My attempt at an emergency battlefleet (http://aurora2.pentarch.org/index.php?topic=12120) has shown me that I really need a lot of practice designing military ships---and using them.
Is there a way to create battle scenarios using SM mode? Ideally using an NPR?
Thanks in advance!
If you want a suggestion, avoind NPR for combat testing. Go with you versus you. Same ships in the beginning will test your offensive capabilities and defensive.
Later you can start play considering the data you collect improving attack and defense. It is also great for detection as you will see exactly when ships can see each other. Remove all DTS first though!
Play with tactics too and experiment on formations.
Remember to keep SM on and flag all races in the event log.
I have a DB with all techs unlocked that serves only this purpose, it's my playground. Easy to setup. Create all ships designs, then sm colony on Mars with pop, declare indipendence and you have an exact copy of your race designs included.
After so many tests the ships are now so different, like night and day.