Hans & Dave are at it again, arguing over the Sword Worlds. Please, allow
me to offer my own examples and illustratons to the argument.
Many would agree that the knowledge on how to build an atomic bomb is
readily available in books stashed in libraries the world over. Thus,
anyone can get the knowledge to build a bomb.
I want one, so I go to the library and check out "How to win friends &
influence people the Oppenheimer way". I read carefully, and build a case
and timer, etc. Then I hit a stumbling block: Plutonium. Where do I get it?
Regulations aside, I can't afford it. Looks like if I want my own nuke, I
will need to invest some money or play the lottery frequently until I get
enough cash to buy or manufacture Plutonium.
Similarly, even if a TL10 world had access to TL12 technology, they
wouldn't be able to put that knowledge to much use until they had invested
time & money into developing the appropriate infrastructure.
I agree that most world have access to the knowledge. However, I would bet
that some wouldn't, and even those that did still would'nt be able to put
it to much use.
Take the example of the TL6 mechanic trying to fix a TL8 car. Sure, he's
read the manual, and maybe seen a videotape or two, but he hasn't actually
*done* it. Mechanically, I would rule that he still has a skill penalty.
Knowledge must be confirmed.
I imagine that what would happen would be that a number of specialists who
were familiar with higher TL equipment would make a living fixing it,
though the market would be smaller since all that hi-TL equipment is going
to be imported.
Creativity over Originality.
Consistency is a Flaw.
J Roberson [email removed] [email removed]