Y-SECTOR - PLUS TECHNOLOGY
DESIGNER NOTES
Link to previous Designer Notes

As the X-Sector is the Alpha Sector equivalent employing Plus (X1/X2) Technology, the Y-Sector is the Omega Sector equivalent employing Plus (X1/X2) Technology. Great care must be taken with Y-Sector development because of Omega's imbalance between Phasers, Weaponry, Ships, and Empires.

Clearly, Plus (X1/X2) Technology is Significantly Different from the Official X-Technology employed in the Alpha and Omega Sectors. While there are unavoidable similarities, there are profound differences.

Following the Design Paradigm set up by X-Sector Plus (X1/X2) Technology, Phasers will score slightly more damage. Heavy Weapons will also possess increased damage potential and will not have any kind of fast loading capability. Shields will remain at General War strength, but will be augmented by Shield Regenerators. Plus (X1/X2) Warp Engines will generate two points of energy each and Plus (X1/X2) Batteries will hold five points of energy each. The widespread use of the Gatling Phaser for defensive fire will most likely be replaced in the Y-Sector with the Pulse Emitter (or some variation of it) or the Short Range Cannon (or some variation of it).

During the whole design process of the Y-Sector, I will have the chance to integrate more balance into the Omega designs, making them mesh together better. This may be very difficult given the wide variation in all of the Omega Technologies.

Of course, the Y-Sector will be filled with All New Empires who utilize Plus (X1/X2) Variations of Omega Technologies.

Where the Y-Sector sits on the map in relation to the X-Sector is still to be determined. Will there be some kind of "Void" separating the two? Will there be another hidden, secret way for the two Sectors to reach each other? Are they simply neighbors on the map who are right next to each other? Or perhaps the Y-Sector empires are spread out around the perimeter of the entire X-Sector map, causing specific Y-Sector empires to border only specific X-Sector empires?

Work on the Y-Sector will begin only after the Core Empires of the X-Sector have been established.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Monday, October 10, 2022 - 05:17 am: Edit

PROTECTORATE HEAVY CRUISER PLUS SSD
Link to the Protectorate Heavy Cruiser Plus SSD
THE X-SECTOR

PROTECTORATE SHIPS
(XSR1.1) HEAVY CRUISER PLUS (CA+):

The Protectorate Plus Heavy Cruiser was a Plus Ship designed for scientific study, survey missions, galactic exploration, diplomatic transportation, and rescue operations. Combat was a secondary role. Outfitted with two Special Sensors, a Pulse Generator, a Slipstream Drive, and two Shield Regenerators, the Protectorate Plus Heavy Cruiser was armed with only two Plus Photon Torpedoes, Six Plus Phasers, and one Gatling Phaser for defensive purposes. The Protectorate Plus Heavy Cruiser would form the core of the Protectorate Fleet.

DESIGNER NOTES:

The Protectorate Plus Heavy Cruiser was clearly not a Plus Starship designed for combat. However, the Protectorate Plus Heavy Cruiser would spawn numerous variants based on its design.

The Protectorate Plus Heavy Cruiser is critical to the X-Sector because it sets the stage for future Plus Starships, both in the Protectorate and in other empires. This is what a Plus Starship looks like, how much damage it can dish out, how much power it can generate, how much Reserve Power it has, how strong its Shields are, and how much damage it can sustain. You will notice that the Protectorate Plus Heavy Cruiser, like most Plus Starships, is light on Internals, making it somewhat fragile. This is because of a reliance on its Self Regenerating Shields.

Considering the Alpha Strike Potential of the Protectorate Plus Heavy Cruiser was essential for proper Gameplay. Each Plus Photon Torpedo can potentially score up to 24 points of damage at close range. The Protectorate Plus Heavy Cruiser can typically bring up to four Plus Phasers (Six if the target is directly in front of the Plus Starship) to bear on a target, depending on its location. One can also add in four strikes from the Gatling Phaser at close range and one Plus Drone if it manages to impact its target. The combination of all of these weapons is more than enough to collapse a Plus Ship's Shield and wreak havoc on its internals. But getting to that close firing position is the challenge. And the opposing Plus Starship has plenty of power to reinforce whatever Shield you happen to be targeting.

Overall, I am pleased with how the Protectorate Plus Heavy Cruiser turned out. It clearly has the dynamics of Advanced Technology, yet flies like a General War Cruiser. There are plenty of new tactics to be discovered because of the new technology. As an empire, the Protectorate is one suited toward defense, knowledge, and exploration, which is perfectly appropriate given their nature.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 - 02:56 am: Edit

HEIRS TO FATE - SHEPHERD
STARDATE 10.12.22
X-SECTOR
Link to previous Heirs to Fate entries

Ichalord sat brooding in his Ready Room. Both of his hands were clasped together, fingers intertwined with one another. Little did he know that he was a picture of his Father, who did the very same thing for countless hours of his own. Ichalord stared with his light orange eyes at a family picture of himself, Ichabeth, Ichabelle, and Ichadred. They were all very young.

The front door slid open, allowing a person to enter. It was Ichalord's First Officer, his Number One.

Pree was a beautiful young woman. Her long silver hair constantly shimmered as if alive. A single, long horn with spiral grooves extended out of her forehead. The tip of the horn glowed bright. Pree examined Ichalord with her rainbow colored eyes.

"Captain, am I disturbing you?" Pree said in a soft voice. "You seem...preoccupied. Is something the matter?"

Ichalord glanced up at Pree and then returned his gaze to the family photo. He sighed. "Of course not, Pree. You are always welcome, my First Officer. Please come in. I was just thinking about...family."

Pree was aware that Ichalord had just taken some time away from the Shepherd to visit his Mother and his Siblings. The outcome always seemed the same. "Ichadred again?"

Ichalord looked up at Pree. His orange eyes locked with her rainbow eyes. "Ah...you know me too well, Pree. Yes, Ichadred again. Ever since he was young, Ichadred was always rebellious, defiant, and non-traditional. But those traits let him think outside the box. I always thought that joining the Protectorate would help him to funnel that talent toward positive ends. But lately...he seems worse. Like he is not himself, like there is a dark hatred brewing inside of him, like he has taken a...darker path."

Pree looked at Ichalord sympathetically. She cared for her Captain very much. "It is common for Siblings to quarrel. You won't always see eye to eye on certain issues. That is just life. Sometimes, the best we can do is be there to offer love, support, guidance, and advice. People need to be free to make their own decisions in life. We cannot control them so much that we make the decisions for them."

"And if those decisions lead them down a wicked road? What then?"

Pree went quiet. "Captain, do you mean that Ichadred might become...an Enemy?"

Ichalord looked at his family photo once more. His gaze intensified. "Yes. I fear the worst may come to pass. The writing is on the wall. Ichadred could become a threat to everything I hold dear. He may become the very thing that my Father struggled his whole life to destroy."

Ichalord paused. He thought of his Mother, his Father, his Sisters, all of the people he has grown to care for, and the Protectorate and all it represented. His hand clenched into a fist.

"I promise you, Pree, I won't allow Ichadred to destroy everything that is good in life."

"I WILL DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO STOP ICHADRED...NO MATTER WHAT THE COST."

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 - 03:32 am: Edit

Tweeted about Heirs to Fate Stardate 10.12.22
The X-Sector Designer Notes
The Y-Sector Designer Notes
The Protectorate Heavy Cruiser Plus SSD
@genesisgalaxies

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 - 03:39 am: Edit

Pinned the Protectorate Heavy Cruiser Plus SSD to Pinterest
@starfleetbattlesthegenesisproject

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Saturday, October 15, 2022 - 05:00 pm: Edit

REAPER SCYTHE BATTLECRUISER PLUS SSD
Link to the Reaper Scythe Battlecruiser Plus SSD
THE X-SECTOR

REAPER SHIPS
(XSR2.1) SCYTHE BATTLECRUISER PLUS (BC+):

The Reaper Scythe Battlecruiser Plus was built for combat. Armed with Four Plus Disruptor Bolts, Six Plus Phasers, Two Gatling Phasers, Two Plus Drone Racks, One Shield Regenerator, One Slipstream Drive, and One Pulse Generator, the Reaper Scythe Battlecruiser Plus was extremely quick, agile, and maneuverable. Like many Reaper Starships, the Reaper Scythe Battlecruiser Plus suffered from Weak Shields, primarily because Reaper Battle Doctrine dictated that Offense was far more important than Defense. The Reaper Scythe Battlecruiser Plus excelled at mid-range combat which included repeated sharp turns. This unique style of combat was later dubbed the "Dance of the Reaper."

