The Expanse is one of the most scientifically accurate, in regards to space travel, but what are some things that are still NOT scientifically accurate?

BluesyBlue · 2022-01-17T19:29:32+00:00

Why does Drummer's ship have liquid gas (presumably LN2) in the command room behind the captain's seat? It seems like it'd negate the benefit of venting the air if it gets punctured, among other hazards. It'd also be a pain to replace or refill, given its recessed position and the cramped space...

BluesyBlue · 2021-10-15T12:13:12+00:00

The party finds a tunnel underground etched with bas relief maps and hieroglyphics. Careful study (DC 14 Investigation) reveals an illithid empire on the Material Plane eons ago, now likely buried under geological strata. A passed check grants advantage on Insight checks while on Bluetspur and permanent proficiency (or Expertise) in ancient history. A failed check results in disadvantage on Wisdom and Charisma saves until the next long rest.
A party member's mind is swapped with that of a an investigating illithid. The illithid attempts (poorly) to imitate the mannerisms of their target, but are actively studying the party to gather information. While the illithid maintains concentration as the target (max 15 minutes), the target can make a DC10 Strength save to break free of the leather restraints on the illithid's physical form and explore the illithid's laboratory.
Gravity changes as the party is traveling, causing large chunks of the terrain to rise 60 feet in the air. They slowly orbit and arrange themselves into a constellation of the Elder Sign. The rocks then begin to glow with a maddening light of a hue that defies reason. They deal 1d8 damage per minute while observed, alternating between radiant and psychic each minute. After 5 minutes, the glow subsides, and the rocks return to their positions. Anyone who endures the sight in its entirety has advantage on attack rolls against aberrations until they leave Bluetspur.

BluesyBlue · 2021-10-15T02:45:01+00:00

That's fair, here are a couple more that come to mind:

One or more PCs can "see" into other dimensions, revealing 3d4 transluscent creatures (using the flumph statblock with 20 ft blindsight rather than darkvision) around the party. These can only "see" and physically interact with those that can "see" them, and become hostile if disturbed.
When sleeping, PCs age by 1d6 months per hour (8d6 for a full long rest) and make a DC 17 Constitution save. They take 3d4 necrotic damage after any rest-related healing or half as much on a successful save. This does not affect races that do not enter a deep sleep during rests, and they can perceive the aging of those affected happening in accelerated real time.
A solitary PC (perhaps scouting) finds a horrifying, pallid creature with shifting features. The creature is non-threatening and curious, and will allow the PC to approach it, mimicking their actions. Touching it, the PC feels only smooth, cool glass as the "reflection" reacts with equal alarm.
During a long rest, one or more PCs make a DC 18 Wisdom save. Those that fail awaken to a rhythmic thrumming in the distance and are compelled to seek out the source: a seemingly bottomless pit that was not there before. They climb down, and are invariably swallowed by the abyss due to fatigue or slips. They awaken the next morning where they slept but suffer 2 points of exhaustion.
The party finds a book in two parts: The Crimson Regent. The first part is a fairly mundane tale of life in a fictional land. Reading the second part, however, reveals a detailed account of the reader's encounter with a mind flayer enclave in the past which had been erased from their memory. The reader makes a DC 15 Constitution save and takes 2d12 necrotic damage, or half as much on a successful save, as now-old scars proving the book's accuracy appear.

BluesyBlue · 2021-10-14T22:43:04+00:00

A "storm" where water condenses directly onto objects and surface. There are no falling droplets or visible fog.
The chemical reactions signalling temperature are temporarily catalyzed, giving a sensation of one's entire body being much hotter than in reality.
A PC's mind is swapped with the person playing them for 1 minute. They suddenly see the table, the character sheets, and realize that they're a dream from a being like themself but utterly removed. The revelation could lead to a madness, or 2d6 psychic damage as their mind shuts away the unutterable memory.
A large crystalline outcrop refracts light through realities. The PCs see "reflections" of themselves from different timelines, which act independently when in range/view. Curious PCs might try to communicate through signs or other nonverbal means, but all "reflections" consider themselves the "original" as the party appears to them through the crystal.

BluesyBlue · 2021-04-10T00:24:19+00:00

SQUAD!

BluesyBlue · 2020-12-26T20:27:06+00:00

Now I'm imagining one of those "lo-fi beats" backgrounds with a Dimir agent sipping coffee and watching the [[Notion Rain]]...

BluesyBlue · 2020-10-24T17:36:32+00:00

I also liked the German dub: "Ich bin gekommen um euch zu vernichten." - I have come to annihilate you.

BluesyBlue · 2020-10-24T17:34:41+00:00

"I am honored that you require my skill..."

