Obviously a game created in the 70's isn't going to get everything
right. However, except for /Emperor's Arsenal/ (from T4), there's really
a dearth of non-lethal weapons in most of Traveller's subsequent
editions. Ok, I'll admit I don't know what Mongoose gave us, but I'd be
surprised if there was a fundamental shift.
This article (www.economist.com/node/21532245) talks about EM weapons
being used to disable the electronics on vehicles. It's not something
over the horizon. It's here now and in use
(en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EA-18_Growler).
In applying this towards Traveller, what would we say their use is? Is
it primarily a weapon that higher TL armies use against lower TL armies
as an act of mercy? Do higher TL worlds have the capability to provide
affordable shielding against EM attacks such that it really isn't a
factor? Is it just a means for local police and armies to control the
civilian population during uprisings without directly harming then
(though vehicles still have residual momentum)? Perhaps it's another
avenue that Virus exploited when bringing about the Collapse.
The article mentions that the Active Denial System
(en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_Denial_System) was deployed in Afghanistan
but never used. In fact, it was shipped home. It's too bad because it
would've been an excellent test of the concept.
Thoughts?
\_/
DED