MSRD:Starships

This material is published under the OGL 1.0a.

STARSHIP TYPES

A starship can be one of the following five types: ultralight, light, mediumweight, heavy, or superheavy. A starship’s type determines how much space it occupies on the battle grid, as well as its game statistics.

To build a starship hull from scratch, a character must succeed at a Craft (structural) check (DC 30) after investing the requisite amount of assembly time, based on the ship’s type: ultralight 600 hours, light 1,200 hours, mediumweight 2,400 hours, heavy 4,800 hours, superheavy 9,600 hours. A character without a mechanical tool kit takes a –4 penalty on the skill check. The character must also make a Wealth check against the ship’s base purchase DC.

STARSHIP STATISTICS

This chapter includes ready-to-use statistics for various starship subtypes. These statistics represent baseline models only. A starship’s statistics and performance can be improved by upgrading its weapons, armor, shields, defensive systems, and engines.

Each starship description includes the following statistics.

Type: The starship’s type (ultralight, light, mediumweight, heavy, or superheavy) determines its fighting space on the battle grid.

Subtype: The starship’s subtype describes the ship’s primary function (for example, fighter or strike cruiser).

Defense: A starship’s Defense determines how hard the ship is to hit. A starship’s flat-footed Defense does not include the pilot’s Dexterity modifier. A starship’s autopilot Defense is used when the ship’s autopilot system is engaged.

Hardness: A ship’s hardness is determined by its armor. Hardness reduces the amount of damage the ship takes from weapon attacks. Better armor can improve a ship’s hardness.

Hit Dice: A ship’s Hit Dice (HD) determines how many hit points it has. Hit Dice are never rolled to determine a ship’s hit points; the ship always gets maximum hit points for each Hit Die.

Initiative Modifier: A starship’s initiative modifier is equal to the pilot’s Dexterity modifier, with a +4 bonus if the pilot has the Improved Initiative feat.

Pilot’s Class Bonus: The pilot’s class bonus to Defense applies to the starship’s normal and flat-footed Defense.

Pilot’s Dex Modifier: The pilot’s Dexterity modifier applies to the starship’s Defense, except when the ship is flat-footed or grappled.

Gunner’s Attack Bonus: The gunner’s attack bonus applies to ranged weapon attacks.

Size: The ship’s size affects its Defense, weapon attack rolls, and grapple modifier.

Tactical Speed: Tactical speed represents how far the starship can move as a move action using its thrusters. Speed is listed in feet and squares. Most starships have a base tactical speed of 3,000 feet. Better engines can improve a starship’s tactical speed (see Starship Engines), while heavier armor can reduce a ship’s tactical speed (see Starship Armor,).

Length: The ship’s length in feet.

Weight: The ship’s weight in pounds or tons.

Targeting System Bonus: The ship’s computerized targeting system provides an equipment bonus on a gunner’s attack rolls and a similar equipment bonus on attack rolls made by the ship’s point-efense system (see Attack of Opportunity, below). This equipment bonus is already factored in to the ship’s attack statistics.

Crew: The ship’s standard crew complement is given here. A ship cannot operate with less than one-quarter of its standard crew complement. The crew’s quality is given in parentheses, along with the crew’s modifier to skill checks (including Pilot checks made to avoid hazards). The quality of the crew determines the pilot’s class bonus to Defense, the pilot’s Dexterity modifier, and the gunner’s attack bonus (see Table: Crew Quality for details).

Passenger Capacity: The maximum number of passengers that can be safely lodged aboard the ship.

Cargo Capacity: The maximum tonnage of cargo that the ship can store in its holds.

Grapple Modifier: The ship’s grapple check modifier is based on its size (Huge +8, Gargantuan +12, Colossal +16). Grapple checks come into play whenever grapplers and tractor beams are used (see Grappling Systems).

Base Purchase DC: The base purchase DC includes the ship’s hull and a trained crew, but not its engines, armor, shields, defensive systems, sensor systems, comm systems, weapons, or grappling systems (which must be purchased separately).

Restriction: The ship’s restriction rating.

Attack: This line shows the ranged weapon attacks a starship typically makes when it uses an attack action.

Attack of Opportunity: If the ship has a point-defense system installed, it threatens ships passing through its fighting space or adjacent squares. Use the line to resolve attacks of opportunity made by the ship.

Standard Design Specs: The ship’s engines, armor, defensive systems, sensors, communications, weapons, and grappling systems are listed here.

IMPROVING A STARSHIP’S STATISTICS

The starship statistics presented below use standard design specs appropriate for the lowest Progress Level at which these ships can be played (PL 6 or PL 7 for most ships). Improving a starship’s statistics requires upgrades to its crew, armor, defensive systems, sensor systems, and/or weapons, as discussed throughout this chapter.

ULTRALIGHT STARSHIP SUBTYPES

Ultralight ships cover most small spacecraft, including fighters, cutters, launches, and couriers.

An ultralight starship can be up to 250 feet long. It occupies a 250-foot-by-250-foot fighting space, and up to four ultralight starships can occupy a single 500-foot square. Due to their relatively small size, ultralight starships can form into wings (see Ultralight Starship Wings).

In addition, all ultralight starships share the following design specs.

Engines: All ultralight starships have thrusters. In addition, ships of PL 6 or higher have one other type of engine (see Starship Engines).

Armor: An ultralight ship has one type of armor (see Starship Armor).

Defensive Systems: An ultralight starship has a maximum of one defensive system per 3 Hit Dice (see Starship Defense Systems).

Sensors: An ultralight starship has a maximum of two sensor systems (see Starship Sensors).

Communications: An ultralight starship has a maximum of two external communication systems (see Starship Comm Systems).

Weapons: An ultralight starship has one beam, projectile, or missile weapon per 3 Hit Dice (see Starship Weapons).

These weapons are often fire-linked. An ultralight ship cannot be armed with mines.

Grappling Systems: An ultralight starship may have up to two grappling systems (see Grappling Systems). Each grappling system takes away one of the ship’s weapon slots (see above).

ULTRALIGHT SHIP DESCRIPTIONS

Specific subtypes of ultralight starships are given here.

ORBITAL SHUTTLE (PL 5)

An orbital shuttle can haul people and light equipment into orbit and return safely to the planet below, but it is not suitable for long-range space travel to other planets or star systems.

Type: Ultralight	Size: Gargantuan (–4 size)
Subtype: Orbital shuttle	Tactical Speed: 2,500 ft. (5 sq.)
Defense: 11	Length: 60 feet
Flat-footed Defense: 9	Weight: 220,000 lb.
Autopilot Defense: 8	Targeting System Bonus: —
Hardness: 20	Crew: 4 (trained +4)
Hit Dice: 6d20 (120 hp)	Passenger Capacity: 12
Initiative Modifier: +2	Cargo Capacity: 22,000 lb.
Pilot’s Class Bonus: +3	Grapple Modifier: +12
Pilot’s Dex Modifier: +2	Base Purchase DC: 52
Gunner’s Attack Bonus: —	Restriction: Restricted (+2)

Attack: None

Attack of Opportunity: None

Standard PL 5 Design Specs:

Engines: Thrusters

Armor: Alloy plating

Defense Systems: Autopilot system, damage control system (1d10)

Sensors: Class I sensor array

Communications: Radio transceiver

Weapons: None

Grappling Systems: Grapplers

COURIER (PL 6)

A courier is capable of extended operation away from its base (frequently a larger ship). Many low-end star yachts fall into the courier category.

Type: Ultralight	Size: Gargantuan (–4 size)
Subtype: Courier	Tactical Speed: 3,000 ft. (6 sq.)
Defense: 11	Length: 45 feet
Flat-footed Defense: 9	Weight: 90,000 lb.
Autopilot Defense: 8	Targeting System Bonus: +2
Hardness: 20	Crew: 4 (trained +4)
Hit Dice: 8d20 (160 hp)	Passenger Capacity: 12
Initiative Modifier: +2	Cargo Capacity: 9,000 lb.
Pilot’s Class Bonus: +3	Grapple Modifier: +12
Pilot’s Dex Modifier: +2	Base Purchase DC: 48
Gunner’s Attack Bonus: +2	Restriction: Licensed (+1)

Attack: Laser +0 ranged (6d8)

Attack of Opportunity: None

Standard PL 6 Design Specs:

Engines: Ion engine, thrusters

Armor: Polymeric

Defense Systems: Autopilot system, damage control system (1d10)

Sensors: Class II sensor array, targeting system

Communications: Laser transceiver, radio transceiver

Weapons: 1 laser (range incr. 3,000 ft.)

