Improvements at Higher TLs

[Jame]

Now, Traveller has a number of cool gadgets, much like the Inspector, but other than GURPS I don't think that very many improvements, or a rate for improvement, are mentioned. If there is to be a Fifth version, it should address it, but I'd like to brainstorm some ideas for it. To quote, GIVE ME YOUR BRAIN!*

*You know who originally posted it here. That's right, I'm takin' it. And you can't have it back!

 

[Hecateus]

I suppose on issues of scale, some things must be assumed. many of the desciptions of items for particular items at particular TLs can be scaled up or down in size, functioanlity, and cost. In T20, a TL8 computer can be made by a TL11 society for as low as %10 the TL8 price (with mild improvements included). page 229 covers this. I would use this system on this page as a fast but not hard means of adjusting prices for relatively low tech items made by higher tech societies...vice-versa

not sure what to do about a generic rule for size and performance, etc...these are some insanely complex rules, despite claims to attempt otherwise.

 

[far-trader]

MT at least did this quite nicely, to a limited degree in the books and a bit more so with the great Equipment Data Sheet supplements. Each piece of gear was presented with its introductory TL version and 1-3 (or there about) versions with improvements at higher TL's.

 

[eclipse]

TNE's Fire, Fusion & Steel had TL improvements built into most of the design processes.

 

[Zutroi]

IMTU Hand Computers become progressively smaller, OR they become progressively more powerful! A TL15 HandComp is small about the size of pack of cards, OR can be acquired at standard size/mass with the equivalent of Model 3 Power...

 

[Uncle Bob]

Zutroi, you do realize your TL15 hand computer is a Palm V?

 

[Jame]

Having never seen TNE's Fire, Fusion & Steel, I couldn't know about that (unless someone were to post the info, hint, hint).

The hand computer issue is something that always struck me - we have them now at tl7 (and yes, I mean _both_ GURPS and Traveller tl7), with the microchip revolution. How could that not improve?

 

[womble]

One of the charming idiosyncrasies of Traveller is that its IS technology is so clunky. In the canon of Traveller Laws, Moore's need not apply.

 

[Zutroi]

Originally posted by Uncle Bob:
Zutroi, you do realize your TL15 hand computer is a Palm V?

Of course, but one had to adapt reality to the OTU! MY Model 3 is a damned sight more powerful that the OTU one!

 

[Jame]

Sigh. Not so much debate as I hoped...

And for that matter, Traveller low-tech seemed too finely divided. We're not at tl8 yet, and we're in the third millenium of the Gregorian caledar! And there is a big difference between bronze-age Greece and Iron age Rome (thank you very much). How would you adapt Traveller to reality?

 

[TheDS]

By paying some one a lot of money.