O.M.G. That was truly amazing, Norman. I am honored and humbled to be allowed to read the works of a skilled master wordsmith. The way you described Alighieri's passage into Hell painted vivid pictures that made me feel like I was watching a movie. Well done, sir. Simply amazing.


Garth L. Getgen

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Saturday, November 13, 2021 - 07:24 pm: Edit

Thank you so much, Garth. Coming from a Master Wordsmith yourself, your compliment means a lot. Just you enjoying my work is rewarding enough.

I hope you are doing well.

More fiction to come.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Sunday, November 14, 2021 - 06:44 am: Edit

SHINING STAR HEAVY CRUISER SSD
Link to the Shining Star Heavy Cruiser SSD

THE GRAND SECTOR

SHINING STAR SHIPS
(GSR1.1) HEAVY CRUISER (CA):

The Shining Star Heavy Cruiser formed the foundation for the Shining Star Fleet. Well known for its maneuverability, the Shining Star Heavy Cruiser was armed with Four Spectral Bolts, Two Light Warp Waves, Seven Alpha Phasers, and Two Centurion Phasers. The Alpha Phasers were noted for their restricted Firing Arcs, while the Two Warp Waves covered the Forward Hemisphere and Rear Hemisphere respectively. Shining Star Heavy Cruiser combat typically involved staying at mid-range, hammering opponents constantly with Spectral Bolts and Warp Waves.

DESIGNER NOTES:

The Shining Star Heavy Cruiser creates the basis for all future Grand Sector Heavy Cruisers. Following the Alpha Sector Design Paradigm, the Shining Star Heavy Cruiser is outfitted with 30 Warp, 4 Batteries, 30 Shield #1, 4 Heavy Weapons, and 2 Supplementary Heavy Weapons.

Spectral Bolts were originally a 2 Turn Weapon based on the Photon Torpedo. However, after analyzing the Crunch Power of the Spectral Bolt, the decision was made to change it to a 1 Turn Weapon as its Damage Output was on par with a Disruptor Bolt. The Spectral Bolt is unique in that it can score a Near Hit even if it does not precisely Hit its target. Of course, the Spectral Bolt can completely Miss as well.

One of the Goals of the Grand Sector was to incorporate Underloads into Heavy Weapons. This has been successfully accomplished with the Spectral Bolt.

The Grand Sector will include Drones (new versions) and Plasmas (new versions). But for the Shining Star (and other empires), I wanted a New Seeking Weapon that fell in-between a Drone and Plasma. This New Seeking Weapon would have qualities of both Drones and Plasmas, but would actually be neither. This New Seeking Weapon became the Warp Wave. The Warp Warp behaves like a Plasma Torpedo, but does not degrade with range, just like a Drone. It is more vulnerable to Phaser Fire than a Plasma Torpedo, causing its Warhead Strength to be reduced at a 1:1 ratio (instead of 1:2) when damaged by Phasers. The Three Types of Warp Waves, Light, Medium, and Heavy, all have Different Maximum Ranges and Arming Cycles. Like Drones and Plasmas, the Warp Wave will be a shared weapon used by more than one empire in the Grand Sector.

The Alpha Phaser (Offensive Phaser) is based on the Phaser-1. With slightly less damage, the Alpha Phaser has a more stable damage curve at the mid-ranges. This means that at times when Phaser-1's might miss at mid-range, the Alpha Phaser will hit.

The Centurion Phaser (Defensive Phaser) is based on the Phaser-3. Like the Alpha Phaser, the Centurion Phaser scores less damage, but has a more stable damage matrix at mid-range. Of course, Defensive Phasers are limited in range to begin with, so mid-range is not true mid-range, but rather just a range outside of the very close proximity zone.

With its quick arming Spectral Bolts and decent maneuverability, Tactics involving the Shining Star Heavy Cruiser will fall into Klingon Tactics. The Saber Dance is appropriate. This is enhanced by the fact that Spectral Bolts can score Near Hits even if they do not score a precise Hit, so Mid-Range Combat is best. However, instead of using Scatterpacks and Constant Drones (like Klingons), the Shining Star have seeking Warp Waves to employ. Since these are divided into FH and RH on the Heavy Cruiser, it will be challenging to maneuver in such a way as to get both Warp Waves in arc to launch. But maneuvering is one essential components of Star Fleet Battles combat, so this works nicely.

Overall, the Shining Star is a fine ship to start the Grand Sector. Not too powerful, not too weak, but with a structure that fits the Alpha Sector Design Paradigm, which was the Original Intent for the Grand Sector.

