THE PROTO SECTOR
DESIGNER NOTES
Link to the Proto Sector

The First Galaxy I ever worked on, this New Galaxy has gone through Several Iterations. Here is a quick summary:

OMEGA REGENESIS: 2000 Years in the future, tons of new Omega Empires, 24 Warp, Subspace Ragnarok, Subspace Fissures, Scions of Scon attempting to undo the damage, Imbalanced Designs, Playtesting against Original Omega Empires.

REGENESIS: New Omega Designs with 30 Warp, Imbalanced Designs, Playtesting against Alpha Sector Empires.

PROJECT-O: Brand New Designs with Revised Omega Technology, Revised Omega Phasers, Addition of Drones, Balanced Designs, Playtesting against Alpha Sector Empires.

PROTO SECTOR: * CURRENT ITERATION *

Unlike Omega Regenesis, Regenesis, and Project-O, the Proto Sector takes place far, far in the Omega Sector’s Past. This can be 2000 years, 5000 years, 10,000 years, 100,000 years, a million years, or even a billion years ago. The Technobabble doesn’t really matter (I am just interested in the Tabletop Experience while playing the New Designs). The point is that it was Long, Long Ago.

This time placement of the Proto Sector is Poetic for numerous reasons. This is because the Proto Sector seeks Balance in many ways, specifically Alpha Sector Balance. Yes, the Proto Sector seeks to produce Alpha Sector Level Starships and Empires, which means that, in theory, you could replace Any Alpha Sector Empire in a Scenario with Any Proto Sector Empire, and Gameplay would remain Fairly Balanced. This is a Tall Order indeed. Clearly, each Ship Design must be carefully built from the Ground Up, not simply be a Modification of an Original Omega Ship.

But Balance between Ships is not the only Axiom in the Proto Sector. There is also Balance between Empires. Like the Alpha Sector, Proto Sector Empires will have Clear, Established Borders which rarely shift. There is a Balance of Power. There is Balance between Technology and Advancements. There is Balance between Fleets and what Empires can handle according to their Neighbors. There is Balance in Politics, Resources, Shipbuilding, and Economy.

And this leads to how the Proto Sector is Poetic when compared to the Omega Sector which would come way, way later. From Order to Chaos. From Balance to Imbalance. From Peace to War. From Negotiation to Aggression. From Balanced Empires to Imbalanced Empires. From Balanced Ships to Imbalanced Ships. From Balanced Technology to Imbalanced Technology. The Proto Sector and the Omega Sector are Yin and Yang, constantly twirling around each other, one Black and one White, forever Inseparable.

It is important to note that Ship Design in the Proto Sector is not as simple as just giving an Omega Ship 30 Warp. I tried that in Regenesis (see above), and it didn’t work. Something much more fundamental must occur at the Early Design Stages to reach the Goal of Alpha Sector Ship Balance.

The first thing I had to do was throw out All of the Omega Phasers. I’m sorry, but having a ton of different Phasers only makes Playtesting and Balance Impossible. You have Omega Phasers that score 7 Points of Damage Max (although Damage is spread out more), Omega Phasers that score 13 Points of Damage Max, Omega Phasers that Automatically Hit, Omega Phasers that score 11 Points of Damage Max, Omega Phasers that score 12 Points of Damage Max, and Omega Phasers that can fire 3 Times scoring 3 Points of Damage Max. Not to mention all the different Range Brackets for the Many Omega Phasers. While intriguing, all these Different Kinds of Phasers make Alpha Sector Balance Impossible to achieve. This is why Regenesis (see above) and even Project-O (see above) did not achieve their Objective.

The solution is simple. In order to achieve Alpha Sector Ship Balance, you have to use Alpha Sector Phasers. Players might say: “Well, that is boring, that is stagnant, that is what we have seen for decades.” And yet, that is what Works. That is what has been proven to have Balance. That is what has been shown to work with Scenarios and BPV in general. Therefore (because of the Design Objective in the Proto Sector), the Proto Sector will use Alpha Sector Phasers.

Every single Omega Weapon, Defense, and Technology will be Examined and Compared to its Alpha Sector Equivalent. Changes, Deletions, and Modifications can then be made to bring the Technology as Close as Possible, as Balanced as Possible, to the Alpha Sector. This won’t always be Possible. Some Technologies may need to be thrown out completely. We will see.

Most importantly, Ship Construction from the Ground Up, MUST Mirror the Alpha Sector. There are some Wild and Unusual Ship Design Elements in Omega (Not referring to Weapons, Defenses, or Devices) that simply will not work in terms of Balance with the Alpha Sector. These must be Weeded Out and Reconfigured so that they are Balanced with the Alpha Sector (as much as possible).

The Goal here is not to simply create a Clone of an Alpha Sector Ship, but to Capture Critical Elements of Omega Flavor and incorporate them into a Balanced Ship Design. Finished Proto Sector Ship Designs may look like Alpha Sector Ships, but they are Not due to their Omega Technology. But at the same time, they are not Omega Ship Designs, because of their Alpha Sector Ship Balance. So the Proto Sector turns out to be what I intended…Something Completely Different…a Unique Hybrid of Omega and Alpha Ship Design.

One last point to make here is that this is NOT a Negative Review of the Omega Sector (although it may seem that way). The Omega Sector is a Wonderful Creation that accomplished what it set out to do. It provided a Fresh, New Galaxy full of Varied Technologies, Varied Weapons, Varied Ships, Varied Empires, Varied Borders, and Varied History. Ultimately, this led to Imbalance, but it gained many other Attributes in Exchange. The Lack of Drones and Fighters (in the beginning) made Gameplay Faster and Simpler. The Shifting of Range Brackets and Overload Ranges forced the Generation of New Tactics. The New and Different Technology gave Captains something New to Master. Every Single Empire was Interesting to Read About. The Chaotic History was Engrossing. Perfect Balance with the Alpha Sector was Not the Goal. In fact, it was intended to be the Opposite of the Alpha Sector. Bruce Graw and his Team achieved their Objective and the Omega Sector was Born! Without the Omega Sector, the Proto Sector would not Exist. The Omega Sector provides the Inspiration and Drive to work on the Proto Sector. The Omega Sector is the Proto Sector’s MUSE.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Tuesday, December 01, 2020 - 10:17 pm: Edit

THE PROTO SECTOR
Link to the Romanus Heavy Cruiser SSD

ROMANUS SHIPS
(PSR1.1) HEAVY CRUISER (CA):

The Romanus Heavy Cruiser formed the backbone of the Romanus Fleet. Capable of performing a wide variety of missions, the Romanus Heavy Cruiser was also a fair combatant. Armed with Tachyon Guns, Tachyon Rockets, Batteries of Phasers, and Well Fortified Shields, the Romanus Heavy Cruiser fared well in battle. The Romanus Heavy Cruiser was uniquely designed to have more Reserve Power than the Average Heavy Cruiser, specifically to charge the Tachyon Guns as the need arose in combat. The Tachyon Rockets employed by the Romanus were an ever present threat to an opponent, one that could not be easily ignored or dismissed. A single hit from a Tachyon Rocket could seriously damage an adversary’s Shield, creating a severe weakness that could be further exploited by other Romanus Weaponry.

DESIGNER NOTES:

Due to the Complexities (Modular Construction) and Potential for Imbalance (with Alpha Sector Weaponry), Tachyon Missiles were immediately identified as an Issue. Instead of Revising pages and pages of Rules, it was simpler to create a Brand New Seeking Weapon: the Tachyon Rocket.

The Base Tachyon Rocket is essentially Two Type-I Drones Combined, with some Additional Features. Only One Tachyon Rocket can be Launched per Turn. I never liked the idea of a Single Tachyon Missile launching per Turn from Two Separate Racks. That didn’t make sense to me. So for Tachyon Rockets, they all launch from a Single Tachyon Rack, but the Tachyon Rack takes Two Damage Points on the DAC to Destroy. This makes sense since the Tachyon Rocket is essentially One Huge Missile. More versions of the Base Tachyon Rocket (and other Racks) will be introduced in the Future.

Tachyon Guns were a completely different challenge. Their Basic Design seemed sound based on the 2:1 Alpha Sector Principle. You put in 2 Points of Energy over 2 Turns and it yields 4 Points of Damage at Close Range and then Progressively Lessens as the Range Extends Out. You put in 8 Points of Energy over 2 Turns and it yields 16 Points of Damage at Close Range and then Progressively Lessens as the Range Extends Out. This seemed Balanced and created a sort of Photon/Disruptor Synthesis based on the 2:1 Alpha Sector Ratio. However, the To-Hit Probabilities of the Tachyon Gun have always bothered me. They are simply Too Good. Consider that the Original Tachyon Gun has an 83% Chance to hit from Range 0 out to Range 16! This is Far Better than even a Disruptor! Additionally, the Original Tachyon Gun has a 66% Chance to hit from Range 17-32 (and that’s with No Proximity Feature)! This was simply Too Good, in my Opinion. After carefully comparing the To-Hit Probabilities and Range Brackets to the Disruptor and Photon, I Revised the To-Hit Chances on the Tachyon Guns to make them more Balanced with the Alpha Sector. The New Weapon Design is simply called a Revised Tachyon Gun.

In a different area of Ship Design, Reserve Power and Total Power came into question. It seemed to me that it was important for a Captain who was utilizing Tachyon Guns in warfare, to have Plenty of Extra Power available to boost the Tachyon Guns should the enemy suddenly come into range during the Turn. Tachyon Guns are unique in this respect, in that they are very much dependent on what actually occurs during the Turn in terms of speed, turning, movement, and maneuvering. The enemy can slip in and out of optimum firing range of the Tachyon Gun in just a few impulses. Therefore, Reserve Power was critical. For this reason, I gave the Romanus Heavy Cruiser 5 Batteries. I thought this made sense and that the Engineers would have certainly made this decision, if they could do so (economically with available resources). Furthermore, I raised the Total Power on the Romanus Heavy Cruiser so that it has plenty of Power, in addition to the Reserve Power. Again, these decisions were made to primarily fuel the Four Tachyon Guns in Combat.

Lastly, in terms of Hull, Labs, Shuttles, Warp (30), Shields, Phasers, Impulse, APR, and Control Boxes, you will find the Romanus Heavy Cruiser to be On Par with the Alpha Sector Heavy Cruisers. These Internals, which are often overlooked, are Essential to making sure this Proto Sector Starship is Balanced with its Alpha Sector Counterpart.

