New Non-Weapon Systems for Spacedock

[Highway Hoss]

Originally posted by Lancer:
Rather than a fixed number I'd make it Size x2 or some other size-related number, but that's just me.

Sounds reasonable...so be it...Shipwide Holoemitters will cost 2xSize SUs with the power cost beings 2xSize/round also.
I'm also thinkiing of how this system would be used besides EH projection...a few ideas:[list=1][*]Shipwide holocom capability (perhaps with floating holoscreens similar to the anime series Nadesico).[*]Linking with Security force fields to create bubbles to trap intruders without blocking a corridor.[*]Using the Light projectors to blind intruders also.[*]One idea: maybe build microphaser emitters into the projectors (individually weak, but together could project a stun blast into a corridor or conduit).[/list=1]

[Capt.Hunter]

Actually, I'm fairly sure I read in one of the Tech Manuals that the holodecks can simulate a stun beam even with the safeties engaged - that's how a character would know he'd been "shot" or "punched" in a holodeck scenario.

[Lancer]

Originally posted by Highway Hoss
Linking with Security force fields to create bubbles to trap intruders without blocking a corridor.

You should already be able to do that even without shipwide holoprojectors, if you use the fire-fighting system's forcefields.

Apart from that I think you shouldn't allow this new system to do too many usefull things. Granted, it makes sense to include all these niffty new functions in a shipwide net of holoemitters and it should be possible to build it with the post-TNG technology. OTOH, IMHO what you propose is too usefull to give any PC access to.
It certainly makes a nice system to theorize about, but if you actualy want to include it on ships for an RPG, you are likely to end with just one more piece of technology that breaks down whenever it would solve the PCs problems for them. And I think we have more than enough of those already.

But again, that's just me.

[Capt.Hunter]

You'd have to modify the firefighting forcefields, as they're designed to stop oxygen getting in to feed fires, and thus enveloping an intruder in one would kill them.

[Ensign Arrgh]

Unless of course you're playing Cardie, they don't really seem to care if SRM2 can be considered as semi-canon...

If the options begin to pile up, you can always rule that a few of the to useful solutions require a better security clearance (using the Venture PBEM security clearances, make sure the Tactical and Security department heads have higher clearances than the other heads except the CO, XO, 2O, Duty Officer.). I always like this option better than having the system break down at a random moment if there is no other explanation than " you were using it differently than I thought and you are scrapping my plot devices" (which is why I love the book scene in the Undiscovered Country, they didn't need Techno-babble to explain it, apart the fact that it lags because of the translation, and it shows on communication reception, and unlike Uhura who could have had a basis in Klingon, my campaign's Commo officer wouldn't possibly have the slightest knowledge of the alien language, so it's up to them to see what they will do, and how I will respond if they do a faux-pas )

[Highway Hoss]

Originally posted by Lancer:
Apart from that I think you shouldn't allow this new system to do too many usefull things. Granted, it makes sense to include all these niffty new functions in a shipwide net of holoemitters and it should be possible to build it with the post-TNG technology. OTOH, IMHO what you propose is too usefull to give any PC access to.
It certainly makes a nice system to theorize about, but if you actualy want to include it on ships for an RPG, you are likely to end with just one more piece of technology that breaks down whenever it would solve the PCs problems for them. And I think we have more than enough of those already.

Good point, Lancer...I'm thinking that the base system should do only projecting various EHs and holocommunications throughout the ship...you could jury rig or modify the system to do other uses using Courage points and skill rolls.

Originally posted by Ensign Arrgh:
If the options begin to pile up, you can always rule that a few of the to useful solutions require a better security clearance (using the Venture PBEM security clearances, make sure the Tactical and Security department heads have higher clearances than the other heads except the CO, XO, 2O, Duty Officer.). I always like this option better than having the system break down at a random moment if there is no other explanation than " you were using it differently than I thought and you are scrapping my plot devices" (which is why I love the book scene in the Undiscovered Country, they didn't need Techno-babble to explain it, apart the fact that it lags because of the translation, and it shows on communication reception, and unlike Uhura who could have had a basis in Klingon, my campaign's Commo officer wouldn't possibly have the slightest knowledge of the alien language, so it's up to them to see what they will do, and how I will respond if they do a faux-pas).

Not a bad idea...sounds like a good tool for game balance.