CRB 1st ed./MBR Expert Astronavigation program

[snrdg121408]

Hello all,

I received an email notification from Mongoose that the Main Rulebook (MBR) PDF has been updated. The MBR turns out to be the CRB 1st ed. minus the front cover. For over-clarification I'll probably be using CRB 1st ed./MBR in my posts.

In the Spacecraft Design CRB 1st ed./MBR rules the crew requirement table lists that an Expert Astronavigation program is the minimum needed to meet requirement. The CRB 2nd ed. Ship Software table on p. 151 does not have a listing for an Expert Astronavigation program.

Will the HG 2nd ed. Spacecraft/Small Craft/Capital Ship design rules include the Expert Astronavigation program?

Has the Navigator minimum crew requirement been changed in HG 2nd ed. the Spacecraft/Small Craft/Capital Ship design rules?

 

[AndrewW]

In the Spacecraft Design CRB 1st ed./MBR rules the crew requirement table lists that an Expert Astronavigation program is the minimum needed to meet requirement. The CRB 2nd ed. Ship Software table on p. 151 does not have a listing for an Expert Astronavigation program.

Remember ships computers can run the standard software found on page 92 as well.

Will the HG 2nd ed. Spacecraft/Small Craft/Capital Ship design rules include the Expert Astronavigation program?

No need. (see above)

Has the Navigator minimum crew requirement been changed in HG 2nd ed. the Spacecraft/Small Craft/Capital Ship design rules?

Doesn't specify or an Expert, but that isn't really a change. A computer program can still substitute for the skill.

 

[snrdg121408]

Hello again AndrewW,

In the Spacecraft Design CRB 1st ed./MBR rules the crew requirement table lists that an Expert Astronavigation program is the minimum needed to meet requirement. The CRB 2nd ed. Ship Software table on p. 151 does not have a listing for an Expert Astronavigation program.

Remember ships computers can run the standard software found on page 92 as well.

Will the HG 2nd ed. Spacecraft/Small Craft/Capital Ship design rules include the Expert Astronavigation program?

No need. (see above)

The Software Table on CRB 1st ed./MBR p. 91 does not list any sort of navigation program or expert programs. There is on p. 92 the following rule, which I have not successfully followed yet.

Specialised Computer: A computer can be designed for a specific purpose, which gives it a rating of 1 or 2 higher for that program only. The navigation computer on a starship might be only a Computer/1, but it could run the Expert Navigation/3 program because it is specially designed for that task. A specialised computer costs 25% more per added rating – so, a Computer/1 (Expert Navigation/3) machine costs 150% of the cost of a basic Computer/1. In addition, running the program a computer is specialised for does not use up rating when working out how many programs the computer can run simultaneously.

Unfortunately, I can not seem to find any mention of how to write any sort of program in MgT like the rules found on p. 40 Writing Computer Programs of CT LBB 2 Starships 1977/1981.

Has the Navigator minimum crew requirement been changed in HG 2nd ed. the Spacecraft/Small Craft/Capital Ship design rules?

Doesn't specify or an Expert, but that isn't really a change. A computer program can still substitute for the skill.

The are four pre-installed programs, per the tables on pp. 91 and 113, included with all computers. Interface and Security 0 are included per p. 92 and on p. 113 they are library and maneuver/0. Any additional programs have to be purchased. The programs in the tables include TL, Rating, and the Effect they have.

Reviewing the Spacecraft Design Ship Software Table I think that a starship might get away with using one of the Jump Control programs based on the Effect:

Allows Jumps of up to the specified number. Incorporates astrogation software and Jump engine management.

Of course I may be wrong.

Do system craft require Navigators in MgT?

 

[AndrewW]

The Software Table on CRB 1st ed./MBR p. 91 does not list any sort of navigation program or expert programs. There is on p. 92 the following rule, which I have not successfully followed yet.

You use an Expert / Agent / Intellect program for the skill needed. (Astrogation in this case).

Do system craft require Navigators in MgT?

An Astrogator is only required if there is a jump drive.

 

[snrdg121408]

Hello again AndrewW,

The Software Table on CRB 1st ed./MBR p. 91 does not list any sort of navigation program or expert programs. There is on p. 92 the following rule, which I have not successfully followed yet.

You use an Expert / Agent / Intellect program for the skill needed. (Astrogation in this case).

