Freelance Traveller

The Akwek: A Bwap Merchant Trader and Crew

by Timothy Collinson

This article originally appeared in the September/October 2025 issue.

The Ship

The Akwek is a 300-ton Koteak-Wo-class Trader (Aliens of Charted Space: Volume 3, pp.272-273) originally christened Wetapa Abapa, or ‘Flying Barge’. The ship is 38 years old and has spent nearly all of that time in the Spinward Marches and immediate surrounds. In its early years the captain and crew weren’t averse to some smuggling on the side but put that aside when they were chartered for several trips into Foreven Sector which were more lucrative and would make a tale or two in themselves.

Some ten years ago the vessel underwent a major refit and has since then been working under the new name, Akwek, as a merchant vessel on the Spinward Main and nearby worlds – its Jump 2 giving it greater flexibility to visit worlds the Main doesn’t reach. It has begun to develop something of a reputation for being able to serve patrons who have more complex requirements. Its present captain is Dr Weta Ekaswa who has seven crew including three gunners as protection against piracy.

Human passengers, or other non-Bwaps, find the Akwek is almost unbearably humid although the steward, Fatawab, can adjust individual staterooms to more comfortable levels. There is a faint, clean smell of ozone from the water filters and misting systems. Surfaces have a constant if subtle sheen of condensation. In drier areas like the engine room, crew will carry personal mist sprayers. In the lounges and even on the Bridge, there is a briny, vinegary smell from the traditional pickled foods that are consumed and in the vicinity of the mud bath; an earthy aroma from the filtration system is fairly obvious. On the Bridge particularly, but also wherever there are computer systems providing readouts or alerts, the Bwap language can be heard resulting in a soundscape of soft, percussive pops, clicks and bubbling noises.

The ship’s architecture avoids sharp corners and favours organic shapes reminiscent of ancient Bwap burrows and hollow bones. Doorways are ovoid, corridors gently curved [take any human published deck plans with a pinch of salt] and larger rooms are ‘supported’ by columns that look like stylized tree roots.  Interior colours tend to favour blues and greens which are also reflected on the hull; the latter also carries clan markings. Keypads have eight digits and displays show numbers in octal. Humans should be aware of Bwap units of measurement which will make consoles and readouts subtly confusing. There are additional security features throughout the vessel which E-tosfe-we Sapwoab, one of the gunners, has added following his time with the Guardians of Order.

The mud bath isn’t a luxury but a vital social and business hub. It is a tiled, functional chamber, not a spa and has waterproofed data ports, wall screens and comms built into the bulkheads. It allows merchants to haggle or crew to debate while partially submerged.  Weta holds his captain’s conferences here. If humans are invited into the space they are expected to undress and will need to keep well hydrated and perhaps use personal fans. Keeping the skin moist is usually not a problem but additional damp cloths or sprays may help. Frequent breaks may need to be taken.

In engineering Arabo has carefully arranged racks of neat, colour-coded and clearly labelled replacement components. It’s not a patch on what he was used to from his military service, but he does his best – particularly with the “inefficient temperature fluctuations”. In order to stop the heat drying out any of the crew in the space, the humidity is kept even higher than usual, making it feel like a true swamp. 

The ship’s galley is similarly ordered with exacting precision. There are jars of Bwap delicacies such as pickled Dawa-daw shoots or live kabapa-kapa-wapapab grubs alongside containers of exotic spices. See individual crew members for details of their staterooms.

The Akwek has the following quirksSee “Buying Used Spaceships” by Dave Billinghurst, Freelance Traveller, March/April 2021. Alternatively, see “Starships for Sale” by Mike McCabe, Freelance Traveller, May/June 2016, ) or A Starship’s Story by Michael Brown. Not forgetting, of course, “Spacecraft Quirks” in the Mongoose Core Rulebook Update 2022, p.188):

