Turn/slip modes and speed/direction at start

[Kang]

Do ships start the game with turn and slip modes fulfilled?

And do we assume that the ship was 'stopped' before the first turn, and can therefore move in reverse immediately?

[mjwest]

Unless otherwise stated in the scenario rules, all ships are assumed to have been moving forward in a generally straight line prior to the start of the scenario.

Therefore, a ship's turn modes and sideslip moves are all fulfilled. Also, the ship would have to pay braking energy to move in reverse.

This exact question is one of the Q&As in Communique #30. (Which should appear this week.)

[Scoutdad]

Yes, turn mode / slip modes are assumed to be fulfilled at the start of the scenario.

I would think that you can also start the scenario "stopped" or even in reverse, if that is your choice.

[mjwest]

If the scenario has rules that specify the starting condition, use them.

If the players of a scenario (or pick-up game) want to start with some specific type of parameters, then they are always free to do so.

But, the default start assumes that the ships were moving forward in a basically straight line.

[Scoutdad]

I guess they aren't generally assumed to be starting "stopped" if that's what the ownign player wantrs to do. hmmm.
It's a good thing that we never attempted that.