Difference between revisions of "DataCaster"

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|alsosee = [[Ship Equipment]]
 
|alsosee = [[Ship Equipment]]
 
|caption = TBD
 
|caption = TBD
−
|cost    = TBD
+
|cost    = Various
 +
|EOS    = TBD
 
|footnote= TBD
 
|footnote= TBD
 
|group  = TBD
 
|group  = TBD
 
|IOC    = TBD
 
|IOC    = TBD
 
|illustration= No  
 
|illustration= No  
−
|image  = [[File: Imperial Sunburst-Sun-IISS-Traveller.gif]]
+
|image  = [[File: Technical Data.jpg|200px]]
 
|model  = TBD
 
|model  = TBD
−
|ref    = TBD
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|ref    = {{Ludography ref|name= T5 Core Rules |page= 388}}
−
|size    = TBD
+
|size    = Various
 
|subcat-1=  
 
|subcat-1=  
 
|subcat-2=  
 
|subcat-2=  
 
|subcat-3=  
 
|subcat-3=  
 
|TL      = 10
 
|TL      = 10
−
|Type    = TBD
+
|Type    = Electronic Warfare Device
 
|volume  = TBD
 
|volume  = TBD
−
|weight  = TBD
+
|weight  = Various
 
|manufacturer= Various
 
|manufacturer= Various
 
}}
 
}}
−
A [[DataCaster]] is an [[electronic warfare]] weapon. {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Matthew Kerwin]] }}
+
A [[DataCaster]] is an [[Electronic Warfare Suite|electronic warfare]] [[Naval Weapon|weapon]]. {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Matthew Kerwin]] }}
−
* Data Broadcasts or Beamcasts send data at the target. CommCaster and DataCasters.
+
* [[CommCaster]]s and [[DataCaster]]s use Data Broadcasts or Beamcasts to send data at the target. {{Page cite|name= T5 Core Rules |page= 386}}
−
* It is a kind of [[Ship Equipment]] and a Jammer.
+
* It is a kind of [[Ship Equipment]] that functions as a [[Transmitter]] and a [[‎Electronic Warfare Suite|Jammer]]. {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Maksim-Smelchak]] }}
  
 
== Description ([[Specifications]]) ==
 
== Description ([[Specifications]]) ==
−
DataCasters are offensive weapons broadcasting or beamcasting petabytes of information at or against enemy sensors and communicators. DataCasters pursue three strategies: they attempt to spook or overload sensors, they attempt to introduce viruses into onboard systems through flaws in sensor inputs, and they transmit tailored psychological messages and propaganda. {{Ludography cite|name= T5 Core Rules |page= 388}}
+
DataCasters are [[starship]]-mounted offensive weapons designed to overwhelm enemy [[sensor]]s with excessive amounts of malicious data, preventing them from properly functioning. In addition, DataCasters can jam [[communicator|communications]] and potentially install computer [[virus|virii]] in insufficiently protected enemy [[computer]]s. DataCasters are typically [[turret]]-mounted. {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Matthew Kerwin]] }}
−
* Sensor Overload. Successful DataCaster Attacks on Sensors or Comms inflict Damage on a specific Sensor or Comm.  
+
* Their efficacy is based largely on their [[tech level]] compared to the target's [[tech level]]. {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Matthew Kerwin]] }}
−
* Virus. Successful DataCaster attacks on non-Sensor, non-Comm locations insert a Virus A Virus successfully introduced onto a ship disables the Component at the Hit Location. In each successive Combat Round, the Virus may attack an adjacent Hit Location and succeeds if 1D < Computer + Virus. For example, a Virus is assigned a value = 1D = 3. It attacks an adjacent Hit Location Power Plant controlled by Computer/2. It must roll 1D for 2+3 or less = 5. If successful, that location is disabled. A Virus is isolated if all computer connections are cut between the Virus disabled locations and all other hit locations. The computers can operate independently; but this step prevents use of batteries and commcasters, and restricts the use of weapons to R=7 or less.
+
 
