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

Re: Mecha in Starmada

RiflemanIII wrote:
go0gleplex wrote:

Transforming boarder is something brought up I think if you're looking at mecha advantages, rather than selective targeting allow them to attack while in the same hex as the starship, assuming they've landed on the hull.  Damage is the same, but they can then ignore shields once landed, so no PEN roll needed.   I don't believe fighters can attack while in the same hex, so this could be a pretty good beni.

Nothing can attack anything in the same hex, as far as I know. I'd actually value this ability higher than selective targeting, as it would make the mecha invulnerable to any counterfire from the ship in question, even from close-range defense weapons like the shockwave and carronade.

Point Defense and AFB should still be effective against them I'd think, plus enemy mecha would be a threat/ needed counter.  But glad to know I hadn't lost my mind about the same hex thing.  I'd agree with the cost...and it would definitely reflect the mecha of the anime stuff I think.

  • Registered: 2006-08-07
  • Posts: 161

Re: Mecha in Starmada

Point Defense and AFB should still be effective against them I'd think, plus enemy mecha would be a threat/ needed counter.  But glad to know I hadn't lost my mind about the same hex thing.  I'd agree with the cost...and it would definitely reflect the mecha of the anime stuff I think.

An addendum: fighters can attack fighters in the same hex.

As with selective targeting, however, I can't think of a multiplier high enough. The idea of a unit having the potential to be effectively invulnerable doesn't seem justifiable with any mere point value. Plus, it also looks like it would ignore ionic shields, too, which are supposed to defend against shield-ignoring weapons.

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

Re: Mecha in Starmada

RiflemanIII wrote:

Point Defense and AFB should still be effective against them I'd think, plus enemy mecha would be a threat/ needed counter.  But glad to know I hadn't lost my mind about the same hex thing.  I'd agree with the cost...and it would definitely reflect the mecha of the anime stuff I think.

An addendum: fighters can attack fighters in the same hex.

As with selective targeting, however, I can't think of a multiplier high enough. The idea of a unit having the potential to be effectively invulnerable doesn't seem justifiable with any mere point value. Plus, it also looks like it would ignore ionic shields, too, which are supposed to defend against shield-ignoring weapons.

Well...it would only be ignoring shields IF it could successfully land on the target ship.  Getting there is half the fun after all.  :twisted:

  • Registered: 2006-01-18
  • Posts: 21

Re: Mecha in Starmada

Selective targeting = bad.


OK I agree selective targeting bad idea, But just a thought.

Point Defense and AFB should still be effective against them I'd think, plus enemy mecha would be a threat/ needed counter. But glad to know I hadn't lost my mind about the same hex thing. I'd agree with the cost...and it would definitely reflect the mecha of the anime stuff I think.


I was Also thinking shockwave, any mecha on a ship when fired would suffer as per rules. And I dont think you crazy,same hex is a great idea.

Well...it would only be ignoring shields IF it could successfully land on the target ship. Getting there is half the fun after all.

Exaaaacly.

Plus, it also looks like it would ignore ionic shields,

I think ionic shielding is for non disruption of electronic systems, kind of like on Star Wars Empire Strikes Back, in the begining when they blasted imperial cruisers with ion cannons.

this info will help with my house rules. Thanks Guys.

  • Registered: 2006-08-07
  • Posts: 161

Re: Mecha in Starmada

aglass man wrote:

I think ionic shielding is for non disruption of electronic systems, kind of like on Star Wars Empire Strikes Back, in the begining when they blasted imperial cruisers with ion cannons.

I doubt it, because it puts shields in the way of any shield-ignoring weapon, regardless of fluff and other capabilities. The system-disrupting ion cannon is stopped cold alongside the magnetically-accelerated autocannon shell with the shield-piercing cap.

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

Re: Mecha in Starmada

Since the shockwave is an extension of the shields (more or less), if the mecha are inside of the shield then neither shockwave or ionic will be effective as pointed out.

The bigger question at that point then becomes...what is the shield perimeter.  Is it a 'skin tight' shield or a bubble shield.  If skin tight, then the issue of ignores shields and such becomes non-valid, since shields would still be an intervening factor.  If a bubble, then as said, once inside of the bubble, the shields themselves become a moot issue.:)

  • Registered: 2006-08-07
  • Posts: 161

Re: Mecha in Starmada

go0gleplex wrote:

Since the shockwave is an extension of the shields (more or less), if the mecha are inside of the shield then neither shockwave or ionic will be effective as pointed out.

The bigger question at that point then becomes...what is the shield perimeter.  Is it a 'skin tight' shield or a bubble shield.  If skin tight, then the issue of ignores shields and such becomes non-valid, since shields would still be an intervening factor.  If a bubble, then as said, once inside of the bubble, the shields themselves become a moot issue.:)

Why do I suddenly have the image of the shields "pancaking" the mecha against the hull? smile

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

Re: Mecha in Starmada

RiflemanIII wrote:
go0gleplex wrote:

Since the shockwave is an extension of the shields (more or less), if the mecha are inside of the shield then neither shockwave or ionic will be effective as pointed out.

The bigger question at that point then becomes...what is the shield perimeter.  Is it a 'skin tight' shield or a bubble shield.  If skin tight, then the issue of ignores shields and such becomes non-valid, since shields would still be an intervening factor.  If a bubble, then as said, once inside of the bubble, the shields themselves become a moot issue.:)

Why do I suddenly have the image of the shields "pancaking" the mecha against the hull? smile

Always an ugly...and distinct...possibility! :twisted:

  • Registered: 2006-01-18
  • Posts: 21

Re: Mecha in Starmada

Why do I suddenly have the image of the shields "pancaking" the mecha against the hull?

Know that down right hilarious lol .

Since the shockwave is an extension of the shields (more or less), if the mecha are inside of the shield then neither shockwave or ionic will be effective as pointed out.

The bigger question at that point then becomes...what is the shield perimeter. Is it a 'skin tight' shield or a bubble shield. If skin tight, then the issue of ignores shields and such becomes non-valid, since shields would still be an intervening factor. If a bubble, then as said, once inside of the bubble, the shields themselves become a moot issue.

Maybe you guys are thinking a liiiittle to deep into this? :?

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

Re: Mecha in Starmada

Naw...it's just exploring things is all. wink

Personally, given how shields are explained and fighters function per the current rules, I'm inclined to assume that shields tend to be 'bubbles' with the ship inside.  Hence the 'ignores shields' IF the mecha can land on the ship...(ie, survive the AFB and other counter fire involved)

I think the landing attempt should be a PEN roll since the mecha is itself the 'projectile'.  If using the KEB rules, then K and B shields would be more effective against them than E shields.

(tossing a little gasoline on the smoldering embers) :twisted:

  • Registered: 2006-01-18
  • Posts: 21

Re: Mecha in Starmada

Personally, given how shields are explained and fighters function per the current rules, I'm inclined to assume that shields tend to be 'bubbles' with the ship inside. Hence the 'ignores shields' IF the mecha can land on the ship...(ie, survive the AFB and other counter fire involved)

I think the landing attempt should be a PEN roll since the mecha is itself the 'projectile'. If using the KEB rules, then K and B shields would be more effective against them than E shields.

I agree,heck another idea I had was that if Mecha attack a ship with ionic shielding(come into conntact) ,roll a dice equal to the number of mecha, on a 1,3,5. The unit shuts down/ destroyed. :twisted:

Hey is there a house rules posting area, or site?