• Registered: 2009-11-11
  • Posts: 20

Topic: asteroid field/mine interaction with faceted shields

It's not really mentioned in the rules, but how would you guys handle a ship with faceted getting hit by a mine or asteroid field? Specifically the problem is determining which facet is hit. I can see arguments for anything from a random facet (roll a d6) or even the opponent's choice/weakest.

I feel random makes sense for "dumb" mines and cinematic asteroid fields and weakest facet makes sense for "smart" mines, so I suppose it depends on the setting/feel you're trying to create.

From a game balancing point of view perhaps random would be most fair, since smart mines would probably be better than what you're paying points for.

So how would you guys handle this?

  • Registered: 2010-05-09
  • Posts: 20

Re: asteroid field/mine interaction with faceted shields

I would say it depends on heading.  Whichever facet is pointed toward the direction of movement when the ship enteres the minefield/asteroid field (usually front, but not always) is the one that takes the hit. 
Of course there is something to be said for the whole "smart" mine thing, making a random hit is a air way to determine it, but I think making the mine always hit the weakest facet is overpowered.
If you wanted to go in that direction how's this.  Smart mines always TRY to hit the weakest facet, but they don't always make it, roll a d6 for each hit, on a 1-2 it hits the facet to port of the weakest, 3-4 it hits the weakest, 5-6 it hits to starboard of the weakest.  When I do faceted shields, I tend to make one facing very weak (usually rear) then the adjacent two fairly weak.  Then the front arc very strong, and the other two fairly strong.  This way mine hits have a tendency to actually do some damage, and a potential to get a very easy hit in.
just spitballing though

  • Registered: 2010-03-09
  • Posts: 630

Re: asteroid field/mine interaction with faceted shields

BTW, do you have an handy way to indicate the facet value of each shield?

Marc

  • Registered: 2009-11-11
  • Posts: 20

Re: asteroid field/mine interaction with faceted shields

I play Klingon Armada and the ship cards have that information printed on them, with boxes to check off as damage is taken.

  • Registered: 2010-03-09
  • Posts: 630

Re: asteroid field/mine interaction with faceted shields

You're right. I was thinking about screens, where the values can change each turn, as the player whishes.

Marc