SEMI-AMBIGUOUS SITUATIONS

At times, there will be a situation where someone will be moving at the same speed as another person (or ship) and the actions of the first person may cause something to affect others. A perfect example of this is two stacks of drones moving in on a ship. Assuming the drones all are moving at the same speed, if one stack causes the trigger of a mine or T-bomb, and the second stack would have been in the blast zone if it had been moving simultaneously, then both stacks are affected by the explosion. This also applies to drones setting off a mine, as a stack moving the same speed as the first stack, is leaving the explosion zone of the mine. The second stack would be unaffected, and the first stack would take the damage. Fighters all moving at the same speed are also under the same restriction, so that a person does not move a single fighter forward as a "minesweeper" and then move all the other fighters through (even though they were all travelling the same speed and may have been in the blast zone). In situations like these, where there are a lot of drones or fighters all moving the same speed, make a point to move all the pieces with the same speed before moving any others.

Ships, on the other hand, do not suffer from this same effect, as two opposing ships may have the same speed but have different initiatives. The highest would take all of his actions for the phase first, then the second player would take all of his actions. If both ships were facing the same direction, but Player A had the initiative and moved first, only to hit a mine, Player B would not have to hit the mine when it was his turn to move. That is the advantages and disadvantages of having initiative.

Targets of weapons fire are restricted depending on whether you are the moving player or the non-moving player at the time. As stated in the movement section, only the ship that is moving may fire at any target of it's choice. All non-moving ships may only fire at the moving ship, until it is their turn to move. This trims down the extra firing during the moving player's turn, and gives a bigger advantage to the ship with the initiative. This same restriction is placed on other actions as well. Transporters cannot be used against anyone but the moving person if they are originating from a currently non-moving ship. In simple terms, this means that a person cannot lay T-bombs in someone else's way while yet a different person is moving. If the situation arises that the T-bomb might affect both the moving and (conveniently) a non-moving ship, then that is allowable. This should be carefully judged, however, to make sure a person doesn't use the old "I thought he was going to go there" excuse. Normally, this situation will only arise when more than one ship is very close to the ship operating the transporters. In the Sequence of Play, it will give better detail on what actions can be done at any time and what actions can only be done when you are the moving player.

In the normal rules, no HETs or Impulse TACscan be made during the first impulse of the turn. This has carried over into these rules to be that no HETs or Impulse TACs can occur during the first space of movement during the First Phase. It does not matter what speed any ship is going, no HETs or Impulse TACs can be made in the first "impulse". As an example, even though the fastest ship is only moving 5 spaces in the entire turn, that ship, nor any others, may make an HET or Impulse TAC until that ship has moved at least one spot. After that time, HETs and Impulse TACs can take place anytime during ship movement. HETs and Impulse TACs may also not be done at any time during Drone and Plasma movement. Keep in mind that the drones and plasmas are really moving "during the turn" so the only thing that may be done during Drone and Plasma movement is firing weapons at the drones or plasmas.

In the Drone and Plasma movement section of each phase, ships may only fire weapons in response to the drones or plasmas. No ship may move via normal means, nor may they drop shields and utilize transporters during this time. Ships may activate tractor beams during this time to grab drones that they do not, or cannot, shoot. An exception to this rule is the Andromedans, who may utilize transporters to lay PA mines in the path of plasmas. This was done to facilitate the rule that PA mines go inert almost immediately after being deployed. No other ships may do this.

Ships may only fire weapons at the drones or plasmas, not at other ships during the Drone and Plasma movement. Normal firing at ships is handled during ship movement. Only one "weapon" may be used on a ship during the Drone and Plasma movement. This weapon is the Displacement Device. It may be used, by a ship, on itself in an attempt to get out of the situation that it is in. Failure at self-displacement means that the ship remains in it's original spot and suffers from Disrupted Fire Control.

