SH-Star Travel

Star Travel

Gate Travel is the fastest and cheapest method of FTL, however it is typically limited to SM+8 craft. Anything larger is too big for the standard gates available. Every civilized system will have one or more (often many more) gates capable of passing up to SM+7 or +8 craft, and going from one gate to another requires no special drive on the ship. Passage is charged at $100 per SM of the ship at each gate. Certain mega corporations and military forces have private gates setup that can handle larger vessels, and some ships carry their own gate generator.

Hyperspace travel is used by most larger craft which includes luxury tourist ships, some cargo, and primarily military and scientific craft.

FTL communication as such does not exist and mail is delivered through courier ships. Hyperspace does allow FTL communication but only within hyperspace so is greatly limited in utility. Hyperspace buoys can relay messages but this method is limited to corporate and government networks.

Ships can be purchased using Wealth or Patron (See The Captains Boat in Pyramid #3/71). Relevant abilities can be purchased as alternative abilities to Patron.

Starship Manufacturers

Dragon Shipyards

With hulls made from diamondiod armor and advanced grav weapons these are ships of war and prized for their combat capability.

Giaian Creations

This is a government run company by the people of Gaia and shows off their excellent biotechnology. They have a few standard models but are known for custom built work. The ships are generally noncombat luxury craft.

Prism Shipyards

Also using diamondoid armor these are durable ships designed in fantastic colors using special coloring in the crystal armor. They are status symbols that don't sacrifice durability in return for appearance. They are generally designed with defensive weaponry only.

Stardust Enterprises

A major commercial building and shipping company that specializes in commerce ships that are lightly armed and armored and optimized for getting cargo and passengers between safe ports of call. All their ships have star as part of their name.

TBA

Biotech ships built by a race specializing in that tech. Couple of companies.