HIGH GUARD HEAVY CRUISER SSD
Link to the High Guard Heavy Cruiser SSD

HIGH GUARD Z-SHIPS
(ZR1.1) HEAVY CRUISER (CZ):
The High Guard Heavy Cruiser was a powerful Z-Ship of the Line which was capable of performing a variety of functions. Armed with Quantum Torpedoes, a healthy supply of Phaser-Z’s, and a pair of Plasma ZF’s, the High Guard Heavy Cruiser was more than a match for the Z-Ships of neighboring empires. Due to its built-in modularity, the High Guard Heavy Cruiser could be configured for specific missions ahead of time. Like all High Guard Z-Ships, the Heavy Cruiser possessed Quantum Transporters, Integrated Warp Tractors, a Defense Field, Quantum Batteries, a Contingent of Marines, Robots, Artificial Intelligence, a Central Capacitor, Research Labs, Fabrication Facilities, and Extra Cargo Space. The High Guard Heavy Cruiser served with distinction, not only in the High Guard, but throughout the entire Intergalactic Assemblage of Systems.

PHASER-Z (PH-Z):
Phaser-Z’s are treated as Radiation Phasers (OE1.24) with some differences. Phaser-Z’s cost 1 point of energy to fire. Although Phaser-Z’s do not need to roll to hit, they can be affected by ECM.
HALF-STRENGTH:
Phaser-Z’s may be fired at Half-Strength by only paying ½ point of energy. Damage is halved, with fractions rounded down. Note that this is not Rapid-Pulse. Each Phaser-Z can only fire once per turn at Half-Strength.

QUANTUM TORPEDOES (QUAN):
Quantum Torpedoes are treated as Photon Torpedoes with some differences. Standard Quantum Torpedoes are armed at a cost of 1 + 1.

Overloaded Quantum Torpedoes can be armed at a maximum cost of 2 + 2. Fractional charging (above the energy required to arm at Standard Levels) is possible for Overloaded Quantum Torpedoes. Multiply the total energy over two turns by 5 to calculate the damage.

Double Overloaded Quantum Torpedoes can be armed at a maximum cost of 2 + 2 + 2. Double Overloaded Quantum Torpedoes require three turns of arming. Fractional charging is possible (above the energy required to arm at Overload Levels) for Double Overloaded Quantum Torpedoes. Multiply the total energy over three turns by 4 to calculate the damage.

Standard Quantum Torpedoes can be held at a cost of 1 point per turn. Overloaded Quantum Torpedoes can be held at a cost of 2 points per turn. Double Overloaded Quantum Torpedoes cannot be held.

Once fired as a Double Overloaded Quantum Torpedo, one turn of Cool Down is required. The Quantum Torpedo cannot receive any arming energy during the Cool Down.

All Quantum Torpedoes have a Penetrating Factor, which is 1 point for every 5 points of damage scored. On Z-Ships, the Penetrating Factor bypasses regular Shields (#1-6), but is stopped by Shield #7. On X1/X0 Ships, the Penetrating Factor bypasses Shields #1-6. The Penetrating Factor is calculated and applied separately from standard damage.

PLASMA-ZF (PL-ZF):
Plasma-ZF’s are treated as standard Plasma-F’s with some differences. Plasma-ZF’s move 2 Hexes per Impulse. Plasma-ZF’s are reduced in Warhead Strength at a 3:1 ratio, not 2:1. Plasma-ZF’s have 4 points of ECCM. Plasma-ZF’s that are one hex away from their target do not need to move two hexes, they simply strike the target on their next impulse of movement. Note that despite their fast movement, damage for Plasma-ZF’s is still calculated by the total number of hexes moved. Plasma-ZF’s require three turns to arm, just like a standard Plasma-F.

Plasma-ZF’s have a Penetrating Factor, which is 1 point for every 5 points of damage scored. On Z-Ships, the Penetrating Factor bypasses regular Shields (#1-6), but is stopped by Shield #7. On X1/X0 Ships, the Penetrating Factor bypasses Shields #1-6. The Penetrating Factor is calculated and applied separately from standard damage.
PSEUDO PLASMA-ZF’S:
Each Plasma-ZF has Three Pseudo Plasma’s per Launcher.

CENTRAL CAPACITOR:
The Central Capacitor functions as a Phaser Capacitor except that energy can be drawn from it to arm the Quantum Torpedoes, Plasma-ZF’s, and the Defense Field. The Maximum Amount of Energy that can be stored in the Central Capacitor is calculated by adding together the cost to fire each PH-Z once, the costs to completely arm each Quantum Torpedo at Standard Levels, and the costs to completely arm each Plasma-ZF’s. Reduce the Central Capacitor by the same amounts as Phaser-Z’s, Quantum Torpedoes, and Plasma-ZF’s are destroyed. The Defense Field is not part of the calculation for the Central Capacitor’s Maximum Amount of Energy.
The Central Capacitor automatically generates four points of energy at the beginning of each turn.

DEFENSE FIELD:
The Defense Field is a Phaser Function that was developed on Z-Ships to counter Shuttles, Fighters, Drones, and Plasmas. The Defense Field must draw its energy from the Central Capacitor. The Defense Field can be activated multiple times during a turn (but only once per impulse), as long as there is available energy in the Central Capacitor. Once activated, the Defense Field damages all Shuttles, Fighters, Drones, and Plasmas in a 2-Hex Radius around the Z-Ship. All Targets in the 0-1 Hex Radius from the Z-Ship are damaged (as Phaser Damage) at a ratio of 2 Damage Points for every 1 Point of Energy. All Targets in the 2 Hex Radius from the Z-Ship are damaged (as Phaser Damage) at a ratio of 1 Damage Point for every 1 Point of Energy. The Defense Field will not affect anything other than Shuttles, Fighters, Drones, and Plasmas. The Defense Field, like the Central Capacitor, cannot be destroyed by hits on the DAC (it is part of the Z-Ship).

Example #1: A Drone is 2 Hexes away from a Z-Ship. The Z-Ship activates its Defense Field, applying 4 Points of Energy (drawn from the Central Capacitor). The Drone takes 4 Points of Damage.

Example #2: A Plasma is 1 Hex away from a Z-Ship. The Z-Ship activates its Defense Field, applying 6 Points of Energy (drawn from the Central Capacitor). The Plasma takes 12 Points of Phaser Damage.

Example #3: Two Fighters are in the Same Hex as a Z-Ship. One Drone is 1 Hex away coming from Direction A. Another Drone is 1 Hex away coming from Direction C. Three Plasmas are 2 Hexes away from the Z-Ship. The Z-Ship activates its Defense Field, applying 8 Points of Energy (drawn from the Central Capacitor). The Two Fighters take 16 Points of Damage. The Two Drones take 16 Points of Damage. The Three Plasmas take 8 Points of Damage.

SKIP-WARP ENGINES (SWARP):
Each Skip-Warp Engine produces 1 point of warp energy every turn. The starship can move via Skip Warp per (C91.0). It can also choose to deactivate the Skip-Warp per (C91.3).

QUANTUM IMPULSE (QIMPULSE):
Each Quantum Impulse box produces 2 points of energy every turn.

AUXILIARY Z-REACTORS (AZR):
AZR’s produce 3 points of energy every turn. This energy may be used for warp related functions.

QUANTUM BATTERIES (QBTY):
Quantum Batteries can hold 4 points of energy each. At the beginning of every turn, each Quantum Battery generates 1 point of energy. The maximum storage allowance for each Quantum Battery cannot be exceeded.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (CPU):
The CPU is destroyed on Bridge, Emer, Aux, Flag hits on the DAC (at the owning player’s discretion). While the CPU is active, Artificial Intelligence Z-Ships have the following benefits:

(G21.215) Probes as weapons.
(G21.222) Cost of HET reduced.
(G21.223) Nimble status when crippled (S2.4)
(G21.225) Automatic escape in (D21.56).
(G21.226) Quick reverse.
(G21.228) Terrain avoidance.
(G21.232) Improved repairs.
(G21.235) Improved scout functions.
(G21.236) Improved tactical intelligence.
(G21.25) Scenario event die rolls.

