Fantasy Trek: Not Just A Game: It's a Star Trek Experience

Fantasy Trek on Facebook

2011-09-20T09:47:00.000-07:00

Most of the progress is now happening here: Fantasy Trek on Facebook ("Like" it to play!)

Medium Combat Update

2011-08-08T22:54:00.000-07:00

I've taken a few opening moves, placing the ships and getting them moving. They closed to range on an initial roll of 3 and 5. Then, at a range of two, they each rolled a 5. Shields went down quickly (5 roll points times the magnifier for range 2, which is 4=20 points for shields). Another solid roll did 10 points damage to "Y"'s impulse drive while "X"'s (USS Exeter, commanded by Captain Reggie Farrell) transporter took 4 points damage. It could stll be anyone's game, but the AI ship needs to move and protect that downed shield facing or it'll be in big trouble..... here is the dazzling format drunk screenie

Capt Farrell: 7
Science Cmdr Wells: 3
Engineer Cmdr Radou: 5
Tactical Lt Hassan: 4

USS Exeter (CA) 30 boarding parties vs AI (CA) 30 boarding parties

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
a __/__/__ /__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/___
b __/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/___
c __/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/___
d __/__/__/__/__/__/y_/__/__/___/___/___
e __/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/___
f __/__/__/__/_x/__/__/__/__/___/___/___
g __/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/___
h __/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/___
i. __/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/___
j. __/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/___
k __/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/___
l. __/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/___

Roll:
X=2 Y=1

Course
X=135 Y=270

Shields
X Y
F /20 /00
A /20 /20
P /00 /20
S /20 /20

Damage
X Y X Y
Shld Gen /20 /20 Transporters /16 /20
Pha/Dis /20 /20 Bridge /20 /20
Photons /20 /20 Aux Control /20 /20
Sensors /20 /20 Computer /20 /20
Impulse /20 /10 Aux Computer /20 /20
Warp /40 /40 Hull /80 /80

Defense
X Y X Y
Shld Gen /20 /20 Transporters /20 /20
EPha/Dis /20 /20 Bridge /20 /20
Photons /20 /20 Aux Control /20 /20
Sensors /20 /20 Computer /20 /20
Impulse /20 /20 Aux Computer /20 /20
Warp /40 /40 Capture /50 /50

Boarding Parties
X Y
/30 /30

Max Range= 5

Range/X
1x5
2x4
3x3
4x2
5x1

Photons

1=hits
2=hits
3=1d6 2-6 hits
4=1d6 4-6 hits
5=1d6 6 hits

Photons take 2 points to launch each and do 5 points damage per torpedo

Transporter: Range of 1. Shields automatically drop.

Each hit and run attempt uses a boarding party. Each hit and run attempt uses a boarding party. 1d6 vs 1d6 team vs system. Survivors can call for retrieval or attack other systems. Hit and run teams don't count against capture teams.
AI will pursue and attack to weakened shields.

AI will fire max torpedoes as available

AI will self-destruct if completely disabled, but will allow player to surrender if player can get outside of 5-spaces range.

Weapons are omni-directional.
Phasers= x distance modifier.

2 points from roll= 1 point repair (systems/shields)

Performance Modifiers:

Capt Farrell: 7 add 1 to roll
Science Cmdr Wells: 2
Engineer Cmdr Radou: 4
Tactical Lt Hassan: 4

Captain: 7 rating adds 1 to dice total 9 rating adds 2 to dice total, etc
Science: above 5 rating adds to chance to detect without sensors (6 rating adds 1, 7 rating adds 2 etc)
Engineer: 7 rating adds 1 to total phaser damage (8 rating adds 2, 9 rating adds 3 etc). Above 7 rating repairs system with 1 point instead of 2
Tactical: 7 rating adds to damage total (7 rating adds 1, 8 rating adds 2 etc)

experiment.....

2011-08-08T11:05:00.000-07:00

Medium Combat 2.0

2011-08-07T23:21:00.000-07:00

This should be as complicated as the combat engine will get. Max weapons range is 5. Firing photons takes 2 points, and each does default 5 points damage. At a certain range photons can miss. Phasers always hit, but damage varies based on range. I can see being able to customize ships now. That would affect play just rp bonus points on the command crew. Something else I'm thinking is having player-customized ship interiors. Imagine designing your ship like a DM might design an adventure for D&D players. Diplomatic facilities, troop transports, etc.... Anyway, here is the template. One thing I didn't explain. Assess damage based on a 2d6 roll. If you beam boarding parties over for whatever mayhem, they roll a 1d6 vs 1d6. If the 'system' loses the roll, it loses a point. If the team loses the roll, they lose a member. Survivors can either call for pick up or hit another system. These "hit and run" teams don't count against capture/defense teams. Now that I've really muddied the waters, here is the template. I'll send walkthroughs as I play it through...

Capt Farrell: 7
Science Cmdr Wells: 3
Engineer Cmdr Radou: 5
Tactical Lt Hassan: 4

USS Exeter (CA) 30 boarding parties vs AI (CA) 30 boarding parties

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
a __/__/__ /_y/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/___
b __/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/___
c __/__/x_/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/___
d __/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/___
e __/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/___
f __/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/___
g __/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/___
h __/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/___
i. __/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/___
j. __/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/___
k __/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/___
l. __/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/___

Roll:
X= Y=

Course
X=000 Y=270

Shields
X Y
F /20 /20
A /20 /20
P /20 /20
S /20 /20

Damage
X Y X Y
Shld Gen /20 /20 Transporters /20 /20
Pha/Dis /20 /20 Bridge /20 /20
Photons /20 /20 Aux Control /20 /20
Sensors /20 /20 Computer /20 /20
Impulse /20 /20 Aux Computer /20 /20
Warp /40 /40 Hull /80 /80

Defense
X Y X Y
Shld Gen /20 /20 Transporters /20 /20
Pha/Dis /20 /20 Bridge /20 /20
Photons /20 /20 Aux Control /20 /20
Sensors /20 /20 Computer /20 /20
Impulse /20 /20 Aux Computer /20 /20
Warp /40 /40 Capture /50 /50

Boarding Parties
X Y
/30 /30

Max Range= 5

Range/X
1x5
2x4
3x3
4x2
5x1

Photons

1=hits
2=hits
3=1d6 2-6 hits
4=1d6 4-6 hits
5=1d6 6 hits

Photons take 2 points to launch each and do 5 points damage per torpedo

Transporter: Range of 1 required. Shields automatically drop.

Capture attempt uses same procedure.

AI will pursue and attack to weakened shields.

AI will fire max torpedoes as available

AI will self-destruct if completely disabled, but will allow player to surrender if player can get outside of 5-spaces range.

Weapons are omni-directional.
Phasers= x distance modifier.

2 points from roll= 1 point repair (systems/shields)

Performance Modifiers:

Capt Farrell: 7 add 1 to roll
Science Cmdr Wells: 2
Engineer Cmdr Radou: 4
Tactical Lt Hassan: 4

Medium Combat Update

2011-08-04T22:35:00.000-07:00

I don't have any screenshots (because I'm only running the latest test on my nokia 9300), but there are 11 internals, and updated photon boarding party rules. The result was a game that lasted about 15 minutes and could have gone either way. I didn't work out how to target specific systems while maintaining balance and simplicity. But... I did win the combat by transporting boarding parties to the enemy warp core and blowing it up ::evil grin::

In a few days I'll put the screenie up : )

Kapact

Fantasy Trek Gaming: Photon Torpedo Rules

2011-08-02T10:12:00.000-07:00

It just occurred to me that my simple photon rules don't really work. They shouldn't do more damage at close range, but in fact should be more likeky to hit at close range. Has to do with the fact that it is a torpedo, basically a powered bomb, rather than a phaser, which dissipates over distance. I should also add transporters to the list of internals. The problem is that having 6 works well for a 1d6. The alternative may be adding four more and using 2d6. Errrrr..... complications ......

Fantasy Trek Gaming Medium Combat Turn 4

2011-07-31T23:02:00.000-07:00

The first blow was struck, and it is the first lesson in weapons fire. Pretty simple stuff really. Weapons are omnidirectional, hit the shield they're facing, and the damage takes effect at the start of the next turn. Max range is 5, at which a 1d6 is multiplied by 1. At range 4, die roll is multiplied by 2, and etc.... phasers use as many points as you want times the multiplier. Photons take 2 dice points to fire, then you roll a 1d6 for each photon, and multiply times the distance multiplier. For example, ship X used 2 points to fire 1 photon, rolled a 1. At range 2, it was X 4. So four points plus 1 (times multiplier 4) from the phaser is a total of 8 points damage to Y's starboard shield. Once you get what it takes to fire weapons and how range affects that, you get the basics of medium combat, which is loiking like the default Fantasy Trek combat system.

Capt Farrell: 7
Science Cmdr Wells: 3
Engineer Cmdr Radou: 4
Tactical Lt Hassan: 4

USS Exeter (CA) 30 boarding parties vs AI (CA) 30 boarding parties

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
a__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/
b__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/
c__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/
d__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/
e__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/
f __/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/
g__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/
h__/__/__/__/x_/__/__/__/__/___/___/
i __/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/
j __/__/_y/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/
k__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/
l __/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/

Roll:

X=3 Y=1

Course
X=180 Y=270

Shields
X Y
F /18 /20
A /20 /20
P /20 /20
S /20 /13

Medium Combat Turn Tfhree

2011-07-30T23:34:00.000-07:00

Two Turn number three had both ships withd 6 points. They used it to reinforce shields and close to range. Just a note, it takes 2 points to repair a system or reinforce a shield by 1 point. The next turn will have the first shots fired. Here's the screen shot : )

Capt Farrell: 7
Science Cmdr Wells: 3
Engineer Cmdr Radou: 4
Tactical Lt Hassan: 4

USS Exeter (CA) 30 boarding parties vs AI (CA) 30 boarding parties

Roll:

X=6 Y=6

Course
X=180 Y=270

Shields
X Y
F /22 /20
A /20 /20
P /20 /20
S /20 /21

Damage

X Y
Shld Gen /20 /20
Pha/Dis /20 /20
Photons /20 /20
Sensors /20 /20
Impulse /20 /20
Warp /40 /40

Defense
X Y
Shld Gen /20 /20
Pha/Dis /20 /20
Photons /20 /20
Sensors /20 /20
Impulse /20 /20
Warp /40 /40
Capture /50 /50

Boarding Parties
X Y
/30 /30

Max Range= 5

Range/X
1x5
2x4
3x3
4x2
5x1

Transporter: Range of 1 required. Shields automatically drop.

Each hit and run attempt uses a boarding party. 1d6 (1,2) for successful return to ship.
Capture attempt uses same procedure.

AI will pursue and attack to weakened shields.

AI will fire max torpedoes as available

AI will self-destruct if completely disabled, but will allow player to surrender if player can get outside of 5-spaces range.

Weapons are omni-directional. Phasers= x distance modifier. Photons take 2 points to launch, roll for damage (apply modifier)

2 points from roll= 1 point repair (systems/shields)

Performance Modifiers:

Capt Farrell: 7 add 1 to roll
Science Cmdr Wells: 2
Engineer Cmdr Radou: 4
Tactical Lt Hassan: 4

Fantasy Trek Gaming Medium Combat Turn 2

2011-07-30T00:05:00.000-07:00

Simple move tdoday. Since ships X and Y aren't within the minimum 5 spaces range, all they could do was move closer. Here is the updated 'screen shot':

USS Exeter (CA) 30 boarding parties vs AI (CA) 30 boarding parties

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
a__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/
b__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/
c__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/
d__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/
e__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/
f __/__/_x/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/
g__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/
h__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/
i __/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/
j __/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/
k__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/
l __/__/__/__/__/__/_y/__/__/___/___/

Roll:

X=3 Y=3

Course
X=180 Y=270

Fantasy Trek. Gaming: Step by step Medium Combat

2011-07-28T21:49:00.000-07:00

I've decided to play this out day by day, explaining each step. I'm doing this in a word document and pasting into myf email. So we'll hope the formatting holds. My apologies if it doesn't.
Here is step one, with explanations:
Here is my crew with allocated and awarded points:
Capt Farrell: 7
Science Cmdr Wells: 3
Engineer Cmdr Radou: 4
Tactical Lt Hassan: 4
Here is my ship and opponent:
USS Exeter (CA) 30 boarding parties vs AI (CA) 30 boarding parties
Here's the map. I determined the opening placement by rolling 2d6 for each. Ship X starts top left, ship Y starts bottom left. Ship X rolled 3 and 3, so started at 3,c. Ship Y rolled 2 and 1, so started at 10,l
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
a__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/
b__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/
c__/__/x_/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/
d__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/
e__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/
f __/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/
g__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/
h__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/
i __/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/
j __/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/
k__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/___/___/
l __/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/_y_/___/
Next I rolled 1d4 to get initial course heading. 1 would equal 90 degrees, 2 equals 180, 3 equals 270, and 4 equals 000. Both of my ships rolled 2, so start with a course heading 180.
Course
X=180 Y=180
Then I rolled the first point roll. X got 2, Y got 3. But since my captain has 7 experience points, I add 1 to my roll.
Roll:
X=3 Y=3
So we start off with the following points. Tomorrow we'll act on that.

Medium Combat Results

2011-07-27T19:24:00.000-07:00

I've completed a round of medium combat with some rather experimental rules or systems. I put my heavy cruiser against what I assume to be a command cruiser. A little bigger, a bit harder to take down. I actually didn't give it more of a weaoon punch, so as to keep the rules simpler. But it went very well, lots of hit and run away, takings advantage of good rolls, and evading when necessary.I can't really show the results, because I didn't record every move (that would suck the fun outof the game real fast), but it is simple to play and had a good feel to it and seemed well-balanced. Basically what I did was bump up the other ship's defenses by 10 points in each category. That meant that my ship was forced to hit hard when possible and run away when necessary. The only thing is that there is no AI. The single player game is essentially you playing both sides. It sure worked for me though. Once I've posted a good how-teo guide I'll go into more detail. Next I need to sort out hit and run boarding party action and capturing.

Cheers

Kapact

Medium Combat Introduction Part One: Player Setup/Points

2011-07-25T18:29:00.000-07:00

Like many rpg games, this game starts off by customizing your character. In this case, you are customizing your command crew: the crew that will make a difference in a crisis. Start off with the following:
Captain
Science Officer
Chief Engineer
Tactical Officer

You start off with 20 character points. You can evenly distribute the points if you wish, or use a unique system, but remember that for every character that gets extra points, another loses them.
Here are the ways that the four characters contribute to victory:

Captain- A strong captain helps everyone. Sufficient points for the captain can add points to your 1d6 roll.

Science Officer- In combat, a science officer with sufficient points can help you to target ships when sensors are disabled.

Chief Engineer- The chief engineer gets more out of your ship. Sufficient points help the engineer to repair damaged systems more efficiently and channel more warp power to phasers.

Tactical Officer- A tactical officer with sufficient points can increase the damage done to enemy systems in combat.

Here are the specifics. Remember that these are just the combat advantages. There is much more to Fantasy Trek.

Captain: 7 rating adds 1 to dice total. 9 rating adds 2 to dice total.

Science: 7 and above rating adds to chance to detect without sensors (7 rating adds 1, 8 adds 2, etc) ##this will be explained later##

Engineer: 7 rating adds to total phaser damage (8 rating adds 2, 9 adds 3, etc) 7 rating repairs systems with 1 point instead of 2. ##this will be explained later##

Tactical: 7 rating adds to damage total (7 rating adds 1, 8 rating adds 2, etc)

Explanations:
Sensors: When sensors are destroyed, an enemy ship that has moved is almost impossible to hit. In order to simulate that 'shot in the dark', you must roll a 1 on a 1d6 roll. Once your science officer has a 7 rating, 1 and 2 gets you a hit. An 8 rating means 1-3 gets you a hit, and etc.

System Repair: It normally takes 2 points from your roll to restore 1 point to a damaged system or shield. An engineer with a 7 rating can get that repair done with just 1 point.

One experience Point (in the medium combat game) is awarded every time you defeat a ship of equal points. Two are awarded for defeating a ship with 3 to 5 points more than you. Three are awarded for defeating a ship with 6 to 8 points more than you. Four are awarded for defeating a ship with 9 to 10 points more than you.

This should pretty much cover player setup and how the points work. Think of how you would set up characters in any other rpg game. That's what I'm trying to do here. If you have any questions or suggestions, please let me know. The next section will detail the ship and its shields and internals, and how they work in combat.

Rpg rules for medium combat

2011-07-24T10:59:00.000-07:00

I'm working on a bit of a happy medium between casual combat and heavy combat, appropriately called "medium combat" and including rules for rpg'ers. If you create and customize your ship and crew you get bonuses for experiesnce. What I'll eventually have are ship frame ratings (heavy cruisers, etc) and customizable from there. For now all I have are rules for customized characters. I'll play that through and add more. Here is what I have so far...

Roll
X=3 Y=4

Course
X= 90
Y= 90

Shields
X Y
F /20 /20
A /20 /20
P /20 /20
S /20 /20

Damage
X Y
Shld Gen /20 /20
Pha/Dis /20 /20
Photons /20 /20
Sensors /20 /20
Impulse /20 /20
Warp /40 /40

Max Range= 5

Range/X
1x5
2x4
3x3
4x2
5x1

Performance Modifiers:
Captain: above 5 rating adds to dice total (6 rating adds 1, 7 rating adds 2 etc)

Science: above 5 rating adds to chance to detect without sensors (6 rating adds 1, 7 rating adds 2 etc)

Engineer: above 5 rating adds to total phaser damage (6 rating adds 1, 7 rating adds 2 etc). Above 7 rating repairs system with 1 point instead of 2.

Tactical: above 5 rating adds to damage total (6 rating adds 1, 7 rating adds 2 etc)

Medium Combat...

2011-07-05T22:21:00.000-07:00

When I started making Fantasy Trek almost 5 years ago, I was envisioning a game not unlike this. Simple quick play. Text-based. All you need is a text editor and dice. Roll 2d6 to get the start coordinates, roll 1d4 to get initial course (1=90 2=180 3=270 4=000.

