 - 69 Table R21
23 - 28 Table R10	70 - 75 Table R22
29 - 31 Table R11	76 - 81 Table R26
32 - 34 Table R12	82 - 88 Table R28
35 - 38 Table R13	89 - 94 Table R29
39 - 41 Table R14	95 - 00 Table R31
42 - 44 Table R15
G. (8) Class L Resource menu	Roll 1d100:
01 - 50 Table R6	76 - 00 Table R10
51 - 75 Table R9
G. (9) Class M Resource menu	Roll 1d100:
01 - 29 Table R6	58 - 71 Table R10
30 - 43 Table R7	72 - 86 Table R13
44 - 57 Table R9	87 - 00 Table R17

G. (10) Class N Resource menu	Roll 1d100:
01 - 12 Table R1	48 - 59 Table R9
13 - 24 Table R3	60 - 65 Table R14
25 - 35 Table R4	66 - 76 Table R16
36 - 41 Table R5	77 - 88 Table R21
42 - 47 Table R6	89 - 00 Table R26
G. (11) Class O Resource menu	Roll 1d100:
01 - 13 Table R6	51 - 75 Table R10
14 - 38 Table R7	76 - 00 Table R13
39 - 50 Table R9
G. (12) Class P Resource menu	Roll 1d100:
01 - 33 Table R5	68 - 00 Table R30
34 - 67 Table R14
G. (13) Class Y Resource menu	Roll 1d100:
01 - 50 Table R4	51 - 00 Table R9

Lifeform survey

H. (1) Class H, M, O & P Dominant lifeform	Roll 1d100
01–03	micro-organisms
04–07	plants
08–14	insects/mollusks
15–20	fish
21–30	amphibians
31–40	reptiles
41–50	avians
51–95	mammals
96–00	special

H. (2) Class F Dominant lifeform	Roll 1d100
01–90	N/A
91-00	micro-organisms
H. (3) Class L, G & Q Dominant lifeform	Roll 1d100
01-40	N/A
41–65	micro-organisms
66–75	plants
76–90	insects/mollusks (re-roll for L)
91–00	fish (re-roll for L)

I. Presence of sentience	Roll 1d100
Micro-organisms	n/a
Plants	n/a
Insects/mollusks	n/a
Fish	n/a
Amphibians	12%
Reptiles	25%
Avians	25%
Mammals	36%
Special (includes non-corporeals, fish, and below)	90%

Xeno-anthropology Surveys

If a sentient species is discovered, special directives are put in place. A landing party may be sent down to investigate.

9. Xeno-anthropology Survey

A. Determine Civilization Scale	Roll 1d100	Scale Rating
01 - 02	Stone Age (Earth pre-5000 BCE)	0
03 - 08	Metal Age (2,000 BCE)	1
09 - 19	Science Age (1400 AD)	2
20 - 33	Steam Age (1750 AD)	3
34 - 50	Combustion Age (1900 AD)	4
51 - 55	Atomic Age (1950 AD)	5
56 - 64	Space Age (1960 AD, intrasystem)	6
65 - 80	Ion Age (2030 AD, intrasystem)	7
81 - 92	Early FTL Age (2060 - 2200)Note 1	8
93 - 98	Improved FTL Age (Federation)Note 1	9
99	Post-Warp Age (Iconians)	10
00	Conversion Age (Douwd)	11+
B. Social Rating	Roll 1d100	Subtypes
01-10	Anarchy	n/a
11-35	Independent Nation-States	n/a
36-45	Monarchy	military, religious, social
46-50	Theocracy	n/a
51-55	Aristocratic	military, religious, scientific, social, trade
56-65	Imperialist	military, religious, trade
66-70	Technocratic	military, scientific
71-75	Collective	n/a
76-80	Totalitarian	military, religious, social
81-87	Confederate	military, scientific, social, trade
88-97	Representative	military, religious, scientific, social, trade
98-00	Meritocracy	military, religious, scientific, social, trade
C. Production Type	Roll 1d100 for Civilization Ratings 8-10Note 2	Examples
01-13	None	Isolated and multi-state world
14-30	Mining
31-60	Agricultural
61-74	Industrial	research, manufacturing, sales
75-85	Service	finance, trade, data processing, tourism, martial training, monastery
86-90	Government	capital, administrative center, prison colony, military base, outpost
91-97	Single-planet homeworld
98-99	Mixed; roll for 2
00	Mixed; roll for 3

Note 1: Unless previously determined to be a regional power, these civilizations do not control entire sectors (or more), but focus on local colonization (if possible) and trade with immediate neighbors.

Note 2: Civilizations Scale 1-7 are, at best, single-world agrarian.

9.1 Landing Party/Away Team Deaths
A landing party has a 5% chance of taking casualties within its six members. If casualties are taken, roll 1d6 for the number killed.

Roll 1d100	Cause of death
01–60	natural deaths
61–80	inhabitants caused deaths (criminal)
81–00	inhabitants caused deaths (official)

9.2 Hostile Planet Attack
If the inhabitants caused the death(s) of the explorer(s), and their technology is 6 or above, the ship is in danger. There is a 30% chance the ship is attacked.

Roll 1d100	Civilization Rating
6	01-65: No damage 66-82: 1d2 x 25% total SU damage 83-94: (1d2+1) x 25% total SU damage 95-00: (1d3+1) x 25% total SU damage
7	01-50: No damage 51-75: 1d2 x 25% total SU damage 76-92: (1d2+1) x 25% total SU damage 93-00: (1d3+1) x 25% total SU damage
8 and up	01-30: No damage 31-65: 1d2 x 25% total SU damage 66-88: (1d2+1) x 25% total SU damage 89-00: (1d3+1) x 25% total SU damage