Dramatic SFB: Rules....

[Daniel Crispin]

Matt wrote:


I don't have that rule in my rulebook.  What module does it come from and what does it say?

I believe it comes from Advanced Missions. Perhaps Module J?

(S8.315) Players may adapt the "flexible group" rules from F&E (515.0). These can be summarized as follows: Carriers are divided into three types (size class 2, size class 3, and size class 4). Size class 2 carriers must have three escorts and can have four. Size class 3 carriers must have two escorts and can have three. Size class 4 carriers must have one escort and can have two. At least one escort must be size class 4, but otherwise, players may select any escorts available in the selected year so long as they are of the same empire. Non-carrier escorts cannot be used as carrier escorts in SFB.

What is a "carrier" under this rule is anything that has a "V" in their notes on the Master Ship Chart (MSC). Hydran carriers are instead noted under (R9.R4). Generally speaking, any ship listed with an escort table in their section-R description is a "true" carrier and subject to (S8.315). Ships without an escort table, generally speaking, are considered "Hybrid" carriers and fall under (S8.322).

Additionally:
(S8.316) Most survey ships are listed in their rules as sometimes carrying fighters. Players who take a survey ship as their allowed scout may equip it with some or all of the allowed fighters [see limit in (S8.32)]. Fast carriers operated without escorts while on deep raids. If fast carriers appear as the sole ships they need not have escorts, but they must be accompanied by their assigned escorts as any other carrier if appearing as part of a larger force. Fast carriers may, but are not required to, be accompanied by fast escorts if defined as being on a raid behind enemy lines. Fast carriers are currently limited to the Federation DVL and CVF; fast escorts are limited to the Federation FXE.
(S8.317) One or two carrier escorts (no more than one size class 3) could be assigned to protect tugs, FRDs, repair ships, PFTs, or convoys.

The reference to (S8.32) in the Survey Carrier (SRV) sentence further reinforces that SRVs are considered "true" carriers (beyond that they have escort tables and are noted in the MSC as carriers), as (S8.32) deals with the fighter limit from true carriers.

--Matt


Thanks for the complete rule.  I was under the impression that we could use any frigate or destroyer as escorts but when I re-read the rule it states that it's an exception for new players who don't have module J.  So I guess I will have to purchase escort ships if I want to operate a carrier.  At least the new rule is a bit more flexible than the standard carrier escort one.   If I was to put my dreadnaught as an escort to the carrier, I think I would feel very safe... what do you think? 😉

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