Traveller-digest     Monday, September 13 1999     Volume 1999 : Number 1094



(R)1996. Traveller is a registered trademark of FarFuture Enterprises.
All rights reserved.

The following topics are covered in this digest:

Re: Naff (was Re: Vacuum Tube Computers) 
Re: re; Tanstaafl
Re: Diaspora GAL file?
Re: Question regarding software for Traveller gaming 
White and black globes
4-letter words
[none]
Re: A Vargr question...
Re: WotC & Hasbro
Re: Hasbro & WotC (Humor)
Re: 
Re: A Vargr question...
PC-Induced Novae? (was: Re: Handling a new technology in a game)
The Great Lawyer Hunt of 396 (was: Re: WotC & Hasbro)
Re: WotC & Hasbro
Re: Diaspora GAL file?
Re: GT:First In Terraforming
Re: Pop II v. Pop I stellar systems, and low-habitable-world densities
Re: Hasbro & WotC (Humor)
THUDDD stuff
Re: WotC & Hasbro
THUDDD 10 - Lifeboat
Re: THUDDD stuff
Re: MT Deckplan queries
Re: MT Deckplan queries
Re: Handling a new technology in a game

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Sun, 12 Sep 1999 20:07:39 -0400
From: Jeff Zeitlin <jzeitlin@cyburban.com>
Subject: Re: Naff (was Re: Vacuum Tube Computers) 

On Sat, 11 Sep 1999 19:49:53 -0400 (EDT), "Jory Earl"
<j-man@iname.com> wrote:

>>"Tanstaafl!"

>???  Never seen this one.  what's it mean?

Heinlein.  "There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch".
- --
Jeff Zeitlin
jzeitlin@cyburban.com

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 12 Sep 1999 19:59:06 EDT
From: RnLschaefr@aol.com
Subject: Re: re; Tanstaafl

In a message dated 9/12/99 5:13:22 AM Eastern Daylight Time, 
peter@myhelliconia.freeserve.co.uk writes:

<< 
 First place I see it mentioned is in Heinlein's outstanding book, The Moon
 is a Harsh Mistress.  Where it is a common saying (indeed a description of
 the entire society) and  becomes the motto of the new nation (The Moon).  An
 excellent read and would make an outstanding mini campaign or just
 incidental place to visit. >>
Probably one of his best...I always hoped he'd do a follow-up story to bring 
Mike back...
BobS

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 13 Sep 1999 01:06:04 +0100
From: "Matthew Bond" <mgb@akira.swinternet.co.uk>
Subject: Re: Diaspora GAL file?

I presume you want a pre-TNE Diaspora, as that one is included with the
latest version of galactic.

I don't know of anywhere you can get a copy, but then I haven't looked too
hard, but...

I recently acquired the MT Astrogators guide to the Diaspora Sector, so If
you can wait a few days, I can knock up a 1117 version, or 1126ish if you
want.  Heck, I'll probably do both and put them on my web site.

Matthew Bond
mgb@akira.swinternet.co.uk
www.akira.swinternet.co.uk
- --------------------------------------------------------------
"To strike a man who insults you is one thing...
...To run him through with a sword is quite another!"
- --------------------------------------------------------------

From: jmaclean@ix.netcom.com <jmaclean@ix.netcom.com>
To: traveller@lists.imagiconline.com <traveller@lists.imagiconline.com>
Date: 12 September 1999 22:29
Subject: Diaspora GAL file?


>Anyone know the location of a Galactic readable data
>file for the Diaspora sector?
>
>
>------------------
>Jim MacLean
>Economist, Traveller Fan
>Co-Author GT: Far Trader
>

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 12 Sep 1999 20:17:32 -0400
From: "Keven R. Pittsinger" <jamstar@accesstoledo.com>
Subject: Re: Question regarding software for Traveller gaming 

> >1.  What language & platform is it for?
> 
>         VB6, Win9x...  You'll need a copy of WINE.  Sorry...  I just don't
> have time to worry about Java or C++.

*\
 
> >2.  You *EVER* gonna post your move on CATN2???  We've been waiting for you
> for a couple days now...
> 
>         See my CATN2 posting.

I haven't seen any posting form you there in a couple days.

