Orbital Habitat Schematics

[Rhino]

I have a "hunt the escaped bioroid" adventure planned and would be really appreciative if anyone has any schematics for orbital habitats. The adventure will take place on the jumble of junk known as Sakharov Station, however, I want to know what a schematic of a tunnelled out asteroid would look like. Do they call those "beehives"? Anywhoo, thanks to all who respond.

[Ciaran]

Originally Posted by Rhino

I have a "hunt the escaped bioroid" adventure planned and would be really appreciative if anyone has any schematics for orbital habitats. The adventure will take place on the jumble of junk known as Sakharov Station, however, I want to know what a schematic of a tunnelled out asteroid would look like. Do they call those "beehives"? Anywhoo, thanks to all who respond.

You need a 3d map - there was a 3d "chase the bots round the interior of a gravityless tunnel environment" game back in the day whose name escapes me.

[ham2anv]

Originally Posted by Ciaran

You need a 3d map - there was a 3d "chase the bots round the interior of a gravityless tunnel environment" game back in the day whose name escapes me.

Descent -- the only real 3D shooter.

[Rhino]

My internet search fu is weak. Found references to loads of maps for Descent, but no maps.

[laserdog]

I don't think you necessarily need a full 3d view.

Unless they plan on blasting through the asteroid walls to create their own tunnels, the relative position of all the rooms wouldn't seem to materially matter.

Just a logical map of "This room connects to these rooms" would seem to suffice (and just roll randomly to see what the "orientation" of the entrances/exits are).

Humans aren't very good in thinking in 3d, and introducing that complexity can sometimes onfuse/frustrate players?

YMMV

In any case, I'd just take a peek at the back of the THS main book. They talk about what rooms are available there.

The only real change would be that living spaces can probably afford to be numerous/spacious, since you are provided with so much free rad shielding by the surrounding rock.

I'd put "air lock" like sections at certain points, to represent the fact the asteroid might have been organically expanded after people started living there.

[Rhino]

I am curious about the beehive complexes dug into asteroids, but the adventure I have planned is in Sakharov Station, a haphazard collection of orbital habitats. Anybody map these out. This and spacecraft schematics might be a good supplement on e23.

[thtraveller]

Beehives are up to 10% dug out, so any mad collection of tunnels are possible (use your old D&D dungeon floorplans liberally). Random air-tight doors and damage sealant foam fixes are likely commonplace. Personal palaces and whatever personal indulgent spaces are possible, as are indications of disaster and decay.

[The Colonel]

One point to consider - is the rock being spun or are you in a microgravity enviroment? If it's being spun you'll need to arrange the 'deck plans' accordingly. Otherwise, go with the dungeon.

[Rhino]

Any schematics for non-asteroid orbital habitats such as Sakharov Station?

[dscheidt]

I don't have any orbital layouts, but I'll give you some guidance on how they're likely to get laid out.

For a cylindrical habitat, spun along the long axis:

Living space will be on the outside, where the apparent gravity is highest. Farms will be here, too, as they can use the sunlight. Next in will be working space, for stuff that doesn't need to be done in microgravity, shops, offices, some manufacturing type stuff. engineering space -- reactors, life support, etc will be in the center. So will the storm shelter, which could double as a zero-g gym or auditorium. Docs will be on one or both ends, in the center.

For a sphere: Remember that there's only apparent gravity near the equator. The layout will be much the same, with farms moved out to areas along the skin, away from the equator. Depending on what's there, and how many people there may be lots of empty, open space. Building walls is expensive, and unnecessary if it's just empty.

A torus will have living space on the outer skin, with the farms on the sun side of the top. Engineering space will be in the central hub, mostly.