In Conclusion, the Romanus Heavy Cruiser is a Starship that is Balanced against the Alpha Sector, but retains the Omega Flavor it was based on. You should be able to replace Any Alpha Sector Heavy Cruiser in a Scenario with the Romanus Heavy Cruiser and it should work. Furthermore, the Revised Tachyon Guns and Tachyon Rockets require New Tactics to be Victorious. In this way, the Romanus Heavy Cruiser is not just another Alpha Sector Cruiser, but something New and Different which is Reminiscent of the Omega Sector.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Wednesday, December 02, 2020 - 08:58 pm: Edit

SCALLYWAG BOOTLEGGER SSD
INTERGALACTIC ASSEMBLAGE OF SYSTEMS
Link to the Scallywag Bootlegger 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 that threatened many of the member empires.

SCALLYAG SHIPS
(ZR7.1) BOOTLEGGER(BOOT):

The Scallywag Bootlegger was just one of many starships employed by the Scallywags to disrupt, raid, annoy, harass, and distract the High Guard and the Intergalactic Assemblage of Systems. These ships were mischief makers, causing disturbances constantly, always a thorn in the side of the High Guard. While the Scallywag Bootlegger was no match for a High Guard Heavy Cruiser, it was well suited for the tasks it normally engaged in: kidnapping, transporting stolen merchandise, assassination, theft, pillaging, scouting, selling illegal goods, exchange of black market items, information brokering, and more.

Armed with Pulsed Plasma Bolts and Phasers, the Scallywag Bootlegger was more than capable of defending itself. However, the Scallywag Bootlegger excelled in a single tactic that the ship was designed for: Theft of Items or Personnel from an Enemy Vessel. Using its Boosted Tractor Beams, the Scallywag Bootlegger would maintain hold of its prey. The Shield Degenerator would severely weaken the target’s Shields. The application of close range weaponry would cause a single Shield to collapse, allowing the Scallyway Bootlegger to obtain what it needed from the target vessel. Boarding Parties would transport over freely, returning with whatever the mission objective was. The Scallywag Bootlegger would then speed off, even as the enemy starship’s Shields began to return.

But what made the Scallywag Bootlegger the most feared was its use of a device called the Darkness Shield. This unique piece of technology (only employed by the Scallywags and never successfully duplicated) could camouflage the Scallywag Bootlegger against the stars behind it, causing it to nearly become invisible. It would be like a solid black cloud floating in space, still perceptible, but only barely. To the dismay of all who opposed the Scallywag Bootlegger, they found that the Scallywag could still fire while blending in with the environment! Any return fire against the Scallywag Bootlegger discovered that their damage was greatly reduced in effect due to the Darkness Shield. The Scallywags would never have been so successful and pervasive in their intergalactic business dealings if not for the use of the extraordinary device known as the Darkness Shield.

DESIGNER NOTES:

The Scallywag Bootlegger is one of the first villains presented that the High Guard would have to fend off in order to protect the Intergalactic Assemblage of Systems. This small Pirate Vessel was not designed for Direct Combat, but instead excelled as Subterfuge and Covert Operations. As such, its design was quite different from the Standard Combat Vessel.

Pulsed Plasma Bolts are akin to Weak Disruptor Bolts, but can fired multiple times per turn. They are restricted only to intervals of 4 impulses. This prevents concentration of fire, but allows the Scallywag Bootlegger to press the attack on a target ship that is attempting to flee away.

Boosted Tractor Beams work in conjunction with the Shield Destabilizer. Boosted Tractor Beams grab hold of the target, allowing the Shield Destabilizer to automatically hit. This causes the target’s Shields to be critically weakened, but only for a very brief period of time. The Scallywag Bootlegger must take advantage of that moment, penetrating the weakened Shield in order to transport over troops to steal the objective.

The Darkness Shield acts like a Cloak, but without some of its Disadvantages. Its purpose is different from a Cloak, which was designed to give the Starship time to Rearm its Plasma Torpedoes. The Scallywag Bootlegger has no such Seeking Weapons, so its use of the Darkness Shield is different. It will employ this device to get close to its target, allowing it to attach its Boosted Tractor Beams. At times, the Scallywag Bootlegger will engage enemy combat vessels, using the Darkness Shield as a vital Advantage over them in direct fire exchanges. However, every Scallywag Captain knows that their Small Starship cannot take much of a Beating, so they avoid this situation as much as possible, even with the use of the Darkness Shield.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Friday, December 04, 2020 - 04:46 pm: Edit

FIREFLY – STARDATE 12.04.20
Link to previous Firefly Logs

Captain Tink stared at the Giant Swirling Anomaly on the View Screen. This Huge Entity made their Heavy Cruiser seem like a Tiny Bug. It stared at the Firefly like a Giant Eye, Inspecting, Examining, Taunting…

Helm, maintain our distance. Keep us at least 300,000 kilometers away from the Anomaly, no closer.

Aye, Captain.

The Spiders and the Jellies floated much closer to the Anomaly. The Squid as well. Fools. You never know what might occur with the Anomaly. It might spit something out, or draw you in without warning, or shoot out blasts of cosmic energy. How are we to know? Sensor Scans are inconclusive. We need more data. We need more time. Don’t risk your crews on an unknown variable. Fortunately, the Trees and the Birds listened to our advice. They are staying a good distance away, as we are.

The Squid fired a Bioelectric Bolt at the Jellies and the Spiders. In response, the Jellies fired an Antimatter Cannon back at the Squid. The Spiders ducked and rotated quickly, firing a couple of Particle Beams in retaliation. All of the shots were simple displays of power, a show of dominance over their antagonistic neighbors. What Immature Buffoons.

The Truth was that Captain Tink was tired of his existence. Doing the same old thing, patrolling the same borders, writing up the same old reports, giving the same old orders, examining the same space curiosities, transporting the same old dignitaries, and fighting the same old battles. His Soul yearned for something new, something different. And for some reason, this Immense Swirling Eye seems to have provided it. It has stirred something within Captain Tink that has been dormant and suppressed for a long, long time. That thing that brought him into deep space in the first place.

Captain Tink, something is emerging from the Anomaly!!

Science Officer, Continuous Scans. I want every bit of data you can gather.

Yes, Captain.

The Firefly watched with astonishment as a Giant Space Creature emerged from the Space Anomaly. This Titanic Monster reminded Captain Tink of the Dragons, but it was different. It was noticeably slower. But there was something else. An odd Circular Protective Covering that stretched across nearly the entire body. If Captain Tink’s guess was correct, this Covering was some type of Armor…

Science Officer, Report.

Data Banks searching now, Captain. Just another moment. Here it comes. The Giant Creature is related to a Sea Dwelling Reptile of Superfamily Chelonioidea, Order Testudines, Suborder Cryptodira. The Reptile inhabits many Class-M Worlds, but has gone extinct on a few Planets. Perhaps this Space Creature is simply seeking its Distant Relatives?

Captain Tink considered the possibility. But making any assumptions at this point was dangerous. We have to assume the Creature is dangerous until proven otherwise.

If I recall correctly, Science Officer, there are many different types of Testudines Cryptodira. Narrow down the information and zero in on the exact species that corresponds to this Space Monster. The result could be critical for how we interact with it.

Just a moment, Captain. The computer is working now. Data is Filtering…Narrowing Down…Weeding Out Irrelevant Information…Generating Conclusion…There! I have it!!

What is it?

STUPENDEMYS GEOGRAPHICUS

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Saturday, December 05, 2020 - 09:44 am: Edit

FIREFLY – STARDATE 12.05.20
Link to previous Firefly Logs

The Spiders charged at the Giant Space Turtle. Particle Phasers and Particle Beams pounded the Protective Shell of the Great Beast. The Monster roared in anger. Closer and Closer the Spider Vessel soared.

Those Idiotic Arachnids! Always thinking with their Stomachs!! If the Space Turtle was Nonhostile, then you have just Declared War on it. And now we ALL must fight that War!

Communications Officer, open a Hailing Frequency to the Space Turtle. I suspect it either has Intelligence or has a Crew within it that has Intelligence. Keep trying until it responds!

Aye, Captain!

Just as the Spiders reached 20,000 kilometers, the Massive Space Turtle opened its mouth wide. A crackling ball of energy erupted forth, heading straight toward the incoming vessel. The Seeking Energy slammed into the Forward Shield of the Spider Ship, obliterating it completely. The Spiders were vulnerable. Then the Space Turtle’s eyes glowed with Radiation. Nothing shot out of those Bright Red Eyes, but the Spiders burned with agony. Their ship was being ravaged by Radiation. A barrage of Electric Bolts finished the Spiders, Crippling their starship almost to the point of Death.

Science Officer, Analysis on those Weapons!

The Seeking Energy is similar to the Torpedoes used by the Concrete Blobs. Correction! Its configuration is actually more similar to the Firebreath employed by the Dragons. The Severe Radiation emitted from the Creature’s Eyes is identical in effect to the Phasers employed by the Concrete Blobs, but Magnified significantly. Could this Beast be some kind of Secret Weapon they Grew? Or are they Collaborating with the Dragons? The distance between the two empires is too vast for that possibility.

Enough Speculation, Science Officer. Continue with your Weapons Analysis.

My apologies, Captain. The Electric Bolts match nearly exactly to the Bolts generated by the Squids. Another Strange Coincidence? This doesn’t make sense, Captain. How can a Foreign Creature mix the weaponry from Three Different Empires?

Indeed, Captain Tink thought. Perhaps this Anomaly has brought this Monster from our Future? Or maybe from our Past? Or could it be from an Alternate Dimension? We know that such Dimensions do exist…

Sir, the Squid is making an Attack Run.

Captain Tink watched the View Screen as the Squid with Tentacles closed in on the Space Turtle. Its strategy was clear: get close enough to use its Deadly Whips on the Foreign Beast. But could it survive to get close enough? Both the Squid and the Space Turtle exchanged Electric Bolts, a strange sight to see in any lifetime. Again the Space Turtle’s Eyes glowed bright red, unleashing its deadly Radiation upon the Squid. The Living Entity cried out in pain, but continued on its course. At 10,000 kilometers, the Squid released its Fearsome Plasma Whips, brutally cutting apart pieces of the Space Turtle’s Protective Shell. It seemed impossible, but the Giant Beast still seemed unharmed, even after sustaining massive damage from both the Spiders and the Squid. Fearing for its life, the Squid turned to flee, releasing a Plasma Cloud for cover. The Cloud of Plasma did little to stop the Ball of Seeking Energy that the Space Turtle vomited once again. The Squid screamed a loud Death Cry and went Silent.

Communications Officer, any reply from our Hails?