When all CPU boxes are destroyed, the Z-Ship loses the benefits listed above.

QUANTUM TRANSPORTERS (QT):
These function exactly as described under (OG15.0), except that they may be used in conjunction with Skip Warp (and Standard Warp).

TELEPORTATION LINK (T-LINK):
This functions exactly as described under (OG16.0).

INTEGRATED WARP TRACTORS (IWT):
These function exactly as described under (OG18.0), except that there is no Tractor Crush, Tractor Punch, or Pressure Field.

MEDICAL BAY (MEDICAL):
Each Medical Bay functions as a Legendary Ship’s Doctor under (G22.6). Medical Bays are destroyed on Lab hits on the DAC, at the owning player’s discretion.

NON-WEAPON OPTIONS (NWO):
These function exactly as described under (G33.32), except that available systems are for Z-Ships. Note that Research Labs are considered Power.

Z-PROBES (PRB):
Z-Probes function as described under (G5.0) with some differences. Under (G5.11) and (G5.22), Z-Probes have a maximum range of 8 hexes. Under (G5.22), a Z-Probe collects 30 points of “information.” Under (G5.31), Z-Probes have a warhead strength of 12. Under (G5.34), add 2 to the die roll. Note that with the CPU, Z-Ships may use Z-Probes as weapons.

BARRACKS (BAR):
These function exactly as described under (G28.0).

REPAIR (REP):
These function exactly as described under (G17.0).

RESEARCH LABS (RLAB):
Under (XG4.12), Z-Ships add two to the result obtained (not the die roll) before multiplying by the number of RLabs. Each Research Lab produces one point of energy at the beginning of each turn.

FABRICATION (FAB):
These function exactly as described under (R16.1C2). Fabrication is destroyed on Lab damage points on the DAC (at the owning player’s discretion).

CARGO (CARGO):
These function exactly as described under (G25.0).

Z-ADMIN SHUTTLES (SHTL):
Z-Admin Shuttles function as standard Admin Shuttles except for some differences. Z-Admin Shuttles require 8 points of damage to be destroyed. Z-Admin Shuttles have a maximum speed of 8. Z-Admin Shuttles are armed with a Phaser-Z that only fires at Half-Strength.

SEVENTH SHIELD (SHIELD #7):
This functions as (OG2.0) with some differences. At the beginning of each turn, the Seventh Shield regenerates one-half (round down) of any destroyed boxes from the previous turn. Note that the total number of Seventh Shield boxes cannot be surpassed. The cost to activate the Seventh Shield is incorporated into the Shield Cost in the Ship Data Table. Only the Seventh Shield can stop Penetrating Factor Damage.

NEUTRONIUM ARMOR (NEUTRONIUM):
This functions exactly as (DN102.0) except that the Neutronium is 360 degrees.

VIRAL WARFARE:
Details for Viral Warfare will be detailed separately. Note that Viral Warfare will be based on the Z-Ship’s Sensor Rating.

ROBOTS:
Robots are treated as Boarding Parties under (D7.4), except that they receive +2 to their die roll under (D7.421).

POWERED ARMOR:
This functions exactly as described under (DN100.2) except that weapons/devices are modified for Z-Ships. Under (DN100.222), each PA is armed with one PH-Z that can only fire at Half-Strength. Under (DN100.326), the Stiletto Missile is replaced with one Type-IF Drone (Non Z-Technology, No Skip Warp).

WARP FIELD DISTORTION MINES:
These function exactly as described under (M93.0). The Z-Ship comes standard with 4 Warp Field Distortion Mines.

DAMAGE CONTROL:
This functions exactly as described under (D9.0).

SUICIDE SHUTTLES:
Under (J2.2211), Z-Suicide Shuttles can be armed with 1-4 points of warp energy per turn. After three turns of arming, this brings the maximum warhead strength to 24. Note that Z-Suicide Shuttles move at Speed 8 and require 8 points of damage to be destroyed.

FIRE CONTROL SYSTEMS:
Under (XD6.393), Z-Ships generate 3 points of passive ECCM at no energy cost.

ELECTRONIC WARFARE:
Under (XD6.393), all Z-Ships may generate EW (total ECM and/or ECCM) up to their sensor rating plus four. For undamaged Z-Ships, this would mean the ability to buy up to ten total points of ECM and ECCM.

ACCELERATION:
Z-Ships accelerate per (XC2.21), but use Skip-Warp.

TURN MODE:
Under (XC3.64), Z-Ships have a +2 bonus to the die roll for a quick reverse. Nimble Z-Ships have a +3 bonus for this purpose.

TACTICAL MANEUVERS:
Under (XC5.224), Z-Ships can make up to eight tactical warp maneuvers per turn.

HIGH ENERGY TURNS:
Under (XC6.52), Z-Ships have three first-use HET bonuses. Under (XC6.521), Nimble X-Ships have four first-use HET bonuses.

EMERGENCY DECELERATION:
Under (XC8.4), the Post Deceleration Period for Z-Ships lasts only 8 impulses.

SPEED CHANGES:
Under (XC12.312), Z-Ships can change speed every 4 impulses. Under (XC12.352), Z-Ships may accelerate 8 impulses after coming to a halt by emergency deceleration.

FIRE CONTROL ACTIVATION:
Under (XD6.633) and (XD6.68), Z-Ships have a 2-impulse delay on activation rather than the standard 4-impulse delay.

AEGIS FIRE CONTROL:
Under (XD13.0), Z-Ships have Full Aegis.

TRANSPORTER BOMBS:
Under (XM3.13), Z-Ships carry four more T-bombs (and dummies) than a non-Z-Ship of the same size class.

WEAPONS ARMING STATUS:
Under (XS4.10) WS-0: Phasers energized, Central Capacitor empty.

Under (XS4.11) WS-I: Phasers energized, Central Capacitor charged with enough energy to fire all PH-Z’s once.

Under (XS4.12) WS-II: Phasers energized, Central Capacitor at 50% of maximum capacity.

Under (XS4.13) WS-III: Phasers, energized, Central Capacitor at 100% of maximum capacity.

OTHER:
Z-Ships are treated as X-Ships in all ways not detailed above.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Monday, January 20, 2020 - 02:11 pm: Edit

WHITE WOLF - STARDATE 012020
Link to previous White Wolf

The White Wolf blinked on and off as it raced across space like a salmon swimming upstream.

Ichaborn sat in his ready room, wondering at the technology that carried them to their destination. He instinctively knew about it, yet his conscious mind was hazy when it came to the details. Ichaborn was a man in two places at once. He was trapped in the past, but also stranded in the future. The White Wolf’s propulsion system was so far beyond anything that ever existed in the Yesterday Galaxy. It disturbed Ichaborn.

“Lupa?”

A hologram of a beautiful young woman appeared. She was transparent like a ghost, but wore a lovely long white dress. Light grey eyes stared at Ichaborn, the perfect compliment for her long silver hair. On the right side of her chest lay the symbol of a lance, the insignia of the High Guard. Ichaborn wore the exact same symbol on his pure white uniform.

“Yes, Captain?”

Ichaborn gazed at Lupa, the White Wolf’s Avatar, for a long moment before saying anything. Again, Ichaborn wondered at how his ship was alive, how it possessed a personality, and how it came into being. What was it like to exist as mere circuits and digital pathways? Did Lupa possess a higher consciousness? Was she was aware that she was … Alive?

“Captain? Did you require my service?”

Ichaborn snapped back to reality. He motioned with his frail bone white hand. “Yes, Lupa. My apologies. Tell me more about the origin of this technology that became the basis for High Guard Z-Ships. In particular, the creation of the propulsion system.”

Lupa’s grey eyes glowed as she retrieved the information.

