Making a Lightsabber in SR - Dumpshock Forums

Making a Lightsabber in SR

RunnerPaul View Member Profile	Feb 2 2005, 04:25 AM Post #26
Neophyte Runner Group: Members Posts: 2,086 Joined: 26-February 02 Member No.: 364	Actually, after doing some research into Lightsabre Theory, I'd say that something based off of the Zeldovich Effect might be the most plausible for a Shadowrun context. According to astrophysicist Yakov Borisovich Zel'dovich, a rapidly spinning conductor will cause the creation of virtual particle radiation at its surface. In general, for Shadowrun, I could see this being implemented with some type of conducting nano-assembled meter-long macro-molecule (say C-60 buckyballs strung together like pearls, with certain metallic ions bonded to their surface to ensure the proper levels of conductivity). This Conductor molecule is then encased inside of a larger nano-tube with several additional strips of conducting material along its length spaced evenly around the radius of the tube. These outer conducting strips are energized in rapid succession, spinning the inner conducting molecule by electromagnetism at the speeds needed to achieve the Zeldovich Effect. Ideally, both the inner conductor molecule and the outer nanotube should behave as dual state molecules: when charge is applied, the whole assembly should be held in a long, straight line by it's own electromagnetic forces, but when the power is removed, it should collapse into a tightly wrapped coil that'd retract back into the tip of the weapon's hilt. Also, as someone's already mentioned, meter-long nano-scale radius structures tend to be on the fragile side, so it would be a good idea if this conductor-molecule/nanotube assembly would exhibit the sort of flux-pinning that you see when you put a superconductor near a magnet, but instead of holding a seperate magnet at a fixed distance, it'd exert flux-pinning upon itself, holding the entire length amazingly rigid while holding itself together, with it's own magnetic field. For more information on the Zeldovich Effect and how it relates to Lightsabre theory, googling the terms lightsabre Zeldovich "model six" should bring up the relevant article. Now in that article, it assumes Star Wars level tech, not SR tech, so they actually use a spinning conductive forcefield, not a physical conductor, but until someone turns Yakov's real science into a working lightsabre, this is all pseudo-science handwaving anyway.

Demosthenes

Feb 2 2005, 12:00 PM

Post #27

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QUOTE (bitrunner)

another way to do this as a mage would be to make the LS from an ally spirit - use the physical form (materialization) feature to have it take the form/function of a LS (and you get the first form free) - if Talon can have his become a motorcycle, then a LS should be possible too....and you can take it with you when astral!

with three-dim movement, you can have your LS "jump" into your hand when you hold it out (simple action to command), instead of wasting a levitation or similar spell (a complex action)...

as for combat, i'd be torn between giving it the Sorcery skill, and then it gets one spell for free (that is supposed to be random, but i'd let someone specify the spell since it is for an express purpose and limited) and make it probably "Laser", modified for range of "Touch" so that when the LS "hits", it casts the Laser spell; OR just have it do damage based on its Force or Body/Strength attributes.

the LS would have immunity to normal weapons, so hitting it with another sword and doing damage would be very difficult...

of course, it could be banished and/or attacked with spells, etc...and it would cost a LOT of Karma...oh, and you could use it for the "Familiar" ordeal...

[ Spoiler ]

I'm all for the killing hands variant. Add missile-parry, counterattack, elemental effect, maybe smashing blow, and so on, all with the Talisman geas (Lightsabre) and you can get most of the appropriate effect.

Hell, just messing about with the "front end" explanation of mechanical effects can achieve lightsabre-like effects (instead of dodging the bullets with combat pool, you parried them with your lightsabre. Same dice, same result, different appearance and description...YMMV).

rlemansky View Member Profile	Feb 2 2005, 12:16 PM Post #28
Target Group: Members Posts: 94 Joined: 15-May 03 Member No.: 4,591	Greetings. For the spirit-as-lightsaber option, I have one thing to say-'Stormbringer'. Both the old Chaosium game (in which most magic items were actually bound demons) and the Elric Saga (in which Stormbringer really is an uber-powerful demon, with some major limitations). Good inspirations along those lines. Hadn't someone recently posted some info about an ILM/Lucas initiatory group that was basically the Jedi? My search-fu is weak (but my Force powers are strong-yeah, right...). Might be some ideas there, though. R

Moon-Hawk View Member Profile	Feb 2 2005, 01:46 PM Post #29
Genuine Artificial Intelligence Group: Members Posts: 4,019 Joined: 12-June 03 Member No.: 4,715	I also like the geased killing hands. What would be the cost for the +1 reach?

bitrunner View Member Profile	Feb 2 2005, 01:49 PM Post #30
Moving Target Group: Members Posts: 496 Joined: 28-June 02 From: Orlando FL Member No.: 2,915	Demosthenes, you evil, evil person (your spoiler).... ah, Stormbringer....almost a forgotten memory...