By Nick Samaras (Koogie) on Sunday, November 14, 2021 - 11:56 am: Edit

I see an issue with the warp wave torpedo damage output. Unless your conducting a long range siege, there is little incentive not to arm and fire it every turn as a light torpedo, as the power to arm vs. damage is equal across all versions. Generally, a longer arming time tends to get you a better damage output.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Sunday, November 14, 2021 - 01:05 pm: Edit

Thanks for the comment, Nick.

I apologize as there has been a misunderstanding (which I hope doesn't affect other people).

The Shining Star Heavy Cruiser is armed with Two Light Warp Waves. These are noted on the SSD as LWW. The Light Warp Waves cannot be armed as Medium or Heavy Warp Waves.

For convenience (both mine and for players utilizing the SSD's in the future), the Warp Wave Table shows all the information (including Damage and Range) for Light, Medium, and Heavy Warp Waves. This is similar to a Plasma Torpedo Table that shows PL-F, PL-G, PL-S, and PL-R. But the ship itself might not carry all the types of Warp Waves (or all the types of Plasma Torpedoes for the sake of the comparison).

Medium and Heavy Warp Waves (which will be featured on other starships and future SSD's) will not be able to downgrade to a Light Warp Wave (or Medium Warp Wave if talking about a Heavy Warp Wave). This tech might be possible later with advancements (especially X-Tech).

For example, a future starship for another empire might carry Two Light Warp Waves and Two Medium Warp Waves with different Launching Arcs. Or a starship might carry a Single Heavy Warp Wave and Two Medium Warp Waves with different Launching Arcs. This is like have Two PL-F's and Two PL-G's on an SSD. Or a Single PL-R and Two PL-S's.

As for your argument that it is always better to choose a Light Warp Wave (let's suppose this is possible, even though it is not), I would have to disagree. Like Drones and Plasmas, you are trying to overwhelm your target's defenses, which in this case are Phasers (which are limited in number). If you launch a Light Warp Wave that does 8 Damage every turn, the target gets to fire all its available Phasers at that Light Warp Wave every single turn. It is unlikely the Light Warp Wave will ever hit its target. However, if you launch a 24 Damage point Heavy Warp Wave, the target can only fire all its available Phasers on the single turn right before impact. There is, therefore, a greater chance to damage the target with the Heavy Warp Wave than with constant Light Warp Waves launched every turn.

Of course, Wild Weasels can be used as a defense against Warp Waves, which makes it irrelevant whether the Warp Wave is Light, Medium, or Heavy.

Anyway, the discussion is moot since the various Warp Waves cannot be armed as one another. They are fixed as whatever type (Light, Medium, Heavy) is noted on the SSD.

Thanks again for your comment, Nick. I appreciate all feedback, especially if it Tactically related.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Sunday, November 14, 2021 - 01:18 pm: Edit

I also see what you mean about yielding Greater Damage the more Time is put into a Seeking Weapon. The Warp Wave Damage works as designed since they are all Separate Heavy Weapons that cannot be armed as Other Types of Warp Waves. I can always revise them if necessary, based on Playtest Data, but I hope I won't have to.

I would also question your note about "in general, a longer arming time gets you a better damage output."

A PL-F, PL-G, PL-S, and PL-R are all armed over the course of 3 Turns. And yet each one yields successively greater damage (for increased arming costs).

A Standard Photon and an Overloaded Photon are armed over 2 Turns. Yet the Standard Photon does 8 Damage while the Overloaded Photon (if maxed out) does 16 Damage. So for more energy, you get more damage, but the arming time remains the same.

A Disruptor Bolt is the same. Armed in a single turn, an Overloaded Disruptor yields more damage than a Standard Disruptor at the cost of more energy. But the Arming Time remains the same for both a Standard and Overloaded Disruptor Bolt.

So we have looked at Plasmas, Photons, and Disruptors, and a Longer Arming Time does not yield Greater Damage for any of them (although More Energy Does).

Perhaps I am not thinking of the weapon you are thinking of, where "Longer Arming Time yields Better Damage Output." Could you please cite some examples of this?

Thanks Nick.

By Nick Samaras (Koogie) on Sunday, November 14, 2021 - 03:20 pm: Edit

Sorry Norman, I overlooked that the warp torpedoes are limited to what type they can fire as.

As to my point about other weapons, I should have been more clear I was referring specifically to weapons that can choose to arm over more than one turn by choice.

The photon torpedo is a two turn arming weapon that can be armed over longer periods of time if you are overloading it, yes. But it is a unique example of Federation doctrine that called for controlling the amount of damage you wanted to do, hence the predictable incremental increase of damage vs. power.

