Effect
An ESG operated in flyswatter mode does 1/2 the damage for the stated radius. An ESG used in this manner functions immediately and for the succeeding three impulses then ceases operation.

Operation
At time of announcement the player operating the ESG declares "normal cycle" or "flyswatter mode". If flyswatter mode is chosen the the ESG functions immediately during that impulse at the chosen radius and strength.

ESG rules interactions:
Flyswatter mode operates normally as an ESG as per the ESG rules except as noted under restrictions.

Restrictions
Damage output:
Strength is one half that stated for the range chosen and power applied.

Cycle:
Normal ESG cycle time restrictions apply before and after operation in flyswatter mode.

Burnout:
Immediately after operation the ESG may burn out. Roll one six sided die, on a roll of 1-5 the ESG system box is destroyed. Subtract the radius from this roll. Legendary Officers (Engineer, Science, Weapons) and Crew status affect this roll normally, however a LO must be designated as operating the specific ESG for the entire turn. Only one LO may affect the roll for one ESG system at a time.
First generation X-ships reduce this roll to 1-4, second generation X-ships reduce this roll to 1-2.

By Douglass E. Howard (Doug_Howard) on Tuesday, November 11, 2003 - 11:24 am: Edit

This may have appeared before in various forms.

By Ken Humpherys (Pmthecat) on Tuesday, November 11, 2003 - 04:33 pm: Edit

Sorry I don't think it would ever be used. Lyrans should be willing to wait those 4 impulses to double the damage and greatly extend the time the sphere is around. The 83% chance of outright destroying the system is just not worth the limited use this mode has. Besides those 4 impulses are Great for bluffs.

By Russell J. Manning (Rjmanning) on Tuesday, November 11, 2003 - 04:52 pm: Edit

Granted I haven't played SFB in years but it sounds like this is supposed to be more of an emergency Drone and/or fighter defense

By Douglass E. Howard (Doug_Howard) on Tuesday, November 11, 2003 - 08:18 pm: Edit

I meant it as something that adds one more layer of flexibility to one of the weaker secondary weapons systems. I'd be happy to have it without burnout, and only 4 impulses of being up, but I think it'd be way to effective then...

By Bennett Eugene Snyder (Planner) on Tuesday, November 11, 2003 - 10:16 pm: Edit

Had been wondering about an ESG shockwave, but don't know if anyone's ever mentioned it before. IIRC, the ESG forms at the location set, it doesn't move out to it (0 to 3 hexes). What if, if the ship has taken damage, but still has a working ESG, could overload it and cause the shield to move out, like an enveloping plasma in reverse? It would have to be a desperation move, say, if there was a large drone swarm and no phasers left. The amount of damage would have to be based on 1xD6 times the shield strength, with 1xD6 to roll for internal damage from performing the act. Could be more trouble than it's worth, but I decided to mention it.

By Douglass E. Howard (Doug_Howard) on Tuesday, November 11, 2003 - 11:21 pm: Edit

That would make the ESG like a direct fire weapon, something on the auto-reject list (listed on another thread here somewhere) that I missed when proposing the wave on another thread here.

By John Trauger (Vorlonagent) on Wednesday, November 12, 2003 - 02:12 am: Edit

I'd like a clarification about what the ESG actuall *does* in this flyswatter mode.

Is it just a popup mode that doesn't require the announcement and waiting period?

By Douglass E. Howard (Doug_Howard) on Wednesday, November 12, 2003 - 11:16 am: Edit

Popups? Nobody likes popups...
It is like normal ESG usage except it activates on announcement.
Downside is that it does 1/2 damage for the radius, lasts for four impulses and the ESG system box used may/may not burnout.

By David Slatter (Davidas) on Wednesday, November 12, 2003 - 12:11 pm: Edit

Nah

Part of the fun with ESGs is that they are really annoying to co-ordinate. I think I would prefer the satisfaction of timing my ESGs perfectly from different ships to nobble a drone swarm.