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Message no. 1
From: "D. Ghost" <dghost@****.COM>
Subject: Flying Robots :)
Date: Sun, 4 Oct 1998 14:02:10 -0500
If the subject line didn't scare you off, I 've got a couple of questions
for you. :)

I had an idea for creating a flying anthroform by quickening Levitate on
it.
1) What effect will this have on the drone? I assume the spell won't make
it weightless but will it make it weigh less? (and perhaps carry more?)

2) How could controlled flight be managed? I had originally thought of
using a VT UAV (maybe I could still, adding 4 mechanical arms?) but I
wanted it to be able to walk as well as fly.

3) I could always take the easy way out and inhabit a spirit in drone ...
;P~

--
D. Ghost
(aka Pixel, Tantrum, RuPixel)
"Long hair eliminates the need for barbers" -- Einstein

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Message no. 2
From: K in the Shadows <Ereskanti@***.COM>
Subject: Re: Flying Robots :)
Date: Mon, 5 Oct 1998 01:56:40 EDT
In a message dated 10/4/1998 2:16:23 PM US Eastern Standard Time,
dghost@****.COM writes:

> If the subject line didn't scare you off, I 've got a couple of questions
> for you. :)

Me?!? Be afraid of that??? ;P

> I had an idea for creating a flying anthroform by quickening Levitate on
> it.
> 1) What effect will this have on the drone? I assume the spell won't make
> it weightless but will it make it weigh less? (and perhaps carry more?)

Oh boy, I think I spoke to soon. BUT, admittedly, I have had similar thoughts
to this little consideration. I'm not certain how it will all work however.

> 2) How could controlled flight be managed? I had originally thought of
> using a VT UAV (maybe I could still, adding 4 mechanical arms?) but I
> wanted it to be able to walk as well as fly.

In a short, concise answer of my own opinion here (we call this one "MOO" :),
the answer would be not only a 'no', but a 'no f*&^ing way'. The drone would
have no way of interfacing with the controlling mechanism for the levitation.

> 3) I could always take the easy way out and inhabit a spirit in drone ...
> ;P~

I saw that ... (<tiny thwap>). Please note, that "Kenny", doesn't always
get
such niceties...oh wait a sec., HHH is not totally upgraded, so no one knows
everything about Kenny these days...

-K
Message no. 3
From: "D. Ghost" <dghost@****.COM>
Subject: Re: Flying Robots :)
Date: Mon, 5 Oct 1998 01:33:46 -0500
On Mon, 5 Oct 1998 01:56:40 EDT K in the Shadows <Ereskanti@***.COM>
writes:
>In a message dated 10/4/1998 2:16:23 PM US Eastern Standard Time,
>dghost@****.COM writes:
<SNIP>
>> I had an idea for creating a flying anthroform by quickening Levitate
on it.
>> 1) What effect will this have on the drone? I assume the spell won't
make
>> it weightless but will it make it weigh less? (and perhaps carry
more?)

>Oh boy, I think I spoke to soon. BUT, admittedly, I have had similar
thoughts
>to this little consideration. I'm not certain how it will all work
however.

Actually, This was more an attempt at nailing down the specific physics
of the spell than to score perks for the drone ... (It could have
negative effects like screwy handling ...)

>> 2) How could controlled flight be managed? I had originally thought
of
>> using a VT UAV (maybe I could still, adding 4 mechanical arms?) but I
>> wanted it to be able to walk as well as fly.

>In a short, concise answer of my own opinion here (we call this one
"MOO" :),
>the answer would be not only a 'no', but a 'no f*&^ing way'. The drone
would
>have no way of interfacing with the controlling mechanism for the
levitation.

nonononono. (That's no^5 :) That's not what I was looking for. First,
the levitation would have to be a fixed setting (ie, exert x newtons to
counteract gravity.). Then, what I wanted to know was what kind of
mechanism would you install (ie, VT thrusters) to control things
thereafter?

>> 3) I could always take the easy way out and inhabit a spirit in drone
...
>> ;P~

>I saw that ... (<tiny thwap>). Please note, that "Kenny", doesn't
always get
>such niceties...oh wait a sec., HHH is not totally upgraded, so no one
knows
>everything about Kenny these days...