Keven

- -- 
tc++ tm+ tn t4- to ru++ ge+ 3i c+ jt au st- ls pi+ ta+ he+ so- vi zh sy
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Science-Fiction Adventure
                                                     In Reavers' Deep

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 12 Sep 1999 20:37:24 -0400
From: "Terry Carlino" <carlino@home.com>
Subject: White and black globes

I'm looking for information on Black Globes and White Globes.  I've seen the
force field rules on the GURPS archive, but can't really evaluate the info
without more details on the technology itself.  I'm also familiar with the
standard library data on Black Globes "Ancient artifacts found on Knorbes
(1807 SM/Regina), crude copies made by IN, Only available on some large Navy
ships."

What I'm looking for is a general description of their capabilities, so I
can judge how close GURPS treatment of them is to canon. Please no
citations, I don't have CT or TNE material available to me at this time. I
remember Black Globes from "Secret of the Ancients" but don't remember
seeing anything on White Globes. Did these come later in TNE?

Terry C

All that is Gold does not glitter
Not all who travel are lost

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 12 Sep 1999 20:44:37 -0400 (EDT)
From: "William F. Hostman" <aramis@gci.net>
Subject: 4-letter words

>>
>>You forgot 'feltercarb'.
>
>No, I didn't. We're discussing 4-letter words. "Feltercarb" has 10
>letters. (And I'm not sure either of us are spelling it correctly.) :)
>
"Felgercarb" according to novels and comics. Which happens to match
thesound made by Dirk Benedict as starbuck if you are chomping a cigar.

Funny enough, tho, is that Frack  and Felgercarb were banned in the school
I was attending around the time of the series, just the same as any other
profanity. (Jr High, public school).

William F. Hostman  |  "Smith & Wesson: THe original Point and Click
interface!"
Aramis 0602 C55A364-C S kk+ as+ hi+ dr+ va++(--) so+ zh++ vi+ da++ sy- ge-
533
Mailto:aramis@gci.net http://home.gci.net/~aramis http://www.alaska.net/~mhaa
ICQ:14640742          AIM:AKAramis	ARM 1.0: 3 R H++ P+
IMTU 1.0: tc tm++ tn- t4-- tt+ to- tg-- ru+ ge 3i+ c+ jt-() au+ st- ls
pi+() ta+ he+(-) kk+ as+ hi+ dr+ va++(--) so+ zh++ vi+ da++ sy- ge- pi+

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 12 Sep 1999 20:44:38 -0400 (EDT)
From: "William F. Hostman" <aramis@gci.net>
Subject: [none]

>besides
>>Steve Jackson Games?  I assume White Wolf is still around, and I know Dream
>>Pod 9 is (though they're pretty small).  What about R.Talsorian, or whoever
>>owns Champions?  For all that goes, which games are still in print?  Here
>>are the ones I'm aware of:
>>
>>	GURPS
>>	AD&D
>>	Heavy Gear
>>	Empire of the Petal Throne (yes, it really is)
>>	Call of Cthulu
>
>What about Palladium (Rifts). An isn't there another generic game system, I
>think it's called Roleplayer? I don't know who owns it.

BTRC has their generic system: CORPS
it is really nice, reduced dice use, uses only 1d10 per player.

William F. Hostman  |  "Smith & Wesson: THe original Point and Click
interface!"
Aramis 0602 C55A364-C S kk+ as+ hi+ dr+ va++(--) so+ zh++ vi+ da++ sy- ge-
533
Mailto:aramis@gci.net http://home.gci.net/~aramis http://www.alaska.net/~mhaa
ICQ:14640742          AIM:AKAramis	ARM 1.0: 3 R H++ P+
IMTU 1.0: tc tm++ tn- t4-- tt+ to- tg-- ru+ ge 3i+ c+ jt-() au+ st- ls
pi+() ta+ he+(-) kk+ as+ hi+ dr+ va++(--) so+ zh++ vi+ da++ sy- ge- pi+

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 12 Sep 1999 20:53:19 EDT
From: AveNelso@aol.com
Subject: Re: A Vargr question...