Grappling Systems: Grapplers

ESCORT (PL 6)

Escorts are a long-range patrol craft employed for various duties, including the protection of merchant ships and remote bases. Gunships or missile boats could qualify as escorts.

Type: Ultralight	Size: Colossal (–8 size)
Subtype: Escort	Tactical Speed: 3,000 ft. (6 sq.)
Defense: 7	Length: 180 feet
Flat-footed Defense: 5	Weight: 900 tons
Autopilot Defense: 5	Targeting System Bonus: +3
Hardness: 30	Crew: 8 (trained +4)
Hit Dice: 20d20 (400 hp)	Passenger Capacity: 24
Initiative Modifier: +4	Cargo Capacity: 30 tons
Pilot’s Class Bonus: +3	Grapple Modifier: +16
Pilot’s Dex Modifier: +2	Base Purchase DC: 52
Gunner’s Attack Bonus: +2	Restriction: Restricted (+2)

Attack: 2 fire-linked heavy neutron guns –3 ranged (15d8) and 2 fire-linked rail cannons –8 ranged (9d12) and CHE missile –8 ranged (6d12/19–20)

Attack of Opportunity: Point-defense system +3 ranged (1d12×10)

Standard PL 6 Design Specs:

Engines: Ion engine, thrusters

Armor: Vanadium

Defense Systems: Damage control system (1d10), magnetic field, point-defense system, radiation shielding, sensor jammer

Sensors: Class III sensor array, targeting system

Communications: Laser transceiver, radio transceiver

Weapons: 2 fire-linked heavy neutron guns (range incr. 6,000 ft.), 2 fire-linked rail cannons (range incr. 3,000 ft.), 1 CHE missile launcher (8 missiles)

Grappling Systems: Grapplers

FAST FREIGHTER (PL 6)

Fast freighters are commercial starships generally employed in frequent runs, such as delivering supplies to small outposts and bases, or occasional runs of high-bulk cargo, such as heavy machinery or vehicles. Fast freighters often carry some minor defensive armament.

Type: Ultralight	Size: Colossal (–8 size)
Subtype: Fast freighter	Tactical Speed: 3,500 ft. (7 sq.)
Defense: 7	Length: 110 feet
Flat-footed Defense: 5	Weight: 450 tons
Autopilot Defense: 5	Targeting System Bonus: +3
Hardness: 20	Crew: 4 (trained +4)
Hit Dice: 16d20 (320 hp)	Passenger Capacity: 4
Initiative Modifier: +2	Cargo Capacity: 300 tons
Pilot’s Class Bonus: +3	Grapple Modifier: +16
Pilot’s Dex Modifier: +2	Base Purchase DC: 52
Gunner’s Attack Bonus: +2	Restriction: Restricted (+2)

Attack: 2 fire-linked heavy lasers –3 ranged (12d8) and 2 fire-linked rail cannons –8 ranged (9d12)

Attack of Opportunity: None

Standard PL 6 Design Specs:

Engines: Ion engine, thrusters

Armor: Polymeric

Defense Systems: Autopilot system, damage control system (1d10), magnetic field, radiation shielding, sensor jammer

Sensors: Class II sensor array, targeting system

Communications: Laser transceiver, radio transceiver

Weapons: 2 fire-linked heavy lasers (range incr. 4,000 ft.), 2 fire-linked rail cannons (range incr. 3,000 ft.)

Grappling Systems: Grapplers

FIGHTER (PL 6)

Designed for action against other small craft, fighters lack the punch to be effective against large targets unless they’ve been modified to carry warheads.

Type: Ultralight	Size: Gargantuan (–4 size)
Subtype: Fighter	Tactical Speed: 3,500 ft. (7 sq.)
Defense: 19	Length: 36 feet
Flat-footed Defense: 13	Weight: 39,000 lb.
Autopilot Defense: 6	Targeting System Bonus: +2
Hardness: 20	Crew: 1 (ace +12)
Hit Dice: 8d20 (160 hp)	Passenger Capacity: 1
Initiative Modifier: +8	Cargo Capacity: 1,700 lb.
Pilot’s Class Bonus: +7	Grapple Modifier: +8
Pilot’s Dex Modifier: +6	Base Purchase DC: 48
Gunner’s Attack Bonus: +8/+3	Restriction: Military (+3)

Attack: 2 fire-linked fusion beams +6/+1 ranged (15d8)

Attack of Opportunity: None

Standard PL 6 Design Specs:

Engines: Ion engine, thrusters

Armor: Polymeric

Defense Systems: Damage control system (1d10), sensor jammer

Sensors: Class III sensor array, targeting system

Communications: Laser transceiver, radio transceiver

Weapons: 2 fire-linked fusion beams (range incr. 3,000 ft.)

Grappling Systems: None

LAUNCH (PL 6)

A launch is a shuttle designed simply to move small amounts of people from one point to another. Launches are rarely armed or armored. Evacuation pods and lunar landers fit into this category.

Type: Ultralight	Size: Huge (–2 size)
Subtype: Launch	Tactical Speed: 3,500 ft. (7 sq.)
Defense: 13	Length: 24 feet
Flat-footed Defense: 11	Weight: 24,000 lb.
Autopilot Defense: 9	Targeting System Bonus: +1
Hardness: 20	Crew: 1 (trained +4)
Hit Dice: 4d20 (80 hp)	Passenger Capacity: 4
Initiative Modifier: +2	Cargo Capacity: 2,400 lb.
Pilot’s Class Bonus: +3	Grapple Modifier: +8
Pilot’s Dex Modifier: +2	Base Purchase DC: 40
Gunner’s Attack Bonus: +2	Restriction: Licensed (+1)

Attack: Laser +1 ranged (6d8)

Attack of Opportunity: None

Standard PL 6 Design Specs:

Engines: Ion engine, thrusters

Armor: Polymeric

Defense Systems: Autopilot system

Sensors: Class II sensor array, targeting system

Communications: Laser transceiver, radio transceiver

Weapons: 1 laser

Grappling Systems: None

SCOUT (PL 6)

Scouts are designed to cross great distances and locate enemies quickly without engaging in serious combat.

Type: Ultralight	Size: Colossal (–8 size)
Subtype: Scout	Tactical Speed: 3,500 ft. (7 sq.)
Defense: 7	Length: 150 feet
Flat-footed Defense: 5	Weight: 600 tons
Autopilot Defense: 5	Targeting System Bonus: +3
Hardness: 30	Crew: 8 (trained +4)
Hit Dice: 15d20 (300 hp)	Passenger Capacity: 8
Initiative Modifier: +2	Cargo Capacity: 30 tons
Pilot’s Class Bonus: +3	Grapple Modifier: +16
Pilot’s Dex Modifier: +2	Base Purchase DC: 52
Gunner’s Attack Bonus: +2	Restriction: Military (+3)

Attack: 2 fire-linked heavy neutron guns –3 ranged (15d8) and 2 CHE missiles –8 ranged (6d12/19–20)

Attack of Opportunity: None

Standard PL 6 Design Specs:

Engines: Ion engine, thrusters

Armor: Vanadium

Defense Systems: Autopilot system, damage control system (1d10), radiation shielding, self-destruct system, sensor jammer

Sensors: Class II sensor array, targeting system

Communications: Laser transceiver, radio transceiver

Weapons: 2 fire-linked heavy neutron guns (range incr. 6,000 ft.), 2 CHE missile launchers (8 missiles each)

Grappling Systems: Grapplers

ASSAULT FIGHTER (PL 7)

The assault fighter is similar to the PL 6 fighter, but with superior engines, armaments, and defenses at the cost of less cargo capacity.