The disruptor is single turn weapon; overloading it does not delay its ability to fire the following turn.

Same with plasma torpedoes. They take three turns to arm with the exception that you can arm a larger torpedo in two turns as a type-F.

I am looking at weapons such as:

The Baduvai charged particle accelerator, where you can fire over 1-3 turns, with increasing damage amount.

The Drex hypercannon, where you can fire it every turn as a light version or every other turn for 3x the damage output.

The Souldra dark matter pulsars (consider the damage output of H-DMP firing at range 5-8 once per turn vs firing twice per turn at the same range as a L-DMP).

The Sigvirion heavy kinetic wave torpedo and Souldra dark matter torpedo (with their option to either fire a turn early or later, the damage multiple changes).

The Alunda bio-electric bolt, where arming with four points of power requires a cool down turn.

The Arachnid hellfire torpedo, where the damage multiple changes over length of arming.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Sunday, November 14, 2021 - 04:36 pm: Edit

Ah...I see!

You have made your point well. I see your meaning now.

Thanks again for the clarification Nick

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Monday, November 15, 2021 - 03:13 pm: Edit

THE WAR DEN - ARCHOSAUR BC VS PHALANX CA
PRIME SECTOR
STARDATE 11.15.21
Link to previous War Den Tactics
Link to the Archosaur Battlecruiser SSD
Link to the Phalanx Heavy Cruiser SSD

For decades, the public never suspected that the people behind Star Fleet Battles were actually real-life true aliens. It turns out that the highly tactical starship simulation was accurately based on starships that actually existed in deep space. Another shocking revelation was that most of the devoted player base, who had been playing the game for decades, were also aliens. But the time for pretense was over. A terrible ominous threat loomed on the horizon. A group of players and the Lead Designer gathered in the War Den to discuss critical Tactics...

The Lead Designer was an elderly, distinguished gentleman with white hair and a white beard. He wore a brown cape attached around his neck by a metal chain. A curved blade hung by his waist. The Count said in a deep voice, "We are here to examine a Duel between an Archosaur Battlecruiser and a Phalanx Heavy Cruiser. You may begin."

"It appears the Archosaur has an edge in terms of design," a squid-faced player said, starting off the discussion. "Not only does the starship have more internals and more total power, but the Archosaur can also generate a higher alpha strike than the Phalanx."

"Don't forget the Archosaur has six shuttles to employ versus the Phalanx's four shuttles," a Cyborg added. "A slight advantage, but those two extra shuttles could make a difference late in the battle."

A blue-faced humanoid answered, "Those traits only have a minimal impact on the engagement. Both sides have a good chance to win. It all depends on the Captain. That is the key."

"Victory with the Phalanx will depend on scoring a successful hit with one its two Hurricane Missiles," a Goatwoman commented. "Each Hurricane Missile scores 24 points of damage. That is enough to knock down one of the Archosaur's shields. But the Hurricane Missile can be shot down by Phaser fire and distracted by a Wild Weasel. So timing is everything. The Phalanx only has two Hurricane Missiles to work with, so quantity is limited."

A Beaver Man nodded while clicking on his buck teeth. "The Phalanx was designed with no Rear Armor, just like the Juggernaut. It does have a Rotating Shield, however. Still, this is a vulnerable, weak point. I recommend that the Archosaur perform an Overrun. Once past the Phalanx, the Archosaur can attack with its LS/RS Quantum Wave Torpedoes, its LS/RS Wide Phasers, and its RH Wide Phasers, directly behind it. That barrage should be enough to penetrate the Phalanx Rotating Shield, which only provides 12 points of protection. Everything else should score as Internals."

"Easier said than done," a giant Cockroach replied. "The Phalanx can easily maneuver to keep the Archosaur away from its rear arc. And even if the Archosaur managed to successfully Overrun, a preplanned High Energy Turn by the Phalanx can counter the attempt. The Archosaur could then find itself in a really bad position."

"The Phalanx's Plasma Shear is a close range weapon," a humanoid Black Panther added with a snarl. "It can be launched up to Range 6 and the Radius can be set to 1 or 0. But because the Plasma Shear damages over multiple impulses, I recommend to use it when the Archosaur is moving very slow or is stopped. Sadly, the Plasma Shear cannot affect the Archosaur's plasma weaponry."

A walking Duck blurted out, "Speaking of which, if the Phalanx gets hit with both of the Archosaur's Plasma-S Torpedoes, it's going to be in big trouble, even with its regenerating Rotating Shield. A Wild Weasel or two is a good defense against this, but it will severely reduce the Phalanx's speed, leaving it vulnerable for a short period of time."