• the engineering deck is always five to ten degrees warmer than the rest of the ship and the hottest part of the engineering deck is around the power plant.
• the Manoeuvre Drive becomes sluggish in non-standard gravity fields; manoeuvring within ten diameters of a planet of Size 4 or less or Size 6 or larger becomes one level of Difficulty greater. This particularly affects Etebkas, the pilot, who believes in doing things in the proper way. He has developed his own set of painstakingly researched, historical flight manoeuvres to compensate and refuses to deviate from them, even when a more intuitive approach might work better.
• the truck in the missile/sand hoist for one turret squeaks when in use; this intensely irritating squeak can be heard through all surrounding compartments. Needless to say, this drives the obsessive crew mad and for Sappy, the former Guardian of Order, it is a failure of proper maintenance protocol. The loud announcement of imperfection keeps him constantly submitting requisitions to Arabo to fix it. For Arabo, it is yet more evidence of the Akwek being inferior.
• all clothing washed in one of the galley’s washer units will come out stained slightly pink.  This is a source of deep philosophical offence to Fatabab who is meticulous in his routines and dislikes the disruption to perfect order. Arabo’s attempt to fix the problem have so far proved unsuccessful, so Fatabab has developed a complex, multi-stage washing ritual (the wawathwa-pabessab of laundry) involving special detergents to try and counteract it. He keeps detailed notes on his failures and has recently developed some Vilani-inspired liquids he’s hopeful might do the trick.

The Crew

These eight crew members are all created using the STR -4 and END -4 rule of Aliens of Charted Space: Volume 3 [AoCS3, henceforth] and all have the three standard Traits of Regeneration, Social Norms and Structured Mind.  They have then been run through standard Core Rulebook careers as per p.253 of AoCS3.  In addition, they have been assigned a psyche profile (see “Bwap Psych Profiles”).

Etebkas Ebaab
Pilot, 6A2B88, age 26, 2 terms Merchant: Merchant Marine, Rank 1: Senior Crewman
Characteristics:    STR 6 (+0), DEX 10 (+1), END 2 (-2), INT 11 (+1), EDU 8 (+0), SOC 8 (+0)
Skills:    Admin 2, Pilot 2, Electronics (comms) 1, Mechanic 1, Broker 0, Drive 0, Electronics 0, Flyer 0, Persuade 0, Science (history) 0, Steward 0, Vacc Suit 0
Equipment: Cr20,000, Free Trader, Long Night artifact

Etebkas is really into Bwap history and will spend down time researching the history of Bwap presence, if any, on worlds he visits. His half of the stateroom shared with Saabsa feels rather like a library with all the dataslates and even physical books and other archival material he has collected. If he can get off the ship and explore any historical records or meet any communities of Bwaps or residents of Bwap Quartiers who might be able to tell him more, he will consider it a world worth visiting. He is a hard worker and someone who would give away his last Credit to almost anyone who asked.

Psych Profile: 83299, Etebkas’ passion for history is a direct expression of his conservatism and inflexibility, he isn’t just interested in the past, he sees it as the only correct blueprint for the present. He meticulously documents his notes but his low Ruthless Pragmatism means he will pursue leads even if it is inefficient or puts the ship’s schedule at risk. He is more willing than most Bwaps to engage with others to get the information he needs.

Etebkas, the historian, surprisingly views the pragmatic engineer Arabo as a Member of the wapawab perhaps because Arabo’s high Inflexibility and low Aloofness align with Etebkas’ own worldview.  This creates a positive overall impression despite their different obsessions.

Saabsa Tap
Astrogator, 436997, age 26, 2 terms Navy: Flight, Rank 1: Ensign
Characteristics:    STR 4 (-1), DEX 3 (-1), END 6 (+0), INT 9 (+1), EDU 9 (+1), SOC 7 (+0)
Skills:    Astrogation 2, Electronics 1, Melee (blade) 1, Steward 1, Animals (training) 0, Athletics 0, Gun Combat 0, Gunner 0, Mechanic 0, Pilot 0, Profession 0, Vacc Suit 0
Equipment:    Cr5000, Personal Vehicle, Ship’s Boat, Pet pawbawepka

Saabsa keeps a pawbawepka on board. It’s a pedigree pet and Saabsa will look for any local competition to show it – though woe betide any around him if it doesn’t place well. Its formal show name is Fa-oka Was Abpe We-sa Faka-Depa, but the other crew know it as Faka-Depa and, privately, think it’s one of the ugliest pets they’ve ever seen. A human passenger once called it ‘Deep Fake’, and the nickname has stuck – outside the hearing of Saabsa. Faka-Depa has a small habitat in Saabsa’s stateroom (which is shared with Etebkas) and toys and exercise equipment can be found there. Having said that, Arabo also keeps a small space aside in the engine room for the pet who enjoys the heat.

