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Traveller-digest            Sunday, 7 July 1996        Volume 1996 : Number 220

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

The following topics are covered in this digest:

         1. Re: Hand Computers
         2. Re: Hand Computers
         3. Re: Hand Computers
         4. Trying to get off Digest Lists
         5. Re: Hand Computers
         6. Re: Hand Computers
         7. Re: Atlas of the Imperium and Mileu 0
         8. Re: Hand Computers
         9. Re: Hand Computers
        10. Re: Hand Computers
        11. Re: Hand Computers
        12. Re: Hand Computers
        13. Not Too Bright (On the subject headers...)
        14. Re: Hand Computers
        15. Re: Hand Computers

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

From: Larry Hadley <lhadley@knet.knet.flemingc.on.ca>
Date: Sun, 7 Jul 1996 14:11:48 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: Hand Computers

On Sun, 7 Jul 1996, Joe Walsh wrote:
> On Sun, 7 Jul 1996, pierre-louis constantin wrote:

> > some of the right polymers in, and it can also be autonomous (think
> > of a giant bacteria plopping around) and also can store power without
> > rigid batteries.
> 
> How would this work?  Would electrical pulses (or heat/cold?) sent to 
> various areas of the object cause expansion or contraction of the 
> materials present at that location, causing a form of movement similar 
> to that achieved by muscles?  Or did you have something else in mind?  I 
> admit I'm not very knowledgeable about polymers.  

   Myomers. Electricity makes them contract just like muscles.

- -- DLH "Warhammer"                           lhadley@knet.flemingc.on.ca
   Traveller stuff for sale/trade.
   http://www.knet.flemingc.on.ca/~lhadley/Profile.html

"...I do my job the best way I know. I'll keep on doing that. If somebody
gets killed, OK. Nobody lives forever, and I don't have any friends on the
other end of the muzzle"
  - Danny Pritchard



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

From: Joe Walsh <ransom@connect.iconnect.net>
Date: Sun, 7 Jul 1996 13:12:25 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: Re: Hand Computers

On Sun, 7 Jul 1996, Tom Ellis wrote:

> I leave prices out for the most part, as in my Imperium they vary quite a
> bit (even within a system; it pays to shop around guys [hint])

Very true.  But, I still find it useful to have "book" prices to use as a 
baseline.  Then I discount or increase the prices from there.

> Basic TL 14 Personal Computer
> 	size: 200mmx150mmx10mm (or thereabouts)
> 	mass: 500 grams
> 	
> 	Integrated communicator (50km range)
> 	Standard library (top level stuff only)
> 	Personal Information Manager (scheduler, contact list,etc)
> 	Storage for up to 4 libraries
> 	Voice and touch control
> 	Reconfigurable virtual interface controls (ie it changes to suit
> the operation)
> 	Programmable

Something I'd add, but perhaps it is too obvious to mention: an expansion 
port for additional accessories.


> Cheap commodity computers.  You get the idea I hope.  The libraries range
> on various subjects and are usually about 1 to 4 gigabytes in size.  The
> unit itself can hold 4 terabytes (yes I know, not much)	but only has the
> ability to hold 4 library chips (small circular wafers that are copy
> protected by the manufactuer) plus its standard library.

So, it has 4 chip ports.  Not unreasonable.  

> They can be tuned to a ship's computer frequency or to other hand
> computers to form a high speed network.

I can see all sorts of applications for this.

> Flexible version exist which can be even be worn as clothing.  They are
> more expensive and use semi-organic 'circutry' and utilize bioelectric
> energy.  They are sometimes specialized for specifice uses, as are the
> basic models above.
> 
> More advanced models have more capabilites, including the ability to
> integrate various sensors into them (think tricorder).

Nice options, too.

Thanks for putting this together.  It's going into my ever-growing file 
of TML posts. :)

If I may, I'd like to list some accessories which may be purchased and 
hooked to the expansion port (each has an expansion port in turn, so may 
be "daisy chained," but that just makes the unit heavier and more bulky 
to lug around if overdone), and also some chips, briefly: 

[note: this is all completely off-the-cuff, so isn't going to be too 
detailed no too accurate in effects]

- - Sensors (as you mentioned)
	- Bio
	- Metallurgy/Minerology
	- Energy
	etc.

