Control Rating

“Control Rating” (CR) is a general
measure of the control exercised by a
government. The lower the CR, the
less restrictive the government and the
freer the people. Government type
(see Society and Government Types,
p. 509) does not absolutely determine
CR – it is possible to have a very free
monarchy, or a democracy where the
voters have saddled themselves with
thousands of strict rules.
Assign CR according to the follow-
ing guidelines:
CR0 – Anarchy. There are no laws,
taxes, or controls.
CR1 – Very free. Nothing is illegal save
use of force or intimidation against
other citizens. Taxes are light or
voluntary. Only access to LC0 items
is controlled (see Legality, p. 507).
CR2 – Free. Some laws exist; most
benefit the individual. Taxes are
light. Access to items of LC0 and
LC1 is controlled.
one or two levels below that, and can
improve their comprehension from
that level. Worldbuilders should note
such connections ahead of time.
CR3 – Moderate. There are many laws,
but most benefit the individual.
Taxes are moderate and fair. Access
to items of LC0 through LC2 is
controlled.
CR4 – Controlled. Many laws exist;
most are for the convenience of
the state. Broadcast communica-
tions are regulated; private broad-
casts (like CB) and printing may
be restricted. Taxation is often
heavy and sometimes unfair.
Access to items of LC0 through
LC3 is controlled.
CR5 – Repressive. There are many
laws and regulations, strictly
enforced. Taxation is heavy and
often unfair. There is strict regula-
tion of information technology:
computers, photocopiers, printing
presses, transmitters, etc. All goods
are effectively controlled; you can’t
buy anything without the appropri-
ate ration coupons or paperwork.
CR6 – Total control. Laws are numer-
ous and complex. The individual
exists to serve the state. Many
offenses carry the death penalty,
and trials – if there are any at all –
are a mockery. Taxation is crush-
ing, taking most of an ordinary cit-
izen’s income. Censorship is com-
mon, and private ownership of any
information technology is forbid-
den. All goods are controlled, and
the government might even with-
hold basic necessities.
If a question of legality arises, or if
you need to determine how severely
the government checks and harasses
newcomers, roll 1d. If the result is
lower than the CR, then the act is ille-
gal, or the authorities harass, delay,
or even arrest the PCs (see Law
Enforcement and Jail, p. 507). If it is
higher, either the act is legal or the
authorities overlook it. If it equals the
CR, the situation could go either way:
play out an encounter or make a
reaction roll.
The GM should skip this die roll in
any situation where there is only one
logical outcome. For instance, regard-
less of CR, it is almost always unac-
ceptable for airline and starship pas-
sengers to carry weapons.