Traders & Gunboats

anders lager · #1 January 12th, 2009, 09:09 AM

Any opinions on the new T&G book from Mongoose?

GypsyComet · #2 January 12th, 2009, 12:45 PM

The book is packed, and for the most part, useful. There are a few designs that show a markedly different take on Traveller than I'm used to, and a few cases of odd art or gratuitously asymmetric deckplans, but there is a lot to like about this book. Not least is that the math for the designs looks right.

mike wightman · #3 January 12th, 2009, 02:08 PM

Designs that aren't broken?

Now this I have to see...

far-trader · #4 January 12th, 2009, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike wightman

Designs that aren't broken?

Now this I have to see...

...I am so tempted as well. Except for the mentioned "gratuitously asymmetric" bit, that is always a turn-off for me. Depending on the reasons. I don't mind a certain asymmetric styling, as long as the overall mass is balanced (around the thrust generally) more or less so the ship is in trim. Designs that would list severely are bad.

far-trader · #5 January 12th, 2009, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveChase

OK, got to ask.
How do spaceships list in space?

Dave Chase

In space, this is the "overall mass balanced around thrust" referenced. Not exactly a "listing" issue but still one of trim in its way. Some off axis thrust is allowed but it's not as efficient.

It's a bigger deal in a gravity well of course, especially is sitting unpowered. And exactly nautical if floating in an ocean (say when dipping).

Given that most Traveller ships are (supposedly) designed for optimal efficiency of thrust and atmospheric/aquatic interface they should be designed to be as close to trim for all environments and primary thrust vector. Even though the two are often at perpendicular angles.

Like I said a little flair in the design with asymmetric elements (such as the Millenium Falcon's cockpit) is not only ok but nice to see. What I would describe as "gratuitously assymetric" would not fall into that category (but I'm not saying Gypsy Comet and I share the same definition). No gratuitously assymetric ships come to mind (probably because I have blotted their evil images from my mind) but I'm sure they're out there. The Donosev class comes very close though.

**coliver988** · #6 January 12th, 2009, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveChase

OK, got to ask.
How do spaceships list in space?

Dave Chase

they just keep going in circles...

GypsyComet · #7 January 12th, 2009, 11:21 PM

I've already dissected this book on the Mongoose board, actually. Look for "Under the Microscope".

Asymmetry is either "artistic" (like the Millennium Falcon) or "gratuitous" (like more than a few ships from EVE). There are also a few that qualify as "pointlessly". T&G has all three.