Scanning

Common skills: computers, medicine, chemistry, biology, mining.

Using a scanner is a simple, single-check task. Characters can use a hand-held scanner to obtain information about a target or the surroundings. All scanners operate in a similar way, although starship sensors (which are essentially giant scanner arrays with immense range) are dealt with in more detail here. Basic use of a scanner uses the computers skill, but subject-specific skills like medicine or chemistry can also be used to reveal detailed information.

When operating a scanner, the character may ask one closed question which the GM will answer. The question must fall within the equipment’s area of focus (a medical scanner can’t detect mineral deposits, and a mining scanner can’t diagnose an illness, for example), but other than that any question may be asked. Each question is one use of the scanner, and takes one action.

To use a scanner, make a Routine [10] LOG check. Scanners have a 10’ range increment, much like a weapon’s range increment; each increment inflicts a -1d6 die penalty to the dice pool. High quality scanners, of course, add to the dice pool, as do related skills. Before using the scanner, the user must set the scanning range, which determines the dice pool penalty if there is one. The penalty applies to all scans made at that range setting, even if the information gathered pertains to something closer. The scanner will not reveal information about things beyond that range.

Medical scanner. These scanners only provide information about biological and medical issues. They can be used to diagnose a disease, or provide information about a lifeform. Medical scanners can use any medical or bio skills – medicine, biology, zoology, genetics, zoology, xenobiology, or even psychology.

Mining scanner. Also known as geological scanners, these scanners provide information about substances and structures. They analyse chemicals, minerals, and materials. Mining scanners can use skills like mining, chemistry, and geology. Mining scanners are also used by archeologists.

Scientific scanner. These scanners provide information about energy, substances, and life-forms, but cannot be used to diagnose illnesses. Scientific scanners can use a variety of scientific skills.

Tactical scanner. These scanners only provide information on the number, type, and location of nearby life-forms. They are used for tactical purposes. They are more robust than other scanners. Tactical scanners use the tactics skill (which additionally means that high quality tactical scanners can add to INITIATIVE rolls).

Questions asked while using a scanner must be specific closed questions which the GM can answer in a single, short sentence. More detailed information is obtained or narrowed down by asking a series of questions. Any question within the remit of a scanner is allowed, as long as it is specific and can be answered with a single, short sentence. A typical scan sequence may look like this:

1. Presence of energy sources, life-forms, or substances within range.

2. Direction and approximate distance.

3. Type or composition.

4. More precise data.

Impediments. There are various impediments to scanning attempts. Things like thick stone, shields, or severe atmospheric conditions, can each impose the standard -1d6 penalty to the attempt (as do range increments).

Longer range scans. A normal scan takes one round. A longer range scan can be attempted. This takes one minute, and allows the user to multiply the range increment by 10. However, the amount of detail available becomes less granular; questions asked can only be answered with “yes” or “no”.

Scanning creatures. When receiving information about a creature, the answer to a question may be relayed in game mechanics rather than natural English. This is a convenient way to communicate complex data and biological information to a player. It is therefore perfectly reasonable to ask “What is the reptile’s STRENGTH attribute?” and get the answer “14”, or “How much damage does its acid blood do?” and be told “2d6”. The actual data on the scanning device is far more complicated, but this is a useful abstraction.