"The Wild Weasels will also attract the Archosaur's Quantum Wave Torpedoes," a woman with four eyes stated. "The problem is that the Quantum Wave Torpedoes can be launched by the Archosaur every turn. Defensive Phaser fire and Speed are good counters to the Quantum Wave Torpedo assault. The Phalanx has to be careful about the repeated attacks, because the Splash Element of the Quantum Wave Torpedoes can quickly wear down the Phalanx's armor."

Another woman with fiery hair said in a loud voice, "Don't forget the Archosaur also has the Improved Quantum Cannon which can fire every turn. This direct fire weapon scores good damage, particularly at Ranges 8-14 if Overloaded."

"What about trying the Gorn Anchor?" a short pink man with big ears asked in a hesitant voice. "Since the Archosaur uses mainly Seeking Weapons, it seems like a good idea to tractor the opponent. Just a thought..."

"The Phalanx has two powerful Phaser-4's," a large Rodent answered. "These can be used to keep the Archosaur away, to blow away incoming Quantum Wave Torpedoes, or to attack the Archosaur from a distance. I would say the Phaser-4's are effective out to Range 10, but are especially deadly at Range 5 or less."

A human woman with glowing eyes thought for a moment before stating, "The fact that the Phalanx's Rotating Shield regenerates every turn means the Phalanx has the advantage in a long game. It should try to drag the game out, because the longer the Archosaur fights, the more its own shields will be worn down, while the Phalanx's Rotating Shield will remain fresh. Of course, the Phalanx must pay energy to replenish its Rotating Shield every turn, but the cost is minimal."

An Android added, "Two can play at the Gorn Anchor game. If the Phalanx can successfully Tractor the Archosaur, it will almost be guaranteed to hit with its Hurricane Missiles. This could be the end of the battle if accomplished."

A Buffalo Man said, "Don't forget about the Archosaur's six Shuttles and the Phalanx's four Shuttles. Not only can these be Wild Weasels to distract the enemy's seeking weapons, but they can also turn into seeking weapons themselves by becoming Suicide Shuttles. It would be wise for each Captain to prepare these Shuttles beforehand."

"The Phalanx's Phasers are automatic hits at certain ranges," a Cat Woman remarked with a purr. "The Phalanx has Phaser-1's, in addition to the two powerful Phaser-4's. In many ways, the Phalanx is a Phaser Boat. But it does possess the Hurricane Missiles and the Plasma Shear."

"And the Archosaur has two Pseudo Plasma Torpedoes for its Plasma-S Torpedoes," a Walking Worm stated. "If it can fool the Phalanx with these, getting the Phalanx to waste valuable Phaser fire on them, the Archosaur can gain the advantage with its real Plasma Torpedoes."

A Thin Man with Black Eyes said, "While the Archosaur may want to run up to the Phalanx and launch all Plasmas at close range, I recommend against it. Not only will the Archosaur run into the two Phaser-4's and the two Plasma Shears, but the Phalanx can take an Alpha Strike and keep fighting due to its regenerating Rotating Shield. The Archosaur could easily regret this frontal charge later in the game when its own Shields have been depleted."

A Robot stated in a monotone voice, "Both the Archosaur's weapons and the Phalanx's weapons are FA and RS/LS. So both will want to maneuver to keep the enemy in arc while depriving the enemy of their ability to fire. However, the Phalanx's Hurricane Missiles are 360. So a path could be preplanned where the Phalanx turned away from the Archosaur and then launched its Hurricane Missile in surprise back toward it."

"The Phalanx is nothing without its Hurricane Missiles," a Fat Alien with Purple Skin said arrogantly. "If the Archosaur can bait the Phalanx to launch them early, and then counter them with Wild Weasels or Phaser Fire, the Phalanx will be vulnerable in the End Game. The Archosaur does not have limited ammunition like the Phalanx."

The Count motioned for everyone to stop and the War Den went quiet. Everyone contemplated what had been said. Then they departed one by one, with each person receiving a digital transcript of the discussion for them to study on their own.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Monday, November 15, 2021 - 07:52 pm: Edit

REGIME FZ4 BATTLECRUISER SSD - PROJECT X
Link to the Regime FZ4 Battlecruiser SSD

2021 NOTES:
Like the Republic First Cruiser, the Regime FZ4 Battlecruiser follows the Project-X Design Paradigm:

"PROJECT-X is a Pre-Regenesis New Galaxy whose starships are Cadet Sized with All New Phasers and All New Heavy Weapons/Devices. Instead of the standard 1:2 Energy:Damage Ratio, Project-X yields Slightly More Damage for 1 Point of Energy.