−
* Psychological Attacks. Datacaster attacks provide a shifting series of morale attacks, false messages, appeals to a variety of cultural and social fears. Psychological attacks challenge the Sanity of crew, passengers, staff, and troops. A successful Datacaster attack requires each individual in the affected area to Check San.  
+
=== Image Repository ===
 +
[[File: Technical Data.jpg|200px]]
  
 
=== Functional Explication ===
 
=== Functional Explication ===
−
DataCasters are typically turret-mounted. Their efficacy is based largely on their [[tech level]] compared to the target's [[tech level]]. {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Matthew Kerwin]] }}
+
DataCasters are offensive weapons broadcasting or beamcasting petabytes (...or even larger packages of zottabytes or more) of information at or against enemy [[sensor]]s and [[communicator]]s. DataCasters most often pursue three strategies:
 +
# They attempt to spoof or overload [[sensor]]s.
 +
# They attempt to introduce [[virus]]es into onboard computer systems through flaws in sensor inputs.
 +
# They transmit tailored psychological messages and propaganda. {{Page cite|name= T5 Core Rules |page= 388}}
  
−
DataCasters are [[starship]]-mounted offensive weapons designed to overwhelm enemy [[sensor]]s with excess data, preventing them from functioning. In addition, DataCasters can jam [[communicator|communications]] and potentially install computer [[virus|virii]] in insufficiently protected enemy [[computer]]s. {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Matthew Kerwin]] }}
+
=== Specific Capabilities ===
 +
Specific attacks and mechanisms include:
 +
# '''Sensor Overload:''' Successful datacaster attacks on an enemy ship's [[sensor]] or [[communications equipment]] may inflict damage on specific [[ship component]]/s. {{Page cite|name= T5 Core Rules |page= 388}} This occurs through overloading and deliberate misfunction instruction of the [[electronics]] [[device]]. {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Maksim-Smelchak]] }}
 +
# '''Intelligent Ordnance Spoofing:''' One purpose of datacasters is to communicate with enemy [[Brain|Self-Aware Missile Brains]]. Successful attacks shock the offending [[missile]]'s [[brain]] into inaction or may even cause the [[ordnance]] to turn on its originating [[Missile Rack|launchers]]. {{Page cite|name= T5 Core Rules |page= 525}}
 +
# '''Virus Implantation:''' Successful datacaster attacks on non-Sensor or non-comm locations may insert a virus. A virus successfully introduced onto a ship may disables the equipment components of a ship. Viruses can spread to adjacent [[ship equipment]]. A virus may be isolated and destroyed if all computer connections are cut between infected locations and other uninfected locations. {{Page cite|name= T5 Core Rules |page= 388}}
 +
## Computers may operate independently; but independent operation may prevent shipboard use of batteries, commcasters, and restrict [[naval weapon]]s to reduced ranges or limited functionality. {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Maksim-Smelchak]] }} This requires some familiarity with the computer architecture of the target, but [[Charted Space]] has seen many eras where most major polities' architectures were mostly stable over a period of at least centuries, allowing their opponents to pick up this familiarity. {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Adrian Tymes]] }}
 +
##  The series of entities known as [[Virus]] are this type of virus, and are named for spreading themselves in  this manner, but they are not the only type. Non-[[Virus]] viruses have sometimes been employed to attack [[Virus]], though rarely to much success. {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Adrian Tymes]] }}
 +
# '''Psychological Attacks:''' Datacaster attacks provide a shifting series of morale attacks, false messages, appeals to a variety of cultural and social fears. Psychological attacks challenge the sanity of [[crew]], [[passenger]]s, staff, and [[troop]]s. {{Page cite|name= T5 Core Rules |page= 388}} A successful datacaster may cause psychological distress to [[crew]]sophonts or possibly even drive them insane under extreme conditions. {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Maksim-Smelchak]] }}
  
