Re: PSB for the Graser and ATM

[Charles Taylor <nerik@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

In message <20040322182240.43182.qmail@web25209.mail.ukl.yahoo.com>
          Ian Downing <iandowning112@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:

> 
> Can this list clarify the PSB behind the two new weapons? I am new to the list but a search of the archive did not reveal any new PSB for these systems. Apologies if this subject has already been done to death. 
> 
>  
> 
> The first problem I have with the PSB for the graser is that it’s
> affected by screens, which, as I understand the PSB, are EM in nature
> and affect charged particles only.  To my knowledge gamma rays are
> uncharged photons of extremely short wavelength.

Correct.

> The only thing that may deflect or absorb them are lots of lead,
> concrete, perhaps a vapour shroud or the gravity well of a black
> hole. If the Hu’Mans had black hole tech then they should have
> gravitic drives and such shields would deflect anything! I could also
> think of a few problems, like it could be similar inside to being
> inside a cloaking field.

Actually, _all_ of the fleets in the fleet books use gravitic drives
(KV & SV just use _better_ ones :-), however, you point is
otherwise valid.

>

[snip AM Torpedo comments]

> I realize that the stats are such for play balance, but can we have
> some PSB which can make it easier to suspend disbelief. It could be
> as simple as a name change.  
> 
> Regards
> 
> Ian
> 
> 
One option would be to adopt 'PSB Neutral' names for these, such as
'Heavy Beam' for Grasers (a bit bland IMHO, but the best I can think of
ATM) and 'Nova Torpedo' for the AMTs, when the 'granddaddy' of the AMT,
the 'Anti-Matter Salvo Missile' was proposed on the Weapons and Defence
Archive, I suggested 'Nova Salvo Missile' as an alternative - which
stuck :-).

Charles