Restricted access to recovered cutting edge gear

Erling · 06-02-2017, 06:07 PM

In a space opera setting there's a lot of "archeotech" gear and artefacts (i.e. equipment left by a very technologically advanced civilization) which can be found by adventurers. The trick is that every piece of this tech has a built-in DNA scanner and will work only if operated by a member of certain race.

How to describe the advantage of being member of this race (and thus of being able to use archeotech) in GURPS terms?

Anthony · 06-02-2017, 06:35 PM

Unusual Background (can use Archeotech).

Fred Brackin · 06-02-2017, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anthony

Unusual Background (can use Archeotech).

Yes and it's probably a Perk.

Anaraxes · 06-02-2017, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred Brackin

Yes and it's probably a Perk.

If the recovered archeogear is common enough for the PC to expect to be ultra-geared, then it could simply be High TL.

Unusual Background is still useful in addition if most PC opponents aren't expecting the ultra-tech, have no defenses, take no precautions, etc.

Fred Brackin · 06-02-2017, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anaraxes

If the recovered archeogear is common enough for the PC to expect to be ultra-geared, then it could simply be High TL.

Unusual Background is still useful in addition if most PC opponents aren't expecting the ultra-tech, have no defenses, take no precautions, etc.

High TL lets you learn Skills of that TL. They wouldn't be items of a "super-advanced" race then. They wouldn't be advanced over you at any rate.

Anyway, my theory behind making it a Perk was the "Racial Gifts" Perk from PU2.

weby · 06-03-2017, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred Brackin

Yes and it's probably a Perk.

It fully depends on the value of the access. If the gear allows high power that those without it cannot get then it is more. Possibly way more.

Any Unusual Background cost depends on how much possessing the thing helps.

Fred Brackin · 06-03-2017, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weby

It fully depends on the value of the access. If the gear allows high power that those without it cannot get then it is more. Possibly way more.

Any Unusual Background cost depends on how much possessing the thing helps.

The OP isn't asking for the cost of possessing fantastically powerful devices which the character may then use. We're not that far along yet. He's only asking for a cost to be able to use some sort of device _if_ you find one.

That's why I see a parallel to Racial Gifts. You pay the 1 cp for the right to purchase one of a class of Powers others may not have but then you purchase the Power separately.

If a PC started the game with a piece of this archeotech he'd need to spend the cost of being able to use it but he'd also have to pay for the gadget itself. Probably buying it as a Gadget with CP if it's that powerful and beyond what normal tech can do.

chandley · 06-04-2017, 09:44 AM

Another thing to look at: Better (Gear) on p. 8 of Power Ups 2 Perks. Allows you to obtain slightly better than run of the mill items in your world. So, for a perk, you get about half a TL boost to your equipment.

But... you can acquire it without to much issue. You invented it, you know a guy, whatever. OP is talking about just having the heritage to use it. You still have to go on an adventure for the magical sword. Since the GM controls what you find and when, and given Fred's argument based on Racial Gifts and the example of Better (Gear)... I think a perk is probably just right.

ericthered · 06-04-2017, 02:34 PM

The true cost is probably somewhere between a perk and 10 points. It all depends on how often these things come into play, which is a GM call. If you, the GM, do not know, I'd suggest one of three options.

1) Ask the player how often this stuff will show up and then make it show up that often. Price accordingly.

2) Sit back and ask yourself how often this stuff will show and then price accordingly.

3) Explain to the player you won't know how often the stuff shows up until proved in play. Start by charging a perk, then if it turns out to be worth more, stick the player in point debt. Make sure the player is on board with this.

There is a related thread about how much the ancient gene in stargate should cost.

fredtheobviouspseudonym · 06-04-2017, 02:41 PM

the species in question that's made this wonder gear is sufficiently advanced to permit injected DNA (or other genetic material) to reconfigure other organisms.

So if a member of the wrong species attempts to use this technology -- she/he/it gets changed into a member of the manufacturing species.

So only one of Us gets to use this gadget. One way or another . . .

06-02-2017, 06:07 PM	#1
Erling Join Date: Sep 2014	Restricted access to recovered cutting edge gear In a space opera setting there's a lot of "archeotech" gear and artefacts (i.e. equipment left by a very technologically advanced civilization) which can be found by adventurers. The trick is that every piece of this tech has a built-in DNA scanner and will work only if operated by a member of certain race. How to describe the advantage of being member of this race (and thus of being able to use archeotech) in GURPS terms? __________________ When in deadly danger, When beset by doubt, Run in little circles, Wave your arms and shout.

06-02-2017, 06:35 PM	#2
Anthony Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Berkeley, CA	Re: Restricted access to recovered cutting edge gear Unusual Background (can use Archeotech). __________________ My GURPS site and Blog.

06-04-2017, 09:44 AM	#8
chandley Join Date: Aug 2004	Re: Restricted access to recovered cutting edge gear Another thing to look at: Better (Gear) on p. 8 of Power Ups 2 Perks. Allows you to obtain slightly better than run of the mill items in your world. So, for a perk, you get about half a TL boost to your equipment. But... you can acquire it without to much issue. You invented it, you know a guy, whatever. OP is talking about just having the heritage to use it. You still have to go on an adventure for the magical sword. Since the GM controls what you find and when, and given Fred's argument based on Racial Gifts and the example of Better (Gear)... I think a perk is probably just right. __________________ My GURPS stuff

06-04-2017, 02:34 PM	#9
ericthered Hero of Democracy Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: far from the ocean	Re: Restricted access to recovered cutting edge gear The true cost is probably somewhere between a perk and 10 points. It all depends on how often these things come into play, which is a GM call. If you, the GM, do not know, I'd suggest one of three options. 1) Ask the player how often this stuff will show up and then make it show up that often. Price accordingly. 2) Sit back and ask yourself how often this stuff will show and then price accordingly. 3) Explain to the player you won't know how often the stuff shows up until proved in play. Start by charging a perk, then if it turns out to be worth more, stick the player in point debt. Make sure the player is on board with this. There is a related thread about how much the ancient gene in stargate should cost. __________________ Be helpful, not pedantic Worlds Beyond Earth -- my blog Check out the PbP forum! If you don't see a game you'd like, ask me about making one!

06-04-2017, 02:41 PM	#10
fredtheobviouspseudonym Join Date: May 2007	How about this -- the species in question that's made this wonder gear is sufficiently advanced to permit injected DNA (or other genetic material) to reconfigure other organisms. So if a member of the wrong species attempts to use this technology -- she/he/it gets changed into a member of the manufacturing species. So only one of Us gets to use this gadget. One way or another . . .