[MT Missing] CT LBBs 4-7

[rancke]

I'm not sure you can carry the analogy too far. The Marches, for example, appear to only have six duchies but eleven subsectors, in Imperial space. Which might be why MT switched to subsectors?

But the more central sectors probably don't have very many subsectors that aren't duchies. My guess is that the Marches are pretty extreme in this respect. The figure I usually calculate with (and it's a complete guess) is that 10% of the subsectors with regular fleets are not duchies. Until someone actually sits down and figure out the structure of all 300-odd subsectors, that's probably the nearest we can get to it.

Further, the MT system shows separate numbered fleets in EVERY subsector, and further, many have 2 numbered fleets, a few have 3. And each has a matching Numbered Reserve Fleet.

The MT system is different from the CT system. A genuine, deliberate retcon. I advocate re-introducing the duchy fleets because I think the setting would be more fun that way, but I'll be the first to admit that you can't use the evidence from MT concerning the reserve fleets to tell us anything about the subsector navies from CT.

Not that I think it would be necessary to completely do away with the reserve fleets even if the duchy navies were reintroduced. In fact, I think they'd fit in very neatly.

Instead of either having:

1 Imperial Navy (Sector level and up)
2 Subsector navies (subsector level)
3 Planetary navies (member worlds)

or:

1 Imperial Navy - regular fleets (Sector level and up)
2 Imperial Navy - reserve fleets (subsector level)
3 Planetary navies (member worlds)

I suggest:

1 Imperial Navy
....1a Regular fleets (sector+)
....1b Reserve fleets (subsector)
2 Duchy navies (duchy)
3 Planetary navies (member worlds)

It doesn't even have to contradict the MT information (well, not much anyway ). Simply assume that the duchy navies are still there, but not mentioned.


Hans

 

[Major B]

1) I'd like to add partial streamlining. It just seems to fit.

2) Keep it simple: Partial Streamlined - the ship can land on planet with atmosphere 0 or 1, and it can skim gas giants.

I agree Swiftbrook, and have come up with something similar.

I'll post the cost figures in a minute, first I have to explain another change I made to the hull configuration list so the cost table will make sense.

I combined both types of planetoid into one category, allowing me to differentiate between needle and wedge. I also added category 0M for modular open frame hulls (from Hard Times).