DESIGNER NOTES:

The Reaper Scythe Battlecruiser Plus was quite different from the Protectorate Heavy Cruiser Plus in terms of design. Whereas the Protectorate Heavy Cruiser Plus was focused on Defense, Energy, and Information Gathering, the Reaper Scythe Battlecruiser Plus was focused on Offense, Speed, Maneuverability, and Constant Assaults.

Rather than opting for Advanced Fire Control Systems such as Ubitron Interface Modules or Disruptor Extended-Range Fire Attenuation Control Systems, the decision was made to incorporate an Area Mode into the Plus Disruptor Bolt. This Area Mode was nearly identical to the Photon Torpedo Proximity Fuse, making it simple to use and always present.

Obviously based on a Classic, Iconic, Alpha Sector Starship, the Reaper Scythe Battlecruiser Plus differs in the inherent Plus Technology and its many uses. The Reaper Scythe Battlecruiser has access to the same Plus Technology as the Protectorate Heavy Cruiser Plus, just not as much as it. Instead, the Reaper Scythe Battlecruiser Plus is armed with far more weaponry than the Protectorate Heavy Cruiser Plus, making it a deadly adversary.

The same tactics apply as that Classic, Iconic, Alpha Sector Starship, except that they have all been magnified by the access to Plus Technology. Saber Dancing, Oblique Attacks, Scatterpacks, Boarding Party Hit and Runs are all still valid tactics that work with the Reaper Scythe Battlecruiser Plus. How will the Slipstream Drive be integrated into these tactics? What will change when you know the Reaper Scythe Battlecruiser Plus can regenerate its Shields far faster than the Original Starship it was based on? What difference will all the Extra Power make during combat? What new tactics can be executed to make full use of both Gatling Phasers?

Ultimately, the Reaper Scythe Battlecruiser Plus makes the perfect compliment to the Protectorate Heavy Cruiser Plus. They are Opposites in many ways. One built for Defense, one for Offense, one able to Regenerate its Shields faster than the other, one able to overwhelm its target with waves of Plus Drones, one whose Heavy Weapons take Two Turns to Arm, one whose Heavy Weapons can be Armed in a Single Turn, one with a Mediocre Turn Mode, one with a Great Turn Mode, one with Strong Shields, one with Weak Shields. Not only do these polarities make for perfect matchups, but these differences also define both empires in terms of what they value in ship design, what their combat strategy is, and what their goals are in deep space.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Sunday, October 16, 2022 - 06:49 pm: Edit

HEIRS TO FATE - VENUS
STARDATE 10.16.22
X-SECTOR
Link to previous Heirs to Fate entries

A shimmering flash of light announced the arrival of six individuals on the surface of Petrus-IV. The Landing Party consisted of Captain Ichabeth, Doctor Freya, Science Officer Archimedes, and Security Officers Robinson, Cruse, and Defoe. They were in the center of Outpost Bakira, a remote survey station on the outskirts of the Protectorate.

Outpost Bakira, which consisted only of less than a dozen small buildings, was surrounded by a ring of hills composed of dense, jagged stone. A cold, light breeze blew through the air. There was nothing but silence in the entire Outpost.

Everyone in the Landing Party stared in shock at what they saw all around them. Now they knew the reason why the Protectorate had lost contact with Outpost Bakira.

The officers and scientists of Outpost Bakira were all frozen in mid motion. They were statues, some in running positions, some in walking positions, some in sitting positions. But the most disturbing thing was the fact that they were each covered in a layer of ice, with icicles hanging down from their limbs and faces. Many of them wore a surprised expression.

Quickly, Captain Ichabeth took charge of the situation. "Robinson, Cruse, Defoe, establish a perimeter around the Outpost. Identify and report any threats to our safety. Do not engage on your own. Freya, examine the residents of Outpost Bakira. I want to know what happened here. Archimedes, assess the condition of the Outpost. Make sure it is in working order and report any malfunctions or defects."

The three Security Officers wearing red shirts fanned out and began walking toward the edges of the Outpost. Archimedes, who looked like a five foot tall, faceless Mannequin made of an unknown metal, walked calmly toward the Outpost's Command Structure. One could immediately tell that Archimedes was not human, even from a distance, for his strides were perfectly spaced like a machine.

Freya slowly made her way over to the nearest frozen officer. She was covered in an ornate cloak with a long hood, a symbol of her Druidic Heritage. Although she walked with a hunched over posture, like an elderly woman near the end of her days, Freya's skin and face were smooth and beautiful as if she was in her prime. Freya pulled out her Tricorder, which lit up with lights and beeped when activated.

A worried look came over the Doctor's pretty face. "Captain...it's unbelievable. There is Cryogenic Nanotechnology in their blood. I have never seen the like. We must transport one of the frozen officers up to Venus for a more detailed and thorough examination. I need the Advanced Medical Devices aboard Venus for further analysis."

"Nanotech?" Ichabeth said in a disturbed voice. "Some kind of Bio Weapon? Is it airborne? Are we at risk? If we transport one of them up to Venus will they infect everyone up there?"

"Negative, Captain," Freya answered while examining her Tricorder results. "The particles don't appear to be airborne. If they were, we would all have been immediately frozen upon arrival. I don't think we should jump to the conclusion that this is a Bio Weapon, although we certainly shouldn't rule out the possibility. I will take every precaution while transporting one of the the officers up to Venus."

Captain Ichabeth nodded, flipped open her Communicator, and contacted Venus. Her First Officer answered.

"Doctor Freya is beaming back up to Venus with one of the officers from Outpost Bakira. They are all frozen solid by Cryogenic Nanotechnology. Follow Freya's specific orders in regards to decontamination procedures. I don't want anyone else from Venus transporting down to the Outpost. Maintain orbit and continue running continuous scans of the surface. Notify me immediately if you discover anything out of the ordinary."

Ichabeth closed her Communicator. Minutes later, Doctor Freya and one of the frozen officers disappeared in a flash of light.

AND FOR A FEW MOMENTS, ICHABETH HAD FORGOTTEN ABOUT ICHADRED, AND WHAT HAPPENED AT THE LAST FAMILY GATHERING...

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 - 03:33 pm: Edit

HEIRS TO FATE - GREAT OWL
STARDATE 10.19.22
X-SECTOR
Link to previous Heirs to Fate entries

Ichabelle and her team materialized in one of the corridors of the Freighter, Sextia. Alongside Captain Ichabelle was her First Officer, her Chief Engineer, and a dozen Security Officers. After receiving a disheartening distress call, the Great Owl rushed to the aid of the Sextia. They may have arrived too late.

Littered throughout the corridor were the dead bodies of Sextia's personnel. Some had been clawed, some had been bitten, some had been stabbed, and some had been hit by Phaser fire. Only the Captain clung to life...just barely.

Captain Ichabelle knelt beside the fallen Captain. It was immediately clear that his injuries were fatal. Ichabelle's deep green eyes stared into his eyes, trying to provide some comfort before he passed through Death's Gate.

"Captain Eitzor! Can you hear me? It's Captain Ichabelle and the Great Owl. We have arrived to save you! Please...before you let go completely...tell me what happened aboard the Sextia."

Captain Eitzor squeezed Ichabelle's hand as tightly as he could. Blood trickled out of his mouth as he spoke. "A Demon...there is a ...Devil aboard...my ship. It kills...it deceives...it torments...it is Pure Evil!"

Ichabelle briefly glanced up her at First Officer and Chief Engineer. The Monstrous, Cybernetic Minotaur gripped his high-tech Battleaxe with both hands. He had a look of stone. Next to him, a three foot tall Leprechaun with red hair and a red beard rolled his eyes in disbelief.

"A...Demon?" Ichabelle asked Captain Eitzor in an uncertain voice. "Surely you must be mistaken, Captain Eitzor. Are you speaking figuratively? You cannot mean an actual Demon. What are we facing here, Captain Eitzor? Tell me so that my men and I can retake the Sextia!"

Captain Eitzor struggled to speak. He knew these were the last words he would be able to utter. "Yes...a Demon. We didn't even know...it was aboard. It can...shapeshift...become...anyone...anything! Sensors...cannot...track it. Leave now...Captain Ichabelle...abandon the Sextia...Save Yourself...while you...still can...blow up...the Sextia...from afar. LEAVE....NOW!!!"

Captain Eitzor's bulging eyes froze in place. He breathed no more. His head slumped back down onto the floor.

Ichabelle quickly stood up. A look of great concern was on her bone white face. Her jet black hair with blue streaks was braided tightly. On her back, she carried a long metallic Spear which glowed with alternating red colors.

"Taurus? Recommendation?"

The Giant Minotaur who walked on two hooves looked at Ichabelle with a cybernetic lens hanging over one eye. The First Officer was quiet for moment. He was a practical creature, who didn't believe in fairy tales, but who was smart enough to know that there were things in the universe that he didn't comprehend.

