In my Traveller Universe, I hit on the idea of having variable power settings for laser weapons.
Basically, pistols, carbines and rifles each do the same amount of damage depending on what power setting they're on. The only difference between the three is pistols - one handed, short range; carbine - two handed, medium range; and rifles - two handed, long range.
Now, there are five power settings:
Level One: 1 point of damage, basically it's meant to be a 'stun' setting, a la Star Trek. It draws one power unit (or I think Traveller calls it 'power factor' - same thing, different word).
Level Two: 1d10 points of damage. Draws two power units.
Level Three: 2d10 points of damage. Draws five power units.
Level Four: 3d10 points of damage. Draws ten power units.
Level Five: 5d10 points of damage. Empties the battery.
What do you think?
Basically, pistols, carbines and rifles each do the same amount of damage depending on what power setting they're on. The only difference between the three is pistols - one handed, short range; carbine - two handed, medium range; and rifles - two handed, long range.
Now, there are five power settings:
Level One: 1 point of damage, basically it's meant to be a 'stun' setting, a la Star Trek. It draws one power unit (or I think Traveller calls it 'power factor' - same thing, different word).
Level Two: 1d10 points of damage. Draws two power units.
Level Three: 2d10 points of damage. Draws five power units.
Level Four: 3d10 points of damage. Draws ten power units.
Level Five: 5d10 points of damage. Empties the battery.
What do you think?