The Current SSD's for Project-X describe the First Era (hence First Cruisers), but Project-X actually spans Ten Eras, culminating in X2 Technology."

I noticed that on the Regime FZ4 Battlecruiser SSD, it does not contain the additional Ship Data information that I include on today's SSD's which provide quick reference data regarding Total Power, Alpha Strike, Shields, Internals, and More. I will have to add that to the SSD later.

I also noticed that in the R-Section below, there is not a DESIGNER NOTES section. I may or may not add this in the future.

This SSD was originally created in 2016, on a different website, and submitted to ADB at the time.

(PXR2.1) REGIME BATTLECRUISER (FZ4):

The standard Battlecruiser deployed by the Regime during the First Era. The Regime FZ4 Battlecruiser would become the historical antithesis of the Republic First Cruiser.

Countless duels would be fought between the Regime FZ4 Battlecruiser and the Republic First Cruiser, with victory being awarded to the captain who employed the better tactics. Like the Republic First Cruiser, the Regime FZ4 Battlecruiser was the basis for many variant starships, some of which were successful and some of which were not.

When the Republic first encountered the Regime, they were unprepared for the Phaser-VII. The Phaser-VII could not generate as much damage as a Phaser-V at close range, but it was far more efficient at long range. This worked perfectly for Regime tactics, which focused on hit and run maneuvers while constantly staying out of range. The Republic would struggle to find various ways to counter the Phaser-VII, and eventually even adopted the weapon in some of their own starship designs.

The Regime Battlecruiser was a fast and deadly starship. It possessed swift maneuverability, allowing it to turn much sharper than the Republic First Cruiser. While the Republic's Kinetic Torpedoes were capable of generating more destructive force in a single volley, the Regime's Neutron Bolts were more accurate and fired more frequently.

Of particular note were the impressive firing arcs of the Phaser-VII's on the Regime FZ4 Battlecruiser. Not only could the Regime FZ4 Battlecruiser bring five Phaser-VII's to bear at a forward oblique angle, but it could also bring three Phaser-VII's to fire at a rear oblique angle. This led to a variety of different attack patterns that were strategically much different than the standard Republic battle run.

In the First Era, the Republic would struggle greatly to deal with the Regime's Missiles. The Light Missiles employed by the Regime FZ4 were capable of launching two Missiles at once. This forced the Republic First Cruiser to use its Phaser-V's to destroy the incoming Missiles, putting it at a distinct disadvantage during the battle. In future Era's, the Republic would develop a variety of innovative defensive measures to counter the Regime's Missiles.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 - 09:04 am: Edit

MERLIN - STARDATE 11.16.21
PRIME SECTOR
Link to previous Merlin Logs

Captain Elizabeth stood in Sickbay with Doctor Sap. The lights were dimmed and the doors sealed to prevent anyone from entering unexpectedly. There was heavy tension in the air. It was 0313 hours.

Captain Elizabeth stared at her Doctor. The Grove Treeling was adorned with yellow leaves that sprang out of her many branches. Doctor Sap stared back at the Captain with deep orange eyes. The Doctor wore her traditional blue robe. Captain Elizabeth was clad in her standard all-white uniform which featured the Alliance of Lords logo over her heart, multiple swords crossed over each other.

"Doctor Sap. I know you have concerns about our current mission to detonate this experimental warhead over the Death Cult planet, Shrieketh-2. But Alliance Command has tasked me with this mission and I will carry it out."

"And what if I told you, Captain, that Alliance Command lied to you? That they, in fact, have a more...sinister...agenda at work?"

Captain Elizabeth went quiet. She adjusted her long blonde hair. Something about this mission had bothered her right from the start. But she couldn't determine what was the cause. So she buried the feeling as much as she could.

"That's a very serious allegation, Doctor Sap."

"It's more than an allegation," Doctor Sap said in a serious tone as she used one of her thin, root-like hands to activate an adjacent monitor. Images began to display showing the internal structure of the experimental warhead. "Didn't they tell you that the experimental weapon would cause no more than the common cold in its affected subjects? Well, they lied! I have carefully analyzed the composition of the chemical makeup of the weapon. And ran a barrage of tests to confirm my findings. Captain, as unbelievable as this may sound, the weapon will actually cause Rapid Aging!!"

Captain Elizabeth was shocked. Her light blue eyes did not blink. She knew something was wrong, but she never suspected that Alliance Command would be capable of This...