In a message dated 9/12/99 2:54:27 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
xrp@sierratel.com writes:

<< Many Vargr
 > may not even acknowledge the connection, or even disagree with it. >>

    Why would it bother them at all, hell humans keep monkeys as pets too.

                Dave Nelson

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 12 Sep 1999 21:10:02 -0400
From: "Chris Seamans" <semo@pil.net>
Subject: Re: WotC & Hasbro

- -----Original Message-----
From: Bruce Johnson <johnson@pharmacy.arizona.edu>
To: traveller@lists.imagiconline.com <traveller@lists.imagiconline.com>
Date: Sunday, September 12, 1999 3:28 PM
Subject: Re: WotC & Hasbro


>Even the infamous 'lady spills coffee, gets 6 mill from McDonalds' isn't as
>stupid as it seems. She was served coffee so hot it burned her badly enough
to
>need skin grafts. The coffee she was served was near boiling temperature,
far
>too hot to drink, in a tip-prone cup with an ill fitting lid.


Shhhh! People get mad when you tell them that ;)

To the best of my knowledge, the sum has been reduced since then as well.

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 12 Sep 1999 20:31:38 -0500
From: Black ICE <wombat@premier.net>
Subject: Re: Hasbro & WotC (Humor)

Shawn Campbell wrote:
> 
<<snip>>
> > >
> > > An influx of new Pop-o-matics with polyhedral dice.
> >
> > Hey, given the way *some* players manage to roll "off the table" with
> > most rolls, I think I'd *buy* some "pop-o-matics" with polyhedral dice!
> 
> I can remember a guy that always tossed the dice 1 or 2 feet up with a
> backwards spin. 9 times out of 10 it landed in his lap, in the potato chips,
> or forever lost in the cushions of the couch...

Could be worse.  During Silent Death games at our FLGS, so many
miniatures were broken off their flying stands by dice that we had to
institute the "Bowling for Miniatures" house rule:  any player who hits
any miniature with a die has his/her/its ship take as damage the number
shown on the offending die (no damage reduction).


- -- 
AuricTech Shipyards Journeyman Gearhead
"Gold-Plated [tm] solutions for copper-plated problems!" (r)
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Shadowlands/9776

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 12 Sep 1999 20:43:15 -0500
From: "shadowcat" <meow@advancenet.net>
Subject: Re: 

Hero Games is still in business, and working on 5th edition 
Champions even.

Shadowcat AKA Kevin Walsh
Captain of the Free Trader Beowulf
ADD/ADHD Advocate
http://www.advancenet.net/~meow

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 12 Sep 1999 22:19:25 -0400
From: Michael Peters <travelleri@home.com>
Subject: Re: A Vargr question...

Well, I tend to think that the normal Vargr reaction would be to ignore
the connection. However, just as we have some groups that disagree, even
violently, with evolution (and I AM NOT starting a flame war on that!),
I think that there would be some among the Vargr that would disagree
with the whole idea that they were related to a human pet, if for no
other reason then general principal.



AveNelso@aol.com wrote:
> 
> In a message dated 9/12/99 2:54:27 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
> xrp@sierratel.com writes:
> 
> << Many Vargr
>  > may not even acknowledge the connection, or even disagree with it. >>
> 
>     Why would it bother them at all, hell humans keep monkeys as pets too.
> 
>                 Dave Nelson

- -- 
Mike Peters
travelleri@home.com

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 12 Sep 1999 21:44:06 -0500
From: Black ICE <wombat@premier.net>
Subject: PC-Induced Novae? (was: Re: Handling a new technology in a game)

If you happen to ruin a keyboard, don't blame me.  Eris (the TMLer or
the goddess, I'm not sure which) made me think of this.... ;-)

*Potential*

*Keyboard*

*Warning*

Eris Reddoch wrote:
> 
> On 09/12/99 at 12:21 AM,  Mark Watson <markw@antares.demon.co.uk> said:

<<snip>>
> 
> >What you point out to players is that it's only useful in zero grav.
> >Otherwise it's an expensive football.
> 
> <sigh>
> 
> I wouldn't point anything out to *those* players.  I would run
> them through a very short game where they all died...
> 
> Player 2: "You can't just say we are dead!"
> 
> GM:  "Sure I can, You're all dead and none of your efforts do more
> than make your death more painful."
> 
> Hell, the star in the system they are in would go nova in a
> heartbeat if any players acted like that.  If I had players that
> acted like that I'd go looking for some other people to play with.

