Author Topic: Precursors and expendable stuff  (Read 1496 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Deoxy (OP)

  • Warrant Officer, Class 2
  • ****
  • D
  • Posts: 50
Precursors and expendable stuff
« on: April 19, 2011, 09:32:39 PM »
So, from what I've experienced so far, Precursor ships have no maintenance issues, never run out of fuel, and never run out of missiles... is that right?

Because, man, after all the bloody freighters they've destroyed over the past 10+ years (after my neighbor opened up trade through a precursor system), they sure don't SEEM to have a limit...

I think I'm going to have to actually get rid of them, just to keep my stupid STUPID civilians alive.
 

Offline sloanjh

  • Global Moderator
  • Admiral of the Fleet
  • *****
  • Posts: 2805
  • Thanked: 112 times
  • 2023 Supporter 2023 Supporter : Supporter of the forum in 2023
    2024 Supporter 2024 Supporter : Supporter of the forum for 2024
    2021 Supporter 2021 Supporter :
    2020 Supporter 2020 Supporter :
Re: Precursors and expendable stuff
« Reply #1 on: April 19, 2011, 09:49:05 PM »
So, from what I've experienced so far, Precursor ships have no maintenance issues, never run out of fuel, and never run out of missiles... is that right?

Maintenance and fuel, I'm pretty sure that's correct (for NPR too).  I think a big part of this is it made the NPR AI code easier to write, and wasn't too terribly imbalancing.  As for missiles, no, they can shoot themselves dry.

John
 

Offline Narmio

  • Lieutenant
  • *******
  • N
  • Posts: 181
Re: Precursors and expendable stuff
« Reply #2 on: April 19, 2011, 09:58:57 PM »
Be aware, though, that precursor squadrons often operate near a robotic listening post that contains a large ammo dump.

My suggestion would be a force of cheap, disposable FACs (or small ships if you haven't researched FAC engines), each with a number of box launchers (or the most reduced-size launcher you have researched).  Design a missile that goes as far as the precursor missiles can reach and has enough spare fire-control range to account for their ECM.  Give the missiles small active sensors in case the launch platform is destroyed before they arrive. Make the missiles small, size 3-4 or so, but with at least Damage 4. Fire everything you have as soon as you can, all at once.  Aim for at least 5 missiles per 1000t of precursors, and split what you have among their fleet. Blow your entire load in one volley, so to speak.  

Your doctrine for this engagement is "At least they'll die too!"


---
Edit re below:  Good point.  I hadn't thought of that. Spoilerfied.
« Last Edit: April 20, 2011, 01:37:58 AM by Narmio »
 

Offline sloanjh

  • Global Moderator
  • Admiral of the Fleet
  • *****
  • Posts: 2805
  • Thanked: 112 times
  • 2023 Supporter 2023 Supporter : Supporter of the forum in 2023
    2024 Supporter 2024 Supporter : Supporter of the forum for 2024
    2021 Supporter 2021 Supporter :
    2020 Supporter 2020 Supporter :
Re: Precursors and expendable stuff
« Reply #3 on: April 20, 2011, 01:00:24 AM »
Be aware, though, that precursor squadrons often operate near a robotic listening post that contains a large ammo dump.

I was trying not to give that part away....

John
 

Offline Deoxy (OP)

  • Warrant Officer, Class 2
  • ****
  • D
  • Posts: 50
Re: Precursors and expendable stuff
« Reply #4 on: April 20, 2011, 09:14:24 AM »
My suggestion would be a force of cheap, disposable FACs (or small ships if you haven't researched FAC engines), each with a number of box launchers (or the most reduced-size launcher you have researched).  Design a missile that goes as far as the precursor missiles can reach and has enough spare fire-control range to account for their ECM.  Give the missiles small active sensors in case the launch platform is destroyed before they arrive. Make the missiles small, size 3-4 or so, but with at least Damage 4. Fire everything you have as soon as you can, all at once.  Aim for at least 5 missiles per 1000t of precursors, and split what you have among their fleet. Blow your entire load in one volley, so to speak.  

Your doctrine for this engagement is "At least they'll die too!"

That's exactly what I was working on, actually - since it's the very next system, and I don't even have to put much fuel capacity on them.  I'll have box launchers in 18 months, and their missiles are apparently VERY short range.  That, or their sensor resolution is set VERY large, so they have trouble seeing my ships.