Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2009 10:34 pm
Though I can't quite remember where it was, someone mentioned energy generatrs as a possibly vital part of base desing. I have taken the liberty of expanding this concept, as following:
The vastness of space and it's lack of constricting gravity means that in space, structures can be many times larger then on the ground. One of the most important practical effects of this is that every station can support a functionall fusion generator. On a planets surface, this is highly impractical, firstly due to space and structure constraints, but secondly because structures don't need as much power to maintain a stable position when ships dock or to maintain a habitable presure.
The practical effect of this on Quantus is that structures no longer provide enough energy for the more advanced functions. This task has been taken over by a generator building or extension. Small portable fission-based generators can be installed to support a forward outpost, or large-scale fusion generators can be used to suport a fully fortified production facility. They provide energy for the teleporters, production facilities and internall defense systems of building, as well as the power needed for defensive emplacements and long-range scanners.
Any structure not attached to a generator can only provide basic vehicles and equipment. Also, relocating to and from such a structure takes more time, since the capacitor banks have to be loaded from an emergency generator with comperatively little output. Advanced vehicles, internall gun emplacements and advanced equipment can't be synthesised.
Portable generators can be carried by engineers or small vehicles and can be placed inside a building or attached to a gun emplacement to provide it with power. These generators are fragile and multiple generators are needed to fuell large buildings or things like teleporters and artillery emplacements (if we ever implement those).
Generator structures are far more resillient and cost-effective, but since they provide an entire base with energy, they are prime targets for enemy infiltrants and artillery.
The vastness of space and it's lack of constricting gravity means that in space, structures can be many times larger then on the ground. One of the most important practical effects of this is that every station can support a functionall fusion generator. On a planets surface, this is highly impractical, firstly due to space and structure constraints, but secondly because structures don't need as much power to maintain a stable position when ships dock or to maintain a habitable presure.
The practical effect of this on Quantus is that structures no longer provide enough energy for the more advanced functions. This task has been taken over by a generator building or extension. Small portable fission-based generators can be installed to support a forward outpost, or large-scale fusion generators can be used to suport a fully fortified production facility. They provide energy for the teleporters, production facilities and internall defense systems of building, as well as the power needed for defensive emplacements and long-range scanners.
Any structure not attached to a generator can only provide basic vehicles and equipment. Also, relocating to and from such a structure takes more time, since the capacitor banks have to be loaded from an emergency generator with comperatively little output. Advanced vehicles, internall gun emplacements and advanced equipment can't be synthesised.
Portable generators can be carried by engineers or small vehicles and can be placed inside a building or attached to a gun emplacement to provide it with power. These generators are fragile and multiple generators are needed to fuell large buildings or things like teleporters and artillery emplacements (if we ever implement those).
Generator structures are far more resillient and cost-effective, but since they provide an entire base with energy, they are prime targets for enemy infiltrants and artillery.