Rules Clarification: Agent Programs (CSCp69)

[ResslynHalvik]

Cool. That's a model that works for me. And I imagine my NT referee won't want to be down in the weeds enough to care

 

[ResslynHalvik]

All I need to do now is find rules for adding a GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, etc) receiver module and software to a portable computer. Maybe by TL8 the cost and weight are negligible, and the software is either /0 or /1, granting a +1 or +2 DM to Navigation checks?

I see that the CSC (p128) says under the Navigation Toolkit:

By TL8 such tools are generally abandoned on civilised worlds, replaced by local or global positioning networks

although it might be good to temper that by law level/government type to see if public access is allowed, or what granularity is permitted to non-military users

 

[mavikfelna]

All I need to do now is find rules for adding a GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, etc) receiver module and software to a portable computer. Maybe by TL8 the cost and weight are negligible, and the software is either /0 or /1, granting a +1 or +2 DM to Navigation checks?

I see that the CSC (p128) says under the Navigation Toolkit:


although it might be good to temper that by law level/government type to see if public access is allowed, or what granularity is permitted to non-military users

This would be an Expert: Navigation program probably.

 

[ResslynHalvik]

This would be an Expert: Navigation program probably.

I started there, but my TL-7/8 mobile phone manages it, and it came for free with the phone. (And even at TL-8 my phone wouldn't be able to run any Expert software).

If it needs Expert/1 Navigation, to get a satnav-enabled device at TL-8 you would need, I think:


So that's a 2kg (4.5lb) device costing Cr 2900, which seems ... excessive

 

[Limpin Legin]

Where can I find Admin (Computer Literacy) and either Electronics (Informatics) or Science (Informatics) defined?
I've searched through CRB, Companion and such copies of JTAS as I have, but no joy.

Thanks for asking except I'm not entirely sure what you missed here. IMTU or IYTU you can just make your own skills up and add them to the list. Writing up a JTAS article on new skills would be another way. ... That way new skills can get playtested, and possibly included in the official publications of the future.

If you prefer matters to be more RAW or "Official", then Travellers Companion page 43 says this about the matter:

The specialities listed in the Traveller Core Rulebook are not the only ones possible.

Have I answered the question satisfactorily?

 

[ResslynHalvik]

Ah, they're IYTU local additions? That explains why I can't find them! And it means that the answer to @ProfGrizzlyJon's "I am surprised no one has brought up the Informatics skill" is that no-one knew he had invented it!

 

[Vormaerin]

Well, not exactly. But it is from the Mindjammer setting book for Traveller. Or, at least, that's where I encountered it. It is a setting specific replacement for the Computer specialization, because Mindjammer has a much more advanced technological basis than core Traveller.

 

[MasterGwydion]

You think I am misreading this? Genuine question, in case my annoying ND brain is putting this across in a way that sounds confrontational

I often have this problem. It is frustrating. You are doing better than I normally do.

 

[ProfGrizzlyJon]

Ah, they're IYTU local additions? That explains why I can't find them! And it means that the answer to @ProfGrizzlyJon's "I am surprised no one has brought up the Informatics skill" is that no-one knew he had invented it!

No, it also came from 2300AD.
I wouldn't toss that kind of red herring out there,

Page 107,
New Skills
Informatics
This is the skill used to search databases and run networkbased search inquiries. Informatics can be taken in place of the Computer skill, in all careers.
And Mindjammer: