#12rpg Question 9: You’re planning to run some science fiction, in a setting of your choice. Is there any particular technology you want to include because the possibilities intrigue you? Is there any standard piece of “future technology” you’d rather leave out?
Include:
FTL or near-FTL travel that is expensive and problematic.
Sapient or near-sapient AI.
Exclude:
Laser-swords.
Transporters.
Force fields.
“Cyberspace”.
I had a longer answer to this but realized it was dancing around the question. The short version is that my preferred SF leans towards the “grittier” style of Traveller, Firefly, and The Expanse. If the tech gets too magical then it’s not really SF for me anymore. There are always exceptions, though.
The AI thing is one I hate. It becomes a PC crutch in my experience. “Have the computer do X”
< ![CDATA[The AI thing is one I hate. It becomes a PC crutch in my experience. "Have the computer do X"]]>
Make the AI just as much an obstacle as an ally. Sure it is programmed to do your bidding – as long as it doesn’t break space law. Or the AIs have their own agendas and will only help the PCs on a quid pro quo basis when it comes to going against their corporate or government masters.
< ![CDATA[Make the AI just as much an obstacle as an ally. Sure it is programmed to do your bidding - as long as it doesn't break space law. Or the AIs have their own agendas and will only help the PCs on a quid pro quo basis when it comes to going against their corporate or government masters.]]>
Aaron Griffin To me, AI is like another alien culture. I like exploring the “am I human or not” thing.
< ![CDATA[Aaron Griffin To me, AI is like another alien culture. I like exploring the "am I human or not" thing.]]>
Yeah if someone is playing the AI then yeah, but if it’s a tool, then ick.
< ![CDATA[Yeah if someone is playing the AI then yeah, but if it's a tool, then ick.]]>