Traveller Vignette 028

“Sameter is usually described as having a tainted atmosphere, but the “taint” is actually an unusually high (28%) level of oxygen. This creates severe fire risks, and any naked flame outside the pressurised habitats is strictly controlled. The habitats themselves are carefully monitored for leaks, and potential sources of ignition, such as electrical systems, are well shielded.

Humans must wear filter masks outdoors, or the excess oxygen causes symptoms resembling drunkenness, then death as it desiccates the lungs. A few people fall victim to defective masks each year, usually due to the effects of “oxygen narcosis” causing them to do foolish things rather than direct injury. Despite this, “air parties” where groups of young people unmask in public parks, and get drunk on oxygen are a common event, always with masked friends present to ensure safety.”


(Author's note - Another way to add character to a planet. It could also drive scenario where a group of teens have gone outside for an air party, and someone has wandered off while the person with a mask was distracted by someone else - can the players find the missing person, who may not be acting rationally, before the local atmosphere kills them?

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