SEQUENCE OF PLAY

1. Roll for activation of ships
   Roll for computer failure
   Roll for Ion storms
   Pinwheels formed/dissolved
   Allocate energy
   Allocate repair points
   Ships drop warp engine/ PFs drop warp packs
   Plot self destruction
   Orions announce if they are doubling engines
   Announce if shields are unpowered

2. Announce speeds
   Announce self destructions
   Announce intent to dock
   Announce intent to seperate sections of ship
   Resolve self destruction
   Attempt to reacquire lock-on to cloaked ships
   Release Death Riders to self guidance

3. Tractor rotation
   Assign boarding parties as guards
   Transfer shuttles to balcony and vice versa
   Computer controlled ships now do all of the above steps

4. Each "Impulse" or space of movement

       Ships moved by black holes or nebulas
       Gravity waves advance and damage is applied immediately
       Fastest speed moves 1 space of 1/2 total movement for the turn
       Resolve damage from ESGs
       Resolve damage from asteroids
       Resolve damage from collisions with planets
       Resolve damage from mines
       Resolve damage from exploding units
       Resolve breakdowns
       Announce emergency deceleration		(anyone)
       Announce start/stop of erractic maneuvers	(anyone)
       Turn fire control on or off			(anyone)
       Activate/deactivate cloaking device		(anyone)
       Roll for lock on against cloaked ships	(anyone)
       Detect individual mines			(moving player)
       Reinforce web				(anyone)
       Lay web					(moving player)
       Operate tractor beam			(moving player or in response)
       Utilize lab				(moving player or in response)
       Drop EW pods from fighters		(moving player)
       Launch plasma torpedos			(moving player or in response)
       Launch drones				(moving player or in response)
       Launch probes				(moving player or in response)
       Drop chaff				(anyone)
       Activate/deactivate ESG			(anyone)
       Roll for shock
       Roll for mutiny
       Raise/lower shields			(anyone)
       Operate transporters			(moving player or in response)
       Resolve Hit and Run raids
       Reactive guard assignments
       Crew and cargo transfers
       Fighters may drop booster packs		(moving player)
       Land shuttles on ship			(moving player)
       Launch shuttles				(moving player)
       Recover satellite ships by transporter	(moving player)
       Launch satellite ships by transporter	(moving player)
       Transfer energy to E-module		(anyone)
       Drop pods from tugs			(anyone)
       Lay mines				(moving player)
       Roll for new facing of tumbling ships
       Initiative player fires first:			(moving player)
               PPD fire
               First Hellbore fire option
               All other direct fire weapons may fire
               Aegis fire may continue
               Second Hellbore fire option
               Previous free standing webs solidify
               Web Casters fire
               Allocate damage
           Non-initiative players may fire in response to movement or fire         (response)
               PPD fire
               First Hellbore fire option
               All other direct fire weapons may fire
               Aegis fire may continue
               Second Hellbore fire option
               Web Casters fire
               Allocate Damage
           Resolve explosion of ships
           Use Displacement Devices            (moving player or response)
           Roll for UIM breakdown
       	Start/stop erratic maneuvering		(anyone)
           

5. Roll for mutiny
   Ships dock at bases
   Ships drop warp engines
   Disengage by evasion

6. Resolve repair of shields by damage control
   Transfer power from PA panels to batteries
   PA panels dissipate power to space
   Orions record loss of engines from double output

In the Sequence of Play, each player will continue to go through step 4 until half of his total movement as been completed. Then play is passed on the to next fasted person, who will go through step 4 until he has completed half of his movement. Basically, Step 4 is completed over and over again for each ship until all ships have completed their movement for the phase. Then Drone and Plasma movement is completed, and then Second Phase picks up at Step 4 on the Sequence of Play until everyone has completed their full movement. After both First and Second Phase have been completed, and Drone and Plasma movement have been completed, then you will progress on to Step 5 on the Sequence of Play.

The notes in parenthesis indicate who may take action during this particular time. If the action does not have a note, then anyone who is affected by it must take the action. If the word "anyone" is listed, then any ship in the game may participate in the action, assuming it can. If the words "moving player" is listed, then this means that only the "moving player", or person who is currently taking his actions and has the initiative, has the ability to act on this action. This can be a ship moving at speed 0 if play has progressed all the way down to that speed. The ship need not be moving to take an action when it says "moving player", the ship needs only have the initiative at the time. If the note lists "moving player or in response", that means that the moving player has the opportunity to take the action first, then anyone else may take the action in response to the moving players' movement or firing. Therefore, a ship may fire at the moving ship (or ship with the initiative) if the ship moves or fires at the responding ship. An example is Ship A is moving Speed 10 and has the initiative. Ship B is moving Speed 4. Ship A begins to move towards Ship B. As Ship A closes in on Ship B, Ship A may choose to fire at Ship B, and after taking any action, Ship B may then return fire on Ship A either in response to Ship A's movement or in response to Ship A's fire on Ship B.