I've playtested this three times and won all three times, and while there could be balance tweaks, the basics seem quite sound

Medium Combat Play

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
a__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/
b_x/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/
c__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/
d__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/
e__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/
f_y/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/
g__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/
h__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/
i __/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/

Roll:
X=6 Y=2

Position
X Y
1,b 1,f

Course
X=000
Y=090

Shields

X Y
F /20 /20
A 20/20 20/20
P /20 /20
S /20 /20

Damage

X Y
Shld Gen /20 /20
Pha/Dis /20 /20
Photons /20 /20
Sensors /20 /20
Impulse /20 4/20
Warp /20 20/20

Max Range= 5

Range/X
1x5
2x4
3x3
4x2
5x1

Combat Rules

Shield damage is determined by facing. Internal system damage is determined by 1d6 roll. Excess damage points get additional 1d6 rolls. Loss of impulse means ship can't move. Loss of sensors means 1d6 chance of hitting target after opponent has moved. Loss of shield generator drops all shields

AI will engage (pursue/attack) under any of the following conditions:
-weapons fire
-player comes within 5 spaces
-three turns

Otherwise AI will use 'Crazy Ivan' rule to maneuver. (every second turn, 1d6 1-2=port, 1d6 3-4=starboard, 1d6 5-6 pursuit)

AI will fire max torpedoes as available

AI will self-destruct if completely disabled, but will allow player to surrender if player can get outside of 5-spaces range.

Weapons are omni-directional. Phasers= x distance modifier. Photons take 2 points to launch, roll for damage (apply modifier)

2 points from roll= 1 point repair

Fantasy Trek Story Mode: USS Remillard, investigating derelict Korax Class cruiser near Tholian space...

2011-06-16T22:01:00.000-07:00

Commander Mendez glanced at the diamond-shaped ship on long range scanners and swore quietly. Then he tapped the comm panel. "Captain..."

"Yes, XO?"

"Tholian cruiser on intercept course. ETA thirty minutes."

Captain McKinnon smiled. "That would come in real handy, Jose, 'cause all the panels on this Klingon ship are programmed in Tholian script. Maybe they'll be nice enough to translate..."

Fantasy Trek Story-Mode: Stardate 0611.13 USS Remillard crew on the derelict Korax Class warship near Tholian Space...e

2011-06-13T21:59:00.000-07:00

"Yes, captain," Brandon answered, "that's why the floor is sticky."

"The foil-like substance that the Tholians use for environment suits bleeds off some of their intense heat into whatever it touches. The heat is so intense, in the range of 500 kelvin, that even the tough hull plating of Klingon ship suffers molecular breakdown."

"Remillard to boarding party."

"Go ahead, Commander."

"We've just been advised that a Klingon diplomatic ship is on its way."

Fantasy Trek Play- mode. Simple Combat Head to Head Sector Assault

2011-06-13T21:52:00.000-07:00

The Federation Constitution II Fleet lost the USS Joseph Butler and the USS Ramilles to a six-ship random Klingon fleet and was allowed to withdraw in shame. They have four ships left (to keep the game interesting) with which to build a shipyard and attempt a comeback. But they're penalized one turn for their retreat.

Fantasy Trek Story-Mode

2011-06-09T19:41:00.001-07:00

On the derelict Korax Class warship near Tholian space...

USS Remillard Stardate 0611.09 Captain Bindi McKinnon.

"Sensors indicate molecular damage to the hull plating," Commander Brandon reported.

"Is that why the floor is sticky?"

"Yes, captain," Brandon answered, "that's why the floor is sticky."

Simple Combat Head to Hesd Sector Assault

2011-06-08T22:45:00.000-07:00

While nothing else is getting done, I've copied all of the Fantasy Trek files to an Archos 28 internet tablet (sort of an iPad nano) and I'm running through a Simple combat Head to Head Sector Assault: The Klingon Black Fleet (KCA IKS Ab'Qaff, KCA IKS Etlh, KCA IKS Krenn, KCA IKS DuranQo, KCA IKS Levek, KCA IKS Qor'Du) repels 4 Federation Heavy Cruisers from System 5 (nebula). Next up, the Feds (Constitution II Fleet FCF-FCA (Constitution II FCF-CA1, Joseph Butler FCF-FCA, Ramilles FCF-FCA3, Farragut FCF-FCA4, Yorktown FCF-FCA5, Hood FCF-FCA6) defend System 1 from 6 Klingon heavy cruisers. Here are the simple combat play logs:

Need 3-6 to hit
KCA rolls:40 o/40d
KCA rolls:40 20(1)o/20d hit
KCA rolls:30 o/30d
KCA rolls:20 20(2)o/d hit
KCA rolls:30 30(2)o/d hit
KCA rolls:40 40(2)o/d hit
FCA rolls:50 o/50d
FCA rolls:30 o/30d
FCA rolls:60 o/20(3)40d
FCA rolls:40 o/40d
results
KCA damage: 7/35
KCA damage: 7/35
KCA damage: 7/35
KCA damage: 7/35
KCA damage: 7/35
KCA damage: 7/35
FCA damage: 7/35
FCA destroyed
FCA damage: 7/35
FCA damage: 7/35

Need 3-6 to hit
KCA1 rolls:20 o/20d
KCA2 rolls:20 o/20d
KCA3 rolls:30 30(1)o/d hit
KCA4 rolls:50 50(1)o/d hit
KCA5 rolls:50 50(1)o/d hit
KCA6 rolls:10 10(2)o/d miss
FCA1 rolls:30 o/30d
FCA3 rolls:20 o/20(1)d
FCA4 rolls:40 o/40(1)d
results
KCA1 damage: 7/35
KCA2 damage: 7/35
KCA3 damage: 7/35
KCA4 damage: 7/35
KCA5 damage: 7/35
KCA6 damage: 7/35
FCA1 destroyed
FCA3 damage: 7/35
FCA4 damage: 7/35

Need 3-6 to hit
KCA1 rolls: 40 40(3)o/d hit
KCA2 rolls:20 20(3)o/dhit
KCA3 rolls:40 40(3)o/d hit
KCA4 rolls:40 40(4)o/d hit
KCA5 rolls:50 50(4)o/d hit
KCA6 rolls:40 40(4)o/d hit
FCA3 rolls:10 o/10d
FCA4 rolls:30 o/30d
results
KCA1 damage: 7/35
KCA2 damage: 7/35
KCA3 damage: 7/35
KCA4 damage: 7/35
KCA5 damage: 47/35
KCA6 damage: 7/35
FCA3 destroyed
FCA4 destroyed

Calendar news and Mad Jack's Hole

2011-06-02T23:43:00.000-07:00

A domestic flood has temporarily shut down the art studio, but work on Mad Jack's Hole continues with this question: Have you ever played a Star Trek game where you didn't depend on weapons to win?

Mad Jack's Hole Update

2011-05-27T09:41:00.000-07:00

Fantasy Trek gaming news: Here are the known major players in Mad Jack's Hole:

UFP
Klingon Empire
Romulan Empure

Pirate group 1- "The Cartel" (operates in UFP space)
Pirate group 2-"Krimson Raiders" (operates in Klingon space)
Pirate group 3-"Eagle Riders" (operates in Romulan space)

Player Adventure Opportunity

2011-05-19T17:22:00.000-07:00

Legions of Fantasy Trek fans, players and addicts, I'm preparing the background of an easy simple-to-play multifaceted adventure, centered around a pirate base, centered around a black hole. Prepare to unlock the secret of "Mad Jack's Hole". As soon as I figure it out. I'll post andy non-spoiler details I can, and put out the call for Beta testers for all aspects (casual/simple/heavy combat, storytelling) as soon as it reaches that point.

Kapact

May Calendar Image

2011-04-29T15:33:00.000-07:00

Not really a likely thing. Ita took me so long to do April's, and RL has been nuts lately, so rather than scramble to put something in that's hurried, we're going to work towards a better June :)

Kapact

Offline Test

2011-04-27T11:36:00.001-07:00

Now that we can use the 'bloggeroid' app online, let's see if we can write offline then send...

Blog-droid

2011-04-26T16:04:00.003-07:00

Iust testing a droid blog widget

Test

2011-04-26T16:04:00.001-07:00

Just testing a droid blog widger

April Calendar Image news

2011-03-31T22:37:00.000-07:00

The 2011 calendar will return shortly. This mfonth is my first serious attempt at a comic strip. I have four simple, no color, sparse on detail framed drawings. Stan Lee has nothing to worry about. All I have left to do is an opening, kind of establishing shot. Then scanning onto the computer and posting The plan is to have four frames a month in an ongoing story. Anyway, I expect to have the first attempt up by Thursday at the latest.

USS Remillard Stardate 0311.18 Captain Bindi McKinnon

2011-03-18T08:52:00.001-07:00

There are still jokes in some circles about red-shirts, despite the fact that security personnel have swapped colors with command and now wear gold. In some cases, especially among those of us in the command path, that joke is a bit of gallows humor we keep to ourselves. But I tend to keep a very tight rein on that particular joke. No member of an away team is expendable, and there are no missions so routine that I don't think about that as we are released by the transporter beam. So naturally I could think of nothing but the bright red of my uniform as we beamed into the smoky, oily gloom of the crippled Korax class light cruiser. No matter your intentions, Klingons never appreciate you beaming onto their ships uninvited.

The floor was sticky. All four of us, two security specialists, chief engineer Brandon and I noticed it at the same time. Tricorder analysis showed that it wasn't because of any substance that had been spilled or spread on the deck. The deck plating itself had undergone a molecular change as a result of being subjected to extreme heat. Fortunately, the heat source was no longer present, so we didn't have to worry about our shoes melting. But there was also nothing known of this particular region of space that would do this to a klingon ship. So we were looking at either an unknown environmental hazard or exotic alien with a grudge against the klingons. Neither alternative sounded conducive to an uneventful survey.

USS Remillard Stardate 0311.14 Captain Bindi McKinnon

2011-03-14T09:32:00.000-07:00

The Korax is a deceptively simple design, essentially the same tried and true space frame that has worked so well for them for more than two centuries. It has a single hull with outrigger nacelle struts that swing up and meet on top with a torpedo launcher integrated into a single warp nacelle. While l am not familiar with the capabilities of the Korax. it certainly resembles the Relentless class of the 23rd century; a ship almost legendary for its ability to withstand extreme damage and still make it home under power.

So I wasn't really surprised to find that there was enough of the ship intact and maintaining an atmosphere to warrant investigating. Unfortunately, there is so much interference that we can't determine any life readings. So in the grand tradition of starfleet crews since there was a starfleet, we're going in blind.

USS Remillard Stardate 0311.02

2011-03-02T07:50:00.000-08:00

The debris we discovered led us to a nearly intact Korax Class Klingon light cruiser. Our transmission to Starfleet was greeter with deafening silence. We finally heard back with word that again will delay our mission to Tholia. The Klingons deny having any ships near Tholian space, and seem furious at us for having found one of their new ships out here. So we've been ordered to board and investigate. I have to think that the Klingons aren't going to be happy about this no matter how it turns out. Great.

First Complete Casual Head to Head Sector Assault and Lessons Learned

2011-02-25T08:55:00.000-08:00

Thirteen turns is what it took to reveal a serious balance issue in the Casual Head to Head Sector Assault. As much fun as it honestly was to have a seemingly unending series of Klingon wolf packs pound a struggling Federation shipyard into dust, it doesn't give the Feds a chance to get out of the gate. So we'll limit the wolf pack to one per engagement. Incidentally, a wolf pack consists of three KCA's responding to a request for reinforcement from a Klingon ship as it's being destroyed. I'll start this up again soon with the revised rules.

Here are the turn logs.

Turn 1)

(0211.15)

System 1: Intrepid Fleet FIF-FCA (Intrepid FIF-FCA1 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6) Contact: 2 KCA's. 2 KCA's destroyed. No damage to Feds. 2 KCA's destroyed. Intrepid FIF-FCA1 damage: 19/20. Other Feds undamaged.

System 5: Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) Contact: 2 FCA's. 2 FCA's destroyed. Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 damage: 18/20. Other Klingons undamaged.

Turn 2)

(0211.17)

System 1: Intrepid Fleet FIF-FCA (Intrepid FIF-FCA1 damage: 19/20 Repair Turn 1/2 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6) Construct FSY1 Turn 1/2 Contact: No contact

System 5: Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 damage: 18/20 Repair Turn 1/2 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) Construct KSY1 Turn 1/3 Contact: No contact

Turn 3)

(0211.17)

System 1: Intrepid Fleet FIF-FCA (Intrepid FIF-FCA1 damage: 19/20 Repair Turn 2/2 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6) Construct FSY1 Turn 2/2 Contact: No contact

System 5: Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 damage: 18/20 Repair Turn 2/2 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) Construct KSY1 Turn 2/3 Contact: No contact

Turn 4)

(0211.17)

System 1: Intrepid Fleet FIF-FCA (Intrepid FIF-FCA1 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6) FSY1 Construct Decker FDF-FCA1 Turn 1/2 Contact: 2 KCA's. 2 KCA's destroyed. Intrepid FIF-FCA1 damage:15/20. Other Feds undamaged.

System 5: Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) Construct KSY1 Turn 3/3 Contact: No contact.

Turn 5)

(0211.17)

System 1: Intrepid Fleet FIF-FCA (Intrepid FIF-FCA1 damage:15/20 Repair Turn 1/2 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6) FSY1 Construct Decker FDF-FCA1 Turn 2/2 Contact: 3 KCA's. 3 KCA's destroyed. One wolf pack destroyed. Intrepid FIF-FCA1 damage:15/20 Repair Turn 1/2 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 destroyed.

System 5: Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) KSY1 construct Kahless KF-CA1 Turn 1/3 Contact: 1 FCA. FCA destroyed. Klingons undamaged.

Turn 6)

(0211.17)

System 1: Intrepid Fleet FIF-FCA (Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6) Decker FDF-FCA1 FSY1 Construct Goeben FDF-FCA2 Turn 1/2 Contact: No contact

System 5: Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) KSY1 construct Kahless KF-CA1 Turn 2/3 Contact: 1 FCA. FCA destroyed. Klingons undamaged.

Turn 7)

(0211.17)

System 1: Intrepid Fleet FIF-FCA (Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6) Decker FDF-FCA1 FSY1 Construct Goeben FDF-FCA2 Turn 2/2 Contact: 3 KCA's. Monitor FIF-FCA4 destroyed. Hornet FIF-FCA5 damage: 15/20. 3 KCA's destroyed.

System 5: Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) KSY1 construct Kahless KF-CA1 Turn 3/3 Contact: 1 FCA.

Turn 7)

(0211.18)

System 1: Intrepid Fleet FIF-FCA (Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6) Decker FDF-FCA1 Goeben FDF-FCA2 FSY1 Construct Eximer FDF-FCA3 Turn 1/2 Contact: 2 KCA's. 3 wolf packs. (Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6 destroyed. Decker FDF-FCA1 damage: 18/20. Goeben FDF-FCA2 FSY1 undamaged. Klingons destroyed.

System 5: Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) Kahless KF-CA1 KSY1 construct T'yang KF-CA2 Turn 1/3 Contact: No contact.

Turn 8)

(0211.19)

System 1: Decker FDF-FCA1 (damage: 18/20 repair turn 1/2) Goeben FDF-FCA2 FSY1 Construct Eximer FDF-FCA3 Turn 2/2 Contact: No contact

Turn9)

(0211.24)

System 1: Decker FDF-FCA1 (damage: 18/20 repair turn 2/2) Goeben FDF-FCA2 Eximer FDF-FCA3 FSY1 Construct Farragut FCF-FCA4 Turn 1/2 Contact: no contact

Turn 10)

(0211.24)

System 1: Decker FDF-FCA1 Goeben FDF-FCA2 Eximer FDF-FCA3 FSY1 Construct Farragut FCF-FCA4 Turn 2/2 Contact: 3 KCA's. Two Wolfpacks responded. All KCA's destroyed. Decker FDF-FCA1 Goeben FDF-FCA2 Eximer FDF-FCA3 destroyed. FSY1 damage: 62/80.

System 5: Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) Kahless KF-CA1 T'yang KF-CA2 KSY1 construct Hegh yan KF-CA3 Turn 1/3 Contact: No contact

Turn 11)

(0211.24)

System 1: FSY1 damage: 62/80 (Construct Farragut FCF-FCA4 Turn 2/2 suspended) Repair Turn 2/2 Contact: No Contact

Turn 12)

(0211.24)

System 1: FSY1 Construct Farragut FCF-FCA4 Turn 2/2 Contact: 1 KCA. 1 Wolfpack responded. KCA's destroyed. FSY1 damage: 74/80

System 5: Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) Kahless KF-CA1 T'yang KF-CA2 Hegh yan KF-CA3 KSY1 construct Koord KF-CA4 Turn 1/3 Contact: No contact

Turn 13)

(0211.24)

System 1: FSY1 damage: 74/80 (Construct suspended Farragut FCF-FCA4 Turn 2/2) Repair Turn 1/2 Contact: No contact

Turn 13)

(0211.24)

System 1: FSY1 damage: 74/80 (Construct suspended Farragut FCF-FCA4 Turn 2/2) Repair Turn 2/2 Contact: 3 KCA's. FSY1 destroyed. No damage to Klingons

Federation cedes sector.

Medium Combat Template

2011-02-22T09:52:00.000-08:00

What you see here is an attempt to merge heavy combat with simple/casual caombat. Something a little more involved, with maneuvering and internals, but still bus-playable. For now, a text map that is just for reference, and the casual dice roll scheme. I am playtesting it now.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

a__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/

b__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/

c__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/

d__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/

e__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/

f __/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/

g__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/

h__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/

i __/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/

Shields

X Y

F /20 /20

A /20 /20

P /20 /20

S /20 /20

Damage

X Y

Shld Gen /20 /20

Pha/Dis /20 /20

Photons /20 /20

Sensors /20 /20

Impulse /20 /20

Warp /20 /20

Position

X Y

, ,

Course

X Y

, ,

Max Range= 5

Range/X

1x5

2x4

3x3

4x2

5x1

Roll:

X= Y=

X= Y=

Update: Casual Head to Head Sector Assault

2011-02-17T11:04:00.001-08:00

The first ten rounds of the casual head to head sector assault have taught me that we still have a serious balance issue. Heavy Cruisers (CA's) have a defense rating of 20, which works fine, and a Shipyard has a defense rating of 80, which also works fine.... almost. I gave the Feds an economic advantage, allowing them to finish construction in two turns what it takes Klingons three. At the same time, the Klingons always have a 50% chance of calling in reinforcements if they're losing a battle. Again, no problem. The Feds have always been stronger economically, and the Klingons have always had wolfpacks out roaming around. But the shipyard is too easy to take down by persistant attacks. So I'm going to tweak the casual rules a bit and start over. It used to be that every ship rolled a die (1d6), designated a target, and got shot up itself. Ships of equal grade balance fine doing that, but the shipyard needs additional firepower to be a credible threat, so I'll try giving it two dice rolls (2d6) to use on offense. And rather than have any damage sustained require repair time, we'll say that 6 points out of 20 damage (roughly a third) count as shield damage. And make it 24 out of 80 for the shipyard. More and more to keep track of during a 'casual' game, but important for balance. We'll just see how it goes. And in case you're wondering what a "Head-to-Head Sector Assault" is, it is a single player contest to occupy five systems in a sector. Use simple rules to play both sides (or play against another player) and the rules below.

