Re: Sandcasters, was [FT] Vector...

Just treat the sand as creating a dust cloud effect, which is already
well
defined under the rules (gives +1 Screens). If we want to make it like
Smoke
Launchers - then just say that it works like ADFC in that the target or
launching platform must be within 6" of the ship using the Sand Caster.
    This allows escorts to cover their charges - but it is hardly all
powerful - plus you get a limited number of shots. On the upside a
freighter
might consider buying 1 or 2 shot launchers on the cheap to hold off the
lucky raider that slips by any escorting vessels.

DUSTCASTER
    Creates a 6" radius dust cloud around the launching ship that
interferes
with beam weapons. If the target of the attack or the attacking ship is
within this effect it affords +1 Screens (as per Dust Cloud).

MASS:	    x + y/shot
POINTS:    a + b/shot

-----
Programming: It's not just a job - it's an indenture

----- Original Message -----
From: Sean Bayan Schoonmaker <schoon@aimnet.com>
To: <gzg-l@CSUA.Berkeley.EDU>
Sent: Monday, September 20, 1999 11:24 PM
Subject: Sandcasters, was [FT] Vector...

> >We'll steal something from Traveller.  (I think it's from Traveller)
>
> It is indeed.
>
> >SANDCASTER
>
> [snippage]
>
> >It can be mounted two ways; sand can be dumped overboard, creating a
> >trail behind the ship, or it can be fired by large, low-powered
> >launchers, creating sand 'clouds'.  'Sand' is placed in the movement
> >phase of the turn, after writing orders, but before movement.
>
> I'd say just stick with the launcher concept. Forget the dumping. It
opens
> up a whole can of worms about placement anyway.
>
> >Sand is laid in 9" long, 3" wide bands if dumped overboard, and
explodes
into
> >a 3" diameter circle upto 12" away from the ship when launched.
>
> I like the 3" dia concept, but I'd restrict it to 6" of the ship.
(PSB)
> Sand would tend to disperse too quickly otherwise.
>
> >Sand interferes with all direct fire weapons.  Treat the target as
> >one range band further away then it actually is.  If 'sand' is
located
> >between a detonating SML and a target ship, the die roll for
attacking
> >missiles is reduced by one.
>
> I'd question this, unless you're maintaining that it interferes with
the
> basic targetting somehow.
>
> >Somebody else can figure out the MASS and mechanics of the lauchers;
> >I have to get back to work here.  (8-)
>
> Not just yet. I'd like to get the effects hammered out first.
>
>
> Schoon
>