No Response, Captain, the Communications Officer replied with frustration.

Their Communications may have been disrupted by traveling through the Anomaly, the Science Officer suggested.

The Giant Space Turtle was chasing the Jellies now. Luckily for the Jellies, the Monster was slow and cumbersome. The Jellies fired Antimatter Cannons and Microphasers at the Huge Creature, pummeling its Shell further. In response, the Space Turtle shot back Electric Bolts coupled with Radiation Bursts. The exchange went back and forth, until finally, one of the Jellies’ Shields went down. The Giant Beast immediately took advantage of the opportunity, releasing another Ball of Energy that struck the Jellies where they lacked a Shield. In the next few moments, the Jellies were obliterated by a combination of Electric Bolts and Radiation Beams.

Navigator, status on the Trees?

They are maintaining a greater distance than we are, Captain.

Good. They have always been wise. Their role is to Observe and Record, not Intervene.

Captain…

Captain Tink watched in horror as the Birds began to fire upon the Space Turtle. They were closing in fast on the Immense Creature.

No, my friends! No! This is not the way. Didn’t you see what just happened? We cannot overwhelm this Creature with Brute Force. More studies must be conducted upon it. We might be able to communicate with it, if they are given time to repair their communications equipment…

Sir, the Birds are taking Heavy Damage. Their Tachyosonic Beams and Sonic Pulsers scored little damage against the Space Turtle’s Protective Shell. According to Scans, they won’t be able last more than a few more seconds…

Well, Captain Tink. You yearned for some excitement in your boring, repetitive life. Now, you’ve got it. Be careful what you wish for, they say. A Suicide Run is not what I expected. Ah well, if you’re going to go, why not go out while trying to save Very Good Friends?

Arm the Fireballs. Charge Phaser Capacitors to Maximum. Prepare to fire Quantum and Microphasers on my Command. Ready the Flame Shields. Raise them on my Command. That should Reflect some of the Beast’s Damage back at itself. Make sure that all Reserve Power is ready for use at a moment’s notice. Reinforce the Forward Shield by Ten Percent. Divert all Remaining Power to the Warp Engines. Maximum Speed.

HELM…INTERCEPT COURSE.

By Garth L. Getgen (Sgt_G) on Saturday, December 05, 2020 - 01:36 pm: Edit

Fantastic! They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but your words paint the picture.


Garth L. Getgen

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Saturday, December 05, 2020 - 02:00 pm: Edit

Thanks Garth! I appreciate all your support and encouragement.

I hope you are doing well during these unstable times.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Saturday, December 05, 2020 - 10:39 pm: Edit

NEWTLING HEAVY CRUISER SSD
Link to the Newtling Heavy Cruiser SSD

THE PROTO SECTOR

NEWTLING SHIPS
(PSR2.1) HEAVY CRUISER (CA):

The Newtling Heavy Cruiser was known for its excellent maneuverability and quick firing seeking weapons. Armed with FIRE and SURGE Torpedoes, all of which could be concentrated to the Bow of the Vessel, the Newtling Heavy Cruiser was a master of seeking weapon combat. Pseudo Torpedoes would be used to misdirect the enemy, while Bolts were used if the range changed unexpectedly. The Newtling Heavy Cruiser possessed a wide variety of Phasers, a trait that led to unique tactics in battle. Opponents of the Newtling Heavy Cruiser were aware that its Wings that could Separate, but most were not prepared for sheer number of Shuttles that the Newtling Heavy Cruiser carried. The Newtling Heavy Cruiser was outfitted with an abundance of Power so that it would no problems arming its FIRE and SURGE Torpedoes in combat.

DESIGNER NOTES:

HEAT Torpedoes posed a difficult challenge. I never liked how Accentuated HEAT Torpedoes were Tied To (and Dependent On) Target Accentuators. Heavy Weapons should operate fully by themselves, like Photons, Disruptors, Plasmas, ESG’s, PPD’s, Fusion Beams, and Hellbores. But here you have a Heavy Weapon (the HEAT Torpedo) which is partially Dependent on a Separate Device (the Target Accentuator) to serve as a Catalyst for its Accentuated Torpedoes. You don’t see Fusions or Hellbores requiring a Separate Device to fire their Overload Function.

Right away, I knew I needed to discard the Target Accentuators. That left the HEAT Torpedo alone with Two Functions, the Basic Torpedo and the Accentuated Torpedo. And then it struck me that these were actually Two Different Weapons. They needed to be Separated. This worked out nicely because, with the loss of the Target Accentuators, there was only One Heavy Weapon Left (the HEAT Torpedo). If I Separated out these Two Functions, there would now be Two Heavy Weapons.

And so I ended up with what would be known as the FIRE Torpedo and the SURGE Torpedo. The FIRE Torpedo handled the HEAT Torpedo’s Basic Function. The SURGE Torpedo handled the HEAT Torpedo’s Accentuated Function.

But the FIRE Torpedo needed something else to make it more Playable. Right now, it was only a Speed 32, Two Turn (possibly Three Turn) Plasma which dealt Damage on par with a Photon Torpedo. However, unlike the Photon Torpedo, it was a Seeking Weapon that could be shot at or distracted by a Wild Weasel. The FIRE Torpedo’s 2:1 Ratio seemed consistent, as it required 6 Points of Energy and scored 12 Points of Damage at 9-12 Impulses of Movement. So hitting at Impulses 0-8 was something of a Bonus, as the FIRE Torpedo scored 16 Points of Damage for 6 Points of Arming Energy (a greater 2:1 Ratio). However, to make the FIRE Torpedo Playable (meaning it offered the Player something significant and tactical), the FIRE Torpedo needed More Options. It needed the Plasma Options of the Alpha Sector.

Therefore, I concluded that the FIRE Torpedo would have Pseudo Plasmas, Enveloping Torpedoes, and Plasma Bolts. This would give the FIRE Torpedo the Tactical Depth that matched Alpha Sector Play. But there would limitations on these options. For example, the Pseudo, Enveloping, and Bolt Options would only be available to the FIRE Torpedo if it armed over Three Turns. If the FIRE Torpedo was Quick Loaded in Two Turns, it could not use the Pseudo, Enveloping, or Bolt Options.

Of course, the FIRE Torpedo would retain its most striking feature, the ability to Change Targets while in flight. This is a remnant characteristic of the HEAT Torpedo which I wanted to maintain. The Ability to Change Targets is mostly used to Negate a Wild Weasel, but it can also be useful in Fleet Engagements.

Because SURGE Torpedoes travel at Speed 64, they cannot Change Targets like the FIRE Torpedo. In addition, SURGE Torpedoes will not have the Pseudo, Enveloping, or Bolt Options. So the SURGE Torpedo remains an Ultra-Fast, Two to Three Turns Arming, Seeking Weapon that scores damage along the lines of an Overloaded Disruptor. Since it has been separated out from the HEAT Torpedo, the SURGE Torpedo can be launched on its own at critical moments during an engagement when it will serve the Newtling Starship best. The Ultra-Fast Speed (Speed 64) of the SURGE Torpedo, combined with the Fast Speed (Speed 32) of the FIRE Torpedo will lead to New Tactics being developed, both for the Newtling Captain and the Opposing Captain. Remember that the SURGE Torpedo has been freed from its reliance on the Target Accentuator.

SURGE Torpedoes (like Accentuated HEAT Torpedoes) are not efficient in terms of the 2:1 Ratio. You put in 7 Points of Energy and score 9 Points of Damage after 9-12 Impulses and 12 Points of Damage after 0-8 Impulses. This is most likely due to the Advantage gained by moving at Speed 64. Still, I may drop the Arming Cost to 6 or 5 Points of Energy to make the 2:1 Ratio a little bit better for the SURGE Torpedo.

Loss of Maneuverability and Wing Jettison are still incorporated into the Newtling Starship, except that there are Four Wings instead of just Two Wings. I really don’t see this coming into play much except if All the Left Warp or All the Right Warp is destroyed. Then the Newtling Starship will Turn a little bit Worse. This won’t happen until near the end of the game. And Jettisoning the Wings is akin to Saucer Separation. While cool in theory, how often does it actually happen in a game? The Wing Jettison will only yield a slightly faster Movement Cost. But Loss of Maneuverability and Wing Jettison were part of the Original Omega Flavor, so these characteristics were retained.

In terms of Internals, the Newtling Heavy Cruiser is now Alpha Sector Equivalent. Interestingly, it is a Cross between a Gorn, a Kzinti, and a Klingon. It has 6 Shuttles (like the Gorn), as well as a suite of Phaser-1’s, Phaser-2’s, and Phaser-3’s. The amount of Hull is close to both the Gorn and the Kzinti. The Plasma Arcs for the FIRE and SURGE Torpedoes have been improved to Alpha Sector Standards so that they can be concentrated forward. Warp Power is the same as the Gorn. Total Power is now the equivalent of the Gorn. Shields are similar to the Kzinti and the Gorn. Yet the Sensors and Scanners match the Original Omega Design.

In summary, it was critical that the Newtling Heavy Cruiser be different in play from the Gorn and the Romulan. At the same time, it had to feature improvements over the Original Omega Design. The FIRE Torpedoes can be Quick Loaded and can Change Targets. This makes them different from Plasmas utilized by the Gorn and the Romulans. They also have the Additional Alpha Sector Plasma Options (Pseudo, Enveloping, Bolt), if they choose to Arm over Three Turns. The SURGE Torpedoes offer a Seeking Weapon that moves at Speed 64, Score Damage similar to an Overloaded Disruptor, and can be Quick Loaded in Two Turns. These attributes are quite different from the Typical Plasmas employed by the Gorn and Romulan. In fact, the SURGE Torpedo is also different from the Paravian’s Quantum WaveTorpedo.

The Internals and Shields are equivalent to Alpha Sector Standards, making gameplay between the Newtling CA and Alpha Sector CA’s equal. The mixture of PH-1’s, PH-2’s, and PH-3’s is different from other Alpha Sector Empires, thereby creating the need for New Tactics based on Phasers alone. But with the Gorn’s Shuttles and Total Power, the Newtling CA should not be underestimated.

Of course, there are also the Loss of Maneuverability and Wing Jettison Rules. While unlikely to be used, they add to the Original Omega Flavor of the Newtling Heavy Cruiser.