Here are the rules as of Feb 15th (0211.15) that I'm playing by:

Rules

The goal is to conquer and hold all 5 systems.

In order to do this, you must conquer, then sufficiently defend the systems while denying your enemy access to those same systems. Reduce the enemy fleet sufficiently to prevent them from building a shipyard, and stop/destroy enough enemy convoys to deny random attack fleets sufficient to threaten your shipyards. You must also attain a minimum of 7 points (see 'Victory Conditions' below)

System Conquest:

Regardless of whether a system has been occupied by enemy forces, you will face a random-sized enemy fleet upon first arrival in a new system. Roll 1d6 for size of enemy fleet (1-2=1, 3-4=2, 5-6=3), then subtract any applicable random fleet disadvantage (see below). Then use appropriate casual combat template. All surviving ships retain damage but can move and fight until destroyed. (6/20 damage to CA's count as shield damage that will automatically regenerate by the next turn. 24/80 for shipyards) They can only be repaired by remaining in place for two turns (subject to random enemy attack each turn: (1d6: 4-6)) or by docking at shipyard for one turn. The system remains yours once you've defeated the initial fleet, but if left undefended, any attempt to conquer it will only be countered by a randomly generated fleet. You can (and should) choose to leave any combination of ships and/or a shipyard to defend it.

Random enemy ships (including Klingon wolf packs) will fight to the death. All other ships may withdraw at player's discretion.

Open Space:

Enemy convoys will only be encountered in open spaces. Roll for encounter (1d6: 1-3). Then roll 1d6 for enemy escorts. 1-3= 1 CA escort. 4-6= 2 CA escorts. The random fleet disadvantage does not affect this. Random enemy convoy(s) must be stopped=at least 3/5 freighters destroyed, escorts destroyed in 5 volleys or less. Every convoy that is stopped decreases random enemy fleet size by one. This is the random fleet disadvantage. You will not encounter convoys in open spaces when you have conquered both adjacent systems

Shipyard:

Shipyards are recommended. They can only be built in systems that you hold (by destroying an initial assault fleet). Unless otherwise noted, three starships must remain in system for three turns to build shipyard. During each turn 50% chance of random attack. (1d6: 4-6) LOS (line of sight) must be maintained to use or attack shipyard. Unless otherwise noted, shipyard can construct replacement ships in 3 turns.There is no limit to the number of ships you can group in a fleet, and no limit to the number of fleets you can field. It is recommended that you build at least one shipyard and at least three reserve ships just in case of unforseen losses.

Race Specific Rules:

- Federation ships require only two turns to build shipyards, and shipyards require only two turns to build ships

- Klingons have 50% chance of summoning reinforcements wolf packs of 3 KCA's (1D6 1-3)

Shipyards roll 2d6 during casual combat.

If you want to register as a player, notify me through a comment on the blogsite. I recommend keeping a record of your games played, as they add up to experience points that enrich your gaming experience.

Victory Conditions/Points-

Shipyards=

Fleet size=

Random Attack Fleet capacity=

You must conquer 5 systems and attain 7+ VC points

Casual Combat Update: Head to Head Sector Assault

2011-02-10T11:01:00.001-08:00

As I get ready to run a Head to Head Sector Assault with casual combat rules, I've spent a few days playtesting casual fleet combat, and found that it has its own quirks. Essentially, allowed to run to conclusion, casual combat tends to end in blood baths that preclude the building of shipyards. So it kind of necessitates the concept of withdrawing from a losing battle and living to fight another day. That complicates things, believe it or not, because you could end up having random fleets withdrawing and surviving. Not necessarily a bad thing, but I never anticipated that when I created the Sector Assault. Otherwise it might simply be a rule that random fleets fight to the death. I'm getting a good sense of the difficulty faced by game programmers when trying to maintain balance after a change has been introduced. Anyway, I'm satisfied with the casual fleet combat, and I've run three assaults against shipyards. So the basic mechanics work. Running through a simple, no space terrain Head to Head Sector Assault with the casual rules and adapting as I go should work out the bugs.

CCRRAASSHH

2011-01-27T15:24:00.000-08:00

Moving and a computer wipe-out have delayed things, but the Fantasy Trek gears are starting to creak into motion again. Watch this space for further updates.

Kapact

Stardate 0111.11 USS Remillard Captain Bindi McKinnon

2011-01-10T09:31:00.000-08:00

I was convinced that there was no way this mission could become more complicated, but it may have found a way. Three days from the Tholian border, the Matalava and the Port Moresby, taking point in our formation, picked up debris along our course that read as Klingon. Based on scans and the dispersal pattern, a medium-sized Klingon ship disintegrated at near warp speed. Unfortunately, subspace interference generated by the destruction of the Klingon ship is hampering communications. Until we can get a signal through to Starfleet I've ordered the fleet to slow to full impulse and warned all ship captains to prepare for a change of plans. I have a gut feeling the powers that be are going to want this investigated. So all we have to worry about are angry Klingons and impatient Tholians. Walk in the park, Starfleet style.

Walkthrough:"Assignment: Nelvada: Kapact"

2011-01-06T10:16:00.000-08:00

(This is my initial statement to the Neldavans. It is just a diplomatic introduction, requesting to meet with their government, and a willingness to work with them. Imagine it is an opening hail as you achieve orbit. You can add your name and ship if you like. And I have CC'd to Starfleet Command to keep them up to date.)

To: Neldavans
Starfleet

The Federation would respect your other alliances and would make every attempt to find a compromise with other allies. Ultimately, the Neldava must decide if the Federation will have that opportunity. In the meantime, I am prepared to meet with a representative of both powers if that is acceptable.

"Three Way" Turn Seven: Border Shipyards Complete. Fleet Movement

2011-01-05T07:40:00.000-08:00

"Three-Way" Campaign continues with the following moves (Google Docs links have not been updated)::

Federation Fleet One Tiberius Fleet (FTF) Move to C,12
Federation Fleet Two Constitution II Fleet (FCF) Move to H,12
Federation Fleet Three Intrepid Fleet (FIF) Move to K,11

Klingon Fleet One Etlh Fleet (KEF) Move to d,15
Klingon Fleet Two Klingon Black Fleet (KBF) Move to H,16
Klingon Fleet Three Kolikos Fleet (KLKF) Move to K,16

Romulan Fleet One D'Shoanna Fleet (RDSF) Move to AO,11
Romulan Fleet Two Nightwing Fleet (RNF) Move to AP,13
Romulan Fleet Three Donatra Fleet (RDF) Move to AQ,18

I've decided that shipyards can't build a fleet until a CA has traveled to another system to harvest resources and returned to the shipyard. Each additional fleet built requires an additional shipment. The nine shipyards will begin construction of new fleets as soon as they are able.

"Three Way" Turn Four: Border Shipyard Construction

2011-01-04T14:55:00.000-08:00

Stardate 0110.04

Turn Four has all nine shipyards complete. The Fleets will then start to move out to complete objectives. There may be some clarification of rules soon.

Federation Fleet One Tiberius Fleet (FTF) Construct FSY1 3/3: d,13
Federation Fleet Two Constitution II Fleet (FCF) Construct FSY2 3/3: i,13
Federation Fleet Three Intrepid Fleet (FIF) Construct FSY3 3/3: l,13

Klingon Fleet One Etlh Fleet (KEF) Construct KSY1 3/3: e,16
Klingon Fleet Two Klingon Black Fleet (KBF) Construct KSY2 3/3: j,17
Klingon Fleet Three Kolikos Fleet (KLKF) Construct KSY3 3/3: g,17

Romulan Fleet One D'Shoanna Fleet (RDSF) Construct RSY1 3/3: an,11
Romulan Fleet Two Nightwing Fleet (RNF) Construct RSY2 3/3: ao,13
Romulan Fleet Three Donatra Fleet (RDF) Construct RSY3 3/3: ap,19

January Calendar Image: "Korax Class Light Cruiser'

2011-01-04T14:14:00.000-08:00

Based on the classic Qa'HoS (Relentless) Class of the late 23rd Century, the Korax is a tough light cruiser.

"Three Way" Turn Two

2011-01-01T07:28:00.000-08:00

Stardate 0110.01

Turn Two consisted of all nine fleets beginning construction of border shipyards. Two more turns will be required, and most likely uneventful before the shipyards are complete. The alpha numeric coordinates go are from the Google Docs/Excel sheet posted yesterday.

Federation Fleet One Tiberius Fleet (FTF) Construct FSY1 1/3: d,13
Federation Fleet Two Constitution II Fleet (FCF) Construct FSY2 1/3: i,13
Federation Fleet Three Intrepid Fleet (FIF) Construct FSY3 1/3: l,13

Klingon Fleet One Etlh Fleet (KEF) Construct KSY1 1/3: e,16
Klingon Fleet Two Klingon Black Fleet (KBF) Construct KSY2 1/3: j,17
Klingon Fleet Three Kolikos Fleet (KLKF) Construct KSY3 1/3: g,17

Romulan Fleet One D'Shoanna Fleet (RDSF) Construct RSY1 1/3: an,11
Romulan Fleet Two Nightwing Fleet (RNF) Construct RSY2 1/3: ao,13
Romulan Fleet Three Donatra Fleet (RDF) Construct RSY3 1/3: ap,19

Update: "Three Way" Starts, January Calendar Image Complete

2010-12-31T09:08:00.000-08:00

"Three-Way" Campaign has been kicked off, by placing the following fleets at strategic locations on the map:

Federation Fleet One Tiberius Fleet (FTF)
Federation Fleet Two Constitution II Fleet (FCF)
Federation Fleet Three Intrepid Fleet (FIF)
Klingon Fleet One Etlh Fleet (KEF)
Klingon Fleet Two Klingon Black Fleet (KBF)
Klingon Fleet Three Kolikos Fleet (KLKF)
Romulan Fleet One D'Shoanna Fleet (RDSF)
Romulan Fleet Two Nightwing Fleet (RNF)
Romulan Fleet Three Donatra Fleet (RDF)

Objectives have also been amended to include recommendation of building shipyards. In the near future I will upload the turn sheet and map (both are Excel sheets) to Google Docs and post a link.

The January image for the 2011 Fantasy Trek has been completed. It'll be scanned soon and uploaded. It features a TNG-Era update of the TMP era Klingon Light Cruiser.

Walkthrough:"Assignment: Nelvada: Moderator"

2010-12-29T07:48:00.000-08:00

(This is the initial introduction to the mission. It gives you enough information to get started. The player would respond by acknowledging the order, and upon arrival, making a diplomatic pitch the Nelvadan people. Base that upon the brief on the system and the situation. The pitch will most likely be short. Just an introduction, and offering to reach a mutually beneficial accomodation)

To: Kapact

The Nelvada are considering allying themselves with the Federation but there are complications. An alliance with another, unidentified power would make an alliance with the Federation impossible. Find out if an accomodation can be reached.

Here is a brief on the system:

Nelvada System
Background-
-Not a Federation member, but aware of other races and FTL travel. Not a prime directive issue
-equivalent tech/social level
-friendly
------------------------------------

Cost to purchase the newest Trek game-in-a-box: $50*
Cost every month to play the newest Trek game-in-a-box: $15*
Cost to upgrade your computer to play the newest Trek game-in-a-box: $200+*

Stretching your imagination with Fantasy Trek for free: Priceless...

*guesstimated

try it yourself @ http://fantasytrek.blogspot.com

Head to Head Sector Assalt Results, Simple and Casual Gaming Update

2010-12-24T07:55:00.000-08:00

There has been a lot of work on Fantasy Trek, despite the deafening silence. The Head to Head Sector Assault that started way back on August 20th is finally finished. The Klingons again won the battle. Here are the final results:

Victory Conditions/Points- 16

Shipyards 5 (max)= 2
Fleet size= 9
Random Attack Fleet capacity= 5 (max)

To summarize, the Feds started out at System One, which was home to a Black Hole Accretion Disc. Their one and only shipyard was in System Two. Klingons started out at System Five, eventually building two shipyards. What did the most damage to the Fed side was a large random Klingon fleet that devastated Fed ship building efforts, as well as the loss of three Fed convoys, which limited their random fleet availability. The real deciding factor was the loss of Fed ship building efforts. And that was a matter of random chance.

Now I’m working on two projects. First off, I’m going to do more work on the casual gaming system, so that players preferring that can play more interesting and involved games like the Sector Assault. I am also getting ready to playtest a new campaign, sort of a re-do of the Fifty Points game that didn’t work. It is a simplified version, known simply as “Three-Way”, using a simplified version of the Fifty Points map. Here is an overview:

Each power starts with 3 fleets and three shipyards.
Objectives:

1) Establish 6 resource systems (RS)- requires 6 turn stay of 3 CA+ class to establish
2) Identify/occupy/defend 26 systems worthy of colonization (K,L,M+ type) (50/50 chance) to dominate map (at least half need to be in enemy territory
3) Establish/maintain LOS between RS and colonies in enemy territory
4) Designate/defend home system

I’ll post (hopefully) regular updates.

Stardate 1210.09 USS Remillard Captain Bindi McKinnon

2010-12-09T09:47:00.000-08:00

Encryption matrix Willstown Delta Three

As we get closer and closer to Tholian space, I find that I can no longer put off thinking about those disturbingly personal aspects of this otherwise historic mission. There is a reason that some of our records show an NX-01 Enterprise, and some show an NX-01 Yorktown. The same reason that two different sections of the Memory Alpha library complex show two different dates and circumstances of a 'disastrous' first contact with the Klingons. Based on exhaustive study of audio records in the 23rd century, Spock was known to be the first Vulcan in Starfleet, and yet, Ambassador T'Pol once served with distinction as a Starfleet officer on Enterprise NX-01. The seeming contradictions grow and grow as the years go on. Most people don't know anything about it, but the Department of Temporal Investigations has briefed me fully.

There was, or will be, something called a Temporal Cold War stretching from the 31st century back to the 22nd. As a result of that, as well as a mission that the Enterprise-E undertook to April 5th, 2063, we had the Enterprise NX-01 launching in 2155 and all of the changes that came with it. And involved heavily in that temporal cold war was the Suliban race, under the direction and sponsorship of a power that we believe to be future Romulans. There did eventually come a time when the Suliban finally abandoned their benefactors and sided entirely with the newly founded Federation, but were heavily punished by their one-time benefactors. Every world that the already nomadic Suliban had settles on was destroyed, and the surviving 33,000 Suliban were forced to flee.

It was fifty years later that Suliban bases, known as helixes began to be discovered in wildly random and remote places, and the Suliban began to flock to them as homes. Since then, the Federation has been actively but quietly worked to find more and more helixes for the Suliban to live on, and powers and races that would allow the Suliban to live in their neighborhoods. Two leading civilian proponents of Suliban refugee relief in the 24th century are descendants of two legendary names in Starfleet history. Sammy Jo Archer and Jamie Lynn Kirk are also good friends of mine, and they were investigating a reported massive Suliban helix in the Tholian homeworld (incredibly, at the request of the Tholians) when they disappeared. The Tholians have now demanded that Starfleet dispatch a sufficient force to find the two humans and the helix and remove all from their space.

While I am an advocate for any refugee, and I harbor none of the ill will that some still cling to against the Suliban for crimes and aggression by their ancestors in the 22nd century, I have to say that I have taken issue with some of the risk-taking that my two friends have engaged in up until now. While it is true that civilians can often go places and open doors that military or government members can not, they are also not afforded the some of the protection that fleet and ambassadors can offer.

This is a deeply personal matter for me, and I will admit that the sense of thrill and wonder and anticipation entering what has been until now forbidden Tholian space is deepply overshadowed by a very personal stake I have in this operation. It is extremely disquieting, and I am concerned that my sense of objectivity will be challenged along the way.

Stardate 1210.03 USS Remillard Captain Bindi McKinnon

2010-12-03T09:37:00.001-08:00

As we get under way, moving away from the more densely populated neighborhood of the Apha Quadrant and towards Tholian space, I've read my sealed orders and delayed thinking about the disturbing personal aspect of my assignment by finally settling on a motto for the Remillard. This is something that I've thought long and hard about. I resisted the urge to hurry this decision, because the motto will remain after I've moved on. I've come up with something that seems apt for our first mission, and will hopefully provide some inspiration for future crews and captains. The words of Joan of Arc:

"One life is all we have and we live it as we believe in living it. But to sacrifice what you are and to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying..."

December Calendar Image: "Sompek, Son of Kapact"

2010-12-02T13:28:00.000-08:00

“Portrait of Sompek, son of Kapact", Commander Prototype IKS Etlh Heavy Cruiser

Stardate 1110.26 USS Remillard Captain Bindi McKinnon

2010-11-26T11:44:00.001-08:00

Personal log. The Remillard and accompanying fleet is cleared to travel to Tholia under sealed orders. Nobody has ever been to Tholia, and I am leading a fleet there. "Boldly Go" just doesn't cover it, folks...

Stardate 1110.22 USS Remillard Captain Bindi McKinnon

2010-11-22T08:51:00.000-08:00

Meetings meetings meetings. Who ever knew launching a starship was so filled with meetings? You'd think it was just a matter of sitting in the chair and saying "engage" or "ahead warp factor one" or "take us out, straight and steady"

Stardate 1110.12 USS Remillard Captain Bindi McKinnon

2010-11-12T10:55:00.000-08:00

Kept the captains of all of those ships waiting for ten days, recovering from an infection picked up in Darwin. Now I have to double time it to catch up.

November Calendar Image: "Homestead Class Colony Ship"

2010-11-05T09:26:00.001-07:00

The Homestead Class Colony Ship is based on a Galaxy-Class frame, but the saucer has had a pre-fabricated city set into it. When the ship reaches a colony, the saucer detaches from the rest of the ship and descends into the atmosphere, finally depositing the colony module at a predetermined location. The saucer then returns to orbit and reattaches to the stardrive. The stardrive section has a single internally-mounted warp nacelle.

