Re: [GZG] [FT] Graser-1s again

["john tailby" <John_Tailby@xxxxxxxxxx>]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Hugh Fisher" <laranzu@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Which I believe is what graser armed escorts and lighter
> cruisers can consistently do. It's my experience that
> most opponents can't cripple the graser ships before they
> get within range. Other escorts or light cruisers carry
> beam-1s or beam-2s, and 6 MU is not enough to work with.
> Those light ships with a beam-3 or P-torp generally can't
> afford the mass for more than one firing arc, so dodging
> around trying to hold the range open is counterproductive
> because you can't shoot while doing so.

I agree with your point about the maximum damage potential being remembered 
vividly. Generally if we took a fleet with lots of Grazers in it each battle 
one of the ships rolled enough 6s to kill an enemy vessel. We decided that 
we didn't like the feel of a weapon that had about a 10% change of doing 3d6 
damage in one shot.

I don't agree with your point about short range ships being able to close 
the range. If the longer range ships only pack on front ark weapons and the 
way you play has to two fleets line up and charge at the enemy (We have some 
players that like to do this) you get a very "fighter pilot" style game. 
That works until someone designs their escorts with 4 beam 2s in all arc 
turrets. On a rolling table (unlimited space to play on) 2 ships of equal 
thrust can maintain a range band of 6" quite easily. The shorter ranges ship 
then has to rush at the enemy ship that than turns away and then keeps 
shooting over their shoulder for a number of turns. If the Grazer ship 
breaks off or slows down the longer ranged ship can again turn in to close 
the range to the edge of the envelope.

Sv ships are especially good at this kind of running engagement and they 
really frustrate the layers that have designed close in brawling ships. 
Human tech can do pretty much the same thing but are generally limited to 
beam 2 weapons if you want all round arcs. Also if you want pulse torps its 
not necessary that all the arcs be contiguous. You could have front, left 
rear and right rear, allowing you to engage through the forward arc and then 
escape turn to allow you to maintain separation and continue to fire.

John 


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