- - Mapmaker (uses ultrasonic waves or somesuch to give a rough topographic 
map of the surrounding area; maps may be edited by the user; the unit 
will update the map as additional data becomes available, for instance 
when it is moved closer to an object that could not be mapped properly 
from a distance).  This would possibly be a chip/sensor combination.

- - Expert Systems Chips (provide a person with a skill level of one or 
greater in a given subject (and computer use skill of 1 or greater) with 
access to level 6 knowledge for knowledge-based tasks?)  

- - Language/Translation programs - perhaps specific ones for each known 
language, and an expert-systems style one that would try to extrapolate 
meaning of an unknown language based on known languages (if such is 
possible, given the diversity of life in the Traveller universe).

- ---------

I can see such add-ons being a great source of material for a Ship's 
Locker-style article for JTAS.

What do you think?


- -Joe
______________________________________________________________________________
Joseph E. Walsh      |  Atari 8-Bit User and Programmer Since 1982
ransom@iconnect.net  |  Classic Traveller Referee Since 1983
Stuck in the '80s    |  Microsoft-Free and Loving It! :)



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

From: Joe Walsh <ransom@connect.iconnect.net>
Date: Sun, 7 Jul 1996 13:16:04 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: Re: Hand Computers

On Sun, 7 Jul 1996, Derek Stanley wrote:

> A canadian company is currently developing a flexable microchip for 
> computer id-cards (ie. visa, driver's liscence, etc.)  These computer 
> chips would store money in an electronic format.  You'd swipe the card 
> put in 100 buck and go out and spend it.  You'd need a pin code to put 
> money into the card not to take it out.  I'm not sure how far along this 
> project it though.

I think similar efforts (vis-a-vis a migration to a cashless society) are 
under way in some european countries as well.  

My Imperium used an ID card-based system for transactions.  Cash still 
existed (in the form of coin, not paper money, thus making it much less 
convenient and encouraging use of the ID card and therefore 
traceability), and the PC's tended to use cash because of their many 
shady dealings (grin).  But use of cash was "frowned upon" in polite society.

Anyone else use this sort of system in Traveller?


- -Joe
______________________________________________________________________________
Joseph E. Walsh      |  Atari 8-Bit User and Programmer Since 1982
ransom@iconnect.net  |  Classic Traveller Referee Since 1983
Stuck in the '80s    |  Microsoft-Free and Loving It! :)



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

From: "Robert Jolliffe" <fibbert@golden.net>
Date: Sun, 7 Jul 1996 14:16:15 +0000
Subject: Trying to get off Digest Lists

Hi,

Sorry to post this to the list but I'm stuck.

I've tried to unsubscribe from the digest versions of the X-Boat and 
traveller lists for weeks now to no avail.

If the list manager would please contact me I'd appreciate it.

Again - sorry to have to post this to the list.

- -Rob




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

From: Joe Walsh <ransom@connect.iconnect.net>
Date: Sun, 7 Jul 1996 13:19:15 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: Re: Hand Computers

On Sun, 7 Jul 1996, Derek Stanley wrote:

> Here's your odd fact for the day.  A Canadian company (damn those 
> canadian's are smart) has made a mark I tricoder, they got permission 
> from Rodenberry's estate to use the name because of the functions this 
> device performs.

No!  You're kidding, right?

> Originally it was developed as an educational tool but they're selling 
> them like hot cakes to various firms for practical uses.  The Tricoder 
> measures barometric pressure, temperature, magnetic field strenght and a 
> couple of other things that slip my mind at the moment.  In an attempt to 
> make it more marketable it looks like a tricoder and makes the noises 
> too.

What is the name of the company that makes it?

- -Joe
______________________________________________________________________________
Joseph E. Walsh      |  Atari 8-Bit User and Programmer Since 1982
ransom@iconnect.net  |  Classic Traveller Referee Since 1983
Stuck in the '80s    |  Microsoft-Free and Loving It! :)



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

From: Joe Walsh <ransom@connect.iconnect.net>
Date: Sun, 7 Jul 1996 13:34:26 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: Re: Hand Computers

On Sun, 7 Jul 1996, Larry Hadley wrote:

> > How would this work?  Would electrical pulses (or heat/cold?) sent to 
> > various areas of the object cause expansion or contraction of the 
> > materials present at that location, causing a form of movement similar 
> > to that achieved by muscles?  Or did you have something else in mind?  I 
> > admit I'm not very knowledgeable about polymers.  
> 
>    Myomers. Electricity makes them contract just like muscles.

