Re: [HoE] Re: Tech Level

[Steven Sweeney <stevenrs@cybersurf.net>]

> >
> > With the addition of mad science more exotic weapons could be
> perfected...
>
> Problem is, IMNSHO, mad science is "clunky"   At my last job, we could
>
> prototype amazing systems.  The problem ws that they were about twice
> the size and weight that a pilot wanted on his airframe, and used more
>
> power than was allowable!  I see Mad Science as the same, especially
> since I go with the steam-tech angle....

Um, I'm not sure, but doesn't the main book for Deadlands say something
along the lines that tech from Mad Scientists is pretty much not
"copieable"?  I thought that the reason Mad Tech worked was the
influence of the Manitou and the Mad Scientist's own form of "magic".
    If this is the case, wouldn't Mad Science actually slow down tech
advancement?  I mean, Mad Scientist and Sane Scientist are both going
for the same research grant....  Sane has some really promising data,
which anyone can duplicate, and use for their own experiments/projects.
Mad, on the other hand, has a fully functioning prototype.
Unfortunately, nobody else can understand this "genius"'s work, and the
project eventually gets left by the wayside due to underfunding....
    Does that make sense, or are the Manitou's babbling in my ear again?

Steve *what?  Speak louder, dammit, I can't hear you over the demons!*
S.