Re: [FT] Tech Level? Is there such a thing?

>----- Ursprüngliche Nachricht -----
>Absender: s_schoon@pacbell.net
>Betreff: Re: [FT] Tech Level? Is there such a thing?
>Empfänger: gzg-l@csua.berkeley.edu
>Datum: 15. Mai 2001 17:02
>
> The difficulty with adding tech levels to FT is that it doesn't lend 

> itself to small reductions for improved systems: a Class 1 Beam at 
> MASS 1 POINT COST 3 is tough to reduce.
> 
> My views on tech would be more of an availability issue. In other 
> words, something to the effect of "Class 2 Beams don't become 
> available till TL 2" or some variation there-of.

This also the way I would prefer to go, rather than modifying masses or 
effects. I, at least, would not feel comfortable with the play balance 
effect of changing weapon etc. values.

There is fair scope in FT to define tech levels through availability:

Beam size
single- or multi-arc weapons
Availability of Needle beams, missile, pulse torpedos, etc.
one or more fire controls per ship
no screens/level 1/level 2
max.mass per ship
max.thrust
max.thrust/mass ratio 
armour
(no)Fighters/special fighter types/no.of fighters per ship
PDS/ADFC

Greetings