Actually, I also already have a spirit inhabitting a vehicle (Bike) ...
After a not too distant thread on the matter. :)

--
D. Ghost
(aka Pixel, Tantrum, RuPixel)
"Long hair eliminates the need for barbers" -- Einstein

___________________________________________________________________
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Message no. 4
From: Fixer <fixer@*******.TLH.FL.US>
Subject: Re: Flying Robots :)
Date: Mon, 5 Oct 1998 09:44:04 -0400
On Sun, 4 Oct 1998, D. Ghost wrote:

->If the subject line didn't scare you off, I 've got a couple of questions
->for you. :)
->
->I had an idea for creating a flying anthroform by quickening Levitate on
->it.
->1) What effect will this have on the drone? I assume the spell won't make
->it weightless but will it make it weigh less? (and perhaps carry more?)

The drone still weighs the same. It just levitates.

->2) How could controlled flight be managed? I had originally thought of
->using a VT UAV (maybe I could still, adding 4 mechanical arms?) but I
->wanted it to be able to walk as well as fly.

Having the controlling mage control it? I see this is being
rather difficult.

->3) I could always take the easy way out and inhabit a spirit in drone ...

Maybe I should post my "Pawns" on the list? Sort of a spirit
inhabiting a shell, but not being an Ally. If I get a lot of requests
I'll post it. I'm working on putting it up on my page right now.

Fixer --------------} The easy I do before breakfast,
the difficult I do all day long,
the impossible only during the week,
and miracles performed on an as-needed basis....

Now tell me, what was your problem?
Message no. 5
From: K in the Shadows <Ereskanti@***.COM>
Subject: Re: Flying Robots :)
Date: Mon, 5 Oct 1998 12:59:21 EDT
In a message dated 10/5/1998 2:00:51 AM US Eastern Standard Time,
dghost@****.COM writes:

> Actually, This was more an attempt at nailing down the specific physics
> of the spell than to score perks for the drone ... (It could have
> negative effects like screwy handling ...)
>
> >> 2) How could controlled flight be managed? I had originally thought
> of
> >> using a VT UAV (maybe I could still, adding 4 mechanical arms?) but I
> >> wanted it to be able to walk as well as fly.
>
> >In a short, concise answer of my own opinion here (we call this one
> "MOO" :),
> >the answer would be not only a 'no', but a 'no f*&^ing way'. The drone
> would
> >have no way of interfacing with the controlling mechanism for the
> levitation.
>
> nonononono. (That's no^5 :) That's not what I was looking for. First,
> the levitation would have to be a fixed setting (ie, exert x newtons to
> counteract gravity.). Then, what I wanted to know was what kind of
> mechanism would you install (ie, VT thrusters) to control things
> thereafter?

Ah, now that I see this reply, I think I get it. You are wanting to utilize
the Levitation to create a "null weight" effect for the purposes of the drone
itself. It would be like turning the drone into a "Lighter Than Air" vehicle,
correct? As at that point, IF the settings as you call it for the levitation
were correct, the ability would be to simply negate the effects of the drone's
weight upon the vehicle itself.

Hmmmm....

I think I see where this could be good and bad. Good from the POV that the
drone would only have to worry about the directly propulsion. Bad from the
POV that background count would effect the Levitation in a direct manner, and
thereby the drone as well.

I would use directly thrusters or vent-fans, just like LAV or LTA craft
utilize to control it's direction. Sound interesting.

Here's another thought that we are using here as a "Power Plant" in our games.
A "Gyronautical" form of motion. The entire engine is internal, with a series
of gyros moving at different speeds to counterract both spin (torq?) and
direction (thrust). It works in the Low-G and Zero-G enviroments really well,
most notably for drones and the sheer science-fiction of it all. In a "Null
Weight" environment, the same form of motivator could *possible* be used as
well.

