New Thrust rules playtest results

Hey gang,

A friend and I just finished a FT combat playtesting a set of rules we
developed recently. These rules are designed to keep ship speeds down to
around 20 or less. If you like high speed games then stop reading here 'cause
you probably won't like these rules. If, however, you're interested in slower
speed combats (so fighters and missiles have a chance at hitting), read on.:)

There is no limit to how fast a starship can go (at least as far as the game
mechanics are concerned). There is a maximum safe TURNING speed, however. We
decided that 2*Thrust is about what we wanted. For every point of speed a
starship exceeds this safe turning speed, roll a d6 and score damage as if it
were a beam attack. Screens do NOT protect. This is structural damage due to
high speed turns.

Ok, so basically this REALLY slows things down. To compensate we added one
more thing; hull reinforcement. You can buy up to 3 levels, protects the
vessel from turning damage as same level of screens. Doesn't help
against any other sort of damage though.  (Just re-read this and it's
not too clear. What I mean is if you have 3 levels of Hull reinforcement, then
it protects the same as 3 levels of Screens, FOR TURNING DAMAGE ONLY).

Hull reinforcement cost: 1 Level = 1 * Hull cost 2 Levels = 2 * Hull cost 3
Levels = 3 * Hull cost Hull reinforcement mass: 0 for all levels. (The cost is
bad enough).

Playtest comments: I like these rules alot. Sometimes, you just gotta make
that turn, even if you're going way over the safe limit. Makes for some really
tense moments when you make the manuever and then roll the dice. Creating
sound effects to simulate creaking hulls adds to the suspense. Hey, I think
I'll tape record some creaking hulls from one of my movies and play it
whenever someone pulls a tight turn. (I've got way too much free time to goof
off, don't I:)

We yell, "No guts, No glory", just before we start moving the ship. Everyone
immediately knows what that means (we had some spectators at the game). People
were saying things like, "Gee, hope you don't snap your ship in two". Just
added a little more suspense to our games.

Thought I'd let people know about it in case they were looking for something
different to try with their FT groups.

Pete