Re: Plasma Pistols/Blasters
In reply to #5429 Plasma Pistols/Blasters by James Kundert
On May 5, 22:36, James Kundert wrote: > Subject: Plasma Pistols/Blasters [*]> Obviously, neither of these is quite right when compared to Han Solo's [*]> Trusty Blaster(tm). One has ammo restrictions, and both are too [*]> destructive. [*]> A close look at the Star Wars movies will tell you that a conventional [*]> Traveller Plasma Gun, even scaled down, doesn't quite fit either. When a [*]> Stormtrooper falls over after being shot, ALL OF HIM falls over, not just [*]> boots and smoking ashes. On the other hand, the Star Wars Blaster has [*]> enough punch to shoot out locks and slag control panels. The Blaster [*]> has no danger space (unlike Traveller Plasma and Fusion weapons), since [*]> we see it used constantly on targets (usually controls or locks) a foot [*]> or two from the barrel, and Darth Vader wouldn't have been able to stop [*]> those shots (in "The Empire Strikes Back") without smoking most of the [*]> rest of the room. [*]> A possible solution comes (again) from the WD #11 article. This weapon, [*]> instead of being scaled down, could be made more deadly with advancing [*]> TL, eventually becoming a "blaster" which acts like those in Star Wars. [*]> >-- End of excerpt from James Kundert In an old campaign of mine, somebody wanted a blaster like Han Solo's. My solution was to "design" a weapon that was a miniature pulse laser. It worked off of an "overload" condition in its power pack and hence had a very short life span. It was good for about 24-32 shots and the "lasing" element and the had to be replaced after that point. Also, it was considered a very hazardous weapon to use. One chance in 50 the power pack (hi-tech battery) could explode due to the combination of high heat and the generation of hydrogen gas. Injuries that resulted usually were somewhat minor (2nd degree burns, etc). I realize that there are probably gaping holes in the technology here... but it was a quick and dirty answer to a player's wishes while attempting to maintain some semblence (sp?) of game balance... - -- ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Playing: Lt Col Thul Jonson, Imperial Marines, retired.