I've uploaded four diagrams that show possible firing arcs for use with Knight Hawks. They don't require vector movement but they would work well with it. The idea behind adding firing arcs is to add a new layer of tactics through maneuvering. It also allows mass and volume based ship construction systems to mount larger numbers of weapons without being able to focus fire a smaller ship into oblivion.<br /><br />You can still have 360 degree weapons, they just carry a cost in credits, mass, or volume. Cannons are unchanged.<br /><br />Here's a rundown of the four diagrams. I'd really like opinions on which, or which combo, you'd prefer. If you prefer the Knight Hawks system, that's fine too.<br /><br />In all cases, any weapon can fire at a ship in the same hex. Also, white hexes can be fired into by any weapon that can fire on either side of them.<br /><br /><b>Left and Right Half Arcs</b><br /><br />http://www.starfrontiers.us/node/8025<br /><br />This is the easiest diagram to follow. The center row is shared. One important feature of this diagram is that the white column immediately in front of the ship can be fired at by all weapons.<br /><br /><b>Fore and Aft Arcs<br /><br /></b>http://www.starfrontiers.us/node/8026<br /><br />I call these Battleship arcs because they're similar to WWII capital ships firing patterns. Note the white hexes along the center. Unlike the left and right halves, there is no row where everything can fire. I actually prefer this to the left and right halves for that very reason.<br /><br /><b>Quadrant Arcs<br /><br /></b>http://www.starfrontiers.us/node/8027<br /><br />This is the cleanest diagram, having no overlaps, and my personal preference. <br /><br /><b>Six Arc Diagram<br /><br /></b>http://www.starfrontiers.us/node/8028<br /><br />This has the most overlaps. Its advantage is mostly in its use for armor, or shields in Star Fleet Battles. It's easy to determine which hexside gets hit and only armor and weapons facing that hexside can take damage. This allows ships to attempt to shelter damaged areas by turning away from attackers.<br /><br />It's possible to combine these. For example, laser batteries might fire using the quadrants while proton and electron batteries were left and right half. Star Fleet Battles uses all of these in different roles. We don't need to get that complex though.<br /><br />If you would state your preference<br /><br />One diagram (which one)<br /><br />Two diagrams for different weapons (which diagrams and what sort of weapons)<br /><br />None of them (Cannons and 360 weapons only)<br /><br />Something else (Tell me!)<br /><br />Note that none of these diagrams affect cannons in any way.
- Log in to post comments