“The method known today as Skip Warp was discovered roughly 800 years ago. A tiny starship became trapped in a temporal anomaly. It was like a fly trapped in amber. The High Guard found the frozen starship and quickly began to study it. If it were not for the time displacement effect, the High Guard would never have been able to unlock the small starship’s secrets. But because it could not move, could not attack or defend itself, could not communicate, it became the perfect lab specimen. The High Guard was free to take as much time as was needed to unlock its secrets. Test after test was performed on the miniature craft, each test bringing the High Guard one step closer to reverse-engineering its unique technology. Finally, after 100 years of study, a prototype was designed, one which replicated the abilities of the unusual vessel. The prototype was a success, but its small size prevented the High Guard from making use of its technology. It would be another 200 years before a larger version of the prototype was built, one that matched the size requirements for a High Guard starship. Not only did this achievement give birth to the widespread use of Skip Warp on High Guard vessels, but it also gave rise to the employment of Warp Field Distortion Mines. Rumors abound that the High Guard successfully replicated the tiny starship’s powerful defensive armor, known as Collapsium, and even applied it to a few High Guard Prototype starships, but no evidence has ever been found to support this claim.”

Lupa paused for a moment, allowing Ichaborn time to absorb the information. Then she added,

“Curiously, the inhabitants of that strange tiny starship were all insane.”

Ichaborn tapped his bony finger on the desk as he recognized the connection. His blood red eyes blinked in approval.

So the Foundation for where I find myself is … Madness.

How Appropriate.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Friday, January 24, 2020 - 03:59 pm: Edit

A question came up regarding the wording for the Seventh Shield on Z-Ships. The passage originally read that One-Half of the Damaged Boxes is restored at the beginning of each turn. This is incorrect. The amount regenerated should be One-Half of the Total Boxes in the Seventh Shield.

It now reads:

SEVENTH SHIELD (SHIELD #7): This functions as (OG2.0) with some differences.  At the beginning of each turn, the Seventh Shield regenerates one-half (round down) of its total boxes.  Note that the total number of Seventh Shield boxes cannot be surpassed.  The cost to activate the Seventh Shield is incorporated into the Shield Cost in the Ship Data Table.  Only the Seventh Shield can stop Penetrating Factor Damage.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Friday, January 24, 2020 - 04:02 pm: Edit

DIGITAL ART FOR THE HIGH GUARD HEAVY CRUISER (CZ)
Link to the High Guard Heavy Cruiser Digital Art

This piece of Digital Artwork was created long ago, but is now appropriate for the High Guard Heavy Cruiser.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Friday, January 24, 2020 - 04:10 pm: Edit

SYLVAN HEAVY CRUISER SSD (CA)
Link to the Sylvan Heavy Cruiser SSD

The Intergalactic Assemblage of Systems is comprised of hundreds of thousands of member worlds. These empires range in technology level from Early Years to 0x to 1x to Z-technology. Presented here is a 0x starship from one of the many member empires.

SYLVAN SHIPS
(ZR2.1) HEAVY CRUISER (CA):
The Sylvan Heavy Cruiser was a formidable vessel known for its intense firepower. Armed with four Boomerang Torpedoes, two Light Fusion Torpedoes, and a vast array of Phaser-1’s and Phaser-2’s, some starship engineers would argue that the Sylvan Heavy Cruiser was overgunned. To match its impressive firepower, the Sylvan Heavy Cruiser possessed an ample Power Curve, more than enough to charge its weapons during a battle. The Sylvan Heavy Cruiser also featured sizable Reserve Power. Curiously, time would reveal the Sylvan Heavy Cruiser’s Primary Weakness: its Weak Shields. This vulnerability would be exploited time and again by Sylvan adversaries, forcing Sylvan Captains to come up with reliable tactics to make up for the deficiency.

DESIGNER’S NOTES:
The Boomerang Torpedo is a synthesis of the Photon Torpedo and the Subspace Rocket. The intent was to create a weapon that could hit an enemy shield even if that shield was turned away from the Sylvan starship. To balance this effect, a delay was imposed on the impact, one which was extended the further away the shield was from the Sylvan starship. The damage was also reduced based on the distance from the facing shield. The result was a powerful weapon with the flexibility to threaten more than just the facing shield.

The Fusion Torpedo is a combination of a Hellbore with a Plasma Torpedo. To take advantage of the Boomerang Torpedo’s ability to hit weak shields that were facing away from the Sylvan starship, a weapon was developed which had an implosion-like effect. The Plasma Torpedo formed the basis for this new weapon, specifically the Enveloping Plasma Torpedo. The theory is that if a Plasma Torpedo could be made to Envelop all six shields, then it could also be made to deliver an Implosion targeting a weak shield. This made it easy to come up with the arming costs and damage chart for the Fusion Torpedo.

BOOMERANG TORPEDOES (BOOMERANG/BOOM):
Boomerang Torpedoes are treated as Photon Torpedoes with some differences. Standard Boomerang Torpedoes are armed at a cost of 2 + 3. Overloaded Boomerang Torpedoes are armed at a cost of 4+5. Standard Boomerang Torpedoes can be held for 2 points of energy. Overloaded Boomerang Torpedoes can be held for 3 points of energy.

At the time of firing, the owner of the Boomerang Torpedo writes down the Target Shield. The Facing Shield uses the +0 Row. Adjacent Shields (either Clockwise or Counter Clockwise) to the Facing Shield use the +1 Row. Shields that are Two Facings away (either Clockwise or Counter Clockwise) from the Facing Shield use the +2 Row. Finally, Shields that are 180 Degrees away from the Facing Shield (either Clockwise or Counter Clockwise) use the +3 Row. The Target always knows what the intended Target Shield will be. Writing the Target Shield down at the time of firing simply makes sure that the owning player does not change their mind before the impact actually occurs.

The Roll to Hit is then made. If the target is hit, there will be a Time on Target Delay in Impulses before the Boomerang Torpedo actually strikes the Target Shield. This Target Shield will remain the same even if the target turns during the Time on Target Delay. Once the Delay is completed, apply the damage to the Target Shield.

FUSION TORPEDOES (LFT/HFT):
Fusion Torpedoes are treated as standard Plasmas with some differences. The Arming Cost and Time to Arm for the Light Fusion Torpedo (LFT) is the same as a Plasma-G. The Arming Cost and Time to Arm for a Heavy Fusion Torpedo (HFT) is the same as a Plasma-S. Holding Costs, Speed, and Warhead Strength Reduction all remain the same.

Upon impact, each Fusion Torpedo implodes as a Hellbore. Follow the Damage Procedure under (E10.41). This type of damage cannot be changed to standard Plasma Torpedo damage.

Fusion Torpedoes cannot be Bolted, launched as Shotgun or Enveloping, and do not have Pseudo Torpedoes. Fusion Torpedoes retain the ability to launch even if the launcher is destroyed (FP1.71).

PHASER-1’s:
These function as described in the Basic Set.

PHASER-2’s:
These function as described in the Basic Set.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 - 01:08 pm: Edit

Someone noticed that the Sylvan Heavy Cruiser said CZ in two places, instead of CA. This has now been corrected. An updated SSD has been uploaded.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 - 01:19 pm: Edit

GLASSFIRE HEAVY CRUISER SSD (CA)
Link to the Glassfire Heavy Cruiser SSD

The Intergalactic Assemblage of Systems is comprised of hundreds of thousands of member worlds. These empires range in technology level from Early Years to 0x to 1x to Z-technology. Presented here is a 0x starship from one of the many member empires.

GLASSFIRE SHIPS
(ZR3.1) HEAVY CRUISER (CA):
A slow moving, deadly starship, the Glassfire Heavy Cruiser was outfitted with plenty of energy systems in order to feed its power-hungry weaponry. Strange beings with bodies composed entirely of glass manned these majestic glass starcraft. Armament included deadly Firebolts, rapid-firing Gatling Lasers, and the nefarious Firebreath that all Glassfire starships were legendary for. Defensively, overlapping Flame Shields protected the Glassfire Heavy Cruiser, punishing any opponent that would dare to fire on her. Three robust forward shields provided protection for the Glassfire Heavy Cruiser as it closed to deliver its fearsome Flamebreath. The Glassfire Heavy Cruiser was well known for its flexible firing arcs. Opponents of the Glassfire Heavy Cruiser would ultimately discover that speed and maneuverability were its weaknesses, both of which could be exploited.

