<![CDATA[Latest posts for the thread "Refractor field questions"]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/31.page JForum - http://www.jforum.net Refractor field questions I am running an RPG campaign and some questions have arrised during previous sessions.
Aside from giving invulnerable save and converting energy of a blow into light, what about other properties of Refractor field?

1) Is it visible when it's activated?
2) Does it needs power cells, and if so how often do they have to be replaced?
3) would it stop user from, say, shaking someones hand?
4) By extension, would it protect against someone grappling user, tackling him or SLOWLY stabbing him with a knife (not very practical in combat, but slill).
]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/653390/7922075.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/653390/7922075.page GMT Refractor field questions
Often Carried by high-ranking officers and Imperial heroes, shimmering refractor fields refract incoming energy around their bearer, batting aside blasts and swinging blades that would otherwise lay them low.
(Codex: Astra Militarum. "Special Issue Wargear". 6th Edition. digital)


From the above quote we know the following:
1. it's at least somewhat visible due to the "shimmering" refactor field surrounding the user.
2. it does not necessarily protect the user from a non-swinging blade. Do with that as what you will.

Refractor Field: This is an all-enclosing energy field that partially refracts energy around the bearer, protecting him from otherwise fatal damage. (Codex: Imperial Guards. "Other Equipment". 5th Edition. p71)


From this quote we know it's all-enclosing. So it'd at least be reasonable for someone to deactivate it before shaking someone else's hand, especially with those dazzling lights that can give onlooker the shakes. Unless, of course, that's precisely what the user wants...

What does the FLG books say about a refractor field? If it uses a miniscule fusion reactor, then it doesn't have to be refueled for the duration of your campaign -- depending on how efficient the reactor is and what materials are involved in the process, there may be little need for refueling for decades or even centuries. Regardless, I'd expect routine maintenance of such a device be carried out regardless of how often it must be "recharged"]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/653390/7922109.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/653390/7922109.page GMT Refractor field questions
Refractors just bleed off the energy - a sword will still cut you, but even if someone swings it as hard as they can, by the time it's passed through the field it's like being brushed gently with the edge.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/653390/7922250.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/653390/7922250.page GMT Refractor field questions OP. You're going down the same road they did in Dune with the personal defense shields. Hopefully without the same effect when a laser pulse hits said shield. I always thought the Dune personal shields were one of the wonkier and more counterintuitive bits of Frank Herbert's work, but... Season to taste.

For your RPG why not? A refractor shield implies some bending of energy. The Lexicanum suggests that the shield distributes the energy of a shot or blow across the target, which kinda matches.

I suspect a blow would be slowed by the shield, which means that a slow knife strike would be stopped altogether. However, you could explain that away by having a lower end to the energy affected in order to allow the shield wearer to walk, shake hands and perform other normal activities.

My two cents.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/653390/7923579.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/653390/7923579.page GMT