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

Topic: T'ekua (Tee- Eck-coo-eh) Ships

The T'ekua are a bit stand-offish outside of their own systems.  In their own systems their racial instinct to 'protect the nest' kicks in and even allies are treated as enemies.  Their ships are built to take a beating in general and balance few weapon mounts with very high rates of fire at moderate ranges. 

The typical unit seen outside of their home systems are the Raiders and Raider Escorts unless they've gone to war.  In wartime the Strikers serve as the primary combat unit in their formations. 

The T'ekua themselves are a bit hard to define...an eagle-like head and beak with four cat-like eyes and a sensory whisker cluster atop a long, flexible, quilled neck...arms with four opposable 'finger/thumbs' at the midpoint that unfold allowing flight by means of membranous wings...reverse jointed legs ending in four toed feet armed with strong claws and a sharp vertical spur/ spike just above the heel.  A 4 foot long lizard-like tail with a series of several mobile spikes joined by membrane extends from the small of their back behind them.  Overall their body is covered in squirrel-like fur of various neutral colorings.  T'ekua are sexless, reproducing independently by 'budding'.  A T'ekua in this state bears a single tumor-like growth under each arm that detaches from the parent upon reaching approximately 10-inches in diameter. The surface of this bud is hard and shell-like and continues to grow for a period of three months, usually measuring 24-inches in diameter at time of 'hatching'.

A note on the vocabulary of the T'ekua.  Due to the structure of their 'beak', the T'ekua cannot pronounce any human-like sounds that involve pursing of lips b, f, m, n, p, v, w, and y.  The T'ekua are also caste-like in their culture, reflected by the first letter of names. 
The prefix I= Least/ Lowest;  Ch= Common;  S= Important;  K= Great;  T= Greatest.
The T'ekua numbering system is a base 8 system.

Enjoy!  big_smile

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

Re: T'ekua (Tee- Eck-coo-eh) Ships

The first of the revised ships in Drake Format (I hope)  :wink:

T'ekua: 
All ships are designed with TL +1 for Engines and Equipment

I'rell Class Seeker (142)
Hull: 2 1
Engines: 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 
Shields: 0
[a] Light Rotary Rail gun [2/4/6, 4+, 3/2/1, Repeating; Double Range Modifiers]
ABCD
Hyper drive [O], Armor Plating, Point Defense System [O],
Tachyon Detection & Ranging [O], Drones [OOOOO]

1[HEQ], 2[2Ea], 3[HE], 4[2E], 5[HE], 6[ES]

The I'rell class seeker is a robust design, larger than most corvette class vessels but with much the same mission.  This ship is tasked with providing a picket and scouting shell around the main fleet body.  Able to withstand more damage than might be expected, these ships are usually able to escape back to the main fleet with their news.  Armed with a close range railgun, the I'rell is usually able to deter most similarly sized vessels.

I'quiss Class Raider Escort (379)
Hull: 4 3 2 1
Engines: 6 5 4 3 2 1
Shields: 0
[a] Light Rotary Rail gun [2/4/6, 4+, 3/2/1, Repeating, Double Range Modifiers]
ABCDEF
Hyper drive [O], Armor Plating, Point Defense System [O], Tachyon Detection & Ranging [O], Spinal Mount [OO],
Drones [OOOOO OOOOO OOOOO OOOOO OOOOO OOOOO]

1[HQ], 2[EQ], 3[HQ], 4[EQ], 5[HQ], 6[Ea]

The I'quiss class is the equivalent to most navies heavy frigates or destroyer type vessels.  Packing twin mass driver spinal mounts and a heavy payload of drones, this vessel can be incredibly dangerous in it's primary role.  That of a fast raider designed to knock out targets quickly and provide drone support to the larger raider class vessels.  A single light railgun mount provides close in support with 360-degree coverage but is insufficient to allow the I'quiss to partake in a protracted battle.  Often seen in the company of Ch'kuru class vessels both in a patrol and escort capacity or in a raider capacity, the I'quiss is often times mistaken as the lesser threat until its too late.

Ch'kuru Class Raider (503)
Hull: 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Engines: 6 5 4 3 2 1
Shields: 2 1
[a] Rapid Fire Neutron Pulse Cannon [4/8/12, 3+, 3/1/1, Repeating, Increased Damage]
AB
[b] Light Rotary Rail gun [2/4/6, 4+, 3/2/1, Repeating, Double Range Modifiers]
ABCDEF, ABCDEF
Hyper drive [O], Armor Plating, Point Defense System [O],
Tachyon Detection & Ranging [O], Drones [OOOOO OOOOO]

1[HQ], 2[Ea], 3[Hb], 4[E], 5[H], 6[S]

The Ch'kuru class is designed to exploit the confusion and carnage created by the heavy first strikes of the accompanying I'quiss escorts. Considered by some navies to be a cruiser design, it can provide limited moderate range fire with its Neutron pulse cannon backed up by twin rail gun turrets at closer ranges.  A small payload of drones adds to its long range strike capabilities.  The Ch'kuru acts as the heavy escort for merchant convoys and the typical patrol squadron command vessel within T'ekua space.  Outside of T'ekua space, the Ch'kuru and I'quiss squadrons act as raiding units against perceived threats to the T'ekua species.