-K
Message no. 6
From: Mike Bobroff <Airwasp@***.COM>
Subject: Re: Flying Robots :)
Date: Mon, 5 Oct 1998 15:05:20 EDT
In a message dated 10/5/98 2:00:49 AM US Eastern Standard Time,
dghost@****.COM writes:

> On Mon, 5 Oct 1998 01:56:40 EDT K in the Shadows <Ereskanti@***.COM>
> writes:
> >In a message dated 10/4/1998 2:16:23 PM US Eastern Standard Time,
> >dghost@****.COM writes:
> <SNIP>
> >> I had an idea for creating a flying anthroform by quickening Levitate
> on it.
> >> 1) What effect will this have on the drone? I assume the spell won't
> make
> >> it weightless but will it make it weigh less? (and perhaps carry
> more?)
>
> >Oh boy, I think I spoke to soon. BUT, admittedly, I have had similar
> thoughts
> >to this little consideration. I'm not certain how it will all work
> however.
>
> Actually, This was more an attempt at nailing down the specific physics
> of the spell than to score perks for the drone ... (It could have
> negative effects like screwy handling ...)

It probably would seeing as an anthroform is not designed with it being able
to fly, but that can change with additional programming. Oh, have you thought
of just taking the UAV VT Chassis (Small, IIRC), and just say that it has been
modified to have the appearance of an anthroform (the chest, head, and legs),
mechanical limbs can be added on for the arms.

The benefits for this is that the anthroform will then be designed with flight
in mind, and won't require the levitate spell (though if you did include it
then I would definitely say that the drone's fuel economy should increase some
seeing as it no longer needs to provide the thrust to keep itself in the air).
Also, if you throw in a "seat" onto the UAV drone, then now you have a suit of
power armor that is capable of being piloted by an occupant.

And this is something that came up a long time ago (1+ year) for the idea on
how to use R2 to design power armor.

> >> 2) How could controlled flight be managed? I had originally thought
> of
> >> using a VT UAV (maybe I could still, adding 4 mechanical arms?) but I
> >> wanted it to be able to walk as well as fly.
>
> >In a short, concise answer of my own opinion here (we call this one
> "MOO" :),
> >the answer would be not only a 'no', but a 'no f*&^ing way'. The drone
> would
> >have no way of interfacing with the controlling mechanism for the
> levitation.
>
> nonononono. (That's no^5 :) That's not what I was looking for. First,
> the levitation would have to be a fixed setting (ie, exert x newtons to
> counteract gravity.). Then, what I wanted to know was what kind of
> mechanism would you install (ie, VT thrusters) to control things
> thereafter?

How about just having a flight pack, you would need to design the power plant
for the thrust pack into the initial designs, except you would need to note
that the thrust pack is removable.

> >> 3) I could always take the easy way out and inhabit a spirit in drone
> ...
> >> ;P~
>
> >I saw that ... (<tiny thwap>). Please note, that "Kenny",
doesn't
> always get
> >such niceties...oh wait a sec., HHH is not totally upgraded, so no one
> knows
> >everything about Kenny these days...
>
> Actually, I also already have a spirit inhabitting a vehicle (Bike) ...
> After a not too distant thread on the matter. :)
>
Hmm, seems to be a lot of them cropping up now, although now the group here is
starting to shy away from some of the vehicles now, they are getting a little
more into personal gear that does strange things. At least that is my
perception.

-Herc
------ The Best Mechanic you can ever have.
Message no. 7
From: Mike Bobroff <Airwasp@***.COM>
Subject: Re: Flying Robots :)
Date: Mon, 5 Oct 1998 15:18:16 EDT
In a message dated 10/5/98 8:35:47 AM US Eastern Standard Time,
fixer@*******.TLH.FL.US writes:

> On Sun, 4 Oct 1998, D. Ghost wrote:
>
> ->If the subject line didn't scare you off, I 've got a couple of questions
> ->for you. :)
> ->
> ->I had an idea for creating a flying anthroform by quickening Levitate on
> ->it.
> ->1) What effect will this have on the drone? I assume the spell won't make
> ->it weightless but will it make it weigh less? (and perhaps carry more?)
>
> The drone still weighs the same. It just levitates.
>
> ->2) How could controlled flight be managed? I had originally thought of
> ->using a VT UAV (maybe I could still, adding 4 mechanical arms?) but I
> ->wanted it to be able to walk as well as fly.
>
> Having the controlling mage control it? I see this is being
> rather difficult.

