Character #31: Classic Traveller - Book 1

 

To finish out the month and my first #CharacterCreationChallenge, I'm going to do a Classic Traveller Book 1 character. I love Traveller, the character generation process creates a story, and they are quick and easy.

This is Bryne 'BOM' O'Malley, 8A8AA6. Pretty good rolls across the board, could probably do well in any service. BOM chooses the Army, as he thinks he has the best chance for a commission and promotions in the Army. He's a physical guy, but also smart, and thinks he can serve best as an Officer.

BOM enlists with no issues and quickly sees his plan come to fruition. He earns a Commission based on his entry scores and performance in boot camp, followed shortly by a further promotion to Captain. The Army had quickly recognized his leadership abilities and intelligence would serve them well. BOM gets an expert rifle badge in boot camp (Rifle - 1), SMG training in Officer School, and an Air/Raft license. However, he also spends off duty time in the local casinos (Gambling - 1), perhaps a sign of problems to come. He reenlists with no issues.

His second tour sees another promotion to Major, and various operational missions where he is trained in the art of being a Forward Observer. He also earns a posting to Command and General Staff College, where he is schooled up in Tactics. Reenlistment is no issue for Major O'Malley.

His third tour starts strong, with another promotion to LTCOL. BOM really loves this tour as a Battalion Commander, and enjoys getting to know the troops. He 'gets his hands dirty' with his various components, and learns to drive the various tracked vehicles in his command, as well as earning a Combat Lifesaver rating (Medical - 1). Despite staying active and hitting the gym with the troops, BOMs many nights of drinking and gambling take a toll on his stamina. 8A7AA6.

With his eyes set on another tour and a 'sure thing' promotion to full Colonel, BOM is dumbfounded when the service rejects his package for a fourth term. His gambling and drinking had begun to interfere with his ability to lead, and a couple of fraternization charges that were swept under the rug, all added up to too many issues for the Army to deal with.

BOM quickly ran through the stages of grief, and settled on anger. Not angry at himself for torpedoing a great career, but angry at the Army. Because his units had all operated well, BOM didn't realize the liability he had become.

The Army processed him out quickly with the minimum severance package of 12,000 Cr and a Middle Passage ticket. Another slap in the face in BOMs view. But BOM was not going away empty handed. He pulled strings and leveraged his rapport with the troops to make off with his rifle and pistol as 'surplus gear'.

Bryne 'BOM' O'Malley, ex-Army LTCOL, 34 years old

12,000 Cr, Middle Passage, Rifle, Auto Pistol

8A7AA6

Rifle - 1

SMG - 1

Auto Pistol -1

Gambling - 1

Air/Raft - 1

Vehicle - Tracked - 1

Medical -1 

Fwd Observer - 1

Tactics -1

#CharacterCreationChallenge