This probably falls into the obvarious variant category, but why hasn't there been introduced a web charger based on the PC hull? The WT isn't available until Y150, and the PWC isn't available until Y155. Wouldn't the Tholians have made a web charger much earlier based on the PC? The CPC is available in Y90. If just the cargo boxes were replaced with APRs, it would have 23 units of power for the early years webs around the first bases set up by the Tholians. If it's necessary for web chargers to be toothless, the 4 P-1s could also be replaced with APRs. Just a thought.

By Jeff Anderson (Jga) on Sunday, October 05, 2025 - 03:16 pm: Edit

I like the idea and it does seem sensible, but the base unit? The one with the CPC with its cargo replaced by APR? If the Tholians could build a PC like that, I'd imagine they'd want to build EVERY PC like that.

Since you've brought the subject up, I had an instant thought of a standard PC with a Power Pack hard welded to it (so it CAN'T be dropped) serving in the role. With the Permanent Power Pack, it would have a higher movement cost (1/2, so it'd be limited to no faster than Speed 25) and would lose its Nimble status.

Might that also be an option for your proposal?

By John Christiansen (Roscoehatfield) on Sunday, October 05, 2025 - 04:22 pm: Edit

Jeff, the power pack isn't available until Y179. I'm thinking about something pre-Y121 when webs are enormously power hungry. I added the thought for a toothless variant having the P-1s also replaced with APRs.

I didn't draw one up because it seems like it's obvious, and ADB likes to make those themselves. Perhaps it could have a P-3 or two and lose an extra hull box or two so it has to stay near a base and not be on patrol.

When the Tholians arrived, they had relatively few ships that were all small, and a web that needed 2 energy points per ASP. I think this may be a way for them to have powered an 18 hex ring with a smaller squadron size.

By Mike Erickson (Mike_Erickson) on Sunday, October 05, 2025 - 10:50 pm: Edit

Note that the CPC doesn't have web generators.

--Mike

By A David Merritt (Adm) on Sunday, October 05, 2025 - 11:01 pm: Edit

On the CPC, replace one ph-1 with a web generator, or two ph-1s for redundancy.

By Dal Downing (Rambler) on Monday, October 06, 2025 - 02:30 am: Edit

Delete 2 of the Phaser-1, reinstall both of the Web Generators the base mode would have had. I would love to shoehorn in the PC+s 3 box Impulse Engines but, that may be a bridge to far.

As far as the Power Packs go. Hardwield it to the bottom. The ideal for the Cargo Packs and External Fighter Bays came from somewhere. Make it a 6 box APR if you want a difference.

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Monday, October 06, 2025 - 05:02 am: Edit

I don't want to change the date for cargo or other packs. I question if the Tholians would be able to spare a combat hull, but it could be. Anyway I think 23 or 27 power is too much.

By John Christiansen (Roscoehatfield) on Monday, October 06, 2025 - 09:55 am: Edit

Steve, I agree with all of that. I was just trying to get the ball rolling.

Another possible solution would be to change the date for the WT. It's slow, weak, and minimally armed, but it would answer the need of the time.

If I remember my game history, the YIS of the WT was made before the early years were considered or the early years' web attenuation was determined

By Jeff Anderson (Jga) on Monday, October 06, 2025 - 03:59 pm: Edit

What about a WT based on the EY small (armed?) Freighter?

By John Christiansen (Roscoehatfield) on Monday, October 06, 2025 - 05:21 pm: Edit

I thought about it, but decided that one based on the small unarmed freighter would be more in line e with the regular WT. I didn't think the YWT should outgun its replacement.