Re: Nanotechnology

> >
> So basically the Culture weapons are like "normal" weapons, only more
> powerful?

Well, yes I suppose so. In the same way as a Nuclear Bomb is like a hand
grenade, only more powerful.

Banks doesn't go into specifics as to how the weapons in his books
operate. The most common theme IIRC is the "effector" which is a device
that 'manipulates' objects at ridiculously long distances. He describes
various others like CAM (Compressed Anti-Matter) and Grid Fire which
involve the (sci-fi)physics of his universe.

The one common element of all Culture ships is the fact that they are
controlled by a single, very intelligent  AI. The crews on these ships
are essentially irrelevant and are there more for the hell of it than
for any other real reason. The ship takes care of itself by using its
own intelligent drones to take care of maintenance. I guess this bears
some resemblance to the S'Vasku bio ships however the Culture Ships are
constructed and the minds created rather than the whole thing being
'grown'.

Dan

BTW These answers do not do any justice to the books at all.