With Module C6 in publication, the ground work has been laid in terms of what "modern" technologies the two features empires might have used had they each remained a factor in the TL 12 Alpha Octant.

But while it may be a while before a suitable venue may be found for first-(or even second-)generation X-ships may be committed to print for either faction, are there any ideas/hopes/concerns that those of you with an interest in these Paravians or Carnivons might have?

Ostensibly, the kind of "base" mechanics in play for Alpha Octant X1-ships may be in play here; no X-conversion of ships not built to "peacetime" standards, no X-ships of SC 2, and the typical suite of engine, phaser, and support system upgrades one might expect in this part of the galaxy.

But in terms of the new technologies one might need in this case, what would you like to see for either empire?


For example, could it be an option to treat Paravian QWTs as akin to single-turn direct-fire weapons such as disruptors, where the innovation is more one of quantity over quality? (For example, would a Paravian CAX get six QWTs instead of four, the way a Klingon DX goes from four disruptors to six?) Or is there some alternate adjustment, such as a sabot option or some other warhead modification, or perhaps even adjusting the firing arcs from FA to FP, that would be a better way forward for them?

And for the Carnivons, what upgrades ought they be considered for? Should they be able to fast-load their disruptor cannons, improve the Heel Nippers in some fashion, and/or add some further capability to their Death Bolt usage?


Of the two, it would seem that the Paravians might be easier to handle, since they have only one "new" weapon to create an advanced version of rather than three. But even then, might some unexpected pitfall make things harder for the Paravians to balance out in the TL 13 era when compared to the Carnivons?


Please note that this thread is not intended to ask for any ADB design time any time soon, if ever. (And of course, there's no guarantee that any of the ideas here might be considered if and when the time comes for such X-ships to be drawn up.) My intent was more to allow those with an eye for C6 to discuss the potential of what these lost empires might have offered in the era of advanced technology in the Alpha Octant.

By Gary Carney (Nerroth) on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 - 06:51 pm: Edit

In terms of advanced technology "mission variants", it's been noted that, while most Alpha Octant empires can choose to deploy their respective HDWXs in a survey configuration (or, the way F&E tells it, as an "HWXQ"), only the Federation and Romulans went so far as to field purpose-built X-tech survey cruisers.

However, given how aggressively the "Mapsheet P" Paravians are noted as using their SRs (R18.18) in Module C6 - by sending them into Gorn and ISC space in order to map out new routes for subsequent raiding forces to pass through - it might not be entirely unreasonable to picture them fielding one or more SRXs "historically". Of course, such ships might also be of use when going after Andromedan RTN nodes.

Actually, given how the current Paravian CWP (R18.28) is somewhat ill-suited to the anti-RTN role, it might be that the Paravians might have to lean more heavily on an advanced technology version of their HDW (R18.32) in an "HWXP" configuration, unless they find a way to more heavily arm a would-be "CWPX" design.

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In contrast, it would be unlikely that the Carnivons would field an X-tech version of their survey cruiser (R19.16) - unless the onset of the Andromedan invasion were to force them to first refit the SR itself into a more powerful combatant. (An "SRI", perhaps?)

On the other hand, their CWP (R19.28) is more heavily armed than its Paravian counterpart, which would make it easier for them to design an effective "CWPX" to carry out this mission. This would put less pressure on any would-be advanced technology version of the Carnivon HDW (R19.34) being used in an "HWXP" configuration.

By Mike Grafton (Mike_Grafton) on Thursday, April 15, 2021 - 07:23 pm: Edit

I can't imagine that the Lyrans don't build X heavy tug/ Survey cruisers when they can.

By Eric Silverman (Ericsilverman) on Thursday, May 12, 2022 - 10:29 pm: Edit

I've really enjoyed playing both the Paravians and the Carnivons, so I'd be thrilled to see a follow-up module that includes X-technology for both these empires.

Regarding new technologies, I'd think it'd be preferable for the Paravians to get a sabot refit for their QWTs rather than just increasing the quantity of launchers. Since they're seeking weapons that drain quickly over distance like plasma torps, the additional speed boost would allow QWTs to remain a threat in a similar fashion to sabot plasma.

For the Carnivons, if possible I'd rather see a quantity-over-speed increase in their Disruptor Cannons, just to avoid the DCs feeling too similar to regular disruptors by losing the two-turn arming cycle. Though, given that many other weapons gain fast-load options in the X era, maybe this would be too tame of an upgrade. For the Heel Nipper, I'd add a third row to the table, allowing HN-equipped ships to pay additional power to extend the range further.

For Death Bolts, I guess an overall increase in endurance, damage and warhead size could be a good way to go; then more modifications could be applied to each Death Bolt while still retaining a larger warhead.