"Are...you certain?"

"Positive, Captain. Anyone infected from this experimental weapon will die within three days. Their accelerated aging will take them to the end of their lifespan suddenly. There is no cure that I have been able to find. Confirm my results. Analyze my data. I have already transmitted the files over to you for your review."

Captain Elizabeth looked away. She felt betrayed. Is it possible that I am being manipulated by Alliance Command? Why not tell me the truth right from the start? How could they sacrifice so many lives in order to test a new bio-weapon?

"We are almost at Shrieketh-2, Doctor. I will stay the implementation of the experimental warhead for now. I would normally contact Alliance Command right away to clear this up, but this far into Death Cult territory, I dare not. I can't take the chance that the Death Cult might intercept my transmission. It took the combined tactics of the Wallingford, Raby, and Alnwick Alliance Fleets to occupy Death Cult Border Forces long enough for the Merlin to slip past."

"Then are you still going to carry out your mission, Captain?" Doctor Sap asked with great concern in her voice.

Captain Elizabeth paused before answering. "Doctor, we are at war with the Death Cult. There have been countless casualties on both sides. Both the Alliance of Lords and the Death Cult have experienced death and suffering. Shrieketh-2 is full of military installations. They produce warships for the Death Cult. To...nullify...Shrieketh-2 would certainly save Alliance of Lords lives in the long run."

"That is a heavy assumption, Captain."

Captain Elizabeth's eyes locked onto Doctor Sap's eyes. Neither broke the stare.

"What are you suggesting, Doctor Sap?"

"If Alliance Command lied to you about the nature of the experimental weapon, they may have lied to you about other things as well. What if..."

SHRIEKETH-2 WAS NOT A MILITARY TARGET, BUT A PLANET FULL OF INNOCENT CIVILIANS?

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 - 09:02 pm: Edit

SHINING STAR COMMAND CRUISER SSD
Link to the Shining Star Command Cruiser SSD

THE GRAND SECTOR

SHINING STAR SHIPS
(GSR1.2) COMMAND CRUISER (CC):

The Shining Star Command Cruiser was an upgraded version of the Shining Star Heavy Cruiser. The Shining Star Command Cruiser would typically lead fleets with an admiral in command. The ship possessed notable improvements over the Shining Star Heavy Cruiser in terms of power, weaponry, command ability, hull, and shields. Shining Star Command Cruisers were protected as much as possible during fleet engagements due to their special status.

DESIGNER NOTES:

The Shining Star Command Cruiser forms the basis for all future Grand Sector Command Cruisers. So its design is important as it "introduces" the Command Cruiser Class to the Grand Sector.

The Shining Star Command Cruiser is based on the Federation Command Cruiser. After comparing the Federation Command Cruiser to the Federation Heavy Cruiser, I noted only two improvements: the inclusion of FLAG and changing the PH-1-RH to PH-1-360.

However, for the Grand Sector, I wanted Command Cruisers to have more improvements (than the FED CC over the FED CA) over the Heavy Cruiser. Therefore, the Shining Star Command Cruiser possesses FLAG, more HULL, two more APR, two more Shield #1, Medium Warp Waves (instead of Light Warp Waves), and improved firing arcs for the portside and starboard Alpha Phasers. These changes are minor, but significant. They are not game changing, but they help to distinguish the Command Cruiser and raise it to a clear, elevated status above the Heavy Cruiser.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 - 09:05 pm: Edit

Thanks to the valuable feedback provided by Nick Samaras, I added the following text to the Warp Wave Rules:

"The Type (Light, Medium, Heavy) of Warp Wave is noted on the SSD along with Launching Arcs. At present, the Type (Light, Medium, Heavy) of Warp Wave cannot be changed during gameplay. Future advancements in Warp Wave technology may allow this to happen."

This should prevent any confusion or misunderstanding about the Warp Waves and whether a Warp Wave can be armed as any other type (Light, Medium, Heavy), which it cannot.

Thanks again to Nick Samaras for helping to improve the Grand Sector!

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 - 09:09 pm: Edit

I noticed on the Shining Star Heavy Cruiser SSD that the FA directions were missing on both sets of Spectral Bolts, the Total Power was incorrect, and the Copyright Year on the far left side was not correct. I made the appropriate corrections and re-uploaded the corrected SSD.

