Anyone have thoughts about representing the various levels and types of tainted and toxic atmospheres in the roleplaying environment? I know the ATOW has a few examples of poisons (radium, arsenic and vx gas) but, seems a bit limited to me quite frankly.
They give a spectrum.
Given tac ops has at least three different types of hostile environments (caustic, radio/poisonous and flammable) have people applied those to the roleplaying setting?
Caustic damage can be handled by continuous damage (pg181-182, which specifically references acid on pg181). I'd recommend Normal Fire for high intensity acids or bases.
Poisons and high intensity radiation: use Continuous Damage (Poisons) pg181. I know radiation isn't poison, but radiation effects tend to fall into 2 categories: instant, poison-like effects, or long-term weakness and very long term cancer threats.
Flammable atmospheres: If the gas ignites, hit the players with Continuous Damage (Normal Fire) pg181. If the atmosphere is not breathable, use a low intensity poison.
Or if a world for example has a Tainted (Viral) atmosphere.
See Diseases, pg245-249 ATOW. Infect at GM's whim. If diseases are REALLY fast acting (flesh dissolves in combat turns), treat them as poisons.
Also a lot of those rules say that vehicles require environmental sealing, though, I imagine that environment suits and/or filter masks would help offset this need? At least temporarily.
A light environmental suit will handle most threats except fire and radiation. Radiation can be handled by heavy environmental suits. Air masks will only help against inhaled threats; a lot of poisons and acids will work on any exposed skin.