Thanks for posting that.  I learn something new every day. :)

Man, with all the technology already available, it's amazing to think 
what could be done already...let alone in the Far Future.  Sure, if new 
technology was deployed at the maximum rate possible, people would be 
even more overwhelmed and confused than we alredy are.  But it gives 
interesting food for thought.


- -Joe
______________________________________________________________________________
Joseph E. Walsh      |  Atari 8-Bit User and Programmer Since 1982
ransom@iconnect.net  |  Classic Traveller Referee Since 1983
Stuck in the '80s    |  Microsoft-Free and Loving It! :)



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

From: Joe Walsh <ransom@connect.iconnect.net>
Date: Sun, 7 Jul 1996 13:46:45 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: Re: Atlas of the Imperium and Mileu 0

On Sun, 7 Jul 1996, Douglas E. Berry wrote:

> Just got a hold of the old Atlas of the Imperium, and noticed something.

Lucky dog.  :) That's one of the 5 GDW-produced CT items I don't have. 

> On the map of Core Sector, it identifies 25 worlds as Sylean.  These worlds
> are all on a j2 route.  Other than Capital (which, oddly, is the furthest
> Spinward of the SF worlds), the SF has three Hi-Pop worlds listed: Khuir
> (2513, Starport B), Ispumer (2615, Starport E), and Markasher (3115,
> Starport E, no water).

Starport E's, eh?  Huh.

> I feel the need to point out that these starport and population levels are
> from the Second Survey, but they provide a fairly good guide to the
> conditions at the birth of the Imperium.  Something presented the Sylean
> Federation a real problem to spinward, preventing expansion in that
> direction until the TL12 breakthrough.  Perhaps some of the other
> interstellar governments Mr. Miller teased us with in his request for
> insignia are sitting in the region around Fornal (1715).

Yes, indeed, the idea that there is a strong pocket empire there is a 
likely one.  Unless there was a purely technolgy-related reason for the 
lack of expansion in that direction, of course.  Hmmm.  This could make 
for an interesting first T4 board game. :)


> I also wonder about two worlds with hi-pop and type E starports.  If this
> was the case at the year 0, It leaves the industrial output of the Imperium
> in the hands of two worlds!  This would make acquiring more industrial
> worlds a priority.  There are five hi-pop worlds in the immediate Imperial area.

I wonder about the two high-pop, type E starport worlds, too.  

> Also, the Imperium would want a "buffer zone" around Capital, to insure that
> an unfriendly force would not be able to penetrate in on jump.

Yes, that would be an additional factor in expansion.  I hadn't thought 
of that aspect.  Another restriction on the rate of expansion would be 
the resources necessary to bring a world into the Imperium.


- -Joe
______________________________________________________________________________
Joseph E. Walsh      |  Atari 8-Bit User and Programmer Since 1982
ransom@iconnect.net  |  Classic Traveller Referee Since 1983
Stuck in the '80s    |  Microsoft-Free and Loving It! :)



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

From: Larry Hadley <lhadley@knet.knet.flemingc.on.ca>
Date: Sun, 7 Jul 1996 14:48:07 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: Hand Computers

On Sun, 7 Jul 1996, Joe Walsh wrote:

> On Sun, 7 Jul 1996, Tom Ellis wrote:
> 
> > I leave prices out for the most part, as in my Imperium they vary quite a
> > bit (even within a system; it pays to shop around guys [hint])
> 
> Very true.  But, I still find it useful to have "book" prices to use as a 
> baseline.  Then I discount or increase the prices from there.

  Shadowrun has a neat system. "book" prices rarely apply in the game,
they have a street value index that represents the items value "on the
street". For example, military (or just plain rare) stuff is much more
expensive than it's list price, while things like food and shelter are an
index of "1" (same value).

  In Traveller terms, an FGMP-15 would have a street index of 3 or 4
(possibly higher on low tech/high law worlds) representing the result of
Imperial controls on very powerful military weaponry. A PC could pay
Cr400,000 for one in char-gen or they could pay MCr1.2 (or more) to get
one "on the street" after leaving service.

