21 replies to this topic

[Strum Wealh]

Though, in all fairness to the OP, BT itself does allow for "Stackpoling" in the advanced gameplay rules (specifically, on page 78 of Tactical Operations).

"The fusion engine of a ‘Mech may explode any time four or more of its slots are destroyed in the same phase of a turn, usually when the center torso location is destroyed (also destroying the equipment contained therein).
When the fusion engine of a ‘Mech takes four or more critical hits in the same phase, roll 2D6. On a result of 10 or higher, the engine explodes. In the case of fusion-powered Combat and Support Vehicles and aerospace fighters, the engine explodes on a 2D6 result of 12 after an engine critical hit."

Granted, there is something like a 16.7% chance of it happening (based on the combined 2D6 probabilities for a 10, 11, or 12) even if the engine takes the requisite level of damage (which is even more unlikely, especially with what we know of how component health is modeled), but it's not wholly unthinkable.
It could be modeled in a manner not too different from the UAC jamming mechanic: "destruction of the engine via 'coring' the 'Mech (or destroying both side-torsi within 1.0 seconds of one another if the 'Mech is equipped with an XL Engine) results in a 1.67% chance (a 10% chance of the engine taking the requisite damage when the 'Mech is cored * a 16.7% chance of the engine actually exploding from said damage) of the engine exploding".

According to the BT rules, damage sustained by other units from an engine explosion is a function of distance and the rating of the exploding engine. It can be approximated (via exponential regression using Wolfram Alpha) as:
(damage sustained) = (engine rating) * e^(-0.0738124 * (distance, in meters))

Thoughts?

[DI3T3R]

I wouldn't make this too tricky:
1. Any time a Mech is destroyed, there's a 5% chance for a catastrophic reactor-explosion.
2. All Mechs in the vicinity gain 50% heat.
3. All Mechs in the vicinity get 5 damage on each location facing the exploding Mech.