OTHER NOTES

In all, we believe this system is a huge improvement and can easily be learned by people familiar with the game, or even beginners to the game. Feel free to add it aspects to the game that are not mentioned here. Play them through and try them out. If you have questions as to other aspects of this systems, send e-mail messages to Phil Hatfield at Grimace997@aol.com.

DAMAGE ALLOCATION

Sensor/Scanner

The first hit in this category must be taken on either a sensor or a scanner. (owning player's choice) After taking at least one hit here, other hits may either be taken on the same system or default to row B

Weapon

The first hit in this category must be taken against a heavy weapon that is capable of firing into the arc that the damage entered

Damage Con

A single hit must be taken against this system, and extra hits may either be taken to the same system or default to the next lowest row

Other

The first hit in this category must be taken against a Control system. All other hits can be taken against any other system that is classified as an Other

Scanner

A single hit must be taken against this system, and extra hits may either be taken to the same system or default to the next lowest row

Sensor

A single hit must be taken against this system, and extra hits may either be taken to the same system or default to the next lowest row

Weapon:

Normal Weapons - Phaser 1,2,3,4,G

Heavy Weapons - Photons, Plasma R/S/G/F/D, Disruptors, Fusions, Drones, ADDs, Tractor Repulsor beams, Hellbores, Power systems hooked to Maulers, PPDs, Web casters, ESGs, Stasis Generators, Rail guns, Particle Cannons, Power Absorber panels, Web breakers, Special Sensors

Other:

Tractor beams, Transporters, Labs, Probe, Shuttles, Mine racks, Battery, Fabrication, Fighter bays, Hangars

Hull:

Hull (center, forward, aft), Cargo, Works, Barracks, Repair

Power:

APR, AWR, Impulse

Control:

Flag Bridge, Bridge, Aux Con, Emer Bridge, Displacement Device, Web Generators, AFT, Web snares, Security

Shuttle:

Shuttles, Fighter bays

Excess:

Excess Damage

BRIEF REPLAY

Turn 1:

First Phase
Due to the speed of the Lyran, the Tiger moves first. His speed for the turn is 8, so for First Phase, he moves 4 spaces. He now begins his move.

• moves one space. As moving player, has opportunity to decide to fire first at Romulan. Declines fire.
• Romulan Regalhawk now has opportunity to fire in response to Lyran's movement. He declines.
• Lyran moves 2nd space. Same sequence as above.
• Lyran moves 3rd space. Range is now 17. Lyran declines fire, Romulan does the same.
• Lyran moves 4th and final space for this phase. Still holds fire. Now the Romulan player moves
• Regalhawk moves one space. Range is now 15. Romulan now has the initiative, and decides whether to fire or not. He declines fire. The Lyran now has the opportunity to fire. He takes it. The Tiger checks the target's EW. The Romulan has 1 ECCM up (costing him 2 Power). The Lyran fires 4 Disruptors. Three shots find their mark. The Romulan takes 9 damage to the #1 shield.
• Regalhawk moves 2nd space. Range is 14. Regalhawk announces fire of Plasma R (pseudo). Lyran cringes at the thought. Lyran holds fire.
• Regalhawk moves 3rd and final space. Plasma stays in space launched. Romulan declines to fire any more. Lyran holds fire.

Because the plasma was not launched in the space that the Regalhawk is currently in, it will move 8 spaces during this Drone and Plasma movement.

• plasma begins it's move towards the Lyran. As it moves each space, the Lyran has the opportunity to fire on it. The beginning range was 14. After 8 spaces of movement, the Plasma R is 6 spaces away from the Lyran
• the Lyran did not fire during that Drone and Plasma movement Speed Zero
• both players now have the option to fire, launch shuttles, or take other actions. Both decline.

