more clarity requested on rifle type/naming

[MintDragon]

from discord:

Six Today at 12:16 PM
speaking of weapons
weapon category for the rifles is slightly wierd
especially for the LMG and HMG

Sparda Today at 12:18 PM
I mean we have actual HMG'S and LMG's

Six Today at 12:18 PM
i just find it wierd
that AR is called an LMG
while the LMH is called a HMG

[fallen]

I guess its a case where we are trying to apply earth weapon names to sci-fi weapons? Not sure, maybe specific examples could help.

[sparda4]

The LMG seems like an Assault Rifle for six and the HMG more like a light machine gun. So like how do you as the dev see them fallen ? I for one am happy with the current naming scheme because i doubt an assault rifle could lay down enough bullets to penetrate a Xeno. But this is just my take on the matter.

[resistor]

I think the issue is that irl 'HMG' typically refers to machine guns too bulky to be carried by hand when used, and are mounted on vehicles or stationary tripods.

[tarquelne]

Agreed with both posts above. I was a bit confused by the game’s naming conventions, but figured the Star Traders and Factions aren’t obligated to use our terms.

A sci-fi label or two might be more fun, keeping “Heavy” as part of the name for the current HMG would keep things clear, I hope.

 “Assault Rifle” and “Squad Automatic Weapon” or “Light Support Weapon” are what I’d call the “LMG” and “HMG” using contemporary(ish) terms, based on how they look and are carried.



Let’s have real HMGs, where as a first action the crew member in slot one passes a drum or belt of ammo to the crew in slot 2. The guy in slot 2 uses his action to pass the ammo and the tripod to the gal in slot 3. She uses her action to assemble the ammo and the tripod and the barrel/sight she carried on to the gunner’s HMG. The gunner in the 4th slot then fires, using up all his action points, all the ammo and - if every one is *really* standing up in a ship corridor with no cover - kills everyone.