Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10 beta 3/9/83; site sdcrdcf.UUCP
Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!sdcsvax!sdcrdcf!jonab
From: jonab@sdcrdcf.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.games
Subject: Re: StarFleet Battles
Message-ID: <388@sdcrdcf.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 11-Jul-83 16:47:44 EDT
Article-I.D.: sdcrdcf.388
Posted: Mon Jul 11 16:47:44 1983
Date-Received: Tue, 12-Jul-83 22:23:39 EDT
References: <365@houxn.UUCP>  <368@houxn.UUCP>
Reply-To: jonab@sdcrdcf.UUCP (Jonathan Biggar)
Organization: System Development Corporation, Santa Monica
Lines: 32

I would like to know exactly what scenario you have set up between
the NCL's and the D7's, (starting positions, weapon arming status,
victory conditions, etc.)  I will playtest the scenario with
some friends and see if I can find an answer.  But here is some
clarifications about my previous article.

First, if the NCL's are not firing proximity photon torpedoes,
then the D7's should be able to beat them at a head to head fight
at long range.  I calculated the expected damage for photon torpedoes
and for disruptors, and the disruptors are as good or better at every
range.  The expected damage is better per hit, per turn, and per energy
point allocated.  Only if the NCL's use proximity photons will they
gain the advantage.

Second, if you split the D7's, you must separate them wide enough to
be outside of photon torpedo range (if possible, otherwise reinforce
shields).  The NCL's cannot move as fast as you and still charge the
photon torpedoes (you should be able to move 10-12 hexes faster per
turn).  The NCL's cannot turn towards one of the D7's and bring the
photon torpedoes to bear, because they are travelling backwards, putting
the D7 out of the photon torpedo arc.  They must first stop for a turn
and then come at the D7, more than enough time to realize what is
happening.  (If they use quick reverse, it costs them an extra 5 warp
energy that they cannot use to come at you).

The worst thing that can happen to Federation ship is to have the enemy
get behind and stay behind them.  They do not have adequate firepower
to the rear, and cannot turn fast enough to shake the enemy.

The important thing when you split your forces is that you must be on
your toes.  The enemy is bound to leave an opportunity for an attack by
one of your ships that cannot be answered effectively.