SPECIALIZED COMPUTERS
Specialized computers are custom-made for specific tasks. All
specialized commputers are powered by a sealed power cell built
right in. The sealed power cell can be recharged at most energizing
retail outlets at a cost of 100 Credits. The maximum capacity
of a sealed power cell is 100 hours. There are four common types
of specialized computers: file computers, CACs, lock compicks,
and CASs.
FILE COMPUTER
The file computer records information. It is programmed for one
language. A poly-vox or some other translation device is necessary
if the character does not understand the programmed language.
The unit is a 15-cm square that is 5 cm thick. It has a voice
grid, random location indicator, and back of buttons on one side.
It can store a remarkable amount of information in its memory,
but all of it must be verbally enetered through the voice grid.
All Star Lawmen involved in criminal investigations must carry
a file computer to record testimonies and statements. They are
required to enter their files into Star Law's mainframe computers
on a regular basis. Thus, Star Law is assured of a complete and
up-to-date computer file of all cases being handled.
Most large computers have audio-transfer grids so that information
can be easily exchanged with file computers.
Referees may wish to spice up their game by having a file computer
found among the ruins of an old civilization or ship wreckage.
The information on the ocmputer could be garbled or in a strange
language. This should encourage players to seek out language experts
or an alien race for assistance in translating.
COMPUTER ACCESS COMPUTER (CAC)
This extremely important computer is the size of a 20th-century
Earth computer keyboard. It comes with various connecting cables,
speech synthesizer, and a universal adaptor that can adjust itself
to nearly all known computer jacks. This is a standard unit used
by nearly all computer technicians for entry into computers that
have no fixed access keyboard or voice grid.
The CAC, once connected, adjusts itself to the computer language
used by the host computer so the user can interface with it. This
is how the computer skills for accessing and operating, bypassing
and defeating security, interfacing, displaying infromation, and
manipulating or writing programs are attempted when there is no
obvious, easy access. Only those characters with the appropriate
computer skills can operate a CAC for these purposes.
The CAC can also be equipped with up to four booster programs
that assist the user. No more than two of any one type may be
used at the same time. Each booster program adds a +1 Column
Shift to the character's success rate when using the skill. The
available programs are:
Computers: Access & Operate
Computers: Bypass Security
Computers: Defeat Security
Computers: Display Information
Computers: Interface
Computers: Program Manipulation
Computers: Program Writing
Computers: Program Bodycomp
A special CAC for characters with robot skills also exists. Booster
programs, with the +1 Column Shift modifier, for these CAC RV
(robotics version) include:
Robotics: Alter Functions
Robotics: Alter Mission
Robotics: List Functions
LOCK COMPICK
A lock compick resembles a file computer, but comes with five
credit card-sized remote broadcast circuit cards. This device
is illegal and its possession can bring 5-10 years on a penal
asteroid; it is only at the disposal of Star Lawmen on rare occasions.
In the hands of a character with the Security Systems: Open Locks
skill it can potentially open any card lock.
The broadcast circuit is inserted into the card lock like a normal
passcard. Once switched on it emits a changing electromagnetic
pattern that will eventually open the card lock. Some machines
have a timer security system built within their cardlocks. After
10 or 15 minutes, these machines will retain any nonfunctioning
card, securing it for later inspection. This is why five cards
come with the copmuter. Extra cards can be purchased, but they
cost 1000 Cr each and require a week to attune to the lock computer.
The time required to open the lock depends on the color of the
passcard.
See the Security items section for further explanation of card
locks and passcard.
Card Color Time Required
Grey 1d10 minutes
Blue 1d10 + 15 minutes
Green 1d10 + 30 minutes
White 1d10 + 45 minutes
Silver 1d10 + 60 minutes
Red 1d10 minutes + 2 hours
Black 1d10 hours
Not Marked 1d20 hours
The referee should secretly roll to see how long the lock compick
wil take to open the card lock.
COMPUTERIZED ANALYSIS SCANNER (CAS)
The computeriezed analysis scanner is a highly specialized and
sophisticated piece of equipment. It can scan for information,
compile the information and analyze it, and then present that
information to a character familiar with its functions in a concise
readout. Each CAS is covered with microswitchs and small gauges
and lights, along with a voice grid that is used for vocal commands
and audio replies from the computer.
Limitations on CAS use are detailed in the individual skills that
apply to them. For each CAS listed below the referee and players
can assume the following:
- The CAS must be within one meter of the object or bioform
being scanned (unless otherwise stated).