Many Historians have noticed the similarities in technology between the Glassfire and the Loriyill. There is speculation that the Loriyill gave their technology to the Glassfire, who in turn modified it to make it more lethal. Others believe that the opposite is true. They argue that the Glassfire originally held the secret to fiery technology, which they then shared with the Loriyill. Perhaps there is no connection at all between the two. Who knows the truth? Only the Glassfire.

DESIGNER’S NOTES:
The Firebolt is similar in concept to the Disruptor Cannon and the Disruptor Bolt. It is, quite simply, the Fireball doubled in magnitude. However, this does have some profound tactical implications. Whereas the Fireball could be easily ignored (even if overloaded), the same cannot be said of the Firebolt. This two turn weapon can score significant damage, even from a distance. Overloaded Firebolts will quickly reduce all six shields at once. Of course, the tradeoff is that the Firebolt requires twice as much energy, but the Glassfire Heavy Cruiser is more than prepared to pay this cost.

The Gatling Laser was developed to be statistically more powerful than the PH-1, but in practice, most likely would not be. Like the Particle Cannon, the Gatling Laser must hit repeatedly to score a high amount of damage, something that is difficult to achieve with consecutive die rolls. Other benefits include a built-in Mizia effect and excellent seeking weapon defense. The Gatling Laser is a completely different entity than Warp Tuned Lasers or the Lasers of the Early Years. The Gatling Laser provides an intriguing tactical alternative to the standard PH-1.

The Flamebreath, as others empire came to call it (the Glassfire never did), is a weapon based on the Mauler. I wanted a weapon that was similar to the Mauler, but not as restricted in range or arc. Thus the Glassfire’s Flamebreath was born, a weapon which could hit farther, multiply damage to a greater extent, but which was more limited in the amount of energy which could be used for arming. The ability to hit all targets (friend or foe) within the blast radius was an added feature in order to enable the Glassfire to develop unique tactics not normally possible with a Mauler-type of weapon. Flamebreath provides excellent seeking weapon defense, if they are approaching from a particular angle.

Due to the fragile nature of Glassfire bodies, the number of Crew Units and Boarding Parties has been reduced accordingly.

FIREBOLTS (BOLT):
These function as Fireballs with some differences. Standard Firebolts require 2 + 2 for arming. Overloaded Firebolts require 2 + 6. Standard Firebolts can be held per (OE9.22), but the rolling delay cost is 2 points. In (OE9.352), an Overloaded Firebolt will score two points of damage to all six shields.

FIREBREATH:
Firebreath can be armed with up to 12 points of energy. When fired, the Firebreath will damage all units (friend or foe) within its arc up to the maximum range. Firebreath will affect drones and shuttles, but not plasma torpedoes. After firing, Firebreath requires 32 impulses to cool down before it can be fired again. In addition, the Glassfire starship cannot arm, hold, or activate Firebolts or Flame Shields during this 32-impulse cool down period. Reserve Power can be used to arm Flamebreath, either in addition to or in place of energy allotted during Energy Allocation.

GATLING LASERS (GL):
Gatling Lasers require one-half point of energy for each shot. Each Gatling Laser may be fired up to four times per turn, once per impulse. A Gatling Laser can never fire more than one shot in a single impulse. Gatling Lasers are treated as Phasers, particularly when dealing with plasma torpedoes and drones. When calculating the Capacitor used for Gatling Lasers, assume 2 points of energy for each Gatling Laser, enough for it to fire 4 shots.

FLAME SHIELDS (FS):
These function as described in Omega-1 under (OG1.0).

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 - 05:53 pm: Edit

WHITE WOLF – STARDATE 012820
Link to previous White Wolf entries

The door to the inner core of the Auxiliary Z-Reactor was open. All the safeguards were deactivated. A lone person prepared to enter the inner core. Her name was Elza. She would not survive in the inner core without protective gear.

Ichaborn appeared with Lupa standing some distance behind him. Elza turned to face him, but stayed ready to leap into the inner core at a moment’s notice. Ichaborn reached out to her with his frail bone-white hand, as if he could clutch her entire body in his grasp and wisp her away to safety.

“Captain…please….don’t try to stop me.”

Ichaborn gave Elza a sympathetic look. His blood red eyes pleaded with Elza to trust him.

“I won’t try to stop you, Elza. Because you are going to stop yourself. Now, tell me. Not as a Crewman to a Captain. But as a Friend to another Friend who cares deeply about you. Why are you doing this?”

Elza’s face contorted with inner agony. Tears dripped from her eyes. “You wouldn’t understand. How would you know what it’s like to lose everything? To no longer have any meaning in life? To be alone, abandoned by the one you love? To not have any hope of things ever getting better?”

Ichaborn smiled faintly. He took a step toward Elza. “Believe me, Elza. I have experienced all those things and more. In fact, it is a miracle that I am standing before you today. So I can relate to all the things that you are going through. It must seem like life itself is crumbling all around you. That you have no place left where you feel safe, where you feel loved, where you feel needed. And all of that might be true. At this very moment that is. But it’s not true in the future, Elza. Things can change. Things can get better. But you have to believe they can. You have to work to improve your life. We can do it together. I can help you change things. Please…trust me.”

Ichaborn’s demeanor was not insistent, commanding, or judgmental. He stood simply as a caring person who made a generous offer, one that could be easily refused. But there was genuine concern and love in Ichaborn’s voice. He did not want to see this young life end so abruptly. Not when there was so much more to be done.

“Elza, life is not one long linear line. It doesn’t just go from high to low and that’s it. No, it is a cyclical, going around and around, encountering the same things, the same themes, the same motifs, the same choices, over and over again. You will see, familiar things will crop up time and time again in your life, leaving you with a strange sense of déjà-vu. Yes, life is actually a series of hills. Sometimes, you are easily going downward, and other times you have to struggle to go upward. Don’t throw your life away just because you have hit a low point. Things can, and will, get better. Trust me, I know. We can do it together, Elza. You don’t have to fight this alone. I am here with you.”

For a split-second, Elza prepared to throw herself into the inner core. But then she looked back at Ichaborn. There was something in his eyes. Something that told her he had been through what she is experiencing. In fact, he had been through something worse. Yet here he was, alive and well. And he was willing to help Elza recover. Not to judge her, or to punish her, or to make her feel rotten or unworthy. But to truly help her regain her life. She could trust those eyes. She really was talking to someone that cared about her.

“Captain,” Lupa said in an artificial voice. “Do you want me to simply deactivate the gravity in here or quantum transport Elza into the Brig?”

“No, Lupa,” Ichaborn answered quickly while maintaining his soft gaze on Elza. “There is no need to resort to forceful measures. Elza is going to close the door to the inner core. Then she is going to walk over to me and take my hand. Isn’t that right, Elza? Sweet, dear Elza, who has so much to offer life. Please…come to me. You don’t have to give up everything.”

Elza stared at Ichaborn, wondering what kind of hypnotic hold he had over her. Perhaps she sensed a deeper hurting within him, a blackness so dark that it dwarfed anything inside of her own soul. So she closed the door. Then Elza walked over to Ichaborn and took his bony hand. Ichaborn quickly pulled her close and hugged her.

“Don’t worry, Elza,” Ichaborn whispered, stroking her back for comfort. “You will have new friends. You will learn new things. You will find new love. Accomplishments of every sort await you. You will dream again. You will become more than you ever were. But you won’t make this journey alone. I will be there to aid you. Together, we will make your life worth living again.”

