Multipliers

2022-10-16

A neat concept. Sometimes called "leverage", but that name doesn't do it justice. A lever, you see, is a trade-off: you need N times less force, but over an N times longer path. It merely amortizes work over a larger path. A multiplier, on the other hand, increases work by a factor of N.

For example:

Multipliers also work when utility is negative (=damage):

Another interesting example is a "fleet in being": a fleet which ties up enemy forces without ever leaving the port. A possible attack anywhere necessitates protection everywhere. Mobility multiplies the threat/opportunity.