I believe the Newtling Heavy Cruiser succeeds in fulfilling the Design Goals set out by the Proto Sector. It can be exchanged for any Alpha Sector Heavy Cruiser in a Scenario and there would be little difference. It can compete against the Alpha Sector Starships in Direct Combat. It retains its Original Omega Flavor. Its Heavy Weapons have been Redesigned to match Alpha Sector Parameters. And the Newtling Heavy Cruiser stands on its own as something Different, which will require Brand New Tactics on the Battlefield in order to be Victorious.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Monday, December 07, 2020 - 10:48 am: Edit

FIREFLY – STARDATE 12.07.20
Link to previous Firefly Logs

We were too late to save the Birds…

The Firefly rotated in space like a tube rolling across the ground. Electric Bolts flew by her, narrowly missing. In retaliation, the Firefly fired a barrage of Quantum Phasers and Micro Phasers, followed by Two Fireballs. The weapons tore into the badly damaged Protective Shell of the Stupendemys Geographicus, revealing glowing structures underneath. The damage caused by the Spiders, Jellies, Squid, and Birds was finally beginning to take its toll.

So…there are Vital Ship Systems underneath that Giant Turtle Shell. I suspected it was some kind of Living Ship. Now, we have definitive proof. All we have to do is survive the encounter to tell the tale…

Helm, keep us from 50,000 to 70,000 kilometers away from the Space Turtle. No closer! Evasive Pattern Petrick! Bring us about to Bearing 310 Mark 20. Dip, Spin, and Curve, Helmsman. New Bearing 63 Mark 68. Rotate the ‘Fly 90 degrees so she’s perpendicular. Wait, wait…wait. Now, New Bearing 147 Mark 10. Zigzag pattern. Keep us Alive, Helmsman!!

The Firefly moved like Muhammad Ali, Floating like a Butterfly, Stinging like a Bee. The Stupendemys Geographicus followed in frustration, far too slow to catch the insect repeatedly hurting it. The Gigantic Space Turtle bellowed out a Plasma Torpedo, hoping the Ball of Energy would finish its elusive opponent. But the Firefly had already eluded two such attempts. This third attempt met the same fate. The Firefly soared out of distance, allowing the Torpedo’s energy to slowly diminish. Then the Glowing Bug returned to the fight, reinvigorated for battle.

Radiation Eyes pummeled the Firefly, even at a great distance. All of the Firefly’s Shields were worn down from the conflict. Captain Tink had been forced to use Reserve Power to reinforce them at times. But the odds don’t always favor you. After a sharp turn, the Firefly got caught with a precise Radiation Blast, bringing down the Firefly’s entire Forward Shield. A Cacophony of Electric Bolts brought down one Starboard Shield, followed by another Starboard Shield. The Firefly was in a precarious position. In a moment, she would be Crippled or Destroyed.

Engineering! I need Power for a High Energy Turn NOW!!!

I’m giving her all she’s got, Captain!!

Captain Tink stared dismally at the View Screen. They weren’t going to make it out of this one. Looks like this is finally the End of the Road for the Firefly and her brave Crew…

Then a Crystalline Ship slowly appeared next to the Stupendemys Geographicus from out of a Shadow Dimension. The Space Turtle was surprised by its sudden appearance. The Beast tried to turn to protect its exposed systems, but it was too slow. Dark Matter Torpedoes and Dark Matter Pulsars hammered the Giant Monster, pummeling it into submission. The Space Turtle’s ability to fight was now severely compromised.

As quickly as it appeared, the Ghost-like Ship faded away back into its Shadow Dimension. It was almost as if it had never been there at all.

Captain Tink couldn’t believe his eyes. His Sworn Enemies just saved him. But why? Did they have something to gain from defeating this Space Turtle? Were their territories and holdings threatened in some way if it survived? Did they exhibit compassion when they were known to have none whatsoever? Could the Ancient Legends actually be True? The Hushed Murmurings that spoke of the Butterflies and the Vampires being One Race, Long, Long, Long Ago…

Captain, the Beast is turning back toward the Anomaly! She’s going in!!

This was the Critical Moment. Captain Tink would have to make a Split Second Decision that would affect, not only himself, but his entire crew. He was tired of the stale, repetitive pattern in his life. He had wondered what was on the other side of that Anomaly. He had wondered where the Giant Space Turtle had come from. Now, he had a chance, only one chance, to find out. But he would have to leave Everything behind…

Helm, Pursuit Course! Maximum Warp!!!

The Firefly dived into the Anomaly, desperately chasing the Huge Monster that had invaded their realm. A second later, the Anomaly closed in on itself.

Navigator, Location?

Unknown, Captain. Our computer doesn’t recognize any of the stars around us. We are in a completely new territory that has never been explored.

Visual?

The View Screen was disrupted by our journey through the Anomaly, the Science Officer reported. I am recalibrating now. Just a moment. There! I can give you Visual, Captain, but No Audio for the time being.

As the View Screen slowly presented a picture, Captain Tink was shocked. The Firefly was surrounded by Eight Sleek Starships made of an Unknown Silver Alloy. Their Smooth, Curved Ships were beautiful to behold. They didn’t move through space, but seemed instead to skip from place to place.

A Sickly, Pale Individual with Bone White Skin and Blood Red Eyes appeared on the View Screen. They could hear him, but he could not hear the Firefly. Not until their Audio Communications were restored.

“I am Captain Ichaborn of the High Guard. Don’t Be Afraid. You are among Friends. You are Safe. We invite you to Join the Intergalactic Assemblage of Systems…”

“WELCOME TO THE FUTURE.”

By Stewart Frazier (Frazikar3) on Monday, December 07, 2020 - 07:23 pm: Edit

So, what happened to the turtle?

By Garth L. Getgen (Sgt_G) on Monday, December 07, 2020 - 07:51 pm: Edit

Very cool, although I too wondered where the Turtle went.

Shifting gears for a moment, I just looked at the Newtling heavy cruiser SSD. That center bubble cries out for a special damage rule, something like is can't take phaser damage from a direction blocked by one of the outer bubbles unless that outer bubble has taken "X" amount of damage itself. Too bad it has four and not six outer bubbles. Maybe something to save for a new race, one that builds hexagon ships.....


Garth L. Getgen

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Monday, December 07, 2020 - 08:56 pm: Edit

Very cool suggestion, Garth. But I don't think it will work for the Newtling Cruiser. Such a Rule would give the Command Boxes Extra Protection (against Phasers) that other Alpha Sector CA's don't have (thereby creating Imbalance).

Also remember that the SSD is only a Top Down Flat Image. So we don't really know what the Newtling Cruiser looks like Three-Dimensionally. For all we know, that Center Bubble is High and Gigantic, while the Four Outer Bubbles are more Flat and Level.

And ships fly around in space in Three Dimensions too. So if a Ship (at Very Close Range) is "Above" at, say, 45 degrees and they fire "Down" at the Newtling Cruiser, they still have a good chance to hit the Center Bubble (meaning the DAC works as it should).

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Monday, December 07, 2020 - 09:04 pm: Edit

The Stupendemys Geographicus is one of the many empires that are part of the Intergalactic Assemblage of Systems. It was sucked into the Anomaly against its will. When it emerged on the other side, the Stupendemys Geographicus found that it was surrounded by Antagonistic Empires in an Unknown Sector. Its Communications Systems were disrupted by the Anomaly, so it could not convey that it came in peace. When it was attacked, the Stupendemys Geographicus had no choice but to defend itself. After a pitched battle, the Stupendemys Geographicus retreated back into the Anomaly because it was close to being destroyed.

Once back in its home territory, the wounded Stupendemys Geographicus was safe, because it was protected by the High Guard (who were waiting for its return). It moved a safe distance away from the anomaly to repair itself. Then the Firefly followed and found itself surrounded by the High Guard.

With no doubt, the Stupendemys Geographicus will repair its Communications Systems, as will the Firefly, and the Two will have MUCH to Talk About...

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Sunday, January 10, 2021 - 06:02 am: Edit

U.S.S. EXODUS – STARDATE 01.10.21
Link to previous Exodus Logs
SECTOR ZERO

Captain Moshe stared at the View Screen as the stars sped by quickly. His mind was quite unsettled.

The Entire Galaxy was Dying. Homeworld Suns were strangely reaching the End of their Lifetime ahead of schedule. A Black Plague sweeps across Entire Empires, decimating Whole Populations at a time. Constant War has taken its toll on Every Empire; their Economies were in a Death Spiral. Technological Advancement has slowed to a Crawl. Medical Capabilities have been pushed to their Limit. Planetary Resources have been nearly Depleted. Everyone was struggling just to Stay Alive. Every Empire in Sector Zero knew that their Days were Numbered. A Joint Commission has been formed to propose Emergency Plans to Save what is left of Sector Zero. Not All Empires have joined the Joint Commission.

“Penny for your Thoughts?”

Captain Moshe looked up from his Command Chair. Chief Medical Officer Owusua was staring down at him. Captain Moshe smiled.

“Doctor. Forgive me. I was…Contemplating the Future. Is everything alright in Sickbay?”

Doctor Owusua placed her dark hand on Captain Moshe’s shoulder. Her large afro extended out of her head in two different directions.
“Everything’s fine, Captain. It’s you I’m worried about. I’m responsible for your health, after all. Now, you look Troubled. What’s Bothering you?”

Captain Moshe paused. He stroked his thick grey beard out of habit. His forehead crinkled.

“I believe you already know, Doctor. Sector Zero is Dying. And there’s Nothing that You or I can do about it. Isn’t that enough to Trouble anyone?”

“Who designated you Savior of the Galaxy?” Doctor Owusua said laughing. Her smile was contagious. “Don’t put too much Burden on your Back, Captain…it just might Break from Too Much Weight!”

“Am I interrupting?”

Captain Moshe stared at his First Officer. She was tall with red hair and pink eyes. Her Powerful Psionic Abilities were tied to her Emotions, which she kept under Careful Control.

“No, Ruth. Of course not. The Good Doctor here was just…reminding me to Not be Too Serious. As usual. Did you have something to Report?”

“Just that we are approaching Gibeah. They sent their Distress Call less than 10 Minutes ago. Being the Closest Ship, we arrived in record time. Our recent communications to Gibeah have gone unanswered. They may be in Dire Trouble.”

First Officer Ruth’s Eyes glowed Bright Red for a moment. “Captain Moshe. I sense that you are Troubled about the Demise of Sector Zero. I assume that this is what Doctor Owusua is attempting to cheer you up about?”

Doctor Owusua gave First Officer Ruth a look of irritation. Ruth stared back at the Doctor with a blank expression.

“Not now,” Captain Moshe said to both his Doctor and his First Officer. “Our Primary Task is assessing what happened to Gibeah. We will continue this conversation later.”