[FONT=Calibri][B]Configuration[/B]: The following [COLOR=#0070c0]ten [/COLOR]configurations are possible[COLOR=#0070c0] when constructing a craft[/COLOR]: [/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][I][U]Open Frame [COLOR=#0070c0](Type 0)[/COLOR][/U][/I]: An open skeletal frame with no exterior covering. [COLOR=#0070c0]This type cannot be streamlined for[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][COLOR=#0070c0]operations in an atmosphere but saves considerably in the weight of the final design.[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][I][U][COLOR=#0070c0]Open Frame, Modular (Type 0M)[/COLOR][/U][/I][COLOR=#0070c0]: An open frame hull in which all hull volume is essentially wasted space,[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][COLOR=#0070c0]dedicated to the booms, pylons, struts, connectors, and rotational armatures used to join other craft or modules[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][COLOR=#0070c0]together. A modular-frame hull can interconnect/mate with other craft whose displacement is up to 19 times the[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][COLOR=#0070c0]displacement of the modular-frame hull.[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][I][U]Needle [COLOR=#0070c0](Type 1)[/COLOR][/U][/I]: A long, pointed exterior [COLOR=#0070c0]drawing to a point at both ends and [/COLOR]with few square edges. [COLOR=#0070c0]This type is[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][COLOR=#0070c0]inexpensive to streamline or configure as an airfoil (a hull that provides lift in an atmosphere).[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][I][U]Cone [COLOR=#0070c0](Type 2)[/COLOR][/U][/I]: An oblong rounded exterior with few square edges[COLOR=#0070c0] and a leading end (bow or nose) narrower than[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][COLOR=#0070c0]the trailing end (stern or tail)[/COLOR].[/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][I][U]Cylinder [COLOR=#0070c0](Type 3)[/COLOR][/U][/I]: An oblong rounded exterior with square-edged ends.[COLOR=#0070c0] Streamlined versions can be constructed[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][COLOR=#0070c0]although the cost of added cowlings and fairings can be prohibitive.[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][I][U]Box [COLOR=#0070c0](Type 4)[/COLOR][/U][/I]: A square-edged exterior with few rounded edges. [COLOR=#0070c0]A box hull can be streamlined to an extent at some[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][COLOR=#0070c0]added cost, but not to the point that the hull itself can provide lift in atmosphere.[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][I][U]Sphere [COLOR=#0070c0](Type 5)[/COLOR][/U][/I]: A ball-shaped exterior[COLOR=#0070c0] that is symmetrical and provides significant weight savings. This type of[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][COLOR=#0070c0]hull can be cheaply streamlined but cannot provide lift in atmosphere as some hulls can[/COLOR].[/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][I][U][COLOR=#0070c0]Disk (Type 6)[/COLOR][/U][/I]: A half-sphere or flattened-sphere exterior [COLOR=#0070c0]with a symmetrical shape providing some weight savings[/COLOR].[/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][COLOR=#0070c0]This type of hull can be streamlined but the cost of this modification in relatively high.[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][I][U]Irregular [COLOR=#0070c0](Type 7)[/COLOR][/U][/I]: A dispersed, modular exterior, which is not clearly definable as any one of the other possible[/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri]configurations. [COLOR=#0070c0]Irregular hulls cannot be streamlined for operation in an atmosphere.[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][I][U][COLOR=#0070c0]Wedge (Type 8)[/COLOR][/U][/I]: A long, pointed exterior [COLOR=#0070c0]drawing to a point at the leading end (bow or nose) and wider at the[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][COLOR=#0070c0]trailing end (stern or tail) [/COLOR]with few square edges. [COLOR=#0070c0]After a type 1 (needle) hull, this type is the next most inexpensive[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][COLOR=#0070c0]to streamline or configure as an airfoil.[/COLOR][/FONT]
[I][U][FONT=Calibri]Planetoid [COLOR=#0070c0](Type 9)[/COLOR][/FONT][/U][/I][FONT=Calibri]: A metallic or rocky hollowed-out asteroid. [I][COLOR=#0070c0]Buffered[/COLOR][/I][COLOR=#0070c0] versions are[/COLOR] given an extra thick hull by[/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri]hollowing out less of the interior.[/FONT]

 

[Major B]

Here is the weight and cost table - still in draft form. The entries in red are placeholders until I settle on the right figures, and Don's post above is a big help for that work.

[FONT=Courier New][B][U][COLOR=#0070c0][FONT=Calibri]1.02 Hull Configuration & Streamlining[/FONT][/COLOR][/U][/B]
[FONT=Calibri][B][U][COLOR=#0070c0]1.02a[/COLOR][/U][/B][B][COLOR=#0070c0].[/COLOR][/B] [I]Determine the [COLOR=#0070c0]vehicle/[/COLOR]craft[COLOR=#0070c0]/vessel’s[/COLOR] configuration. [COLOR=#0070c0]If the configuration is 9, skip to [U]1.02e[/U][/COLOR][/I][COLOR=#0070c0].[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][B][U][COLOR=#0070c0]1.02b[/COLOR][/U][/B][B][COLOR=#0070c0].[/COLOR][/B] [I]Apply the configuration weight and price modifiers to the [COLOR=#0070c0]base [/COLOR]hull [COLOR=#0070c0]characteristics[/COLOR][/I].[/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][B][U][COLOR=#0070c0]1.02c[/COLOR][/U][/B][B][COLOR=#0070c0].[/COLOR][/B] [I]Determine the [COLOR=#0070c0]vehicle/[/COLOR]craft[COLOR=#0070c0]/vessel’s[/COLOR] type of streamlining[/I].[/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][B][U][COLOR=#0070c0]1.02d[/COLOR][/U][/B][B][COLOR=#0070c0].[/COLOR][/B] [I]Apply the streamlining modifier to hull price[/I].[/FONT]
 