Oh, my.

I can just see the article now:

[from _Astrophysics for Dummies_, vol 1104, number 26]

"Gene Pools Linked to Stellar Novae" (author:  I. M. N. Significant)

A rash of stellar nova events in the [f-i-t-b] Sector [wherever the
campaign is set] has been linked to a startling cause:  The presence
in-system of sophonts bearing one of several unique genetic markers
[these markers are, of course, those identifying the PCs as belonging to
the players in question].  DNA fragments recovered from several
formerly-inhabited worlds affected by the previously-unexplained novae
has conclusively demonstrated that each affected world, at the time of
the various novae, was occupied by sophonts bearing one of three
extremely rare genetic markers.  Random genetic testing on worlds not
affected by nova events indicates that the odds of these markers
appearing in a random population of sophonts is, in the words of
Professor Ignatius P. Knightley (University of Alderaan), "less likely
than a card player getting 57 Royal Fizbins in a row, dealt in proper
card sequence."  Professor Knightley added, "The only way to protect
worlds in this sector from future unpredictable novae is to test all
sophonts in the sector for these genetic markers, and then exterminate
any beings that bear this 'DNA of Death.'"

Sector Duke John Q. hault-Nameless is said to be considering ways to
implement this proposal.

- -- 
AuricTech Shipyards Journeyman Gearhead
"Gold-Plated [tm] solutions for copper-plated problems!" (r)
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Shadowlands/9776

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 12 Sep 1999 21:58:45 -0500
From: Black ICE <wombat@premier.net>
Subject: The Great Lawyer Hunt of 396 (was: Re: WotC & Hasbro)

Kurt Feltenberger wrote:
<<snip>>
> >
> >         ObTrav: If the citizens of the 3I had the lawsuit happy nature of
> >today, it would have collapsed under the weight of lawyers about year
> >400. So how do these issues get resolved.
> 
> It would have but for the Great Lawyer Hunt in 396.  No bag limit or size
> limits and baiting and using Vargr was allowed!

<tongue-in-cheek>

There's a problem with this:  using hunting methods of this type will
weed out the weak and sickly lawyers, leading to a hardier stock later
on.  Far better to use random culling of the herds, perhaps by lottery.

Alternately, one can cull the top 5% of each law school class, and fail
the bottom 60%.  This would preemptively weed out the most successful
predators within the profession, while helping to ensure that the rest
of the lawyer larvae don't simply coast through the course of study, in
order to avoid being culled.

I would consider using both methods, thus attacking both the larval and
adult stages.

</tongue-in-cheek>

- -- 
AuricTech Shipyards Journeyman Gearhead
"Gold-Plated [tm] solutions for copper-plated problems!" (r)
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Shadowlands/9776

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 12 Sep 1999 23:08:52 -0400 (EDT)
From: Robert Prior <robert_prior@sympatico.ca>
Subject: Re: WotC & Hasbro

>If the companies to whom I was refering were as good as you were in
>bothering to respond, I would have no real problem. But all we see from
>over here is a fragmented, disorganised distribution chain. I suppose that
>the UK, having two main distributers has a better clarity.

Mind you, some North American distributors are ripping off their customers.
Whoever imports Full Thrust, for example, is definately gouging.  There's
no way that book should be cheaper for a Canadian shop to order retail from
the UK (and pay for shipping) than to order the book from the North
American wholesaler.

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 13 Sep 1999 12:43:51 +1200
From: rboleyn@paradise.net.nz
Subject: Re: Diaspora GAL file?

On 12 Sep 99, at 16:27, jmaclean@ix.netcom.com wrote:

> Anyone know the location of a Galactic readable data
> file for the Diaspora sector?

Gal 2.4 comes with a TNE version of Diaspora. As for anything 
earlier, soory but I can't help you.


- --
Rupert Boleyn <paradise.net.nz>
Wellington, New Zealand

A pessimist is an optimist with a sense of history.

