FT Race: The Machine People
This is based on Chis DeBoe's idea posted
to the GZG maillist. Subject to some playtesting, this should be an
interesting variation
to play in games.
email: laserlight (@) quixnet (dot) net
All MP ships cost 4 x mass, regardless of design (this includes
variable cost items,
such as fighters & FCs).
All Machine People ships have a fixed hull value but have 1 DCP per 10
mass.
Machine People use human tech from FTFB1.
All other systems can be torn down and rebuilt during the game as follows:
1. Every system requires a DCP roll to break down, if successful, the system's mass is shifted to cargo which can be drawn upon in a later turn.
2. New systems can only be built from available cargo, using DCP rolls. Mass which was broken down this turn is not available until next turn.
3. If the drives are being modified (broken down or upgraded) no thrust is available.
4. Expendable munitions (fighters/missiles etc) can be created if there is an appropriate bay available (3 mass fighter bay/womb or SML(SMR) launcher). This mass is lost unless recovered later (eg: fighter recovery.) 1 roll creates an entire squadron (6 mass) / salvo (2-3 mass). (see Sa'vasku rules in FTFB2, similar to drone wombs.)
5. Armour can be constructed/removed during the DC phase, but each point requires a separate DCP attempt.
Standard configuration for one-off games at the start of the battle
is:
30% hull
10% ftl drive
20% main drives (MD4)
5% armour
5% screen (Screen-1)
20% firecons & energy weapons (beams & pds) - players choice of
type
10% other systems (missiles/fighters/specials) - players choice
The standard config is to avoid maxed out designs before engagement
(ie: pure
carriers/beam ships). Minor variations (15% changes on standard) are
possible (eg more
hull, better drives, no screen etc), but should not be readily visible
to your opponent as
a maxed out design (10 class-4 beams, 10 fighter bays etc).
If you are playing more than one-off games (regular opponent or
tournament games) then you
should design your own "version numbers" (clans, countries etc) from
which to
draw upon.
After all, a general design can at least survive whatever is thrown at it until it can counter the threat.