Stardate 1110.02 USS Remillard Captain Bindi McKinnon

2010-11-02T11:16:00.001-07:00

After waiting almost a week, the Cyclone pod got picked up by a strong cyclone that picked it up and carried it for an hour before throwing it about three kilometers to the west. I was completely protected, and my suit recorded plenty of interesting data. This bodes well for the job I'm told we'll be undertaking in Tholian space. Once I'd made it back into town, I was advised that I'd be meeting with captains of the following heavy cruisers:

USS Port Moresby
USS Matalava
USS Eridanni
USS Alice Springs
USS Endeavor

Stardate 1010.29 Captain Bindi McKinnon USS Remillard

2010-10-29T08:29:00.001-07:00

The Remillard completed low intensity warp trials successfully, making its first trip beyond the Oort Cloud and back. And conditions for a cyclone here in Darwin are excellent. I'll be standing by in a pod with a sensor/telemetry suit on to record every minute. If I survive. If not, I estimate at least another week for them to pick out another captain.

Personal Log Captain Bindi McKinnon USS Remillard Stardate 1010.26

2010-10-26T14:28:00.000-07:00

Notification that the USS Remillard docked at Justman/Eaves shipyards arrived as I'd left for Darwin. Admiral Smith is angry that it won't be ready to depart for a week. But I arranged a month ago with Admiral Tsolinas to open the weathernet here to allow for testing of the cyclone pod. If conditions on Tholia are as promised, we'll need to know if these pods can handle it. So Australia will have its first cyclone in a century, and if all goes well, I'll be there to document it. From the inside.

Special Update: Fifty Points, Head to Head Sector Assault, DusaQ VeS

2010-10-25T10:37:00.000-07:00

Fantasy Trek is still alive and well... just suffering a bit...

I find myself again explaining a gap in updates. That's the thing about RL, and as long as there are no hordes of registered players I'm not going to torture myself over it..

Fifty Points:

RIP Fifty Points. Too many rules, and the slow pace and massive record keeping made it too much burden and not enough fun. I am working on an excel-based version, with fewer rules, and hopefully simplified record keeping. I'll most likely post any results on google docs with a summary and link here.

DusaQ VeS is on life support. The lesson is that when you start to play a game that isn't fully written, you run the risk of losing the thread before you finish. So DusaQ VeS may be taking a hiatus.

Head to Head Sector Assault is getting ready for a major clash up as two fully formed RPG fleets approach each other. They also fave shipyards and reserve fleets waiting. The battle for system 3 will most likely determine the eventual winner, and that battle is just a few turns from now. Here are turns 18 through 24:

Turn 18)

(0910.21)

System 2: Nebula Intrepid Fleet FIF FCA (Intrepid FIF-FCA1 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6) on station Constitution II FCF-FCA1 Joseph Butler FCF-FCA2 Ramilles FCF-FCA3 on station. FSY1- Construct Farragut FCF-FCA4 Turn 3/3: contact 4 KCA's *won toss. 4 KCA's destroyed. No damage to Feds.

System 5: nebula etlh' EF-KCA1 Km'bell EF-KCA2 Amar EF-KCA3 tIQ'Ghob EF-KCA4 qapaQ EF-KCA5 on station KSY1- Construct S'Tzu EF-KCA6 1/3: contact 5 FCA's *lost toss 5 FCA's destroyed. Klingons undamaged.

System 4: nebula Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) construct KSY2 1/3: Contact 1 FCA. FCA destroyed. No damage to Klingons.

Turn 19)

(0910.25)

System 2: Nebula Intrepid Fleet FIF FCA (Intrepid FIF-FCA1 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6) on station Constitution II FCF-FCA1 Joseph Butler FCF-FCA2 Ramilles FCF-FCA3 Farragut FCF-FCA4 on station. FSY1- Construct Yorktown FCF-FCA5 Turn 1/3: no contact

System 5: nebula etlh' EF-KCA1 Km'bell EF-KCA2 Amar EF-KCA3 tIQ'Ghob EF-KCA4 qapaQ EF-KCA5 on station KSY1- Construct S'Tzu EF-KCA6 2/3: contact: 5 FCA's *won toss. 5 FCA's destroyed. Klingons undamaged

System 4: nebula Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) construct KSY2 2/3: no contact

Turn 20)

(1010.02)

System 2: Nebula Intrepid Fleet FIF FCA (Intrepid FIF-FCA1 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6) on station Constitution II FCF-FCA1 Joseph Butler FCF-FCA2 Ramilles FCF-FCA3 Farragut FCF-FCA4 on station. FSY1- Construct Yorktown FCF-FCA5 Turn 2/3: no contact

System 5: nebula etlh' EF-KCA1 Km'bell EF-KCA2 Amar EF-KCA3 tIQ'Ghob EF-KCA4 qapaQ EF-KCA5 on station KSY1- Construct S'Tzu EF-KCA6 3/3: no contact

System 4: nebula Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) construct KSY2 3/3: no contact

Turn 21)

(1010.02)

System 2: Nebula Intrepid Fleet FIF FCA (Intrepid FIF-FCA1 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6) on station Constitution II FCF-FCA1 Joseph Butler FCF-FCA2 Ramilles FCF-FCA3 Farragut FCF-FCA4 on station. FSY1- Construct Yorktown FCF-FCA5 Turn 3/3: no contact

System 5: nebula etlh' EF-KCA1 Km'bell EF-KCA2 Amar EF-KCA3 tIQ'Ghob EF-KCA4 qapaQ EF-KCA5 S'Tzu EF-KCA6 departs for open space. KSY1- idle

System 4: nebula Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) on station KSY2 idle

Turn 22)

(1010.07)

System 2: Nebula Intrepid Fleet FIF FCA (Intrepid FIF-FCA1 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6) departs for open space Constitution II FCF-FCA1 Joseph Butler FCF-FCA2 Ramilles FCF-FCA3 Farragut FCF-FCA4 Yorktown FCF-FCA5 on station. FSY1- Construct Hood FCF-FCA6 Turn 1/3: contact 6 KCA's. 6 KCA's destroyed. Feds undamaged.

Open Space (System 5-System 4): nebula etlh' EF-KCA1 Km'bell EF-KCA2 Amar EF-KCA3 tIQ'Ghob EF-KCA4 qapaQ EF-KCA5 S'Tzu EF-KCA6 arrives.

System 4: nebula Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) on station KSY2 idle

Turn 23)

(1010.12)

System 2: Nebula Constitution II FCF-FCA1 Joseph Butler FCF-FCA2 Ramilles FCF-FCA3 Farragut FCF-FCA4 Yorktown FCF-FCA5 on station. FSY1 damage 32/35- Construct Hood FCF-FCA6 Turn 2/3: Contact: 5 KCA's *lost toss 5 KCA's destroyed. Feds undamaged.

Open Space (System 2-System 3) Intrepid Fleet FIF FCA (Intrepid FIF-FCA1 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6) arrives. Convoy search? Contact: Kfr 1-5, KCA1. *won toss. Kfr 1-5, KCA1 destroyed. Feds undamaged. Klingon random fleet disadvantage at -1.

Open Space (System 5-System 4): nebula etlh' EF-KCA1 Km'bell EF-KCA2 Amar EF-KCA3 tIQ'Ghob EF-KCA4 qapaQ EF-KCA5 S'Tzu EF-KCA6 departs.

System 4: nebula Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) departs for open space KSY2 idle.

Turn 24)

(1010.15)

System 2: Nebula Constitution II FCF-FCA1 Joseph Butler FCF-FCA2 Ramilles FCF-FCA3 Farragut FCF-FCA4 Yorktown FCF-FCA5 on station. FSY1 Construct Hood FCF-FCA6 Turn 3/3: no contact

System 3) Asteroid field heavy. Intrepid Fleet FIF FCA (Intrepid FIF-FCA1 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6) arrives. contact: 2 KCA's 2 KCA's destroyed. Feds undamaged.

System 4): nebula. etlh' Fleet KEF KCA (EF-KCA1 Km'bell EF-KCA2 Amar EF-KCA3 tIQ'Ghob EF-KCA4 qapaQ EF-KCA5 S'Tzu EF-KCA6) arrives. KSY2 idle.

Open Space (System 4-System 3): Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) arrives. Search for convoy: no contact

October Calendar Image

2010-10-05T14:06:00.000-07:00

The Fantasy Trek October 2010 Calendar image is a fleet of Klingon “Etlh” Class Heavy Cruisers taking aim at a Tholian starbase hidden in an asteroid field…

Head to Head Sector Assault Stardate 0910.19

2010-09-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

Klingons counter attack!

Klingon Kolikos Fleet attacks, captures Federation convoy, returning lost economic strength while undercuttung Federation advances and weakening their economic power.

Turn 12)

(0910.05)

System 2: Nebula Intrepid Fleet FIF FCA (Intrepid FIF-FCA1 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6) on station Constitution II FCF-FCA1 on station. FSY1- Construct Joseph Butler FCF-FCA2 Turn 2/3 Contact: 4 KCA's *lost toss. KCA1-4 vs Intrepid FIF-FCA1 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6 Constitution II FCF-FCA1 FSY1. KCA1-4 destroyed. Feds undamaged

System 5:nebula Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) on station. etlh' EF-KCA1 Km'bell EF-KCA2 on station KSY1- Construct Amar EF-KCA3 3/3 Contact: No contact

Turn 13)

(0910.12)

System 2: Nebula Intrepid Fleet FIF FCA (Intrepid FIF-FCA1 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6) on station Constitution II FCF-FCA1 on station. FSY1- Construct Joseph Butler FCF-FCA2 Turn 3/3 Contact: 5 KCA's. *won toss. KCA1-5 vs Intrepid FIF-FCA1 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6 Constitution II FCF-FCA1 FSY1. 5 KCA's destroyed. Feds undamaged.

System 5:nebula Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) on station. etlh' EF-KCA1 Km'bell EF-KCA2 Amar EF-KCA3 on station KSY1- Construct tIQ'Ghob EF-KCA4 1/3 Contact: 1 FCA. *won toss. Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6 etlh' EF-KCA1 Km'bell EF-KCA2 Amar EF-KCA3 KSY1 vs FCA1. FCA1 destroyed. Klingons undamaged.

Turn 14)

(0910.14)

System 2: Nebula Intrepid Fleet FIF FCA (Intrepid FIF-FCA1 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6) on station Constitution II FCF-FCA1 Joseph Butler FCF-FCA2 on station. FSY1- Construct Ramilles FCF-FCA3 Turn 1/3 Contact: no contact

System 5:nebula Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) on station. etlh' EF-KCA1 Km'bell EF-KCA2 Amar EF-KCA3 on station KSY1- Construct tIQ'Ghob EF-KCA4 2/3 Contact: no contact

Turn 15)

(0910.14)

System 2: Nebula Intrepid Fleet FIF FCA (Intrepid FIF-FCA1 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6) on station Constitution II FCF-FCA1 Joseph Butler FCF-FCA2 on station. FSY1- Construct Ramilles FCF-FCA3 Turn 2/3 Contact: no contact

System 5:nebula Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) on station. etlh' EF-KCA1 Km'bell EF-KCA2 Amar EF-KCA3 on station KSY1- Construct tIQ'Ghob EF-KCA4 3/3 Contact: 2 FCA's. *won toss. Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6 etlh' EF-KCA1 Km'bell EF-KCA2 Amar EF-KCA3 KSY1 vs FCA1,2. FCA1,2 destroyed. Klingons undamaged. Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) move to open space.

Turn 16)

(0910.14)

System 2: Nebula Intrepid Fleet FIF FCA (Intrepid FIF-FCA1 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6) on station Constitution II FCF-FCA1 Joseph Butler FCF-FCA2 on station. FSY1- Construct Ramilles FCF-FCA3 Turn 3/3 Contact: No contact

System 5: nebula etlh' EF-KCA1 Km'bell EF-KCA2 Amar EF-KCA3 tIQ'Ghob EF-KCA4 on station KSY1- Construct qapaQ EF-KCA5 1/3 contact: No contact

Open Space (System 5-System 4): Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) search for convoy. Contact: Contact: Ffr1-5, FCA1 Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6 vs Ffr1-5, FCA1 *lost toss. Ffr1,4,5 captured. FCA, Ffr2,3 destroyed. Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 damage 30/35. Other Klingons undamaged. Federation Random Fleet Disadvantage at -1. Klingon Random Fleet Disadvantage at 0.

Turn 16)

(0910.14)

System 2: Nebula Intrepid Fleet FIF FCA (Intrepid FIF-FCA1 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6) on station Constitution II FCF-FCA1 Joseph Butler FCF-FCA2 Ramilles FCF-FCA3 on station. FSY1- Construct Farragut FCF-FCA4 Turn 1/3 Contact: 1 KCA. KCA destroyed. No damage to Feds,

System 5: nebula etlh' EF-KCA1 Km'bell EF-KCA2 Amar EF-KCA3 tIQ'Ghob EF-KCA4 on station KSY1- Construct qapaQ EF-KCA5 2/3 contact: no contact

Open Space (System 5-System 4): Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 damage 30/35 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) remain in place for repair 1/2 contact: 4 FCA's *won toss. 4 FCA's destroyed. Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 destroyed. Kolikos Fleet departs for system 4.

Turn 17)

(0910.18)

System 2: Nebula Intrepid Fleet FIF FCA (Intrepid FIF-FCA1 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6) on station Constitution II FCF-FCA1 Joseph Butler FCF-FCA2 Ramilles FCF-FCA3 on station. FSY1- Construct Farragut FCF-FCA4 Turn 2/3 Contact: 1 KCA. KCA destroyed. No damage to Feds.

System 5: nebula etlh' EF-KCA1 Km'bell EF-KCA2 Amar EF-KCA3 tIQ'Ghob EF-KCA4 on station KSY1- Construct qapaQ EF-KCA5 3/3 contact: No contact.

System 4: nebula Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) arrives contact: 2 FCA's. *lost toss. 2 FCA's destroyed. Klingons undamaged.

Star Trek Enterprise Retro-Spective "Silent Enemy"

2010-09-16T11:05:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of the Drexfiles. No Copoyright infringement intended.

Silent Enemy is another very simple episode. After launching two subspace comm relays, Enterprise encounters a mysterious that refuses communications. This prompts Archer to turn the ship around and head for Jupiter Station to fully install Enterprise's phase cannons. Trip and Malcolm Reed decide to get the work done themselves quicker, which they manage to. While all of this going on, Hoshi is using the new subspace amplifier to contact Malcolm's friends and families to find out his favorite food for his upcoming birthday. The mysterious alien returns several times, scanning the ship and eventually boarding it to run invasive scans on two crewmen. They eventually get the phase cannons online and fight off the alien, and Hoshi learns that Malcolm likes pineapples. Everyone lives happily ever after, except for the aliens, who remain mysterious.

That is "Silent Enemy". It is cool, kind of creepy, and effectively shows the evolving state of the ship and crew at this still early phase of the show. I like the fact that they care about the crew enough to go to an effort to make him a special birthday meal. I also actually appreciated the fact that they hadn't installed the phase cannons, and that they channeled them through the impulse engines to increase power, in a precursor to TMP channeling phaser power through the warp drive. But there are also notable issues.

In TOS (approximately 100 years later), they didn't have real-time communications with Earth. Now they do. This is one of several instances where a technology is readily available on Enterprise but not on TOS. Sloppy, folks. 'Stealth' technology (cloaking even, later on in the series), Phase pistols before lasers. Romulans with warp drive. Some of that is excusable, most is not. This is not a condemnation of Enterprise, or of this episode. But it has its faults.

I liked the idea of these mysterious baddies, but I would have liked to have known who they were and what their agenda was. Was this episode a seed of sorts for a future episode that never happened? I like to think so. In the end, I can live with the faults of "Silent Enemy" and recommend it as a well done and creepy, if imperfect episode. It gets a definite but conditional thumbs up.

Next Up: "Dear Doctor"

Summary of Events Stardate 0910.14

2010-09-14T10:18:00.000-07:00

"DusaQ VeS"

DusaQ VeS is suffering the effects of an extended writer's block. Plain and simple, folks. It'll come back when it chooses to. One of the reasons to be glad there is no monthly fee, and no subscriber, for that matter :)

Head to Head Sector Assault

In the latest run, turns 1 through 11, the Federation Intrepid Fleet, has the advantage over Klingon forces in the form of a -1 random fleet disadvantage. This came about because the Intrepid Fleet started out in System 1 with a black hole accretion disc. While that means is that while they weren't able to build a shipyard, they also weren't required to. A single engagement to establish the system, and they were headed for open space and convoy hunting. There they easily took out a lightly defended Klingon convoy. In the meantime, the Klingon Kolikos Fleet had to slog it out in a nebula. They've built a shipyard and have begun to build a fleet. They're close to having their fleet (the Klingon Etlh Fleet) built, at which point they'll head for open space and try to level the playing field.

So, what is the Federation Intrepid Fleet? As mentioned previously, anyone playing Fantasy Trek now can join or create an RPG Fleet. The fleet will be named after the flagship, and will be a permanent fixture. Any damage sustained stays until its repaired. Ships 'destroyed' in combat will be assumed to be incapacitated and towed to a friendly port. The same ship that goes into combat will take part in stories. I may even adapt the Head to Head Sector Assault rules to allow for the multi-class fleets currently operating in Fifty Points (which we hope will return next week). Here are turns 1 through 11:

Turn 1)

(0810.21)

System 1:black hole accretion disc Intrepid Fleet FIF-FCA Contact: 5 KCA's *lost toss: Intrepid FIF-FCA1 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6 vs KCA 1-5. KCA 1-5 destroyed. Damage to FIF-FCA: Intrepid FIF-FCA1: damage 22/35 Valiant FIF-FCA2 damage: 5/35 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 damage: 6/35 Monitor FIF-FCA4 No Damage Hornet FIF-FCA5 damage: 6/35 Merimac FIF-FCA6 damage: 7/35. Intrepid Fleet FIF-FCA departs for open space.

System 5:nebula Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA contact 6 FCA's *won toss Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6 vs FCA 1-6. FCA 1-6 destroyed. Klingons undamaged. System Secure.

Turn 2)

(0810.21)

Open Space (System 1-System 2) Intrepid Fleet FIF FCA (Intrepid FIF-FCA1 damage 22/35 Valiant FIF-FCA2 damage 5/35 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 damage 6/35 Monitor FIF-FCA4 No Damage Hornet FIF-FCA5 damage 6/35 Merimac FIF-FCA6 damage 7/35) arrives, search for convoy turn 1 contact: Kfr1-5, KCA1 *won toss Intrepid FIF-FCA1 damage 22/35 Valiant FIF-FCA2 damage 5/35 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 damage 6/35 Monitor FIF-FCA4 No Damage Hornet FIF-FCA5 damage 6/35 Merimac FIF-FCA6 damage 7/35 vs Kfr1-5, KCA1. Kfr1-5, KCA1 destroyed. No damage to Feds. Klingons Random Fleet at -1. Intrepid Fleet FIF FCA (Intrepid FIF-FCA1 damage 22/35 Valiant FIF-FCA2 damage 5/35 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 damage 6/35 Monitor FIF-FCA4 No Damage Hornet FIF-FCA5 damage 6/35 Merimac FIF-FCA6 damage 7/35) departs for System 2

System 5:nebula Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) construct KSY1- 1/3 contact: 6 FCA's.*lost toss. Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6 vs FCA 1-6. FCA 1-6 destroyed. Klingons undamaged.