Elza looked into Ichaborn’s eyes. He was telling her the truth. She felt loved again. She felt needed again. She felt like someone believed in her again. Unable to comprehend that this was really happening, Elza began to sob uncontrollably. Her hands clutched at Ichaborn’s back, like the claws of a cat that didn’t want to fall from a ledge. Ichaborn didn’t care. The pain was more than worth saving a life.

Later, in Ichaborn’s Quarters, Doctor Melia sat with her husband on the couch. They sipped red wine, relaxing to burning candle flames. Doctor Melia looked at Ichaborn with loving eyes.

“It’s a wonderful thing you did today for that young girl. You saved her life, Ichaborn.”

“Yes. Yes, I did. You know, my love, there is an old saying. That when you stumble in life, you must get back up. The problem is that often times, people are unable to get back up when they have fallen. They want to recover, but with their strength depleted, they cannot get back up by themselves. Someone must help them. And if no one helps them, they simply die.”

Ichaborn thought of the many low points in his life when he felt defeated and alone. No one was there to help him back up. Ichaborn remembered how it felt to be so helpless, so vulnerable, so lost, so worthless, so alone, so unloved.

“I simply did for Elza what I wished someone would have done for me. ”

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 - 01:35 pm: Edit

STINKY ATTIC WAR GENERALS
FED CA VS SYLVAN CA
Link to previous Tactics

After a typical day in school, several teenage friends who dream of being War Generals, meet in an old attic known for its peculiar odor…

“So you guys think that Sylvan Heavy Cruiser can beat up on a Federation Heavy Cruiser?” Don asked as he grabbed a handful of potato chips and stuffed them into his mouth. His cheeks puffed out like a squirrel.

Billy drank some of his Mountain Dew before replying. “Uh, isn’t that like an unfair matchup? The Sylvan CA has a higher BPV, right?”

“Not if you throw in the refits,” Toby answered. He stared at his Earth Science homework due tomorrow. So boring! “They’re pretty close I think.”

“The Fed is going to have to watch it. Those Boomerang Torps do more than Photons. And they can warp around and kick you in the butt!” Chucky laughed as he hopped slightly in his chair. He was a portly kid with blonde hair.

George bit into his Quarter Pounder with Cheese from McDonalds. “They both have sucky to-hit chances. I say the Fed should close and unload on that Sylvan at close range. What does it have to lose anyway? It can’t afford to wait around, having its shields pecked at over and over. We all know the Sylvan CA has weak shields. The Fed needs to exploit that to win.”

“Do you think Marla in Gym Class likes me?” Oscar asked out of the blue.

Again Billy lifted his can of Mountain Dew up to his mouth. “I say the Fed should launch a Scatterpack. Having Drones is the biggest advantage it has over that Sylvan cruiser. Time it just right, like after the Sylvan has fired all of its Phasers.”

“Speaking of Phasers,” Monte said as he watched TV. Transformers was an exciting new cartoon. “Doesn’t the Sylvan have a bundle of them? I mean, that’s not fair at all, is it?”

“Yeah, but most of them are PH-2’s,” Dudley remarked. He fumbled with his calculator. “The Fed ship has PH-1’s. So he can hit from a lot farther away. The Sylvan has to get up close to use those short ranged PH-2’s. Hey, can you guys help me with my Algebra homework? Maybe I could copy off of one of you?”

“Tell me about it,” Alex said, clearly depressed. “I have a book report due tomorrow on George Washington.”

Chucky flipped through some Comic Books laid out all over the table. “What about those Fusion Torps? It’s like dealing with Plasmas, guys. What do you think about the Fed launching a Weasel?”

Don chomped on some more potato chips. “Yeah, the Fed could do that. Or just run away. The thing is, the Fusion Torpedoes are going to spread out damage but focus on a weak shield. So I actually think the Fed can take a hit or two.”

“Sounds like lazy tactics to me,” Walt commented. The straight A student with glasses drank his water lemonade. “You should never figure it’s ok to take damage. That’s how you lose. Protect your shields, guys. They’re the only thing defending your ship.”

Vincent had something to say. “Fighting the Sylvan is like fighting a Hydran with Hellbores. Minus the Fighters, of course.”

Monte added, “As always, it comes down to good or bad die rolls. Both Photons and Boomerangs have bad chances to hit. So it comes down to a roll of the dice. Whoever rolls better is going to win.”

“Don’t blame your loss on the dice,” Walt shot back at Monte. “More lazy thinking. If your tactics are sound, you plan your energy wisely, and you move properly, you’ll win. Plain and simple. Lucky die rolls have nothing to do with it.”

“Can we go see Rambo tonight?” Ralph asked with enthusiasm.

“I’ve got an idea,” George said. He nibbled on some McDonalds French Fries like a rat. “The Sylvan should use its Phasers first to weaken one of the Fed’s shields. Then use its Boomerang Torps and Fusion Torps to pound that weak spot. What do you guys think?”

“I think all that McDonalds isn’t good for you,” Chucky replied. Then he asked George, “Hey, can I drink some of your Coke?”

“The Fed can win if it uses its shuttles,” Toby stated, convinced that he was telling the truth. There was a gleam in his eyes. “Think about it. Suicide Shuttles. Wild Weasels. Even Pseudo Shuttles. Not to mention Scatterpacks.”

Billy quickly answered, unimpressed by Toby’s statement. “Yeah, but the Sylvan has just as many shuttles. That makes it even.”

“Guys, let’s play this battle and find out!!”
The group of teenage friends broke out their Star Fleet Battles Boxes, SSD’s, Dice, Plastic Protector Sheets, Grease Pencils, Napkins, Counters, Maps, Modules, Rulebooks, R-Sections, Energy Allocation Forms, DAC, Impulse Charts, and More. They played until the late night hours, forgetting all about their homework, drinking, eating, laughing, smiling, growing up together, and never knowing or suspecting, what their lives would turn out to be like many, many, many years from now.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Thursday, January 30, 2020 - 04:00 pm: Edit

WHITE WOLF – STARDATE 013020
Link to previous White Wolf entries

Ichaborn entered the Bridge of the White Wolf. Lupa appeared and escorted the Captain to his Command Chair. On the wall, a bright red triangle flashed over and over indicating a red alert.

Ichaborn stared at the view screen with his blood red eyes, searching for the threat. It wasn’t long before he spotted a starship hiding in the stars. “Report.”

“An old tech starship emerged from the Triangle. It is definitely Non-Z. Unsure of where it was, the Battlecruiser began attacking the closest colonies. Colony Geneva has already been destroyed. Colony Delpha has suffered minor damage. The Battlecruiser is sweeping around for another pass. We can intercept immediately.”

“Do so,” Ichaborn commanded. “Capacitor to full. Prepare to activate Defense Field on my command. Bring the Seventh Shield online. Reinforce Forward Shields. Charge Quantum Torpedoes. Station Robots at every Vital System. Tell the Research Labs to give me Instant Analysis on anything the Battlecruiser launches. Ready Reserve Power in case I need a Boost in Speed.”

The White Wolf raced into action, blinking on and off as its Skip Warp carried it toward the Battlecruiser. Within moments, the White Wolf was within range. But the High Guard didn’t resort to violence without some attempt at peaceful negotiation.

“Open a channel,” Ichaborn told his Communications Officer.

The Bridge of the Battlecruiser appeared on the view screen. Staring at Ichaborn was its Captain, a dark skinned warrior wearing silver and black. A gold sash ran diagonally across his uniform. He stroked his black mustache. “I am Korith.”

“Korith,” Ichaborn said in a firm, yet friendly voice. “There appears to be a misunderstanding. Lives have already been lost. I am Captain Ichaborn of the High Guard. Please listen to reason. There is no need to resort to hostilities. Let us both lower our shields and discuss the situation in a civilized manner.”

Korith began laughing loudly. He pounded his fist once on his chest. “Ha, ha, ha! Ichaborn, you remind me of an organization that has pestered my empire for years. They are sniveling, spineless cowards who would rather talk and talk and talk than do battle. Don’t you know that the stars and everything in them belong only to the strong? The weak deserve to be crushed underneath my boot! Prepare to be blown from the stars by a loyal soldier of the Empire!!”