Demosthenes View Member Profile	Feb 2 2005, 01:52 PM Post #31
Moving Target Group: Members Posts: 401 Joined: 7-June 02 From: Living with the straw sheep. Member No.: 2,850	:evil:

Wraithe

Feb 2 2005, 02:15 PM

Post #32

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The way we developed something like a lightsaber for our campaign was to create a series of spells that had a similar effect. They basically were Extended Touch versions of Powerbolt, Manabolt, and Stunbolt.

QUOTE

Power Blade
Type: P * Target: W * Duration: S * Drain: +1(Damage Level)
This spell channels destructive magical power into a plane of force projecting from the caster's hand, doing physical damage to anyone it strikes. This spell affects both living and non-living targets and is resisted by the target's Body. The target number for non-living targets can be found on the Object Resistance Table (pg. 182 SR3). Power Blade is a touch attack with a Reach of +1.

Mana Blade
Type: M * Target: W * Duration: S * Drain: (Damage Level)
This spell channels destructive magical power into a plane of force projecting from the caster's hand, doing physical damage to anyone it strikes. This spell affects only living and magical targets and is resisted by the target's Willpower. Mana Blade is a touch attack with a Reach of +1.

Stun Blade
Type: M * Target: W * Duration: S * Drain: -1(Damage Level)
This spell channels magical power into a plane of force projecting from the caster's hand, doing stun damage to anyone it strikes. This spell affects only living targets and is resisted by the target's Body. Stun Blade is a touch attack with a Reach of +1.

If you wanted to be more true to Star Wars, just make it a limited spell that requires a fetish in the form of a lightsaber hilt.

Nikoli View Member Profile	Feb 2 2005, 02:50 PM Post #33
Chicago Survivor Group: Dumpshocked Posts: 5,079 Joined: 28-January 04 From: Canton, GA Member No.: 6,033	Yeah, like they have to find an original, in-box toy version and bind it as a focus.

Shaudes29 View Member Profile	Feb 2 2005, 03:03 PM Post #34
Moving Target Group: Members Posts: 126 Joined: 27-December 04 Member No.: 6,908	Ok so we have the spell option(wanan be) the killing hands fetish geuas used for the other powers too. (getign a +1 reach and elemental efects may be a limitiing factor)(aprentic) The Allie spirit, familuars sounds good for a higer lv jedi ad would defently fallinto the making it your self, and be hard. (ie/ all that karma)(realthing graduate) eww. i know that could all valid LS's Jedi Knight (Killing Hands)(Physical Adept) Jedi Sentinal (Spell)(Adapt way of magican) Jedi Counsler (Allie)(Full Mage)

Weredigo View Member Profile	Feb 9 2005, 06:16 AM Post #35
Moving Target Group: Members Posts: 349 Joined: 28-January 05 From: Phoenix, Arizona Member No.: 7,030	Lightsaber: Can only be Made, Ignited, and Wielded by a Knightly member of the order of the Jedi. All are Physical Adepts, All are pledged to defend Innocence, and Freedom. A lightsaber is made by attuning ones self to a Crystal which one channels ones own energy through to ignite and form a blad, the crystal is usually mounted into a Handle wich can take many forms, from bone, to lead pipes, intricately carved, or looking like another piece of junk.

RunnerPaul

Feb 10 2005, 04:03 AM

Post #36

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QUOTE (Weredigo)

and Wielded by a Knightly member of the order of the Jedi

If a group of PhysAds in SR time were to model themselves after the Jedi Order as depicted in Star Wars lore, I don't think they'd limit lightsabres to "Knights". Note in Ep.1, Obi-Wan was of Padawan rank until after Qui-Gon's death, yet he clearly demonstrates the use of his lightsabre. The same goes for Anakin in Ep.2.

And while for the purposes of an initiatory group of PhysAds emulating the Jedi Order in SR, it is plausible that whatever magic they use to recreate the lightsabre restricts it to their hands only, the "Jedi Only" status of lightsabres in Star Wars Lore itself is not fully agreed upon. After all, Han Solo wasn't a Jedi Knight when he sliced open the dead tauntaun on Hoth to be able to slide Luke into to keep him warm until he got the shelter erected, was he?

(Unrelated to lightsabres, I think that scene still counts as "best use of water-filled condoms for a special effect" in all of cinematic history).

Weredigo View Member Profile	Feb 10 2005, 04:23 AM Post #37
Moving Target Group: Members Posts: 349 Joined: 28-January 05 From: Phoenix, Arizona Member No.: 7,030	On my board they are, Padawan Trainees are limited to Kendo, or Bamboo Swords, Full Padawans begin to attune themselves to thier crystals, but cannot ignighte and are for exercise sake limeted to Dikoted Steel Staves, which come in just as handy in matters of Offensive, Defensive, and Passive combat situations.

RunnerPaul View Member Profile	Feb 10 2005, 07:42 AM Post #38
Neophyte Runner Group: Members Posts: 2,086 Joined: 26-February 02 Member No.: 364	And I'm sure in game, steps have been taken to compensate for the center-of-gravity difference between a kendo sword and a proper lightsabre?

Austere Emancipa...

Feb 10 2005, 07:49 AM

Post #39

Great Dragon

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QUOTE (RunnerPaul)

After all, Han Solo wasn't a Jedi Knight when he sliced open the dead tauntaun on Hoth to be able to slide Luke into to keep him warm until he got the shelter erected, was he?