Type: Ultralight	Size: Gargantuan (–4 size)
Subtype: Assault fighter	Tactical Speed: 4,000 ft. (8 sq.)
Defense: 19	Length: 32 feet
Flat-footed Defense: 13	Weight: 36,000 lb.
Autopilot Defense: 6	Targeting System Bonus: +4
Hardness: 20 (ballistic) or 40 (other damage forms)	Crew: 1 (ace +12)
Hit Dice: 9d20 (180 hp)	Passenger Capacity: 1
Initiative Modifier: +8	Cargo Capacity: 1,200 lb.
Pilot’s Class Bonus: +7	Grapple Modifier: +8
Pilot’s Dex Modifier: +6	Base Purchase DC: 48
Gunner’s Attack Bonus: +8/+3	Restriction: Military (+3)

Attack: 2 fire-linked particle beams +8 ranged (18d8) and plasma missile +3 ranged (18d8/19–20); or 2 fire-linked particle beams +8/+3 ranged (18d8)

Attack of Opportunity: None

Standard PL 7 Design Specs:

Engines: Induction engine, thrusters

Armor: Deflective

Defense Systems: Autopilot system, improved damage control (2d10), stealth screen

Sensors: Class V sensor array, improved targeting system

Communications: Mass transceiver, radio transceiver

Weapons: 2 fire-linked particle beams (range incr. 4,000 ft.), 1 plasma missile launcher (8 missiles; range incr. 5,000 ft.)

Grappling Systems: None

Ultralight Starship Wings

Two to four ultralight starships can unite to form a wing. All ships forming the wing must have the same subtype (fighter, for instance) and identical design specs (engines, weapons, and so on). In addition, all starships in the wing formation must be occupying the same 500-foot square to be counted as part of the wing.

In starship combat, a wing is treated as a single vessel, much like a battery of weapons is treated as a single weapon. (See Grapplers and Tractor Beams, below, for the one exception to this rule.) One of the ships forming the wing is declared the wing’s commander. The wing commander decides all of the wing’s actions and resolves all of the wing’s attacks; the other ships forming the wing provide support and follow the commander’s lead.

If the wing commander’s ship is destroyed or grappled, another ship in the wing may assume the role of wing commander on the wing’s next turn.

Movement: All ships in the wing move together, as one ship. The wing commander determines the wing’s movement. The wing’s tactical speed equals the tactical speed of the slowest ship in the wing.

Attacks: Only the wing commander makes attacks. However, every other ship in the wing can aid the wing commander’s attack rolls or Pilot checks using the aid another action; this is the only type of attack action wingmen can take.

Defense: Each wingman provides a +1 cover bonus to the wing commander’s Defense. The wing commander, preoccupied with moving and attacking, does not modify the Defense of any ships in the wing.

Attacks of Opportunity: A wing provokes attacks of opportunity from enemy ships as though it was a single ship. However, damage from a point-defense system is distributed among the ships in the wing as the wing commander sees fit. For example, if a point-defense system deals 180 points of damage to the wing, the wing commander could split the damage evenly among three ships in the wing (each ship would take 60 points of damage), or choose to have one ship take all the damage. A ship’s armor reduces the amount of damage it takes normally; conceivably, the damage could be split into small enough fractions that the wing, as a whole, suffers very little damage.

Grapplers and Tractor Beams: Ships in a wing may be targeted separately by grapplers and tractor beams. (See Grappling Systems for more information on these grappling devices.) A grappled ship immediately drops out of formation and is no longer considered part of the wing.

LIGHT STARSHIP SUBTYPES

Light starships include corvettes, frigates, destroyers, haulers, and industrial ships, such as garbage barges and fuel carriers. Light starships are somewhat better armed and armored than ultralight starships, but sacrifice a little in the way of speed.

A light starship measures 251–500 feet long. It has a 500-footby- 500-foot fighting space and occupies a single 500-foot square. In addition, all light starships share the following design specs.

Engines: All light starships have thrusters plus one other type of engine (see Starship Engines).

Armor: A light starship has one type of armor (see Starship Armor).

Defensive Systems: A light starship has a maximum of one defensive system per 10 Hit Dice (see Starship Defense Systems).

Sensors: A light starship has a maximum of two sensor systems (see Starship Sensors).

Communications: A light starship has up to two external communication systems (see Starship Comm Systems).

Weapons: A light starship has one beam, projectile, or missile weapon per 10 Hit Dice (see Starship Weapons). These weapons are often fire-linked. A light starship cannot be armed with mines.

Grappling Systems: A light starship may have up to two grappling systems (see Grappling Systems). Each grappling system takes away one of the ship’s weapon slots (see above).

LIGHT SHIP DESCRIPTIONS

Specific subtypes of light starships are given here.

CORVETTE (PL 6)

Essentially a larger version of the escort ship, the corvette serves as both a gunship and fleet escort. Of the military vessels designed to operate independently in wartime, corvettes are the smallest.

Type: Light	Size: Colossal (–8 size)
Subtype: Corvette	Tactical Speed: 3,500 ft. (7 sq.)
Defense: 7	Length: 320 feet
Flat-footed Defense: 5	Weight: 3,200 tons
Autopilot Defense: 5	Targeting System Bonus: +3
Hardness: 30	Crew: 16 (trained +4)
Hit Dice: 40d20 (800 hp)	Passenger Capacity: 32
Initiative Modifier: +4	Cargo Capacity: 150 tons
Pilot’s Class Bonus: +3	Grapple Modifier: +16
Pilot’s Dex Modifier: +2	Base Purchase DC: 56
Gunner’s Attack Bonus: +2	Restriction: Military (+3)

Attack: 2 fire-linked fusion beams –3 ranged (15d8) and 2 fire-linked CHE missiles –8 ranged (9d12/19–20); or 2 fire-linked CHE missiles –3 ranged (9d12/19–20) and 2 fire-linked fusion beams –8 ranged (15d8)

Attack of Opportunity: Point-defense system +3 ranged (2d12×10)

Standard PL 6 Design Specs:

Engines: Ion engine, thrusters

Armor: Vanadium

Defense Systems: Autopilot system, improved damage control (3d10), magnetic field, point-defense system, radiation shielding

Sensors: Class III sensor array, targeting system

Communications: Laser transceiver, radio transceiver

Weapons: 2 fire-linked fusion beams (range incr. 3,000 ft.), 2 firelinked CHE missile launchers (8 missiles each)

Grappling Systems: Grapplers

DESTROYER (PL 6)

Destroyers take their name from the torpedo-boat destroyers of the late 19th century. They are integral to the defense of a task force, screening it against small craft and attack ships. Destroyers are often armed with one or two bombs or missiles useful against much larger ships. A destroyer is usually about 450 to 600 feet long and masses about 8,000 tons. It carries a crew of 150 to 200.

Type: Light	Size: Colossal (–8 size)
Subtype: Destroyer	Tactical Speed: 3,000 ft. (6 sq.)
Defense: 11	Length: 450 feet
Flat-footed Defense: 7	Weight: 8,000 tons
Autopilot Defense: 7	Targeting System Bonus: +3
Hardness: 30	Crew: 80 (expert +8)
Hit Dice: 80d20 (1,600 hp)	Passenger Capacity: 48
Initiative Modifier: +4	Cargo Capacity: 400 tons
Pilot’s Class Bonus: +5	Grapple Modifier: +16
Pilot’s Dex Modifier: +4	Base Purchase DC: 60
Gunner’s Attack Bonus: +4	Restriction: Military (+3)

Attack: 4 fire-linked heavy neutron guns –1 ranged (20d8) and 2 fire-linked nuclear missiles –6 melee (24d8/19–20) and needle driver –6 melee (8d12); or 4 fire-linked nuclear missiles –1 ranged (24d8/19–20) and 2 fire-linked heavy neutron guns –6 melee (20d8) and needle driver –6 melee (8d12)

Attack of Opportunity: Point-defense system +3 ranged (2d12×10)

Standard PL 6 Design Specs:

Engines: Fusion torch, thrusters

Armor: Vanadium

Defense Systems: 1 chaff launcher (16 chaff bundles), 1 decoy drone launcher (4 drones), improved autopilot system, improved damage control (3d10), magnetic field, point-defense system, radiation shielding, self-destruct system

Sensors: Class II sensor array, targeting system

Communications: Laser transceiver, radio transceiver

Weapons: 4 fire-linked heavy neutron guns (range incr. 6,000 ft.), 2 fire-linked nuclear missile launchers (8 missiles each), 1 needle driver (range incr. 4,000 ft.)

Grappling Systems: Grapplers

FRIGATE (PL 6)

A military vessel used for scouting and escort duties, the frigate is primarily intended to act as a screen for larger vessels against attacks by small craft.

