random encounters

<delurk>

Hi, I've been her about two years now, on and off, but I think I lurked
for all of '96. Perhaps a NY's resolution is in order?

Anyhow, I'm here with a couple thoughts. First of all, I've (essentially)
completed a spreadsheet random encounter generator for wildspace. It's
based on the random encounter tables I found online for SJ (PLEASE
someone remind me who the author is, I've forgotten and would like to
give due credit).

Basically, you hit "recalculate" and it rolls the chance of a random space
encounter in 20, taking modifiers into account, then gives you threee
results: one for wildspace, one for asteroid fields, and one for the
"Phlow." :)

My problem is the "ships" result. I'm not sure how to work it. I don't
want to roll for a random races, then their ship; then you keep getting
things like Dohwar manning a cuttle command. That might be fun and
whimsical once, but constant nonsensical encounters would be useless.

Any ideas? I figured using general terms likke "pirates; millitary;
merchants;" etc. would work.

Second, has anyone compiled a list of the SJ resourcess online? It would
be nice to grab a links page for websurfing.

Thanks.

Rob

--
              Robert Myers is: <robm@???????.com>

   Assistant Production Director -- Interactive Electronic News

          The Detroit News: <http://www.detnews.com>