FEDERATION SPACE 3.5
A Precursor to Federation & Empire
Vassal Module by Craig68x
This game was originally produced by Task Force Games back in 1981. It was, by all accounts, a snapshot of what eventually became Federation and Empire nearly five years later. I personally prefer this version since I don't work for NASA.
Welcome to Revision 2! The Wrath of Craig. After honing more skill with Vassal I decided to overhaul this module I created. The counters are cleaner; the board is cleaner, and there is less riff-raff than what I put into the 1st edition. Bad me.
With that said, let me explain the changes (subtractions):
Starbases:
All Starbases are now located with the regular pieces. They no longer are 'stuck' to the board.
OOB:
The Fleet Organization Charts were done by a fellow BBG member. These are top-notch, and allow for a more 'balanced' game. Thanks, Byron, for the usage!
Sequence of Play:
The Sequence of Play is intact with the addition of an ECONOMICS PHASE.
Planets:
I did away with the planets to keep the board less cluttered. The map board has planets imprinted on it.
The new TACTICAL COMBAT DISPLAY is a creation from Byron. It supports space for support ships (ships with a box around the Defense rating), and the like.
Stacking: (We now stack up to 10; choose what's best for you)
As per the rules, only 6 'ships' may occupy a single hex. Well, I broke this rule. Some stacks are up to 8 'ships.' This is not necessarily a gamebreaker. These extra ships can be put in reserve, or, doubled up on other opposing ships.
Per the rules, it stated in testing from players that 6 was a more manageable size. So what's the problem with 8? Remember, this was 1981 thinking. We can handle 8. The TCD handles up to 7 if you have fighters involved.
Now the problem is: the more ships in a hex mean less are spread out on the map. So pick your poison.
The fighter squadrons can be accessed in the FLEETS menu. Also, the Federation is the only fleet that carries 2 squadrons on its CV. So make sure you double up!
The Enterprise counter was added for 'flavor.' Use it or not. Maybe if the Feds are getting the crap kicked out of them perhaps Kirk can save the day?
Task Bar:
I added a Captains Log ( a simple notepad), and did away with the solitaire directional do-hickey. I failed. :(
Romulan Cloaking Device:
(For Romulan players only) I have included the Invisible trait for ALL combat vessels now. It's in the RIGHT-CLICK menu for the pieces (Cloaking Device). Obviously the Dry Dock and Fighters don't have it, As per the 'official rules', you cannot fire while cloaked, and the To-Hit for your opponents is (-5) on the CRT.
Orion Pirates:
I ALWAYS hated the pirate's ship silhouette . So, I created new ones. If anyone has ever seen the original ones you will understand.
Other Races:
The Lyrans, LDR, and ISC will be added in an extension in the not-to-distant future. The WYN? What can you really do for one hex?
I did away with the Borg. (Sorry, Locutus.)
I hope you enjoy this module....again.
-Craig68x
Questions or comments can be made here: craig68x@gmail.com