Captain Moshe stared at the View Screen once again. The Planet Gibeah was only a distant dot, but it was steadily growing larger. The United League of Worlds had established a Colony on Gibeah. It was a peaceful Colony without any armaments. Captain Moshe feared the worst.

Suddenly, Three Daemon Space Submarines materialized out of the darkness of space.

It’s a Daemon Wolf Pack! Captain Moshe thought. We’ve been lured into an Ambush!!

“Captain, they are preparing to launch Plasma Torpedoes!” First Officer Ruth reported while staring into an extended binocular device at her station.

Don’t we have Enough Troubles in Sector Zero without resorting to Needless Violence?

“Red Alert!” Captain Moshe announced. A Red Triangle began to flash repeatedly above the Bridge.

“Charge Phaser Banks to Maximum. Arm the Photon Torpedoes. Full Sensor Sweeps of the Area for any other Daemon Space Submarines. Prepare a Wild Weasel. Let’s show the Daemon what the League is Made Of. Battle Stations!!”

Captian Moshe’s intense gaze was focused on the Tactical Position of each of the Daemon Space Submarines. They were slow vessels, but each carried a Powerful Plasma Torpedo. They were wisely not clustered together, but rather spread out so that their heavy weapons would hit the Exodus from different angles.

“Charge the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Power Absorbers to Standard Levels. Charge the First, Second, and Sixth Power Absorbers to Reinforced Levels. Ruth, prepare to channel Absorbed Energy into the Batteries on my Command.”

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Monday, January 11, 2021 - 03:08 pm: Edit

U.S.S. EXODUS – STARDATE 01.11.21
Link to previous Exodus Logs
SECTOR ZERO

“HARD TO PORT!! FIRE ALL STARBOARD PHASERS!!!!”

The Exodus tilted to one side. Red streams of light shot out of its opposite side, slamming into the Incoming Ball of Plasma Energy. The Seeking Energy was nearly dissolved. What remained of it crashed into the Exodus’ Second Power Absorber.

Captain Moshe watched the View Screen without blinking. The Old Captain had his thoughts focused on singular objectives: Keep the Crew alive. Keep the Ship intact. Drive the Enemy away. Determine the Status of the Colony on Gibeah. That was All that Mattered.

The Four Photon Torpedoes fired by the Exodus had devastated one of the Daemon Space Submarines. Unfortunately, the Exodus took a direct hit from a Plasma Torpedo, nearly overloading its First Power Absorber. Phasers took care of the Second Plasma Torpedo, but there was still a Third Plasma chasing them…

“Maximum Acceleration!!” Captain Moshe barked out. “Transfer Reserve Power to the Warp Engines! Engineering, I need More Speed NOW!!!”

“I’m givin ‘er All she’s got, Captain!!”

A loud rumble grew louder and louder as the Exodus raced to outrun the chasing Plasma Torpedo. The Exodus began to shake and vibrate. Crew Members held onto what parts of the ship they could for safety.

Finally, the Plasma Torpedo struck the Fourth Power Absorber causing Minimal Damage.

“Helm, bring us about to 180 mark 30. Overload the Photon Torpedoes. Recharge the Phaser Banks. Begin Damage Control on the Power Absorbers to Replenish their Capacity. Dissipate Absorbed Energy into Space. Transfer Absorbed Energy to the Batteries. Activate a Tractor Beam to drag a Nearby Rock. Transport Inert Matter into Cargo Bay Two. Use Reserve Power to bring Electronic Countermeasures to Maximum.”

We are going to need every bit of Energy we can get, Captain Moshe thought. All his years of experience were paying off. He was going to need every last trick to save his Crew.

“Captain the Second Daemon Space Submarine has begun the Fade Out Process!!”

“Quickly, Fire All Phasers before she completely Cloaks! Perhaps we can damage her before she disappears!!”

Again, red beams of light shot out of the Exodus. They pierced the sides of the Second Daemon Space Submarine like Arrows hitting a Hog. The Space Submarine shuddered from several explosions inside of its Hull. Its lights went dark.

The Bridge Crew on the Exodus cheered. “HOOYEH!! THAT GOT ‘EM!!!!”

Captain Moshe remained quiet. The Battle was not over. There was still One More Daemon Space Submarine unaccounted for. And if Captain Moshe was right, possibly a Fourth or even Fifth Daemon Space Submarine hiding in the vicinity. Let his Crew cheer. They needed the Morale.

“Continuous Scans. Everyone keep their eyes sharp. We know that Third Daemon Space Submarine is Out There. It can’t stay Cloaked forever. Triangulate its last known position. Fire a Repeated Phaser Barrage on that Area. Be ready to fire the Photon Torpedoes the moment it Uncloaks.”

The Bridge Crew followed Captain Moshe’s orders. Over and over, the Exodus fired its Phasers. It seemed like they were hitting only the emptiness of space. Then suddenly, something began to Fade Back into Existence. It was the Third Daemon Space Submarine.

A Red Ball of Energy erupted from the Daemon Space Submarine.

“HARD TO STARBOARD!! WE NEED TO TAKE IT ON OUR SIXTH POWER ABSORBER! FIRE ALL PHOTON TORPEDOES AT THE DAEMON SPACE SUBMARINE!!!”

The Daemon’s Plasma Torpedo crashed into the Exodus, overloading its Sixth Power Absorber. Luckily, the Excess Energy was absorbed by Nearby Power Absorbers, otherwise the Exodus would have suffered Internal Damage.

In response, the Exodus shot out Four Photon Torpedoes. As luck would have it, only Two of the Photon Torpedoes would strike the Daemon Space Submarine. Enough to damage it, but not destroy it. The Space Submarine began to Reload its feared Plasma Torpedo. The Daemon Space Submarine didn’t bother with Cloaking anymore.

Captain Moshe gripped the armrests of his Command Chair tightly. Phasers are Depleted and Photon Torpedoes are Spent. But if he launches another Plasmas Torpedo, we’re as Good as Dead. Unless…

“Ruth, lock onto the Daemon Space Submarine with our Experimental Tractor-Repulsor Beams.”

The First Officer looked concerned. “Captain, may I point out that the Prototype Tractor-Repulsor Beams have only undergone Limited Testing. They might…”

“I Know the Risks,” Captain Moshe answered sharply, cutting his First Officer off. “We don’t have time for a debate. That Plasma Torpedo is going to cut the Exodus in Half. DO IT. NOW!”

First Officer Ruth complied, saying no more words. One beam shot out of the Port Side of the Exodus while another beam shot out of the Starboard Side of the Exodus. Both beams hit the Daemon Space Submarine, Pushing and Pulling the Vessel Violently Over and Over. The Space Submarine cried out in Terror as it was literally Shaken to Pieces. One Final Explosion signified the End of its Existence.”

Captain Moshe breathed a sigh of relief. “Well done, Ruth. I’m sure you have plenty of data now on the New Prototype Tractor-Repulsor Beams. You can Analyze them to your Heart’s Content. In the meantime, continue Repairs on All Power Absorbers. I want All Energy Dissipated and Emptied Out. Continue Scans of the Area. There may be other Daemon Space Submarines close by. Bring us into Orbit around Gibeah.”

I’m sorry to have questioned you, Ruth said, Psionically Speaking directly into Captain Moshe’s Mind.

No need to Apologize, Ruth, Captain Moshe answered in his Thoughts. It’s your job to point out things that the Captain may not be aware of. That is all you did. I expect you to continue to do so in the future. Is that understood?

Yes, Captain.

“NOW LET’S SEE WHAT THESE DAEMON BASTARDS HAVE DONE TO THE COLONY ON GIBEAH.”

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 - 04:05 pm: Edit

United League of Worlds Heavy Cruiser SSD
Link to the United League of Worlds Heavy Cruiser SSD

SECTOR ZERO

UNITED LEAGUE OF WORLDS SHIPS
(SZR1.1) HEAVY CRUISER (CA):

The United League of Worlds Heavy Cruiser was the workhorse of the fleet. Capable of performing a variety of roles, the United League of Worlds Heavy Cruiser was known for its versatility. Armed with Four Photon Torpedoes and a full compliment of Phasers, the United League of Worlds Heavy Cruiser was a capable combatant. The vessel possessed a surplus of Power and Batteries to accommodate its many Power Absorbers. Near the End of Sector Zero’s Timeline, the United League of Worlds Heavy Cruiser was outfitted with Two Prototype Tractor-Repulsor Beams, the most recent evolution of Tractor Beam Technology. These Prototypes were not quite stable, but the United League of Worlds Heavy Cruiser was encouraged to use them whenever possible in order to gather invaluable data that could be later analyzed by United League Scientists.

DESIGNER’S NOTES:

The United League of Worlds Heavy Cruiser is critical to Sector Zero because it sets the stage for all future SSD’s in the galaxy. This SSD defines how the Power Absorbers are setup on a starship for defense and how their power requirements are handled by the other power systems. The United League of Worlds Heavy Cruiser also sets the standard for Batteries in Sector Zero, which hold more power than the Average Alpha Sector Battery.
Overall, a Sector Zero Starship is going to be slightly Less Powerful than an Alpha Sector Starship. This is primarily due to possessing Phaser-2’s instead of Phaser-1’s. However, from a Defensive and Power Curve Perspective, Sector Zero Starships have the advantage due to their Andromedan-Like Infrastructure. Sector Zero Starships are not really designed to do battle with Alpha Sector Starships since they have Different Design Paradigms, but a friendly game involving the two galaxies could prove to be fun.
Sadly, I cannot divulge the Full Definition of Sector Zero just yet, as the Ongoing Fiction for Sector Zero will reveal the Truth little by little. The U.S.S. Exodus is a United League of Worlds Heavy Cruiser.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 - 04:29 am: Edit

U.S.S. EXODUS – STARDATE 01.13.21
Link to previous Exodus Logs
SECTOR ZERO

Captain Moshe, First Officer Ruth, Chief Medical Officer Owusua, and Six Security Guards materialized on the Surface of Gibeah. The Colony was in Ruins.

Not only were the buildings charred and black from an orbital assault, but there were bodies laying everywhere. It seems the Daemon left no one alive.

Doctor Owusua stared in horror at some of the bodies that were shriveled grey husks. The Daemon clearly fed on them, sucking out their soul and withering their body.

The Daemon were Evil Spirits that preyed on Organic Life Forms. Not only can the Daemon feed on a Helpless Victim, but they can also Possess their Body, forcing them to do unthinkable acts. Fortunately for the United League of Worlds, a Tricorder can easily detect if a Body has been Possessed.