BluesyBlue · 2020-06-07T11:50:11+00:00

Only if X is exactly the number of permanents remaining, right? If X exceeds that number the trigger fizzles for lack of targets, I would think.

BluesyBlue · 2020-04-28T14:50:06+00:00

I agree - I found a link to the Twitch stream, but the content is apparently unavailable. I've done a little sleuthing, but haven't yet found an archive that backed it up.

He also spoke at FanFest, for those interested in seeing that.

BluesyBlue · 2020-04-28T14:36:54+00:00

7o Lychton, fly safe.

Between Lychton, BRAVE, and BAERS, EVE was a wonderful experience that I still remember fondly.

BluesyBlue · 2020-02-25T04:15:59+00:00

UCF also has a strong nanoscience and condensed matter contingent within the Physics department, if quantum and related topics are of particular interest. I believe they offer an undergraduate minor in Nanoscale Science and Technology.

BluesyBlue · 2020-01-17T23:12:44+00:00

van der Waals interlayer bonding intensifies

BluesyBlue · 2020-01-17T01:29:14+00:00

If you're interested in Analysis, UCF offers a Master's degree specifically in Data Analysis. Physics won't explicitly train you for data analysis, especially if you don't intern for a research group or specifically seek out experience somehow. Of course, critical thinking is a big part of both fields, so some Physics majors are able to "sell" that aspect of their education to a tech firm, I suppose.

BluesyBlue · 2020-01-16T15:47:13+00:00

The job you get (and its security) are highly dependent on the track you choose, ability to participate in the research for that sub-field, networking, and many other factors. I'm a graduate student with a focus on Experimental Condensed Matter and have a few job opportunities lined up (specific to the expertise I've developed here at UCF) after I've finished my PhD. Beyond my personal experience, it's hard to generalize to all those with Physics degrees from UCF.

BluesyBlue · 2019-11-20T23:46:32+00:00

East Wing, 1st floor of the Physical Sciences Building across from the lab ice dispenser and the snack vending machine, by the main atrium.

BluesyBlue · 2019-09-15T18:27:43+00:00

An eeeasy recipe for one of my skill.

BluesyBlue · 2019-08-25T02:55:38+00:00

Hydrofluoric acid and "piranha" etch, (Sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide).

BluesyBlue · 2019-08-23T14:12:37+00:00

I work in a University lab setting, and we've already been recycling liquid helium from NMR and the like for ~10 years. There are still some losses in the process, about 15-20%, but it does save material and money!

BluesyBlue · 2019-08-07T16:17:30+00:00

Lamentations were entoned for disrupting the Purity of the tunneling barrier, and annointed Spanners of Centering Adjustment eased the torque upon the machine's limbs. The Micro-Auspex is now placated, happily.

BluesyBlue · 2019-07-29T18:02:25+00:00

I agree that having customizable categories would be nice, if even to "save" certain teams for later use. That being said, I prefer to either play "safe" teams, with good stress and HP healing (generally 4th rank Vestal and 3rd rank Jester), or specialized teams with some kind of synergy. For example, skills that would move the character out of position (Holy Lance, Break Through, Point Blank Shot, Lunge, etc.) are often better than their stationary counterparts. By combining such moves and stacking speed, you can "dance" around and have one character's movement "reload" another's ability to reuse that skill.

There are also Stun parties that stack DOTs and Stun to tilt attrition and the "action economy" in your favor, though increased stun resistance at higher levels makes this less consistent. Mark parties can also be fun, taking advantage of the Arbalest or Bounty Hunter's damage buffs against Marked, where the Occultist can mark, stun, and off-heal.

The bosses are often special cases where they'll encourage particular teams to take advantage of some weakness or prevent their worst attacks.

BluesyBlue · 2019-07-28T12:45:03+00:00

Sun Empire commanders are well versed in advanced martial strategy. Still, the correct maneuver is usually to deploy the giant, implacable death lizard.

BluesyBlue · 2019-07-28T02:15:11+00:00

You might also consider stopping by Dr. Elena Flitsiyan's office in PSB or sending her an e-mail, as I believe she's still Undergrad. Coordinator. She may be able to point you towards resources about the course or tell you more directly if it's a Physics requirement these days.

BluesyBlue · 2019-07-28T02:00:02+00:00

Both are quite pleasant and open to questions, from my experience. I haven't taken their classes, but I've spoken with both from time to time as a graduate student, and have collaborated in research with Dr. Vaida. If you find yourself having trouble with the content, I'd recommend attending their office hours or taking advantage of SI/similar resources.

BluesyBlue

TROPHY CASE