• Registered: 2006-01-06
  • Posts: 28

Topic: That Ramming Thing Again

I come to Iron Stars from a background of ACW ironclads gaming. I have a few thoughts on ramming I would like to toss into the mix.

1. Ramming in the Aether seems very unlikely due to the potential fatal side effects for the ramming vessel. Ramming is going to put a pretty severe structural stress on both vessels, and if your hull cracks, all the air leaks out...

2. Space is big. I think it would be difficult to manuver a vessel to strike another vessel cleanly given the amount of space available for evaisive manuvering. A glancing hit is not going to be effective.

3. Battleships don't ram. If IS was "Galleys in space" ramming might be an appropriate tactic. As has been pointed out ramming was not used as a tactic by the wet navies IS is based on.

4. Ironclad rams were most effective against wooden vessels and there are not many of those prowling the aether.

5. Spar torpedoes. I would like to see these as an option for FAC.  Similar in concept to the Confederacy's Davids. I don't see them being used much on anything bigger. The risks of collision are too great.

Counter arguments are welcome. Of course the main reason for no ramming is that the game designer has said it doesn't fit the game. But I like to see a reason that doesn't break kayfabe.

  • Registered: 2022-11-15
  • Posts: 1,286

Re: That Ramming Thing Again

Some nice points.  smile  But I don't think spar torpedo's are likely to be used...two of the arguements being a couple of the points you raised.  Loss of structural integrity can mean loss of atmosphere...and that space is pretty big. 

Another point is that most spar torpedoes were used on subs or semi-submersible vessels that could sneak up on their targets.  FAC, being rather fragile craft (in game terms) would need to be able to sneak up on their targets since a single hit from enemy fire pops them like soap bubbles.  Unfortunately, there just isn't anywhere to hide in space that would allow you to do this.

Spar torpedoes may be useful on a limited basis in more of an atmospheric version of IS, where the ships can hide in the clouds and ambush targets.  Though again, I don't see them as a weapon of choice but more as a weapon of 'we got nothin else to throw at 'em but Aunt Bertha's fruitcake!!!' sort of thing.   big_smile

  • Registered: 2005-03-28
  • Posts: 379

Re: That Ramming Thing Again

I just don't see the point of ramming.  Colliding with another ship on purpose was a valid tactic when you couldn't consistently damage your opponet from afar.  But I don't see a lot of the IS ether/ aval powers that sanctioning the idea of ramming.

I offered the idea of kamikazes once -- allowing FACs to ram opposing ships if their parent vessel is KIA (since the craft will have no where to dock when the battle is over and are doomed anyway).  But even that met a bit of resistance.

  • Registered: 2005-03-28
  • Posts: 287

Re: That Ramming Thing Again

I'd only see ramming as acceptable as a last desperate measure - we aren't going to win, we are already leaking air, the guns are gone... lets take the bastards with us!

I would not expect it to be a regular/preferred battle tactic.