Type: Light	Size: Colossal (–8 size)
Subtype: Frigate	Tactical Speed: 3,000 ft. (6 sq.)
Defense: 11	Length: 360 feet
Flat-footed Defense: 7	Weight: 4,800 tons
Autopilot Defense: 7	Targeting System Bonus: +3
Hardness: 30	Crew: 60 (expert +8)
Hit Dice: 60d20 (1,200 hp)	Passenger Capacity: 32
Initiative Modifier: +4	Cargo Capacity: 200 tons
Pilot’s Class Bonus: +5	Grapple Modifier: +16
Pilot’s Dex Modifier: +4	Base Purchase DC: 60
Gunner’s Attack Bonus: +4	Restriction: Military (+3)

Attack: 2 fire-linked heavy neutron guns –1 ranged (15d8) and 2 nuclear missiles –6 ranged (16d8/19–20) and needle driver –6 ranged (8d12); or 2 fire-linked nuclear missiles –1 ranged (24d8/19–20) and 2 unlinked heavy neutron guns –6 ranged (10d8) and needle driver –6 ranged (8d12)

Attack of Opportunity: Point-defense system +3 ranged (2d12×10)

Standard PL 6 Design Specs:

Engines: Fusion torch, thrusters

Armor: Vanadium

Defense Systems: Improved autopilot, improved damage control (3d10), magnetic field, point-defense system, radiation shielding, self-destruct system

Sensors: Class II sensor array, targeting system

Communications: Laser transceiver, radio transceiver

Weapons: 2 fire-linked heavy neutron guns (range incr. 6,000 ft.), 2 fire-linked nuclear missile launchers (8 missiles each), 1 needle driver (range incr. 4,000 ft.)

Grappling Systems: Grapplers

HAULER (PL 6)

The hauler is a space-going tug that drags heavy, nonpowered loads and modular cargo containers, though they have precious little cargo space of their own. Haulers are fitted with big power plants and huge engines, at the expense of crew quarters and armaments.

Type: Light	Size: Colossal (–8 size)
Subtype: Hauler	Tactical Speed: 2,500 ft. (5 sq.)
Defense: 7	Length: 450 feet
Flat-footed Defense: 5	Weight: 6,000 tons
Autopilot Defense: 5	Targeting System Bonus: +3
Hardness: 20	Crew: 8 (trained +4)
Hit Dice: 36d20 (720 hp)	Passenger Capacity: 8
Initiative Modifier: +2	Cargo Capacity: 3,300 tons
Pilot’s Class Bonus: +3	Grapple Modifier: +16
Pilot’s Dex Modifier: +2	Base Purchase DC: 56
Gunner’s Attack Bonus: +2	Restriction: Restricted (+2)

Attack: 2 fire-linked heavy lasers –3 ranged (12d8)

Attack of Opportunity: Point-defense system +3 ranged (2d12×10)

Standard PL 6 Design Specs:

Engines: Fusion torch, thrusters

Armor: Alloy plating

Defense Systems: Autopilot system, damage control system (2d10), point-defense system

Sensors: Class II sensor array, targeting system

Communications: Laser transceiver, radio transceiver

Weapons: 2 fire-linked heavy lasers (range incr. 4,000 ft.)

Grappling Systems: Grapplers

MEDIUMWEIGHT STARSHIP SUBTYPES

Mediumweight starships encompass cruisers, clippers, and most transports. They balance firepower and defense with speed and maneuverability.

A mediumweight starship measures 501–1,000 feet long. It occupies a 1,000-foot-by-1,000-foot fighting space (4 500-foot squares). In addition, all mediumweight starships share the following design specs.

Engines: All mediumweight starships have thrusters plus one other type of engine (see Starship Engines).

Armor: A mediumweight starship has one type of armor (see Starship Armor).

Defensive Systems: A mediumweight starship has a maximum of one defensive system per 25 Hit Dice (see Starship Defense Systems).

Sensors: A mediumweight starship has a maximum of three sensor systems (see Starship Sensors).

Communications: A mediumweight starship has up to two external communication systems (see Starship Comm Systems).

Weapons: A mediumweight starship has one beam, projectile, or missile weapon per 25 Hit Dice (see Starship Weapons).

These weapons are often fire-linked or arrayed in batteries. A minelayer is considered a single weapon. Although it weighs no more than a few thousand pounds, each mine consumes 100 tons of a ship’s cargo capacity (most of it taken up by the launch system and radiation shielding).

Grappling Systems: A mediumweight starship may have up to two grappling systems (see Grappling Systems). Each grappling system takes away one of the ship’s weapon slots (see above).

MEDIUMWEIGHT SHIP DESCRIPTIONS

Specific subtypes of mediumweight starships are given here.

BULK FREIGHTER (PL 6)

Bulk freighters usually carry cargo in bulk containers, and carry out regular runs between densely populated systems.

Type: Mediumweight	Size: Colossal (–8 size)
Subtype: Bulk freighter	Tactical Speed: 2,500 ft. (5 sq.)
Defense: 7	Length: 800 feet
Flat-footed Defense: 5	Weight: 32,000 tons
Autopilot Defense: 7	Targeting System Bonus: +3
Hardness: 20	Crew: 8 (trained +4)
Hit Dice: 125d20 (2,500 hp)	Passenger Capacity: 8
Initiative Modifier: +2	Cargo Capacity: 20,000 tons
Pilot’s Class Bonus: +3	Grapple Modifier: +16
Pilot’s Dex Modifier: +2	Base Purchase DC: 60
Gunner’s Attack Bonus: +2	Restriction: Restricted (+2)

Attack: 4 fire-linked heavy lasers –3 ranged (16d8)

Attack of Opportunity: Point-defense system +3 ranged (3d12×10)

Standard PL 6 Design Specs:

Engines: Fusion torch, thrusters

Armor: Alloy plating

Defense Systems: Improved autopilot system, improved damage control (4d10), point-defense system, radiation shielding, sensor jammer

Sensors: Class II sensor array, targeting system

Communications: Laser transceiver, radio transceiver

Weapons: 4 fire-linked heavy lasers (range incr. 4,000 ft.)

Grappling Systems: Grapplers

CLIPPER (PL 6)

This small liner or personnel transport is intended for passenger use, as opposed to heavy cargo. Clippers are frequently fitted with top-of-the-line engines for the best possible speed.

Type: Mediumweight	Size: Colossal (–8 size)
Subtype: Clipper	Tactical Speed: 3,500 ft. (7 sq.)
Defense: 7	Length: 850 feet
Flat-footed Defense: 5	Weight: 27,000 tons
Autopilot Defense: 7	Targeting System Bonus: +3
Hardness: 30	Crew: 32 (trained +4)
Hit Dice: 150d20 (3,000 hp)	Passenger Capacity: 80
Initiative Modifier: +2	Cargo Capacity: 10,000 tons
Pilot’s Class Bonus: +3	Grapple Modifier: +16
Pilot’s Dex Modifier: +2	Base Purchase DC: 60
Gunner’s Attack Bonus: +2	Restriction: Restricted (+2)

Attack: Battery of 5 lasers +1 ranged (6d8/19–20)

Attack of Opportunity: Point-defense system +3 ranged (3d12×10)

Standard PL 6 Design Specs:

Engines: Ion engine, thrusters

Armor: Vanadium

Defense Systems: Damage control (3d10), 1 decoy drone launcher (2 drones), improved autopilot system, magnetic field, point-defense system, radiation shielding

Sensors: Class II sensor array, targeting system

Communications: Laser transceiver, radio transceiver

Weapons: 1 battery of 5 lasers (range incr. 3,000 ft.)

Grappling Systems: Grapplers

CRUISER (PL 6)

The cruiser is a warship that serves several roles. It may be part of a task force, escorting capital ships or laying mines. It may operate independently as a scout and raider. Conversely, it may serve in diplomatic and scientific tasks. Light cruisers frequently have outstanding endurance and can operate with little or no resupply for months on end. A cruiser hull could serve equally well as an escort carrier or assault transport.