[FONT=Calibri][B][COLOR=#0070c0]                                         [U]Table 1.02a: Hull Configuration & Streamlining[/U][/COLOR][/B][/FONT]
[B][I][FONT=Calibri]                                                    [U]Configuration[/U]                 [U]                 Streamlining                 [/U][/FONT][/I][/B]
[FONT=Calibri]      Hull                                         Wt         Price                                  (Price Mods)[/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri]     [U]Type[/U]    [U]Configuration[/U]            [U]Mod[/U]         [U]Mod[/U]                 [U][COLOR=#0070c0]USL[/COLOR][/U][COLOR=#0070c0]          [U]PSL[/U]           [U]SL[/U]            [U]AF[/U][/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri]        0       Open Frame              x 0.5        x 0.5                x 1.0          NA           NA           NA[/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri]        1       Needle                       [COLOR=#0070c0]x 1.0[/COLOR]        x 1.2                [COLOR=#0070c0]x 0.8[/COLOR]        [COLOR=#0070c0]x 1.0        x 1.2[/COLOR]        x 1.[COLOR=#0070c0]4[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri]        2       Cone                          [COLOR=#0070c0]x 1.0[/COLOR]        x 1.1                [COLOR=#0070c0]x 0.9[/COLOR]        x 1.0        [COLOR=#0070c0]x 1.5[/COLOR]        x 2.0[/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri]        3       Cylinder                     [COLOR=#0070c0]x 1.0        x 1.0[/COLOR]                x 1.0        x 1.2        [COLOR=#0070c0]x 2.0[/COLOR]        x [COLOR=#0070c0]3.0[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri]        4       Box                            [COLOR=#0070c0]x 1.0[/COLOR]        x 0.6                x 1.0        x 1.5          [COLOR=#0070c0]NA[/COLOR]           NA[/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri]        5       Sphere                       x 0.8        x 1.5                [COLOR=#0070c0]x 0.9[/COLOR]        x 1.[COLOR=#0070c0]2[/COLOR]        [COLOR=#0070c0]x 1.8[/COLOR]          NA[/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri]        6       [COLOR=#0070c0]Disk[/COLOR]                            x 0.9        x 1.2                [COLOR=#0070c0]x 0.8[/COLOR]        [COLOR=#0070c0]x 1.0[/COLOR]       x [COLOR=#0070c0]1.75[/COLOR]       x [COLOR=#0070c0]2.5[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri]        7       Irregular                    x 0.9        x 0.5                x 1.0          NA           NA           NA[/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri]        8       [COLOR=#0070c0]Wedge[/COLOR]                       [COLOR=#0070c0]x 1.0        x 1.1                x 0.8        x 1.0       x 1.25       x 1.5[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri]        9       Planetoid                      [COLOR=#0070c0]-               -[/COLOR]                    x 1.0          NA           NA           NA[/FONT]
 