Psych Profile: B938A, Saabsa’s obsession with his pedigree pawbawepka is a perfect example of Bwap conservatism. Not proud in a human sense, he sees his pet’s perfect adherence to breed standards as a triumph of order and proper form. However, he can be frustrated when others deviate from or fail to appreciate the strict protocols of breeding and showing. Naturally, his record-keeping for competitions is second to none. Humans sometimes find his view of Faka-Depa as a perfectly ordered project rather than a beloved pet as a little odd. Saabsa has little patience for his crewmates’ nicknames for the pug.

The astrogator views the pilot as an Active Disruption.  Saabsa’s high Aloofness score clashes severely with Etebkas’ more sociable nature, making him an irritant despite their shared conservatism.

Saabsa and Arabo get on well, extremely well.  Their shared obsessive tendencies create a strong, pragmatic bond.

Arabo
Engineer, 634975, age 26, 2 terms Citizen: Worker, Rank 2 Technician
Characteristics:    STR 6 (+0), DEX 3 (-1), END 4 (-1), INT 9 (+1), EDU 7 (+0), SOC 5 (-1)
Skills:    Electronics 2, Engineer 2, Persuade 1, Profession 1, Drive 0, Electronics 0, Language 0, Mechanic 0, Science 0, Seafarer 0
Equipment: Cr10,000, Two Ship Shares

Arabo has previously worked on an Eaaetataka-Ka-class Monitor and often compares, unfavourably, the Akwek to the Wakewa. It’s not as big, it’s not as well equipped, it’s not as well designed. He carefully fails to mention that his time on the Monitor was as a civilian worker rather than as Navy personnel. He is something of an expert on Wapawab philosophy and will both pontificate on the subject and encourage discussion about it at any opportunity. Ironically, perhaps, he’s something of a morose character and will complain about anything at the slightest opportunity.

Psych Profile: 64B95, Arabo’s constant complaints about the ship’s equipment is not about personal envy of other engineers’ better experiences but about a pragmatic assessment of its inefficiency. The Eaaetataka-Ka class is a pinnacle of Bwap military order and function, whereas the Akwek is a chaotic, suboptimal system. His regard for Wapawab is his way of explaining why the crew must overcome the ship’s flaws to maintain their place in the universe. His high Ruthless Pragmatism makes him seem morose because he is constantly focussed on problems and their most efficient (sometimes harsh) solutions. He and Saabsa get on well because they both see the universe as a system that is constantly failing into disorder and requires their obsessive attention to it.

Weta Ekaswa
Captain & Medic, 7859EA, age 30, 1 term University; 2 terms Scholar: Physician, Rank 2
Characteristics:    STR 7 (+0), DEX 8 (+0), END 5 (-1), INT 9 (+1), EDU 14 (+2), SOC 10 (+1)
Skills:    Medic 3, Science 2, Investigate 1, Leadership 1, Carouse 0, Diplomat 0, Drive 0, Language 0, Profession 0, Science 0
Equipment: Cr30,000, Scientific Equipment

Weta is the captain of the Akwek (it’s a long story concerning mistaken identity papers and a propensity for leadership that he has and the other crew are singularly lacking). He has a particular interest in Bwap regeneration and fanatically reads the latest Bwap medical research as well as any fiction on the subject he can lay his hands on.

