• From: Denver, CO
  • Registered: 2005-03-27
  • Posts: 3,578

Topic: Shield space requirements

Considering a tweak to shield generator space requirements.

Currently, the space requirement is linear in relation to the shield rating: i.e. a shield rating of 5 requires five times as much space as a shield rating of 1. However, this makes higher shield ratings a much more efficient use of space than other forms of defense.

For example, if you put a shield rating of 4 on a ship of hull size 10, it requires 440 SUs; however, putting a shield rating of 3 and an Ionized Hull on that ship would require 506 SUs.

What I propose is to impose a surcharge of 25% on the SU cost of shields 4, and a 60% surcharge on the SU cost of shields 5.

Note this only applies to space; it has no effect on the DRAT/Combat Rating.

Daniel Kast
Majestic Twelve Games
cricket@mj12games.com

mj12games's Website

  • Registered: 2018-07-09
  • Posts: 136

Re: Shield space requirements

I'm not that keen on it, myself, mainly because you have the ability to lessen higher shield ratings--they're called Piercing and Modulating. I can see how some might wish to lessen the effects of high shielding, but I'd say leave it as-is--but if you want it optional I have no problem.

(this is mainly because otherwise I'd have to re-do my mammoth setting AGAIN and I have no desire to do that, but also because I genuinely believe that, unlike some other forms of defence, you CAN mitigate shielding somewhat, whereas with Ionized Hull, Stealth etc you can't)

  • From: Denver, CO
  • Registered: 2005-03-27
  • Posts: 3,578

Re: Shield space requirements

Since it doesn't impact Combat Ratings, you don't *have* to incorporate the change. Space requirements are, after all, entirely malleable, as evidenced by the tech level rules.

OTOH, this isn't something anyone has asked for -- it's something that bugs me so I thought I'd see how easy it would be to fix.

Daniel Kast
Majestic Twelve Games
cricket@mj12games.com

mj12games's Website

  • Registered: 2006-01-17
  • Posts: 740

Re: Shield space requirements

I think that the shield SUs are fine; no need for a change.

  • Registered: 2005-12-28
  • Posts: 195

Re: Shield space requirements

I think the current sizes are fine. Larger engines can be more efficient engines, so one could argue that the higher value shields should take relatively less space.  Leave them as is.