Sucker Punch Scenario (8CM42)

[Delphidex]

Hello,
Trying to figure out what happens on turn 0. The narrative suggests that the CA has no shields and the CL fires overloaded photons and all lasers. That is going to be around 60 points of damage (32 for the OLP and 4.5x6 for phaser 1s) on average to internal systems, leaving the ship crippled before the game begins.
The narrative also says the CL missed with a photon, which isn't possible at range 1, so the narrative isn't a good guide to how to do this.

Can someone give a description of the shield status of the CA and confirm that the CL is firing OL photons?

Thanks!

[mjwest]

Where is this scenario published?

[Delphidex]

It is in Communique 54.

[mjwest]

Yeah. I see the problem. What range? What shield facing? What about the Andorian photons? It's not clear at all.

I'll have to run some numbers to get a decent suggestion. However, I'd say do the following until I can run numbers:
- The CA's shields are down on Turn #0.
- Only one photon hits. Doesn't matter that it's impossible. One misses.
- The phaser damage is rolled.
- The Andorian player may use (2C2c) to be able to fire on Turn #1.

That still may not be workable. I'll have to see. But that matches the story.

[Delphidex]

Thanks. Will do all at range 1 as that is where they start.

There is a good chance the CA comes away crippled from that (average damage is actually 48, so 2 points over crippled). That could be the whole game before it starts, couldn't it? I know the CA is more than a match for a CL, but shooting out half the internals seems a bit much!

I may play around with some less random method to see if there is an option for a more balanced fight without just hoping for a lucky outcome.

Would love to hear what you come up with when trying to balance this out though. Thanks again.