Type: Mediumweight	Size: Colossal (–8 size)
Subtype: Cruiser	Tactical Speed: 3,000 ft. (6 sq.)
Defense: 7	Length: 720 feet
Flat-footed Defense: 5	Weight: 28,800 tons
Autopilot Defense: 5	Targeting System Bonus: +3
Hardness: 30	Crew: 120 (trained +4)
Hit Dice: 200d20 (4,000 hp)	Passenger Capacity: 80
Initiative Modifier: +6	Cargo Capacity: 7,200 tons
Pilot’s Class Bonus: +3	Grapple Modifier: +16
Pilot’s Dex Modifier: +2	Base Purchase DC: 64
Gunner’s Attack Bonus: +2	Restriction: Military (+3)

Attack: Battery of 3 fusion beams –1 ranged (10d8/19–20) and battery of 3 CHE missiles –6 ranged (6d12/18–20); or Battery of 3 CHE missiles –1 ranged (6d12/18–20) and battery of 4 fusion beams –6 ranged (10d8/19–20)

Attack of Opportunity: Point-defense system +3 ranged (3d12×10)

Standard PL 6 Design Specs:

Engines: Fusion torch, thrusters

Armor: Vanadium

Defense Systems: Autopilot system, 1 chaff launcher (8 chaff bundles), 1 decoy drone launcher (8 drones), improved damage control (4d10), magnetic field, point-defense system, radiation shielding, self-destruct system

Sensors: Class III sensor array, targeting system

Communications: Laser transceiver, radio transceiver

Weapons: 1 battery of 4 fusion beams (range incr. 3,000 ft.), 1 battery of 3 CHE missile launchers (24 missiles each), 1 minelayer (36 fusion mines with magnetic fields and stealth screens; 5d10×10 damage)

Grappling Systems: Grapplers

STRIKE CRUISER (PL 7)

These armored cruisers often serve as the centerpiece of raiding or patrolling task forces, especially if heavier warships are unavailable. Many strike cruisers are configured for task force command functions; the command cruiser is a common variant of this hull type. A strike cruiser hull could easily serve as a light carrier or assault carrier.

Type: Mediumweight	Size: Colossal (–8 size)
Subtype: Strike cruiser	Tactical Speed: 3,500 ft. (7 sq.)
Defense: 11	Length: 950 feet
Flat-footed Defense: 7	Weight: 38,000 tons
Autopilot Defense: 7	Targeting System Bonus: +5
Hardness: 40	Crew: 160 (expert +8)
Hit Dice: 250d20 (5,000 hp)	Passenger Capacity: 40
Initiative Modifier: +8	Cargo Capacity: 1,200 tons
Pilot’s Class Bonus: +5	Grapple Modifier: +16
Pilot’s Dex Modifier: +4	Base Purchase DC: 68
Gunner’s Attack Bonus: +4	Restriction: Military (+3)

Attack: Battery of 4 antimatter guns +4 ranged (10d8/19–20) and battery of 3 plasma missiles –2 ranged (18d8/18–20); or Battery of 3 plasma missiles +3 ranged (18d8/18–20) and battery of 4 antimatter guns –1 ranged (10d8/19–20)

Attack of Opportunity: Point-defense system +5 ranged (3d12×10)

Standard PL 7 Design Specs:

Engines: Particle impulse engine, thrusters

Armor: Neutronite

Defense Systems: 1 chaff launcher (16 chaff bundles), improved autopilot system, improved damage control (4d10), light fortification, magnetic field, particle field, point-defense system, radiation shielding, repair drones, self-destruct system

Sensors: Class V sensor array, improved targeting system

Communications: Drivesat comm array, mass transceiver

Weapons: 1 battery of 4 antimatter guns (range incr. 5,000 ft.), 1 battery of 3 plasma missile launchers (16 missiles each), 1 minelayer (8 gravitic mines with displacers, magnetic fields, and particle fields; 10d10×10 damage)

Grappling Systems: Grapplers, tractor beam emitter

HEAVY STARSHIP SUBTYPES

Heavy starships are the workhorses of space travel: battle cruisers, battleships, fleet carriers, tankers, liners, and heavy transports. They move relatively quickly—thanks to massive engines—but maneuver very slowly. Their real strength lies in their armor and armaments; even civilian heavy starships are built to take a pounding.

A heavy starship measures 1,001–1,500 feet long. It has a 1,500- foot-by-1,500-foot fighting space (9 500-foot squares).

In addition, all heavy starships share the following design specs.

Engines: All heavy starships have thrusters plus one other type of engine (see Starship Engines).

Armor: A heavy starship has one type of armor (see Starship Armor).

Defensive Systems: A heavy starship has a maximum of one defensive system per 50 Hit Dice (see Starship Defense Systems).

Sensors: A heavy starship has a maximum of three sensor systems (see Starship Sensors).

Communications: A heavy starship has two external communication systems (see Starship Comm Systems).

Weapons: A heavy starship has one beam, projectile, or missile weapon per 50 Hit Dice (see Starship Weapons). These weapons are often arrayed in batteries. A minelayer is considered a single weapon. Although it weighs no more than a few thousand pounds, each mine consumes 100 tons of a ship’s cargo capacity (most of it taken up by the launch system and radiation shielding).

Grappling Systems: A heavy starship may have up to two grappling systems (see Grappling Systems). Each grappling system takes away one of the ship’s weapon slots (see above).

HEAVY SHIP DESCRIPTIONS

Specific subtypes of heavy starships are given here.

BATTLESHIP (PL 6)

The mainstay of many spacefaring navies, the battleship is heavily armed and armored, although not very maneuverable. Battleships serve as the backbone of any battle fleet.

Type: Heavy	Size: Colossal (–8 size)
Subtype: Battleship	Tactical Speed: 3,000 ft. (6 sq.)
Defense: 11	Length: 1,250 feet
Flat-footed Defense: 7	Weight: 125,000 tons
Autopilot Defense: 7	Targeting System Bonus: +3
Hardness: 30	Crew: 400 (expert +8)
Hit Dice: 400d20 (8,000 hp)	Passenger Capacity: 200
Initiative Modifier: +4	Cargo Capacity: 30,000 tons
Pilot’s Class Bonus: +5	Grapple Modifier: +16
Pilot’s Dex Modifier: +4	Base Purchase DC: 72
Gunner’s Attack Bonus: +4	Restriction: Military (+3)

Attack: Battery of 3 heavy neutron guns +1 ranged (10d8/19–20) and 2 fire-linked nuclear missiles –6 ranged (24d8/19–20) and needle driver –6 ranged (8d12); or 2 fire-linked nuclear missiles –1 ranged (24d8/19–20) and battery of 3 heavy neutron guns –4 ranged (10d8/19–20) and needle driver –6 ranged (8d12)

Attack of Opportunity: Point-defense system +3 ranged (4d12×10)

Standard PL 6 Design Specs:

Engines: Fusion torch, thrusters

Armor: Vanadium

Defense Systems: 1 chaff launcher (16 chaff bundles), 1 decoy drone launcher (4 drones), improved autopilot system, improved damage control (5d10), magnetic field, point-defense system, radiation shielding, self-destruct system

Sensors: Class II sensor array, targeting system

Communications: Laser transceiver, radio transceiver

Weapons: 1 battery of 4 heavy neutron guns (range incr. 6,000 ft.), 2 fire-linked nuclear missile launchers (16 missiles each), 1 needle driver (range incr. 4,000 ft.)

Grappling Systems: Grapplers

FLEET CARRIER (PL 6)

The fleet carrier has the ability to launch devastating attacks from millions of miles away, in the form of large numbers of fighters or assault fighters. Most fleet carriers are lightly armed, as they rely on their escorting vessels and payload of fighters to defend them against attack.

In addition to its normal cargo capacity, a fleet carrier can hold 16 fighters or assault fighters. Its listed crew complement does not include the ace pilots who fly these fighter craft. (Pilots count against the passenger capacity.) A fleet carrier can deploy up to 4 ultralight craft as a move action.

Type: Heavy	Size: Colossal (–8 size)
Subtype: Fleet carrier	Tactical Speed: 3,000 ft. (6 sq.)
Defense: 11	Length: 1,400 feet
Flat-footed Defense: 7	Weight: 140,000 tons
Autopilot Defense: 7	Targeting System Bonus: +3
Hardness: 30	Crew: 320 (expert +8)
Hit Dice: 500d20 (10,000 hp)	Passenger Capacity: 80
Initiative Modifier: +6	Cargo Capacity: 40,000 tons
Pilot’s Class Bonus: +5	Grapple Modifier: +16
Pilot’s Dex Modifier: +4	Base Purchase DC: 72
Gunner’s Attack Bonus: +4	Restriction: Military (+3)

Attack: Battery of 5 neutron guns +3 ranged (6d8/19–20) and 2 batteries of 2 CHE missiles –5 ranged (6d12/18–20)

Attack of Opportunity: Point-defense system +3 ranged (4d12×10)

Standard PL 6 Design Specs:

Engines: Fusion torch, thrusters

Armor: Vanadium

Defense Systems: 2 chaff launchers (8 chaff bundles each), 2 decoy drone launchers (4 drones each), improved autopilot system, improved damage control (5d10), magnetic field, point-defense system, radiation shielding, self-destruct system

Sensors: Class III sensor array, targeting system

Communications: Laser transceiver, radio transceiver

Weapons: 1 battery of 5 neutron guns (range incr. 5,000 ft.), 2 batteries of 2 CHE missile launchers (4 launchers total, 16 missiles each)

Grappling Systems: Grapplers

HEAVY TRANSPORT (PL 6)

The heavy transport is designed to move great amounts of specialized cargo such as bulk freight, containerized freight, or roll-on/rolloff vehicle storage.