[FONT=Calibri][I]NA = Not Available[/I]: [COLOR=#0070c0]hulls with this configuration cannot be streamlined, cannot attain airframe characteristics,[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][COLOR=#0070c0]or both.[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][I][COLOR=#0070c0]USL =[/COLOR][/I][I] Unstreamlined[/I]: No attempt has been made to streamline the hull. Many protrusions and irregularities exist[/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][COLOR=#0070c0]across exterior surface areas that[/COLOR] significantly [COLOR=#0070c0]increase drag at high speeds[/COLOR], making it difficult or impossible to[/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][COLOR=#0070c0]enter or operate in an [/COLOR]atmosphere. [COLOR=#0070c0]An unstreamlined space ship or starship may not enter any part of a Very[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][COLOR=#0070c0]Thin (2) or heavier atmosphere for any reason.[/COLOR][COLOR=#0070c0]Vehicles with an USL hull cannot exceed a speed of [/COLOR][COLOR=#c00000]300[/COLOR][COLOR=#0070c0] kph ([/COLOR][COLOR=#c00000].5 *[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][COLOR=#c00000]Vac[/COLOR][COLOR=#0070c0]) while in a Standard (6) or heavier atmosphere.[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][I][COLOR=#0070c0]PSL = Partially Streamlined[/COLOR][/I][COLOR=#0070c0]: The significant protrusions and irregularities of the hull’s surface have been[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][COLOR=#0070c0]addressed with cowlings or fairings, reducing the drag coefficient of the hull. However, the hull design still[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][COLOR=#0070c0]either produces too much friction or lacks the structural strength to survive flight in a normal atmosphere. A[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][COLOR=#0070c0]partially streamlined space ship or starship can land on planets with atmosphere 0 or 1 and can skim fuel from[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][COLOR=#0070c0]gas giants. PSL ships and craft can function and maneuver in the upper atmosphere of worlds with an[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][COLOR=#0070c0]atmosphere of Very Thin (2) or heavier, but they may not land or operate in the lower atmosphere of such worlds[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][COLOR=#0070c0]due to the friction stresses encountered upon atmospheric entry. Vehicles with a PSL hull cannot exceed a speed[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][COLOR=#0070c0]of [/COLOR][COLOR=#c00000]650[/COLOR][COLOR=#0070c0]kph ([/COLOR][COLOR=#c00000].67 * Vac[/COLOR][COLOR=#0070c0]) while in a Standard (6) or heavier atmosphere.[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][I]SL = Streamlined[/I]: [COLOR=#0070c0]A streamlined hull is designed from the start to maximize performance in an atmosphere,[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri]although the [COLOR=#0070c0]hull shape and surface are not necessarily designed to provide lift and/or control flight as an[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri]airframe[COLOR=#0070c0] hull does[/COLOR].[COLOR=#0070c0]A streamlined space ship or starship still relies on thrust provided by the maneuver[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][COLOR=#0070c0]drives to maintain flight while the streamlined hull reduces friction, allowing greater freedom of maneuver[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][COLOR=#0070c0]A streamlined space ship or starship can function and maneuver in the atmosphere of any world, including[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][COLOR=#0070c0]take-off, landing, and wilderness refueling. However, SL ships and craft are still not as maneuverable as[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][COLOR=#0070c0]airframe designs; maximum allowable speed in a Standard (6) or heavier atmosphere is 1,600 kph. Vehicles[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][COLOR=#0070c0]with a SL hull cannot exceed a speed of [/COLOR][COLOR=#c00000]1,200[/COLOR][COLOR=#0070c0]kph ([/COLOR][COLOR=#c00000].75 * Vac[/COLOR][COLOR=#0070c0]) while in a Standard (6) or heavier atmosphere.[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][I]AF = Airframe[/I]: [COLOR=#0070c0]An airframe [/COLOR]hull has been designed for high performance in an atmosphere[COLOR=#0070c0], with a hull shape[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][COLOR=#0070c0]providing lift and adjustable control surfaces increasing maneuverability[/COLOR]. [COLOR=#0070c0]An airframe space ship or starship[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][COLOR=#0070c0]can operate in any atmosphere as streamlined can, but can also land unpowered and perform combat[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][COLOR=#0070c0]maneuvers in an atmosphere. A craft with an airframe hull may use its full acceleration [/COLOR][COLOR=#c00000]5000?[/COLOR][COLOR=#0070c0] ([/COLOR][COLOR=#c00000].9 * Vac[/COLOR][COLOR=#0070c0]) [/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][COLOR=#0070c0]rating within an atmosphere.[/COLOR][/FONT][/FONT]

 

[aramis]

There is no MT nor TNE evidence that there are nor ever were duchy navies.

