Equipment lists

[Stormcrow]

Let's say you're creating an ultra-tech setting that follows an unusual technology path. You'd like to use Ultra-Tech, but obviously not everything will be available.

Do you go through each and every item in Ultra-Tech and write up a customized list of exactly what's available, or do you just tell your players, "Use Ultra-Tech, but no more than TL whatever and nothing that uses X, Y, or Z"?

[weby]

I tend to tweak more than just general technology so I use a mixture.

Basically I write a common: "These types of technology are available"
But I also find normally myself also writing long lists of actual gear as they have changed..

As example: Star rangers technology

[Phantasm]

I tend to say "uses base technologies X, Y, and Z; the following weapons, armor, medical, and security tech are in common use: [give list]; and the following technologies are stagnated at TL8-9, or just not available: [give list]."

This gives a list of stuff the players are commonly going to encounter, and what is not in use. Of course, I still occasionally get players who want "but you said Ultra-Tech at a given TL, why can't I have this item that's not on your list of common tech?" *hangs head and cries*

[Tallor]

Originally Posted by Phantasm

Of course, I still occasionally get players who want "but you said Ultra-Tech at a given TL, why can't I have this item that's not on your list of common tech?" *hangs head and cries*

Kind of like Britannica-6, which can have "TL9" mechanical legs and robot arms, but only has telegraph-quality radio communications.

[Stormcrow]

Thanks for the responses. Weby, that link was excellent. If that's yours, you put a lot of work into it!

So the sense I'm getting is that people tend to be somewhere in between the two extremes I mentioned. You don't list each and every item, but you do tend to list a lot of items rather than just blanket rules of what's available.

[weby]

Originally Posted by Stormcrow

Thanks for the responses. Weby, that link was excellent. If that's yours, you put a lot of work into it!

Thanks. Yes, it is part of my campaign preparation for my next campaign that will start in about 4 years after the currently running fantasy campaign story arc ends.