Turn 3)

(0810.24)

System 2: Nebula Intrepid Fleet FIF FCA (Intrepid FIF-FCA1 damage 21/35 Valiant FIF-FCA2 damage 4/35 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 damage 5/35 Monitor FIF-FCA4 No Damage Hornet FIF-FCA5 damage 5/35 Merimac FIF-FCA6 damage 6/35) arrives. Contact: 5 KCA's *lost toss KCA1-5 vs Intrepid FIF-FCA1 damage 21/35 Valiant FIF-FCA2 damage 4/35 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 damage 5/35 Monitor FIF-FCA4 No Damage Hornet FIF-FCA5 damage 5/35 Merimac FIF-FCA6 damage 6/35

System 5:nebula Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) construct KSY1- 2/3 contact: 1 FCA. FCA1 vs Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6. FCA1 destroyed. Klingons undamaged.

Turn 3)

(0810.26)

System 2: Nebula Intrepid Fleet FIF FCA (Intrepid FIF-FCA1 damage 21/35 Valiant FIF-FCA2 damage 4/35 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 damage 5/35 Monitor FIF-FCA4 No Damage Hornet FIF-FCA5 damage 5/35 Merimac FIF-FCA6 damage 6/35) Repair all ships turn 1/2 contact: No contact

System 5:nebula Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) construct KSY1- 3/3 contact: No contact.

Turn 4)

(0810.26)

System 2: Nebula Intrepid Fleet FIF FCA (Intrepid FIF-FCA1 damage 21/35 Valiant FIF-FCA2 damage 4/35 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 damage 5/35 Monitor FIF-FCA4 No Damage Hornet FIF-FCA5 damage 5/35 Merimac FIF-FCA6 damage 6/35) Repair all ships turn 2/2 contact: No contact.

System 5:nebula Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) on station. KSY1- Construct etlh' EF-KCA1 1/3. Contact: 6 FCA's.*lost toss. FCA1-6 destroyed. KSY damage 32/35. Other Klingons undamaged.

Turn 5)

(0810.26)

System 2: Nebula Intrepid Fleet FIF FCA Intrepid FIF-FCA1 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6) construct FSY1 Turn 1/3 Contact: 1 KCA. Intrepid FIF-FCA1 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6 vs KCA1, KCA1 destroyed. Feds undamaged.

System 5:nebula Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) on station. KSY1- Construct etlh' EF-KCA1 2/3. Contact: 6 FCA's.*lost toss. FCA1-6 destroyed. KSY damage 32/35. Other Klingons undamaged.

Turn 6)

(0810.26)

System 2: Nebula Intrepid Fleet FIF FCA Intrepid FIF-FCA1 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6) construct FSY1 Turn 2/3 Contact: No contact

System 5:nebula Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) on station. KSY1- Construct etlh' EF-KCA1 3/3. KLKF-KCA repair KSY1 Turn 1/2 Contact: 2 FCA's. Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6 vs FCA1,2. FCA1-2 destroyed. Klingons undamaged.

Turn 7)

(0810.26)

System 2: Nebula Intrepid Fleet FIF FCA Intrepid FIF-FCA1 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6) construct FSY1 Turn 3/3 Contact: No contact

System 5:nebula Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) on station. etlh' EF-KCA1 complete KSY1- Construct Km'bell EF-KCA2 1/3. KLKF-KCA repair KSY1 Turn 2/2 Contact: No contact

Turn 8)

(0810.27)

System 2: Nebula Intrepid Fleet FIF FCA (Intrepid FIF-FCA1 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6) on station. FSY1 complete Construct Constitution II FCF-FCA1 Turn 1/3 Contact: no contact

System 5:nebula Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) on station. etlh' EF-KCA1 on station KSY1- Construct Km'bell EF-KCA2 2/3 Contact: no contact

Turn 9)

(0810.28)

System 2: Nebula Intrepid Fleet FIF FCA (Intrepid FIF-FCA1 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6) on station. FSY1 complete Construct Constitution II FCF-FCA1 Turn 2/3 Contact: 2 KCA's. KCA 1,2 vs Intrepid FIF-FCA1 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6 FSY1. KCA 1,2 destroyed. No damage to Feds.

System 5:nebula Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) on station. etlh' EF-KCA1 on station KSY1- Construct Km'bell EF-KCA2 3/3 Contact: No contact

Turn 10)

(0810.30)

System 2: Nebula Intrepid Fleet FIF FCA (Intrepid FIF-FCA1 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6) on station. FSY1 complete Construct Constitution II FCF-FCA1 Turn 3/3 Contact: 1 KCA's. KCA1 vs Intrepid FIF-FCA1 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6 FSY1. KCA 1 destroyed. No damage to Feds.

System 5:nebula Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) on station. etlh' EF-KCA1 Km'bell EF-KCA2 on station KSY1- Construct Amar EF-KCA3 1/3 Contact: No contact

Turn 11)

(0810.30)

System 2: Nebula Intrepid Fleet FIF FCA (Intrepid FIF-FCA1 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6) on station Constitution II FCF-FCA1 on station. FSY1- Construct Joseph Butler FCF-FCA2 Turn 1/3 Contact: No contact

System 5:nebula Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) on station. etlh' EF-KCA1 Km'bell EF-KCA2 on station KSY1- Construct Amar EF-KCA3 2/3 Contact: No contact

What Are Your Orders, Captain?

"Parallel Effect" (TMP Era) Solution

While enroute to an ion storm near the Sol System, Captain Morgan Bateson of the USS Bozeman encounters a ship, named UFS Challenger, that claims to have launched from Earth in the year 2152. According to Challenger's captain, they were on a mission to colonize a habitable planet in the 40 Eridanii A system when they suffered an attack by unidentified forces and become lost. They only request assistance in being set back on the proper heading, as the population on Earth is desperate for the mission to succeed. Checking all relevant archives, Captain Bateson finds no record of any such ship launching from Earth. However, scans of Challenger and her crew reveal that they are exactly they claim to be. Captain Bateson concludes that they must come from some parallel universe, but can determine no way of returning them. He also knows that the fragile Challenger would never survive the approaching ion storm. While he has no desire to interfere with Challenger's mission, he cannot find a way to return them, nor does he know what to do with them in his universe.

What Are Your Orders, Captain?

Captain Bateson decides that this represents a unique prime directive situation. The Challenger, while capable of faster-than-light travel, comes from a reality that is technologically inferior to the Federation. Whatever forces swept the strange ship into its circumstances could just as easily sweep it right back. So he sets them back on their course and advises them of a way to steer around the ion storm.

TNG Era

During the Dominion War, the Vorcha Class IKS DetaQ is on a mission to destroy a Cardassian troop ship that has been reported crossing into Klingon space. When you finally catch it, it is still in Klingon space, but only hours from crossing back into Cardassian territory. Upon approach, you note that it is in fact full of Klingons. There are no other allied ships in range, and the Cardassian ship's crew complement is more than twice that of the DetaQ, meaning that your chances of capturing the ship to liberate the prisoners are minimal. You could easily destroy it. but at the cost of more than a hundred captive and dishonored Klingons.

What Are Your Orders, Captain?

Post your solution in the YahooGroup or through the blogsite's 'comment' feature.

"Captain's Log"

Write a 100+ word log entry or story using the following phrase: "... more than a question of style..."

"I don't get it," Jim Kirk muttered angrily

Pike smiled wryly and began to step through the door. "You will." Then the door was closed and he was gone.

"I don't," Kirk glowered at the closed door. "I said I don't get it!"

"That makes two of us," Admiral Kirk added with a resigned grin. "That was Chris Pike?"

"Nobody calls him Chris. I don't think his parents even call him 'Chris'. That was Admiral Christopher Horatio Pike. Who the hell are you?"

"Call me Jim. I'm afraid I don't recognize your uniform. Who-?"

"James Tiberius Kirk. USS Enterprise. Starfleet. I suppose they didn't have uniforms this nice when you got your first command."

Admiral Kirk's eyes widened, but he covered it by smiling. "Oh, we had something like that, but the collars were hell, and the fabric didn't breath."

"Look, I don't understand where we are, or why we're here. And I really don't get why my uniform is so important to you."

Admiral Kirk suddenly started to take in his surroundings. "Actually the uniform is the least important-"

"Then wha-" Jim Kirk stopped in mid sentence as he too took in his surroundings. "Where are we?"

"I've been here before, long ago, and strangely enough, on a planet lightyears away. It's a bar, called 'The Captain's Table'."

Jim Kirk picked a glass up off the bar and blew a thick coating of dust off of it. "Must be a pretty popular place." He started to open up cabinets and compartments. "Do they serve Budweiser classic in this place?"

Admiral Kirk moved behind the bar like he owned it, and pulled out a dusty bottle. "This is better. Saurian Brandy." He poured two drinks, handing one to Jim. "Cheers."

Jim Kirk drank it in one shot and grimaced. "How long has that been sitting there?"

Kirk lifted the curve-necked bottle and looked. "2265."

"Good trick," the younger one answered. "Last time I checked, it was 2263."

"This isn't your typical bar," Kirk said. "Do you mind if I ask you a personal question?"

"How personal?"

"Personal. It's important." Kirk poured another shot of brandy. "About your father."

Jim Kirk threw the shot back. "If you have to. I don't know too much about him."

"Let me put it this way. How much are you your father's son?"

Jim looked away, his eyes moving along a wall that had several empty mounts where decorations must have been displayed. "Kind of hard to say, considering that he died about thirty seconds after I was born."

"Sorry. I could have put that better. What I meant to ask was, how has your life been shaped by him? By how he died?"

"It didn't help. I grew up with a stepfather that hated me, and a mother who spent more time off-planet than on."

Admiral Kirk looked at the younger Kirk, taking him in fully. He was different. Very different. And it was so much more than a question of style "Yet you've grown past all that."

"I didn't have much of a choice," Kirk answered. "And if it hadn't been for Pike..." His words trailed off. "Who are you? Where do I know you from?"

"I knew my father. He inspired me to do the things I've done. But where you've had Admiral Pike, I lost that mentor. I also lost a son."

Jim Kirk was suddenly uncomfortable with the older man's obvious pain. "Sorry to hear that."

"I've come to terms with it. It'll always be there, but you learn to live with it. But..."

"But what?"

Admiral Kirk answered by pouring a third drink. "Take this one a bit slower, Jim. Enjoy it." He raised the glass to the young man who was so much him, and so much someone completely different. "To missed opportunities."

For next week. write a 100+ word log entry including the phrase "... I shall do neither...". Post it in the yahoo group or on the blogsite's "comment" feature for a Command College Point.

Dev Notes:

You'd think, if you were just following these summaries, that Fantasy Trek was back in hibernatio. But in fact it isn't. It's been a matter of the work that goes into writing, more than anything else. RL and especially RL work has been tiring and distracting. But I notice that website traffic is healthy. Somebody from "London, City of" is a regular visitor. Columbia, South Carolina has been on more than once. Moscow and Las Vegas have also stopped in. Folks, please feel free to comment. I am eager to hear from you. If you want to play, there is a tutorial up, with more to come. And casual gaming is being introduced. Co-op play will also some day, somehow be a part of Fantasy Trek. If you don't get the point of it all, don't feel bad. Ask me. I want Fantasy Trek to be a game for people to enjoy. Role-Playing, writing, chatting.

As mentioned before, Role Playing Fleets are up and running. Start your own, follow others. Watch for a “Leader’s Board”. I am working on concepts for a card game, half poker, half collectible card game.

September Calendar Image: "Kolikos Class Attack Cruiser"

2010-09-02T10:11:00.000-07:00

Named for a legendary Klingon warrior, the IKS Kolikos was designed to bridge the gap between two eras. Based upon the venerable and extremely successful D-7 space frame, the Kolikos maintains the simplicity and redundancies that made the classic design a success, but also incorporates the latest technological quantum leaps in Klingon engineering, such as redundant warp cores and power distribution systems, trilithium depleted photon torpedoes and heavy disruptors. Ablative armor covering every piece of hull plating, and multiple ECM/ECCM pods complete Kolikos Class Attack Cruiser’s impressive offensive profile.

The Kolikos is available for late-TOS/TMP/early-TNG eras.

Captain's Log Challenge 0810.29 "...more than a question of style..."

2010-08-29T10:08:00.000-07:00

"I don't get it," Jim Kirk muttered angrily

Pike smiled wryly and began to step through the door. "You will." Then the door was closed and he was gone.

"I don't," Kirk glowered at the closed door. "I said I don't get it!"

"That makes two of us," Admiral Kirk added with a resigned grin. "That was Chris Pike?"

"Nobody calls him Chris. I don't think his parents even call him 'Chris'. That was Admiral Christopher Horatio Pike. Who the hell are you?"

"Call me Jim. I'm afraid I don't recognize your uniform. Who-?"

"James Tiberius Kirk. USS Enterprise. Starfleet. I suppose they didn't have uniforms this nice when you got your first command."

Admiral Kirk's eyes widened, but he covered it by smiling. "Oh, we had something like that, but the collars were hell, and the fabric didn't breath."

"Look, I don't understand where we are, or why we're here. And I really don't get why my uniform is so important to you."

Admiral Kirk suddenly started to take in his surroundings. "Actually the uniform is the least important-"

"Then wha-" Jim Kirk stopped in mid sentence as he too took in his surroundings. "Where are we?"

"I've been here before, long ago, and strangely enough, on a planet lightyears away. It's a bar, called 'The Captain's Table'."

Jim Kirk picked a glass up off the bar and blew a thick coating of dust off of it. "Must be a pretty popular place." He started to open up cabinets and compartments. "Do they serve Budweiser classic in this place?"

Admiral Kirk moved behind the bar like he owned it, and pulled out a dusty bottle. "This is better. Saurian Brandy." He poured two drinks, handing one to Jim. "Cheers."

Jim Kirk drank it in one shot and grimaced. "How long has that been sitting there?"

Kirk lifted the curve-necked bottle and looked. "2265."

"Good trick," the younger one answered. "Last time I checked, it was 2263."

"This isn't your typical bar," Kirk said. "Do you mind if I ask you a personal question?"

"How personal?"

"Personal. It's important." Kirk poured another shot of brandy. "About your father."

Jim Kirk threw the shot back. "If you have to. I don't know too much about him."

"Let me put it this way. How much are you your father's son?"

Jim looked away, his eyes moving along a wall that had several empty mounts where decorations must have been displayed. "Kind of hard to say, considering that he died about thirty seconds after I was born."

"Sorry. I could have put that better. What I meant to ask was, how has your life been shaped by him? By how he died?"

"It didn't help. I grew up with a stepfather that hated me, and a mother who spent more time off-planet than on."

Admiral Kirk looked at the younger Kirk, taking him in fully. He was different. Very different. And it was so much more than a question of style "Yet you've grown past all that."

"I didn't have much of a choice," Kirk answered. "And if it hadn't been for Pike..." His words trailed off. "Who are you? Where do I know you from?"

"I knew my father. He inspired me to do the things I've done. But where you've had Admiral Pike, I lost that mentor. I also lost a son."

Jim Kirk was suddenly uncomfortable with the older man's obvious pain. "Sorry to hear that."

"I've come to terms with it. It'll always be there, but you learn to live with it. But..."

"But what?"

Admiral Kirk answered by pouring a third drink. "Take this one a bit slower, Jim. Enjoy it." He raised the glass to the young man who was so much him, and so much someone completely different. "To missed opportunities."

Stardate 0810.27 Head to Head Sector Assault Turns 3-7

2010-08-27T08:42:00.000-07:00

Klingon Empire Teeters on the Brink of Disaster! Federation forces nearly destroy Kolikos Fleet's only shipyard!

The Federation Intrepid Fleet repaired all damage and began to solidify its position in System 2, while the Klingon Kolikos Fleet built and nearly lost its first shipyard in System 5. A fleet of six random Fed heavy cruisers inflicted 32/35 damage to KSY1 before being destroyed by the Kolikos Fleet. If the KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) had failed in its defense and repair of the shipyard, the loss to momentum could have spelled doom. They are still suffering from the -1 Random Fleet Disadvantage. The battle is far from over.

Turn 3)

(0810.26)

System 2: Nebula Intrepid Fleet FIF FCA (Intrepid FIF-FCA1 damage 21/35 Valiant FIF-FCA2 damage 4/35 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 damage 5/35 Monitor FIF-FCA4 No Damage Hornet FIF-FCA5 damage 5/35 Merimac FIF-FCA6 damage 6/35) Repair all ships turn 1/2 contact: No contact

System 5:nebula Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) construct KSY1- 3/3 contact: No contact.

Turn 4)

(0810.26)

System 2: Nebula Intrepid Fleet FIF FCA (Intrepid FIF-FCA1 damage 21/35 Valiant FIF-FCA2 damage 4/35 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 damage 5/35 Monitor FIF-FCA4 No Damage Hornet FIF-FCA5 damage 5/35 Merimac FIF-FCA6 damage 6/35) Repair all ships turn 2/2 contact: No contact.

System 5:nebula Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) on station. KSY1- Construct etlh' EF-KCA1 1/3. Contact: 6 FCA's.*lost toss. FCA1-6 destroyed. KSY damage 32/35. Other Klingons undamaged.

Turn 5)

(0810.26)

System 2: Nebula Intrepid Fleet FIF FCA Intrepid FIF-FCA1 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6) construct FSY1 Turn 1/3 Contact: 1 KCA. Intrepid FIF-FCA1 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6 vs KCA1, KCA1 destroyed. Feds undamaged.

System 5:nebula Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) on station. KSY1- Construct etlh' EF-KCA1 2/3. Contact: 6 FCA's.*lost toss. FCA1-6 destroyed. KSY damage 32/35. Other Klingons undamaged.

Turn 6)

(0810.26)

System 2: Nebula Intrepid Fleet FIF FCA Intrepid FIF-FCA1 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6) construct FSY1 Turn 2/3 Contact: No contact

System 5:nebula Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) on station. KSY1- Construct etlh' EF-KCA1 3/3. KLKF-KCA repair KSY1 Turn 1/2 Contact: 2 FCA's. Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6 vs FCA1,2. FCA1-2 destroyed. Klingons undamaged.

