Looking at the rules for linking weapons I'm slightly unsure of the intent. There is an entry for linking multiple copies of the same type of weapon on page 271. Does this mean that I pay this cost in addition to the cost of a second (or third, or fourth) weapon, or is it inclusive.

For example, a Medium Laser Cannon costs 7,000. Does a Twin Medium Laser Cannon cost 17,500 (pay for two weapons, then add +50% of cost of one weapon to link) or 10,500 (pay for one weapon, then add +50% of the cost of one weapon to link).

Regardless, a Twin Light Laser Cannon costs either 8,250 or 13,750 - which seems totally outrageous when the Quad Laser Cannon is available for only 8,000 (OK, the Avaliability is a bit higher on the Quad, but still)!

I'd say that you'd have to buy the second/third/fourth weapon, and then pay to Link them.

So for your example, you'd pay 17,500.

As for the cost, remember that this is the cost for a customized weapon. The Quad Laser Cannon is an off-the-shelf (okay, a shelf that's rather restrictive in accessibility) that can be purchased as-is. It's the difference between buying a laptop from a big box store and having a laptop custom-built to your specifications.

I'd say that you'd have to buy the second/third/fourth weapon, and then pay to Link them.

So for your example, you'd pay 17,500.

As for the cost, remember that this is the cost for a customized weapon. The Quad Laser Cannon is an off-the-shelf (okay, a shelf that's rather restrictive in accessibility) that can be purchased as-is. It's the difference between buying a laptop from a big box store and having a laptop custom-built to your specifications.

That sounds reasonable except that Twin Light/Medium Laser Cannons should be even more readily availble off-the-shelf than the Quad Laser Cannon (MANY starships mount them as standard fittings).

That sounds reasonable except that Twin Light/Medium Laser Cannons should be even more readily availble off-the-shelf than the Quad Laser Cannon (MANY starships mount them as standard fittings).

My answer is generally based on my reading of the RAW and that in the vast majority of the many, many, many RPGs that I've played over the years that allowed custom-built gear, said custom-tailored gear was always more expensive.

If you're that upset about it, then just houserule that twin light/medium laser cannons are both cheaper and more available than a Quad Laser Cannon.

With the interpretation that each weapon is purchased individually and then linked as an added cost we get:

Double Weapon = 250% cost

Triple Weapon = 350% cost

Quad Weapon = 450% cost

With the other interpretation we get;

Double Weapon = 150% cost

Triple Weapon = 200% cost

Quadruple Weapon = 250% cost

Considering the diminishing returns from higher levels of Linked (you need a lot of Advantages to activate Linked 3), I like the second interpretation better. With it, the Quad Laser Cannon still looks undercosted (a Quadruple Light Laser Cannon costs 13,750 and lacks Accurate) but not as badly as with the first take. Raising the cost of the Quad Laser Cannon too much throws off some of the other costs (like Turbolasers), so it's something I'll need to tinker with for a bit.