>>and don't tell me that this kind of stuff is for adult, i'am not advocating here details descripton of pratices like there is no detail practice of drugs in the game. do you really think that a game that clearly show tools of torture is for childs?<<

I don't think the game avoids discussing sex, sexuality or prostitution, I imagine it is something which simply doesn't come up ... just as it doesn't bother discussing every type of media available; the most common sports/arts practiced in the empire; human racial boundaries above and beyond common planetary social structures; naming conventions for children; etc. Sexuality and prostitution (along with homelessness, begging and pan handling as you mention later) are merely another part of life left for you as the GM to fill in.

You are correct, prostitutes can be a valuable source of information - I've had players choose to be prostitutes in games (yes, female players) - and in a recent game I had a player build a web of informants out of the homeless, drug addled scum of the streets. (though the problem with the homeless and drug addled is: if they'll talk to you for a meal and a fix, they'll talk to anyone else as well)

If you would like to see an extensive discussion on these topics, start a thread in the forum, I'm sure you'll get some responses.

Agmar_Strick said:

Personally, I don't really see the Imperium being big on movies and what not. To me, the key to understanding the Imperium is: 1) Technology is rare and sacred. 2) Humanity is a replenishable resource.

So. Essentially, when I'm to draw on some current-day elements to add to my games, I'll consider how to acomplish the same thing using a minimum of technology and, preferably, lots of people. So when it comes to movies and cinema, I think it's much more likely for the streets to be flooded with street performers, rather than organised movie houses.

Instead of calling someone over a pay-vox, you send them a letter or, if you're illiterate, pay someone to deliver a message. This is a world where the Imperial Fleet can respond to a distress call a century too late. The Imperium is slow and cumbersome.

But that's just my take.

Slaunyeh said:

I tend to agree here - the flavor of the setting is one in which vast media entertainment isn't going to be particularly prevelant or advanced. Typically I think I'd put them somewhere near the 1920's, with radio dramas and black and white movies being the highlight. Sure, you spruce it up, throw on some more disturbing imagery and add any number of cumbersome tubes to make it setting appropriate, but the tech level for the average citizen should be about the same.

This means that you have more street performers, though the days of every person knowing some kind of entertainment skill are vanishing. (that's what the radio and film did folks!) I could see street side public Vox pay-terminals being available, though demand for use might make them less than convenient, but if you're talking to someone far away the mail service is still more reliable.

(actually, I'm also thinking the 30's-40's depression/noir era would make for some good inspiration)

the 8 spider said:

Amen to that!