Can Fighter Screens be used against SLM salvos? The description on Pg. 6 of
the FB seems to indicate that they're only effective against other fighters,
but elsewhere on that page it states that fighters can (generally) intercept
missiles, too. I can see valid arguments on both sides of this issue, but so
far my ruling is that fighter screens CAN intercept missiles. How do you other
folks play this?
bTa
> Barton T. Anderson wrote:
intercept
> missiles, too. I can see valid arguments on both sides of this issue,
Thoughts, just to muddy the issue!
1) The SLM is called a missile, is mass two (the same size as a normal
FT/MT missile.). (Thats one for the fighter intercept school.)
2) The 'missile' is a dispenser for 6, 1D6 submunitions. If
intercepted by a fighter Sq. will the missile attack the ship with the
normal 1D6 attack or the fighters? (The rules indicate the attace will
be against 'the nearest ship'. (The problem here is: How do you define
a 'ship'.)
3) Can the fighters intercept the SLM missile prior to the submunitions being
launched? 4) Does the submunition, if used against a fighter Sq. attack the
Sq. doing 1D6 per submunition, OR does the individual fighter hit with a
submunition get 1D6 damage?
Bye for now,
> Can Fighter Screens be used against SLM salvos?
Given that there are specific rules for fighters intercepting (and
occasionally being destroyed by the blast from) missiles, I'd say that's a
yes...
> Can Fighter Screens be used against SLM salvos? The description on Pg.
6 of
> the FB seems to indicate that they're only effective against other
intercept
> missiles, too. I can see valid arguments on both sides of this issue,
Always played it that the fighter screens could intercept SLMs in lieu of
incoming fighter squadrons. I believe that is the official ruling (was in the
playtest phases of life!:)
Mk
> At 07:15 PM 8/18/98 -0700, you wrote:
Actually, no, a group of six missiles is mass two. See page 9 of the fleet
book; six missiles are launched at once, not one missile that then breaks
out a few warheads. (This is the semi-traditional "anime" missile
barrage
here... now, for the Gainax special -- homing lasers! ^_- )
> 2) The 'missile' is a dispenser for 6, 1D6 submunitions.
Er... no, not quite, see above.
> If
The missiles attack the ship; fighters may attack the missiles prior to them
reaching the ship, however.
> 3) Can the fighters intercept the SLM missile prior to the submunitions
That's what they're trying to do, yes. (Though not "the" missile.)
> 4) Does the submunition, if used against a fighter Sq. attack the Sq.
Can't use 'em against fighter squadrons, though each fighter trying to
intercept a missile dies on a roll of '6', no rerolls.
Later,
> 1) The SLM is called a missile, is mass two (the same size as a normal
Fighters are not ships.
> 3) Can the fighters intercept the SLM missile prior to the
Yes. It is not, as I understand it, a missile with multiple
warheads--it
is a clutch of small missiles. One might say, a salvo of missiles.
> 4) Does the submunition, if used against a fighter Sq. attack the Sq.
Neither. Missiles can't attack fighters, unless you care to make up a MT
variety PDS missile.
> Barton T. Anderson wrote:
> Can Fighter Screens be used against SLM salvos?
Yes. But you mean SML salvoes <g>
> The description on Pg. 6 of
No - it says that the fighter screen is intended as a protection against
other fighters. It *can* be used against missiles, but isn't particularly good
at it.
> but elsewhere on that page it states that fighters can (generally)
intercept
> missiles, too.
The SML rules on page 9 specifically state that screening fighters *can*
engage, and sometimes even shoot down, salvo missiles. I think they take
precedence over the (vague) fighter rules in this case <g>
Regards,
> John Leary wrote:
> Thoughts, just to muddy the issue!
No. The salvo missile salvo is a packet of *6* missiles fired as a salvo. The
rules consistently refer to it as "the salvo", not as "the missile". Read the
first sentence on FB p.9, for example.
BTW, the abbreviation "SLM" doesn't appear in the FB what I can see. It talks
about "SML" (Salvo Missile Launchers) and "SMR" (Salvo Missile Racks), and
about Missile Salvoes for the above, but "SLM" (Salvo Launched Missile?) is
not used. An SLM would probably be one of the six missiles in a salvo.
> 2) The 'missile' is a dispenser for 6, 1D6 submunitions.
The rules flatly contradict this.
> 3) Can the fighters intercept the SLM missile prior to the
Since there is no "sub-munition carrier" except the launching
*starship*, no.
> 4) Does the submunition, if used against a fighter Sq. attack the Sq.
SLM cannot be used against fighters, only ships (ie, anything designed using
the ship design rules of either FT2 or the FTFB).
Of course, there is nothing to stop you from designing an SMP carrier
pod, replacing the normal warhead of an MT missile with a sub-munitions
pack! It's just a different weapon from the SML/SMR...
Regards,
> Can Fighter Screens be used against SLM salvos? The description on Pg.
6 of
> the FB seems to indicate that they're only effective against other
intercept
> missiles, too. I can see valid arguments on both sides of this issue,
Further down page 6: Interception of Missiles by Fighters.
- Sam