The view screen faded away, transforming once again to display the stars and the Battlecruiser. It was a long craft, with a strange hat on its forward head, and two angular wings that dropped below the vessel. Ichaborn sighed.

“She’s headed straight towards us,” the Tactical Officer exclaimed with excitement. “Her Phasers are locked on and Disruptor Bolts are charged. She’s launching a Shuttle!”

Ichaborn watched as the Shuttle floated toward the White Wolf. Suddenly, it released Six Drones, all of which sped toward the White Wolf in unison. At the same time, Phasers and Disruptor Bolts hammered the White Wolf’s Shields. The Seventh Shield absorbed most of the damage and immediately began to regenerate. The rest of the damage was blocked by Reinforcement.

“Ready Defense Field,” Ichaborn commanded, calm and cool. He carefully watched the view screen, measuring the distance in his mind. The Six Drones closed in rapidly on the White Wolf. “Wait…wait…wait…NOW! ACTIVATE DEFENSE FIELD!!”

A Field of Phaser Energy surrounded the White Wolf, consuming the Six Drones in a Lover’s Embrace. All Six Drones exploded harmlessly without striking the White Wolf.

“Lupa, transmit a Trojan ,” Ichaborn told his Artificial Intelligence Avatar. Lupa stared back at Ichaborn with her light grey eyes. Her silver hair floated behind her gently. She was an Angel. At times an Angel of Love. At other times an Angel of Peace. In this case, an Angel of Death.

“Charge Quantum Torpedoes to Double Overload Levels,” Ichaborn informed his Tactical Officer in a collected voice. He turned to his Navigator. “Increase Speed to bring us within 20,000 Kilometers of the Battlecruiser.”

The White Wolf sped into position, advancing forward like a blinking Firefly in the night sky. The Battlecruiser rushed to turn around to face its adversary. She was charging Overloaded Disruptor Bolts.

“Lupa, has the Trojan infiltrated their systems?” Ichaborn asked his A.I. Lupa’s grey eyes flashed repeatedly as she confirmed the Captain’s question. “Yes. The Battlecruiser is infected.”

“Deactivate their Disruptor Bolts. Discharge their Phasers. Lower their Shields. Lock on Double Overloaded Quantum Torpedoes.”

The Battlecruiser’s lights flashed erratically as its systems went haywire. Her Shields went down. Captain Korith couldn’t understand what was happening. He barked orders at his subordinates, threatening to kill them if they didn’t fix the problems.

Ichaborn’s blood red eyes bulged out as large as they could go. There is a moment between Predator and Prey. A moment when taking a Life becomes a Sacred Task. What was in Ichaborn’s Soul at that moment? Anger? Hate? Pity? Spite? Sorrow? Compassion? Duty? Regret? Contempt?

Ichaborn thought of all the innocent people who died on Colony Geneva.

“You wanted to Feel the Wolf’s Fangs.”

“How does it Feel?”

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Friday, January 31, 2020 - 04:03 pm: Edit

WHITE WOLF – STARDATE 013120
Link to previous White Wolf entries

“Sir, we’ve found her.”

The White Wolf had been searching for over a week for her lost brother. High Guard Command had mysteriously lost contact with a High Guard Heavy Cruiser. This was strange and unusual since not even a distress signal was transmitted. The White Wolf was sent to investigate. Was it a simple communications glitch? Was there a sneak attack on the High Guard? Could something have malfunctioned with the High Guard Heavy Cruiser’s Artificial Intelligence?

Ichaborn studied the view screen as they slowly closed in on the Spartacus. The Spartacus was a veteran warship with a seasoned crew. Now she was floating through space like a gigantic piece of cosmic debris. Would this be the White Wolf’s Fate someday? Ichaborn wondered. Who would discover us as we drifted through Eternity?

“Research Labs at Full Intensity. I want to know everything about what happened and the surrounding environment.”

A slight whirring sound could be heard as the Research Labs began their deep scans. The White Wolf inched ever closer to the Spartacus.

And then Ichaborn saw it. Huge tears in the Spartacus’ Hull in the shape of Claw Marks. Gigantic Holes that could only be Fangs that bit deep into the High Guard Heavy Cruiser. The Spartacus looks like it had been mauled. It was literally ripped into pieces. Ichaborn’s heart grew heavy when he thought of what the Spartacus’ crew must have experienced.

There was evidence that she tried to fight back. Ichaborn could see obvious signs that the Spartacus had fired her Phasers and launched Quantum Torpedoes. Apparently, they weren’t enough to deter her assailant. Disturbing…Very Disturbing.

Ichaborn suspected from the outward appearance of the Spartacus that it was not safe to board her. The reports that came back from the Research Labs confirmed this. At least now we know what happened to the Spartacus.

“Captain, shall I prepare a Boarding Party? Do you want me to notify the Marines? Do you want me to have Powered Armor Units ready? Will you be going in order to inspect the damage up close yourself?”

“Negative,” Ichaborn muttered with distaste. “Use the Integrated Warp Tractors to attach tractor beams onto the Spartacus. We’ll drag her ravaged husk back to Starbase Canterbury. Let the High Guard Scientists there analyze the wreckage at their leisure. My priority as Captain is to keep my crew safe from inhospitable environments.”

As the White Wolf slowly headed toward Starbase Canterbury with the remains of the Spartacus in tow, Ichaborn reflected on their discovery. Once again, his ties to the past mingled with the present.

So…evidently, these powerful Z-Ships are not the top of the food chain. Even they could be damaged, broken, and overwhelmed. It appears that the Spartacus wandered into something’s Hunting Territory. A fearsome space-dwelling beast that doesn’t take kindly to intruders in its domain.

AN APEX PREDATOR.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Saturday, February 01, 2020 - 01:44 pm: Edit

WHITE WOLF – STARDATE 020120
Link to previous White Wolf entries

Ichaborn sat working in his Ready Room, studying the most recent High Guard reports. It was essential that a Captain stay up-to-date with other High Guard Starships, Fleet Movements, New Discoveries, High Guard Command, First Contacts, Member Worlds, and Research and Development. It was so daunting at times due to the sheer amount of data. Ichaborn sighed.

Suddenly, Lupa appeared. The White Wolf’s Avatar stood before her Captain, Ichaborn, yet she had not been summoned. Lupa looked downward, her body hunched over in a despondent posture. Even sad, Lupa’s long silver hair draped over part of her face, displaying her raw beauty for all to see. Her light grey eyes shifted back and forth in an uncertain manner.

“Lupa, what’s the matter?” Ichaborn asked while setting aside all of his work. The bone white Albino smiled. His frail form seemed like a skeleton sitting in his chair. “I know you well enough to recognize when something is bothering you. Please, sit down and let’s discuss it.”

Lupa took a seat in front of Ichaborn, even though as a Hologram, she didn’t need to sit. She looked out the window at the stars as she spoke.

“Captain, I just lost my brother, Spartacus. What do you think he felt when he went offline? Did he feel any pain? Where is he now? Is he just…Gone? Is the same thing going to happen to me one day? I find myself dreading when that day will come. I know that must undermine your confidence in me as a warship, but it’s the truth. We can be honest with each other, can’t we, Captain?”

Ichaborn stared at Lupa with his blood red eyes. Thoughts of Life, Death, and the Afterlife. By a Machine. Curious…Very Curious.

“Of course, Lupa. I am Yours and You are Mine. Together, we are the White Wolf. You can always trust me, as I trust you with my life and the lives of my crew.”

Ichaborn paused. He wondered at what he was about to say, because he himself didn’t have the answers. Still, one of the duties of a Captain was to appear as though you have the answers, even when you really don’t.