There is no strong CT evidence that there are duchy navies, only subsector navies.

Duchy navies instead of subsector navies are an artifact of GT.

 

[rancke]

There is no MT nor TNE evidence that there are nor ever were duchy navies.

I just said that, Wil. MT substituted reserve fleets for subsector navies. As far as the authors of MT was concerned, there was no such thing as a subsector navy nor ever were.

There is no strong CT evidence that there are duchy navies, only subsector navies.

But there is strong CT evidence that subsectors are duchies:

"Interstellar government begins at the subsector level -- on one world designated the subsector capital. The ruling figure at the subsector capital is a high-ranking noble selected by higher levels of government. This duke..."

Later CT material introduce a couple of exceptions, but the basic description makes no distinction between subsectors and duchies. Subsectors are [mostly] ruled by dukes. In my book that makes them duchies.

Duchy navies instead of subsector navies are an artifact of GT.

GT mentions duchy navies anywhere? I wasn't aware of that. IIRC I mentioned the Duchy of Regina Navy in one of my JTAS articles, but they're not canon. If there are any mentions in any of the books, I'd really like to read them. Please provide me with references.

But be that as it may, what difference does it make? Neither subsector navies nor duchy navies exists at the moment. It will take a retcon to get either one.


Hans

 

[Swiftbrook]

I agree Swiftbrook, and have come up with something similar.

Thanks, but I think I need to disagree with how far you are taking it. It seems that you have completely rewritten the configurations and prices. I propose adding a partial streamlining category and maybe redesigning a few ships that seem to need it. What you are suggesting would not be backwards compatible with most of the MT ship designs that have been published. I don't think we should go that far, I don't even think I want to IMTU. I'm just suggesting filling a hole that seems to be in the system and entering a price mod that seems appropriate.

-Swiftbrook.

 

[christopher.boote]

I combined both types of planetoid into one category, allowing me to differentiate between needle and wedge. I also added category 0M for modular open frame hulls (from Hard Times).

I don't think you need to wrangle it so much
Keep the two planetoid types, keep category 1 but make it 1N and 1W for Needle and Wedge - this means no fiddling with existing ships beyond (at most) adding a single letter if it matters
I like 0/0M, and will use it myself from now on - again, easy to add a single letter to those designs where it makes a difference

 

[Major B]

Thanks, but I think I need to disagree with how far you are taking it. It seems that you have completely rewritten the configurations and prices. I propose adding a partial streamlining category and maybe redesigning a few ships that seem to need it. What you are suggesting would not be backwards compatible with most of the MT ship designs that have been published. I don't think we should go that far, I don't even think I want to IMTU. I'm just suggesting filling a hole that seems to be in the system and entering a price mod that seems appropriate.

Swiftbrook, I think it make look like more of a substantial change than it is. Other than the change to the hull numbers for needle and wedge, all I've done is add the PSL category and tweak the modifiers to make it fit.

I don't think you need to wrangle it so much
Keep the two planetoid types, keep category 1 but make it 1N and 1W for Needle and Wedge - this means no fiddling with existing ships beyond (at most) adding a single letter if it matters
I like 0/0M, and will use it myself from now on - again, easy to add a single letter to those designs where it makes a difference

Christopher, that is a great idea. I plan to incorporate that into my next draft. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[DonM]

Might I suggest breaking the partial streamlining out into its own topic? MajorB, as soon as you have a next draft, post it in it's own topic?

 

[Major B]

Might I suggest breaking the partial streamlining out into its own topic? MajorB, as soon as you have a next draft, post it in it's own topic?

Will do. It will incorporate Christopher's suggestion and the information you linked to a couple of days ago.

 

[sfchbryan]

Where would TCS fit into this?

The reason I ask is that it is the only place that I know of that has a "Relative Value Table". It is kinda important when moving money from 1 planet to another. The relative value table was built for generating revenue, but I have found it useful to use with everything.

