• Registered: 2006-03-23
  • Posts: 241

Topic: DRat calculation help!

I am having difficulty matching up SXCA with what my copy of the rules say concerning DRat. My version (2.0) of the rules under rule A.2.2 says HSx3xappropriate shield factor. My version of SXCA (2.61) has HSx12/(6-Shield).

If I have a HS of 8 and and no shields:
My rules say my basic DRat is 8x3x1.0 = 24
SXCA says my basic DRat is 8x12/(6-0) = 16

If I have a HS of 8 and Shield of 1:
My rules say 8x3x1.2 = 28.8
SXCA says 8*12/(6-1) = 19.2

Has there been a rules change. Is there erratta somewhere or is SXCA wrong? Am I just blind and missing something?

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

Re: DRat calculation help!

japridemor wrote:

I am having difficulty matching up SXCA with what my copy of the rules say concerning DRat. My version (2.0) of the rules under rule A.2.2 says HSx3xappropriate shield factor. My version of SXCA (2.61) has HSx12/(6-Shield).

Well, first of all, the factors in rule A.2.2 are the result of the formula 6/(6-Shield Rating); I use the formula in the Excel spreadsheet 'cause it's easier.

Secondly, there is an errata -- the rulebook should say Hull Points x2, not x3. When this change is made, the two jibe with each other:

HS x 2 x 6/(6-Shields) = HS x 12/(6-Shields)

Anyone remember why it says "x3" in the first place?

God, I'm getting old -- 35 years, 4 days and counting...

Daniel Kast
Majestic Twelve Games
cricket@mj12games.com

mj12games's Website

  • Registered: 2006-03-23
  • Posts: 241

Re: DRat calculation help!

That explains it. Thanks a lot.

  • Registered: 2005-03-30
  • Posts: 272

Re: DRat calculation help!

Isn't the x3 a holdover from the period when hull hits were a 1/3 chance rather than 1/2?  First printing of Starmada: X, wasn't it?

But yeah, x2 makes more sense, I think.

Rich

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

Re: DRat calculation help!

hundvig wrote:

Isn't the x3 a holdover from the period when hull hits were a 1/3 chance rather than 1/2?  First printing of Starmada: X, wasn't it?

Riiiight... I think. I don't have any copies of that first printing lying around...

But it makes more sense to keep it at x2, since the pre-X Starmada rules had a 50% chance of a hull hit.

Daniel Kast
Majestic Twelve Games
cricket@mj12games.com

mj12games's Website

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

Re: DRat calculation help!

At least you're not havin the "Black Birthday" yet Dan.  tongue

  • Registered: 2006-03-23
  • Posts: 241

Re: DRat calculation help!

So the basic DRat calculation is HS x 2 x ( 6 /  ( 6 – Shield ) ). Is the 2 in the equation due to the fact that ships only take a hull hit on a 1, 3 or 5 (50% chance)? If that is the case, if a ship only took hull hits on say 2 and 5 would that number be changed to 3 [HS x 3 x ( 6 /  ( 6 – Shield ) )]? Or if it took hits on a 1, 3, 4, and 6 would it have a value of 1.5 there?
Maybe a new hull strengthening equipment could be added to adjust this number? Or a unique race might have harder or weaker hulls  and could adjust this number? Just peering into all of the formulas.

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

Re: DRat calculation help!

japridemor wrote:

So the basic DRat calculation is HS x 2 x ( 6 /  ( 6 – Shield ) ). Is the 2 in the equation due to the fact that ships only take a hull hit on a 1, 3 or 5 (50% chance)? If that is the case, if a ship only took hull hits on say 2 and 5 would that number be changed to 3 [HS x 3 x ( 6 /  ( 6 – Shield ) )]? Or if it took hits on a 1, 3, 4, and 6 would it have a value of 1.5 there?

Yes.

Maybe a new hull strengthening equipment could be added to adjust this number? Or a unique race might have harder or weaker hulls  and could adjust this number? Just peering into all of the formulas.

That should work out fine...

Daniel Kast
Majestic Twelve Games
cricket@mj12games.com

mj12games's Website