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Old 08-27-2017, 02:25 PM   #92
fredtheobviouspseudonym
 
Join Date: May 2007
Default Re: [Game] Generate a military sci-fi setting

Quote:
Originally Posted by (E) View Post
Question 53
What kind of biological/Xenological warfare do the Martians like to use?
There are certainly the obvious -- various tailored microbes that kill.

But perhaps sometimes NOT killing is more effective.

How about a bioweapon that enrages the target's citizens to homicide under certain conditions? (see The Screwfly Solution, Nebula Award Novelette, 1977). This weaponizes the target society's own citizens.

Or a bioweapon that seriously damages the target citizens' intellect? You not only lose their brainpower, but those citizens who survive the attack with brains intact have to care for their less fortunate comrades.

Or -- a bioweapon that blinds the victims or damages their muscular control? The latter's victims may not be able to walk or use their hands -- and as such pose a care problem for the society. Or one that causes similarly debilitating congenital problems?

You can use these not only during war -- but as levers to end the war on favorable terms. "Cede us Syrtis Major district -- or have a billion damaged children for which to care."

Death is only one possibility for bio-attack.
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