Re: (2493) Stuff...

Scott Kellogg writes:
> Subject: (2493) Stuff...
>
> Why is it, when at TL11 a model 1 computer fits on your wrist, the ships
> computer is just as big as a TL8 model 1 computer?

If we ever get back to TDR, the full range of 'tech improved' components
will obviously have to address computers.  I tried to fit that hand computer
into a draft chart for computer size/weight by TL, and there was no way
to get it to fit in reasonably.  My temporary solution is to ignore the
line that says that it is equivalent to a Model 1.  If we do decrease
computer size/weight/cost with increasing tech level, there will be one
immediately apparent effect on the game--TL14/15 merchant ships will easily
be able to mount Comp 5,6,or 7, making piracy and so forth, especially
by lower tech ships, even more unviable than it is already.  Vargr corsairs
beware...

> Why do Beam lasers have such a low ROF?  If the beam is constanly on
> wouldn't that constitute a HUGE ROF?  Depending on the Power of the laser

Maybe so...but it also does twice the damage of a pulse laser with the
same energy consumption, which is good enough for me (at least right now.)

> A while ago, someone said the fusion rocket is impossible:  exhaust velocity
> would have to be greater than speed of light.

At the listed fuel consumption...

> Actually, as v goes to c, mass increases, thaerefore you can get any momentum
> you want to if your exhaust goes relativistic.

No.  The problem, as described to me (and this was Dow Rieder's calculation),
is that you are limited by the amount of energy contained in that quantity
of hydrogen you are fusing.  So, most of our propulsion systems are terrible
energy sinks, but we also have the fusion rocket, which not only uses a fusion
process orders of magnitude better than our power reactors, but also lets us
take power out rather than putting power in...that's the problem.


> (description of JOAT with examples deleted)

The definition of JOAT according to the rules is that it does little except
represent your 'resourcefulness' with the other skills you already have.
This is done by allowing you extra tries at performing a task without
imposing the 'determination' checks and corresponding increases in task
difficulty that would otherwise occur.  No "everything=JOAT-1" any more.

Rob Dean