Lords of RPG

Spike Drive Data By Mark Stinson On the journey to the Garuda Asteroid Belt and the gas Giant Abyssal, there was finally time to truly assess the data gathered from the bridge of the Dark Sea before its destruction. Cam, following directions from Corvus and others, had done his best to access and capture as much data on the spike drive system as possible. The crew gathered together to see the fruits of their labor.

For the very first time, they had a system map of all the components that went into how a spike drive functions, on the theoretical level at least. Every spike drive has the following modules or components that must be present and functioning correctly to make it work. Or at least to make it work in a relatively safe manner.

Power Coupling Matrix (PCM): The PCM is the system that feeds power to the spike drive system in a controlled and stable fashion. It buffers up to 20% of the power to account for power fluctuations or dips that could disrupt the Quantum Harmonizer Array or make the Gravitic Amplification Matrix less efficient. Without a proper PCM bridging the gap between the ship’s systems and the spike drive itself, metadimensional travel becomes very dangerous.

Quantum Harmonizer Array (QHA): The QHA is responsible for aligning and synchronizing quantum fields, ensuring a stable foundation for the creation of the gravity spike. It harmonizes the complex quantum energies required for the spike drive to function.

Temporal Stabilizing System (TSS): To prevent catastrophic time dilation or temporal anomalies, temporal stabilizers regulate the flow of time within the spike field. They ensure that the ship and its occupants experience a consistent and predictable passage through space-time.

Gravitic Amplification Matrix (GAM): The GAM enhances the gravitational forces generated by the spike drive, allowing for a more potent and efficient creation of the gravity spike. It's crucial for achieving the necessary energy levels for faster-than-light travel.

Spatial Displacement Buffer (SDB): The SDB creates a protective buffer around the ship, shielding it from the potentially disruptive effects of transitioning through alternate dimensions. It helps maintain the structural integrity of the vessel during FTL jumps.

Meta Resonance Modulator (ERM): The ERM manipulates the ship's resonance with the metadimensional realm, allowing it to smoothly traverse through metadimensional space. This subsystem ensures that the ship remains coherent and intact during the transition.

Dimensional Anchor Field (DAF): The DAF establishes a stable anchor point within the destination coordinates, preventing the ship from drifting uncontrollably upon exiting the spike jump. It plays a crucial role in determining the accuracy of the arrival.

Quantum Entanglement Beacon (QEB): The QEB establishes a one-way quantum communication link between the ship and its destination, facilitating real-time adjustments to the spike trajectory. It allows for course corrections and ensures that the ship has the best chance to arrive precisely at its intended location.

Energy Flux Regulator (EFR): Responsible for managing the immense energy fluctuations during the spike jump, the EFR ensures a controlled release of energy. It prevents potential damage to the ship's systems and safeguards against power surges that could compromise the stability of the spike drive.

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Besides this theoretical design data above, the information collected by Cam from the Dark Sea, included detailed technical specifications on how to actually build and set up the PCM, QHA, TSS, and EFR modules of the spike drive. Design specifications for the other modules are not present in the data that Cam collected.

Cam remembered that on the data chip Mad Morgan had slipped him, there has been data he did not really understand.  When he went back to look at it, Mad Morgan had given him design specifications for the ERM.  Cam shared this additional data with the group.

Power Coupling Matrix (PCM) – DESIGN ACQUIRED FROM DARK SEA
Quantum Harmonizer Array (QHA) – DESIGN ACQUIRED FROM DARK SEA
Temporal Stabilizing System (TSS) – DESIGN ACQUIRED FROM DARK SEA
Gravitic Amplification Matrix (GAM)
Spatial Displacement Buffer (SDB)
Meta Resonance Modulator (ERM) - DESIGN ACQUIRED FROM MAD MORGAN
Dimensional Anchor Field (DAF)
Quantum Entanglement Beacon (QEB)
Energy Flux Regulator (EFR) – DESIGN ACQUIRED FROM DARK SEA

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In addition to the information above, one metadimensional course record was captured from the Dark Sea’s computer. The course record data is pre-scream, and thus very stale data. A course record is a like a “rutter” that can guide the spike drive pilot through metadimensional currents and energetic weather between the beginning spike, and the ultimate destination of the journey. A stale course record, is better than no course at all, of course. And this particular course record is labeled:

“Zeta Prime System to the Moltano System.”

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GM’s NOTE: I would recommend that all of the players read Page 114 and 115 of the Stars Without Number Rulebook PDF. These pages detail space travel, spike drive operation, and how the game mechanics of faster-than-light travel work within the game.

I have added these specifications, as well as what you have and haven't acquired yet, to the Spike Drive Rumors document linked to from the #all_important_links channel of our Discord.