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

Re: T'ekua (Tee- Eck-coo-eh) Ships

Ch'eedit Class Striker Escort (904)
Hull: 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Engines: 5 4 3 2 1
Shields: 2 1
[a] Heavy Rotary Rail gun [2/4/6, 4+, 3/2/3, Repeating, Double Range Modifiers]
AC, BD
[b ] Light Rotary Rail gun [2/4/6, 4+, 3/2/1, Repeating, Double Range Modifiers]
ABCDEF, ABCDEF
Hyper drive [O], Armor Plating, Point Defense System [O], Tachyon Detection & Ranging [O], Spinal Mount [O],
Drones [OOOOO OOOOO OOOOO OOOOO OOOOO OOOOO],
Security Team [OOOOO OOOOO]

1[HQ], 2[Ea], 3[Hb], 4[S], 5[H], 6[Q]

The Ch'eedit class striker escort is capable of both independent action if necessary and acting as a support element in a T'ekua striker squadron.  The striker classes act as the main battle elements of the T'ekua fleet during times of war, which is the only time they will be deployed away from the 'nest' systems.  The Ch'eedit is also designed with a heavy first strike capability utilizing a single mass driver spinal mount and a heavy drone payload.  Unlike its raider class cousin, the Ch'eedit has both light rail guns and heavy rail guns for close in fighting.

S'ikrit Class Striker (1123)
Hull: 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Engines: 5 4 3 2 1
Shields: 3 2 1
[a] Rapid Fire Neutron Pulse Cannon [4/8/12, 3+, 3/1/1, Repeating, Increased Damage]
AB, AB
[b ] Heavy Rotary Rail gun [2/4/6, 4+, 3/2/3, Repeating, Double Range Modifiers]
AC, BD
[c] Light Rotary Rail gun [2/4/6, 4+, 3/2/1, Repeating, Double Range Modifiers]
ABCDEF, ABCDEF, AC, BD
Hyper drive [O], Armor Plating, Point Defense System [O],
Tachyon Detection & Ranging [O],
Security Team [OOOOO OOOOO OOOOO]

1[Ha], 2[Eb], 3[Hc], 4[S], 5[H], 6[Q]

The S'ikrit class striker lacks the spinal mount and drone payload of its lesser escort.  This is made up for by the addition of longer range Neutron cannons and additional rail gun mounts.  The main line unit in the T'ekua battle line, the S'ikrit can make even ships mounting more weapons regret ever coming within range.  Since the S'ikrit is designed to be deployed in the company of Ch'eedits or even I'quiss class escorts, it seldom fights alone making it an even greater threat.

S'aquii Class Heavy Striker (1319)
Hull: 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Engines: 4 3 2 1
Shields: 3 2 1
[a] Rapid Fire Neutron Pulse Cannon [4/8/12, 3+, 3/2/1, Repeating, Increased Damage]
AC, AB, BD
[b ] Heavy Rotary Rail gun [2/4/6, 4+, 3/2/3, Repeating, Double Range Modifiers]
AC, BD
[c] Light Rotary Rail gun [2/4/6, 4+, 3/2/1, Repeating, Double Range Modifiers]
ABCDEF, ABCDEF, ABCDEF, ABCDEF
Hyper drive [O], Armor Plating, Point Defense System [O],
Tachyon Detection & Ranging [O], Spinal Mount [O],
Security Team [OOOOO OOOOO]

1[Ha], 2[Eb], 3[Hc], 4[S], 5[H], 6[Q]

Some stellar nations would define the S'aquii class as a battleship since it sits at the heirarchy of the T'ekua battle line strikers.  Able to operate without escorts if necessary, the S'aquii functions best when in the company of other strikers or raiders.  Heavy defenses and over lapping weapon ranges make closing with this class vessel a painful proposition.  With the exception of the K'aular, the S'aquii is the largest normally deployed battle line vessel of the T'ekua often times serving as the flagship for battle groups during wartime, but never within the 'nest' systems.