Link to the Shining Star Heavy Cruiser SSD

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 - 09:42 am: Edit

SHINING STAR LIGHT CRUISER SSD
Link to the Shining Star Light Cruiser SSD

THE GRAND SECTOR

SHINING STAR SHIPS
(GSR1.3) LIGHT CRUISER (CL):

The Shining Star Light Cruiser was an inexpensive vessel that was used to fill the ranks of the Shining Star Fleet. While the vessel was produced in abundance, the Shining Star Light Cruiser was significantly less effective than the Shining Star Heavy Cruiser. The Shining Star Light Cruiser lacked the total power, shields, reserve power, command abilities, hull, Phasers, and Warp Waves that the Shining Star Heavy Cruiser possessed. There would be many variant starships produced of this lighter, more economically-efficient hull.

DESIGNER NOTES:

The Shining Star Light Cruiser is based on the Federation New Light Cruiser. Comparing the Federation New Light Cruiser to the Federation Heavy Cruiser, I was surprised to find that the Federation New Light Cruiser only possessed 2 Batteries. Other differences included deletion of the two PH-1-RH, one EMER, four LAB, Forward and Aft Hull, Warp Engines, and Shields.

However, I wanted the Shining Star Light Cruiser to possess greater differences than this. So while all the differences between the Federation New Light Cruiser and the Federation Heavy Cruiser were implemented on the Shining Star Light Cruiser, I also reduced the Shields further, deleted the APR, the RH Light Warp Wave, one Alpha Phaser, and the Two 360 Centurion Phasers. Overall, the Shining Star Light Cruiser turned out to be a weaker vessel with less power, less firepower, less shields, less reserve power, and less internals than the Shining Star Heavy Cruiser. But this is how I feel Light Cruisers should compare to Heavy Cruisers.

By Garth L. Getgen (Sgt_G) on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 - 12:27 pm: Edit

The SSD has so much white-space that is just begging to be filled in with more "stuff".


Garth L. Getgen

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 - 12:43 pm: Edit

LOL Garth!

Yes, I had two choices:

1) Create the SSD by deleting info from the Heavy Cruiser SSD or...

2) Build an SSD from scratch, knowing that it would turn out much smaller than the Heavy Cruiser SSD

I opted for #1, which worked but left a lot of white space!

By Garth L. Getgen (Sgt_G) on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 - 05:35 pm: Edit

Yeah, I missed the heavy cruiser SSD and didn't see it until after I posted my comment. Still, the light cruiser SSD has more white area than Nebraska in the winter.


Garth L. Getgen

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 - 06:54 pm: Edit

You're too funny, Garth!

Alright, I gave in. I modified the Shining Star Light Cruiser SSD to remove most of the white and make the SSD more...Appealing.

This one's for you, Garth!!

Link to Revised Shining Star Light Cruiser SSD

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Thursday, November 18, 2021 - 08:31 am: Edit

MERLIN
Link to previous Merlin Logs
STARDATE 11.18.21
PRIME SECTOR

"Captain, I must protest."

Captain Elizabeth stared at her First Officer. The Red Gorgon Vampire Squid stared back at her with one of the two blue eyes that sat on each side of his oval head. Lovecraft always had her welfare as his highest concern.

The Senior Staff was gathered in Captain Elizabeth's Ready Room to discuss Shrieketh-2. Everyone sat in front of her desk, their chairs scattered about in random locations. On one side of the Ready Room, the Alliance of Lords Logo, multiple swords crossed over each other, was painted onto the wall. Directly behind Captain Elizabeth's desk, the Crest of Merlin was painted. It featured an embroidered shield with a glowing staff in the center.

"Shrieketh-2 is far too dangerous for the Captain to personally inspect," Lovecraft continued in a soft but firm voice. "We are deep in Death Cult territory. Imagine if the Captain was captured by the Death Cult. They would surely torture her to extract every piece of Alliance of Lords intelligence that they could get. And they would use her as a negotiating piece against the Alliance of Lords, like a prisoner of war. This cannot be allowed to happen. If anyone should lead the Landing Party on Shrieketh-2, it must be I, the First Officer."

Captain Elizabeth looked at Lovecraft gratefully and with great compassion on her fair face.

"I appreciate your offer, Lovecraft. And your logic makes perfect sense. But Doctor Sap has not only found that the Experimental Warhead we are carrying will induce Rapid Aging, but she insinuated that Shrieketh-2 might lack military installations and, in fact, be full of only innocent civilians. Therefore, I must see what is down there with my own eyes before I make my command decision about whether or not to detonate the Experiemental Warhead."

"The Death Cult possesses no innocent civilians," Lilith said in a sensual voice. The beautiful young woman with straight black hair wore a revealing outfit, as usual. She said the statement as a matter of fact. She knew she spoke what the others were afraid to openly say.

