Re: Tech & SJ

In message <000001c7e848$81eab340$6701a8c0@stevenantec>
          Steven <steven.james.1@??????????.??.uk> wrote:

> I agree! But "tech" does not necessarily mean *EARTH* tech, again, this
> is what folk get caught up on, because...all we know is our own tech ;)
> 
> Since steam power and gunpowder are impractical (and steam requires
> precision machining, that's another problem), what other things can be
> done?
> Elven ship tech, yes, very good point! So are Accelerators, alas I don't
> have the Hackjammer book, but magical or unusual things can be used.
> 
> Ever seen the old British film, "The First Men on the Moon" (if I get
> the name correct), based off an H G Wells (?) novel? The idea is a
> peculiar material cancels or reverses gravity...now why not take such a
> thing into SJ but with a twist...Imagine exotic material applied to a
> ship that increases its maneuverability, maybe this is the elves'
> secret, the plant "sails" on the Man-O-War give it added responsiveness,
> that is their "tech".

Yup, H G Wells - the material was called 'Cavorite' after its creator.
> 
> One thing I mentioned before I'd like to see though, is each of the main
> ship types should have some special ability, built into it, as a major
> design point.
> For example, the Man-O-War could be said to have a *specific* inherent
> bonus to Manouverability.
> I say this after looking at the Hammership and Squidship, really, they
> are much the same, I've yet to build the Hammership, but I suspect it's
> actual mass isn't greatly different from the Squidship...so all you get
> is a blunt of piercing ram as their design points, which is a bit sad,
> really.

When I did my mammoth 'estimate the actual volume of every ship in 
spelljammer and compare with its listed tonnage' (which I really ought 
to do something with), I found that the Squidship and Hammership where 
almost the same size (IIRC).
> 
> I'd think that the Squidship should do extra damage from it's massive,
> tri-headed ram, and the Hammership be very sturdy (extra AC, hullpoints,
> or whatever)
> 
> Another point is, SJ ship design would be a blend of technology, magic
> and experience. The classic SJ ship types offer benefits?
> 
>:)
> 

Why not - gives a reason for those designs to be used.

Speculative Spelljammer Law of Ship Motion - "ships that look like 
fish go faster/are more manoeuvrable".
 :-)
-- 
Charles
I cannot give you that information on the grounds that it might be 
used to incinerate me.