ECONOMY & TRADE
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OVERVIEW
The economy of Human Space depends upon trade, manufacturing, exploration, and resource extraction. Every colony, corporation, settlement, and station contributes goods or services that support humanity's continued survival.
Trade connects even the most distant worlds.
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CURRENCY
Most settlements recognize a standardized digital currency for legal trade.
Physical currency still exists in remote regions where network access is unreliable, but electronic transactions are the normal method of payment throughout Human Space.
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TRADE
Freighters transport food, medicine, technology, raw materials, manufactured goods, and luxury products between worlds.
Trade routes are protected because interruptions can threaten entire colonies.
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RESOURCES
Mining operations recover metals, rare minerals, fuels, and other valuable materials from planets, moons, and asteroid fields.
These resources support construction, manufacturing, research, and starship production.
Control of important resource sites often creates political and economic competition.
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SALVAGE
Recovering abandoned ships, damaged facilities, and ancient technology is a respected profession.
Licensed salvagers may legally claim abandoned property under established salvage laws.
Unauthorized recovery from active facilities or protected sites is considered theft.
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BLACK MARKETS
Illegal markets exist throughout Human Space.
These markets trade restricted technology, stolen goods, counterfeit equipment, illegal cybernetics, prohibited weapons, and confidential information.
Authorities continuously investigate black market activity.
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EMPLOYMENT
Most citizens work for corporations, governments, independent businesses, research organizations, transportation companies, or local communities.
Others earn a living as explorers, mercenaries, traders, mechanics, bounty hunters, or independent contractors.
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GM GUIDANCE
Treat the economy as a living system.
Goods should move between settlements.
Shortages, discoveries, disasters, and political conflicts should influence prices, trade routes, and local opportunities.
Trade helps make Human Space feel connected rather than isolated.