I'm not sure I follow the process so here is my attempt to create an Expert Astronavigation program:

Expert Rating 1 TL 11 Cost Cr1,000 + Agent Rating 1 TL 12 Cost Cr2,000 + Intellect 1 TL 12 Cost Cr2,000 + Astrogation Skill 1 =
Expert Astronavigation Rating 1 TL 12 Cr5,000.

Do system craft require Navigators in MgT?

An Astrogator is only required if there is a jump drive.

The Crew Requirements CRB 1st ed./MRB text on p. 113 is

The number of crew on a ship varies depending on its level of automation and complexity. It is possible to run a ship with a very small crew – a single scout can run a hundred-ton scout ship, running from position to position – but if disaster strikes, a lightly crewed ship has a much slower response time than a fully crewed spacecraft. Independent traders and scouts tend to run with as small a crew as possible. Corporate vessels have an average-size crew, while military ships are usually fully crewed to maximise their effectiveness in battle.

Being literal and quibbling a bit on semantics the above quoted information uses the terms ship and spacecraft when explaining the crew requirement. From p. 105:

A spacecraft is any interplanetary or interstellar vehicle - anything that can travel through space under its own power.

A ship is any vessel of 100 tons or more.

The term Navigator is derived from navigation which per MgT CRB 1st ed./MRB Skills is the planet-side counterpart of astrogation, covering plotting course and finding directions on the ground.

Technically the title of Navigator in the crew requirements table is incorrect and should be listed as Astrogator since spacecraft or a ship is not plotting courses and finding direction on the ground.

In addition to plotting jump courses starships also, technically speaking, need to plot courses to/from the 100D limit, gas giants, or other planetary body.

A system ship has to plot a course between points in a star system.

An astrogator, based on the need to plot courses in both interplanetary and for interstellar jumps.

Based on the above a ship, interplanetary or interstellar spacecraft, requires a body or program that can plot courses through space.

When all is said and done the crew position title of navigator works.

The real question is do system systems >= 100-tons and small craft require a navigator/astrogator?

If they do not does a crew member need the Astrogation Skill to travel between points in a star system?

 

[AndrewW]

When all is said and done the crew position title of navigator works.

The real question is do system systems >= 100-tons and small craft require a navigator/astrogator?

If they do not does a crew member need the Astrogation Skill to travel between points in a star system?

If you go by the crew table yes. The new High Guard specifies that a jump drive is required to need an Astrogator.

If you go by the only time an Astrogation check is called for is under Preparing for Jump (page: 141) no.

 

[snrdg121408]

Hello again AndrewW,

When all is said and done the crew position title of navigator works.

The real question is do system systems >= 100-tons and small craft require a navigator/astrogator?

If they do not does a crew member need the Astrogation Skill to travel between points in a star system?

If you go by the crew table yes. The new High Guard specifies that a jump drive is required to need an Astrogator.

If you go by the only time an Astrogation check is called for is under Preparing for Jump (page: 141) no.

Boy am I typing really badly and my proof reading is a total failure.

Personally my definition of a Navigator boils down to determining a ship's position using any number methods and plotting courses between points regardless of the distance or environment.

Does HG 2nd ed. crew table also include the minimum of having an expert astronavigation program like the 1st ed. rule?

 

[AndrewW]

Does HG 2nd ed. crew table also include the minimum of having an expert astronavigation program like the 1st ed. rule?

It's not specifically stated but yes it's possible to have a computer perform this function rather then a dedicated crew member, or it could be another crew member with other duties that also handles this.

 

[snrdg121408]

Hello AndrewW,

Does HG 2nd ed. crew table also include the minimum of having an expert astronavigation program like the 1st ed. rule?

It's not specifically stated but yes it's possible to have a computer perform this function rather then a dedicated crew member, or it could be another crew member with other duties that also handles this.

The Crew Requirement Table on CRB 1st ed./MBR p. 113 has a ship's minimum requirement for the position of Navigator is an Expert Astronavigation program. If I understand the reply HG 2nd ed., aka new or beta, the Navigator/Astrogator crew position requirement does not mention the Expert Astronavigation Program as the minimum required by a ship of >= 100-tons.

Thank you for the answer to the question, either asked or not asked, about small craft needing a Navigator/Astrogator which is no they do not since they are under 100-tons.

My view agrees with yours that if the pilot and/or other crew members have the appropriate skill then the minimum, average, and full Navigator/Astrogator crew requirements are met. In which case the Expert Astronavigation program is a back-up to the individual or individuals that have the required skill.

Unfortunately, the only mention of the Expert Astronavigation program is in the crew requirements table which means we do not the Tech Level, Rating, Cost, or Effect the program has during game play.