  The guy I play under for SR also modifies these based on the "contact"
you use to get the stuff. In Traveller terms, this means if you have a
(TNE) contact that's military, for example a supplies officer, you could
get one for only a small additional fee to grease the works.

- -- DLH "Warhammer"                           lhadley@knet.flemingc.on.ca
   Traveller stuff for sale/trade.
   http://www.knet.flemingc.on.ca/~lhadley/Profile.html

"...I do my job the best way I know. I'll keep on doing that. If somebody
gets killed, OK. Nobody lives forever, and I don't have any friends on the
other end of the muzzle"
  - Danny Pritchard



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

From: Larry Hadley <lhadley@knet.knet.flemingc.on.ca>
Date: Sun, 7 Jul 1996 14:54:21 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: Hand Computers

On Sun, 7 Jul 1996, Joe Walsh wrote:

> On Sun, 7 Jul 1996, Derek Stanley wrote:
> 
> > A canadian company is currently developing a flexable microchip for 
> > computer id-cards (ie. visa, driver's liscence, etc.)  These computer 
> > chips would store money in an electronic format.  You'd swipe the card 
> > put in 100 buck and go out and spend it.  You'd need a pin code to put 
> > money into the card not to take it out.  I'm not sure how far along this 
> > project it though.
> 
> I think similar efforts (vis-a-vis a migration to a cashless society) are 
> under way in some european countries as well.  
> 
> My Imperium used an ID card-based system for transactions.  Cash still 
> existed (in the form of coin, not paper money, thus making it much less 
> convenient and encouraging use of the ID card and therefore 
> traceability), and the PC's tended to use cash because of their many 
> shady dealings (grin).  But use of cash was "frowned upon" in polite society.
> 
> Anyone else use this sort of system in Traveller?

   Only on a Planetary basis. Interplanetary commerce used offical bank
drafts (Imperial Credits being, for the most part, and abstraction and
legal fiction implemented to facilitate interplanetary commerce and
Imperial taxation) that are VERY VERY VERY difficult to forge, practically
impossible, relying on a combination of physical manifestation (thin
polymer drafts) with a data representation (single-purpose computer and
read-only datastore similar to CD embedded in the draft).

   Drafts are converted to local currency at the starport, and are usually
deposited at a local bank where the PCs can withdraw cash if they need it.
Imperial law states it is illegal to charge for such a transaction, and
fair value is given. (the Imperium subsidizes the transaction)

- -- DLH "Warhammer"                           lhadley@knet.flemingc.on.ca
   Traveller stuff for sale/trade.
   http://www.knet.flemingc.on.ca/~lhadley/Profile.html

"...I do my job the best way I know. I'll keep on doing that. If somebody
gets killed, OK. Nobody lives forever, and I don't have any friends on the
other end of the muzzle"
  - Danny Pritchard



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

From: jlindsay@direct.ca (James Lindsay)
Date: Sun, 07 Jul 1996 18:56:46 GMT
Subject: Re: Hand Computers

On Sun, 7 Jul 1996 13:16:04 -0500 (CDT), Joe Walsh wrote:

> My Imperium used an ID card-based system for transactions.  Cash still 
> existed (in the form of coin, not paper money, thus making it much less 
> convenient and encouraging use of the ID card and therefore 
> traceability),...

Yeah, Joe.  Sounds a lot like modern day Canada.  We replaced our
one-dollar bill with a coin back around 1987 and just replaced our
two-dollar bill earlier this year.  The government's excuse was that coins
can last over twenty years before needing to be replaced while the average
life expectancy for paper money is much, much less.

Coins aren't currently worth the effort in counterfeiting.  They also make
it easier to pay for parking or buying cigarettes from coin-operated
machines (I think a pack of cigarettes goes for about five bucks Canadian
when bought from a machine, but I could be wrong).  But with inflation
going the way its going, my own father thinks that the measly "penny" may
eventually dissappear ("they'd just round out everything to the nearest
dime", he said).  By the time we have a five-dollar coin, chocolate bars
will cost about $2.00 anyway  8-)

OTOH, the coins tend to add up pretty quickly.  I saw ID4 opening day
(night) and payed for my admission and a mox of yummy Junior Mints with
"pocket change".  I tend to use Interact (ie: direct withdrawl or debit
cards) quite frequently.


