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Nanoformer tool ideas


Dociel

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Hi everyone,

 

Just a few ideas about the nanoformer tool in particular. I figured that this topic would make much more sense in the Builder's Corner than in the Idea Box, as it is specific to the game's building tool.

 

This post is also partly in reaction of the devlogs I've read about it. Its lore, the way it works, etc.

 

So, in short, the nanoformer tool is able to deconstruct, store and reconstruct matter in the desired shape, at will. A few ideas has been thrown on how it could be powered (solar, bio-heating, etc), how it would be explained, etc. Nothing is set in stone of course, but it is not really satisfying either. So, I came to bring some ideas, I hope you will like them!

 

DISCLAIMER: I am no scientist, but I've read a few things, and here is my theory about actually what would it take for such a tool to exist. :)

 

First, we would need a complete control over matter, down to at least the atomic level. This means being able to manipulate at will each atom, even when part of a molecule. As you may know, breaking down atoms themselves is a really powerful (a destructive) process, and can lead to catastrophic event if a chain reaction is created (i.e. atomic bomb). And so is, to a lower extent, the breaking down of a molecule.

 

This leads to my first conclusion: the nanoformer tool would require enough power to maintain a complete control over atoms, independently from their surrounding (and atomic bounding mechanism), as well as being able to channel the huge power of their rearrangement, while preventing destruction to happen. Good luck with body heating and solar panels to harness such power!

 

Second, the only plausible technology currently existing, allowing some sort of "control in space" over matter, is the creation of a really powerful magnetic field, allowing the atoms to be "liberated" from another colossal power: gravity. This is, at the moment, only possible within the inside of a huge magnetic field generator, and in no way can actually be broadcast, even a few centimeters away from the center of the magnetic field generator. But man, we are doing science-fiction here! So let's imagine which technology could evolve from this. To my opinion, a few branches could appear in the future from this technology, leading to the creation of a nanoformer tool:

 

Tech 1 - a magnetic field generator with the capacity to broadcast its magnetic power: this would allow sustenance of matter in front of the wearer (Half-Life 2 style).

 

Tech 2 - a sort of pinpointing magnetic laser, allowing the control of matter at the atomic level withing the magnetic field (similar in some ways to the inner carving of a cube of glass using lasers).

 

Tech 3 - some sort of super coolant magnetic beam, allowing the surplus of energy created by the destruction of molecules, to be controlled and redirected elsewhere to prevent explosion (read the great sci-fi book "Uplift" to have an idea).

 

Which leads to my second conclusion: these three futuristic inventions would explain nicely the nanoformer tool technology, while anchoring it in our present scientific "knowledge", with only a sci-fi credible twist. Plus, this could lead to nice in-game skills and upgrades. For example, the Tech 1 could be expended to a macro level, to allow repairs in space. The Tech 2 could be improved to deconstruct more complex entities, such as molecules, for the creation of more advanced things, or to a DNA level, for the creation of bio-technologies. I really think we've got something here!

 

Third, such technologies would require a huge amount of power. And how could we actually pack such power, in something big as, let's say, a portable battery? Atomic fusion of course! The power of the stars! First it is freaking cool, second it is really the only known source of power, which is actually under research (4th generation of nuclear reactor) as we speak, that could provide enough energy. If I remember correctly, you can, with this technology, power up a whole city for one year with a bunch of sugar cubes!

 

Which leads to my third conclusion: the battery that we should use in Dual-Universe, at least for our nanoformer tools, could be atomic fusion batteries. They would require really specific and expensive factories to be built, but a bunch of dirt to be powered on. So on top of the cool role-play-real explanation, it would be perfect to implement in the game.

 

Well, that is it guys. I hope you got the vibe! Magnetic fields, fusion atomic batteries, cooling and pinpointing lasers: I wait for your comments!

 

Cheers,

 

Dociel

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Well, my idea was more about grounding the nanoformer tool in our present knowledge and technologies, rather than explaining what would it require to be built in-game by players. But now that you mention it, that could definitely be another idea to add :)

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I'm here to show my support, I'm not as brainy to be able to contribute much.

 

The Kadpaks have 4 dimensional storage ability, I don't know if the tech will find its way into other applications. Might be able to help with explaining some things about the nano former.

I know you said explaining it in our current terms, I just wanted to say sucking up a pool of hydrocarbons with a hand held beam might take some tricky explanation.

 

heres the backstory section if you didnt already see it http://www.dualthegame.com/backstory

 

I support this inquest for nanoformer knowledge and explanations

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