“Fan out,” Captain Moshe told the Security Guards. “Deitrich, Holland, try to find the Colony Registry. We can cross-reference it with the information we have on the Exodus. Our information may be out of date. I want a full list of everyone stationed here, including children.”

“Myers, Sutherland, Secure the Perimeter of the Colony. Setup Warning Beacons so we will be alerted if the Daemon return in any way. Work with the Exodus to create Force Fields around what’s left of the Colony. That will take some time, but we will need it eventually.”

“Jacobson, Hanson, Search for Survivors in the Colony’s Buildings. Sensors are one thing, but I want Visual Confirmation in case they missed something. We cannot afford to miss even a single person.”

The Six Security Guards wearing Red Shirts nodded and then spread out to perform their assigned tasks.

Captain Moshe turned to his First Officer. “Ruth, do you Sense Anything Psionically?”

The Tall First Officer with Long Red Hair shook her head. Her Pink Eyes locked onto Captain Moshe’s Grey Eyes.

“Negative, Captain. But my Mental Awareness is Hazy for some reason. Like a Fog. Something is Not Right. Are you sure you don’t want to return to the Exodus, for your own Safety?”

“I need to see what happened down here with my own eyes,” Captain Moshe replied firmly.

Captain Moshe looked concerned. He knew that Ruth’s Psionic Abilities had limited effectiveness when it came to the Daemon.

“Doctor, could you examine the Bodies in front of us? We have to start somewhere and each one must be thoroughly accounted for.”

Doctor Owusua agreed and knelt down next to one of the Bodies. The white coat she wore was in stark contrast to her black skin. Her Tricorder began to hum and blink. She jumped back up to her feet, filled with dread and fear.

“They’re Not Dead!” Doctor Uwusua screamed.

Slowly, the Ten Bodies on the ground rose to their feet. Tiny Red Dots glowed bright in the center of their eyes. Each one stood hunched over, their arms hanging down close to the ground. A low growling sound could be heard.

They are ALL Possessed by Daemons!! Captain Moshe thought to himself.

AND I SENT ALL OF MY SECURITY GUARDS AWAY…

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Friday, January 15, 2021 - 12:32 am: Edit

U.S.S. EXODUS – STARDATE 01.14.21
Link to previous Exodus Logs
SECTOR ZERO

“FIRE PHASERS!! STUN MODE, WIDE BURST!!!”

Captain Moshe, First Officer Ruth, and Doctor Owusua fired their Hand Phasers, shooting out a blast of red energy. A brief shockwave was felt as the beams impacted with the approaching Ten Possessed Colonists. Still, the Possessed Colonists lumbered forward like Zombies hungry for Flesh.

“TO THE COLONY HEADQUARTERS, QUICKLY!” Captain Moshe yelled. Phasers had limited effect on Possessed Daemon Bodies.

Luckily for the Trio, the Possessed Colonists were slow and clumsy in their movements. It wasn’t too difficult for the Landing Party to outpace the Zombie-like Creatures. Soon, they arrived at the Headquarter’s Front Door, which was unlocked.

“Captain,” Doctor Owusua said while catching her breath. She didn’t get as much exercise as she should. “If there’s any way to Save the Colonists...they’re still Alive…just Possessed by Daemons.”

“I know, Doctor,” Captain Moshe answered with a determined look on his withered, old face. He stroked his grey beard out of habit. “That’s why I gave the order to fire on Stun, and not to Kill.”

“We know that United League Scientists can force the Daemon out of a Possessed Body in a Lab Setting,” First Officer Ruth commented. “But out in the open like this, with them moving in random, unpredictable patterns, it will be nearly impossible. We would need to Capture and Restrain each one. And the Daemon could leave the body at any time to move about as a Spirit.”

“Come, let’s get inside before the Possessed Colonists catch up to us,” Captain Moshe instructed.

The Trio entered the Colony Headquarters and closed the door behind them, locking it firmly. They were inside of a Control Room which included a Stairway to a Second Level that overlooked the surrounding area. There were open windows on the Second Level for easy viewing of the perimeter. Computer equipment, chairs, clipboards, drawers, and filing cabinets filled the First and Second Levels.

“Exodus, come in,” Captain Moshe said as he flipped open his Communicator. “Exodus, do you read? This is the Landing Party. Beam us up immediately.”

“I’m sorry, Captain, but we can’t get a positive lock on you. There seems to be other organisms nearby. They are giving off strange readings, like they are neither dead nor alive. Their close proximity to you is causing interference, preventing a clear lock on. We can’t beam you up!”

Doctor Owusua looked worried. She stroked the two large pieces of her Afro. “Well, I always knew I was going to Die. I just never thought it was going to be by being eaten by Zombies!”

First Officer Ruth stared at Doctor Owusua with slight annoyance. “Really, Doctor, there is no need for over exaggeration. Should the Possessed Colonists apprehend us, I highly doubt they would feast on our flesh. In fact, it is more likely that they would…”

“Quiet, you two!” Captain Moshe barked. “I thought I heard something in here…”

Deitrich and Holland appeared out of the shadows. The Two Security Guards wearing Red Shirts shambled forward unbalanced and uncoordinated. Their eyes glowed with small red dots in the center. Clearly, the Two were Possessed by Daemons.

“I’m sorry, Captain,” Deitrich said in a deep, growling voice while pointing his Phaser at Captain Moshe. Holland also had his Phaser drawn and pointed at Ruth and Doctor Owusua. “But you’re going to have to come with us. The Daemon are going to take great delight in interrogating you to uncover all of your United League Secrets!”

Captain Moshe began to sweat. His grey eyes darted about, looking for something that could help him. Nothing presented itself.

Zombies outside. Zombies inside. The Exodus cannot beam us up. And now we have Phasers pointed at us.

What’s that Old Saying?

OUT OF THE FRYING PAN…INTO THE FIRE.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Saturday, January 16, 2021 - 06:39 pm: Edit

U.S.S. EXODUS – STARDATE 01.16.21
Link to previous Exodus Logs
SECTOR ZERO

“RUTH, NOW!!!”

The First Officer’s Pink Eyes turned Bright Red. She motioned with both hands, first with open fingers and then with clenched fists. She pulled her hands back toward her chest. As Ruth did so, the Hand Phasers held by Deitrich and Holland flew out of their hands and onto the floor.

“DOCTOR OWUSUA, STAY BACK!!” Captain Moshe yelled stepping forward.

Possessed Deitrich and Holland shambled forward to engage in hand-to-hand combat with the Landing Party. They were not the best combatants, due to their uncoordinated movements, but the Daemons within them wanted to injure the Landing Party in any way possible.

Captain Moshe was not the young man he used to be. In his prime, Captain Moshe could have easily defeated these two Possessed Security Officers plus a dozen more. If only he could reclaim those glory days of his youth…

Ruth stepped in front of Doctor Owusua to protect her from Holland. She assumed a martial stance known only to her unique species. As Holland charged clumsily, Ruth grabbed one of his arms and twisted, causing him to flip five feet onto his back. The Daemon within was undeterred. Holland slowly got back up to attack again.

The Daemon who Possessed Deitrich soon regretted attacking Captain Moshe. Although he was now an Old Man, Captain Moshe possessed years of fighting experience and skill. A Two Handed Smash came down hard on Deitrich’s skull. This was followed by Two Karate Chops, one to each side of the neck. A stomp to the knee caused Deitrich’s right leg to buckle. Then, to Captain Moshe’s own surprise, he expertly executed a Double Jump Kick which launched Deitrich back 40 feet!

Ruth’s Side Kick slammed into Holland’s abdomen, knocking the wind out of the Possessed Security Officer. A Left Palm Strike crashed into Holland’s chin, followed by a Right Palm Strike. Then came a martial arts maneuver that required years of practice and training. Ruth performed a Vertical Somersault, kicking Holland in the chin at the same time, sending him tumbling backward like a tumbleweed.

For the moment, Possessed Deitrich and Holland were Stunned. They would recover in moments.

“TO THE REAR ENTRANCE QUICKLY!! OUR SCANS INDICATED A SHUTTLE STATIONED BEHIND THE BUILDING! LET’S HOPE IT’S IN WORKING ORDER!!”

Captain Moshe and First Officer Ruth raced through the Colony Headquarters toward the Rear Entrance.

Doctor Owusua followed, huffing and puffing due to her lack of physical exercise.

As sweat poured down her forehead, Doctor Owusua frowned and thought to herself,

WHEN (AND IF) WE GET BACK TO THE EXODUS, I’M GOING TO SPEND THE NEXT MONTH TRAINING IN THE GYMNASIUM NON-STOP!!!

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Sunday, January 31, 2021 - 09:31 pm: Edit

ARCH OMEGA
Link to more Arch Omega posts

Countless Eons ago, the Engineer recorded the Genetic Patterns from a Chaotic Sector and worked with the Gardener to Seed a Whole New Galaxy. This New Galaxy was to be a Virtual Paradise in the Fullness of Time. The Archaeologist and the Anthropologist contributed to the Creation of this New Paradise, providing the Essential Clues that would allow the Many Species to Discover their True Identity when they were Advanced Enough. The Evolutionist ensured that each Life Form would Evolve according to a Definitive Timeline. This New Galaxy would come to be known as Arch Omega. But it would Not be the Paradise that the Creators intended it to Be…

Arch Omega takes Omega Technology and brings it to a Whole New Level. Not in the sense of X-Technology, but rather in Unique Combinations of Technology that create something Never Seen Before. These Strange and Different Empires are eerily reminiscent of Omega Empires, but are clearly New Evolutions. They are Chimeras, the Mixing Together of Forbidden Technologies to make the Unheard Of…Manifest. It is not my intention to argue about Tech Sloshing or Keeping Each Empire Unique. The Goal of Arch Omega is to make something Tactically Different, Tactically Interesting, and Tactically Challenging on the Tabletop. The Technobabble that makes this possible is really Irrelevant.

Arch Omega does not employ Warp Drive (except for a few very rare exceptions). Instead, the Galaxy known as Arch Omega developed Quantum Transporters to explore Deep Space. However, despite their Advanced Technology, Arch Omega Heavy Cruisers start out with a Set of Quantum Transporters whose maximum potential is much less than 32 Hexes per Turn. In this way, Arch Omega Heavy Cruisers are similar to the Original Omega Heavy Cruisers that also did not start out with Full 30 Warp.

