[HOE] Junkers in the Weird West (old timers's respond)

["Jeff Shoffner" <shoffner@esper.com>]

I just wanted to chime in with an insight I just  had regarding Junkers in
the Old Weird West.

Although it does make sense that Junkers can't contact the Net to make new
things while in the OWW, it does seem to me that they would have a leg up,
so to speak in crafting new items.  Not Junker tech, mind you, but straight
construction of things.  Since a Junker has a familiarity with the tech
spirits & how they like to work & all, do you think it would be feasible for
a Junker to get bonuses for building things?  Heck, maybe even constructing
(but not designing) gizmos?

I don't think Junkers would normally dabble with the manitous in order to
make gizmos (they do know what they are), but it does seem like since they'd
know what these MSes are talking about, that they would be able to get the
jist of what the blueprints are trying to show, & even know where to tweak
the gizmo.

For example, a Junker named Brian does the Timewarp to OWW, & is trying to
undo some of the damage caused by the Reckoners.  Now, he needs a special
tool to kill an abomination, but can't create one.  However, he does know
that an MS in this time had something similar & proceeds to persuade the MS
to allow him to look at his designs.  In payment, he will assist the MS in
designing a Mk II by pointing out 'inefficiencies.'

Now, looking at something called a Phlognostic Destabilizer, Brian
recognizes some intuitive(!!) steps that are actually of a quantum nature, &
were used to design several types of plasma weapons.  Using his background
in Flash Gordon, he proceeds to build the device with a better Reliability
rating, & is able to show the MS how to make minor changes to improve the
design.  (of course, doesn't mean the MS will accept these changes--his
credibility is being challenged!!)

Better yet, since the Junker has a solid foundation in electronics & the
like, he probably would understand the device better than the MS & be able
to apply the technology to other items.

Well?

Jeff S