Hmm, perhaps if you add another spell, Wind, the drone's flight pack would
have reaction control vents and a pair or trio of thrust vents, and the drone
opens and closes certain vents when the drone wants to move in a certain
direction. The way to do this is for there to be a anchoring with the Wind
spell on it. There would also be another spell called Detect (whatever), that
is on the lookout for something happening within the components of the drone
(like a lever being moved in a certain direction, or a light coming on, or
something similar) that would then turn around and activate the anchoring with
the Wind on it.

> ->3) I could always take the easy way out and inhabit a spirit in drone ...
>
> Maybe I should post my "Pawns" on the list? Sort of a spirit
> inhabiting a shell, but not being an Ally. If I get a lot of requests
> I'll post it. I'm working on putting it up on my page right now.

Hmm, all we did was use the Work Loa and Govi from Awakenings for "Kenny," and
as for other spirits, they either made the vehicle their Personal Domain or
their Hidden Life.

-Herc
------ The Best Mechanic you can ever have.
Message no. 8
From: "D. Ghost" <dghost@****.COM>
Subject: Re: Flying Robots :)
Date: Mon, 5 Oct 1998 18:36:35 -0500
On Mon, 5 Oct 1998 09:44:04 -0400 Fixer <fixer@*******.TLH.FL.US> writes:
>On Sun, 4 Oct 1998, D. Ghost wrote:
>
>->If the subject line didn't scare you off, I 've got a couple of
questions
>->for you. :)
>->
>->I had an idea for creating a flying anthroform by quickening Levitate
on it.
>->1) What effect will this have on the drone? I assume the spell won't
make
>->it weightless but will it make it weigh less? (and perhaps carry
more?)

> The drone still weighs the same. It just levitates.

Does it? It has a constant mass but a Force is counteracting the effects
of gravity. Now this Force applies equally to the drone and everything
built into it ... so ... Does it have different load rating?

>->2) How could controlled flight be managed? I had originally thought
of
>->using a VT UAV (maybe I could still, adding 4 mechanical arms?) but I
>->wanted it to be able to walk as well as fly.

> Having the controlling mage control it? I see this is being
>rather difficult.

No. The Levitate spell nulls gravity ... what modifications are
neccissary for the drone to have some degree of aerial maneuverability?

>->3) I could always take the easy way out and inhabit a spirit in drone
...

> Maybe I should post my "Pawns" on the list? Sort of a spirit
>inhabiting a shell, but not being an Ally. If I get a lot of requests
>I'll post it. I'm working on putting it up on my page right now.

Might be interesting but that line was mainly a jab at K (Though I
already have an Ally spirit in a bike ... :)

--
D. Ghost
(aka Pixel, Tantrum, RuPixel)
"Long hair eliminates the need for barbers" -- Einstein

___________________________________________________________________
You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com
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Message no. 9
From: "D. Ghost" <dghost@****.COM>
Subject: Re: Flying Robots :)
Date: Mon, 5 Oct 1998 23:20:10 -0500
On Mon, 5 Oct 1998 15:18:16 EDT Mike Bobroff <Airwasp@***.COM> writes:
>In a message dated 10/5/98 8:35:47 AM US Eastern Standard Time,
>fixer@*******.TLH.FL.US writes:
>> On Sun, 4 Oct 1998, D. Ghost wrote:
>>->If the subject line didn't scare you off, I 've got a couple of
questions
>>->for you. :)
<SNIP>
>>->2) How could controlled flight be managed? I had originally thought
of
>>->using a VT UAV (maybe I could still, adding 4 mechanical arms?) but I
>>->wanted it to be able to walk as well as fly.

>> Having the controlling mage control it? I see this is being
>>rather difficult.

>Hmm, perhaps if you add another spell, Wind, the drone's flight pack
would
>have reaction control vents and a pair or trio of thrust vents, and the
drone
>opens and closes certain vents when the drone wants to move in a certain
>direction. The way to do this is for there to be a anchoring with the
Wind
>spell on it. There would also be another spell called Detect
(whatever), that
>is on the lookout for something happening within the components of the
drone
>(like a lever being moved in a certain direction, or a light coming on,
or
>something similar) that would then turn around and activate the
anchoring with
>the Wind on it.

