The Dalek Problem, whose title was given The Dalek Problem: A Symposium on the cover, was the first in the series of three short DWU books published by FASA to tie in with The Doctor Who Role Playing Game. Like the other two, it contained no interactive elements, instead being presented as an in-universe history of its subjects, one of the Doctor's main enemies: the Daleks.
Publisher's summary[]
Exterminate! Exterminate! EXTERMINATE! The metallic voice that screeches these words sends loathing into the heart of every Time Lord. For no matter where or when you are, the DALEKS can, and probably will, show up to not only ruin your day, but EXTERMINATE thousands of helpless creatures. They will stop at nothing in their never-ending quest for galactic supremacy. No act is too low or plot too outrageous for the Daleks to consider.
These volumes present the definitive work on the Daleks, compiled by Professor Qualenawtivanastech, the Celestial Intervention Agency expert on the subject. More than 80 years of research and the work of more than 140 Time Lords are represented here.
Plot[]
to be written
Characters[]
- Davros
- The Doctor
- Qualenawtivanastech
- Chelevestinamivad
- Ralenitumistagidav
- Ian Chesterton
- Rebec
- Emperor Dalek (1)
- Emperor Dalek (2)
- Emperor Dalek (3)
- Deliavatsud
- Loribetcazistanopilain
- Cavoristaliteras
- Vanideliumistada
- Callivestigathera
- Landinalakallinian
Worldbuilding[]
- Qualenawtivanastech leads the Qualen Commission and organises the symposium on the Dalek threat on the decision of the Celestial Council of Advisors, the CIA's highest authority in internal matters.
- The CIA has agents in the Great Library of Gallifrey.
- If the Dalek Emperor of a given Dalek faction dies, it is usually replaced by one of its Supreme Daleks.
Story notes[]
to be written
Continuity[]
- The Celestial Intervention Agency has records of the Fourth Doctor's ill-fated expedition to ancient Skaro, for which they blame a rogue agent named Deliavatsud. (TV: Genesis of the Daleks)
- A historical analysis of the Dalek-Movellan War is proposed. (TV: Destiny of the Daleks)
- The CIA gather testimony from Ian Chesterton (TV: The Daleks) and Captain Rebec on how to drive a Dalek casing. (TV: Planet of the Daleks)
- The CIA believe that the rise of the Daleks was inevitable; even if Davros had not intervened, they would ultimately have arisen. (PROSE: War of the Daleks)
- Callivestigathera echoes the Doctor's opinion that Daleks are incapable of emotion and creativity, and are essentially only "organic robots" — which is viewed as an unlikely theory, barely more than a thought experiment, which is contradicted by many facets of Dalek history. (TV: Destiny of the Daleks)