Federation Commander

Looking through CL #16 and enjoyed the article and SSD's on the Frax. Even though they are imaginary Klingon opponents (from what the article stated), has anyone used them either as a battle or along with the other races in a campaign?

I like the look and design of the ships. And they look like they'd be sturdy ships in combat. If you have used them, we did you place them on the map in relation to the other races?

Also, what did/do you use for counters? Thanks.

Our gaming group has used them in several battles in the past.
Usually as opponents of hte Klingons (as they were designed), but occasionally as opponents of the other races.

Never used them in a Campaign, so no idea where to place them.

As for counters, there was a full set of 1/2" counters for them in Module C4, and we did our own 1" mega-hex type counters.

Used the Frax a handful of times. In a lot of ways, they are better sabre dancers than Klingons.

Module C4 covers them in much greater detail. I can't remember precisely (rulebook not handy), but I believe they would be placed in a Northern portion of historical Klingon territory. Would make their neighbors Klingons and Kzintis (races they are ideally suited to fighting) and perhaps the Feds and/or the Lyrans. The Lyrans can be particularly hard on them, as the AFD system is only spooky if the enemy uses seeking weapons or DF fighters, and the ESG makes the subs really tough to employ.

I remember somthing along the line of " the Kaltic States" and the were placed like Jeremy says, along the Kzinti border.

Charles Chapel

It is the Kaltic States and they were "assigned" the Provinces along the Kzinti Border. They were the Bad Guys used in the Annual War Games and simulated a Hostile invasion that the DSF had to drive out of Klingon Space.

SWO_Daddy wrote:In a lot of ways, they are better sabre dancers than Klingons.

The Lyrans can be particularly hard on them, as the AFD system is only spooky if the enemy uses seeking weapons or DF fighters, and the ESG makes the subs really tough to employ.

I can see them being especially well suited for sabre dancing or even waggling due to the great firing arcs.

In regards to the AFD system, against the Lyrans (or anyone) they would still operate as a Ph-G correct?

The AFDs Ph-G is restricted to size class 6 or 7 targets. I suppose it has value if the Lyrans decide to use fighters or suicide shuttles, but otherwise it doesn't have much use vs the Lyrans.

In fact, the Frax would be probably be better served by not taking the AFD refit at all vs the Lyrans, as the stardard Ph-3s they replace can fire at ships, while the AFD can't. However, the AFD does provide a phaser pad against both phaser and drone hits, so if they want to protect their drone racks, it might still be an OK buy.

Would a plasma torpedo be a viable target for the AFD?

An AFD is a combination of an anti-drone (which wont' work on plasma) and a phaser-G (which will).

Steve Cole wrote:An AFD is a combination of an anti-drone (which wont' work on plasma) and a phaser-G (which will).

Thank you. I was pretty sure it was that way but wanted to make sure. I like the design of these ships from the stand point of the excellent firing arcs. A broad side attack brings pretty much every weapon to bear on a target. This really brings up some options and could really discourage someone trying to charge in on you.

We've got a game planned for today and my son says he's going to give them a try. I'm looking forward to seeing the ship in action.

I like Frax. I handmade counters for them before they were officially released in C4. The color was black on tan I made a whole fleet of Frax ships. I had used die cut counters from Chessex. So I have two Frax fleets now like I have the two Jindarian fleets. that was when the SSDs from the original playtest module came out but long before the C4 ever came out. Those counters are properly sized and designated.

We never did play the Frax, but would like to at some point. Still think they've got some great firing arcs.

Although they are "imaginary" do the Frax have an empire emblem? I have the books and don't see it, nor have I found anything in the empire insignia and I'm working on some artwork. Thanks!

Yes, yes they do. It is printed on each Frax ship card for Federation Commander.

mjwest wrote:Yes, yes they do. It is printed on each Frax ship card for Federation Commander.

Sweet, thanks! That looks familiar now, one thing i dont have are the fedcom SSDs!