ANNIC NOVA (Z-FC03-16)

[robject]

A "strange" thing about the ANNIC NOVA text, is the mention at the front of the mass displacement. "All currently known data is presented below", and then the first item is:

Mass Displacement: 500 - 800 tons

It's just an offhanded remark really. However, it makes you wonder about the existence and prevalence of ships which displace "500" tons. Does that mention say anything at all about it?

No, not really. On the other hand, it allows 500 ton ships ... granted Traveller allowed it even if that meant you had to buy a 600 ton hull.

Just musing out loud, no particular direction to go there.

 

[robject]

Next item: the world description string.

I find I really like the compact format, which is

Name (hex - UWP)

as in

Regina (1910 - A788899-C)

A lot less bulky than

Regina (A788899-C / 1910 Spinward Marches)

...or any of its variants. I like that the sector doesn't have to be explicit, and that the hex number is practically attached to the UWP.

 

[whulorigan]

Next item: the world description string.

I find I really like the compact format, which is

Name (hex - UWP)

as in

Regina (1910 - A788899-C)

A lot less bulky than

Regina (A788899-C / 1910 Spinward Marches)

...or any of its variants. I like that the sector doesn't have to be explicit, and that the hex number is practically attached to the UWP.

One is probably a shorthand when it is assumed that the world in question is in the "current" sector unless otherwise specified.

 

[robject]

One more thing I just noticed and almost forgot about. From page 31 of JTAS 1, where the original article lives...

Fuel costs are negligible for this ship, although 12 tons of fuel for each of the pinnaces must be procured in some way or another. Refined fuel is preferable, but each can use unrefined (Cr100 per ton at a starport, or free at a gas giant). The chance of misjump does not exist for a pinnace (since it doesn't jump).

Almost in the same breath, this paragraph talking about fuel requirements claims that refined fuel is preferable, even though there's no jump drive involved.

That is intriguing.

 

[Grav_Moped]

One more thing I just noticed and almost forgot about. From page 31 of JTAS 1, where the original article lives...




Almost in the same breath, this paragraph talking about fuel requirements claims that refined fuel is preferable, even though there's no jump drive involved.

That is intriguing.

Yeah. The rules don't have anything go wrong for a small craft just because it's using unrefined fuel. It implies that the referee can impose problems by fiat -- I mean, they always could, but I agree that it's interesting they called it out in this situation in particular.

 

[AnotherDilbert]

It's just an offhanded remark really. However, it makes you wonder about the existence and prevalence of ships which displace "500" tons. Does that mention say anything at all about it?

No, not really. On the other hand, it allows 500 ton ships ... granted Traveller allowed it even if that meant you had to buy a 600 ton hull.

A custom hull in LBB2 can be any size up to 5000 Dt, including 500 Dt or 247 Dt. They just need drives as the next larger size in the drive table.

 

[Fovean]

RE: unrefined fuel in small craft

This also begs the question of routine/annual maintenance for small craft. Never addressed anywhere that I can think of.

Might be fun to think about a 1D table of complications for small craft regularly using unrefined fuel:

1- inertial compensation fails
2- minor reduction in range/operational duration
3- minor reduction in G-rating/Thrust/agility
4- major reduction in G-rating/Thrust/agility
5- major reduction in range/operational duration
6- life support malfunction; reduce allotment 10-60%

or some such.

And now back to our regularly scheduled programming.

 

[AnotherDilbert]

Something I don't remember reading before - page 16, room 38 "Cabinet" mentions sensor missiles.

Missiles can be a bit of everything:

Other types of missiles are possible (for example, jump capable message torpedoes, or bombs for attacks against planetary surfaces), but such require either specific alterations to ordinary torpedoes, or location of an arms supplier who deals in such items. Specific attributes of such non-standard missiles are the realm of the referee.

Such missiles may also be converted to planetary Surface bombs, or to surveillance drones (mechanical and electronic skill should apply in such cases). Individual missiles weigh about 50 kg, and cost Cr5,000 each.

 

[AnotherDilbert]

Almost in the same breath, this paragraph talking about fuel requirements claims that refined fuel is preferable, even though there's no jump drive involved.

All drives want refined fuel:

Starships require continuing maintenance as they operate, and an annual maintenance overhaul to keep them in top running order. Ships which are undercrewed and do not carry enough dedicated or full-time skilled engineers and those which avoid or delay their annual maintenance run the risk of malfunction.
Drive Failure: Each week, throw 13+ for drive failure; apply the following DMs: + 1 if using unrefined fuel (and not equipped to do so), + 1 per engineer missing from the crew list, + 1 per week past annual maintenance overhaul date. If a malfunction occurs, then throw 7+ for each drive in use (jump, maneuver, power plant) to determine which actually fail, (if any). Failed drives cease operations completely; ...

 

[Condottiere]

You might have to clear a lot more gunk from the plumbing, if you feed the fusion plant, or if applicable, the reactionary rockets, with unrefined fuel.

Which in theory, might speed up the need for monthly or annual maintenance.

 

[robject]

All drives want refined fuel:

Yowza. I guess it's been a long time since I read those rules. Thanks for that!