posted 09-22-2004 09:43 PM                     

An escapepod is designed for use only as a last resort-it is not a long term vessel. It has just enough power to maneuver itself to the nearest planet and land, most can support 8 lifeforms with enough room for ear they might carry, but no dedicated storage space. Most escapepods have a simple droid brain built into them, programmed only to send a distress beacon and maneuver the pod to a safe landing-the occupants have no control over eitehr of these functions. Escapepods do not have shields, and don't mount weapons, they are one shot devices, not intended for reuse, as a result, they're a good deal cheaper than a true starship with the same capabilities. In the event that there is no planet in the near vecinity, the escapepod will either stay in place, or head to the nearest safely registered gravitational body.