"Captain Eitzor's last words are of great concern. We don't fully know what we are dealing with here. We cannot lose a single life aboard this freighter. Recommend we return to the Great Owl, run further scans, and come up with a new strategy after more study. We need to be cautious."

Captain Ichabelle nodded and looked down at her Chief Engineer. O'Bilton looked up at her with a mischievous grin. A green outfit covered his body and a green top hat sat on his head.

"Captain, are ya really believin' this Demon nonsense? Come now! We ahr Protectorate Officers on a Rescue Mission! We cannah just abandon the freightah and blow it ta pieces! What kinda officers would we be? What would ya say ta Protectorate Command 'bout your decision? We must secure the Sextia...NOW!"

Ichabelle took a moment to think to herself. Prudence and Assertiveness. That's why I value both of their viewpoints. They are both right in a way. But the final decision is mine. Lives are riding on me.

"Taurus, have our twelve Security Officers search the Sextia. Two man teams, I want no one on their own. Understood? Contact the Great Owl. Have three dozen more Security Officers on standby, ready to beam over on my command. O'Bilton, proceed to Engineering and run a diagnostic on the Sextia. She needs to be able to go to Warp if we are to get her to the nearest Starbase."

"We are going to search the Sextia, room by room until the whole ship is secure."

"LET'S TAKE THIS SHIP BACK."

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 - 11:01 pm: Edit

PROJECT-X DESIGNER NOTES
ADDENDUM
Link to previous Designer Notes

In the Project-X Designer Notes, I described how Project-X began as a New Galaxy full of Cadet Sized Cruisers. These Cruisers featured Brand New Phasers, Brand New Heavy Weapons, Brand New Devices, and More. I discussed how the standard 2:1 damage to energy ratio was shifted slightly, completely changing the damage tables across all of Project X's weapons. It was revealed that Project-X comprises Ten Era's in totality, with the First Era being the lowest in technology. The First Cruisers of the First Era were crude ships which lacked Phaser Capacitors. It was discovered that Project-X is full of Major Empires and Minor Empires, with the Major Empires overseeing and protecting (or exploiting) many of the Minor Empires.

However, after reviewing my initial Project-X Designer Notes, I found that Two Very Important Aspects of Project-X were not mentioned.

The First Aspect is the concept of Strategic Terrain. This will take the form of Subspace "Water" Formations. Project-X will be full of Subspace Rivers, Subspace Streams, Subspace Ponds, Subspace Lakes, Subspace Creeks, Subspace Canals, Subspace Ripples, Subspace Currents, Subspace Waterfalls, Subspace Eddys, Subspace Riptides, Subspace Channels, Subspace Whirlpools, Subspace Gyres, Subspace Waves, Subspace Tides, Subspace Storms, Subspace Pockets, and More.

The purpose of these Subspace "Water" Formations is not to simply add various terrain to Project-X, but to greatly impact the game on a Tactical Level, as well as on a Strategic Level. For example, a large Subspace River and its Current might favor a location at it's "highest" point. It is at this point that a Major Empire might construct a Starbase. The Starbase would have improved defenses against assault due to the Subspace River and its Current. This concept was inspired by an Andromedan Starbase using a Temporal Elevator to enhance its defense. In Project-X's case, the defense is not artificially generated, but rather the result of natural forces.

The Second Aspect is the idea that some weapons fire further than others, thereby affecting the tactical game, particularly fleet formations. This Second Aspect has the most effect in the First Era of Project-X, where the technology is low and speed is extremely limited. In later Project-X Era's, ships move much faster and all weapons have improved ranges, so the impact on tactics is much less.

For example, the Republic's Kinetic Howitzer can hit up to Range 30 with a powerful shot, while the Republic's standard Heavy Weapon, the Kinetic Torpedo, is limited to Range 20. The Phaser V can hit at Range 30, but only for a point of damage. The Regime's Neutron Bolt can hit up to Range 24, but only for two points of damage at most. One can begin to see how the range of the Kinetic Howitzer might play a part in a fleet engagement. A player might keep the Kinetic Howitzer back, away from the front line, where it can freely blast away at opponents from long range. The Kinetic Howitzer might then be protected by a wall of ships who will engage any enemy ship attempting to close.

The Map of Project-X will be highly detailed, showing the Subspace Terrain and the Established Bases. Major Empires, such as the Republic, the Regime, the Senate, the Democracy, the Confederacy, the Brine, the Bastion, the Legion, and Others, will be Deeply Entrenched in their territory, making it very difficult to launch an attack against them. I may add other types of Strategic Terrain to Project-X as well, so long as each one has some sort of tactical value on the battlefield.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 - 11:25 pm: Edit

Tweeted about:
The Reaper Scythe Battlecruiser SSD
Heirs of Fate Venus Stardate 10.16.22
Heirs of Fate Great Owl Stardate 10.19.22
Project-X Designer Notes Addendum
@genesisgalaxies

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 - 11:33 pm: Edit

Pinned the Reaper Scythe Battlecruiser Plus SSD to Pinterest
@starfleetbattlesthegenesisproject

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Friday, October 21, 2022 - 02:48 pm: Edit

HEIRS TO FATE - BANE
STARDATE 10.21.22
X-SECTOR
Link to previous Heirs to Fate entries

Ensign Matthews screamed at the top of her lungs. Her body felt like it was on fire, but her flesh did not burn. Her mind was being fried with electricity, but it remained intact. Her organs felt as though they were going to burst, but none of them were damaged. She stared at her tormentors with eyes that bulged so large they nearly leapt out of their sockets.

Captain Ichadred and his First Officer looked at their captive who was imprisoned inside of a long, vertical tube. Their eyes were cold, merciless, and without remorse. Faint smiles hinted that they were enjoying the spectacle. The Agonizer Booth was flanked on each side by two Security Officers wearing black shirts.

"please...no more....stop...stop...i beg you..."

Ichadred gazed at his crewman with his blood red eyes. "Stop? But why should I do that, Ensign Matthews? Your punishment is far from over. Did not Sister Snare catch you trying to send an encoded transmission to Protectorate Command? And in that transmission were you not noting my frequent extended absences from the Iscariot and several command decisions that you thought were questionable? On my ship, Ensign Matthews, that is treason, to be dealt with harshly. In fact, your punishment should be death. So your agony is, in fact, a merciful punishment."

Sister Snare smiled widely as she watched Ensign Matthews suffer with her many Spider Eyes. Her two large fangs clicked together in anxious delight.

Ensign Matthews could do nothing more than scream as loud as she could as the torment continued for another hour. Finally, she was released from the Booth of Agony. Ensign Matthews crashed onto the floor, face first, landing right at the feet of Captain Ichadred and Sister Snare. Her entire body quivered with pain. She could barely move or speak.

Ichadred looked down at Ensign Matthews with disgust. He would have preferred to kill her, but it was far more effective for the crew if she be made an example of. He nodded toward his two Security Officers. They quickly picked up Ensign Matthews from the floor and seated her in front of a table. On the table was a long, serrated knife.

Ichadred sat down at the opposite end of the table. Sister Snare stood directly behind him.

"Now then, Ensign Matthews," Ichadred said in a calm voice. "Your pain will pass. In fact, there will be no mark on your body as evidence of what happened here today. So I need something else from you. Your right index finger. Then you will never forget."

Ensign Matthews, though weak and subdued, looked at her Captain with defiant eyes. "You can't be serious. You torture me for hours and now you want me to cut off my own finger? Never! Put me back in the booth if you like. But I will never self-mutilate myself!!"

Ichadred formed a sinister smile. "I knew you would say that, Ensign Matthews. You are strong in character, morals, and will. Normally, those would be admirable traits. But not today. You see, your file says that you have a Grandmother on Pisces III, two nieces on Verdan VIII, and a brother on Altinius. If would be terrible if they suffered as much as you have. No, I won't let them die. Their torment will be long and unendurable. Is that what you want, Ensign Matthews?"

Ensign Matthews stared at Ichadred with a defeated look. She thought of her loved ones, especially her two young nieces who were innocent, pure, and full of life. She could not let anything happen to them. No matter what the cost to herself.

Ensign Matthews picked up the serrated knife. She placed it in position next to her right index finger.

"I do this for my loved ones, Ichadred, not for you!" Ensign Matthews spitted out like venom.

"Of course," Ichadred answered with a wiry smile. "Proceed, Ensign Matthews. For the...Good...of All."

Ensign Matthews began to saw slowly at her index finger with the serrated blade. But the pain was too great. So she decided to finish the task with one swift cut. Her cry was sharp and loud.

AAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Friday, October 21, 2022 - 05:03 pm: Edit

Uploaded the BRINE FIRST CRUISER SSD to StarFleetBattlesTheGenesisProject.Com

This SSD and Empire was first created back in 2016 for Project-X

PROJECT-X

BRINE SHIPS
(PXR3.1) BRINE FIRST CRUISER (FCA):

The workhorse of the Brine Fleet. The Brine First Cruiser served a variety of important roles during the First Era. It was a sturdy vessel; multifaceted yet well-armed. The Brine First Cruiser was not combatively equivalent to the Republic First Cruiser or the Regime FZ4 Battlecruiser, but it could stand its ground when forced to.

While the Brine First Cruiser possessed more heavy weapons than either the Republic First Cruiser or the Regime FZ4 Battlecruiser, the Antiparticle Guns utilized by the Brine were functionally less effective than Kinetic Torpedoes and Neutron Bolts. Additionally, Brine starship design called for sweeping arcs, which only allowed three of the Antiparticle Guns to fire at a forward oblique angle at any given time. Comparatively, both the Republic First Cruiser and the Regime FZ4 Battlecruiser could concentrate more firepower towards a single angle than the Brine First Cruiser.

The Phaser-VIII employed by the Brine was a precision, pinpoint weapon. The Brine First Cruiser could bring three Phaser-VIII's to bear on either its port or starboard side and two Phaser-VIII's on its stern. The limited forward arcs on the Phaser-VIII's made battle runs clumsy; the Brine First Cruiser would have to first fire two forward Phaser-VIII's on one side and then angle off to the opposite side to fire the remaining two Phaser-VIII's.

The Antiparticle Cloud would become a frustration for Regime Battlecruisers, due to its ability to neatly counter incoming Missiles. However, the Antiparticle Cloud of the First Era did have a weakness; Regime Commanders quickly determined that a swarm of Missiles could penetrate a fully formed Antiparticle Cloud.

Brine First Cruisers also used the Antiparticle Cloud as a deterrent against enemy starships seeking to overrun. Not only could the Antiparticle Cloud quickly disintegrate shields at close range, but it could also wreak internal havok against targets with a shield down.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Friday, October 21, 2022 - 06:28 pm: Edit

Uploaded the SECTOR 50 DESIGNER NOTES to StarFleetBattlesTheGenesisProject.Com

SECTOR 50
DESIGNER NOTES

Sector 50 was posted back in 2019, although the New Galaxy was not clearly defined at the time. There is great tactical potential in Sector 50, but all the proper components need to be in place to stage the appropriate battles. Simply looking at a single SSD will not give you the full picture regarding Sector 50, for Fleet Engagements are where the true tactics lie.

The starting point for Sector 50 is to take Exactly Half of each Heavy Cruiser from every known empire. This will result in a Small Starship which is neither a Cadet Ship, a Frigate, a Destroyer, a Light Cruiser, or an Early Years Cruiser. The Halved Starship is something Different, for it will retain most of the systems from its larger version and its heavy weapons can still overload.

Slight modifications need to be made to the Halved Cruiser for the sake of Heavy Cruiser Consistency throughout Sector 50, but for the most part, the Half Starship retains its Fuller Essence. Heavy Weapons and Devices need to be split among multiple starships rather than remaining combined like on the Original Heavy Cruiser.

Once these Halved Starships are created, each empire in Sector 50 will take its own unique developmental path. They will build variants, larger starships, experimental starships, carriers, tenders, and more efficient starships. They will combine their technology in different ways, coming up with more effective designs. They will react to their neighboring empires and create designs suited to counter them. They will keep up with an ever escalating arms race among all the empires of Sector Zero. And they will grow into their own highly advanced, mighty empire which is quite different from the Original Heavy Cruiser they were based on.

The beginning Sector 50 starships are simple vessels, similar to Cadet ships, but with a little more depth and complexity. Their Ship Types will be numerous, and this will have a huge effect on Fleet Battles in Sector 50.

Because of their smaller size, Running Battles in Sector 50 will be much Quicker.

It should be noted that any Alpha or Omega Technology employed by Sector 50 empires will Remain Unchanged. This means that if a Weapon or Device is Unbalanced (in my opinion), I will not go in and change it to make it More Balanced. I will leave it as is (as it was published). This also means that Omega Range Brackets will remain unchanged, as well as their Overload Ranges. For Better or for Worse, Sector 50 seeks to retain the Flavor and Essence of the Original Starships they were Based On.

There will be New Empires and New Technology in Sector 50, but only after all the Original, Primary Empires have been established.

And there will be a Gargantuan Enemy, so powerful and deadly that they threaten ALL the Empires of Sector 50 at the Same Time.

So here is to Sector 50, to these Half Starships, to what they will Become, and to the Tribulations they will Endure.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Friday, October 21, 2022 - 06:33 pm: Edit

Uploaded the EUROPA HEAVY CRUISER SSD for SECTOR 50 to StarFleetBattlesTheGenesisProject.Com


SECTOR 50

EUROPA SHIPS
(50R1.1) HEAVY CRUISER (CA):

The standard workhorse for the Europa fleet. The Europa Heavy Cruiser was a solid vessel, capable of standing up to any other heavy cruiser of the time period. Its dual Photon Torpedoes made the Europa Heavy Cruiser a feared opponent, primarily due to the high intensity energy levels that could be generated in a single firing. The Europa Heavy Cruiser possessed a powerful forward Phaser suite, supplemented by a single defensive Phaser which could fire in any direction. Also notable were the high number of labs, a quality that allowed the Europa Heavy Cruiser to perform countless exploratory missions.

DESIGNER NOTES:

The Europa Heavy Cruiser is exactly Half of the Federation Heavy Cruiser. However, some decisions had to made about its systems, such as the Phasers. In particular, the Drone had to be handled in a certain fashion so it could fit into Sector 50. In totality, the Europa Heavy Cruiser is a solid vessel, just like the original vessel it is based on.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Saturday, October 22, 2022 - 01:42 pm: Edit

THE SPACE MOTH MONSTER SCENARIO GSM3.0
Link to previous Scenarios

(GSM3.0) THE SPACE MOTH

A densely populated region in your empire's territory has reported a sizeable increase in the number of Space Moths, resulting in structural damage and loss of life across several inhabited worlds. Your starship has been sent to either incapacitate the Space Moth (for study) or to kill it.

(GSM3.00) GENESIS GALAXY: The X-Sector, although the Space Moth can be played by any other Genesis Galaxy (or the SFU) that is up to the challenge.
(GSM3.1) NUMBER OF PLAYERS: 1; The Space Moth moves by automatic rules; see (GSM 3.44).
(GSM3.2) INITIAL SET UP
MONSTER: The Space Moth is in hex 2214.
SHIP(S): One Plus Cruiser in any hex: 4214, 4215, 4216, 4217. Heading at the option of the player, speed mx, WS-II.
YEAR: The year is Y60 in the X-Sector, the time when Plus Technology was commonplace. For other galaxies, you will have to determine your own year and available technology.

(GSM3.3) LENGTH OF SCENARIO: The scenario continues until the Space Moth disengages, has been incapacitated, killed, or the starship is destroyed by the Space Moth.

(GSM3.4) SPECIAL RULES
(GSM3.41) MAP: The map is fixed; it does not float. Any unit or monster leaving the map has disengaged and cannot return.
(GSM3.42) SHUTTLES AND PFs: All shuttles and PFs have warp booster packs if the selected scenario date makes them available. MRS shuttles may be purchased (up to the limits in (J8.5)) under (SM9.431). Standard rules on PF deployment apply. Leader or scout versions can only be deployed if a tender is present in the squadron.
(GSM3.43) COMMANDER'S OPTION ITEMS: Starships can purchase additional or special equipment as Commander's Option Items (e.g. T-bombs, extra marines, MRS shuttles, special drones, etc) up to 20% of its combat BPV. See (S3.2) for details and exceptions. The costs of all these items count against the BPV allocated for the starship.
(GSM3.44) The Space Moth moves by special automatic rules. The Space Moth moves at Speed 32 every turn. However, its movements are highly erratic. Every 4 impulses, roll one die. The result is the new direction that the Space Moth will move toward. If that direction will take the Space Moth off the map, roll again (only during the first 20 turns - the time allotted for your starship to complete your task. After that, if the Space Moth leaves the map it is considered disengaged). The Space Moth has a turn mode of "0." It can move in any direction regardless of prior movement. The Space Moth ignores any rules regarding acceleration or deceleration.
(GSM3.441) If, at any time, your starship is within 8 hexes of the Space Moth, it will fire "Phasers" from its two antennae. Resolve each Phaser attack separately (therefore two attacks) using the chart below:

Range 1: Damage 30
Range 2: Damage 25
Range 3: Damage 20
Range 4: Damage 15
Range 5: Damage 10
Range 6-8: Damage 5

Each phaser will automatically hit so long as your starship is within 8 hexes. Each phaser has a 360 degree field of fire. Both Phasers will always fire together during the same impulse. Each phaser can fire up to four times per turn, but not within 8 impulses of a prior firing. The die roll is not affected by EW (D6.3).
(GSM3.45) Due to strong radiation interference, the Space Moth cannot be fired at from a true range of more than 12 hexes. Drone-like weapons and seeking shuttles more than 12 hexes from the Space Moth will not accept it as a target.
(GSM3.46) The Space Moth cannot be held in a tractor beam.
(GSM3.47) The Space Moth is equipped with a close-in defense system (E6.0) due to tachyon buffets from its wings.