That and something K posted earlier gives me an idea ... First, design a
new spell. Just your basic levitate spell that reactsto
electromagnetism. Inside the drone you have an electromagnet attatched
to an extendable/retractable rod inside a magnetised sphere. When the
electromagnet is off, the system is at equlibrium and levitation has no
effect. When the electromagnet is swithched on and pulled towards a wall
of the sphere, it builds up a replusive (or attractive, if it suits your
fancy ... as long as use always use the same type) force which triggers
the levitate spell to react accordingly (up to Magic Attribute times
number of successes in meters per turn). The direaction of this reaction
is controlled by rotating the sphere in the X and/or Y axis. If you can
understand all that gibberish, it should give you a method for a drone to
control the Levitate spell (Though, for this version, I'd at least
increase the drain target number by 1.).

As far as controlling the speed at which the drone is currently
traveling, the current speed = (Max Speed)*(r/R) where R is the distance
from the center of the sphere to the maximum distance the electromagnet
can be from the wall of the sphere and r is the current distance of the
electromagnet from the center of the sphere.

If the sphere being a magnet causes a problem, then change the design to
an electromagnet on the end of a rod inside an ordinary sphere (ie, no
magnetic properties) and a second ring shaped electromagnet at the base
of the rod holding the first electromagnet.

Hmmmm... Now that I think about this second version is better (but works
the same as the first version was described to work.).

<SNIP>

--
D. Ghost
(aka Pixel, Tantrum, RuPixel)
"Long hair eliminates the need for barbers" -- Einstein

___________________________________________________________________
You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
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or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]
Message no. 10
From: "D. Ghost" <dghost@****.COM>
Subject: Re: Flying Robots :)
Date: Mon, 5 Oct 1998 22:58:05 -0500
On Mon, 5 Oct 1998 15:05:20 EDT Mike Bobroff <Airwasp@***.COM> writes:
>In a message dated 10/5/98 2:00:49 AM US Eastern Standard Time,
>dghost@****.COM writes:
>> On Mon, 5 Oct 1998 01:56:40 EDT K in the Shadows <Ereskanti@***.COM>
>> writes:
>> >In a message dated 10/4/1998 2:16:23 PM US Eastern Standard Time,
>> >dghost@****.COM writes:
>> <SNIP>
>> >>I had an idea for creating a flying anthroform by quickening
Levitate on
>> >>it.
>> >>1) What effect will this have on the drone? I assume the spell won't
make
>> >> it weightless but will it make it weigh less? (and perhaps carry
more?)

>> >Oh boy, I think I spoke to soon. BUT, admittedly, I have had similar

>> >thoughts
>> >to this little consideration. I'm not certain how it will all work
however.

>> Actually, This was more an attempt at nailing down the specific
physics
>> of the spell than to score perks for the drone ... (It could have
>> negative effects like screwy handling ...)

>It probably would seeing as an anthroform is not designed with it being
able
>to fly, but that can change with additional programming. Oh, have you
thought
>of just taking the UAV VT Chassis (Small, IIRC), and just say that it
has been
>modified to have the appearance of an anthroform (the chest, head, and
legs),
>mechanical limbs can be added on for the arms.

Yup. I mentioned that in Question 2 :) The problem is can you just say
it can use the mechanical limbs to walk?

>The benefits for this is that the anthroform will then be designed with
flight
>in mind, and won't require the levitate spell (though if you did include
it
>then I would definitely say that the drone's fuel economy should
increase some
>seeing as it no longer needs to provide the thrust to keep itself in the
air).
>Also, if you throw in a "seat" onto the UAV drone, then now you have a
suit of
>power armor that is capable of being piloted by an occupant.

If I ever make this drone, I'll prolly base it off the VT chassis ...

>And this is something that came up a long time ago (1+ year) for the
idea on
>how to use R2 to design power armor.
>
>> >>2) How could controlled flight be managed? I had originally thought
of
>> >>using a VT UAV (maybe I could still, adding 4 mechanical arms?) but
I
>> >>wanted it to be able to walk as well as fly.