 
== History & Background ([[Dossier]]) ==
 
== History & Background ([[Dossier]]) ==
−
The [[Terrans]] used DataCasters to great effect against the [[Vilani]] in the early period of the [[Interstellar Wars]]. For over a century, wars on [[Terra]] had involved an [[electronic warfare]] component, and Terran nations had developed myriad systems for overwhelming and disabling adversarial computer systems. The [[Vilani]] had no such traditions. They had not encountered malicious computer code before, and their previous enemies did not utilize [[electronic warfare]]. {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Matthew Kerwin]] }}
+
The [[Terrans]] used DataCasters to great effect against the [[Vilani]] in the early period of the [[Interstellar Wars]]. For over a century, wars on [[Terra]] had involved an [[Electronic Warfare Suite|electronic warfare]] component, and Terran nations had developed myriad systems for overwhelming and disabling adversarial computer systems. The [[Vilani]] had no such traditions. They had not encountered malicious computer code before, and their previous enemies did not utilize electronic warfare. {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Matthew Kerwin]] }}
 +
 
 +
=== Terran DataCaster Experience ===
 +
One of the most infamous Terran DataCaster attacks during their [[TL:7-9]] [[tech epoch]] involved the implantation of a computer worm or virus known as ''Stuxxnet,'' or ''Stuck-Net,'' which disabled or destroyed an entire network of strategic weapon laboratories and weapons for an ancient Terran balkanized [[polity]]. {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Maksim-Smelchak]] }}
  
 
== References & Contributors ([[Sources]]) ==
 
== References & Contributors ([[Sources]]) ==
−
{{Intermediate}}
+
{{Wikipedia|Electronic_warfare}}
 +
{{Wikipedia|Stuxnet}}
 +
{{Advanced}}
 
{{Sources
 
{{Sources
 
|S1= {{Ludography cite|name= Adventure Class Ships Volume 1 |page= TBD |article= Book 2 |version= Classic Traveller}}
 
|S1= {{Ludography cite|name= Adventure Class Ships Volume 1 |page= TBD |article= Book 2 |version= Classic Traveller}}
−
|S2= {{Ludography cite|name= T5 Core Rules |page= 342-343, 381, 386}}
+
|S2= {{Ludography cite|name= T5 Core Rules |page= 342-343, 381, 386, 390, 409, 413, 415, 508, 525, 617}}
 
|S3= [[Traveller Wiki Editorial Team]]
 
|S3= [[Traveller Wiki Editorial Team]]
 
|S4= Author & Contributor: Lord [[Matthew Kerwin]] Baron [[Thon (world)|Thon]]
 
|S4= Author & Contributor: Lord [[Matthew Kerwin]] Baron [[Thon (world)|Thon]]

Latest revision as of 11:16, 22 August 2019

DataCaster
Technical Data.jpg
TBD
Type Electronic Warfare Device
Tech Level TL–10
Cost Various
Size Various
Weight Various
Manufacturer Various
Also see Ship Equipment
Reference T5 Core Rules 388.
TBD

A DataCaster is an electronic warfare weapon. [1]

Description (Specifications)[edit]

DataCasters are starship-mounted offensive weapons designed to overwhelm enemy sensors with excessive amounts of malicious data, preventing them from properly functioning. In addition, DataCasters can jam communications and potentially install computer virii in insufficiently protected enemy computers. DataCasters are typically turret-mounted. [4]

Image Repository[edit]

Technical Data.jpg

Functional Explication[edit]

DataCasters are offensive weapons broadcasting or beamcasting petabytes (...or even larger packages of zottabytes or more) of information at or against enemy sensors and communicators. DataCasters most often pursue three strategies:

  1. They attempt to spoof or overload sensors.
  2. They attempt to introduce viruses into onboard computer systems through flaws in sensor inputs.
  3. They transmit tailored psychological messages and propaganda. [6]

Specific Capabilities[edit]

Specific attacks and mechanisms include:

