Modified Aging for CT

 In the Heisenberg universe, aging and humanity differ significantly from the classic Traveller setting. Millennia of advancements in genetics, medicine, and science have fundamentally transformed Humaniti, extending the average human lifespan to approximately 120 years. The oldest known individual in the Imperium is 186 as of the year 1122. These changes have naturally led to longer careers, as many individuals wish to continue contributing to society—a perspective the Imperium uses to its advantage. To reflect this, aging mechanics in Heisenberg have been adjusted. Characters begin making age checks at age 40, with subsequent checks every eight years until age 80, and every four years thereafter. While advanced medical care can restore and repair physical function, it becomes exceedingly expensive as a character ages.

  Aging Rolls

Aging roll targets are as follows: 

• Age 40 & 48: 5+

• Age 56 & 64: 6+

• Age 72 & 80: 7+

• Age 84+: 8+

• Age 92+ 9+

Age 100+ 10+

Failing an aging roll results in physical decline: 

• Up to Age 64: -1 to one physical characteristic 

• Age 72 to 84: -1 to two physical characteristics 

• Age 84+: -1 to all three physical characteristics

  Disability

A character becomes disabled when one physical characteristic drops to 1, severely disabled when two physical characteristics reach 1, and critically disabled when all three physical characteristics reach 1. Disabled characters require weekly medical care, severely disabled characters require daily care, and critically disabled characters need constant medical attention to survive.

  Medical Cost

Characters in active duty military service receive medical support at zero cost under most conditions. The most common needs are in officers of Flag rank (O6+). Characters outside active duty can purchase medical support for aging loss. Medical care restores characteristics to their baseline. The first two points cost CR20k each, the second two points at CR200k each, and the third two points at CR2mil each. Current medical technologies up to TL16 do not allow for further treatments.

When one characteristic falls to 1 weekly medical care costs CR200 weekly and requires a doctor or tech with Medical 2+. When 2 characteristics fall to 1 daily medical care daily care costs CR2k weekly required Medical +3, and is usually provided in an assisted living facility. When all three physical characteristics fall to 1 constant medical attention costs CR12k monthly, requires Medical 3+ and must be provided in a medical living facility.

  Cybernetics

Cybernetic augmentation can also assist where medical treatment can no longer help. Cybernetics are not commercially feasible for private citizens until TL10. Up to two points of characteristic decline can be cybernetically corrected or restored. Each point of decline is CR1mil at TL10. Each point of decline is CR100k at TL12. Each point of decline costs CR50k at TL14. If you later gain access to a higher technology level, all previous augmentations must be replaced entirely–you cannot simply upgrade each individual point. For example, if a character spends CR 2,000,000 to correct two points of decline at a TL10 facility, but later needs to address an additional point of decline at a TL12 facility, they must replace all existing augmentations at the TL12 pricing. The total cost would be CR300k for all three points (CR100k each), not just CR100k for the new point alone.

  Anagathics

Anagathics are legal, though not widely available. Characters in active duty positions with rank O6+ in the Imperium Navy or Imperium Army will receive anagathics for no cost as long as they continue their careers. Once they leave the service they would need to locate a different source or face the consequences. Anagathics alone have not been successful at extending human life past age 110.

  Combining Treatments

Some treatments can be combined to assist in reducing the effects of aging for some characters. Some characters may not have access to some or all of these treatments. There is also the possibility that a character may be resistant to or incapable of tolerating certain treatments. Some characters may be allergic to anagathics or resistant to some technology. Some worlds lack the technology to support these measures. Even today, life extension is a yellow brick road, or a primrose path, and in Heisenberg this provides opportunities for intrigues and adventure.

  Anagathics are Imperium Technology

Anagathics are an Imperium technology and are only available at TL15 and higher. Anagathics are not illegal in the Imperium, however, they are very rare and expensive. The basic cost per dose is CR200k. There are many factors, and any player finding anagathics on the open market as it were are going to have a significant investment in story and roleplaying as well as credits. Anagathics are generally frowned upon in many other polities, including notably the Solomani Confederation and Zhodani Consulate, though not for the same reasons.

  An aside: Genetics ≠ Eugenics

In SF the term eugenics often refers to the genetic enhancement of the human race. Historically it was just a pseudoscience used to justify numerous atrocities. Genetics, by contrast, is the legitimate scientific study of the human genome. Today, the idea of extending human capabilities by eliminating genetic imperfections is a topic of renewed debate, particularly with the advent of CRISPR technology. In the Heisenberg setting, humanity has used these advancements over centuries to eradicate most childhood diseases and cancers. This has resulted in a stronger, smarter population where childhood mortality is exceptionally rare, lifespans are significantly longer, and the effects of aging are far less severe.