Post by Galadare on Dec 1, 2005 13:34:46 GMT -5
Here is some information about the technology level of the campaign.
Faster Than Light Travel
Hyperspace technology (for humans at least) is about 400 years old. Hyperspace travel allows humans to traverse distances of about 30 light years in a week. As a result, out-system colonies are not out of reach but still fairly isolated.
Traveling in hyperspace requires massive drives and is extremely expensive in terms of gigawatt/hours. As a result, only dedicated "Jumpships" and the largest of military capital ships can Jump unaided. Fortunately, the nature of hyperspace travel allows jump-capable ships to "tow" other vessels. The towing capacity of a jumpship is independent of mass.
While traveling through hyperspace, rate and course are fixed at the time of the jump and cannot be altered afterward. However, long trips are conducted in a series of hops, generally of about two to three light years at a time. This is particularly true for commercial vessels because the further a vessel travels in a single hop, the less it is able to tow.
Cybernetics
Cybernetic technology is inexpensive and common. The technology interfaces the device with the user's existing nervous system.
Cybernetic prostheses are the most common application of the technology. While technology permits a number of extras, these require extensive training to use. In addition, over-accessorization has been known to carry certain, unpleasant, neurological side effects.
Robotics
Robotics technology has advanced considerably. Robots are commonplace, though anthropomorphic forms are impractical and inefficient (largely from a programming perspective) although research in this field is enthusiastic.
Mecha
By utilizing the neural interface technology, piloted mechanical suits can be manufactured with usably simplified controls.
The pilot places himself [or herself] in a partial trance that allows him to control the machine's body as though it were his own. Additional controls are needed only for extras such as the machines weapon systems, tools and methods of locomotion that are not a part of the human physiology.
Mecha are most commonly used in heavy construction and fire support for infantry units. Several militaries have experimented with other combat roles; but thus far, conventional technology wins out for ease of maintenance if not superior performance.
Faster Than Light Travel
Hyperspace technology (for humans at least) is about 400 years old. Hyperspace travel allows humans to traverse distances of about 30 light years in a week. As a result, out-system colonies are not out of reach but still fairly isolated.
Traveling in hyperspace requires massive drives and is extremely expensive in terms of gigawatt/hours. As a result, only dedicated "Jumpships" and the largest of military capital ships can Jump unaided. Fortunately, the nature of hyperspace travel allows jump-capable ships to "tow" other vessels. The towing capacity of a jumpship is independent of mass.
While traveling through hyperspace, rate and course are fixed at the time of the jump and cannot be altered afterward. However, long trips are conducted in a series of hops, generally of about two to three light years at a time. This is particularly true for commercial vessels because the further a vessel travels in a single hop, the less it is able to tow.
Cybernetics
Cybernetic technology is inexpensive and common. The technology interfaces the device with the user's existing nervous system.
Cybernetic prostheses are the most common application of the technology. While technology permits a number of extras, these require extensive training to use. In addition, over-accessorization has been known to carry certain, unpleasant, neurological side effects.
Robotics
Robotics technology has advanced considerably. Robots are commonplace, though anthropomorphic forms are impractical and inefficient (largely from a programming perspective) although research in this field is enthusiastic.
Mecha
By utilizing the neural interface technology, piloted mechanical suits can be manufactured with usably simplified controls.
The pilot places himself [or herself] in a partial trance that allows him to control the machine's body as though it were his own. Additional controls are needed only for extras such as the machines weapon systems, tools and methods of locomotion that are not a part of the human physiology.
Mecha are most commonly used in heavy construction and fire support for infantry units. Several militaries have experimented with other combat roles; but thus far, conventional technology wins out for ease of maintenance if not superior performance.