  1. Sensor Overload: Successful datacaster attacks on an enemy ship's sensor or communications equipment may inflict damage on specific ship component/s. [7] This occurs through overloading and deliberate misfunction instruction of the electronics device. [8]
  2. Intelligent Ordnance Spoofing: One purpose of datacasters is to communicate with enemy Self-Aware Missile Brains. Successful attacks shock the offending missile's brain into inaction or may even cause the ordnance to turn on its originating launchers. [9]
  3. Virus Implantation: Successful datacaster attacks on non-Sensor or non-comm locations may insert a virus. A virus successfully introduced onto a ship may disables the equipment components of a ship. Viruses can spread to adjacent ship equipment. A virus may be isolated and destroyed if all computer connections are cut between infected locations and other uninfected locations. [10]
    1. Computers may operate independently; but independent operation may prevent shipboard use of batteries, commcasters, and restrict naval weapons to reduced ranges or limited functionality. [11] This requires some familiarity with the computer architecture of the target, but Charted Space has seen many eras where most major polities' architectures were mostly stable over a period of at least centuries, allowing their opponents to pick up this familiarity. [12]
    2. The series of entities known as Virus are this type of virus, and are named for spreading themselves in this manner, but they are not the only type. Non-Virus viruses have sometimes been employed to attack Virus, though rarely to much success. [13]
  4. Psychological Attacks: Datacaster attacks provide a shifting series of morale attacks, false messages, appeals to a variety of cultural and social fears. Psychological attacks challenge the sanity of crew, passengers, staff, and troops. [14] A successful datacaster may cause psychological distress to crewsophonts or possibly even drive them insane under extreme conditions. [15]

History & Background (Dossier)[edit]

The Terrans used DataCasters to great effect against the Vilani in the early period of the Interstellar Wars. For over a century, wars on Terra had involved an electronic warfare component, and Terran nations had developed myriad systems for overwhelming and disabling adversarial computer systems. The Vilani had no such traditions. They had not encountered malicious computer code before, and their previous enemies did not utilize electronic warfare. [16]

Terran DataCaster Experience[edit]

One of the most infamous Terran DataCaster attacks during their TL:7-9 tech epoch involved the implantation of a computer worm or virus known as Stuxxnet, or Stuck-Net, which disabled or destroyed an entire network of strategic weapon laboratories and weapons for an ancient Terran balkanized polity. [17]

References & Contributors (Sources)[edit]

Smallwikipedialogo.png This page uses content from Wikipedia. The original article was at Electronic_warfare. The list of authors can be seen in the page history. The text of Wikipedia is available under the Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
Smallwikipedialogo.png This page uses content from Wikipedia. The original article was at Stuxnet. The list of authors can be seen in the page history. The text of Wikipedia is available under the Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
This list of sources was used by the Traveller Wiki Editorial Team and individual contributors to compose this article. Copyrighted material is used under license from Mongoose Publishing or by permission of the author. The page history lists all of the contributions.
  1. ↑ Information provided to the library by Matthew Kerwin
  2. ↑ Marc Miller. T5 Core Rules (Far Future Enterprises, 2013), 386.
  3. ↑ Information provided to the library by Maksim-Smelchak
  4. ↑ Information provided to the library by Matthew Kerwin
  5. ↑ Information provided to the library by Matthew Kerwin
  6. ↑ Marc Miller. T5 Core Rules (Far Future Enterprises, 2013), 388.
  7. ↑ Marc Miller. T5 Core Rules (Far Future Enterprises, 2013), 388.
  8. ↑ Information provided to the library by Maksim-Smelchak
  9. ↑ Marc Miller. T5 Core Rules (Far Future Enterprises, 2013), 525.
  10. ↑ Marc Miller. T5 Core Rules (Far Future Enterprises, 2013), 388.
  11. ↑ Information provided to the library by Maksim-Smelchak
  12. ↑ Information provided to the library by Adrian Tymes
  13. ↑ Information provided to the library by Adrian Tymes
  14. ↑ Marc Miller. T5 Core Rules (Far Future Enterprises, 2013), 388.
  15. ↑ Information provided to the library by Maksim-Smelchak
  16. ↑ Information provided to the library by Matthew Kerwin
  17. ↑ Information provided to the library by Maksim-Smelchak
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