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

Re: T'ekua (Tee- Eck-coo-eh) Ships

K'aular Class Carrier (3505)
Hull: 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Engines: 3 2 1
Shields: 3 2 1
[a] Rapid Fire Neutron Pulse Cannon [4/8/12, 3+, 3/1/1, Repeating, Increased Damage]
AC, AB, BD
[b ] Light Rotary Rail gun [2/4/6, 4+, 3/2/1, Repeating, Double Range Modifiers]
ABCDEF, ABCDEF, ABCDEF, ABCDEF, ABCDEF
Hyper drive [O], Armor Plating, Point Defense System [O],
Tachyon Detection & Ranging [O], Launch Bay [OOOO],
Fighter Bay [OOOOO OOOOO OOOOO OOOOO OOOOO OOOOO OOOOO OOOOO],
Security Team [OOOOO OOOOO OOOOO OOOOO OOOOO OOOOO]

1[Hqb], 2[EQ], 3[HQ], 4[SQ], 5[HQ], 6[Qa]

The K'aular class carrier was designed as a fighter platform.  Usually loaded with assault and fast interceptor squadrons, it is a rear echelon type vessel mounting a light mix of weapons.  Slower than most T'ekua ships, the K'aular can field an impressive number of fighters and defend itself adequately against counter strikes and lighter enemy units.  Always screened by at least one raider group this vessel is more of a strategic asset than a tactical one due to its slow speed and limited firepower.  Most K'aular will be found within the 'nest' systems of the T'ekua even in wartime.


K'draix Class Battleship (2150)
Hull: 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Engines: 3 2 1
Shields: 4 3 2 1
[a] Rapid Fire Neutron Pulse Cannon [4/8/12, 3+, 3/1/1, Repeating, Increased Damage]
ACE, ABC, ABD, BDF
[b ] Heavy Rotary Rail gun [2/4/6, 4+, 3/2/3, Repeating, Double Range Modifiers]
AC, BD
[c] Light Rotary Rail gun [2/4/6, 4+, 3/2/1, Repeating, Double Range Modifiers]
ABCDEF, ABCDEF, ABCDEF, ABCDEF, ABCDEF, ABCDEF
Hyper drive [O], Armor Plating, Point Defense System [O], Tachyon Detection & Ranging [O], Spinal Mount [O],
Security Team [OOOOO OOOOO OOOOO OOOOO],
Drones [OOOOO OOOOO]

1[Ha], 2[Eb], 3[Hc], 4[S], 5[H], 6[Q]

A huge vessel capable of putting out far more firepower than belies the apparent few weapons mounts, the K'draix serves as the main combat vessel within the T'ekua 'nest' systems.  Screened by the lesser vessels of the T'ekua fleet, this class is designed to close with enemy capital units and, simply put, kill them as quickly as possible.  During wartime, only the most dire of circumstances or significant of targets will rate deployment of a K'draix class vessel...and almost never more than two.  Outside of the 'nest' systems, the K'draix serves as the battle group flag ship...always.


T'zuale Class Heavy Battleship (4090)
Hull: 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Engines: 3 2 1
Shields: 5 4 3 2 1
[a] Rapid Fire Neutron Pulse Cannon [4/8/12, 3+, 3/1/1, Repeating, Increased Damage]
ACE, ACE, ABC, ABD, BDF, BDF
[b ] Heavy Rotary Rail gun [2/4/6, 4+, 3/2/3, Repeating, Double Range Modifiers]
AC, AB, BD
[c] Light Rotary Rail gun [2/4/6, 4+, ROF: 3, PEN: 2, DMG: 1, Repeating, Double Range Modifiers]
ABCDEF, ABCDEF, ABCDEF, ABCDEF, ABCDEF, ABCDEF, ABCDEF
Hyper drive [O], Armor Plating, Point Defense System [O],
Tachyon Detection & Ranging [O], Spinal Mount [O],
Security Team [OOOOO],
Drones [OOOOO OOOOO OOOOO OOOOO OOOOO OOOOO OOOOO OOOOO OOOOO OOOOO OOOOO OOOOO]

1[HQ], 2[Ea], 3[Hb], 4[Sc], 5[H], 6[Q]

The T'ekua created the T'zuale class vessels as the ultimate expression of their protective paranoia.  Massive vessels mounting incredible shields and other defenses they have the fire power to single handedly burn off entire planets.  These vessels are never deployed away from the T'ekua nest systems and serve as the flag ship of the 'nest' system defense fleets.  Three such vessels exist for each of the 15 'nest' systems accompanied by a score of lesser vessels, the majority of which are K'draix, K'aular, and striker class ships.  These vessels are juggernauts and designed to go toe to toe with ANY threat to the 'nest' systems.  Those non-T'ekua whom actually see these behemoths close up seldom get to share the experience since within the 'nest' system all non-T'ekua are a threat...and therefore...an enemy to be destroyed.

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

Re: T'ekua (Tee- Eck-coo-eh) Ships

Editted to add some more fluff...

enjoy! smile