Mandible
I assume its possible to design new techniques and new Blue Prints? If so, how can this be done? For example, say I wanted to design a new type of photon weapon. Could I just use a special action from any position and design it and get the TM for the new BP? Would I need to have the Photon Weaponry technique already before I could get the BP? Would I need the principals too?

Mark
Frabby
As far as I know it should be possible, but only in very few cases. I can see two ways to get new blueprints/techs/principles:

1. As a result of special actions researching into something new;
(I know at least two cases where SA results led to a special blueprint or tech)

2. As OOC player input, designing an item that adds something to the game.
(don't actually know a case, but I know Mica is always open to good suggestions and tends to accept one in a zillion or so... ;-)
It certainly works with ship blueprints, based on ship Tech you have, but I believe that is not what you meant.

Now you said 'designing' new blueprints. In the first case, you get a new/unique item or tech but it was designed by the GM. Depending on circumstances the player(s) may have a say in the design, but usually not.
Something Mica doesn't like or promote in the game is players designing new things out of the blue. Unless you are privy to very special technology or materials you are unlikely to be allowed to produce an entirely new item.
Most items (like Photon Guns) are pretty generic, and slight differences between individual manufacturers do not warrant different blueprints. We had a discussion on this list about subtypes of essentially the same item, in the end the idea was completely rejected with good reason.
Sam_Toridan
Run a SA at a colony. Propose the item you want, give a description of its use and effect and suggest the tech its based on and what is required to build it. As has been mentioned though the item has to be significant as I doubt Mica wants a host of different photon guns each with a different coloured beam and no other differences.

To give you an example I did this week I proposed a new trade item and listed the circumstances and materials that should go into its construction. I got a result back listing the item number and the corresponding BP number for that item. I then did a TM of both (since they were added to my known item list) to get the details. Now Mica did not keep the name I suggested or much of its description (damn, damn, DAMN!!) but I can now research BP's for Creche Cuisine - comming to a market near you soon biggrin.gif
Lord Scrimm
QUOTE (Sam_Toridan @ Nov 4 2003, 04:28 PM)
Now Mica did not keep the name I suggested or much of its description (damn, damn, DAMN!!) but I can now research BP's for Creche Cuisine - comming to a market near you soon  :D

mmmm.... Creche Cuisine, oh so... green... and mosslike... with big chunks of barely digestable mushrooms. Lots of healthy "fibre" tongue.gif

I can understand WHY it would require a research investment to make something edible from there smile.gif
Should be a real hit with the aliens though rolleyes.gif

Put me down for a couple thousand once the "chefs" are done salting the broth... biggrin.gif

Lord Scrimm
CIA Intelligence Director
Sam_Toridan
For his sterling work in promoting Creche Cuisine.........

QUOTE
mmmm.... Creche Cuisine, oh so... green... and mosslike... with big chunks of barely digestable mushrooms. Lots of healthy "fibre"

.........Lord Scrimm is "promoted" to chief taster tongue.gif