Type: Heavy	Size: Colossal (–8 size)
Subtype: Heavy transport	Tactical Speed: 3,000 ft. (6 sq.)
Defense: 7	Length: 1,320 feet
Flat-footed Defense: 5	Weight: 120,000 tons
Autopilot Defense: 7	Targeting System Bonus: +3
Hardness: 30	Crew: 24 (trained +4)
Hit Dice: 350d20 (7,000 hp)	Passenger Capacity: 20
Initiative Modifier: +2	Cargo Capacity: 60,000 tons
Pilot’s Class Bonus: +3	Grapple Modifier: +16
Pilot’s Dex Modifier: +2	Base Purchase DC: 68
Gunner’s Attack Bonus: +2	Restriction: Restricted (+2)

Attack: Battery of 3 heavy lasers –1 ranged (8d8/19–20) and battery of 3 gauss guns –6 ranged (8d12/19–20); or Battery of 3 gauss guns –1 ranged (8d8/19–20) and battery of 3 heavy lasers –6 ranged (8d12/19–20)

Attack of Opportunity: Point-defense system +3 ranged (4d12×10)

Standard PL 6 Design Specs:

Engines: Fusion torch, thrusters

Armor: Vanadium

Defense Systems: Damage control system (4d10), decoy drone launcher (2 drones), improved autopilot, magnetic field, point-defense system, radiation shielding, sensor jammer

Sensors: Class II sensor array, targeting system

Communications: Laser transceiver, radio transceiver

Weapons: 1 battery of 3 heavy lasers (range incr. 4,000 ft.), 1 battery of 3 gauss guns (range incr. 4,000 ft.)

Grappling Systems: Grapplers

TANKER (PL 6)

A tanker is a large starship intended for the transport of large quantities of gases or liquids. It can be adapted for other forms of cargo storage, but most ships of this size carry water, hydrogen, petrochemicals, or oxygen.

Type: Heavy	Size: Colossal (–8 size)
Subtype: Tanker	Tactical Speed: 3,500 ft. (7 sq.)
Defense: 7	Length: 1,200 feet
Flat-footed Defense: 5	Weight: 120,000 tons
Autopilot Defense: 7	Targeting System Bonus: +3
Hardness: 30	Crew: 32 (trained +4)
Hit Dice: 250d20 (5,000 hp)	Passenger Capacity: 8
Initiative Modifier: +2	Cargo Capacity: 52,000 tons
Pilot’s Class Bonus: +3	Grapple Modifier: +16
Pilot’s Dex Modifier: +2	Base Purchase DC: 64
Gunner’s Attack Bonus: +2	Restriction: Restricted (+2)

Attack: 1 battery of 4 heavy lasers +0 ranged (8d8/19–20)

Attack of Opportunity: Point-defense system +3 ranged (4d12×10)

Standard PL 6 Design Specs:

Engines: Ion engine, thrusters

Armor: Vanadium

Defense Systems: Damage control system (4d10), improved autopilot, point-defense system, radiation shielding, sensor jammer

Sensors: Class II sensor array, targeting system

Communications: Laser transceiver, radio transceiver

Weapons: 1 battery of 4 heavy lasers (range incr. 4,000 ft)

Grappling Systems: Grapplers

BATTLE CRUISER (PL 7)

The battle cruiser is a formidable warship that sacrifices weight of armor in exchange for speed. Its heavy weapons can make short work of any smaller vessel, and it can usually outrun anything big enough to stand up to it in a fair fight.

Type: Heavy	Size: Colossal (–8 size)
Subtype: Battle Cruiser	Tactical Speed: 4,000 ft. (8 sq.)
Defense: 11	Length: 1,360 feet
Flat-footed Defense: 7	Weight: 140,000 tons
Autopilot Defense: 7	Targeting System Bonus: +5
Hardness: 30	Crew: 320 (expert +8)
Hit Dice: 450d20 (9,000 hp)	Passenger Capacity: 160
Initiative Modifier: +4	Cargo Capacity: 50,000 tons
Pilot’s Class Bonus: +5	Grapple Modifier: +16
Pilot’s Dex Modifier: +4	Base Purchase DC: 72
Gunner’s Attack Bonus: +4	Restriction: Military (+3)

Attack: 4 fire-linked heavy particle beams +1 ranged (32d8) and 1 battery of 3 plasma missiles –2 ranged (18d8/18–20)

Attack of Opportunity: Point-defense +5 ranged (4d12×10)

Standard PL 7 Design Specs:

Engines: Particle impulse engine, thrusters

Armor: Cerametal

Defense Systems: 1 chaff launcher (8 chaff bundles), 1 decoy drone launcher (4 drones), improved autopilot, improved damage control (5d10), magnetic field, particle field, radiation shielding, self-destruct system

Sensors: Class IV sensor array, improved targeting system

Communications: Drivesat comm array, mass transceiver

Weapons: 4 fire-linked heavy particle beams (range incr. 5,000 ft.), 1 battery of 3 plasma missile launchers (16 missiles each), 1 minelayer (50 gravitic mines with displacers, magnetic fields, and particle fields; 10d10×10 damage)

Grappling Systems: Tractor beam emitter

LINER (PL 7)

This is a full-sized passenger ship. Although any vessel this size can’t avoid carrying some cargo, the liner specializes in moving a large number of passengers, usually in varying degrees of luxury.

Type: Heavy	Size: Colossal (–8 size)
Subtype: Liner	Tactical Speed: 4,000 ft. (8 sq.)
Defense: 7	Length: 1,200 feet
Flat-footed Defense: 5	Weight: 84,000 tons
Autopilot Defense: 7	Targeting System Bonus: +5
Hardness: 30	Crew: 200 (trained +4)
Hit Dice: 250d20 (5,000 hp)	Passenger Capacity: 800
Initiative Modifier: +2	Cargo Capacity: 40,000 tons
Pilot’s Class Bonus: +3	Grapple Modifier: +16
Pilot’s Dex Modifier: +2	Base Purchase DC: 68
Gunner’s Attack Bonus: +2	Restriction: Restricted (+2)

Attack: Battery of 4 plasma cannons +2 ranged (14d8/19–20)

Attack of Opportunity: Point-defense system +5 ranged (4d12×10}

Standard PL 7 Design Specs:

Engines: Induction engine, thrusters

Armor: Cerametal

Defense Systems: Damage control (4d10), improved autopilot system, particle field, point-defense system

Sensors: Class IV sensor array, improved targeting system

Communications: Drivesat comm array, mass transceiver

Weapons: 1 battery of 4 plasma cannons (range incr. 3,000 ft.)

Grappling Systems: Tractor beam emitter

SUPERHEAVY STARSHIP SUBTYPES

Superheavy starships include mammoth, ponderous dreadnoughts, super-carriers, and super-freighters.

A superheavy starship measures 1,501 feet long or longer. The smallest superheavy starships (measuring 1,501–2,000 feet long) have a 2,000-foot-by-2,000-foot fighting space (16 500-foot squares), although larger fighting spaces are possible.

In addition, all superheavy starships share the following design specs.

Engines: All superheavy starships have thrusters plus as many as two other types of engine (see Starship Engines).

Armor: A superheavy starship has one type of armor (see Starship Armor).

Defensive Systems: A superheavy starship has a maximum of one defensive system per 150 Hit Dice (see Starship Defense Systems).

Sensors: A superheavy starship has a maximum of three sensor systems (see Starship Sensors).

Communications: A superheavy starship has two external communication systems (see Starship Comm Systems).

Weapons: A superheavy starship has one beam, projectile, or missile weapon per 150 Hit Dice (see Starship Weapons). These weapons are often arrayed in batteries. A minelayer is considered a single weapon. Although it weighs no more than a few thousand pounds, each mine consumes 100 tons of a ship’s cargo capacity (most of it taken up by the launch system and radiation shielding).