(GSM3.5) VICTORY CONDITIONS: The player's victory is measured by how much damage is inflicted on the Space Moth over the span of 20 turns. How much damage the player's starship sustains is also taken into consideration.

DECISIVE VICTORY - The starship inflicts 800 points of damage on the Space Moth, Killing It.
MARGINAL VICTORY - The starship inflicts 500 points of damage on the Space Moth, incapacitating it for later study.
STALEMATE - The starship inflicts 500 points of damage on the Space Moth, but is crippled or disengages from the map.
MARGINAL LOSS - The starship inflicts less than 500 points of damage, but is not crippled and does not disengage.
DECISIVE LOSS - The starship is destroyed and fails to inflict 500 points of damage on the Space Moth.

(GSM3.6) VARIATIONS: The Space Moth scenario can be made more challenging by making the following modifications:
A) Increase or Decrease the Number of Turns required to incapacitate or destroy the Space Moth
B) Increase or Decrease the amount of damage needed to incapacitate or destroy the Space Moth.
C) Decrease the Speed of the Space Moth.
D) Decrease the Frequency at which the Space Moth changes direction.
E) Decrease the amount of times the Space Moth fires its Phasers per Turn.
Feel free to mix and match these modifications, enacting more than one modification if desired.

(GSM3.7) TACTICS: Your goal is to inflict significant damage to the Space Moth while minimizing the internals taken to your own starship. In order to do this, you will have to take maximum advantage of, not only your Shield Regenerators, but all six of your Shields. You must maneuver and time when you are going to take damage, so that the Space Moth's Phaser damage is spread out among your six Shields. Use your Slipstream Drive and HET's to achieve this objective. Set aside plenty of power to reinforce your Shields. At the same time, you are going to have to get close enough to deliver powerful Alpha Strikes. Expect to lose Shields and take Internals in exchange. Use your Damage Control to repair your starship. The Space Moth's high speed erratic movement is going to make it extremely challenging for your starship to close in on it. But it can be done. Just be prepared for unexpected positions. And remember, you don't have unlimited time to deal with the Space Moth. There is a Time Limit for you to achieve your goal.

DESIGNER NOTES: The Space Moth is designed as an Introductory Scenario for First Time X-Sector Captains. The goals are for the X-Sector Captain to gain familiarity with their Plus Technology, Plus Heavy Weapons, Plus Phasers, Shield Regenerators, Slipstream Drive, Reserve Power, Shields, Damage Control, and Total Power. However, the Space Moth is not to be underestimated.

Deciding on the Phaser Damage that the Space Moth is capable of inflicting was critical to the scenario. Consider that an X-Sector Cruiser has Shields equivalent to a General War Cruiser. At very close range, the Space Moth can collapse a Shield with only one of its Phasers, and it has Two Phasers available (for Mizia effects). This sets up quite the dilemma for the starship trying to deal with the Space Moth. Get too close and the Space Moth will inflict significant internals on your starship. Stay too far away and your damage to the Space Moth will be insubstantial. In order to win, the starship must find a compromise between these two positions.

But that is what makes this monster scenario unique. The Space Moth (either intentionally or unintentionally) will not just sit there and allow the starship to carry out its strategy. No, its super high speed, erratic behavior will make it unpredictable and quite the threat. Not only can it suddenly lunge toward your starship unexpectedly, but it can quickly move away from your starship, out of range of whatever weapons you had armed. For the Space Moth, its rapid movement is its defense.

HISTORICAL OUTCOME: In Y61, the Protectorate Heavy Cruiser Plus designated Burnside chased down and confronted a Space Moth that was wreaking havoc in the Frazien System. After a long, bloody battle, the Burnside was heavily damaged and the Space Moth refused to die. As a final sacrifice, the Captain of the Burnside rammed his Plus Cruiser directly into the Space Moth, killing it and destroying his own starship in the process.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 - 10:48 pm: Edit

HEIRS TO FATE - SHEPHERD
STARDATE 10.25.22
X-SECTOR
Link to previous Heirs to Fate entries

"Give me ship to ship."

Ichalord stared at the Captain of the Poltergeist. The Captain stared back at Ichalord with black, eyeless sockets. For the Reapers were Animated Skeletons devoid of flesh, always shrouded in a black robe and hood.

"Captain Spite," Ichalord muttered in a low voice.

"Ah...Captain Ichalord," Captain Spite replied in a ghoulish voice. "We meet again. I see that you intend to interfere in matters that don't concern you. Let me warn you against such action. It would not end well for the Shepherd. Think of your crew, Captain."

Pree stood right beside Ichalord, offering her silent support. Her single horn glowed brightly at the very tip.

"That's where you are mistaken, Captain Spite. You see, these three worlds are part of Protectorate Space. The Colonists on those worlds are Protectorate Citizens. That means they fall under my protection. I know what you intend to do. Turn around, Captain Spite, and leave now. This is your only warning."

"You are warning me?" Captain Spite answered in an amused tone. He chuckled ominously. "That is laughable, Captain Ichalord. Tell me, who commands the Science Vessel and who commands the Battlecruiser? The Shepherd would be cut to ribbons by the Poltergeist."

Captain Spite paused. His thoughts seemed to be elsewhere for a moment. Then he continued.

"The Reapers do not recognize your claim to this region of space. It is our job...our duty...to cull those who are unworthy of life. These...Colonists will be tested by the Reapers...and if they are not strong enough to survive...they will Die."

A firm, determined look formed on Ichalord's face. His blonde hair with orange streaks was neatly cut. His light orange eyes refused to blink.

"You know full well, Captain Spite, that the Protectorate does not agree with your ideology to 'cull' those who you deem unfit to live. The Protectorate believes that all life is sacred...small or big...weak or strong...young or old. We will do whatever it takes to defend that life...to preserve it...to save it."

Ichalord glanced at Pree who stared back affirming that she agreed with him wholeheartedly.

"And this 'Science Vessel' is quite capable in combat, as you are about to find out. I believe the time for talking is over. Diplomacy will not resolve our differences. There is only one way."

Captain Spite's skull nodded from underneath his black hood. "I agree," he said right before he cut off transmission.

Ichalord and Pree quickly took their seats. Then Ichalord gave loud, decisive commands.

"Charge the Plus Photon Torpedoes. Plus Phaser Capacitor to maximum. Both Shield Regenerators on standby. Full Reserve Power. Ready the Slipstream Drive. Activate the Pulse Generator. Stand ready to repel Boarding Parties. Begin preparing Two Wild Weasels."

"LET'S SHOW THE REAPERS WHAT WE'RE MADE OF."

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 - 11:14 pm: Edit

SHADOW LEGION LORD MANTA PLUS SSD
Link to the Shadow Legion Lord Manta Plus SSD

THE X-SECTOR

SHADOW LEGION SHIPS
(XSR3.1) LORD MANTA PLUS (LM+):

The Shadow Legion Lord Manta Plus was noted for its exceptional Power Generation and Reserve Power. This Tremendous Power was needed to Activate the Plus Cloaking Device, as well as the Slipstream Drive, the Shield Regenerator, the Plus Plasma Torpedoes, and the Plus Phasers. The Plus Cloaking Device had Three Modes, Dim Mode, Standard Mode, and Deep Mode, all of which were tactically useful. While slightly undergunned in Plus Phasers, the Shadow Legion Lord Manta Plus possessed enough Plasma Firepower to easily cripple any Plus Ship Adversary. The Shadow Legion Lord Manta Plus was also equipped with Self Regenerating Armor, a unique technology zealously guarded by the Shadow Legion for their use only.

DESIGNER NOTES:

Deciding how the Plus Cloaking Device would work in the X-Sector was very challenging. I knew I didn't want to use the X-Cloak Rules, specifically the Four Impulse Fade Out. So I needed something Tactically Useful, but which would still be considered "Advanced Technology."

