Expeditionsturer

Expeditionsturer is a term encountered primarily in German-language speculative fiction, world-building projects and tabletop role-playing materials. It refers to a specialized role or position associated with exploratory missions, emphasizing practical planning and field execution. The exact meaning and status of an expeditionsturer vary by author or game system, but the concept generally centers on someone who coordinates an expedition’s logistics, routes, and safety measures rather than merely pursuing scientific goals.

Etymology and usage: The term appears to be a neologism formed from Expedition and an agent-noun style suffix, used to evoke hands-on expertise. It is not a standardized title in real-world expeditions and tends to be defined ad hoc within a given work or game.

Role and responsibilities: Typical duties include route planning, provisioning, risk assessment, navigation, communications, equipment management, camp organization, and liaison with local communities or authorities. In fiction and games, an expeditionsturer may also serve as a mentor figure to less experienced teammates or lead decision-making during crises.

In culture: The concept is used to convey a character with broad field competence rather than a narrowly specialized skill set. It appears across different settings, from polar and desert environments to jungles and high mountains, with portrayals shaped by the narrative or gameplay needs.

See also: Explorer, Expedition leader, Field guide, Survivalist.