Federation Commander

[Davec_24]

Yes, but it says "instead of a fixed map", which I would say implies more that you can't use a fixed map rather than you must use a location map. The way it reads, floating maps would still be allowed. However, I agree that on this type of map it is much harder for the plasma player to win than on a "location" map where you have the possibility of cornering the enemy - even if this is arguably less "realistic" it helps to balance the game. In some situations a location map is reasonable for realism, for example if victory depended on you controlling that particular area of space.

[Pinkfluffychicken]

Most Rom ships have good shields and can take one launch of half strength drones on a shield without ill effect. At this point it sounds as though Democratus' problems aren't so much about plasma as about the cloak.

If I've got this right, you can only launch drones if you are range 25 or less from the target, you start about 30-35 hexes apart and you can't launch at a cloaked ship. So it seems that a cloaked approach, uncloak, fire, cloak should keep the drones to a manageable level in single ship duels, as well as seriously cutting down on an opponents firing opportunities. You'd need to avoid uncloaking until t2 so as to be able to recloak.
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