Beneath Alien Waves

[rust]

I probably should begin to think about an adventure with a washing machine
at the centre ... perhaps an alien washing machine ...

[jarulf]

It may not be apparent that it is a washing machine. Let the poor characters figure it out.

[rust]

Originally Posted by jarulf

It may not be apparent that it is a washing machine. Let the poor characters figure it out.

Ah, I had this before. It was a piece of furniture, a kind of "couch", of the
"Builder" aliens. A strange device with lots of bars and braces and nets and
wires, all made from genetically engineered species (the Builders, being an
aquatic race, use biotechnology instead of "metal technology"), and it had
partially decayed since the Builders had left the place.

The players, convinced that it was something as powerful and therefore im-
portant as one of the "Gates" of the Builders, had their characters spend
more than an hour (real time) with an attempt to "activate" the couch, and
finally decided to interrupt the exploration of the alien station in order to
transport the worthless piece of junk to the colony for a closer inspection.

Well, I loved that "adventure", although it was very hard to stay earnest du-
ring it. However, I am not sure that my players did already forgive me that
extraordinary roleplaying experience, and torturing them now with an alien
washing machine could have unfortunate consequences ...

[jarulf]

That kind of adventure is indeed best used sparingly.
Maybe RPGS should come with one of those health warnings you see on cigarette packs.

I was once in a one-off game (using CoC) where an important ambassador had been murdered and we were set to solve it as various law enforcement types. What only the GM and I knew was that I was the murderer. The GM and I had loads of fun, but one player got really upset when it was all revealed.

Not that this has anything remotely to do with your setting, so :focus:

[Dredj]

Originally Posted by rust

I probably should begin to think about an adventure with a washing machine
at the centre ... perhaps an alien washing machine ...

Maybe as a clue to what it is, there could be some kind of fabric in it with mysterious () stains on it

[rust]

Originally Posted by Dredj

Maybe as a clue to what it is, there could be some kind of fabric in it with mysterious () stains on it

Knowing my players, I am sure that this would convince them that it is not a
washing machine, but some terribly dangerous doomsday machine designed
to eradicate the entire human race ...

[Dredj]

Here's something you might be interested in:Flexible Rigid Biopolymer Inspired By Sea Cucumbers: Science Fiction in the News

And this: Gina Cloth-Covered Car From BMW: Science Fiction in the News

And this:Electrolocation Robotic Hand Has PreTouch: Science Fiction in the News

Further more:Sealed Goldfish Chain Would Disturb Titan Colonists: Science Fiction in the News

[rust]

Thank you very much for the links !

I found the sea cucumber biopolymer and the electrolocation informations
most interesting.

The goldfish chain seems to be something that should be tested on the
person who came up with this idea ...

[Dredj]

Here's something about wind turbines
WattHead: Flying Wind Turbines - Magenn Power's Air Rotation System

[rust]

Thank you for the link !