von Neumann Satilites

Loknar · #1 January 24th, 2002, 01:16 AM

I've heard of this theory before, but only recently have I found a full definition. According to this SETI book, it might be possible that alien civilizations observe 'primitives' with very small probes. They're about the size of a bird, and their purpose is to explore, reproduce, and observe. They're self replicating, so if there is a flock of them, per se, a detachment flies off to an asteroid belt, mines some metals, brings some back to the flock, and assembles more, with different attachments flying off to star systems. They're solar powered, and they move by magnetic field or cosmic wind. Within a million years or so, with all the replication, they could explore a galaxy.

This might be possible to be put in SE4. Each one would be able to carry about five units of space, and use microcomponents, such as computers with .5, von-Neumann only repair ports and assembling tools, and a small radio. The AI would control them, the units self-replicating and spreading about the galaxy, collecting data and spotting hospitable planets. They could quite possibly evolve, thus being a form of life.

Another possibility is that these could assemble tiny outPosts, with about 50 units of space. They would be seemingly cloaked, as they are too small for radar; However, they use a different form of cloak, and an entire new component would be needed on ships to trace their locations, as well as a bay to depoy them. This would be very interesting for RPs.

Would this be possible to be made in SE4, or at least partly?

Also, I've noticed that there aren't really any cybernetic races in SE4 (MOO2 had Meklars, etc).

Suicide Junkie · #2 January 24th, 2002, 02:16 AM

Anything that could build copies of itself in space could also build ships.

quote:
would be seemingly cloaked, as they are too small for radar

Hey, fighters are detectable, and they're only 15KT.

You could design a nomadic-type race trait, with 1/50th scale ships & components... The machines would be self-aware, and constitute a player-controllable race immediately...

Loknar · #3 January 24th, 2002, 06:37 AM

However, wouldn't there be an option in the datafiles that allow the component to build only specific things?

Phoenix-D · #4 January 24th, 2002, 06:43 AM

No. Not unless you're willing to do some serious messing with the game- by making ships not cost organics and these things using ONLY organics, then having them only able to build using organics..

Or you could make them cheap, and make their shipyard very slow.

Phoenix-D

geoschmo · #5 January 24th, 2002, 07:02 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Phoenix-D:
No. Not unless you're willing to do some serious messing with the game- by making ships not cost organics and these things using ONLY organics, then having them only able to build using organics..

Or you could make them cheap, and make their shipyard very slow.

Phoenix-D

Actually, this is an interesting idea. You could do it witout screwing with the other races if you made it a racial tech thingy.

Val · #6 January 25th, 2002, 11:54 PM

I don't think you can have fractional components (less than 1). I remember trying to make something .5 or 1.5 and it wouldn't work.

Then again, maybe it was me...

Loknar · #7 January 27th, 2002, 10:28 AM

So it is hard-coded in the game that you can't have integer components (i.e. 1.5)?

Atrocities · #8 January 27th, 2002, 12:27 PM

Any of you watch Stargate SG1? This issues of self-replicating devices has been done. Its spooky what happens.

Suicide Junkie · #9 January 27th, 2002, 04:05 PM

quote:
Any of you watch Stargate SG1? This issues of self-replicating devices has been done. Its spooky what happens.

Yep. but bullets still seem to work against almost anything

.

quote:
So it is hard-coded in the game that you can't have integer components (i.e. 1.5)?

Yes. Integers make for easier math.
To simulate fractional components, multiply the size of your hull.

In any case, the hull sizes are relative. As long as you keep the size below 80 KT, it will seem reasonable. (150KT escort > 120KT large sat > 80KT small sat > 60KT vN creature.