"Of course there are," Fortune countered. The Puss Felinus Chaplain was always ready to counter the extremely disturbing words of the "Negativity Advisor." "We all know that there are many innocent people...good people...in life who are deceived and manipulated by evil. The fact that they were fooled does not make them evil. And then there are those who are forced to do evil deeds under threat of pain, suffering, or death."

Captain Elizabeth turned to her Science Officer. The lovely Fair Folk slowly met her gaze with her own star-filled eyes.

"Una, please confirm the readings on Shrieketh-2."

"Shrieketh-2 is an M-Class Planet with two hundred million inhabitants. They are scattered over six continents. Scanners indicate they are using early industrial technology. On the surface, it appears as though Doctor Sap is correct."

Una glanced at Doctor Sap, who formed a wide smile on her wooden trunk. The Grove Treeling felt vindicated.

"However," Una continued. "Our Sensors have detected a shielded location on the northernmost continent, deep in a mountain range. We cannot penetrate the shield to see what is within. It would take highly sophisticated technology to block our Sensors in this manner. Additionally, the majority of Shrieketh-2's population is not Death Cult, but is comprised of many different species, most likely a slave worker class."

Everyone in the room went quiet as they considered this information regarding Shrieketh-2.

"Captain, you're going to need me on this one," Daedalus said in a deep voice. The fat Clockwork Engineer smoked his mechanical cigar. "I can tell you what's going on underneath that shield in a heartbeat."

"Request denied," Captain Elizabeth answered. "You're far too important to Merlin to risk on the surface, Chief. The ship needs your valuable engineering skills, especially if the Death Cult shows up."

The Security Chief composed of pure darkness spoke in an eerie voice. "That's another thing that's odd. We found no Death Cult starships in orbit around Shrieketh-2. If the planet was full of military installations, wouldn't it be better protected?"

Captain Elizabeth had her own suspicions, but she kept them within. Something about Shrieketh-2 made her feel uneasy.

"Una, Morgause, Doctor Sap, and Delphi, you're with me on the Away Mission. Dusk, Major Zilo, you will stay here on Merlin to protect her against boarding attempts. But I want four Security Officers and two Alpha Predators to accompany the Landing Party. Hand pick your best and have them meet us in the Transporter Room. Doctor, we will need cosmetic enhancements to make us look like the inhabitants."

"Not a problem, Captain," Doctor Sap confirmed. "It won't take long. But I warn you, any kind of Scan will reveal us for what we truly are. The cosmetics will only fool visual inspection."

Lilith added, "Captain, there is evil on Shrieketh-2. Please allow me to accompany you."

Fortune was quick to add on his own request right after Lilith. "Elizabeth, you may need my healing abilities on your mission. Allow me to come with you, as well."

Captain Elizabeth still didn't fully trust Lilith. And Fortune was far too small to pretend to be a humanoid. But he could pose as a...pet.

"Very well. Lilith and Fortune, you're with us. We leave in one hour. Make the necessary preparations. The Landing Party will beam down to the Northern Mountain Range where we located a tiny town. We will begin our reconnaissance there. Lovecraft, you're in charge of Merlin while we are gone. If any Death Cult starships show up, you are to move Merlin a safe distance away from Shrieketh-2. Do not engage the Death Cult under any circumstances. Leave us behind until it is safe to return for us. Understood?"

The Crimson Vampire Squid said nothing for a few moments, as if contemplating other possibilities. But in the end, the First Officer replied, "Yes, Captain."

Everyone in the Ready Room stood up.

LET'S FIND OUT WHAT'S DOWN THERE.

By Garth L. Getgen (Sgt_G) on Friday, November 19, 2021 - 06:38 pm: Edit

Norm, you didn't really have to do that. On the other hand, if you give SOME people too much white space, they make something like this.

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Garth L. Getgen

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Friday, November 19, 2021 - 07:48 pm: Edit

LOL Garth!

"The Hand of Justice"...YIKES!!

By Ken Kazinski (Kjkazinski) on Saturday, November 20, 2021 - 01:27 pm: Edit

Garth - you could fill some of the white space with a Crawford chart.

By Steve Petrick (Petrick) on Saturday, November 20, 2021 - 02:48 pm: Edit

Ken:

Normal. Dizon beat me to the answer to your Lyran Gunboat question.

By Garth L. Getgen (Sgt_G) on Saturday, November 20, 2021 - 04:24 pm: Edit

Ken, I left the Crawford Box for Petrick to do because we all know how much he loves to do them.


Garth L. Getgen