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

From: Joe Walsh <ransom@connect.iconnect.net>
Date: Sun, 7 Jul 1996 14:13:16 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: Re: Hand Computers

On Sun, 7 Jul 1996, Larry Hadley wrote:

>   Shadowrun has a neat system. "book" prices rarely apply in the game,
> they have a street value index that represents the items value "on the
> street". For example, military (or just plain rare) stuff is much more
> expensive than it's list price, while things like food and shelter are an
> index of "1" (same value).

Yes, that is a good idea!

>   In Traveller terms, an FGMP-15 would have a street index of 3 or 4
> (possibly higher on low tech/high law worlds) representing the result of
> Imperial controls on very powerful military weaponry. A PC could pay
> Cr400,000 for one in char-gen or they could pay MCr1.2 (or more) to get
> one "on the street" after leaving service.

Hmmm.  'twould be an interesting house rule to introduce.  Many referees 
already adjust the prices, but it would be nice to bring some 
standardization and quantification to it.  

Then again, most of the time I "wing it" during actual sessions. I have 
memorized the rules I find important, have handy any important tables, 
and the rest of the rules generally get ignored.  :)  Still, I always 
figure more rules available means more choice for the referee....


- -Joe
______________________________________________________________________________
Joseph E. Walsh      |  Atari 8-Bit User and Programmer Since 1982
ransom@iconnect.net  |  Classic Traveller Referee Since 1983
Stuck in the '80s    |  Microsoft-Free and Loving It! :)



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

From: Joe Walsh <ransom@connect.iconnect.net>
Date: Sun, 7 Jul 1996 14:46:13 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: Re: Hand Computers

On Sun, 7 Jul 1996, Larry Hadley wrote:

[prior discussion of cashless societies snipped]
> > Anyone else use such a system?
>
>    Only on a Planetary basis. Interplanetary commerce used offical bank
> drafts (Imperial Credits being, for the most part, and abstraction and
> legal fiction implemented to facilitate interplanetary commerce and
> Imperial taxation) that are VERY VERY VERY difficult to forge, practically
> impossible, relying on a combination of physical manifestation (thin
> polymer drafts) with a data representation (single-purpose computer and
> read-only datastore similar to CD embedded in the draft).

You really thought it out!  Sounds like a workable system.  Funny how 
such minutia can grow in importance, eh?  I guess that's because such 
small things add believability to the setting.

The sticking point of my ID-card/cashless concept was the lack of 
subspace/faster-than-jump communications.  On a planetary basis, the idea 
works well.  But in the Imperium, a lot of handwaving must be done.  I 
still used it, though, because I invented it before I realized that 
Traveller limited communications to the speed of Jump.  It was an 
artifact of the campaign, so I had to keep it.  Besides, I liked it! :)


>    Drafts are converted to local currency at the starport, and are usually
> deposited at a local bank where the PCs can withdraw cash if they need it.
> Imperial law states it is illegal to charge for such a transaction, and
> fair value is given. (the Imperium subsidizes the transaction)

This is an aspect of Traveller I never explored, but which I wish I had: 
local currencies and exchange rates.  I just made the Imperial Credit 
the monetary standard for all member worlds.  Lots of missed 
opportunities there.


- -Joe
______________________________________________________________________________
Joseph E. Walsh      |  Atari 8-Bit User and Programmer Since 1982
ransom@iconnect.net  |  Classic Traveller Referee Since 1983
Stuck in the '80s    |  Microsoft-Free and Loving It! :)



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

From: "Stuart L. Dollar" <sdollar@goodnet.com>
Date: Sun, 7 Jul 1996 12:50:09 -0800
Subject: Not Too Bright (On the subject headers...)

Uh, not too bright on the subject headers for comments on 
Independence Day 4... :-(

To everybody whose been posting spoilers about Independence Day, 
stop it!  Or at least if you can't stop it, put ID4 (Spoiler) or 
similar in the header.  Fortunately, I saw it yesterday.  If I hadn't 
a couple of the posts I just read would have ruined a great deal 
about it.  

This *is* an appropriate forum to discuss something like it in my 
book, but let's not ruin for the people who haven't seen and plan on 
seeing it in the near future...

