Modifications to Space Combat System

sn0wball · 02-23-2006, 11:41 PM

This is my modification of the GT Space Combat system. Vector based sapce combat is really fun once you get used to it, but some parts required some streamlining. I wanted to eliminate as much dice rolls and calculations during combat as possible. You can see the table here.

I. Initiative

To determine the sequence of declaring maneuvers there is a roll of (Tactics+Acceleration) where the looser declares first.

It may seem strange, that a 1 G craft can outmaneuver a 3 G craft, but it is as strange if the 3 G craft can completely outmaneuver the slower opponent. And this is a game, after all, thus I prefer rolling the dice.

II. Detection and Communications

I changed the range table into a linear progression at the longer ranges. This is easier to use and more intuitive than the progression derived from the basic set range table. This leads to a formula of Modifier= -(Range/20+10) for ranges over 40.

Also, my table begins with a modifier of ZERO for the same hex. I calculate the - 39 right into effective skills, this eases calculation during combat.

I eliminated Radscanners. These are a kind of passive sensor, thus they are part of the PESA. With active and passive sensors only, there is one roll less.

V. Direct Fire

Attacks are only possible on targets detected, BUT any craft firing at you in this phase is detected automatically with PASSIVE sensors only. It felt too strange that you can completely surprise another vessel ready for combat in a hit an run attack because of your better sensors in a 20 minute round.

Attacks are by turret (battery), that means one to-hit-roll, one dodge for the whole salvo, one damage roll for every hit.

Multiple weapons (in a turret) can either double/triple damage (by firing simultaneously) or get a to hit bonus of +1 or +2 (by raising rate of fire).

There is no roll for random hit location.

I try to mimimize the number of dice rolls. Also, partly I am not sure wether these are actually changes or just personal clarifications.

VI. Collision

To hit with a missile requires a roll of Gunnery to hit (the given formula is far too complex and the missile hits most of the time anyway).

In point defense you can only use weapons not used yet in the direct fire phase. Sand Casters are not effective against missiles.

Please comment this. Also, what personal modifications do you use, or another system altogether ?

02-23-2006, 11:41 PM	#1
sn0wball Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Schleswig, Germany	Modifications to Space Combat System This is my modification of the GT Space Combat system. Vector based sapce combat is really fun once you get used to it, but some parts required some streamlining. I wanted to eliminate as much dice rolls and calculations during combat as possible. You can see the table here. I. Initiative To determine the sequence of declaring maneuvers there is a roll of (Tactics+Acceleration) where the looser declares first. It may seem strange, that a 1 G craft can outmaneuver a 3 G craft, but it is as strange if the 3 G craft can completely outmaneuver the slower opponent. And this is a game, after all, thus I prefer rolling the dice. II. Detection and Communications I changed the range table into a linear progression at the longer ranges. This is easier to use and more intuitive than the progression derived from the basic set range table. This leads to a formula of Modifier= -(Range/20+10) for ranges over 40. Also, my table begins with a modifier of ZERO for the same hex. I calculate the - 39 right into effective skills, this eases calculation during combat. I eliminated Radscanners. These are a kind of passive sensor, thus they are part of the PESA. With active and passive sensors only, there is one roll less. V. Direct Fire Attacks are only possible on targets detected, BUT any craft firing at you in this phase is detected automatically with PASSIVE sensors only. It felt too strange that you can completely surprise another vessel ready for combat in a hit an run attack because of your better sensors in a 20 minute round. Attacks are by turret (battery), that means one to-hit-roll, one dodge for the whole salvo, one damage roll for every hit. Multiple weapons (in a turret) can either double/triple damage (by firing simultaneously) or get a to hit bonus of +1 or +2 (by raising rate of fire). There is no roll for random hit location. I try to mimimize the number of dice rolls. Also, partly I am not sure wether these are actually changes or just personal clarifications. VI. Collision To hit with a missile requires a roll of Gunnery to hit (the given formula is far too complex and the missile hits most of the time anyway). In point defense you can only use weapons not used yet in the direct fire phase. Sand Casters are not effective against missiles. Please comment this. Also, what personal modifications do you use, or another system altogether ?