>> >In a short, concise answer of my own opinion here (we call this one
"MOO"
>> >:),
>> >the answer would be not only a 'no', but a 'no f*&^ing way'. The
drone
>> >would
>> >have no way of interfacing with the controlling mechanism for the
>> >levitation.

>> nonononono. (That's no^5 :) That's not what I was looking for.
First,
>> the levitation would have to be a fixed setting (ie, exert x newtons
to
>> counteract gravity.). Then, what I wanted to know was what kind of
>> mechanism would you install (ie, VT thrusters) to control things
>> thereafter?

>How about just having a flight pack, you would need to design the power
plant
>for the thrust pack into the initial designs, except you would need to
note
>that the thrust pack is removable.

And is that just a small VT UAV with enough free load to lift the
anthroform?

>> >>3) I could always take the easy way out and inhabit a spirit in
drone...;P~

>> >I saw that ... (<tiny thwap>). Please note, that "Kenny",
doesn't
always
>> >get
>> >such niceties...oh wait a sec., HHH is not totally upgraded, so no
one knows
>> >everything about Kenny these days...

By the way, can Kenny fly? I can't remember ...

>> Actually, I also already have a spirit inhabitting a vehicle (Bike)
...
>> After a not too distant thread on the matter. :)

>Hmm, seems to be a lot of them cropping up now, although now the group
here is
>starting to shy away from some of the vehicles now, they are getting a
little
>more into personal gear that does strange things. At least that is my
>perception.

Do you watch Animaniacs? The above statement makes me think of Dot's pet
... :)

--
D. Ghost
(aka Pixel, Tantrum, RuPixel)
"Long hair eliminates the need for barbers" -- Einstein

___________________________________________________________________
You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com
or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]
Message no. 11
From: K in the Shadows <Ereskanti@***.COM>
Subject: Re: Flying Robots :)
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1998 02:32:08 EDT
In a message dated 10/5/1998 11:26:26 PM US Eastern Standard Time,
dghost@****.COM writes:

>
> Hmmmm... Now that I think about this second version is better (but works
> the same as the first version was described to work.).
>
> <SNIP>
I snipped a lot of this one. D. Ghost, I think you are really there guy. I
like this one, magnetism linked control of the intensity of another spell that
a given ratio is programmed into a robot. Oh yeah, Magical Science
mergers...we are HERE___

-K ;)
Message no. 12
From: K in the Shadows <Ereskanti@***.COM>
Subject: Re: Flying Robots :)
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1998 02:34:00 EDT
In a message dated 10/5/1998 11:28:42 PM US Eastern Standard Time,
dghost@****.COM writes:

> >> >I saw that ... (<tiny thwap>). Please note, that
"Kenny", doesn't
> always
> >> >get
> >> >such niceties...oh wait a sec., HHH is not totally upgraded, so no
> one knows
> >> >everything about Kenny these days...
>
> By the way, can Kenny fly? I can't remember ...

No, but he's a blast with his Gyronautic backpack while we are wandering
around in our space games again. That and those damn gyronautic rubber ball
drones of Padre's...

Oh yeah, and Kenny of course does have a Nightglider... ;P

-K
Message no. 13
From: Mike Bobroff <Airwasp@***.COM>
Subject: Re: Flying Robots :)
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1998 04:14:46 EDT
In a message dated 10/5/98 11:28:26 PM US Eastern Standard Time,
dghost@****.COM writes:

> >How about just having a flight pack, you would need to design the power
> plant
> >for the thrust pack into the initial designs, except you would need to
> note
> >that the thrust pack is removable.
>
> And is that just a small VT UAV with enough free load to lift the
> anthroform?

Yes, a Small VT UAV can carry up to 500 kg before needing to be boosted any
higher courtesy of things like Smart Materials and Engine Customization).
Your range is going to honk majorly also.

> >> >>3) I could always take the easy way out and inhabit a spirit in
> drone...;P~
>
> >> >I saw that ... (<tiny thwap>). Please note, that
"Kenny", doesn't
> always
> >> >get
> >> >such niceties...oh wait a sec., HHH is not totally upgraded, so no
> one knows
> >> >everything about Kenny these days...
>
> By the way, can Kenny fly? I can't remember ...