Stu
"Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent" -Isaac Asimov, from "Foundation"
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This tagline brought to you by Big Ed's Taco Emporium, conveniently located next to
Bob's Pet Shop.
Stuart L. Dollar           sdollar@goodnet.com    

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

From: Joe Walsh <ransom@connect.iconnect.net>
Date: Sun, 7 Jul 1996 14:59:02 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: Re: Hand Computers

On Sun, 7 Jul 1996, James Lindsay wrote:

> On Sun, 7 Jul 1996 13:16:04 -0500 (CDT), Joe Walsh wrote:
> 
> > My Imperium used an ID card-based system for transactions.  Cash still 
> > existed (in the form of coin, not paper money, thus making it much less 
> > convenient and encouraging use of the ID card and therefore 
> > traceability),...
> 
> Yeah, Joe.  Sounds a lot like modern day Canada.  We replaced our

Well, they obviously stole the idea from me!  :)  

> one-dollar bill with a coin back around 1987 and just replaced our
> two-dollar bill earlier this year.  The government's excuse was that coins
> can last over twenty years before needing to be replaced while the average
> life expectancy for paper money is much, much less.

If I recall correctly, the US Government talked of doing something 
similar recently, but there was a negative reaction from the populace.  I 
remember there being several commentaries about the convenience of paper 
over coin.  Personally, I like coins better.  I'd rather not have to use 
something the size of the U.S. silver dollar, but if they made something 
about the size and weight of the U.S. dime, I'd be happy to use it.

[further discussion of benefits of using coins vs. cash snipped for brevity]
> "pocket change".  I tend to use Interact (ie: direct withdrawl or debit
> cards) quite frequently.

While I like the idea of debit cards, I guess I'm just too paranoid to 
use them.  I don't like the fact that purchase information is collected 
from credit and debit card usage.  

Just recently, I started dividing my purchases into two types:  Major and 
minor.  Major purchases are all done on the credit card (ie, furniture, 
major appliances, electronics, etc.) and paid off the next month.  Minor 
purchases are all done with cash (groceries, drug store items, etc.).  
No checks are used, except for mail order purchases that cannot be done 
on credit (and of course, checks are used to pay the monthly bills!).   

After years of experimenting, I find I like using cash best.  The 
anonymity is great, for one.  But for major purchases, credit works best 
so long as your issuer gives you one month interest free on your 
purchases...because that delays the time you have to pay for the 
purchase, during which you can earn interest on the money you've already 
spent! :)  

But enough of real-world finances....sorry to have digressed. (Hey, 
there's not been much activity on the mailing lists, and talking about 
this is better than starting a flame war, I think! :)

Okay, to do the requisite tie-in with Traveller:  I was surprised when I 
came upon references within Traveller material to paper money.  It seemed 
so anacronistic to me.  But, perhaps there was a good reason behind it.  
Anyone have any ideas?

I'll stick to coin and ID cards in my campaigns, though.


- -Joe
______________________________________________________________________________
Joseph E. Walsh      |  Atari 8-Bit User and Programmer Since 1982
ransom@iconnect.net  |  Classic Traveller Referee Since 1983
Stuck in the '80s    |  Microsoft-Free and Loving It! :)



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

From: Tom Ellis <tellis@telerama.lm.com>
Date: Sun, 7 Jul 1996 17:07:24 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: Hand Computers

My Imperium implements not only Imperial notes of credit and local debit
card devices (not always cards), but Imperial certified electronic money,
much like the notes of credit but considered to be "real" money.  They are
encoded on various registered media (including starship computers, think
about that one for awhile).  The media has to encorporate a registered
Imperial encryption chip, which acts as the smarts for the thing.  This
form of money is rarely used, too insecure for legitimate uses and too
easy to track for illegitimate use.  Still, it comes in handy at times.
(hmmm Virus infected money, intersting hook there, could it spend itself?)

Coins exists and are still widely used (the Imperial Credit has an image
of the Emperor du jour on it) to denote 1, 5, 10, 50, and 100 credit
amounts.  Any more than that has to be on an Imperial note of credit or in
some electronic format, etc.

This being said, I rarely worry about what "kind" of money my players
spend, unless it is germane to the adventure.  As I referee it is
important to leave things to the individual's imagination sometimes; it
fosters creativity.

_______________________________________________________
Tom Ellis
tellis@telerama.lm.com
http://www.lm.com/~tellis/

"No! Do, or do not.  There is not try." Yoda
_______________________________________________________ 


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

End of Traveller-digest V1996 #220
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