My solution was to give the Plus Cloaking Device Three Modes: Dim, Standard, and Deep. Standard Mode is a regular Cloaking Device with a Five Impulse Fade Out Period. Dim Mode mimics aspects of the Distortion Field Generator, in particular the Penalty Hexes. Note that Dim Mode has no Fade Out or Fade In Period. Its Activation and Deactivation are immediate. Deep Mode, which can only be Activated while Fully Cloaked, simulates aspects of the Dimensional Phase Device. This enables the Shadow Legion Lord Manta Plus to completely disappear from the map, untouchable by anything, but only for a limited time.

The idea here is to give the Plus Cloaking Device More Tactical Options, so that it is not limited to only what a Standard Cloaking Device can do. Instead, the owning player can choose which Mode best suits their current Tactical Situation. In my opinion, this tactical flexibility is indeed, "Advanced Technology."

To give the Plus Cloaking Device an added Vulnerability (to balance its Three Modes), it was decided to allow the Plus Cloaking Device to be Destroyed by Two FLAG Hits on the DAC. This makes it functionally quite different from the standard Cloaking Device.

Defining the Plus Plasma Torpedoes for the X-Sector was a delicate task. I knew that they needed to be damaged by Phaser Fire at a 3:1 ratio instead of 2:1, but I wasn't ready for all the other aspects of Plasma Torpedoes that needed to be addressed. Ultimately, the Plus Plasma Torpedoes behave mostly like normal Plasma Torpedoes with greater resistance to Phaser Fire, but they also possess a few characteristics of X-Plasmas.

I definitely didn't want the Shadow Legion to become "All the Gorns are but with the addition of a Cloaking Device." For this reason, the Shadow Legion focus more on a Single PL-R instead of Two PL-S.

Self Regenerating Armor came about as I studied the King Eagle Starship upon which the Lord Manta Plus is based. I developed an "Advanced Technology" for the simple Armor, which would greatly enhance their defenses. To balance this regenerative ability, the Shadow Legion Lord Manta Plus has much Weaker Shields All Around. In this way, the Self Regenerating Armor acts as a type of "Seventh Shield", much like the Hydran's Center Hull.

Beyond that, the Shadow Legion Lord Manta Plus possesses the greatest amount of Power (and Reserve Power) out of all the Plus Starships thus far. I think this is appropriate given the high cost to use the Plus Cloaking Device. The Shadow Legion Lord Manta Plus' application of the Slipstream Drive in conjunction with the Plus Cloaking Device is sure to be something never tactically seen before on the battlefield.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Saturday, October 29, 2022 - 10:07 pm: Edit

HEIRS TO FATE - VENUS
STARDATE 10.29.22
X-SECTOR
Link to previous Heirs to Fate entries

Captain Ichabeth entered the Command Center of Outpost Bakira with a grim look on her beautiful, young face. Archimedes, the faceless, metal mannequin who served as Science Officer aboard the Venus, was sitting at the main terminal, typing faster than any human could type. Suddenly, Ichabeth's Communicator sounded. She flipped it open quickly with a flick of the wrist. It was Doctor Freya calling from aboard Venus.

"Captain, I've conducted a more in-depth analysis of the Cryonanotechnology that has frozen the residents of Outpost Bakira. It appears to be some kind of weapon. Each of the Colonists was affected initially through a contact point somewhere on their skin. This contact point introduced the Cryonanotechnology into their system where it quickly spread. Within moments, their entire body would have become frozen. The good news is that they are all alive and in well preserved condition. If I can find a way to reverse the process, all of them will return to a normal, healthy condition. But in order to come up with a counter agent, I need to know more about the Source of the Cryonanotechnology."

Ichabeth took a moment to absorb all of the information that Doctor Freya was conveying to her. Out of habit, she adjusted her blonde hair with red streaks by tucking it neatly behind both ears. Finally, the Captain answered.

"Well done, Freya. Continue your analysis and keep me updated. Ichabeth out."

Ichabeth closed her Communicator and walked over to Archimedes. The Metal Mannequin spoke without turning around.

"Captain, I believe I can be of help in regard to Freya's request. While reviewing the Outpost Logs, I came across some details that could explain what happened here. Six months ago, the residents of Outpost Bakira came into contact with a local Tribe called the Frosten. Their initial communications were peaceful, however the Frosten made it clear that this was their territory. They demanded that the residents of Outpost Bakira leave immediately. Our personnel tried to explain that they were here for scientific study, to no avail. Three months ago, verbal threats were made by the Frosten. Two months ago, violence began. The Frosten began to raid the Outpost at random intervals. Each time they were easily repelled by our personnel's Phasers. The attacks seem to have intensified the closer we get to today's date. There is no mention in the Logs about a weapon that can freeze a person."

Now we know who the most likely suspect is, Captain Ichabeth thought to herself. Archimedes watched her with his faceless head, completely silent as he waited.

"Do the Logs indicate where the Frosten Tribe lives?"

"Yes, Captain. I have the exact coordinates. We can be there in less than an hour on foot. Due to the icy winds, turbulent weather, and unstable ground in that particular area, I don't recommend we use Transporters."

Ichabeth nodded. "Instruct Venus to transport down two dozen Security Officers armed with Phasers. We don't want a fight, but if they get violent, we'll be prepared to respond. Archimedes, you're with me. Your nearly indestructible, metal body will be invaluable in that hostile terrain. Are all your built-in weapons charged and ready?"

"Yes, Captain."

Captain Ichabeth's deep blue eyes narrowed.

"THEN LET'S GO FIND THE SOURCE THAT FREYA NEEDS."

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Monday, October 31, 2022 - 04:20 am: Edit

HEIRS TO FATE - GREAT OWL
STARDATE 10.31.22
X-SECTOR
Link to previous Heirs to Fate entries

Captain Ichabelle stood in the Bridge of the Freighter designated Sextia. The entire crew, including their Captain, was dead. The cause was some sort of...Demon.

Ichabelle watched the stars fly by on the View Screen with her deep green eyes. She had an intense look, one which she inherited from her Father. She also possessed his bone white skin, something that made her stand out among her siblings. Her jet black hair with blue streaks, which was braided tightly, hung down to her lower back. Strapped to her back, Ichabelle carried a very special Spear which she dubbed Gungnir.

The door to the Bridge slid open and closed. Ichabelle immediately knew who it was because of the distinctive sound of hooves clapping on the floor. But these hooves sounded very unique because of the great weight that they supported.

A Giant Minotaur carrying a high-tech Battleaxe and wearing Cybernetic Armor stood behind Ichabelle. She turned to face him. This was Taurus, Ichabelle's First Officer.

"Report."

"The Sextia is secure, Captain. Despite the obvious signs of battle that killed the crew, the Freighter is in good condition. Per your orders, we have conducted a room by room search of the Sextia with two man teams and there is no sign of an intruder. I have stationed the Security Officers, still in two man teams, next to critical systems on the Freighter. We have also gathered all the bodies from the crew, stored them properly, and transported them over to the Great Owl, pending their funerals."

"Well done, Taurus. How is O'Bilton fairing in Engineering?"

"Grouchy and complaining, as usual," Taurus answered in a deep voice. Ichabelle formed a slight smile. "But he has found nothing wrong with Engineering, as remarkable as it sounds. The Warp Engines and Impulses Engines were simply shut down; there was nothing wrong with them. O'Bilton has powered them up and we are now underway to Starbase McMurria. At present speed, we should arrive in eight hours. The Great Owl flies beside us, escorting the Sextia to her destination."

"Do we still have three dozen armed Security Officers aboard the Great Owl, ready to beam over?"

"Yes, Captain, per your orders. Shall I have them transport to the Sextia?"

Ichabelle shook her head, looking away for a moment. The far off look in her green eyes indicated her thoughts were elsewhere. Then she looked directly at Taurus once more.

"No, Number One. Keep them on standby. It's best if we run the Sextia with a skeleton crew for now. If we run into trouble, they will provide back up."

"As you wish, Captain. Have you had any success using the Sensors to locate our...intruder?"

Captain Ichabelle shook her head in frustration. She gritted her teeth. "No, unfortunately. But then Captain Eitzor did say, before he died, that the...'Demon'...could not be detected with our Sensors. Still, I had to try. Did you come up with any other explanations for what happened aboard the Sextia prior to our arrival?"

The Giant Minotaur rubbed one of his two long horns as if it was itchy. "Only one, Captain. It is possible that the crew went mad. There are many things in the depths of space that can cause an entire crew to go insane. If this happened, they could have killed each other. It is also very possible that they were hallucinating, thinking they saw 'Demons', when they were in fact facing each other."