- Analysis must be prompted vocally by the user with specific
queries (suc as "What is the damage to the computer's circuits?",
"Is the injury treateable using a standard medkit?",
etc.).
- The CAS can oly be interpreted by someone with skills in the
area of the CAS's funciton (robotics skills for Robo-CAS, botanist
skill for Flora-CAS, and so forth).
- The skill bonuses for the differrent CAS are only applicable
when the devices are being used and do not teach the character
new skill levels.
Atmospheric-CAS: (Formerly vaporscanner) An atmospheric-CAS indicates
what levels of radiation, gas, and spores are in the atmosphere
surrounding the CAS, what effects they would have on different
life forms, and the most likely causes of these atmospheric conditions.
This CAS has no skill bonuses.
Chemical-CAS: A chemical-CAS scans an object (up to a metric ton
in weight) and indicates what natural an synthetic chemicals and
compounds compose it. This CAS adds a +2 Column Shift to the
Chemistry skill when used on chemical samples.
Demolitions-CAS: A demolitions-CAS can scan explosives, bombs,
or mines within two meters, through all materials except federanium,
and indicate what ype of explosive it is, what detonation devices
are attached, and give suggestions on how to defuse it. This
CAS adds a +2 Column Shift to the Weapons: Demolitions skill when
defusing.
Electro-CAS: An electro-CAS is used to scan eletrical circuitry
and power sources. It displays how a machine is wired, indicates
any breaks in the wiring, and gives suggestions on how to repair
it. This CAS adds a +2 Column Shift for the Security Systems:
Open Lock skill, if the lock is electrical.
Fauna-CAS: (Formerly bioscanner) A fauna-CAS is used to scan bioforms.
It indicates if the bioform is alive, what type of organism it
is, whether it is edible, and extensive information concerning
its physiology. This CAS adds a +2 Column Shift to the Zoology
skill when used on zoological samples.
Flora-CAS: A flora-CAS is used to scan plant life. It indicates
if the plant is alive, it is can be a threat to any of the PC
races, it if is edible, and how it interacts with its immediate
surroundings. This CAS adds a +2 olumn Shift to the Botany skill
when used on botanical samples.
Geological-CAS: (Formerly geoscanner) A geological-CAS can scan
up to a metric ton of geological smaples. It indicates what minerals
the samples contain, whether there are likely to be valuable minerals,
gas, or oil deposits nearby, and suggests possible geological
and mineralogical difficulties associates with these combinations
of minerals. This CAS adds a +2 Column Shift to the Geology skill
when used on geological samples.
Magnetic-CAS: A magnetic-CAS can scan up to a metric ton of metallic
structure. It indicates what metal and metal alloys are present
in the structure, the structure's weak points, strong points,
how it reacts to certain stress, etc. It can also indicate whether
any sources of electromagnetic radiation are within 10 meters
of the CAS, their strength, direction, and likely source. This
CAS adds a +2 Column Shift to seismic disturbance analysis when
using the Geophysics skill. A +2 Column Shift is added to the
following skills when building a device: Engineer: Hydraulic;
Engineer: Mechanical; Physics.
Mechanical-CAS: A mechanical-CAS can scan a mechanism up to a
metric ton in mass. It can show the internal working parts, cracks
or breaks, and give suggestions on maintenance. This CAS adds
a +2 Column Shift to the Machinery: Repair and Vehicles: Repair
skills. A +2 Column Shift is added to the Security Systems: Open
Locks skill if the lock is mechanical.
Medic-CAS: A medic-CAS is used to scan a patient or victim. It
indicates the patient's physical condition, diagnoses ailments,
estimates time of survival under present conditions, etc. This
CAS adds a +2 Column Shift to the Medical Diagnosis skill.
Robo-CAS: The robo-CAS is a unique combination of several different
scanners. It indicates a robot's physical conidiotn including
suggestions for maintenance, estimated time for repairs, etc.
This CAS adds a +2 Column Shift for the Robotics Repair and Robotics:
Modifications skills.
Duo-CAS: These units are slightly thicker than normal CAS and
can handle two of the functions listed above in one unit, usually
in a logical combination such as Electro/Mechanical-CAS. In some
instances the referee may wish to modify the bonuses when functions
are combined. The cost for a duo-CAS is the combined costs of
both CASs plus 20%.