Re: [HoE] [HOPLER] Nukin' Sticks vs. Glowsticks

[PEGHopler@aol.com]

In a message dated 7/30/99 9:58:24 AM Eastern Daylight Time, 
crow_steve@hotmail.com writes:

<< A couple of CotA questions.
 
 First of all, the info on Nukin' Stick (page 53) says that, "Rumor is that 
 the sticks are actually control rods...".  However, this is not clarified in 
 the Marshall section one way or another.  Are they or aren't they?  Why is 
 there any uncertainty here?

Nukin' sticks are actual control rods.
 
 But if they are Control Rods...can they also be used for the Glowstick 
 miracle (page 73)?  I could see this as being a remarkably abusive combo.

Yes, they can be used for the Glowstick miracle. I hardly think it's abusive, 
the Doomsayer still has to get up close and whack his enemy with the stick. 
He could just as easily use the extra Strain to cast MIRV or Nuke. 

 And thirdly...Nukin' Sticks only have a "cost" of $1,000.  But a Control Rod 
 has a "cost" of $2,000.  If a Nukin' Stick is a Control Rod with extra perks 
 like Strain Storage, why does it "cost" less?  Unless it's made out of 
 something less valuable than a Control Rod.  But if so, what?  Having a 
 Mentor send one of his students out to gain the components for a Nukin' 
 Stick (for the student himself, or for the Mentor to make for someone else) 
 seems like a good adventure hook... but this "Rumor has it..." description 
 isn't very helpful here.
 
 For that matter, why do Nukin' Sticks have any "cost" whatsoever?  They're 
 not of any use to anyone except Rad-types, and I can't imagine most other 
 types would really want to hold on to this.  ("Yeah it gives off a lot of 
 radiation, and those green-robed red-eyed guys are probably going to show up 
 for it eventually anyway.  But I'll hold on to it to trade anyway."). >>

You're right there is very little trade going on in used control rods. The 
listed "price" is there primarily for players who want to buy one for their 
hero with the belongin's Edge, but can also be used by other types who might 
have a use for such an item like junkers. As far as the cost, the listed 
price for a Nukin' Stick is much too low. The only way to get one is by 
taking it from another Doomsayer or to have one bestowed upon a character by 
one of the higher-ups in his organization. They should cost $4000.

Sincerely,

John Hopler
Pinnacle