The Penguin

What are the Transceiver (TC), the TC2, the TC3 and TC4?

TCs are laptop-like (or other things, see above questions) devices assigned to Settlers by the Customs and Processing officials. They are able to communicate both publicly and privately. The TCs can also be used like laptops to access the internet - which is a bit handwavy, but can access the information of most universes and this one. Some players will have chosen to opt out and not have their characters fourth-walled, so try to stay aware of this fact.

Public TC stations can be found in Customs and Processing (1), the Clinic (2), the Saloon (3), the Hopper (4), and the Sheriff's office (5). These terminals are mounted into concrete, with the keyboards attached to little shelves at waist-height - think of a rudimentary ATM. When a character broadcasts from a public TC, the location and number of that TC appears instead of your character's TC call sign. For example, if they are calling from the saloon, the network will identify them as "TC #3".

Your character may upgrade to a TC2, which can be worn about the wrist like a watch, and which has all the same network functionality of a TC. It can not, however, access the internet. A TC2 upgrade can be purchased in the market dome for approximately one month's average wages, or bartered for.

Your character may now purchase a TC3, which is a flexible computer that can roll up into a tube. It has the same network functionality as the TC2 but can access the internet and has holographic capabilities. It is best for students and those who are using the Galactic Network. It can be purchased in the market dome for approximately two months salary or bartered for. There is also a TC4, which is a pair of goggles that can project a 3D hologram if the user chooses to do so. These cost at least three months salary.

What is the currency?

Bronze, silver, and gold pieces make up the currency system. For the first two months, the APS provides settlers with a stipend of three gold. (They also provide clothing, housing, and rations.) Once characters have a job, it goes up from there, depending on what they do. It's up to the players to determine the wages their characters receive. Just try to be realistic.

Here's a list of handy information:

- A bronze piece is worth about $1.25.
- There are 20 bronze pieces to a silver. A silver piece is worth about $25.
- There are 20 silver pieces to a gold. A gold piece is worth $500.
- Minimum wage is roughly 60 silver or $1,500 a month.
- A bath costs one bronze.
- Dinner can cost around 5 bronze.
- A pair of boots or new clothing can cost one or two silver.
- A personal yurt costs 10 gold.