Ichabelle listened to her First Officer closely. "Hmmmm...it's possible. Have the Doctor examine the bodies and look for anything that might have caused space madness. In the meantime, oversee operations in the Sextia until we reach Starbase McMurria. I'll remain here on the Bridge."

"It will be done, Captain. Let us hope for a safe journey without incident back to Starbase McMurria."

AND WITH THAT LAST STATEMENT, THE RAKSHASA TURNED AND LEFT THE BRIDGE.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Wednesday, November 02, 2022 - 11:33 pm: Edit

THE OLD GUARD
STARDATE 11.02.22
SECTOR 50
Link to previous Old Guard entries

The Old Guard shook from long range Phaser fire. The barrage was coming from two different directions, hitting two adjacent Shields. There were ships flying in all directions on the battlefield. The black night sky of space was filled with red Phaser fire.

Captain Stephanos Severick sat in his Anti-Grav Wheelchair watching the View Screen with an intense gaze. His eyes did not blink. Mentally, he was keeping track of the positions of enemy and friendly vessels. Periodically, he would check the display attached to his Command Chair. He had multiple Comm lines open: to Engineering, to Sickbay, and to other Europa Vessels.

"Shall I return Phaser fire?" William Schuler, the Tactical Officer, asked in a loud voice. His eyes were glued to his tactical display which was lit up with lights like a Christmas tree.

"Negative, Mr. Schuler," Captain Severick replied calmly. "Prepare to fire another burst of Photon Torpedoes. Coordinate the strike with the Colosseum, the Parthenon, the Basilica, and the Stonehenge."

"Yes, Captain!"

A few moments passed, which seemed like an Eternity, then two white bolts of photonic energy shot out of the Old Guard. At the exact same moment, Photon Torpedoes emerged from three other Europa Cruisers and a Europa Dreadnought.

In the distance, a Babylon P3A Battlecruiser felt its forward Shield collapse, followed by a terrible ravaging of its internal systems. Several explosions rocked the Battlecruiser, which shook violently with pain, and then tilted at an abnormal angle in space. Streams of plasma were leaking from its engines.

"Captain!" Garrett Catharnaigh, the Navigator, yelled with excitement. For Garrett, like most of the young crew aboard the Old Guard, this was the first major engagement of his entire life. "Incoming Drones off ah'r Bow an' Starboard side!!"

"Stay calm, Mr. Catharnaigh," Captain Severick instructed in a cool voice. "Your emotions will only lead to mistakes that will cost lives. Prepare to fire Phasers at the incoming Drones and ready a Tractor Beam."

"Yes, Captain!"

Beams of red light shot out of the Old Guard, destroying the Drones before they could reach her. One Drone survived and it was caught in a Tractor Beam by the Old Guard.

The Europa Offensive to destroy the Babylon P10A Battleship designated XERXES did not begin well. Somehow, Babylon was aware of all of Europa's plans, fleet formations, and attack schedules ahead of time. They were well prepared. Captain Severick knew that it was the Traitor aboard the Old Guard who had transmitted vital Europa strategic information to Babylon ahead of time. Who knows how many other Babylon Operatives had infiltrated other Europa Starships, just like the Old Guard?

To make matters worse, Babylon enlisted the aid of the Black Flock. The Black Flock's constant barrage of Quantum Wave Torpedoes steadily degraded the Shields on all the Europa Vessels. Europa was able to convince the Romans to contribute a few starships to the Offensive, but they were few in number.

Suddenly, the Europa Cruiser Basilica exploded in a fiery ball of death. Near to it, two Europa Destroyers, the Conwy and the Bodiam, suffered similar fates.

Captain Severick thought of who the Captains were on those lost vessels. He gritted his teeth and inwardly said a quick prayer for their souls and the souls of their crew.

Then the unthinkable occurred. The Europa Cruiser Parthenon suffered from concentrated Babylon and Black Flock fire. Turning desperately to protect her Shieldless sides, the Parthenon was forced out of Europa Fleet Formation. Isolated from her companions and wounded by enemy fire, the Parthenon would be easy prey. Enemy Babylon and Black Flock Starships closed in on her.

The Captain of the Parthenon was Melina Dequest, Stephanos' old love.

Captain Severick acted instantly without thought. He was driven by instinct and emotion.

"Mr. Bacchia, adjust course! New Heading 289.4 Mark 22!"

The Old Guard spun around and raced toward the Parthenon and her foes.

Captain Severick's First Officer, Descry Brookside, quickly spoke up. She was shocked and in disbelief.

"Captain Severick, what are you doing?!? Our orders are to protect the Stonehenge until we reach our fleet rendezvous point. You are breaking formation! I must protest!!!"

"Your objection is noted," Captain Severick said in a grim voice. He stared at the Parthenon on the View Screen like a man possessed. "Stay the course."

I'M COMING, MELINA. I WON'T LET YOU DIE.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Saturday, November 05, 2022 - 01:39 am: Edit

THE MITRAX GALAXY
* DEDICATED TO FRANCOIS ANGERS *
DESIGNER NOTES
Link to previous Designer Notes

First of all, the Mitrax Galaxy was created by Francois Angers. He is the Master Designer behind the Mitrax Galaxy; the Creative Driving Force. However, I will be the one updating, revising, editing, balancing, playtesting, adding to, building upon, and "modernizing" his original work. If I can take credit for anything, it is the latter, not the former.

The first incarnation (to my knowledge) of Francois' work was called the Mitrax Galaxy. There may have been a prior rough draft that I am unaware of. The second incarnation was when Francois' work became more "official" and was renamed Triangulum. For Triangulum, Francois developed new technology, added empires, deleted empires, shifted existing empires around (swapping one for another), transferred technology from empire to empire, swapped hull designs, designed new hull designs, and overall streamlined his original Mitrax Galaxy. Francois modified the original Mitrax Map and developed a new Triangulum Map. There was a Rulebook for the Mitrax Galaxy and Francois compiled a New (Unpublished) Rulebook for Triangulum. A Timeline existed for the Mitrax Galaxy and this was modified to create the Triangulum Timeline.

While I applaud and stand in awe at Francois' Creative Brilliance and Hard Work creating his Own Galaxy, in my opinion, the Mitrax Galaxy and Triangulum suffered in several areas. The first area, and perhaps most important, is Balance. There are certainly Balance Issues that have been discovered, notably in Proton Pulse Emitters, the Helgardian's Rotary Shield, Graviton Beams, the World of Union's Hellfire Torpedo, the Imperium's Hypermass Autocannon, and More. Other areas include Overcomplexity of Rules, Vague or Incomplete Rules, Lack of Playtesting, Unbalanced Defenses, and Unbalanced Ships. This is not to say that All of these issues exist in All Areas, but rather that they are sprinkled out here and there in a vast sea of material.

My goal with the Mitrax Galaxy is to take it to where it should have been. By this I mean, in my opinion, when the Mitrax Galaxy became Triangulum, it lost something important, something vital. It's hard to say what that thing was. Triangulum was a newer, streamlined version of the Mitrax Galaxy, almost like a synopsis or summary of it. But what I am seeking is the Full Version of the Original Mitrax Galaxy, without portions edited out, the totality of what it should have become. In my opinion, the Mitrax Galaxy should have a Rulebook as large or larger than the Omega Rulebook, with a fully detailed Map and completed Timeline. It should be Playtested and there should be a level of confidence that the Rules work to a certain degree.

In order to accomplish all this, I will have to study Francois' original Mitrax Galaxy, edit it, revise it, make changes I think are necessary, add to it, update it, balance it, expand it, and playtest it. It is a monumental task, but one which I believe is worth striving for.

THE MITRAX GALAXY IS DEDICATED TO FRANCOIS ANGERS.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Saturday, November 05, 2022 - 01:53 am: Edit

HUMAN COOPERATIVE HEAVY CRUISER SSD
Link to the Human Cooperative Heavy Cruiser SSD

THE MITRAX GALAXY

HUMAN COOPERATIVE SHIPS
(MXR1.1) HEAVY CRUISER (CA):

The Human Cooperative Heavy Cruiser was the workhorse of the Human Cooperative Fleet. Armed with Four Quantum Phased Torpedoes, Four Proton Dischargers Type E, Two Proton Dischargers Type B, and one Dagger Missile Launcher, the Human Cooperative Heavy Cruiser was a fearsome opponent in combat. A built in Targeting Scanner was vital in battle, improving the accuracy of both the Quantum Phased Torpedoes and the Proton Dischargers. Critical Systems aboard the Human Cooperative Heavy Cruiser were protected by a layer of Neutronium Armor. The Human Cooperative Heavy Cruiser was well known for carrying squads of Battle Armor and Powered Battle Armor.

