Grenades and other explosives

[Boomer]

They cannot be unstable. Why would they store them in crates, in piles, if they were? Why simply toss them around if they were?

But hey, if you have a rule somewhere that says otherwise, it would be nice to have a rule.

From the official Star Wars Databank

[garhkal]

I was taking that from this write up on them from rules of engagement...
"From page 69 of Rules of Engagement.

Used as a military-engineering explosive, Baradium charges, commonly known as thermal detonators are highly effective but highly unstable. They are rarely used for direct attack – too dangerous to the user.
Only the extremely desperate use thermal detonators as weapons. Since it is so unstable, and also popular as a terrorist weapon, possession of Baradium charges is illegal without a license."

There was 2 other times i have read the same write up but i cannot locate which books they are in right now.

So by that, is what i base their unstability on. Giving it a 1 in 11 chance of going off each time it is jarred (2 on 2d6).
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[Boomer]

You know that canister shaped thing on the back of EVERY Storm Trooper. That is a thermal detonator.

...I feel very uneasy, we might be coming close to something of a contradiction in the Star Wars universe, and I don't mean a Prequel related one.
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I'm Boba the Fett!
And I bounty hunt for Jabba Hutt,
to finance my 'vette!

[Kehlin Yew]

Umm, from the quote he just put, i see that as unstable when it detonates.

[Boomer]

Yeah, reading it carefully... you could say both mean a Thermal Detonator is unstable, and both mean only the Baridium is unstable.
But if Thermal Detonators are that unstable, why does every single storm trooper have one on their back in an easy to thwack place. It just seems extremely stupid and dangerous.
_________________
My backpack has jets!
I'm Boba the Fett!
And I bounty hunt for Jabba Hutt,
to finance my 'vette!

[Kehlin Yew]

No, theres a simple explination, the stormtroopers have been trained by the Taliban, we all know they are great at suicide bombings.

[Boomer]

It just doesn't make too much sense. What good are Storm Troopers that randomly vaporize each other? We already know that they do NOT randomly vaporize each other, so that is thrown right out.

Plus, the thermal detonator is described so much like a nuke. I prefer them being about as stable as a nuke. Nuclear weapons only go off when the precise implosion reaction of the cordite shell around the Plutonium sets it off. Only the trigger can set this off.
Now, thermite doesn't explode, it burns. And Baridium is made up, so, whatever.
Baridium is made up... gosh it all just falls apart right there. I like the way I have my micro-nukes work, it's at least somewhat more realistic.
_________________
My backpack has jets!
I'm Boba the Fett!
And I bounty hunt for Jabba Hutt,
to finance my 'vette!

[Kehlin Yew]

im going to replace the Thermos with a Hydro Detonator....


and invent the sodium grenade....

[garhkal]

I will agree, several sources say the buldge on stormies belts are TDs, but no where on their equipment list is that given, though grenades are... So imo that is what the buldge is...
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Confucious sayeth, don't wash cat while drunk!

[Kehlin Yew]

that is very true... i even went and looked on here... no TD

[Boomer]

Yeah, we found a contradiction in the Star Wars universe. We accomplished something here... I feel dirty.
_________________
My backpack has jets!
I'm Boba the Fett!
And I bounty hunt for Jabba Hutt,
to finance my 'vette!

[KageRyu]

One thing to consider is that in the Star Wars universe, the term Thermal Detonator is used to refer to a number of explosive devices that use a similar means of detonation. These devices are constructed in vastly different ways, with varrying degrees of precaution, safeguard, and stability. The thermal Detonators used in construction most likely are ver unstable, as are the ones used and manufactured by terrorists, splinter groups, militants, and other lower tech organization. The ones manufactured by Imperial forces are most likely stabalized.

It can be compared to the term Nuke of today. This term is applied to a widely varried field of weapons and devices, using different means of construction and detonation, yet producing similar overall effects. It encompases Hydrogen Bombs, Helium Bombs, Atomic Detonators, Plutonium and Uranium 236 Atomic weapons, Nuclear weapons, and Thermonuclear weapons. Some of these are inherently more stable than others in both construction and transportation (A thermonuclear weapon simply will not detonate unless armed, and the explosive pack is triggered by the detonator...if the pack is damaged, or one of the "tiles" fails to detonate for whatever reason, it will not go nuclear). This is due to a lot of safeguards built in to the weapons themselves. The US has almost exclusively manufactured thermonuclear type weapons since the 80's, though other nations still manufacture a mix of the other types.
Even with these safeguards, the radioactive elements are highly unstable. If they are exposed, they will leak radiation, contaminating the area. This can lead to radiation poisoning, damage of electronics, and other effects. I am sure the Baradium in a thermal detonator would have similar effects if exposed, and would definately be considered unstable and dangerous in this context. A poorly made detonator could leak rads, contaminating the soldier carrying it, and everything around him, maybe even killing him.
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"There's a set way to gain new Force Points and it represents a very nice system, where you're rewarded for heroism, not for being a poor conductor to electricity." ~Jachra