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 12 Sep 1999 23:47:33 EDT
From: JFZeigler@aol.com
Subject: Re: GT:First In Terraforming

In a message dated 9/11/99 7:20:38 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
markw@antares.demon.co.uk writes:

> If you look at the editorial for JTAS 5, it implies that CT assumes all 
> systems
>  to be in population 1 anyway (or at least that such a decision was under
>  consideration).

That doesn't help when it comes to finding habitable worlds under First
In rules.  The problem isn't the old (i.e. Population II) stars, it's the very
young ones which haven't had time to evolve native life (extreme Population 
I).

- ----------
Jon F. Zeigler: Mathematician, computer geek, amateur historian, freelance
writer, occasional scribbler of bad poetry
"For any statement, no matter how innocuous, there exists a nonempty
set of people who will take offense at it."



>  Maybe this could be incorporated within Jumpspace theory such that the Jump
>  network only connects pop1 stars.

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 12 Sep 1999 17:46:48 -0700
From: "Bruce Macintosh" <bruce.macintosh@worldnet.att.net>
Subject: Re: Pop II v. Pop I stellar systems, and low-habitable-world densities

>Pop II stars with Jupiter/Saturn type (predominantly H) gas giants are
>probably just as common as Pop I stars with these planets

This probably isn't true; current theories for the formation of Jupiter
require
an ice (hydrogen/oxygen) core to form first, rapidly, which then starts
sucking up hydrogen gas directly from the protoplanetary disk. In the
absence of oxygen (a heavy element) the process would be slower and
more rare.

on the G:T First-In subject: a region with a low density of habitable
worlds but an average density of gas giants/etc. is a moderately
interesting setting for a campaign, especially a military one. Lots of
systems in which refuelling is possible but with no indigenous forces
(or at most small bases); commerce raiding and piracy become
much, much more possible, and long-distance independent operations
become common for warships. One might want to use a
higher star density (either half-parsec hexes, or a 3-d map) or make jump
travel quicker (3 days) if one cared about real time passage.

Bruce

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 13 Sep 1999 00:20:54 EDT
From: Sethkimmel@aol.com
Subject: Re: Hasbro & WotC (Humor)

In a message dated 9/10/99 8:45:46 PM !!!First Boot!!!, semo@pil.net writes:

<< What's so humorous about this? It already happened (at least with D&D). If
 the movie makes it to the big screen, I promise you will see D&D toys.
 
  >>

If this gets more people into gaming, I'm all for it. I WISH Traveller got 
marketed the way Star Wars is...

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 12 Sep 1999 22:16:15 -0700
From: "Jason T. Barnabas" <cybernaut@netzero.net>
Subject: THUDDD stuff

Tech Levels:
Your THUDDD coordinator doesn't know GURPS.  I have been told that
conversion from TL to GTL is fairly straight forward, but the conversion
from GTL to TL is a bit more complicated.  So, until further notice, all
Tech Level references will be standard Traveller type TLs.  I still have not
received a conversion table to post, so if you know the way to convert from
TL to GTL and vice versa, by all means send me some data.

ISBA Registry:
If you would like to submit a THUDDD design, you will need to register your
design company with the ISBA.  (Say VROOM  can be registered as an
associated firm).  When you register, you will receive a key code.  You
cannot enter without a key code.
- --
Sincerely,

Jason Barnabas



________________________________________________________
NetZero - We believe in a FREE Internet.  Shouldn't you?
Get your FREE Internet Access and Email at
http://www.netzero.net/download/index.html

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 13 Sep 1999 01:38:32 EDT
From: Sethkimmel@aol.com
Subject: Re: WotC & Hasbro

In a message dated 9/12/99 11:49:49 AM !!!First Boot!!!, 
tjoneslo@together.net writes:

<< ObTrav: If the citizens of the 3I had the lawsuit happy nature of
 today, it would have collapsed under the weight of lawyers about year
 400. So how do these issues get resolved.
  >>

From what I remember, the Romans were just as law suit crazy as the US, and 
they managed to do ok...

