Request: Make Capital Ship Software Different

[Chas]

To be honest I find software a bit anachronistic. It was fun when Traveller first came out as it represented something that was reflective of the world. It is also a detail that helps at the role playing level. However a TL whatever software package isn't something we really expect to see a quantum leap with performance for something as mundane as fire control. The game mechanic would be a lot simpler at large ship level that can run super computers without any sort of issue just to have a good, better and best lay out of computers depending on what you want to spend and then the rest of it is simple mechanics on a barrage roll or point defense or whatever. There are only so many variables you want to juggle in a game turn where you've already got maneuver, perhaps power allocation, firing decisions etc. Just like unified barrage rules should make things a lot simpler, I'm not sure software packages. computer band width etc at fleet level are so game enhancing... You could replace them with a rule to say you are focusing on x this turn which means say, +1 on point defense rolls and -1 on attack. And maybe a best computer would allow a switching of +2 between factors or perhaps no negative, just a floating +1 you can allocate on a turn by turn basis.

 

[Infojunky]

If it were up to me I would just use the old Their Computer Model number Minus My Computer Model Number as the floating DM.....

 

[Nerhesi]

I really don't like that traveller-coined my computer vs thei computer...

Perhaps because traveller historically limited the power of your computer by its size. So to avoid that travesty, computers of any power should be mountable on a light fighter or so dreadnought

But then basically, do away with computers and compare their generic hull or some other TL value? But If a computer will be be swing of -1 to -7 let's say, then may as well ditch the crew! We're almost realistic now to the point of not needing crew!

Eh - I think the key thing regarding computer ratings and software is conscious choice of how to allocate computer power... if this is replaced with just a passive modifier, it should be minor enough that it is a bonus, not the end-all ridiculousness that certain high-guard versions had it as - no more than the current proposed +3 or - 3 max

And the only driver should be TL - not size, or cost. Simply - TL15 ships? A wash. TL15 vs 12 or below? -3 to hit and +3 to hit.

 

[Infojunky]

I really don't like that traveller-coined my computer vs thei computer...

Perhaps because traveller historically limited the power of your computer by its size. So to avoid that travesty, computers of any power should be mountable on a light fighter or so dreadnought

It's that whole electronics suite shortcut from CT. In book2 software stood in for a lot of hardware tricks, and book5 simplified from there.

Recently around here it has been pilot skill plus thrust used as agility plus ECM effect as Defensive DM, with Gunnery skill plus Sensors effect and points of thrust "Lining Up" the shot as an offensive DM. But it is a Small ship Universe sorta game that is very PC centric.

 

[Nerhesi]

Well, with the new rules we thankfully have "agility" back and it is pilot-skill based. It also is a function of thrust usage too.

I'm interested to see how this shapes up. I dont think anything is "broken" now - I am just hopeful as you are that there is a smoother way to handle computers without all the arbitrary, ad-hoc random constraints just because something is a capital ship or not.