Yes, K usually has his pc levitate and fly the darn thing around, or else the
spirit does it himself.

> >> Actually, I also already have a spirit inhabitting a vehicle (Bike)
> ...
> >> After a not too distant thread on the matter. :)
>
> >Hmm, seems to be a lot of them cropping up now, although now the group
> here is
> >starting to shy away from some of the vehicles now, they are getting a
> little
> >more into personal gear that does strange things. At least that is my
> >perception.
>
> Do you watch Animaniacs? The above statement makes me think of Dot's pet
> ... :)
>
Please, don't give me or anyone in the group ... oops ... too late ... I'm
gonna have to whip something up now for Herc (my pc) ...

-Herc
------ The Best Mechanic you can ever have.
Message no. 14
From: Fixer <fixer@*******.TLH.FL.US>
Subject: Re: Flying Robots :)
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1998 07:51:47 -0400
On Mon, 5 Oct 1998, D. Ghost wrote:

->On Mon, 5 Oct 1998 09:44:04 -0400 Fixer <fixer@*******.TLH.FL.US> writes:
->>On Sun, 4 Oct 1998, D. Ghost wrote:
->>
->>->If the subject line didn't scare you off, I 've got a couple of
->questions
->>->for you. :)
->>->
->>->I had an idea for creating a flying anthroform by quickening Levitate
->on it.
->>->1) What effect will this have on the drone? I assume the spell won't
->make
->>->it weightless but will it make it weigh less? (and perhaps carry
->more?)
->
->> The drone still weighs the same. It just levitates.
->
->Does it? It has a constant mass but a Force is counteracting the effects
->of gravity. Now this Force applies equally to the drone and everything
->built into it ... so ... Does it have different load rating?

Actually, I used the wrong word, and for that I'll apologize. It
may not 'weigh' anything but it still possesses the same 'mass'. So
Acceleration/Deceleration would still consider the entire body mass, plus
load, for determining acceleration (the towing rules could be used to
determine how much it's slowed down). Load would be increased by the
no more than half the mass of the drone, to represent that it no longer
has to lift itself up but is rather unbalanced (the feet no longer WANT to
stay under the body), you could increase Handling by an even larger amount
to comepnsate for this. Any autopilot on the drone would be error-prone,
as the law of gravity no longer applies to it and it keeps trying to
compensate for it (the gyroscope would probably be doing strange things).

->>->2) How could controlled flight be managed? I had originally thought
->of
->>->using a VT UAV (maybe I could still, adding 4 mechanical arms?) but I
->>->wanted it to be able to walk as well as fly.
->
->> Having the controlling mage control it? I see this is being
->>rather difficult.
->
->No. The Levitate spell nulls gravity ... what modifications are
->neccissary for the drone to have some degree of aerial maneuverability?

Someone else covered this. In game terms, throw a UAV engine on
it and use those stats.

->>->3) I could always take the easy way out and inhabit a spirit in drone
->...
->
->> Maybe I should post my "Pawns" on the list? Sort of a spirit
->>inhabiting a shell, but not being an Ally. If I get a lot of requests
->>I'll post it. I'm working on putting it up on my page right now.
->
->Might be interesting but that line was mainly a jab at K (Though I
->already have an Ally spirit in a bike ... :)

Oh, ok.

Fixer --------------} The easy I do before breakfast,
the difficult I do all day long,
the impossible only during the week,
and miracles performed on an as-needed basis....

Now tell me, what was your problem?
Message no. 15
From: K in the Shadows <Ereskanti@***.COM>
Subject: Re: Flying Robots :)
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1998 19:37:13 EDT
In a message dated 10/6/1998 3:16:03 AM US Eastern Standard Time,
Airwasp@***.COM writes:

>
> > By the way, can Kenny fly? I can't remember ...
>
> Yes, K usually has his pc levitate and fly the darn thing around, or else
> the
> spirit does it himself.
>
(sounds of K smacking Mike around a bit).

Kenny doesn't levitate, though yes, now that I think about it, he usually part
of the levitation Binder utilized.

-K

Further Reading

If you enjoyed reading about Flying Robots :), you may also be interested in:

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Thwap!