 

[aramis]

Where would TCS fit into this?

The reason I ask is that it is the only place that I know of that has a "Relative Value Table". It is kinda important when moving money from 1 planet to another. The relative value table was built for generating revenue, but I have found it useful to use with everything.

It's also in Striker, and in a JTAS Article, and I don't recall it making its way into MT.

 

[DonM]

It's also in Striker, and in a JTAS Article, and I don't recall it making its way into MT.

It's also in TNE. However, we're not looking at TCS yet. This is LBB 4-7. The supplements come later.

 

[DonM]

Will do. It will incorporate Christopher's suggestion and the information you linked to a couple of days ago.

Ok, I'm very interested in seeing where this is going. Remember, try not to invalidate too many already invalid ship designs?

 

[aramis]

It's also in TNE. However, we're not looking at TCS yet. This is LBB 4-7. The supplements come later.

TCS is a special case tho, as it already IS the errata/expansion for Bk5...

Supp 4 and Supp 5 should have been books, not supplements, as both are (almost pure) rules extensions.

 

[DonM]

TCS is a special case tho, as it already IS the errata/expansion for Bk5...

Supp 4 and Supp 5 should have been books, not supplements, as both are (almost pure) rules extensions.

Yes, but TCS deserves it's own look, and it is an Adventure, not a supplement.

Supplement 4 could have been a book; supplement 5, not so much. I'm just not so taken with the AHL.

When someone pointed out to me that the AHL was the "iconic" Traveller big ship, I was surprised -- I always considered the happy fun ball the "iconic" Traveller ship. Still think there needs to be a ship in that class named Protoaslaness. Probably not very diplomatic though.

 

[aramis]

Meant A5, not S5. Oops. was in a rush, about to head out door...

 

[DonM]

Is there anything in Scouts or Merchant Prince that doesn't appear in MT?

 

[OjnoTheRed]

Great work, guys! Sorry to have been away, especially as it was I who raised the thread of Robots which I've not had time to update. I thought the way forward there might be to test a wide variety of robot designs based on different takes on the rules, and then step back and see which produced the most game-balance.

But back on topic. First of all, just on the question of the two maneuver drives in the craft design, I remember reading somewhere (although I can't find it now on a quick flick-through) that the grav maneuver drive's performance is halved beyond the 10-diameter limit? Maybe it was even in the official errata, DonM? If it's not a canon solution, I think it's a reasonably good rule to add.

I think the addition of a Partially Streamlined option is a good one, and the extension to the config table looks good to me.

Just on stuff in Scouts that's not in Mega Traveller - the stellar radii table on p. 45. It's only real use was to set a limit on the first available orbit as larger stars can be as big as orbits 6 or 7. But it also serves to mark the 100-diameter limit for the star which makes life interesting for the players wanting to jump in and out of system. Simply multiply the radius figure given by the diameter of Sol (1.39 million km) and multiply by 100.

Alternately the mass of the star can be used as discussed here using tidal force instead of diameter limit.

Can I just add, here, at the risk of going off-topic, that I'm not keen on the Merchant Prince Book 7 system taken into MegaTraveller for speculative trade? I can see it's value as a generic system that's quick - but I like detail more and I prefer the Book 2 method better (my system is simply to re-roll any results that don't make sense). While extending this system is a bit of work, it makes sense that speculating in, say, diamonds will have higher cost and higher price than iron ore (which is basically dirt). In the generic Merchant Prince system, the cargo could be precious gems or it could be sausages, both will have the same price and cost. I'm open to other opinions, though, and I may be missing something.

 

[rancke]

Alternately the mass of the star can be used as discussed here using tidal force instead of diameter limit.

Sadly, Marc Miller insists that diameter is correct, despite the logical difficulties that entails. At one time I hoped (well, wished...) that MM had merely misunderstood the issue and that explaining it to him would cause him to change his mind, but I've been assured that he has had the issue expounded to him long ago.


Hans