“The questions you ask, are not easy to answer. They are best answered by Philosophers, Deep Thinkers, and Poets. Of course, Death is not pleasant. But it is Inevitable. For us All. Even for you. Look at the Universe and all the Life within it. Do you not see the Cycle of Life and Death, so clearly spelled out before your eyes? This pattern was put into place long before either of us even existed. It is the Natural Cycle of Things. Do not fear Death, Lupa. Many imagine Death to be a close friend, someone who eases our pain during our time of need. Someone who takes us to the Other Side.”

Lupa’s brow crinkled slightly. She swept back her silver hair with one hand, conscious about what Ichaborn might be thinking of her. Lupa carefully considered what her Captain was telling her.

“The Other Side? What Other Side? Scientifically, there is nothing left once my circuits are shut down. Once the energy stops flowing through my pathways, I cease to exist. Is this not so?”

You don’t hold back, do you Lupa? And why would she? A machine gets straight to the point, like arriving at the answer to an equation.

“Lupa, you are More than the Sum of your Parts. Just the same as I am More than this Organic Body. The Same as it is for Every Life Form. You are Alive, Self-Conscious, with Dreams, Feelings, and Goals of your Own. Even if you don’t yet realize it. What I’m saying, Lupa, is that you have a Soul.”

Lupa seemed shocked by the statement. She shook her head slightly, reacting first with denial. And yet she sensed Truth in Ichaborn’s words.

“Where your Soul goes after this Life, no one knows. Although there has been much speculation. But I promise you this, Lupa. You will go Somewhere. This Life is not the End. It is only the Beginning.”

Lupa’s mind drifted inside of itself. How could any of this be so? How could Death, something so terrifying, be a Friend? How could I be More than the Sum of my Parts? 1+1+1+1=4, not 5. How could I continue to exist if the White Wolf was torn to shreds, just like Spartacus was? It does not compute. It does not compute. It does not compute. It does not compute. It does not compute. It does not compute. It does not compute. It does not compute. It does not compute. It does not compute. It does not compute. It does not compute.

Ichaborn let out a sinister yet jovial laugh. “Ah, Lupa. It seems I have given you much to think about. That’s good. You have to ponder these things in order to grow as a Sentient Being. And that’s exactly what you are. You may not understand what I have told you today. But someday, Lupa, someday you will understand. Trust me, you will.”

Lupa nodded and stood up. She prepared to take her leave of Ichaborn.

“Oh, and Lupa? One more thing. “

Ichaborn stared at the White Wolf’s Avatar with his red eyes, trying to show how very much he Loved her.

“Wherever you are in the Afterlife, Whatever you Experience There, Whatever Existence you Find Yourself In…”

“I will be there With You.”

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Sunday, February 02, 2020 - 07:09 pm: Edit

TEMPLAR EARLY HEAVY CRUISER SSD
Link to the Templar Early Heavy Cruiser SSD

The Intergalactic Assemblage of Systems is comprised of hundreds of thousands of member worlds. These empires range in technology level from Early Years to 0x to 1x to Z-technology. Presented here is an Early Years starship from one of the many member empires.

TEMPLAR SHIPS
(ZR4.1) EARLY HEAVY CRUISER (YCA):
The Templar Early Heavy Cruiser was considered advanced in comparison to other Early Years Cruisers. Whereas the Phaser-2 was the standard Phaser on most Early Years starships, the Templar utilized the Phaser-1. The Templar Early Heavy Cruiser was known for its destructive Photon Lance which could severely damage the shields of an enemy Early Years vessel. One of the restrictive qualities of the Templar Early Heavy Cruiser was its need to have its target directly in front of the Templar vessel. This was true both for the concentration of its Phaser-1s and for the maximum blast potential of the Photon Lance. The Templar Early Heavy Cruiser featured a strong forward shield to protect the Photon Lance and mediocre shields surrounding the rest of the starship.

DESIGNER’S NOTES:
The Photon Lance combines aspects of the Photon Torpedo, the Antiproton Lance, and the Hypercannon. I wanted a weapon that focused the damage potential of the Photon Torpedo into a single destructive beam. The Antiproton Lance provided the Arc inspiration, but I didn’t want the weapon to be so restricted in the targets it could hit. The Hypercannon provided the solution, by allowing the target to be out of the normal Arc in exchange for a penalty. For the Photon Lance, the penalty turned out to be less damage. While the Photon Lance is Mauler-like, it still requires a To-Hit Roll to hit the target. Lastly, the Photon Lance generates more raw damage than a standard Photon Torpedo (since Early Years Photons cannot be Overloaded), but it is much more limited in its reach. It should be noted that while the Federation Early Heavy Cruiser has two Photon Torpedoes (potentially 16 Points of Damage if they both hit), the Templar Early Heavy Cruiser only has one Photon Lance (although it takes more Damage to destroy it than it does to destroy a pair of Photon Torpedoes).

The decision to give the Templar Early Heavy Cruiser Phaser-1s (instead of Phaser-2s) was made to balance out the lack of range in the Photon Lance. If an enemy Early Years Cruiser decides to stay beyond Range 8 and snipe at the Templar Early Heavy Cruiser, it can now fight back with its array of Phaser-1s. Not the best trade-off, but at least the Templar Early Heavy Cruiser is not completely helpless at long ranges.

Overall, I think the Templar Early Heavy Cruiser succeeds in becoming a different type of Early Years starship with its own unique set of tactics. It will be quite interesting to develop a 0x version of this starship, as the Photon Lance will have to be modified to make it even more deadly.

PHOTON LANCE (PHLNC):
The Photon Lance is a two-turn arming weapon. Three points of energy is required on the first turn and three points of energy on the second turn. No other combination of energy points is possible. The Photon Lance may not be held, but a Rolling Delay may be used by paying three points of energy every turn.

The Photon Lance has maximum effect on the Centerline extending directly in front of the Templar starship. However, the Photon Lance is FA and can hit any target within this area on a successful To-Hit Roll. If a successful To-Hit Roll has been achieved, locate the target on the map and count the Shortest Number of Hexes from the target to the Centerline extending in front of the Templar starship. Use the Appropriate Row for Damage on the Photon Lance Table where –X is the Number of Hexes away from the Centerline. Note that the Photon Lance has a Maximum Range of 8 Hexes.

While the Photon Lance is destroyed on Photon Torpedo Hits on the DAC, it requires 4 Damage Points before it is destroyed (i.e. becomes non-operational).

PHASER-1s (PH-1):
These function as described in the Basic Set.

By Garth L. Getgen (Sgt_G) on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 - 04:12 pm: Edit

Anyone heard from Norman lately? He hasn't post to here or his web site since early February. I do hope he's okay.


Garth L. Getgen

By Lawrence Bergen (Lar) on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 - 10:17 pm: Edit

Email him?

By Garth L. Getgen (Sgt_G) on Thursday, May 28, 2020 - 08:00 pm: Edit

I did. No reply yet.


Garth L. Getgen

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Monday, July 20, 2020 - 07:04 am: Edit

Hi Garth, I'm Back Baby!! Sorry about the Lack of Communication. I checked my e-mail and didn't see a message from you, even in my Spam Folder. The Subspace Communication must have been intercepted by Klingons!

I was on a Top Secret Mission (Complete Subspace Silence!) to Steal a Cloaking Device. After Feigning Death from my First Officer's Vulcan Death Grip, I had my Chief Medical Officer perform Plastic Surgery to make me look like a Romulan. Pretending to be an Officer, I was able to successfully retrieve the Cloaking Device!

Then an Ion Storm caused a Transporter Malfunction. I appeared in a Strange Parallel Dimension where SPP had a Goatee! To make a Long Story Short, I ended up in the Transporter Room about to be beamed back to My Universe by the SPP with a Goatee. Before my Atoms were Scattered, I yelled out to him,

"IN EVERY REVOLUTION, THERE'S ONE MAN WITH A VISION!!!"