DESIGNER NOTES:

Examining the Proton Pulse Emitters was the first task in designing the Human Cooperative Heavy Cruiser. As the Sigvirion use Pulse Emitters (PE) in the Omega Sector, I had a problem with the name Proton Pulse Emitters (PPE). They were too similar for my taste. The decision was made, therefore, to rename the Proton Pulse Emitters as Proton Dischargers (PD) in the Mitrax Galaxy.

The Proton Discharger Type E immediately caught my eye. This type of "Phaser" can score up to 14 points of damage at close range and roughly the amount of a PH-1 at Ranges 3-4. My initial thought was that this was way too powerful for a Phaser mounted on a ship. Then I noticed that the Proton Discharger Type E costs 2 Points of Energy to fire, making its energy requirements akin to a PH-4. This made the weapon a little better, making it something in-between a PH-4 and a PH-1. But was it still too powerful?

Another way that the Proton Discharger Type E was balanced out was that they are limited in quantity on the Human Cooperative Heavy Cruiser. While a Federation Heavy Cruiser has 6 PH-1's (that can fire forward), the Human Cooperative Heavy Cruiser only carries 4 Proton Dischargers Type E. That helps to mitigate the higher damage output.

I had seriously considered putting a limitation on the Proton Discharger Type E by requiring that it Cool Down for one turn after each firing. That would certainly even out the damage output. But then I thought of each turn that the Proton Discharger was Cooling Down and the opposing starship still being able to fire its "Phasers." It seemed like an unfair advantage, even if the Human Cooperative Heavy Cruiser only fired two of its Proton Dischargers Type E at a time (allowing them to fire them every turn, just half in quantity). So I scrapped the Cool Down idea and kept the Proton Discharger Type E as it was, even with the high damage output. I can only hope that the reduced quantity (four) on a Heavy Cruiser would be sufficient for Balance. Only Playtesting will confirm that.

The Proton Discharger Type B was like a PH-2 that was very Limited in Range. That was fine with me. It even had a Reduced Energy Cost (fractional). So I left the weapon as Francois originally designed it.

The second item to be looked at was the Quantum Phased Torpedoes. I immediately knew that this weapon needed some revision. Francois originally had this weapon arm over three turns and score either 12 points (standard) or 20 points (overloaded). In his Triangulum (second) version, he lowered the arming to only two turns, but this did not solve the inherent issue with the weapon.

Compared to the Photon Torpedo and the Disruptor Bolt, the Quantum Phased Torpedo has some issues. Why would you wait three turns to score only 12 points of damage? And if you lower the arming cycle to only two turns, then you are generating 20 points of damage in only two turns. That is too much, considering that a Photon Torpedo has a maximum of 16 points of damage when overloaded over two turns.

So my solution was a bit radical. I gave the Quantum Phased Torpedo a One Turn Feature to make it similar to a Disruptor. It has a Two Turn Feature to make it similar to a Photon Torpedo. And it retains the Three Turn Arming wherein it can score 20 points of damage. This Range of Arming gives the Human Cooperative more tactical flexibility in combat.

Now Francois' original concept was that the Quantum Phased Torpedo was a powerful Heavy Weapon with terrible To-Hit Chances. I kept this concept, but only for the Three Turn Arming. The One Turn Arming has decent changes to To Hit, while the Two Turn Arming is slightly worse. This means that the more damage the Quantum Phased Torpedo can score (and the Longer it is Armed), the worse its To-Hit Chances get. This made sense to me while solving several other issues at the same time.

In addition, the One Turn Arming has a slightly better Energy:Damage Ratio, the Two Turn Arming is just a little better, and the Three Turn Arming is a straight 1:2 Energy:Damage Ratio.

Francois created the Quantum Phased Torpedo with intriguing damage curves. It incorporates both Photon Torpedo Like Damage (remaining constant) and Disruptor Like Damage (dropping off with range).

Francois' original design for the Quantum Phased Torpedo included built in ECM for the target. This seemed overly complex and unnecessary to me, since the To Hit Chances already reflected how bad the Quantum Phased Torpedo was at hitting. Furthermore, the Targeting Scanner provides an Improved Chance To Hit, so there seemed to be a Contradiction in building an inherent ECM for the target into the Quantum Phased Torpedo.

The Dagger Missile was an interesting Defensive Weapon. This weapon resembles the Short Range Cannon, but is a Seeking Weapon instead (not sure who thought of the idea first). Francois originally had the weapon designed so that it could only fire in Packs of 3 Missiles at a time, each with a Different Target. If only one Dagger Missile was needed, the other two Dagger Missiles were simply lost in the exchange. I didn't particularly like this fact, considering that the Human Cooperative would not have wasted their valuable Dagger Missiles in such a fashion. So I implemented a change whereby the Human Cooperative Player could choose to fire 1-3 Dagger Missiles at their option, depending on their tactical need at the moment. I think this solution works much better, makes each Dagger Missile count, and makes sense logically.

I have always like the idea of Neutronium Armor used in Triangulum and believe that most of the Mitrax Galaxy should use it as a Standard Defense. However, I didn't agree with the Triangulum version that defined Neutronium as FH and RH. So if the RH Neutronium is destroyed, but the FH Neutronium is not, the BRIDGE is protected from the Front but not the Back? This didn't make sense to me. In the Mitrax Galaxy, therefore, the Neutronium Armor is always 360 degrees.

To balance out the protective nature of the Neutronium Armor, the Shields on the Human Cooperative Heavy Cruiser were appropriately reduced. A 30 point strike will breach one of the forward Shields, but the Neutronium Armor will pick up some of these internals if they hit Critical Systems on the DAC.

The Targeting Scanner used by the Human Cooperative gave me the most thought (and still does). This Device creates an EW Type of Shift, but at a much cheaper cost than EW. My concern is that this may be Unbalancing during a game. After staring at the numbers for hours, reviewing the EW Rules, reviewing the Targeting Scanner Rules, and staring at the EW Shift Chart, I cannot decide if this Device is Balanced or Not. So I left the Device as originally designed, resigning to let Playtesting make the Final Determination.

The Human Cooperative also uses Battle Armor and Powered Battle Armor, more ideas that need to be thoroughly tested during Playtesting.

In summary, the Human Cooperative Heavy Cruiser carries Powerful Direct Fire Heavy Weapons with Flexible Arming Cycles and Bad To Hit Chances. This is tempered by the Targeting Scanner, which can Improve To Hit Chances. The Proton Dischargers Type E can score much more damage than a PH-1, but costs more to arm and is limited in quantity on the Human Cooperative Heavy Cruiser. Dagger Missiles are Short Range Seeking Weapons that score Damage Based on Size Class. They can also launch at Different Targets at the Same Time. The Human Cooperative Heavy Cruiser is protected by Neutronium Armor, but its Shields have been reduced as result.

The Human Cooperative Heavy Cruiser forms the Perfect Beginning for the Mitrax Galaxy. It is reminiscent of the Federation Heavy Cruiser with its Powerful Direct Fire Weapons and Supplemental Seeking Weapon. Even the very name of Human Cooperative conjures up images of the Benevolent Federation helping others throughout the galaxy.

By Nick Samaras (Koogie) on Saturday, November 05, 2022 - 12:12 pm: Edit

I felt that the targeting scanner was always a hidden additional energy cost for the quantum phased torpedo, since the to-hit values for the QPT pretty much made it's use mandatory. This would help in offsetting the damage vs power ratio. I wasn't aware of the change to a two-turn arming weapon though. Also, a plasma-armed ship can arm a 20-point plasma-F in two turns through accelerated arming of a larger launcher (FP1.93) for a total of six points of energy, so there is some precident for this damage to power ratio in SFB.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Saturday, November 05, 2022 - 02:13 pm: Edit

Thanks for the comments, Nick.

You have intriguing theory about the Targeting Scanner being a Hidden Additional Energy Cost for the Quantum Phased Torpedo. But I would have to disagree, not only because the Targeting Scanner is a Separate Device, but also because it can be used with the Plasma Dischargers (PPE's) as well.

Yes, the Two Turn PL-F does generate 20 Points of Damage, resulting in a similar Energy:Damage Ratio. But the PL-F is a Seeking Weapon while the Quantum Phased Torpedo is a Direct Fire Weapon. To me, this ia Big Difference. The Quantum Phased Torpedo does not have to travel to its destination, losing warhead strength, and getting shot up as it closes. The Quantum Phased Torpedo just fires and instantly hits like a Photon Torpedo. So I don't know if the comparison between a Seeking Weapon and a Direct Fire Weapon is fair in terms of their Energy:Damage Ratios.