Arch Omega does not employ Shields (except for a few rare exceptions). Instead, the Empires of Arch Omega employ Ceramic Composite Armor that protects All Six Directions. To compliment this, every Arch Omega Starship has been fitted with Transporter Collector Cannons. These unique weapons function as Arch Omega’s “Heavy Phasers” of sorts, allowing the Arch Omega starship to replenish its Ceramic Composite Armor if it scores Internal Damage against an Unprotected Target Ship. While Transporter Collector Cannons are highly Energy Efficient, they also possess a Profound Limitation. Like the Hypercannon, they can only fire along a Spine Hex. If a Target is outside of the Spine Hex, the Transporter Collector Cannon suffers a Penalty to hit it.

Because of the Lack of Warp Drive, each Arch Omega Starship must be carefully examined in terms of its Power Curve. Quantum Transporters do not require energy, so whatever Power is generated by the Arch Omega Starship will be used for Weapons, Damage Control, Life Support, Labs, Shuttles, and Other Devices. This Energy Management is Quite Different from Starships with the Usual 24-30 Warp Power. It only makes sense that Arch Omega Starships would have more Reserve Power than Normal.

Arch Omega Starships will utilize Omega Phasers, but only with the intention of complimenting the more powerful Transporter Collector Cannons. This means that the Number of Omega Phasers should be restricted and curtailed. The Primary Omega Phasers in use will be Wide Phasers, Micro Phasers, Radiation Phasers, Pulse Emitters, and Quantum Phasers (as the Tables are fairly Balanced). The other Omega Phasers (Anti-Proton, Particle, etc.) will be rarely employed (mostly because of their Unbalancing Nature).

Shuttle Bombs will be Standard in Arch Omega. Suicide Shuttles and Scatterpacks will be rare exceptions in Arch Omega, reserved only for Specific Empires. Short Range Cannons will be Standard Drone/Fighter Defense, taking the place of Anti-Drones. Fighters and Fast Patrol Ships will be Standard. Drone-like Weapons will be More Plentiful than in the Omega Sector.

The Typical Arch Omega Heavy Cruiser will only carry 2 Heavy Weapons, 2 Secondary Heavy Weapons (Drones), and possibly One Device. This is significantly less than an Alpha Sector Heavy Cruiser (which usually carries 4 Heavy Weapons, 2 Secondary Heavy Weapons (Drones), and one Device), or even an Omega Heavy Cruiser. On the whole, Arch Omega Heavy Cruisers will have Less Internals than their Alpha/Omega Counterparts, making them more Fragile in battle.

New Technology will be Introduced for each Arch Omega Empire on a Case by Case Basis. There must be a Tactical Need for the New Technology that makes sense. Also New Technology cannot be Overpowered or Unbalancing.

In Summary, Arch Omega is a New Galaxy where Starships use Quantum Transporters for Movement instead of Warp Drive. This changes the Tactical Dynamic, forcing New Tactics to Developed in order to be Victorious on the Battlefield. Obviously, Strategies involving Quantum Transporter Movement are much different than Strategies involving Warp Drive Movement. Transporter Collector Cannons introduce another Unique Element to Arch Omega Battles, but their effect on the overall game should be Minimal. Their replenishment of Ceramic Composite Armor will be Slow and Minor, hardly enough to gain a Significant Advantage. Still, their inclusion offers something different than simply standard Phasers. The Smaller Size and Reduced Quantity of Heavy Weapons offers another change to the standard Heavy Cruiser Size. Managing the Different Power Curves of Arch Omega is yet another challenge for the Arch Omega Captain to master. It should be clear, given the Design Paradigm, that Arch Omega is Not meant to be played against the Alpha Sector, or even the Omega Sector, which have much different ways of designing their Starships.

For the most part, Omega Weapons and Devices have been left to function as they normally do. This means that there is an inherent Imbalance between all the Phasers, Heavy Weapons, Drone-like Weapons, Plasma-like Weapons, Fighters, and Devices. Wildly Varying Range Brackets and Overload Ranges remain. This was done on purpose. Arch Omega does not seek to Restructure and Redesign each Weapon for Balance like the Proto Sector. Instead, the Imbalance and Chaotic Nature has been left in place to retain the original Omega Flavor.

It is True, the Empires of Arch Omega will fall short of the Paradise the Creators intended. Will they discover their True Heritage? Where will their Goals and Aspirations lead them? Will they Construct their Own Version of Utopia? And Will they Survive the Coming Period of Tribulation known as the TWILIGHT OF ARCH OMEGA?

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Sunday, January 31, 2021 - 09:35 pm: Edit

JOTUNHEIM HEAVY CRUISER SSD
Link to the Jotunheim Heavy Cruiser SSD

ARCH OMEGA

JOTUNHEIM SHIPS
(AOR1.1) HEAVY CRUISER (CA):

The Jotunheim Heavy Cruiser was a feared opponent due to its dual Implosion Bolts. Twin Implosion Torpedoes provided an additional seeking threat. Anyone foolish enough to close on the Jotunheim Heavy Cruiser would feel the wrath of the Jotunheim’s Imploding Field Generators.

The Jotunheim Heavy Cruiser was not the Fastest Starship, nor the most Sturdy, but it did possess enough Power to arm its many weapons when engaging the enemy. Substantial Reserve Power was ready for use at any moment.

Wide Phasers complimented the Full Suite of Transporter Collector Cannons pointed in Every Direction. The Jotunheim Heavy Cruiser was protected by significant amounts of Ceramic Composite Armor, more than the standard Arch Omega Heavy Cruiser. Lastly, Numerous Labs allowed the Jotunheim Heavy Cruiser to perform Scientific and Exploratory Missions as necessary.

DESIGNER’S NOTES:

The Jotunheim Heavy Cruiser sets the stage for Arch Omega. Directional Ceramic Composite Armor, Transporter Collector Cannons with Hypercannon Firing Arcs, Supplemental Omega Phasers, Limited Heavy Weapons, New Technology, Reduced Internals, Limited Speed, and Power without Warp are all defined in the Jotunheim Heavy Cruiser. Every Heavy Cruiser that follows, no matter which Empire, will find its basis in the Jotunheim Heavy Cruiser.

Tactically, the Jotunheim Heavy Cruiser is a Unique Animal. Its use of the Implosion Bolt and Implosion Torpedoes are reminiscent of the Trobrin, but the Wide Phasers and Transporter Collector Cannons make it significantly different. Most importantly, the Implosion Field Generator changes the game because it not only provides solid defense against seeking weapons, but it can also be used offensively to ram close opponents. Pseudo Implosion Torpedoes add a dangerous element to the battle, allowing the Jotunheim Player to outwit and fool his opponent. Add In the Directional Ceramic Composite Armor and you have a Tactical Starship that is quite Unique in Star Fleet Battles.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Monday, February 01, 2021 - 11:05 pm: Edit

WHITE WOLF – STARDATE 02.01.21
Link to previous White Wolf Logs

“Captain, we’ve arrived at the Rendezvous Coordinates.”

The frail Captain with bone white skin stared at the View Screen with his blood red eyes. Five starships waited for him. A Stupendemys Geographicus Heavy Cruiser – the Starswimmer, a Dethan Light Cruiser – The Mandible, a Templar Early Cruiser – the Craon, a Glassfire Command Cruiser – the Jean Antoine Houdon, and a Sylvan Light Cruiser – the Cool Breeze. Not the most efficient fleet ever formed, but the best that the Intergalactic Assemblage of Systems could do under the urgent circumstances.

“Lupa, give me ship to ship.”

Five Captains appeared on the View Screen. Each one nodded to acknowledge Captain Ichaborn’s Authority over the situation.

“Captains,” Ichaborn said in a soft, but firm voice. “It will be my honor to fight in battle beside you. We all know what’s at stake here. The Innocent System of Autumnstar. Billions of Lives are at stake. We are guarding the Singular Transit Point that provides access to Autumnstar. It is up to us to Hold this Position, No Matter what the Cost.”

“We will do our part,” Captain Scalyfoot stated confidently. The small green reptile had an unbreakable gaze in his eyes. “Surely with the firepower we have assembled, we can repulse any threat.”

“I agree,” Captain Weevil added. The Humanoid Beetle with Black Armor stood with his arms crossed. “Let them come. The Templars fear Nothing.”

“Overconfidence will be our undoing,” Captain Lyrica said in a beautiful, musical voice. The being made of complete glass was a sight to behold. “We must be cautious. Let us listen to Ichaborn and heed his thoughts.”

“I wish it had not come to this,” Captain Highnest remarked. The small dove with extra large wings sat perched in her command seat. “But fighting in self-defense of the innocent is always justified. If we must give our lives to save others, so be it.”

Ichaborn listened closely to each of the Captains. Their perspectives were vitally important, for it hinted at how they would perform during the engagement. Each of us is driven by our own unique motivations.

Ichaborn wished that the Templar Early Cruiser was not part of this battle. Their willingness to fight was noble, but their inefficient technology made them particularly vulnerable. Still, if they could get close enough to use their Photon Lance, they might be useful. The Stupendemys Geographicus was obviously their heavy hitter, so the Giant Space Turtle must lead the way into battle. The Dethan’s Rapid-Firing Photon Cannon is best used to wear down the enemy from afar, so the Mandible should stay behind the Starswimmer, safely protected. The Glassfire’s Firebolts and Gatling Lasers were also effective at long range, but its Firebreath was deadly up close. It would probably be best for the Jean Antoine Houdon to follow the Craon in up close when the time was right. That way they could concentrate their Photon Lance and Firebreath at the same target. The Sylvan’s Boomerang Torpedoes were yet another weapon suitable for ranged combat. Their ability to hit the enemy from behind even when facing the enemy’s front was invaluable. And the Implosion Effect generated by their Fusion Torpedoes will help to bring down wounded enemy vessels.

As for the White Wolf? Ichaborn smiled. The High Guard Z-Heavy Cruiser would do her part.

“Captains, let us plan out our Battle Strategy. I think we should…”

Lupa interrupted. The beautiful hologram with silver hair and grey eyes shined bright like a living star.

“Captain. Multiple Warp Vectors detected. They’re HERE.”

The Communications with the Five Captains quickly cut off as the View Screen snapped back to show the Space in front of the White Wolf.

Three Vessels, each one larger than a Dreadnought, dropped out of High Warp. They sat motionless, as if floating in space, silent Grim Reapers come to take their Harvest.

They were DEATHBRINGERS. Vicious, Remorseless Killers whose sole purpose was to Extinguish All Life. They hated the High Guard and the Intergalactic Assemblage of Systems that they served.

These were Deathbringer Warclads. Each one armed with Self-Regenerating Armor, Giant Drones protected by that same Self-Regenerating Armor, and a Huge Hyper-Plasma Cannon that could cut through a Base Station with a single blast.