Psych Profile: 57944, others, more inflexible or bureaucratic might have immediately corrected the clerical error, but Weta, being more pragmatic, simply accepted the role because it was the most orderly solution at the time. His interest in Bwap regeneration is not a cultural pride, but a practical fascination with a key Bwap biological process, a ‘self-correction’ he seeks to understand. His low Inflexibility and Conservatism would make him a better captain for a mixed-race or unconventional crew as he more capable of adapting but this lack of rigidity is precisely why the others cede leadership to him. It’s the pragmatic choice.

The Flexible Captain and the innovative Gunner see each other as Valued Contributors.  Their similar Ruthless Pragmatism and non-Conservative mindsets mean they understand each other’s reasoning, even if their specific goals differ.

Fatabab Wewa-ab
Steward, 7B7869, age 30, 1 term University; 2 terms Entertainer: Artist, Rank 1 Freelancer
Characteristics:    STR 7 (+0), DEX 11 (+1), END 7 (+0), INT 8 (+0), EDU 6 (+0), SOC 9 (+1)
Skills:    Science (any) 2, Steward 2, Art (write) 1, Carouse 1, Electronics (comms) 1, Navigation 1, Art (performer) 0, Drive 0, Persuade 0, Profession 0, Survival 0
Equipment: Cr40,000
Relationships: Contact

Fatabab is somewhat obsessed with the Vilani and in particular their weights and measuressee, for example, “Starship Interiors” by Guy Garnett, Freelance Traveller, July/August 2019. He is a meticulous steward and has a portable computer with hundreds of set routines to ensure any passengers get a most excellent experience. He’s particularly keen to ensure humans see Bwaps in a good light. He enjoys his food and his food preparation. He will often be knocking up a little ‘something extra’ between meals – probably with a really good sauce.

Psych Profile: A487B, Fatabab’s interest, no, let’s be honest, his obsession with Vilani mensuration is rooted in his Conservatism. The Vilani were the ones who brought order and advanced technology to the Bwaps, so their systems are seen as foundational and proper. His set routine templates are a manifestation of his Bureaucratism, ensuring that every passenger experience follows as an exact, reproducible protocol. His desire for humans to see Bwaps in a good light is a pragmatic goal to foster orderly relations.

E-tosfe-we Sapwoab
Gunner, 663838, age 26, 1 term Guardian of Order; 1 term Merchant: Merchant Marine, Rank 1: Senior Crewman
Characteristics:    STR 6 (+0), DEX 6 (+0), END 3 (-1), INT 8 (+0), EDU 3 (-1), SOC 8 (+0)
Skills:    Broker 1, Gunner 1, Mechanic 1, Melee Combat (blade) 1, Athletics 0, Drive 0, Electronics 0, Gun Combat 0, Pilot 0, Science 0, Vacc Suit 0
Equipment:    Free Trader, Ship Share, Weapon: Ceremonial Dagger
Relationships: Contact

‘Sappy’ has spent a term in the Tap-awewaka-atapas (Guardians of Order) although he doesn’t speak much about his time in service. He is, however, obsessed with equipment, and proud of his ceremonial dagger made from the razor-sharp tooth of a depwethawa which he is never without. He has detailed inventories of the gear aboard the Akwek and knows exactly where any particular item is. Poor food during his time with the GoO have left him eating very small quantities at mealtimes. He shares a stateroom with Arabo, the engineer, and either keeps his ceremonial dagger on prominent display on a bulkhead devoted to it, or on his person.

Psych Profile: 937B4, Sappy’s time in the Tap-awewaka-atapas has ingrained in him an extreme sense of protocol and order. For a Bwap he can appear to be rather idle and temperamental but in fact he is simply not acting unless a specific protocol requires him to and his ‘temper’ is the outward expression of extreme aggravation when other introduce chaos by ignoring security procedures. His concern over equipment stems from his Bureaucratism, of course, but to him everything must be accounted for and in its proper place – takes ship security seriously and expects others to do so as well. His dagger not a point of pride, but a symbol of the ultimate order he once served.