Grappling Systems: A superheavy starship may have up to two grappling systems (see Grappling Systems). Each grappling system takes away one of the ship’s weapon slots (see above).

SUPERHEAVY SHIP DESCRIPTIONS

Specific subtypes of superheavy starships are given here.

COLONY SHIP (PL 7)

This massive vessel is designed to haul everything a new colony needs to get started. Its cavernous storage decks can accommodate thousands of colonists with heavy machinery, prefabricated buildings, equipment, and supplies throughout the long trip to a new world.

Type: Superheavy	Size: Colossal (–8 size)
Subtype: Colony ship	Tactical Speed: 4,000 ft. (8 sq.)
Defense: 7	Length: 2,000 feet
Flat-footed Defense: 5	Weight: 400,000 tons
Autopilot Defense: 7	Targeting System Bonus: +5
Hardness: 30	Crew: 400 (trained +4)
Hit Dice: 800d20 (16,000 hp)	Passenger Capacity: 2,000
Initiative Modifier: +2	Cargo Capacity: 100,000 tons
Pilot’s Class Bonus: +3	Grapple Modifier: +16
Pilot’s Dex Modifier: +2	Base Purchase DC: 72
Gunner’s Attack Bonus: +2	Restriction: Restricted (+2)

Attack: Battery of 4 particle beams +2 ranged (12d8/19–20) and battery of 2 plasma missiles –5 ranged (18d8/18–20); or Battery of 2 plasma missiles +0 ranged (18d8/18–20) and battery of 4 particle beams –3 ranged (12d8/19–20)

Attack of Opportunity: Point-defense system +5 ranged (5d12×10}

Standard PL 7 Design Specs:

Engines: Particle impulse engine, photon sails, thrusters

Armor: Cerametal

Defense Systems: Improved autopilot system, improved damage control (6d10), magnetic field, particle field, point-defense system, radiation shielding, repair drones, self-destruct system

Sensors: Class IV sensor array, improved targeting system

Communications: Drivesat comm array, mass transceiver

Weapons: 1 battery of 4 particle beams (range incr. 4,000 ft.), 1 battery of 2 plasma missile launchers (16 missiles each)

Grappling Systems: Grapplers, tractor beam emitter

DREADNOUGHT (PL 7)

The mightiest ships found in the battle lines of a stellar navy, dreadnoughts are titanic vessels armed with awesome firepower and virtually impregnable defenses. Its fighting space takes up 36 500-foot squares (a 6-square-by-6-square area).

Type: Superheavy	Size: Colossal (–8 size)
Subtype: Dreadnought	Tactical Speed: 3,500 ft. (7 sq.)
Defense: 11	Length: 2,750 feet
Flat-footed Defense: 7	Weight: 540,000 tons
Autopilot Defense: 7	Targeting System Bonus: +5
Hardness: 40	Crew: 2,000 (expert +8)
Hit Dice: 1,200d20 (24,000 hp)	Passenger Capacity: 1,600
Initiative Modifier: +6	Cargo Capacity: 120,000 tons
Pilot’s Class Bonus: +5	Grapple Modifier: +16
Pilot’s Dex Modifier: +4	Base Purchase DC: 80
Gunner’s Attack Bonus: +4	Restriction: Military (+3)

Attack: 4 fire-linked quantum cannons +1 ranged (32d8) and battery of 4 heavy mass cannons –1 ranged (10d12/19–20) and 2 fire-linked mass reaction missiles –4 ranged (20d8/18–20)

Attack of Opportunity: Point-defense system +5 ranged (5d12×10}

Standard PL 7 Design Specs:

Engines: Induction engine, thrusters

Armor: Neutronite

Defense Systems: 1 chaff launcher (8 chaff bundles), 1 decoy drone launcher (8 drones), displacer, improved autopilot system, improved damage control (6d10), light fortification, magnetic field, particle field, point-defense system, radiation shielding, repair drones, self-destruct system

Sensors: Class V sensors, improved targeting system

Communications: Drivesat comm array, mass transceiver

Weapons: 1 battery of 4 heavy mass cannons (range incr. 6,000 ft.), 4 fire-linked quantum cannons (range incr. 6,000 ft.), 1 battery of 2 mass reaction missile launchers (60 missiles each), 1 minelayer (100 gravitic mines with displacers, magnetic fields, and particle fields; 10d10×10 damage)

Grappling Systems: Tractor beam emitter

STAR CARRIER (PL 7)

A larger version of the fleet carrier, the star carrier serves as a mobile base for smaller craft. A star carrier’s fighting space takes up 36 500- foot squares (a 6-square-by-6-square area).

In addition to its normal cargo capacity, a star carrier can hold 72 fighters or assault fighters. Its listed crew complement does not include the ace pilots who fly these fighter craft. (Pilots count against the passenger capacity.) A star carrier can deploy up to 8 ultralight craft as a move action.

Type: Superheavy	Size: Colossal (–8 size)
Subtype: Star carrier	Tactical Speed: 3,500 ft. (7 sq.)
Defense: 11	Length: 3,000 feet
Flat-footed Defense: 7	Weight: 600,000 tons
Autopilot Defense: 7	Targeting System Bonus: +5
Hardness: 40	Crew: 2,400 (expert +8)
Hit Dice: 1,000d20 (20,000 hp)	Passenger Capacity: 600
Initiative Modifier: +6	Cargo Capacity: 200,000 tons
Pilot’s Class Bonus: +5	Grapple Modifier: +16
Pilot’s Dex Modifier: +4	Base Purchase DC: 80
Gunner’s Attack Bonus: +4	Restriction: Military (+3)

Attack: Battery of 5 mass cannons +5 ranged (8d12/19–20) and battery of 4 antimatter guns –1 ranged (10d8/19–20)

Attack of Opportunity: Point-defense system +5 ranged (5d12×10}

Standard PL 7 Design Specs:

Engines: Induction engine, thrusters

Armor: Neutronite

Defense Systems: 1 decoy drone launcher (4 drones), improved autopilot system, improved damage control (6d10), light fortification, magnetic field, particle field, point-defense system, radiation shielding, repair drones, self-destruct system.

Sensors: Class V sensors, improved targeting system

Communications: Drivesat comm array, mass transceiver

Weapons: 1 battery of 5 mass cannons (range incr. 5,000 ft.), 1 battery of 4 antimatter guns (range incr. 5,000 ft.)

Grappling Systems: Tractor beam emitter

STAR FREIGHTER (PL 7)

The largest of the starships built for routine commercial purposes, the star freighter can be modified to serve as a super-tanker or super-transport.

Type: Superheavy	Size: Colossal (–8 size)
Subtype: Freighter	Tactical Speed: 4,000 ft. (8 sq.)
Defense: 7	Length: 1,800 feet
Flat-footed Defense: 5	Weight: 320,000 tons
Autopilot Defense: 7	Targeting System Bonus: +3
Hardness: 30	Crew: 40 (trained +4)
Hit Dice: 800d20 (16,000 hp)	Passenger Capacity: 24
Initiative Modifier: +2	Cargo Capacity: 200,000 tons
Pilot’s Class Bonus: +3	Grapple Modifier: +16
Pilot’s Dex Modifier: +2	Base Purchase DC: 76
Gunner’s Attack Bonus: +2	Restriction: Restricted (+2)

Attack: 2 batteries of 3 heavy particle beams –1 ranged (16d8/19–20)

Attack of Opportunity: Point-defense system +5 ranged (5d12×10}

Standard PL 7 Design Specs:

Engines: Particle impulse engine, thrusters

Armor: Cerametal

Defense Systems: Damage control system (5d10), improved autopilot system, magnetic field, particle field, point-defense system, radiation shielding, repair drones, self-destruct system

Sensors: Class IV sensor array, improved targeting system

Communications: Drivesat comm array, mass transceiver

Weapons: 2 batteries of 3 heavy particle beams (range incr. 5,000 ft.)

Grappling Systems: Grapplers, tractor beam emitter

STARSHIP CLASS TEMPLATES

A starship class template allows the creation of modified or improved versions of the various starship subtypes presented above. A template usually has an evocative name, giving rise to such ships as the Lightning-class frigate or the Katana-class assault fighter.

A starship class template is nothing more than an alternative list of design specs that allow players and GMs to increase (or decrease) a ship’s Hit Dice and swap out some or all of a starship’s systems. The following starship class templates are presented as examples:

LIGHTNING-CLASS TEMPLATE (PL 7)

The Lightning-class template can be applied to any PL 6 light starship. The starship’s design specs should be adjusted as follows.

