Module Notes
Hello, I hope you enjoy using this module.
Please please please if you buy anything from ADB's webstore let them know
you learned/got into SFB through this module so they know it wasn't a waste
of time to
grant permission for it (it was a rare occurrence indeed that they did).
Once you go through the scenarios and graduate to the full scale SSDs you
will notice that the cadet ships lack some systems. Notably tractor beams.
This was done to keep the sometimes complex tractor pseudo speed
calculations out of the learning process. You will also notice that in the
actual written cadet rules(if you downloaded them) and on the cadet energy
allocation forms, they don't have shield reinforcement, repair lines, or
make use of tractor beams, suicide shuttles, wild weasels, scatter packs,
HET's, erratic maneuvers or electronic warfare. You can however add these
once you learn them. On some EAFs I've already added specific and general
reinforcement as well as shield repair so you would have something to do
with all that excess power.
Creating/modifying ssds in vassal is time consuming so you'll forgive me for
the combined ssds, or when I moved some boxes around.
It made things easier on me and hopefully easier on the players.
Cloaking device: For the Romulan ships you should only use the cloaking
device on the Old/New series ships. Using the cloak on the klingon series
will unbalance the game in favor of the Romulan.
Q: Some races have more ships than others. WHY??
A: Making SSDs in vassal is slow - - tedious - - and - - time consuming. I
only made the extra ships for the most popular races. Fed, Klingon, Gorn,
Kzinti, and Romulan. If you want more you will have to make them yourself
and submit a module extension or request that I do them. Keep in mind ADB
has only given permission for the 4 full sized SSDs. Any other full sized
SSDs are a no go. If you really need the full size ssds make sure yourself
and your opponent have each bought the ADB product the ship is from and then
just use the paper copies and use vassal as the map and counter interface.
Q: Romulans don't have a Light cruiser!?!?
A: Yes, but the Old series CA without a cloak makes a very good CL. In fact the Old series
Destroyer without cloak makes a good Frigate. If you add the cloak to the
Klingon series consider them the next class up. I.E. the FF becomes a DD,
the KR becomes a Battle Cruiser, the DN becomes a Heavy DN/Battleship.
Orion:
You can add a cloak to the Orion to increase the replay difficulty for the
scenarios where it is used. Also note that the Orion weapon mounts for the
Photon and Drones are actually option mounts in full SFB and if you look at
the Orion Cartel sheet you can experiment replaceing them with other
weapons.
Slowness:
You will notice using the Full scale SSDs the vassal client slows down.
Applying 1 damage may take 2 seconds and applying 16 may take 20. This is
because of the way the SSDs are represented graphically. We are pushing the
Vassal engine to it's limits. For instance a 16 point shield is actually one
layer containing 17 graphics. So a D7 30 pt shield is 31 graphics just for
that shield! The bigger things get the more graphics are used. Things get
out of hand pretty quick. 30pt #1, 22pt #2,#6, a 15 pt #3 & #5, a 13 pt
#4 that's 127 graphic just for the shields. There is probably a better way
to do bigger SSDs using imported javaclasses but that is beyind my ability.
Since there are only 4 full size SSDs in the module the slowness using them
is acceptable. Stick to the cadet ships and there should be no slowness.
BPV:
In SFB fleets are assembled using a battlepoint value(BPV) system and S8
patrol rules. Cadet doesn't have this. Jeremy Gray has created a system to
assemble fleets and you can read about it here
http://jgray-sfb.com/cadet/cadet.html or you can make up your own system.
Simultaneous reveal:
There is a rudementary way to do this using the PubPriv Notes button on the
Delayed tab. Click "New" enter the sequence of play step you wish to do a
simultaneis revel on as a label in the "name" field (your opponnent see's
this). Then fill in the text area with the specifics of what your action is
(this is hidden until revealed). Then click "ok" and "save". Once saved your
opponnent sees the stage you wish to simul on in the chat window. He does
his action/no action for that step and saves. Then you both go back to
pubpriv and select the step and click "reveal". You should then copy paste
this into the chat line.
Dropped connection:
SAVE YOUR GAME, reconnect rejoin the room then load the save.
STACKED counters:
Use the "Units on map" window to secect a single unit of a stack to move.
The ctrl+shift+number pad shortcuts will work with that window. You can
otherwise double click the stack then grab the individual unit.
Setting Speed:
Use the "Change label" menu option and just type it in after the unit name.
You can do this in either the counter or SSD sheet.
Chat & EAF Done:
There is no echo to chat when you close the EAF spreadsheet so you will have
to type into chat that you are done EA, or if you are using a voice/ audio
service tell your opponnent you are ready.
8/16/32 Impulse chart:
These charts are configurable to hide steps you don't need. Only one player
needs to control this as every click of the "+" is echoed to the chat area.
SSDs:
You can drag and drop an SSD onto the map for use. Just move it to another
area on the map to avoid covering up counters in use. SSDs on the map can be
clicked on by ANYONE. The "show data" spreadsheet is accessible by ANYONE
while an SSD is on the map. To make these private use the Player SSD window.
Player SSDs window:
If you like to, you can drag the SSDs into this window and only you (as a
specific player) can modify the SSD or see the "show data" spreadsheet.
You need to become the player side to use that player side SSD area however.
Retire button:(Player sides)
Use this to change player "sides". That is to say if you want to be the
Klingon player and use the Klingon player's SSD are you need to assume the
Klingon player side. This can be done when first opening a room/screnario or
via the retire button.
Feedback:
email me at starfleetbattles@outlook.com or post to
one of the Facebook groups for SFB like the SFB Cadet group
You can thank ADB for allowing this module at
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Amarillo-Design-Bureau-Inc/231728653279?fref=ts
or on their BBS
http://www.starfleetgames.com/discus/messages/12031/10254.html?1438962324#POST745316
Have fun playing SFB!