I DO like the idea of a planet in the 3I that drives the PC's crazy with 
frivolous and not so frivolous lawsuits......:-)

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 12 Sep 1999 22:41:18 -0700
From: "Jason T. Barnabas" <cybernaut@netzero.net>
Subject: THUDDD 10 - Lifeboat

Since there is no Imperial Standard, there is no standard number of
passengers.  Whichever boat is adopted will become  the standard.  Design
for whatever number you feel would be best served by your lifeboat.
- --
Sincerely,

Jason Barnabas



________________________________________________________
NetZero - We believe in a FREE Internet.  Shouldn't you?
Get your FREE Internet Access and Email at
http://www.netzero.net/download/index.html

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 13 Sep 1999 00:50:09 -0500
From: Black ICE <wombat@premier.net>
Subject: Re: THUDDD stuff

"Jason T. Barnabas" wrote:
> 
<<snip>>
> 
> ISBA Registry:
> If you would like to submit a THUDDD design, you will need to register your
> design company with the ISBA.  (Say VROOM  can be registered as an
> associated firm).  When you register, you will receive a key code.  You
> cannot enter without a key code.

To whom do I send a request to register, and what information is
required?  Once I have registered, how do I use my key code?


- -- 
AuricTech Shipyards Journeyman Gearhead
"Gold-Plated [tm] solutions for copper-plated problems!" (r)
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Shadowlands/9776

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 12 Sep 1999 23:24:53 -0700 (PDT)
From: Craig Berry <cberry@cinenet.net>
Subject: Re: MT Deckplan queries

> Date: Sat, 11 Sep 1999 19:49:00 -0400
> From: "Terry Carlino" <carlino@home.com>
> 
> >I don't think the cost differential is all that great, it's more of a
> >maintenance issue.  It would be interesting to introduce a design tradeoff
> >between 'prettiness' of internal spaces and maintenance cost/difficulty;
> >for example, you have to declare during design that a ship will be
> >suitable for carrying high passengers, and this increases the difficulty
> >and time for maintenance tasks one level.
> 
> I would hope that in 3000 years that designers would develop the
> intelligence to install jointer bulkheads as fair size removable panels that
> can easily be moved out of the way to allow access beneath.

You'd hope, but I wouldn't hold my breath.  We've been building houses and
other mechanical devices for 10,000 years and we still do some pretty
stupid things.  In the example of a modern home:  Why (as you mentioned)
are essential systems made inaccessible without cutting up walls?  Why
does every kitchen contain a heat source and a heat sink, usually near one
another, but not connected?  Why aren't bathtubs shaped to fit the human
body?  And so forth.

And beyond this, I stand by my idea that maintenance in a "prettified"
ship will be harder.  Even if the faux-jewelwood panels pop off the walls
with a touch of your sonic screwdriver, you still don't have the clearly
labled, readout-displaying junction boxes and so forth you get on a
non-pretty ship.  And chances are designers will cram ducts and conduits
and junctions in at wrist-numbing angles to avoid unsightly bumps in the
wall, too.

- -- 
   |   Craig Berry - cberry@cinenet.net
 --*--    Home Page: http://www.cinenet.net/users/cberry/home.html
   |      "There it is; take it."  - William Mulholland

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 12 Sep 1999 23:35:41 -0700 (PDT)
From: Craig Berry <cberry@cinenet.net>
Subject: Re: MT Deckplan queries

> Date: Sat, 11 Sep 99 23:01:02 -0500
> From: "Eris Reddoch" <eris@pcola.gulf.net>

[...discussing the "ship packed with refugees" life support problem...]

> I've wondered if, given that the energy was available (fusion), why
> you couldn't crack the CO2 and recover *all* the oxygen.  If that's
> true, then if you've got enough air for everyone for the few hours
> it takes to break the CO2 back down, you have enough air for
> everyone for as long as you can keep recyling it.  Right?

Possibly.  I'd bet that regulations don't allow this scheme though; the
last thing you want is an air-regen process that fails when you lose your
power plant!  So the installed scheme aboard ships is going to use a
low-power chemical (or biological) process to crack the CO2, with power
mostly used to circulate air through the ship and back through the
scrubbers.

If you end up trying to rig a brute-force fusion-based cracker, you'd best
know what you're doing.  My guess is that the single most likely design
flaw in a jury-rigged cracker would result in significant amounts of CO
(carbon monoxide) being emitted along with the O2.  Not a good thing, and
one good reason the ship's engineer might be strenuously reluctant to even
try it.