Turn 7)

(0810.26)

System 2: Nebula Intrepid Fleet FIF FCA Intrepid FIF-FCA1 Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6) construct FSY1 Turn 3/3 Contact: No contact

System 5:nebula Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) on station. etlh' EF-KCA1 complete KSY1- Construct Km'bell EF-KCA2 1/3. KLKF-KCA repair KSY1 Turn 2/2 Contact: No contact

Star Trek Enterprise Retro-Spective "Cold Front"

2010-08-26T08:41:00.000-07:00

The episode starts with Silik having his enhanced vision removed as punishment for not stopping Klaang from returning to Qo'noS, but is told he'll get it back if he succeeds in his next mission. Cut to...

After a disappointing movie night featuring "Night of the Killer Androids", the Enterprise is changing course to investigate a stellar nursery. We meet crewman Daniels, swapping shifts with crewman Taylor to serve the Captain his breakfast. Daniels takes an apparently unnecessary interest in the course change. Archer tells him anyway, declines a refill of orange juice, and Daniels disappears.
Enterprise makes it to the stellar nursery and finds ships inside. They communicate with one, a freighter. Captain Fraddock tells Archer that he is carrying pilgrims to the Great Plume of Agosoria. He explains that every eleven years, one of the protostars gives out a neutron blast. The pilgrims believe it's a sacred event. Archer invites them all over for dinner (assuming that they can eat human food). Everyone but Fraddock comes over, and they get a tour of the ship. While there, the pilgrims explain that they believe that the stellar nursery is where the universe began, and the plume represents the continuing cycle of creation. Nice idea.

During the tour of engineering, one of the aliens breaks away from the group and opens up a panel. He uses Suliban shape-shifting tricks to sever three connections, then rejoins the group. Shortly thereafter, the Enterprise is caught by the edge of a plasma storm and gets knocked around. In engineering, they get in trouble when a plasma bolt hits the warp manifold and begins an antimatter cascade that will destroy the ship in seconds. Then, suddenly the problem is over as quick as it started. Trip tells Archer how it was stopped, and that nobody in engineering did it. After determining that none of the pilgrims took credit, Archer is confronted by Daniels who convinces Archer to meet with him by having knowledge of the Suliban and what Archer did on the helix (in Broken Bow). Daniels reveals that he's from 900 years in the future. He is part of an organization enforcing laws that regulate time travel. To that end he is hunting Silik, because Silik is working for another faction, represented by 'Future Guy'. Daniels reveals that Silik was the one who stopped the reactor breach, but won't say whether that was Silik's mission. Then he tells Archer that he needs to tie into Enterprise's internal sensors to find Silik. Archer is skeptical, but Daniels convinces him he's on the up and up. Next Archer briefs T'Pol and Trip.

A few minutes later, Trip and Daniels are in Engineering. At one point, Daniels puts a device on his hand, like a futuristic glove, to walk through a bulkhead and fix something.

Meanwhile, Silik shows up in Archer's quarters, threatens him, and wants to know who is looking for him. He tells Archer that he saved Enterprise because he was ordered to. He also says that the people who are supposedly trying to enforce the Temporal Accords are just another faction. During the course of the conversation, T'Pol calls to announce that Daniels is eager to get started. Silik thanks Archer for the help and shoots him with a stun blast.

Then, as Trip and Daniels are starting their search, Silik shows up from thin air (as always) and shoots Daniels. Daniels ripples and seems to blow apart. After that, Silik has Daniels' holoprojector device (that the Temporal Cops use to track events through the timelines) and he is headed for the launch bay. Archer uses Daniels' magic glove to walk through bulkheads to get to Silik. Silik threatens Archer, who shoots the holoprojector out of Silik's hands. Silik threatens him again, and opens the bay doors. As Archer holds on, Silik dives into space where he is picked up by a cell ship. Archer finally gets the door closed.

In the aftermath, they let the Suliban ship go, and Archer goes to bed. The next morning, he puts a security seal on Daniels' quarters. End of episode.

Cold Front picked up the crucial Temporal Cold War theme that formed the real basis for the series. It introduced the wonderful character of Daniels, who is still amazingly alive and well. It was fast moving and well written. Silik was nicely menacing even while saving the ship, (though they never explained who if anyone tried to destroy it), while Daniels was mysterious and actually funny. Especially in the following passage:

TUCKER: The grid can handle it. So I take it your brother isn't really an orbital engineer at Jupiter Station.

DANIELS: Actually, I don't have a brother.

TUCKER: And you didn't grow up in Illinois.

DANIELS: Oh, I'm from a place called Illinois, sir. Just not the one you're familiar with.

TUCKER: It's good to know Earth will still be around in nine hundred years.

DANIELS: That depends on how you define Earth.

TUCKER: Beg your pardon?

"Cold Front" was an excellent example of how good Enterprise can be when it follows a good storyline. It is also a fine example of just how good the writing is on Enterprise, particularly during the first season, when Trek series typically struggle. The last series that was, in my opinion, so dependably good in its first season was TOS. Absolutely enthusiastic thumbs up.

Next Up: "Silent Enemy"

Stardate 0810.26 Head to Head Sector Assault Turn Two

2010-08-26T08:29:00.000-07:00

Advantage... Federation??

The Federation Intrepid Fleet destroyed their first Klingon convoy, reducing the Klingon Random Fleet Disadvantage at -1. That is the best advantage the Feds have ever had in a Head to Head Sector Assault. But the Klingons are a third of the way into construction of their first shipyard. All in all I'd say, at this point, that odds are against the Klingons. Cue dramatic music...

Turn 2)

(0810.21)

Open Space (System 1-System 2) Intrepid Fleet FIF FCA (Intrepid FIF-FCA1 damage 22/35 Valiant FIF-FCA2 damage 5/35 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 damage 6/35 Monitor FIF-FCA4 No Damage Hornet FIF-FCA5 damage 6/35 Merimac FIF-FCA6 damage 7/35) arrives, search for convoy turn 1 contact: Kfr1-5, KCA1 *won toss Intrepid FIF-FCA1 damage 22/35 Valiant FIF-FCA2 damage 5/35 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 damage 6/35 Monitor FIF-FCA4 No Damage Hornet FIF-FCA5 damage 6/35 Merimac FIF-FCA6 damage 7/35 vs Kfr1-5, KCA1. Kfr1-5, KCA1 destroyed. No damage to Feds. Klingons Random Fleet at -1. Intrepid Fleet FIF FCA (Intrepid FIF-FCA1 damage 22/35 Valiant FIF-FCA2 damage 5/35 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 damage 6/35 Monitor FIF-FCA4 No Damage Hornet FIF-FCA5 damage 6/35 Merimac FIF-FCA6 damage 7/35) departs for System 2

System 5:nebula Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA (Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6) construct KSY1- 1/3 contact: 6 FCA's.*lost toss. Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6 vs FCA 1-6. FCA 1-6 destroyed. Klingons undamaged.

Head to Head Sector Assault Stardate 0810.23

2010-08-23T10:02:00.000-07:00

RPG fleets launch: RolePlaying joins combat-Build your career and follow others in Fantasy Trek

I am running another Head to Head Sector Assault, this time with a bit of a twist. Aside from the space terrain, I've created a few rpg fleets, that are permanent for Fantasy Trek. Ships won't be permanently destroyed. When defeated, they'll wait for respawn to replace other vanquished fleets, or as shipyards are built. As always, I haven't bothered to fully think this through. I'm just playing it out. So in turn one, there has been drama already. The Fed rpg fleet, the Intrepid Fleet FIF-FCA (Federation Intrepid Fleet/Heavy Cruiser) consisting of Intrepid FIF-FCA1 (Flegship) Valiant FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5 Merimac FIF-FCA6 found itself in a black hole accretion disc, facing a tenacious random Klingon fleet. They survived with notable damage. They could have some difficulty convoy hunting. In system 5, the Klingon Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3 qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6 destroyed 6 random Federation Heavy Cruisers, and will begin construction on KSY1.

Here are the first turn logs:

Turn 1)

(0810.21)

System 1:black hole accretion disc Intrepid Fleet FIF-FCA

Contact: 5 KCA's *lost toss: Intrepid FIF-FCA1 Valiant

FIF-FCA2 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 Monitor FIF-FCA4 Hornet FIF-FCA5

Merimac FIF-FCA6 vs KCA 1-5. KCA 1-5 destroyed. Damage to

FIF-FCA: Intrepid FIF-FCA1: damage 22/35 Valiant FIF-FCA2

damage: 5/35 Potemkin FIF-FCA3 damage: 6/35 Monitor

FIF-FCA4 No Damage Hornet FIF-FCA5 damage: 6/35 Merimac

FIF-FCA6 damage: 7/35. Intrepid Fleet FIF-FCA departs for

open space.

System 5:nebula Kolikos Fleet KLKF-KCA contact 6 FCA's *won

toss Ok'rand KLKF-KCA1 K'mak KLKF-KCA2 Thok'mak KLKF-KCA3

qu'eygh KLKF-KCA4 N'sara KLKF-KCA5 Kolikos KLKF-KCA6 vs FCA

1-6. FCA 1-6 destroyed. Klingons undamaged. System Secure.

Summary of Events Stardate 0810.14

2010-08-14T07:45:00.000-07:00

It has been a good long time since I published a Summary of Events. Not retired, not out of ideas. Mrs Kapact and I have spent the peak of the summer in the desert southwest in an apartment without adequate air conditioning. So things sometimes get delayed. But the heat seems to be on the wane, the air conditioner is doing a bit better, and this August is in fact the fourth anniversary of Fantasy Trek. So we're back at work. There has been a number of developments in gameplay and formulas, etc, so rather than the standard summary, this is going to be, more than anything else, a big developer's diary. Expect the normal features, including Command College to return next week.

The normal ongoing games, like DusaQ VeS and Fifty Points and Medium Assault have not been played. I've been concentrating on an involved Mixed Mission. This involves standard Simple Combat games that start out in a medium asteroid field, continue with an assault on a weapons platform, and conclude with a repair rendezvous scenario. The idea is that you are ordered to investigate the disappearance of a friendly heavy cruiser. You must first penetrate an asteroid field, then fight off three enemy heavy cruisers. After destroying them, you discover an armored outpost that has information about the missing ship. Overcome the outpost's formidable defenses, download the info, then destroy the outpost. The data leads you to the damaged ship. Repair it quickly, and deal with the enemies who show up to destroy you.

It's a fun minigame, something to play on the bus, or during commercials. One of the things I wanted when I created Fantasy Trek. Here is some of the rpg written around that game:

Captain Sompek recovers warship Lancer

In Command of IKS Etlh, leading warships DuranQo and Lursor. We destroyed the three Tholian Kelva Class Heavy Cruisers, then downloaded the location of the Lancer from a heavily defended Tholian Weapon Platform. Then we warped to the Lancer and aided in its repair before destroying three Tholian frigates. Then we warped back to base. The mission was an overwhelming success.

volley 1 roll o 6 roll for damage

KCA1 evade?6 damage?4 /35 y

KCA2 evade? damage? /35 n

KCA3 evade?4 damage?3 /35 y

volley 2 roll of 5-6 roll for damage

KCA1 evade? damage? /35 n

KCA2 evade? damage? /35 n

KCA3 evade?5 damage?2 /35 y

volley 3 roll of 4-6 roll for damage

KCA1 evade?2 damage?3 1/35 y

KCA2 evade?5 damage?5 /35 y

KCA3 evade? damage? /35 n

volley 4 roll of 3-6 roll for damage

KCA1 evade? damage? 1/35 n

KCA2 evade?6 damage?4 /35 y

KCA3 evade?4 damage?5 1/35 y

volley 5 roll of 2-6 roll for damage

KCA1 evade? damage? 1/35 n

KCA2 evade?1 damage?4 3/35 y

KCA3 evade? damage? 1/35 n

*lost toss

KCA1 rolls:60 40(1)o/20d

KCA2 rolls:60 40(2)o/20d

KCA3 rolls:10 o/10d

CA1 rolls:10 o/10d/w

CA2 rolls:40 o/40d/w

CA3 rolls:30 30(3)o/d/w

results

KCA1 damage: 1/35

KCA2 damage: 3/35

KCA3 damage: 21/35

CA1 destroyed

CA2 destroyed

CA3 damage: /15

KCA1 rolls:30 30o/d

KCA2 rolls:50 50o/d

KCA3 rolls:20 20o/d

CA3 rolls:40 o/40d/w

results

KCA1 damage: 1/35

KCA2 damage: 3/35

KCA3 damage: 21/35

CA1 destroyed

CA2 destroyed

CA3 destroyed

KCA1 rolls:60 60o/d

KCA2 rolls:50 50o/d

KCA3 rolls:40 40o/d

X7WepPlat rolls:42 o/42d

results

KCA1 damage: /35

KCA2 damage: 2/35

KCA3 damage: 20/35

WepPlatdamage:destroyed

KCA1 rolls:1

KCA2 rolls: 6

KCA3 rolls: 5

X10Heavy Cruiser damage: 22/35

KCA1 rolls:2

KCA2 rolls:6

KCA3 rolls:1

X10Heavy Cruiser damage: 13/35

KCA1 rolls:1

KCA2 rolls:3

KCA3 rolls:3

X10Heavy Cruiser damage: 6/35

KCA1 rolls:40 31(1)o/9d

KCA2 rolls:30 15(1)15(2)o/d

KCA3 rolls:60 15(1)45(3)o/d

X10Heavy Cruiser rolls: o/d

X4Frigate rolls:24 o/16d/8(4)w

X4Frigate rolls:8 o/5(1)d/3(4)w

X4Frigate rolls:12 o/8(1)d/4(4)w

results

KCA1 damage: /35

KCA2 damage: 2/35

KCA3 damage: 20/35

X10Heavy Cruiser damage: 6/35

X4Frigate destroyed

X4Frigate destroyed

X4Frigate destroyed

Success

First Tutorial:

Now that Fantasy Trek has been keeping me away from worthier endeavours for four years now, I thought it might be good to actually make a tutorial. This first tutorial takes the player through the very basics of Simple Combat. You may or may not enjoy it, but you'll know how it's done.

You have completed every academic exercise that the Starfleet Academy Command College has to offer. You are among the best and the brightest. Now it's time to take the center seat as Captain.

While your missions will not be restricted to combat, it would be extremely unwise to turn you loose on the galaxy without the training required to defend your ship and crew. To that end, you have been assigned to the training vessel USS Yorktown, a Constitution II Class Heavy Cruiser. Once on board, you will report to the bridge and take command. Stand by for transport.

::Transport successful, Starfleet Command::

::Acknowledged. Escort the Captain to the bridge. Starfleet out.::

The Constitution Phase Two Class, also known as the Constitution II Class, is designed to be an all-around workhorse, capable of operating independently for extended periods, with minimal need for starbase support. It is based on the the original Constitution Class, a design still unparalleled in overall success in deep space. It is more than capable of undertaking a wide range of missions, from science to defense. It features science and medical labs that rival those of a starbase. Like the Galaxy Class, it is capable of Saucer Separation and Reintegration. Unlike the Galaxy Class, however, the Constitution II's saucer is capable of independent warp flight. You will find it a most capable ship.

::Captain on the bridge!::

Welcome to the bridge, and your first command. Open the sealed orders labeled "Command Training Mission One" and proceed accordingly.

Command Training Mission One

The Vulcans have asked us to help them out with a small problem. A solar probe of theirs in the Rigel system has begun to malfunction, and may fall into that system's sun. Normally that wouldn't be a problem, but this probe contains equipment that could cause solar flares that would wipe out the memory core of a nearby science station. The Vulcans have downloaded the data from the probe, and have asked us to destroy it before it falls into the sun. The Yorktown is the closest starship to Rigel, Captain, and this is the perfect opportunity to familiarize you with the Yorktown's offensive capabilities. Order your helm officer to set course for the Rigel sun.

::Course set for Rigel. Ahead, warp factor six.::

When you arrive, your helm officer will bring you into range of the solar probe and await your orders.

::We've arrived in the Rigel System, Captain. We have the probe in range. What are your orders?::

The Simple combat system is a quick and easy way of engaging in and resolving combat between starships and/or installations like shipyards and outposts in minutes. Here is a quick tutorial, pitting your Heavy Cruiser against the Vulcan solar probe:

In the single-player simple combat game, you roll for both sides. To start, you'll roll for your target first, then yourself. Later in the game you'll see how to change that and add more of a challenge to the simple combat game.

Roll a single 6-sided die (known as 1d6). That first roll will show the defensive capacity of the probe. Then roll the 6-sided die again, and multiply that number by 10 (the Heavy Cruiser Class has a multiplier of X10). That is the amount of energy you have to work with. Since the probe has no offensive capability, you can use all of your energy for weapons. Here is a sample roll:

X1Probe rolls: 6

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser rolls:30

That is the allocation phase of simple combat. The results phase computes the results. For cadet missions, your ship is capable of sustaining 30 points of damage before it is destroyed. Your targets can sustain 15 points damage. In this example, the cadet ship did 24 points of damage to the probe, easily destroying it.

X1Probe damage: 24/15= destroyed.

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser damage: /30

Now it's your turn. Roll for the probe, then for yourself:

X1Probe rolls:

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser rolls: o/d

Now compute the damage:

X1Probe damage: /15

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser damage: /30

Repeat, if necessary, until the probe has been destroyed. When you are finished, scroll down to your next orders.

Allocation-

X1Probe rolls:

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser rolls: o/d

Results-

X1Probe damage: /15

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser damage: /30

Allocation-

X1Probe rolls:

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser rolls: o/d

Results-

X1Probe damage: /15

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser damage: /30

Allocation-

X1Probe rolls:

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser rolls: o/d

Results-

X1Probe damage: /15

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser damage: /30

Congratultions on the success of your first mission. While you were busy, there was a report from the tenth planet in this system that requires your immediate response. Order your helm officer to perform an in-system warp to get you there.

::course already plotted, Captain. Awaiting your orders::

While you're in transit, I'll tell you what we know. A Feren ifreighter has left orbit with a shipment of Tylium ore that was stolenfrom an independent contractor. Tylium is extremely valuable, but also extremely volatile. Tylium fires have been known to burn away the atmospheres of entire planets when mishandled. Intercept the Ferengi and try to talk them into releasing their cargo. You are authorized to grant them amnesty if necessary. If that doesn't work, knock down the Ferengi's shields and beam the Tylium directly from their cargo bay. Despite its volatility, it is completely transporter safe. Do not destroy the Ferengi freighter.