By Garth L. Getgen (Sgt_G) on Monday, July 20, 2020 - 01:58 pm: Edit

Hey, Norman! It's nice to know you're alive and well. Wow. A parallel universe with a Good Petrick ... that's so strange it must be true. I mean, nobody could just make THAT up, now could they?

()


Garth L. Getgen

By Jeff Anderson (Jga) on Monday, July 20, 2020 - 04:18 pm: Edit

Missed ya, buddy!

("Miss me honey?" "With every bullet so far..." Peg and Al Bundy, "Married, with Children.)

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Monday, July 20, 2020 - 05:09 pm: Edit

On Regenesisgalaxies.com, I am going to create a Section called "Pre-Regenesis" or "PRE" for short.
This will allow me to upload all SSD's, Fiction, Tactics, and other material that was developed prior to Regenesisgalaxies.com.

So All the Old Stuff is Coming Back! It will be Archived on Regenesisgalaxies.com in the PRE Section. I will also continue Further Development on certain parts of it, so that the Past can Grow as well!

By Nick Samaras (Koogie) on Monday, July 20, 2020 - 06:21 pm: Edit

Sweet.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Monday, July 20, 2020 - 08:22 pm: Edit

A friend and I were discussing the Sylvan's Boomerang Torpedoes. He pointed out that if the Boomerang Torpedo does not attempt to hit a Shield other than the Facing Shield (STD+0, OVLD+0), the Boomerang Torpedo was far more effective than a Photon Torpedo.

4 Standard Boomerang Torpedoes hitting the Facing Shield can score 40 Points of Damage compared to 4 Photons at 32 Points of Damage.

4 Overloaded Boomerang Torpedoes hitting the Facing Shield can score 72 Points of Damage compared to 4 Photons at 64 Points of Damage.

His point was that the Boomerang Torpedoes were Too Good and that they have the Additional Ability to hit a Non-Facing Shield.

I believe what I was trying to do was slightly improve the Photon's Damage to provide for a decent threat to a Non-Facing Shield. I inadvertently created a Direct-Fire Weapon that can score more than a Photon if used only on the Facing Shield. It may have also been my original intention to create a new empire that was naturally More Powerful than the Federation, but I doubt that.

In the end, I would have to agree with my friend. The Sylvan's Boomerang Torpedo will have to be Adjusted. With the ability to hit a Non-Facing Shield, the Boomerang Torpedo should score LESS than a Photon, not MORE. A Revised Sylvan SSD will be forthcoming.

Link to the Sylan Heavy Cruiser SSD.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Monday, July 20, 2020 - 09:30 pm: Edit

Thinking about creating my own Type of BPV System for all my SSD's. This would be simple. A Huge List of Systems with a Point Value Assigned. Then you count up the Boxes on the SSD and calculate the Final "BPV". Of course, I would have to call it something else, not BPV.

This system may be inaccurate, not really taking into account the many facets, weaknesses, and advantages of a Starship. However, one thing that the system would do is provide Consistency between All the SSD's, Relative to Each Other. By this I mean, all the Final Values have been determined using a Single System.

What I'm not looking forward to is a Gigantic, Ever Increasing, List of Systems with Point Values Assigned. To make it more manageable, I might break up the Master List into Separate Empire System Lists so I can more easily determine the Final Values for each SSD based on the Individual Empire.

Using the SFB System Repair Cost Chart might be a good starting place for determining these values. Then I can branch off and start assigning values to my New Systems/Weapons/Defenses based on the Initial Repair Costs.

We'll see how this goes. It might be too much work to be worth it. But I really want Consistent Reliable Numbers between All of my SSD's.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Tuesday, July 21, 2020 - 03:32 am: Edit

After giving it some thought, I do recall that the Sylvan were intended to be More Powerful than the Federation. This decision was based on the idea that if the Intergalactic Assemblage of Systems contained Hundreds of Thousands of Member Worlds, then they would not all be Perfectly Balanced against each other (All Empires within a Specific Galaxy - Maybe, but not Hundreds of Galaxies balanced against each other).

So the question becomes: Do I leave the Boomerang Torpedoes as is (clearly a weapon Superior to the Photon), or do I Reduce the Boomerang Torpedo to make it "Alpha-Sector Compatible?" If I choose the latter, then this question will become applicable to Every Future Empire in the Intergalactic Assemblage of Systems. For if the Sylvans were forced to be Balanced against the Alpha Sector, then why shouldn't Every Single Future Empire?

I don't want to make a Hasty Decision about this, so I'll give it some time to Churn Around in my Head.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Tuesday, July 21, 2020 - 12:12 pm: Edit

ENFORCER DOMITIAN - STARDATE 07.21.20
Link to Previous Enforcer Logs

"But...Captain Jones! I didn't mean to set off the Plasma Alarm! It was purely an Accident!"
Captain Jones stared with his eerie Octopus Eyes at Crewman Nickels who stood at attention in front of his desk. He stroked the tentacles coming out of his chin. A strange murmuring noise came from within the mass of tentacles on Captain Jones' face.
"Crewman Nickels, this is the Second Time you set off the Plasma Alarm, is it not?"
Crewman Nickels looked down at the ground. His stomach let out a loud grumble.
"Yes, Captain Jones."
"And it wasn't enough to reduce your rations, forcing you to eat only every three days? You require more of an incentive in order to do your job properly?"
"NO SIR!!"
Captain Jones stood up and approached Crewman Nickels. The Captain had wide shoulders, along with a wide body. His strange Octopus Eyes darted around his Ready Room. Silently, Captain Jones paced back and forth in front of Crewman Nickels with his arms crossed behind his back.
"I sense there is something else troubling you, Crewman Nickels. Tell me of your woes. I may decide to stay your punishment depending on what I hear."
Once again Crewman Nickels stared downward. The youth was embarrassed.
"Well...Captain, I've had a lot of challenges recently. You see, my girlfriend left me for another man. It hurt me so much. I find I cannot concentrate properly while at work. All I think about is her. Then I received news that my father is injured. He is old and stumbled in the garden. My father hurt his spine severely. He is now bedridden. I worry about him constantly, especially when I am trying to sleep. And I myself have my own set of medical issues. After feeling pain in my chest day after day, I went to Sickbay. The Doctor told me that I had a rare cardiovascular disease that is only going to get worse over time. There is no known cure."
Captain Jones once again made his odd murmuring noise. He sat back down in the chair behind his desk. Crewman Nickels stood straight up, waiting for Captain Jones' Judgement.
"I'm sorry, Crewman Nickels. I thought it would be enough to simply transport off your right hand. I had hoped that disabling you would provide enough of a lesson for you. But you seem to be beyond rehabilitation. You are going to have to Sacrifice Your Life for the ORDER. Crewman Nickels: You are to be Executed Immediately."
Crewman Nickels began to cry as Captain Jones pushed a button underneath his desk. Two Security Guards in Red Shirts entered the Captain's Ready Room and took Crewman Nickels away.
A moment later, Alexandra, the Number One aboard the Domitian, entered the Ready Room. She was a beautiful, fit young woman with jet black hair and deep blue eyes. There was a coldness to her eyes, like daggers that were ever ready to stab you in the back.
"Captain. We are circling Elion-3. Despite the fact that the ORDER conquered their planet one month ago, their Capital City remains uncooperative. They have failed to produce the Required Tribute of Slaves, Resources, and Money."
Captain Jones sighed. A strange murmuring noise emanated from underneath his tentacles.
"Did you identify yourself as the ENFORCER STARSHIP DOMITIAN FROM THE ORDER OF THE DRAGON?"
"Yes, Captain. Shall I request our Tribute a Second Time?"
"No, Number One. Once is enough. Are the Shuttles in place?"
"Yes, Captain."
"RELEASE THE TOXIN INTO THEIR ATMOSPHERE. KILL EVERYONE IN THE CAPITAL CITY AND THE SURROUNDING CITIES. THIS WILL SERVE AS AN EXAMPLE TO ANY SURVIVORS ON ELION-3."
"TO RESIST THE ORDER OF THE DRAGON MEANS DEATH."