Computer Scientist

Vortex

Mongoose
I've recently realised that Computer Use can't be chosen as a primary area of expertise by a scientist. I find that weird. I know you can get pretty much the same result with a white collar worker but that class is globally much less interesting.

But more than that, from a purely role playing point of view, a computer scientist makes sense. To me the white collar is the guy who programs applications or who offers technical support. But the guy who significantly pushes the limits of programming, creating powerful and complex algorithms and developing artificial intelligence is a scientist, not just a programmer (worker).

If a linguist or someone into electronics can be considered a scientist, the guy in software R&D can't really be excluded.

I'm seriously thinking about allowing Computer Use as a primary area of expertise in my games and since the next character I'll be creating with my players will be "hacker-style", it will have a major impact.

Has anyone allowed it in their games? Do you see any major problem with it?
 
I've never really thought about it TBH, but it would make sense to allow it. I don't think the rules police will be knocking on your door if you do ;)
 
Ghost Dancer said:
I've never really thought about it TBH, but it would make sense to allow it. I don't think the rules police will be knocking on your door if you do ;)

Best check your door for Narn before saying things like that :lol:

LBH
 
Probably, computers are viewed as tools only, in that context. Programmers presumably have ceased to exist as a class of scientist, and so a scientist works on a lower level -- messaging and routing, circuit design, etc.
 
pasuuli said:
Programmers presumably have ceased to exist as a class of scientist

What makes you say that? No matter how advanced computers are, they still need people to design and program them.
 
Ghost Dancer said:
pasuuli said:
Programmers presumably have ceased to exist as a class of scientist

What makes you say that? No matter how advanced computers are, they still need people to design and program them.

Of course. But we're talking about Babylon 5, the game. I'm just trying to grasp at straws to explain why programming is not given research value in the game.
 
Well, since no one seems to think it will destroy the fabric of the universe, I guess I'll just allow it then.
 
Vortex said:
Well, since no one seems to think it will destroy the fabric of the universe, I guess I'll just allow it then.

If it doesn't tear the fabric, where did these three kids with hockey sticks just appear from?

LBH
(Bonus point to whomever gets THAT reference)
 
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