Thinking about a substitute escort for Mongoose

[Garyius2003]

The CE/DE class in Mongoose would be decent ships in HG, but don't seem to work well for the Mongoose system. I have been thinking of a new catch all class that catches the meaning of the new system, while still allowing PC play (maybe through a set of ship characters and away party split). I am thinking a small ship that is multi role: outsystem sensor sweeps and covert runs; convoy escort; LE and customs type patrol; piracy/small ship combat; red zone enforcement; the smallest size of fleet escort/picket; etc.

I decided the fuel endurance does not include the time in jump, based on my read of the rules.

My overall thoughts in asking for design advice help.

1. The ship should be usable as a sensor platform for outsystem intel. This means advanced sensors at least, and maybe enhanced processing and maybe a higher level computer. This also means at least four weeks fuel, maybe 6.

2. The ship should be jump flexible, for sensors and fleet level escorts. That means J4 (for sensor runs 2 in and 2 out).

3. Given the to hit rules, at least armor 8, 10 better, 14 great.

4. Given the to hit rules, the ships needs one or more hard hitting weapons. Torpedoes would be great, if not for the space issue involved with reloads. Particle Barbettes w/LR?

5. A launch for boarding and for PC play value.

6. Scoops, processing, cargo for consumables for long duration solo patrol sweeps.

7. Some sort of modular space where you could insert fighter drones, or convoy repair drones, or sensor drones, or maybe extra cargo (see number 6)?

Anyone have ideas for designs which allow a smallish ship that costs less than a full destroyer and still meets the mission requirements and issues I have?

 

[far-trader]

Think modular all the way. Different modules for different missions...

1. Survey/Sensor Module: Includes advanced sensors and enhanced processing suite with a higher level computer. Adds four weeks fuel and mission supplies.

2. Extended Range Module: Adds fuel for additional jump range.

3. Additional Armor Module: OK, this is a bit dodgy maybe. There's canon to support armor as an added shield external to the hull in CT so it might fit. Sacrifice the module space for additional plating. Or, using the armor rules but instead of plating it is a shield generator for the same effect, installed in the module, and includes power plant and fuel.

4. Heavy Weapons Module: Treat it like a bay weapon. Or torpedo module.

5. Carried Craft Module: For missions requiring additional craft, either for ground support or extended sensor range. Variable craft fittings to total of module.

6. Wilderness Fuel Module: Includes a fuel shuttle with scoops, and a fuel purifier.

Just figure out how much each mission needs and that's your module, then build the ship around it for basic performance.

 

[Garyius2003]

Just did a first two number runs at 600 tons. There will be no stealth drive. No matter what, J4 stealth equals ship cost times FOUR HUNDRED PERCENT under 1k tons.

 

[Garyius2003]

So I designed a 600 ton J4 6G 4-week with scoops and processor. Two Particle barbs at variable range and 2 triple beam accurate. 12 bonded armor points, and advanced sensors with holo bridge. That left me 66 tons of modular space. I wanted stealth jump but that quadrupled the cost of the base ship and makes no 'real world' in game sense. Just enough rooms for base crew.

So what mix should I make the different modules?

The fleet escort type for sure gets enhanced signal processing, and two torpedo barbs with at least 20 loads, and two extra staterooms. What else?

The sensor sweep version with two extra weeks fuel, enhanced sensor, extra rooms, and cargo?

Patrol with launch, extra rooms, repair drones, and cargo?

 

[mike wightman]

You have made me want to go out and buy MgT High Guard now

 

[Garyius2003]

MgT High Guard is about 2/3 good. I would spend the money. MgT Merc is about 1/2 usable, maybe spend the money. Traders and Gunboats is about 1/4 usable, only purchase if you want to complete the collection.

Other than the core rulebook, I would buy HG, Scoundrel, Dilettante, Merchant Prince, and download the two free adventures. I would consider Mercenary, and Merchants and Cruisers.

 

[Jame]

I decided the fuel endurance does not include the time in jump, based on my read of the rules.

Don't forget, in Compendium 1 there's a 1-page rule for increasing fuel efficiency by TL.