::coming out of warp, Captain. The freighter is in communications and weapons range::

To order the Ferengi to surrender, roll a 1d6. A result of 1 or 2 means that they agree.

1d6=1,2: agree - 3-6 refuse

If they do not immediately agree, roll the 1d6 again. A result of 1,2 or 3 means that they agree. Anything else means they refuse, and are attempting to escape:

1d6=1,2,3: agree - 4-6 refuse

If they refuse, you'll have to engage them and bring down their shields. Here's how you do that.

We'll start with a template similar to the one you used earlier.

Allocation-

X2Freighter rolls: o/d

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser rolls: o/d

Results-

X2Freighter damage: /15

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser damage: /30

You can see that the freighter has a multiplier of X2. It also has offensive capabilities. You won't really have to worry about that, bu tit requires a bit of attention to bring down the Freighter's shields without destroying it. Shield strength is always one-fifth of a ship's damage potential. So if a ship has 15 points damage potential, you have to do 3 points damage to bring down the shields. Here is an example of how to do that:

Allocation-

--roll a 1d6 for the Ferengi, and multiply by X2--

X2Freighter rolls:4 o/4d

(with only 4 points available, you decide to allocate those points to defense)

-roll a 1d6 for your ship and multiply by X10--

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser rolls:20 7o/13d

(in order to do only 3 points of damage, you must only allocate 7 points to offense. Put the rest on defense)

Results-

X2Freighter damage: 3/15

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser damage: /30

With the Ferengi shields down, you are free to beam the cargo to your ship and release the Ferengi. Now it's your turn:

(Remember, whatever defense the Ferengi offers, put no more than 3 points more into your offense)

X2Freighter rolls: o/d

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser rolls: o/d

Results-

X2Freighter damage: /15

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser damage: /30

repeat as necessary until the Ferengi sustains 3/15 points damage, then scroll down to the next session.

X2Freighter rolls: o/d

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser rolls: o/d

Results-

X2Freighter damage: /15

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser damage: /30

X2Freighter rolls: o/d

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser rolls: o/d

Results-

X2Freighter damage: /15

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser damage: /30

X2Freighter rolls: o/d

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser rolls: o/d

Results-

X2Freighter damage: /15

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser damage: /30

X2Freighter rolls: o/d

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser rolls: o/d

Results-

X2Freighter damage: /15

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser damage: /30

X2Freighter rolls: o/d

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser rolls: o/d

Results-

X2Freighter damage: /15

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser damage: /30

Congratulations. You've just completed your first training mission. Return to Starbase One for debriefing.

Debriefing:

You are now familiar with the basic simple combat game. While there are

advanced variations, the premise remains the same. Every class ship has a multiplier. Roll a 1d6 for your opponent, and the same for you. The idea of rolling for your opponent may seem unusual, but it makes this simple text-based game a single player game. In developing this game, I've had more than two hundred single-player simple combat engagements, with which I have tweaked and adjusted the formula to what seems like a good balance. The single-player method works for me. It should work for you. There is, however, PvP (Player vs Player) which is a great challenge. During the Advanced Command Training Mission, you'll learn some interesting and challenging variations, as well as Boarding Party/Landing Party missions and Fleet engagements. In the Command Training Graduate Mission, you'll put it all together, and be given the chance to save the legendary Kobayashi Maru. One hint: Just like James T Kirk, in Fantasy Trek, we don't believe in the no-win scenario.

So how are we supposed to save the Kobayashi Maru? Beats me. Throw apples at the Klingons maybe?

Casual Gaming:

Based on feedback from a valuable source (my sister) regarding the Simple Combat Tutorial, and as a result, I've started work on a casual game. Similar to Simple Combat, but without multipliers or an allocation phase. Each ship class has a defense rating representing the amount of damage it can sustain, and once that it passed, the ship is out of the game. Depending on your preference, it is either destroyed or taken out of combat, towed to a friendly base for repair and debrief.

Using that idea, I did an initial run of the "Repair Rendezvous" Scenario from the "Starfleet Command" games that I have adapted for Fantasy Trek, giving the heavy cruiser a defensive rating of 20. The results were encouraging.

We start off with a Fed CA encountering another Fed CA that has sustained 19/20 damage. It has three rolls to repair the damaged ship. In these three rolls, it repaired 8 points of damage:

FCA1 rolls:2

FCA2 damage: 17/20

FCA1 rolls:3

FCA2 damage: 14/20

FCA1 rolls:3

FCA2 damage: 11/20

After that, the enemy (Klingon CA) appears. It automatically divides its fire between the two ships. If there is an odd number, the majority of fire goes to the damaged ship. I suppose, though, if I was the Klingon (hard as that is to imagine), I might try to finish off the damaged ship first. So obviously this is still a work in progress. But the casual format seems to work. Here are the rest of the logs:

FCA1 rolls:2

FCA2 rolls:1

KCA1 rolls:6

results

FCA1 damage: 3/20

FCA2 damage: 14/20

KCA1 damage: 3/20

FCA1 rolls:3

FCA2 rolls:2

KCA1 rolls:4

results

FCA1 damage: 5/20

FCA2 damage: 16/20

KCA1 damage: 8/20

FCA1 rolls:3

FCA2 rolls:4

KCA1 rolls:3

results

FCA1 damage: 6/20

FCA2 damage: 18/20

KCA1 damage: 15/20

FCA1 rolls:4

FCA2 rolls:5

KCA1 rolls:4

results

FCA1 damage: 8/20

FCA2 damage: 20/20 destroyed

KCA1 damage: 24/20 destroyed

I also created and worked through rules for the Klingon Mauler Cruiser. The Mauler Cruiser is a huge gun with a ship frame essentially built around it. The weapon itself has a capacitor which stores allocated energy that is fired after (no less than) three turns. It is heavily armored, taking 50 points damage (compared to the normal maximum 35). While it is building up its energy, it must allocate a minimum of one-third (1d6 roll, with a X10 multiplier) of its points to the weapon. Here is the Simple Combat Template (power allocation phase):

KCAM rolls: o{offense}/d{defense}/m{mauler}(/3){mauler allocation, turn

_of 3}

1st Turn:

-if a 6 is rolled, the allocation could be this:

KCAM rolls:60 o/40d/20(FCA1)m(1/3)

2nd Turn:

-if a 3 is rolled, the allocation could be this:

KCAM rolls:30 o/20d/10(FCA1)m(2/3)

3rd Turn:

-if a 2 is rolled, the allocation could be this:

KCAM rolls:20 o/13d/7(FCA1)m(3/3)

So on the third turn, the Mauler Cruiser would have a total of 37 points offensive capability. Note that on the 3rd turn, I rounded that 1/3rd up to a 7. Also, depending on the rolls of the other ships, the Mauler can put more than 1/3rd into its capacitor. So on that third turn, the Mauler could have potentially had a total of 110 points directed at its target.

In the combat logs below, I've noted whether the toss was won or not.

Interesting to note that the Klingons didn't lose on the first two turns, when it actually lost the toss. The third time, when the Klingons lost the toss. And of course, that is determined by rolling a 1-3 on a 1d6, and allows the player to roll first or second, just like the coin toss in a football game. Also of interest in the third round, the Mauler chooses to stop the build up of energy to go all defense. In that case, the energy is lost, and the Mauler, if it survives, starts over on the next round.

The combat logs show the importance of drawing first blood, of upsetting the balance of power in your favor.

Round One *lose toss

KCA1 rolls:30 o/30d

KCA2 rolls:60 o/30(3)30d

KCAM rolls:20 o/20d/m(/3)

FCA rolls:10 o/10d

FCA rolls:30 30(3)o/d

FCA rolls:30 30(3)o/d

results

KCA1 damage: /35

KCA2 damage: /35

KCAM damage: 10/50

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: /35

KCA1 rolls:30 o/15(3)15d

KCA2 rolls:20 o/10(3)10d

KCAM rolls: o/23d/17(1)m(1/3)

FCA rolls:50 25(3)o/25d

FCA rolls:20 o/20d

FCA rolls:10 10(3)o/d

results

KCA1 damage: /35

KCA2 damage: /35

KCAM damage: 10/50

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: /35

KCA1 rolls:30 o/15(3)15d

KCA2 rolls:60 20(2)o/20(3)20d

KCAM rolls:30 o/20d/10(1)m(2/3)

FCA rolls:30 15(3)o/15d

FCA rolls:30 10(3)o/20d

FCA rolls:10 o/10d

results

KCA1 damage: /35

KCA2 damage: /35

KCAM damage: 10/50

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: /35

KCA1 rolls:30 o/15(3)15d

KCA2 rolls:50 15(1)o/20(3)15d

KCAM rolls:40 o/d/40(1)m(3/3) 67

FCA rolls:20 o/20d

FCA rolls:50 25(3)o/25d

FCA rolls:20 10(3)o/10(1)d

results

KCA1 damage: /35

KCA2 damage: /35

KCAM damage: 10/50

FCA destroyed

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: /35

KCA1 rolls:50 25(2)o/25d

KCA2 rolls:40 40(2)o/d

KCAM rolls:30 o/d/30(3)m(1/3)

FCA destroyed

FCA rolls:40 o/40d

FCA rolls:60 o/60d

results

KCA1 damage: /35

KCA2 damage: /35

KCAM damage: 10/50

FCA destroyed

FCA damage: 25/35

FCA damage: /35

KCA1 rolls:60 30(2)o/30d

KCA2 rolls:20 20(2)o/d

KCAM rolls:30 o/d/30(3)m(2/3)

FCA destroyed

FCA rolls:40 o/40d

FCA rolls:20 o/20(2)d

results

KCA1 damage: /35

KCA2 damage: /35

KCAM damage: 10/50

FCA destroyed

FCA destroyed

FCA damage: /35

KCA1 rolls:20 20o/d

KCA2 rolls:60 60o/d

KCAM rolls:10 o/d/10m(3/3) 60

FCA destroyed

FCA destroyed

FCA rolls:60 o/60d

results

KCA1 damage: /35

KCA2 damage: /35

KCAM damage: 10/50

FCA destroyed

FCA destroyed

FCA destroyed

Round Two *lose toss

KCA1 rolls:30 o/15(3)15d

KCA2 rolls:10 o/10d

KCAM rolls:40 o/30d/m(/3)

FCA rolls:30 15(3)o/15d

FCA rolls:30 30(3)o/d

FCA rolls:10 10(3)o/d

results

KCA1 damage: /35

KCA2 damage: /35

KCAM damage: 10/50

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: /35

KCA1 rolls:20 o/10(3)10d

KCA2 rolls:60 60(1)o/d

KCAM rolls:50 o/25d/25(3)m(1/3)

FCA rolls:30 15(3)o/15d

FCA rolls:40 20(3)o/20d

FCA rolls:20 o/20(1)d

results

KCA1 damage: /35

KCA2 damage: /35

KCAM damage: 10/50

FCA damage: 25/35

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: /35

KCA1 rolls:60 20(1)o/20(3)20d

KCA2 rolls:60 60(2)o/d

KCAM rolls:40 o/26d/m14(3)(2/3) 25+

FCA rolls:50 o/50d

FCA rolls:20 o/20d

FCA rolls:50 20(2)o/40(2)d

results

KCA1 damage: /35

KCA2 damage: 20/35

KCAM damage: 10/50

FCA damage: 25/35

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: /35

KCA1 rolls:40 o/20(3)20d

KCA2 rolls:10 o/10d

KCAM rolls:50 o/d/50m14(3)(3/3) 39+

FCA rolls:60 o/30(2)30d

FCA rolls:50 o/25(3)25d

FCA rolls:10 o/10d

results

KCA1 damage: /35

KCA2 damage: 20/35

KCAM damage: 10/50

FCA damage: 25/35

FCA damage: /35

FCA destroyed

KCA1 rolls:40 40(1)o/d

KCA2 rolls:40 40(1)o/d

KCAM rolls:60 o/d/60(2)m(1/3)

FCA rolls:60 o/60d

FCA rolls:40 15(2)25(1)o/d

FCA destroyed

results

KCA1 damage: 25/35

KCA2 destroyed

KCAM damage: 10/50

FCA destroyed

FCA damage: /35

FCA destroyed

KCA1 rolls:30 o/30d

KCA2 destroyed

KCAM rolls:10 o/d/m10(2)m(2/3) +60

FCA destroyed

FCA rolls:30 o/30d

FCA destroyed

results

KCA1 damage: 25/35

KCA2 destroyed

KCAM damage: 10/50

FCA destroyed

FCA damage: /35

FCA destroyed

KCA1 rolls:30 o/30d

KCA2 destroyed

KCAM rolls: o/d/10 m(3/3) +70

FCA destroyed

FCA rolls:60 o/60d

FCA destroyed

results

KCA1 damage: 25/35

KCA2 destroyed

KCAM damage: 10/50

FCA destroyed

FCA damage: 20/35

FCA destroyed

KCA1 rolls:20 20o/d

KCA2 destroyed

KCAM rolls: o/d/60m(1/3)

FCA destroyed

FCA rolls:10 o/10d

FCA destroyed

results

KCA1 damage: 25/35

KCA2 destroyed

KCAM damage: 10/50

FCA destroyed

FCA damage: 30/35

FCA destroyed

KCA1 rolls:10 o/10d

KCA2 destroyed

KCAM rolls:20 o/d/20m(2/3) +60

FCA destroyed

FCA rolls:30 30(1)o/d

FCA destroyed

results

KCA1 damage: 25/35

KCA2 destroyed

KCAM damage: 10/50

FCA destroyed

FCA damage: 30/35

FCA destroyed

KCA1 rolls:10 o/10d

KCA2 destroyed

KCAM rolls:40 o/26(1)d/14m(3/3) +80

FCA destroyed

FCA rolls:50 50(1)o/d

FCA destroyed

results

KCA1 destroyed

KCA2 destroyed

KCAM damage: 10/50

FCA destroyed

FCA destroyed

FCA destroyed

Round Three *won toss

KCA1 rolls:10 o/10d

KCA2 rolls:20 o/10(3)10d

KCAM rolls:60 o/40d/20(1)m(1/3)

FCA rolls:50 25(3)o/25d

FCA rolls:10 o/10d

FCA rolls:30 30(3)o/d

results

KCA1 damage: /35

KCA2 damage: /35

KCAM damage: 5/50

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: /35

KCA1 rolls:10 o/10d

KCA2 rolls:10 o/10d

KCAM rolls: o/60d/()m(/3) capacitor emptied

FCA rolls:60 30(3)o/30d

FCA rolls:60 60(3)o/d

FCA rolls:50 50(3)o/d

results

KCA1 damage: /35

KCA2 damage: /35

KCAM destroyed

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: /35

KCA1 rolls:10 o/10d

KCA2 rolls:60 40(2)o/d

KCAM destroyed

FCA rolls:10 o/10d

FCA rolls:20 20(1)o/d

FCA rolls:10 o/10(2)d

results

KCA1 damage: /35

KCA2 damage: 10/35

KCAM destroyed

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: 30/35

FCA damage: /35

KCA1 rolls:40 20(2)o/20d

KCA2 rolls:50 30(2)o/20d

KCAM destroyed

FCA rolls:60 20(2)o/20(2)20d

FCA rolls:60 30(1)o/30d

FCA rolls:20 20(1)o/d

results

KCA1 damage: 30/35

KCA2 damage: 10/35

KCAM destroyed

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: 30/35

FCA damage: /35

KCA1 rolls:30 o/30d

KCA2 rolls:40 40(2)o/d

KCAM destroyed

FCA rolls:20 o/20d

FCA rolls:10 o/10d

FCA rolls:60 30(2)o/30(2)d

results

KCA1 damage: 30/35

KCA2 destroyed

KCAM destroyed

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: 30/35

FCA damage: /35

KCA1 rolls:10 o/10d

KCA2 destroyed

KCAM destroyed

FCA rolls:40 o/40(2)d

FCA rolls:60 60o/d

FCA rolls:50 50o/d

results

KCA1 destroyed

KCA2 destroyed

KCAM destroyed

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: 30/35

FCA damage: /35

As you can see if you read through all of that, Mauler combat can be ugly. It is almost better for drawing enemy fire than as an offensive weapon system.

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Casual Combat: Repair Rendezvous

2010-08-13T08:14:00.000-07:00

I've received some feedback from a valuable source (my sister) regarding the Simple Combat Tutorial, and as a result, I've started work on a casual game. Similar to Simple Combat, but without multipliers or an allocation phase. Each ship class has a defense rating representing the amount of damage it can sustain, and once that it passed, the ship is out of the game. Depending on your preference, it is either destroyed or taken out of combat, towed to a friendly base for repair and debrief.

Using that idea, I did an initial run of the "Repair Rendezvous" Scenario from the "Starfleet Command" games that I have adapted for Fantasy Trek, giving the heavy cruiser a defensive rating of 20. The results were encouraging.

We start off with a Fed CA encountering another Fed CA that has sustained 19/20 damage. It has three rolls to repair the damaged ship. In these three rolls, it repaired 8 points of damage:

FCA1 rolls:2

FCA2 damage: 17/20

FCA1 rolls:3
FCA2 damage: 14/20

FCA1 rolls:3
FCA2 damage: 11/20

After that, the enemy (Klingon CA) appears. It automatically divides its fire between the two ships. If there is an odd number, the majority of fire goes to the damaged ship. I suppose, though, if I was the Klingon (hard as that is to imagine), I might try to finish off the damaged ship first. So obviously this is still a work in progress. But the casual format seems to work. Here are the rest of the logs:
FCA1 rolls:2
FCA2 rolls:1
KCA1 rolls:6
results
FCA1 damage: 3/20
FCA2 damage: 14/20
KCA1 damage: 3/20

FCA1 rolls:3
FCA2 rolls:2
KCA1 rolls:4
results
FCA1 damage: 5/20
FCA2 damage: 16/20
KCA1 damage: 8/20

FCA1 rolls:3
FCA2 rolls:4
KCA1 rolls:3
results
FCA1 damage: 6/20
FCA2 damage: 18/20
KCA1 damage: 15/20

FCA1 rolls:4
FCA2 rolls:5
KCA1 rolls:4
results
FCA1 damage: 8/20
FCA2 damage: 20/20 destroyed
KCA1 damage: 24/20 destroyed

Command Tutorial One

2010-08-08T08:18:00.001-07:00

You have completed every academic exercise that the Starfleet Academy Command College has to offer. You are among the best and the brightest. Now it's time to take the center seat as Captain.

While your missions will not be restricted to combat, it would be extremely unwise to turn you loose on the galaxy without the training required to defend your ship and crew. To that end, you have been assigned to the training vessel USS Yorktown, a Constitution II Class Heavy Cruiser. Once on board, you will report to the bridge and take command. Stand by for transport.