In addition to that there were 2 other scenes (the "yeti" cave and the AT-AT after his glider was shot down) where he "fired up" his light saber and kicked some ass with it before being any manner of jedi. If the movies are considered Star Wars canon, then obviously jedi rank has absolutely nothing to do with the ability to use a lightsaber.

Traks

Feb 10 2005, 07:52 AM

Post #40

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QUOTE (RunnerPaul)

And I'm sure in game, steps have been taken to compensate for the center-of-gravity difference between a kendo sword and a proper lightsabre?

Of course not, that's why number of lightsabre users is not increasing :)
Interesting topic, I know now what my players will have to suffer. Mwahaaha.

Weredigo View Member Profile	Feb 10 2005, 08:21 PM Post #41
Moving Target Group: Members Posts: 349 Joined: 28-January 05 From: Phoenix, Arizona Member No.: 7,030	The movies are not being used as Canon on my board, the movies don't even exist on my board.

RunnerPaul View Member Profile	Feb 11 2005, 06:06 AM Post #42
Neophyte Runner Group: Members Posts: 2,086 Joined: 26-February 02 Member No.: 364	Oooh. Even better.

Craig View Member Profile	Feb 11 2005, 11:44 AM Post #43
Target Group: Members Posts: 7 Joined: 9-February 05 From: Kansas City, MO Member No.: 7,072	Wow. Sustaining foci, weapon foci - why hasn't anyone suggested an Anchoring Focus yet? :) Other than the obvious difficulties of either costing Force x 601,000 for buying one off your fixer for a pre-bonded one (after SI and price multipliers), or finding a mage in your group willing to ditch some 5x Force in karma, an initiation grade for learning Anchoring, and spend a bunch of time making it for you, it seems to work quite well. Here's the spell we came up with. Light Blade Category: Manipulation/Elemental Target Number: 4+Reach Drain Code: DL Type: Physical Duration: Sustained Light Blade creates a luminous Light energy sword in the caster's hands, made out of mana. Anything struck with it takes Force (Damage Level). Strength does not affect damage. Half impact armor protects. Targets suffer a flare effect penalty for one Combat Turn after the attack. Caster only. A weapon past reach +1 uses the Polearms skill instead of Edged Weapons.

Weredigo

Feb 12 2005, 07:35 AM

Post #44

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QUOTE

Here's the spell we came up with.

Light Blade

I like that idea. I might use it for a Grand Master Jedi.

QUOTE

the obvious difficulties of either costing Force x 601,000 for buying one off your fixer for a pre-bonded one

that problem doesn't exist, or couldn't, once the Jedi dies, a magickal feedback occurs and the crystal shatters, and is no longer "bonded", If Stolen it still won't ignite, not in enough time needed to fight off the hoard of Padawan Trainees, Padawans, Knights, Masters, and Grandmasters that will eventually find you (by simply magickally tracking the blade).

Arethusa View Member Profile	Feb 12 2005, 07:41 AM Post #45
Runner Group: Members Posts: 2,901 Joined: 19-June 03 Member No.: 4,775	If you have to sustain it, we're talking about a constant +1 the whole time it's in use. I'd take my chances with my fists.

Weredigo View Member Profile	Feb 12 2005, 07:53 AM Post #46
Moving Target Group: Members Posts: 349 Joined: 28-January 05 From: Phoenix, Arizona Member No.: 7,030	not if you use Ignite Blade as a PhysAd Ability. The magic point is already spent, which is equivilant to about 100 points of Karma.

Shaudes29 View Member Profile	Feb 15 2005, 04:13 PM Post #47
Moving Target Group: Members Posts: 126 Joined: 27-December 04 Member No.: 6,908	so ignite blade is a 5 pt phys ad abillity. That sounds steap. whats it do?

Reaver View Member Profile	Feb 15 2005, 05:17 PM Post #48
Moving Target Group: Members Posts: 518 Joined: 24-February 03 From: Tucson Member No.: 4,153	This is the one I came up with a long time back. Lightsabre v1.1 The spell combines the elemental effects of fire and light. The plasma effect causes items to resist at half their normal value. The spell is really designed to be used in conjunction with a sustaining focus, typically shaped like a sword hilt. The color of the blade is decided in the formula. Type: Physical Range: Touch Target: 6 Duration: Sustained Drain: +2 (Damage Level +3) Category: Manipulation

Shaudes29 View Member Profile	Feb 15 2005, 07:20 PM Post #49
Moving Target Group: Members Posts: 126 Joined: 27-December 04 Member No.: 6,908	the +3 to drain level seams rather exsesive. Why a +3 to the DL?

Reaver

Feb 15 2005, 07:23 PM

Post #50

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QUOTE (Shaudes29 @ Feb 15 2005, 12:20 PM)

the +3 to drain level seams rather exsesive. Why a +3 to the DL?

It has two different elemental effects, both fire and light. That's +1 Drain Level each time. The third +1 would be for physical spell.

Besides, high drain can also equal some play balance. :)

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