Computers

[Spartan159]

Computers... other than automation, what effect does the model number have? Do jump drives still require a model number equal or greater than the jump number? What about programs? I've been looking at the mongoose system of computers, handcomputers and programs; and wondering if I want to bother trying to hybrid something. Looking for comments and opinions here, wondering if anyone else has already messed with this.

 

[Licheking]

this is what my group does, people on board can use the model number as a bonus to any skill asset based on Intelligence or Education except for Sensor sweeps (which uses the sensors TL which is way better), and Weapons fire (also uses the weapons TL).

 

[Spartan159]

Do you use programs as well or just use the model number as a raw modifier?

 

[Licheking]

Just the model number, but on saying that the players had a decent programmer and have started writing programs for various functions, using the model number as the Skill level for the skills the programs are imitating (Admin, Knowledges like History or Science).

 

[robject]

I've toyed with a Traveller5-Mongoose computer unification. Mongoose computers appear to be low-end computers, having no volume but also a quite limited capability, while the Traveller5 computers are clearly on the high-end of automation and processing.

The tradeoff is that T5 computers require volume and tend to be more expensive. I think this is an acceptable tradeoff.

 

[whulorigan]

I've toyed with a Traveller5-Mongoose computer unification. Mongoose computers appear to be low-end computers, having no volume but also a quite limited capability, while the Traveller5 computers are clearly on the high-end of automation and processing.

The tradeoff is that T5 computers require volume and tend to be more expensive. I think this is an acceptable tradeoff.

Note also that MgT Computers come in three tiers:

Computer/X - (i.e. Hand Computers/Laptops/Desktops [= T5 Console/Controller] - See MgT:Core Rules)
Model/X - (i.e. Small Ship Miniframe/Mainframe [=T5 ACS Mainframe] - See MgT:Core Rules)
Core/X - (i.e. Capital Ship Central Core [=T5 BCS Central Core] - see MgT:HG)

Note that though they are not listed as such in either the MgT:Core Rules or MgT:HG, the following relationships can be inferred by inspection:

Rating 10: TL6 Core/0 = TL9 Model/2
Rating 20: TL7 Core/1 = TL12 Model/4
Rating 30: TL8 Core/2 = TL14 Model/6

 

[Spartan159]

Joy, more stuff to be compared. I am currently looking at T5, MgT Core, MgT HG, and MgT Robots (13mann). Not sure what I want to do with the information just yet although IMTU I will probably go with Model 0 starting at TL 6 going through Model 9 at TL F, I am thinking of extending the model numbers past 9 beyond TL 15, i.e. Model 10 at TL G, Model 12 at TL J. I also want to do something more concrete with hand computers beyond "you have one"

 

[Magnus von Thornwood]

Joy, more stuff to be compared. I am currently looking at T5, MgT Core, MgT HG, and MgT Robots (13mann). Not sure what I want to do with the information just yet although IMTU I will probably go with Model 0 starting at TL 6 going through Model 9 at TL F, I am thinking of extending the model numbers past 9 beyond TL 15, i.e. Model 10 at TL G, Model 12 at TL J. I also want to do something more concrete with hand computers beyond "you have one"

:rant: Dangnabbit! That's Model/A at TL-G and Model/C at TL-J! What's this "10" and "12" stuff, Mister? THIS IS TRAVELLER!

I actually do like the idea and have been toying with the idea as well since my ATU is TL-H (for players, HIM Vlad II has acess to TL-M or there abouts which he keeps in his pocket) so having better than Model/9s would be cool.

As to how I use them...well so far the only real Ship's Computer I used in one of my games was a Psi-Brain Organic Cloned Brain-in-Jar so not exactly standard. Doctor Fang as he was known used his Skills and Knoweldges as any N/PC would. Though I probably should have added the TL he was running in.

Once I get things up and running a bit better here I planned on looking into the old drafts and using the old Program list and adding Programs as needed. Can't lie, the Task Resolver use of Computers in T5 is elegant and cool, but I do love that CT slotting Programs in and out as needed. Do we or don't we load Maneuver/Evade-3? That is some neat stuff...to me. So I might just see if I can make it work with the T5CR.

And in the old drafts the number of Cells (slots) was twice the Model number. Bis added a Cell, but I have to go and read as opposed to skim the new Computer rules. Crap, I have to sit and read the Core Rules....again. Grr.

Anyway, that is my just woke up take on things.

EDIT: Oops, now it is Cells/Model number. Cool.

AH-HA! Page 306 T5.09CR has a little box under Table D STANDARD SHIP COMPUTERS that shows the formulas for building better than Model/9 computers. Sweet!

Well, I should eat breakfast and stuff, bill paying job tonight.

 

[Spartan159]

:rant: Dangnabbit! That's Model/A at TL-G and Model/C at TL-J! What's this "10" and "12" stuff, Mister? THIS IS TRAVELLER!

:nonono: I place any and all blame on Mongoose, they are a bad influence