tech level for gear

[bluskreem]

I was reading through TS the other day (to idea mine for my X-plorers game,) when the following rule occurred to me.

When a character tries to use a piece of technology they haven't encountered before they must make a Tech check in order to use it properly; Roll a D20 and compare it to the character's tech level. The check is successful for "Low" technology if the result is higher then the character's Tech Ability, for advanced items the check is successful if the result is lower.

[Ynas Midgard]

This is a rather easy yet elegant method, and I guess it is not only useful with Terminal Space but with any other game where a similar trait is present. I think I borrow this

[crusssdaddy]

I like the idea that beyond a certain tech level, equipment comes with built-in AIs that make operation easy no matter what your own tech level. Like if HP Lovecraft got hold of the 2075 model iPhone, he could start calling people within a couple minutes. And maybe the AIs can even adapt to jumpstart users through a singularity or two... like it could teach a Neanderthal to use it.

This is simply because I wouldn't like to tease players with cool equipment they can't use.