Arka-eke As
Gunner, 384887, age 26, 2 terms Navy: Engineer/Gunner, Rank 2: Petty Officer, 3rd Class
Characteristics:    STR 3 (-1), DEX 8 (+0), END 4 (-1), INT 8 (+0), EDU 8 (+0), SOC 7 (+0)
Skills:    Gunner 2, Flyer 1, Mechanic 1, Vacc Suit 1, Animals 0, Athletics 0, Gun Combat 0, Medic 0, Pilot 0, Profession 0
Equipment: Cr 10,000

Arka-eke fancies himself as something of a naval architect and loves nothing more than designing ships of all kinds; though he’s never done it for real. His stateroom space is festooned with models he has carefully built from scratch and his computer space filled with blueprints and half-finished plans. It’s only a hobby but he will know the details of several naval architects and their careers backwards and dream of one day studying to get the formal qualificationsSee “Building Starships as a Traveller Career” by Chris Barlow, Freelance Traveller, January/February 2023.

Psych Profile: 49A62, for a Bwap, designing new ships is a radical act of non-Conservatism as they are not known for innovation. This makes him a true anomaly. His drive to do this is part of his Ruthless Pragmatism: existing designs are not as orderly as they could be; he can create something much more efficient. It also allows him to be unconcerned with other, more Conservative Bwaps, view his deviation from the norm. Performing tasks, he will look for the most efficient and logical solution. His stateroom is not messy chaos but a physical manifestation of his attempts to create a new and better order.

Arka-eke and Paka is perhaps the most dangerous relationship on the ship. The innovator Arka-eke sees the extremist Paka as a Valued Contributor, likely because Paka’s radical pragmatism and rejection of conservatism makes him seem like a potential ally for change. However, the reverse is not true and there is much room for conflict.

Paka Bawa
Gunner, 375784, age 22, 1 term Navy: Engineer/Gunner
Characteristics:    STR 3 (-1), DEX 7 (+0), END 5 (-1), INT 7 (+0), EDU 8 (+0), SOC 4 (-1)
Skills:    Admin 2, Art 0, Athletics 0, Gun Combat 0, Gunner 0, Mechanic 0, Pilot 0, Profession 0, Vacc Suit 0
Equipment: Cr5000, Ceremonial Armour

Paka Bawa has just joined the ship in the previous port and is still struggling to find his way round and fit into the crew. He has been both surprised by the contrast to the rest of the Akwek and somewhat awed by his cabinmate Arka-eke’s model collection which takes up a fair bit of space in their shared stateroom.  Paka owns a greave from the ceremonial armour of Tosa Wefakeba, the first Bwap Imperial Navy admiral. It’s hard for Paka to hide in his CV, but he was actually court-martialled and discharged from the Navy after he was blamed for the severe damage the ship he was on experienced during a combat encounter. If he’s ever in combat (ship or personal), his crewmates may feel he enjoys it too much for propriety.

Psych Profile: 32CC2, for a Bwap, Paka is dangerously unbalanced, perhaps even an extremist Once he’s been on board for more than a pawbawepka watch, Paka will hassle the captain to bring a female on as a crew member – in fact, he’s probably found just the person in the current port. This is a pragmatic, if insane, belief that for the ship’s wapawab to be ‘complete’ it needs a reproductive element. This ignores all Bwap societal norms as befits his low Conservatism: one who would even suggest a female leave her creche is considered profoundly mentally ill. His enjoyment of combat is the ultimate expression of his Ruthless Pragmatism as he sees it as the fastest way to impose order on a chaotic situation. This combination of traits makes him a disruptive and potentially criminal element by Bwap standards.

The mentally unstable Paka views the innovator Arka-eke as an Active Disruption. From Paka’s deeply unbalanced perspective, Arka-eke's high Aloofness is a severe character flaw, marking him as chaotically incomplete and therefore a threat.

Designer Notes

The crew is all male. I read the details given in AoCS3 as evidence of females being on board a merchant vessel as unlikely:

• they are held in high regard and “rarely seen in public”; females are only 30% of natural births;
• few are found outside a crèche, unless unable to reproduce (or mentally ill);
• a crew could be a wapawab, but those are described as groupings of convenience, not based on reproduction.

However, it is an arguable point and if Referees wish to have female Bwaps aboard, then they should adjust as necessary.

 

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