From: Brian Bell <bkb@b...>
Date: Fri, 6 Oct 2000 13:59:26 -0400
Subject: [sg] Spider Drones
I thought that I saw something on the web about spider mines for SG, but I could not find anything. I've had an idea running through my mind for a little while and thought that I would post it to the list and ask for feedback. Spider Drones: Spider Drones (SDs) are small autonomous robots. They compact into a disc or hexigon about 15-20cm in diameter. When deployed, they have 4 long legs that extend and give the SD a maximum ground clearance of 1.5m (usually maintains a clearance of 30cm-1m). SDs weigh about 2kg. SDs have limited Artificial Intelegence (AI), and operate independantly once an initial mission, opperating perameters, and range is provided. SDs have multi-spectrum EM sensors, auditory sensors, and tactile sensors. They are used primarily for recognizance or decoy missions. Cheap and easy to make, they are considered expendable, but are usually retrieved when possible. SDs work off of an advanced battery system that can be recharged from any AC outlet in about 4 hours. Each SD has an operational time between recharge of about 6 hours, and hold thier charge for 6 months if not used. While it is officially discouraged, SDs have been used for mobile-mine warfare; programed to wait until an unidentified (through IFF) motile source is with in range and then charge and ignite a pack of C4 or similar explosive attached to its casing (this process is discouraged due to the primative AI of the SD and the number of noncombatants and friendly forces that have been harmed by the practice). Game Use: SDs are usually deployed before the start of the game. If using counters to represent unidentified units or units in hiding. SDs will move like any other unit on the board. They do not have the ability to perform combat of any type (see notes about spider mines later), or perform a combat move. They have no leadership or confidence ratings or markers. They cannot be suppressed (too stupid). They have two actions that they can perform: 1) Move. 2) Observe 3) Report. SDs may move while hidden as snipers or make normal movement (6"). SDs can use an Observe action to try to identify hidden units within 12". For this attempt, it has a quality die of 6 and basic sensors (d6). SDs are set to send an encoded burst communication at preprogramed intervals. This interval should be noted at the begining of the game (i.e. report every 4 turns). If an SD reports while in LOS of an enemy unit, it should be revealed. In addition, if it is fired upon or encounters a motile, non-frienly unit within 12", it will attempt to report. In either case, there must be an EW specialist unit to recieve the communications. The EW specialist may also reactivate the SD as a leader (spending one of the EW specialist actions to do so). If attacked treat SD as an unarmored individual figure (size 1). SDs do not check for morale. SD reports may be blocked by EW, just as any other communicaiton attempt. Spider Mines: SDs can also be jury-rigged to ignite a small explosive charge that can be attached to its hull. This practice is frowned upon (as stated above). To simulate this, treat the SD as a command detonated mine with a range of 6" and an area of effect of 6". Disclaimer: I play Stargrunt once a year at GZGECC. So weigh my comments appropriately.