Rule (P14.4) More Severe Ion Storms.Advanced. Proposed by Jeff Wile, USS Minnesota.

Since the original rule (rule P14.4 ION STORMS) was written, it has been determined thru additional translations of the source documentation, that not all Ion Storms are equal. Approximately 90% of all Ion Storms are portrayed correctly in rule P14.1 thru P14.3.

Of the remaining 10% of all Ion storms, 9% are identical to the original rule, with the exception of having 20 point gravity waves (as opposed to the 10 point Gravity Waves listed in rule P14.2.) of the remaining 1% of all remaining Ion Storms, they are similar to the others, with the exeption that they have 30 point Gravity Waves.

As of this time, no 40 point Gravity Wave Ion Storms have been confirmed, but as ships would have to survive such an event, it is possible that 40 point Gravity Wave Ion Storms(or larger) do exist. the records are clear that no starships have suvived the encounter and lived to report it.

Comments to follow.

By Jeff Wile (Jswile) on Sunday, May 31, 2009 - 10:53 pm: Edit

Just wanted to start a discussion on possible new terrain features, and this seemed like a reasonable way to approach the subject.

In game terms, (as indicated in rule P14.0) Ion storms are more nuisance than actual danger. this proposal makes the possiblity of more dangerous Ion storms a play option for SFBs games.

Sort of the difference between a summer thunder storm and a "Noreaster" in the North Atlantic in winter.

It is possible that such a change might warrant the design of a scale (such as exists for Gale Force Winds or Earth Quakes). IF there is interest in developing such a scale, we might consider the original rule P14.0 Gravity Waves a "Force 1 Ion Storm" while Ion sotrms with 20 point Gravity Waves might be refered to as "Force 2" etc...

As far as game effects are concerned, such a proposal (ie stronger Ion Storms) can (depending on the ships and forces available)make combat almost a secondary consideration while trying to make sure ones own forces survive the effects of the storm.

Like any proposed change to terrain rules, in theory, the proposed More Severe Ion Storms should affect both (all?!?) players equally.

Discussion? suggestions? complaints? Comments?

By Michael C. Grafton (Mike_Grafton) on Sunday, May 31, 2009 - 11:24 pm: Edit

I just submitted a rule proposal for Vortexes!

And by JUST, I mean earlier today!

By Jeff Wile (Jswile) on Sunday, May 31, 2009 - 11:49 pm: Edit

Nicely done Michael!

Can you tell us some of the details, or is it something that "the powers that be" will have to evaluate first?!?

By Michael C. Grafton (Mike_Grafton) on Sunday, May 31, 2009 - 11:56 pm: Edit

I am hoping that SVC can cram it into the next CL. Rules are pretty generic like most terrain.

NEXT I am working on rules for the "Sublimating Hypermass Storm."

bad juju indeed.

By Jeff Wile (Jswile) on Monday, June 01, 2009 - 10:03 pm: Edit

Not sure I want to know what a "Sublimating Hyper Mass Storm is... buch less play in it with card board counters and paper maps!

It may be too sublime for me!

By Michael C. Grafton (Mike_Grafton) on Monday, June 01, 2009 - 10:08 pm: Edit

Sublimating = evaporating.

With frame drag due to spinning. Gravity waves and much all around nastyness.

By Jeff Wile (Jswile) on Tuesday, June 02, 2009 - 12:12 am: Edit

Sounds like fun!