IF THE HIGH GUARD WAS ROME, THEN SURELY, THE DEATHBRINGERS WERE THE BARBARIANS.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Saturday, February 13, 2021 - 08:29 pm: Edit

OMEGA UNDER SIEGE
OMICRON BELLUM
Link to Omega Under Siege

The Original Working Title for this New Galaxy was Omicron Bellum. However, while accurate, Omicron Bellum did not easily convey the intent behind this New Galaxy. The Title was, therefore, changed to Omega Under Siege, which plainly describes the situation of this New Galaxy.

In a Parallel Dimension, a New Galaxy developed that was nearly identical to the Omega Sector. This New Galaxy eventually became known as the Omicron Sector. Like the Omega Sector, the many varied empires of the Omicron Sector fought petty wars among themselves, resulting in borders that constantly shifted.

Then came the Arrival of AGENT ONE. AGENT ONE represented Emperor Phen who, together with his Ruthless Warlord Ven, ruled over Countless Galaxies with an Iron Fist in a distant part of the Universe. AGENT ONE Invaded the Omicron Sector with a Massive Fleet comprised of Many Conscripted Minor Empires.

Reeling from the Sudden Invasion of AGENT ONE, the Splintered Empires of the Omicron Sector realized that their only hope for survival was to Band Together to Repel this Fearsome Foe. To this end, the COUNCIL OF TALOS was formed.

Will the COUNCIL OF TALOS be able to repulse the Malevolent AGENT ONE and his Massive Invasion Force? Only YOU can Decide, by Playing the Scenarios and becoming the CAPTAIN of OMICRON Starships!!

This Version of the Omega Sector is Completely Different from the Original Version. In the Omicron Sector, the Invasion of AGENT ONE has forced All of the Empires in the Omicron Sector to produce War Ships the likes of which have Never been Seen Before. These Powerful Space Behemoths dominated their territories like the Megalodons of the Ancient Seas. But a Mighty War Fleet was only one part of how the Empires of the Omicron Sector were forced to change. Economics, Politics, Production, Exploration, Technological Development, and More were All Effected.

The Typical Omicron War (Heavy) Cruiser will Combine Elements of a Battleship, a Dreadnought, and a Heavy Cruiser. It will be None of these Things and yet All of these Things at the Same Time.

All Omicron Vessels will feature Forward Armor and Rear Armor. These will be Directional Armor that protects the Forward Hemisphere and the Rear Hemisphere. Forward and Rear Armor cannot be Reinforced, Repaired during a Scenario, and does not require any Power to Energize. It is a simple way to add Another Layer of Defense to Omicron Starships without the need for any New Rules. Tactically, the Forward and Rear Armor adds another challenge because if any of the Three Shields in that Hemisphere are breached, the Armor will present a Secondary Barrier.

Omicron War Cruisers will be Overgunned, Overpowered, Structurally Difficult to Destroy, and able to deploy an Abundance of Shuttles. These Giant Juggernauts are not meant to be Balanced. Instead, their Sheer Firepower makes them Space Roaming Menaces to be Feared by All.

New Technology is a Primary Aspect of the Omicron Sector. In what ways would the Technology of the Omega Sector be Forced to Evolve under such a Real and Deadly Threat as AGENT ONE? Note that the New Technology of the Omicron Sector is Not Meant to be X-Technology, but instead represents a Different Evolutionary Path for Omega Technology. I would call it the Next Step of Standard (General War) Technology without actually becoming X-Technology.

It should be Noted that Omicron War Cruisers are Not the Same as the War Cruisers of the Alpha Sector. Their Design, Paradigm, Weapons, Defenses, Power, and Internal Make-up are Completely Different.

Of course, it is Inevitable that New Tactics and New Strategies will be Forced to Develop on the Battlefield because of the New Warship Designs and their Evolved Technology. One must take New Approaches in order for these Fighting Machines to be Victorious. Some of the Old Omega Tactics may work, but Many Will Not. Omicron Bellum presents a Brand New Unknown Region in terms of Tactical Combat and Strategy.

OMICRON BELLUM!!

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Saturday, February 13, 2021 - 08:35 pm: Edit

KMODR WAR CRUISER SSD
Link to the Kmodr War Cruiser SSD

OMEGA UNDER SIEGE
THE OMICRON SECTOR

KMODR SHIPS
(OUSR1.1) WAR CRUISER (CW):

The Kmodr, who are Humanoid Komodo Dragons, created the Kmodr War Cruiser to be the Backbone of the War Fleet against AGENT ONE and his Forces. This Titanic War Ship was a Beast, featuring Six Heavy HEAT Torpedoes, Four Target Accentuators, Ten Improved Quantum Phasers, and Six Quantum Phaser Gatlings. The Kmodr War Cruiser had a surplus of Power to arm its weapons and a healthy supply of Reserve Power to Accentuate its Heavy HEAT Torpedoes on the fly. The Kmodr War Cruiser was lined with thick Protective Armor, both on its Bow and Stern. Excessive Shuttles prepared the Kmodr War Cruiser for any type of combat situation and any kind of foe. Opponents of the Kmodr War Cruiser soon learned its Single Glaring Weakness: a Lack of Maneuverability when turning to bring its Heavy HEAT Torpedoes and Improved Quantum Phasers into Arc.

DESIGNER NOTES:

Like many other Regenesis Galaxies, the Kmodr War Cruiser forms the foundation for Future War Cruiser Designs for Other Empires. However, the Kmodr War Cruiser also gives me an idea of what Smaller War Ships (Light Cruisers, Destroyers, Frigates) and Larger War Ships (Carriers, Dreadnoughts, Battleships, Space Control Ships, etc.) will look like.

In Omicron Bellum, the War Ships are Not Designed for Balance against Other Empires like most of the other Regenesis Galaxies. Instead, the War Ships of Omicron Bellum are designed and built to Wage War against AGENT ONE. This is their Sole Purpose. As such, the only judge for their Effectiveness (and BPV) is how they perform against the Many Minor Empires of AGENT ONE.

For the Kmodr, who are obviously based on the Probr, the question came up: How would their technology improve (without reaching X-Tech Levels) if forced to combat AGENT ONE? To me, that meant Three Areas of Improvements – HEAT Torpedoes, Target Accuentuators, and Quantum Phasers. The Kmodr were lucky, they actually made Two Improvements to their Quantum Phasers. The Resulting Technology for the Kmodr, from a Design Standpoint, was Heavy HEAT Torpedoes, Better Target Accentuators, Improved Quantum Phasers, and Quantum Phaser Gatlings.

I almost gave the Heavy HEAT Torpedoes a Pseudo Function, but after some thought, this didn’t make sense (for this particular new galaxy). The HEAT Torpedoes started out without a Pseudo Function, so if threatened by AGENT ONE, I don’t think they would have suddenly thought of and developed Pseudo Torpedoes. Instead, the Heavy HEAT Function seemed a more logical evolutionary path for their technology.

The Kmodr War Cruiser (and its brethren) would Eat Up any of its Original Omega Ancestors. But then, that is Exactly What is it is Supposed to Do. After all, this is OMICRON BELLUM.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Monday, February 15, 2021 - 05:04 am: Edit

URSINE WAR CRUISER SSD
Link to the Ursine War Cruiser SSD

OMEGA UNDER SIEGE
THE OMICRON SECTOR

URSINE SHIPS
(OUSR2.1) WAR CRUISER (CW):

The Ursine, who are Massive Humanoid Bears, utilize the Ursine War Cruiser to form the Core of their War Fleet. The Ursine War Cruiser is a Powerful, Deadly War Cruiser with Five Antiproton Beams, Twelve Antiproton Phasers, and Three Antiproton Torpedoes. However, these weapons are not the cause of the terror created by the Ursine War Cruiser. Instead, it is the Dreaded Antiproton Lance, Antiproton Ballista, Antiproton Halberd, and Antiproton Bolt that is feared by all. These Advanced Antiproton Technologies Multiply the Damage of their Standard Antiproton Weaponry, allowing the Ursine to literally Rip Apart their Enemies.

While the Ursine War Cruiser possesses a Reinforced Ship Structure, Ample Power, Swift Maneuverability, and Powerful Forward Shields, it also possesses a Critical Weakness. The Ursine War Cruiser’s Rear Defenses are Notably Weak. Opponents of the Ursine often seek to exploit this weakness in battle, but in order to do this, they must get behind the Ursine War Cruiser.

DESIGNER NOTES:

The Ursine War Cruiser, which is obviously based on the Ymatrians, is the Second War Cruiser for Omega Under Siege (Omicron Bellum). Again, the question must be asked, if AGENT ONE’s Massive Fleet threatened imminent destruction, in What Ways would Ymatrian Technology be Forced to Evolve?

For me, that answer was Twofold. First, there would be advances in the Antiproton Lance Technology. Second, it is possible that a New Weapon might have been developed based on that same Antiproton Technology.

The Antiproton Lance developments yielded Two New Weapons: the Antiproton Ballista and the Antiproton Halberd. Both Multiply Antiproton Beam Damage like the Lance, but possess different Firing Arcs. The Antiproton Lance itself also developed a Wider Firing Arc to make it more effective.

Stemming out of the Standard Antiproton Technology came the Antiproton Torpedo. This was a Simple Seeking Weapon, on par with a PL-F, but with the Antiproton Damage Scheme. The reason for this choice of New Weaponry was purely Tactical. The Ymatrian have long been known as a One Trick Pony whose only Strategy was to Close and Hose. Now, with (Simple) Plasma Torpedoes, their game has changed and their Tactics have been Expanded. Plasma Torpedoes have many Tactical Applications, which are multiplied in battle with the Addition of the other Antiproton Weaponry.

The Antiproton Bolt is simply applying the Antiproton Lance Concept to a Seeking Weapon.

It also made sense to me that since the Ymatrians always close and hack, they might possibly have developed Unique Tractor Technology to better hold their opponents. Drawing from the Scallywag Bootlegger in another Regenesis Galaxy, I gave the Ursine the Boosted Tractor Beam, which works quite well with its own self-contained rules. The Ursine also have access to Standard Tractor Beams as well.

Ultimately, I was pleased with how the Ursine War Cruiser turned out. It is a Strong, Powerful Combatant with Varied Combat Options on the Battlefield. Its Technology has come Far Beyond the Ymatrians that it was based on. And yet, like many Omega Under Siege War Cruisers, it possesses a Fatal Weakness that can be exploited by the right opponent.