• Lyran moves one space (his 5th move). Range to Regalhawk is 12. Range to Plasma is 5. He declines fire, and the Romulan declines to fire in response to his move.
• Lyran moves 2nd space (6th move). Regalhawk is 11 hexes away, the Plasma R is 4 hexes. He thinks hard about his options. He declines fire. The Romulan decides to fire in response to his move. He checks the Lyrans EW. It is 2 ECM (costing the Lyran 4 power). The Romulan suffers a +1 shift. He announces 4 Ph-1 to fire. He rolls poorly, his best being a 2 which is increased to 3, causing only 1 damage at that range.
• Lyran moves 3rd space, side slipping to his right (the Regalhawks left). He announces the dropping of his two PFs, both moving speed 5. Because they are moving slower than the Tiger's overall movement (8), they may move this phase when speed 5 comes around. Lyran player is now 10 hexes from the Regalhawk, and 3 from the plasma. He announces fire at the Plasma R. He lets loose 4 Ph-1s and 3 Ph-3s. He rolls average, scoring 19 hits on the plasma. The Romulan records the damage and smirks. In response to the Lyran's movement and fire, the Romulan announces the fire of 2 Plasma Fs and a Plasma R. The Lyran's jaw drops.
• Lyran moves last space (his 8th) and begins to pray. Because he side slipped into his last space of movement, he could not turn away from the Romulan. The range to the ship is 9, and 2 to the pseudo plasma. He declines fire. The Romulan holds fire. The Lyran PFs do not move from their spot, as it is not their movement yet.

  Now the Romulan player, moving at speed 6 moves

• Romulan moves forward one space. His plasmas stay behind in the spot that they were launched. Range to the Lyran ship is 8, and range to the PFs is 9. He declines fire. The Lyran declines fire.
• Romulan turns to the left and moves 2nd space (his 5th). He checks the EW of the PFs and finds they only have their built in EW operating. He announces fire at the top PF. He rolls very well, causing 12 damage from 3 Ph-1s! The front shield of the top PF caves in! The Lyran declines to fire.
• Regalhawk moves his last space, and announces 2 Ph-3s on the top PF, hoping for some internals. He rolls good, causing 2 damage. The damage is rolled (2D6 on the damage chart. Once hull and one Major Weapon) The PF looses a Disruptor. The Lyran player decides to fire back from that PF in response to the Romulan's fire. He announces his 1 Disruptor and 2 Ph-1s on the Regalhawk. He misses with Disruptor and only does 2 damage with his Phasers.

  Now the Lyran PFs get to move at Speed 5

• both PFs move one space. Range to the Regalhawk is now 7 spaces. They hold fire, so does the Romulan
• both PFs move again. (Their 2nd of half their total). Range is now 6. They still hold fire.
• both PFs move one last time (3rd space, which is half of 5). They announce their fire on the Regalhawk. Only one may fire, though, as the other has already fired. He announces 2 Disruptors and 2 Ph-1. He rolls hits on all of them, causing 14 damage to the Regalhawk's shield #2. The Regalhawk holds his fire.

  Speed Zero

• at speed zero, the Romulan decides to launch a shuttle, just to have some added phaser support for next turn. The Lyran holds his fire, even though he could opt to fire at the shuttle in response to its launch.

  Drone and Plasma movement

• the plasmas move towards their targets, one space at a time. The Pseudo R reaches the ship first, and the Lyran lets it impact, suspecting it to be a fake. It is. The other 3 plasmas (2Fs and an R) started at range 7 to the PFs and range 9 to the Tiger. Because they only move 8 spaces per Drone and Plasma movement, the two Plasma Fs (targeted each on a PF) will impact, while the Plasma R (targetted on the Tiger) will be one space shy. One PF (the undamaged one) gets his front shield smashed and takes 3 internals. The other PF, with the #1 shield already destroyed, takes 15 internals. (The Plasma Fs moved 7 spaces, putting them in the 6-10 range bracket) When the damage is done, one PF is crippled, and the other slightly damaged, and the Tiger has a Plasma-R one space away from it. Both players begin new energy allocations.

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