::Transport successful, Starfleet Command::

::Acknowledged. Escort the Captain to the bridge. Starfleet out.::

The Constitution Phase Two Class, also known as the Constitution II Class, is designed to be an all-around workhorse, capable of operating independently for extended periods, with minimal need for starbase support. It is based on the the original Constitution Class, a design still unparalleled in overall success in deep space. It is more than capable of undertaking a wide range of missions, from science to defense. It features science and medical labs that rival those of a starbase. Like the Galaxy Class, it is capable of Saucer Separation and Reintegration. Unlike the Galaxy Class, however, the Constitution II's saucer is capable of independent warp flight. You will find it a most capable ship.

::Captain on the bridge!::

Welcome to the bridge, and your first command. Open the sealed orders labeled "Command Training Mission One" and proceed accordingly.

Command Training Mission One

The Vulcans have asked us to help them out with a small problem. A solar probe of theirs in the Rigel system has begun to malfunction, and may fall into that system's sun. Normally that wouldn't be a problem, but this probe contains equipment that could cause solar flares that would wipe out the memory core of a nearby science station. The Vulcans have downloaded the data from the probe, and have asked us to destroy it before it falls into the sun. The Yorktown is the closest starship to Rigel, Captain, and this is the perfect opportunity to familiarize you with the Yorktown's offensive capabilities. Order your helm officer to set course for the Rigel sun.

::Course set for Rigel. Ahead, warp factor six.::

When you arrive, your helm officer will bring you into range of the solar probe and await your orders.

::We've arrived in the Rigel System, Captain. We have the probe in range. What are your orders?::

The Simple combat system is a quick and easy way of engaging in and resolving combat between starships and/or installations like shipyards and outposts in minutes. Here is a quick tutorial, pitting your Heavy Cruiser against the Vulcan solar probe:

In the single-player simple combat game, you roll for both sides. To start, you'll roll for your target first, then yourself. Later in the game you'll see how to change that and add more of a challenge to the simple combat game.

Roll a single 6-sided die (known as 1d6). That first roll will show the defensive capacity of the probe. Then roll the 6-sided die again, and multiply that number by 10 (the Heavy Cruiser Class has a multiplier of X10). That is the amount of energy you have to work with. Since the probe has no offensive capability, you can use all of your energy for weapons. Here is a sample roll:

X1Probe rolls: 6

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser rolls:30

That is the allocation phase of simple combat. The results phase computes the results. For cadet missions, your ship is capable of sustaining 30 points of damage before it is destroyed. Your targets can sustain 15 points damage. In this example, the cadet ship did 24 points of damage to the probe, easily destroying it.

X1Probe damage: 24/15= destroyed.

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser damage: /30

Now it's your turn. Roll for the probe, then for yourself:

X1Probe rolls:

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser rolls: o/d

Now compute the damage:

X1Probe damage: /15

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser damage: /30

Repeat, if necessary, until the probe has been destroyed. When you are finished, scroll down to your next orders.

Allocation-

X1Probe rolls:

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser rolls: o/d

Results-

X1Probe damage: /15

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser damage: /30

Allocation-

X1Probe rolls:

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser rolls: o/d

Results-

X1Probe damage: /15

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser damage: /30

Allocation-

X1Probe rolls:

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser rolls: o/d

Results-

X1Probe damage: /15

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser damage: /30

Congratultions on the success of your first mission. While you were busy, there was a report from the tenth planet in this system that requires your immediate response. Order your helm officer to perform an in-system warp to get you there.

::course already plotted, Captain. Awaiting your orders::

While you're in transit, I'll tell you what we know. A Ferengi freighter has left orbit with a shipment of Tylium ore that was stolen from an independent contractor. Tylium is extremely valuable, but also extremely volatile. Tylium fires have been known to burn away the atmospheres of entire planets when mishandled. Intercept the Ferengi and try to talk them into releasing their cargo. You are authorized to grant them amnesty if necessary. If that doesn't work, knock down the Ferengi's shields and beam the Tylium directly from their cargo bay. Despite its volatility, it is completely transporter safe. Do not destroy the Ferengi freighter.

::coming out of warp, Captain. The freighter is in communications and weapons range::

To order the Ferengi to surrender, roll a 1d6. A result of 1 or 2 means that they agree.

1d6=1,2: agree - 3-6 refuse

If they do not immediately agree, roll the 1d6 again. A result of 1,2 or 3 means that they agree. Anything else means they refuse, and are attempting to escape:

1d6=1,2,3: agree - 4-6 refuse

If they refuse, you'll have to engage them and bring down their shields. Here's how you do that.

We'll start with a template similar to the one you used earlier.

Allocation-

X2Freighter rolls: o/d

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser rolls: o/d

Results-

X2Freighter damage: /15

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser damage: /30

You can see that the freighter has a multiplier of X2. It also has offensive capabilities. You won't really have to worry about that, but it requires a bit of attention to bring down the Freighter's shields without destroying it. Shield strength is always one-fifth of a ship's damage potential. So if a ship has 15 points damage potential, you have to do 3 points damage to bring down the shields. Here is an example of how to do that:

Allocation-

--roll a 1d6 for the Ferengi, and multiply by X2--

X2Freighter rolls:4 o/4d

(with only 4 points available, you decide to allocate those points to defense)

-roll a 1d6 for your ship and multiply by X10--

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser rolls:20 7o/13d

(in order to do only 3 points of damage, you must only allocate 7 points to offense. Put the rest on defense)

Results-

X2Freighter damage: 3/15

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser damage: /30

With the Ferengi shields down, you are free to beam the cargo to your ship and release the Ferengi. Now it's your turn:

(Remember, whatever defense the Ferengi offers, put no more than 3 points more into your offense)

X2Freighter rolls: o/d

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser rolls: o/d

Results-

X2Freighter damage: /15

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser damage: /30

repeat as necessary until the Ferengi sustains 3/15 points damage, then scroll down to the next session.

X2Freighter rolls: o/d

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser rolls: o/d

Results-

X2Freighter damage: /15

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser damage: /30

X2Freighter rolls: o/d

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser rolls: o/d

Results-

X2Freighter damage: /15

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser damage: /30

X2Freighter rolls: o/d

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser rolls: o/d

Results-

X2Freighter damage: /15

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser damage: /30

X2Freighter rolls: o/d

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser rolls: o/d

Results-

X2Freighter damage: /15

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser damage: /30

X2Freighter rolls: o/d

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser rolls: o/d

Results-

X2Freighter damage: /15

X10(CA)Heavy Cruiser damage: /30

Congratulations. You've just completed your first training mission. Return to Starbase One for debriefing.

Debriefing:

You are now familiar with the basic simple combat game. While there are advanced variations, the premise remains the same. Every class ship has a multiplier. Roll a 1d6 for your opponent, and the same for you. The idea of rolling for your opponent may seem unusual, but it makes this simple text-based game a single player game. In developing this game, I've had more than two hundred single-player simple combat engagements, with which I have tweaked and adjusted the formula to what seems like a good balance. The single-player method works for me. It should work for you. There is, however, PvP (Player vs Player) which is a great challenge. During the Advanced Command Training Mission, you'll learn some interesting and challenging variations, as well as Boarding Party/Landing Party missions and Fleet engagements. In the Command Training Graduate Mission, you'll put it all together, and be given the chance to save the legendary Kobayashi Maru. One hint: Just like James T Kirk, in Fantasy Trek, we don't believe in the no-win scenario.

Final Klingon Mauler Combat Trials

2010-08-06T09:09:00.000-07:00

Successful combat trials for the Heavy Cruiser-based Klingon Mauler Cruiser. The Mauler Cruiser is a huge gun with a ship frame essentially built around it. The weapon itself has a capacitor which stores allocated energy that is fired after (no less than) three turns. It is heavily armored, taking 50 points damage (compared to the normal maximum 35). While it is building up its energy, it must allocate a minimum of one-third (1d6 roll, with a X10 multiplier) of its points to the weapon. Here is the Simple Combat Template (power allocation phase):

KCAM rolls: o{offense}/d{defense}/m{mauler}(/3){mauler allocation, turn _of 3}

1st Turn:

-if a 6 is rolled, the allocation could be this:

KCAM rolls:60 o/40d/20(FCA1)m(1/3)

2nd Turn:

-if a 3 is rolled, the allocation could be this:

KCAM rolls:30 o/20d/10(FCA1)m(2/3)

3rd Turn:

-if a 2 is rolled, the allocation could be this:

KCAM rolls:20 o/13d/7(FCA1)m(3/3)

So on the third turn, the Mauler Cruiser would have a total of 37 points offensive capability. Note that on the 3rd turn, I rounded that 1/3rd up to a 7. Also, depending on the rolls of the other ships, the Mauler can put more than 1/3rd into its capacitor. So on that third turn, the Mauler could have potentially had a total of 110 points directed at its target.

In the combat logs below, I've noted whether the toss was won or not. Interesting to note that the Klingons didn't lose on the first two turns, when it actually lost the toss. The third time, when the Klingons lost the toss. And of course, that is determined by rolling a 1-3 on a 1d6, and allows the player to roll first or second, just like the coin toss in a football game. Also of interest in the third round, the Mauler chooses to stop the build up of energy to go all defense. In that case, the energy is lost, and the Mauler, if it survives, starts over on the next round.

The combat logs show the importance of drawing first blood, of upsetting the balance of power in your favor.

Round One *lose toss

KCA1 rolls:30 o/30d

KCA2 rolls:60 o/30(3)30d

KCAM rolls:20 o/20d/m(/3)

FCA rolls:10 o/10d

FCA rolls:30 30(3)o/d

FCA rolls:30 30(3)o/d

results

KCA1 damage: /35

KCA2 damage: /35

KCAM damage: 10/50

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: /35

KCA1 rolls:30 o/15(3)15d

KCA2 rolls:20 o/10(3)10d

KCAM rolls: o/23d/17(1)m(1/3)

FCA rolls:50 25(3)o/25d

FCA rolls:20 o/20d

FCA rolls:10 10(3)o/d

results

KCA1 damage: /35

KCA2 damage: /35

KCAM damage: 10/50

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: /35

KCA1 rolls:30 o/15(3)15d

KCA2 rolls:60 20(2)o/20(3)20d

KCAM rolls:30 o/20d/10(1)m(2/3)

FCA rolls:30 15(3)o/15d

FCA rolls:30 10(3)o/20d

FCA rolls:10 o/10d

results

KCA1 damage: /35

KCA2 damage: /35

KCAM damage: 10/50

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: /35

KCA1 rolls:30 o/15(3)15d

KCA2 rolls:50 15(1)o/20(3)15d

KCAM rolls:40 o/d/40(1)m(3/3) 67

FCA rolls:20 o/20d

FCA rolls:50 25(3)o/25d

FCA rolls:20 10(3)o/10(1)d

results?

KCA1 damage: /35

KCA2 damage: /35

KCAM damage: 10/50

FCA destroyed

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: /35

KCA1 rolls:50 25(2)o/25d

KCA2 rolls:40 40(2)o/d

KCAM rolls:30 o/d/30(3)m(1/3)

FCA destroyed

FCA rolls:40 o/40d

FCA rolls:60 o/60d

results

KCA1 damage: /35

KCA2 damage: /35

KCAM damage: 10/50

FCA destroyed

FCA damage: 25/35

FCA damage: /35

KCA1 rolls:60 30(2)o/30d

KCA2 rolls:20 20(2)o/d

KCAM rolls:30 o/d/30(3)m(2/3)

FCA destroyed

FCA rolls:40 o/40d

FCA rolls:20 o/20(2)d

results

KCA1 damage: /35

KCA2 damage: /35

KCAM damage: 10/50

FCA destroyed

FCA destroyed

FCA damage: /35

KCA1 rolls:20 20o/d

KCA2 rolls:60 60o/d

KCAM rolls:10 o/d/10m(3/3) 60

FCA destroyed

FCA destroyed

FCA rolls:60 o/60d

results

KCA1 damage: /35

KCA2 damage: /35

KCAM damage: 10/50

FCA destroyed

FCA destroyed

FCA destroyed

Round Two *lose toss

KCA1 rolls:30 o/15(3)15d

KCA2 rolls:10 o/10d

KCAM rolls:40 o/30d/m(/3)

FCA rolls:30 15(3)o/15d

FCA rolls:30 30(3)o/d

FCA rolls:10 10(3)o/d

results

KCA1 damage: /35

KCA2 damage: /35

KCAM damage: 10/50

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: /35

KCA1 rolls:20 o/10(3)10d

KCA2 rolls:60 60(1)o/d

KCAM rolls:50 o/25d/25(3)m(1/3)

FCA rolls:30 15(3)o/15d

FCA rolls:40 20(3)o/20d

FCA rolls:20 o/20(1)d

results

KCA1 damage: /35

KCA2 damage: /35

KCAM damage: 10/50

FCA damage: 25/35

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: /35

KCA1 rolls:60 20(1)o/20(3)20d

KCA2 rolls:60 60(2)o/d

KCAM rolls:40 o/26d/m14(3)(2/3) 25+

FCA rolls:50 o/50d

FCA rolls:20 o/20d

FCA rolls:50 20(2)o/40(2)d

results

KCA1 damage: /35

KCA2 damage: 20/35

KCAM damage: 10/50

FCA damage: 25/35

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: /35

KCA1 rolls:40 o/20(3)20d

KCA2 rolls:10 o/10d

KCAM rolls:50 o/d/50m14(3)(3/3) 39+

FCA rolls:60 o/30(2)30d

FCA rolls:50 o/25(3)25d

FCA rolls:10 o/10d

results

KCA1 damage: /35

KCA2 damage: 20/35

KCAM damage: 10/50

FCA damage: 25/35

FCA damage: /35

FCA destroyed

KCA1 rolls:40 40(1)o/d

KCA2 rolls:40 40(1)o/d

KCAM rolls:60 o/d/60(2)m(1/3)

FCA rolls:60 o/60d

FCA rolls:40 15(2)25(1)o/d

FCA destroyed

results

KCA1 damage: 25/35

KCA2 destroyed

KCAM damage: 10/50

FCA destroyed

FCA damage: /35

FCA destroyed

KCA1 rolls:30 o/30d

KCA2 destroyed

KCAM rolls:10 o/d/m10(2)m(2/3) +60

FCA destroyed

FCA rolls:30 o/30d

FCA destroyed

results

KCA1 damage: 25/35

KCA2 destroyed

KCAM damage: 10/50

FCA destroyed

FCA damage: /35

FCA destroyed

KCA1 rolls:30 o/30d

KCA2 destroyed

KCAM rolls: o/d/10 m(3/3) +70

FCA destroyed

FCA rolls:60 o/60d

FCA destroyed

results

KCA1 damage: 25/35

KCA2 destroyed

KCAM damage: 10/50

FCA destroyed

FCA damage: 20/35

FCA destroyed

KCA1 rolls:20 20o/d

KCA2 destroyed

KCAM rolls: o/d/60m(1/3)

FCA destroyed

FCA rolls:10 o/10d

FCA destroyed

results

KCA1 damage: 25/35

KCA2 destroyed

KCAM damage: 10/50

FCA destroyed

FCA damage: 30/35

FCA destroyed

KCA1 rolls:10 o/10d

KCA2 destroyed

KCAM rolls:20 o/d/20m(2/3) +60

FCA destroyed

FCA rolls:30 30(1)o/d

FCA destroyed

results

KCA1 damage: 25/35

KCA2 destroyed

KCAM damage: 10/50

FCA destroyed

FCA damage: 30/35

FCA destroyed

KCA1 rolls:10 o/10d

KCA2 destroyed

KCAM rolls:40 o/26(1)d/14m(3/3) +80

FCA destroyed

FCA rolls:50 50(1)o/d

FCA destroyed

results

KCA1 destroyed

KCA2 destroyed

KCAM damage: 10/50

FCA destroyed

FCA destroyed

FCA destroyed

Round Three *won toss

KCA1 rolls:10 o/10d

KCA2 rolls:20 o/10(3)10d

KCAM rolls:60 o/40d/20(1)m(1/3)

FCA rolls:50 25(3)o/25d

FCA rolls:10 o/10d

FCA rolls:30 30(3)o/d

results

KCA1 damage: /35

KCA2 damage: /35

KCAM damage: 5/50

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: /35

KCA1 rolls:10 o/10d

KCA2 rolls:10 o/10d

KCAM rolls: o/60d/()m(/3) capacitor emptied

FCA rolls:60 30(3)o/30d

FCA rolls:60 60(3)o/d

FCA rolls:50 50(3)o/d

results

KCA1 damage: /35

KCA2 damage: /35

KCAM destroyed

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: /35

KCA1 rolls:10 o/10d

KCA2 rolls:60 40(2)o/d

KCAM destroyed

FCA rolls:10 o/10d

FCA rolls:20 20(1)o/d

FCA rolls:10 o/10(2)d

results

KCA1 damage: /35

KCA2 damage: 10/35

KCAM destroyed

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: 30/35

FCA damage: /35

KCA1 rolls:40 20(2)o/20d

KCA2 rolls:50 30(2)o/20d

KCAM destroyed

FCA rolls:60 20(2)o/20(2)20d

FCA rolls:60 30(1)o/30d

FCA rolls:20 20(1)o/d

results

KCA1 damage: 30/35

KCA2 damage: 10/35

KCAM destroyed

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: 30/35

FCA damage: /35

KCA1 rolls:30 o/30d

KCA2 rolls:40 40(2)o/d

KCAM destroyed

FCA rolls:20 o/20d

FCA rolls:10 o/10d

FCA rolls:60 30(2)o/30(2)d

results

KCA1 damage: 30/35

KCA2 destroyed

KCAM destroyed

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: 30/35

FCA damage: /35

KCA1 rolls:10 o/10d

KCA2 destroyed

KCAM destroyed

FCA rolls:40 o/40(2)d

FCA rolls:60 60o/d

FCA rolls:50 50o/d

results

KCA1 destroyed

KCA2 destroyed

KCAM destroyed

FCA damage: /35

FCA damage: 30/35

FCA damage: /35

Between the Updates... "Klingon Mauler Cruiser"

2010-08-05T10:21:00.000-07:00

In the middle of combat rounds, I've given the Mauler back the X10 multiplier that I'd changed to a X7, made it so the only offensive capacity the ship has is the Mauler weapon itself, and made it so it can put as much power it wants into the capacitor. That seems to have settled the balance issue, but further tests are needed....