- -- 
   |   Craig Berry - cberry@cinenet.net
 --*--    Home Page: http://www.cinenet.net/users/cberry/home.html
   |      "There it is; take it."  - William Mulholland

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 13 Sep 1999 03:16:56 EDT
From: Clifford N Linehan <cnl.rubicon@juno.com>
Subject: Re: Handling a new technology in a game

You should have seen the looks on my players faces this weekend when the
following happened.
(Story has been condensed)

PC's are in a Far Trader chasing a Merc Cruser that has a kidnapped PC on
board.

- -----------------

GM to Party Leader: The Merc Cruiser has landed on the planet ahead.
Sensors show it is landing in an electrical storm and is taking damage.

Party Leader: Following the Merc down, but landing the Far Trader several
miles away. Taking the air raft and going to the Cruiser's landing spot.

- -----------------

GM to Kidnapped PC: You feel that the ship has landed. The power has been
knocked out in your section and your door can be forced open.

Kidnapped PC: I escape the ship.

GM to Kidnapped PC: Because of the damage from the electrical storm and
the crew's attempts to repair the ship you escape unnoticed until you
open the outer hatch. As you are running away from the Cruiser you are
persued by one of the merc's in battledress and shooting at you. (Random
Roll) Fortunately for you the merc in battledress just became a lighting
rod. The others retreat back into the ship.

Kidnapped PC: YAHOO! But I keep running.

GM to Kidnapped PC: You are able to escape over the next hill without
being followed.

- -----------------

GM to Party Leader: Your sensors tell you that the Merc Cruiser is over
the next rise. (Random Rolls) The storm is lessening.

Party Leader: We leave the air raft and sneak in on foot.

GM to Party Leader: Your sneaking is succesful until you round the
Crusier and get into the view of the airlock where a merc begins firing
on you.

(Ugly standoff where no one is hit on either side)

GM to Party Leader: Another merc has arrived with a FGMP and begins
firing.

Party Leader: Retreat under the Cruser where we can't be hit.

GM to Player 2: You have been singed by the last shot of the FGMP and
take minor damage.

Party Leader: Leaving Players 2 & 4 at the Cruser to keep them pinned
down; Players 1 & 3 head back to the Far Trader via the air raft and
search the weapons locker for something bigger.

(Note: Players highjacked the Far Trader during an earlier part of the
chase and have failed to check it out properly.) 

GM to Party Leader: You arrive at the Far Trader and find two FGMP
hanging up in the locker.

Party Leader: Grabing them both and heading back to the Merc Cruser.

GM to Party Leader: You arrive back at the Cruser and Players 2 & 4 are
keeping the mercs bottled up in the Cruiser just fine.

Party Leader: Pulling Players 2 & 4 back and rounding the Cruiser for a
better shot at the air lock.

GM to Party Leader: You arrive in position, the merc's are still in the
airlock.

Party Leader: Taking aim with the FGMP and firing into the air lock.

GM to Party Leader: Your aim is good and you hit directly into the
airlock. However, the hit area from the FGMP widens to cover the enitre
Merc Cruser. When it is gone, so is the Merc Cruser.

Party Leader: OH SHIT! the Kidnapped PC is in there!

Player 2: Its a disintegrator! (dumbfounded look of awe and horror)

Player 3: (dumbfounded look of awe and horror)

Player 4: (dumbfounded look of awe and horror)

- -----------------

Players did find the Kidnapped PC later. They also found, after careful
searching, that the Far Trader has jump-6 and maneuver-6 at no additional
cost to tonnage space over a standard Far Trader and is able to jump up
to a total of jump-12 without refueling. The Far Trader has a number of
Tech upgrades that will need for another adventure. The players are
speculating on what sort of hell I am going to put them through now that
they have the disintegrators and the Far Trader.


Clifford Linehan
cnl.rubicon@juno.com
One man's magic is another man's engineering.
IMTU tc+ tm+ ?tn- ?t4- tg++ ?tt to ru+ ge 3i+ c+ jt au st+ ls pi+ ta he+
kk hi as va dr so zh+ vi da sy

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------------------------------

End of Traveller-digest V1999 #1094
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