From: | One Ronin <ronin@*******.COM> |
---|---|
Subject: | Corrections.....(was:Re: Lasers and Ronin's combat corner) |
Date: | Wed, 11 Nov 1998 07:40:58 PST |
wrong I am. That's all cool. It keeps me from making the same mistake
twice. Anyway, I consulted a physics grur friend of mine (something I
apparently should have done BEFORE making my post), and pointed out many
of the same things that you guys have.
I'll agree that the laser itself might not be that visible, especially
if the beam is as tight as it's supposed to be. However, I would tend
to think that a laser as powerful as the ones presented in Shadowrun
would probably ionize the air along the path of the beam. While this
might only last for an instant, it's sure to show up on thermo, if not
passive night as well. This is up to the GM, though. It's all in how
you want to handle it.
Another thing about punching through barriers. Let's suspend a little
bit of physics for a sec and look at raw game mechanics. If a laser has
a power of 15 and is only resisted by 1/2 impact, don't you think that
it's powerful enough to burn through something pretty thick with just
one pulse? If not, then how could it punch through armor so well? I
kinda see barrier rating being represented the same as impact armor. If
the laser can burn through an impact 4 security vest, then is should
treat a wall with a barrier rating of 4 the same way. Once again, this
is a GM call. YMMV.
All in all, I'm glad to see you guys actually reading my stuff.
Although, I guess I should have stayed away from a device I know so
little about. Too much sci-fi, not enough physics classes, I guess.
Next time, I'll talk about something I have more working knowledge
about: Silencers.
Thanks for the input.....and thanks for not hurling any carps my way.
Thus far, I have narrowly avoided being THWAPED, I just hope it stays
that way.
-Ronin
Mai mentsu konna mai kikyo.
ICQ #:11373195
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