Engine Upgrade: Induction engine, thrusters (tactical speed +1,000 feet).

Armor Upgrade: Neutronite (hardness 40, tactical speed –500 feet).

Defense System Upgrade: Light fortification (25% chance to ignore a critical hit; replaces a PL 5 or PL 6 defense system).

Sensors Upgrade: Class V sensor array (+2 initiative), improved targeting system (targeting system bonus +5).

Communications Upgrade: Drivesat comm array, mass transceiver.

Weapons Upgrade: 2 fire-linked quantum cannons (24d8 damage; range incr. 6,000 ft.; replaces PL 5 or PL 6 fire-linked weapon system).

Grappling System Upgrade: Tractor beam emitter (replaces grapplers).

KATANA-CLASS TEMPLATE (PL 8)

The Katana-class template can be applied to any ultralight fighter or assault fighter. The starship’s design specs should be adjusted as follows.

Hit Dice: Increase by +1d20.

Engine Upgrade: Inertial flux engine, thrusters (tactical speed +1,500 feet).

Armor Upgrade: Ablative (hardness 40).

Defense System Upgrade: Advanced damage control (3d10), magnetic field, medium fortification (50% chance to ignore a critical hit; replaces a PL 6 or PL 7 defense system).

Sensors Upgrade: Class VII sensor array (+2 initiative), improved targeting system, Achilles targeting software (increases threat range of all weapon systems by 1).

Communications Upgrade: Drive transceiver.

Weapons Upgrade: 2 fire-linked maser cannons (18d8 damage; range incr. 6,000 ft.; replaces PL 6 o r PL 7 fire-linked weapon system).

STARSHIP ENGINES

A starship’s engine determines how fast the ship moves. The more efficient the engine, the faster it can move the ship—and the more expensive it is. In addition, certain low-tech engines burn fuel of some sort, increasing the operational cost. In space, fuel-burning engines rely on vector jets to adjust their course, using fuel only in short, controlled burns to increase momentum.

To build a starship engine from scratch, a character must succeed at a Craft (mechanical) check (DC 30) after investing 120 hours in its assembly. A character without a mechanical tool kit takes a –4 penalty on the skill check. The character must also make a Wealth check against the engine’s purchase DC.

Installing an engine requires a successful Craft (mechanical) check (DC 30) after investing 60 hours in the process. A character without a mechanical tool kit takes a –4 penalty on the skill check.

The various types of engines are listed below.

Minimum Ship Size: The minimum size the starship must be to have this type of engine.

Tactical Speed Bonus: The bonus that the engine provides to the starship’s tactical speed, given in feet and squares.

Purchase DC: The engine’s purchase DC.

THRUSTERS (PL 5)

Thrusters can propel a ship through a planetary atmosphere and land it safely on a planetary surface. Thrusters also serve as secondary engines when primary engines fail or shut down. Common types of thrusters include the scramjet, chemical rocket, repulsion thrust, or powered airfoil, although the exact form doesn’t matter.

A ship with thrusters as its primary source of propulsion must refuel after every battle or every orbital mission. Thruster fuel has a purchase DC of 31.

Minimum Ship Size: Huge.

Tactical Speed Bonus: +0 feet.

Purchase DC: 10 + one-half the base purchase DC of the starship.

FUSION TORCH (PL 6)

This engine consists of a fusion reactor with one wall of the magnetic bottle missing, directing the thrust in the form of super-heated plasma. The fusion torch is intended for space-only applications; its exhaust stream would melt anything it landed on and incinerate everything within a few hundred yards of ground zero; it also expels a tremendous amount of radiation. Many ships fitted with fusion torch rockets use thrusters for atmospheric travel. Otherwise, they must remain permanently in space, relying on shuttlecraft to reach a planet’s surface. The fusion torch uses hydrogen for fuel.

A ship using a fusion torch as its primary source of propulsion must refuel after every three battles or interplanetary trips. Fusion torch fuel has a purchase DC of 23.

Minimum Ship Size: Gargantuan.

Tactical Speed Bonus: +500 feet (+1 square).

Purchase DC: 10 + one-half the base purchase DC of the starship.

ION ENGINE (PL 6)

The ion engine generates power to break down molecules of a fuel material to create ions, and then expels them by means of a magnetic impeller. It doesn’t provide as effective a mass-thrust ratio as the fusion torch, but it’s more fuel efficient, and its exhaust is not nearly as dangerous. Ion engines don’t function in any kind of atmosphere, so most ships with this kind of power plant also come equipped with thrusters.

A ship using an ion engine as its primary source of propulsion must refuel after every five battles or interplanetary trips. Ion engine fuel has a purchase DC of 29.

Minimum Ship Size: Huge.

Tactical Speed Bonus: +500 feet (+1 square).

Purchase DC: 15 + one-half the base purchase DC of the starship.

PHOTON SAILS (PL 6)

Photon sails are immense but extremely fragile foil structures only a few molecules thick. Light pressure from a nearby star (or laser drive station, when available) provides motive force. The sails’ acceleration rates drop to half if the ship is beyond the edge of a star system and drop to one-quarter if the only available light is starlight. The sails can be wrecked by minor damage, but every ship equipped with photon sails carries at least three spare sets. Unfortunately, it takes 12 hours to replace damaged sails, though deployment or stowage of the sails takes only 1 minute.

In combat, any weapon hit against a sail-driven starship destroys the deployed photon sails and prevents the ship from moving until the sails are replaced. The sail-ship continues on its last course and retains its former speed until the sails are replaced. Accordingly, most sail-ships carry a secondary propulsion system (such as thrusters or an ion engine) for emergency maneuvering and sailing against the sun. Photon sails are completely useless in atmosphere—in fact, they’re instantly destroyed by atmospheric entry—making a secondary propulsion system a virtual necessity for most sail-ships.

Minimum Ship Size: Gargantuan.

Tactical Speed Bonus: None.

Purchase DC: 10 + one-quarter the base purchase DC of the starship (per set of photon sails).

INDUCTION ENGINE (PL 7)

Hands-down the best engine available at this or any previous Progress Level, the induction engine uses artificial gravity to provide incredible thrust and maneuverability. The induction engine requires no fuel and produces no exhaust; it’s ideal for atmospheric, orbital, or deep-space work.

Minimum Ship Size: Huge.

Tactical Speed Bonus: +1,000 feet (+2 squares).

Purchase DC: 15 + one-half the base purchase DC of the starship.

PARTICLE IMPULSE ENGINE (PL 7)

The particle impulse engine is the next evolutionary step of the PL 6 ion engine. It uses magnetic fields to produce a constant stream of high-energy particles, as well as to provide vectored thrust. The major advancement of the particle impulse drive over the ion drive is that the particle impulse engine uses a negligible amount of fuel, which it also manufactures. The drive’s reaction is so efficient that the tiny amounts of matter present in interplanetary or interstellar space can be collected through weak magnetic fields and converted into a thrust medium. Better still, the particle impulse engine is capable of atmospheric entry. It causes some damage to any surface close to its exhaust ports, but nowhere near as much damage as PL 6 engines do.

Minimum Ship Size: Gargantuan.

Tactical Speed Bonus: +1,000 feet (+2 squares).

Purchase DC: 10 + one-half the base purchase DC of the starship.

GRAVITIC REDIRECTOR (PL 8)

A refinement of the induction engine, the gravitic redirector creates a gravitic singularity—essentially, a sub-microscopic black hole—in the vicinity of the ship, producing a constant pull on the ship. By changing the location of the singularity relative to the ship, the pilot can change the direction of the ship’s travel. The gravitic redirector is more powerful and more efficient than the induction engine, and at the height of the technology’s heyday, virtually foolproof. A gravitic redirector does not operate within a planetary atmosphere, and most ships fitted with this kind of engine also have secondary thrusters or rely on shuttlecraft.

Minimum Ship Size: Colossal.

Tactical Speed Bonus: +1,500 feet (+3 squares).

Purchase DC: 10 + one-half the base purchase DC of the starship.

INERTIAL FLUX ENGINE (PL 8)

By precisely controlling the quantum energy level of every atom on the ship simultaneously, the inertial flux engine assumes the inertial states necessary to produce motion in any direction. In effect, by operating the controls, the pilot chooses from instant to instant what vector the ship’s atoms will next possess, and the inertial flux engine alters them simultaneously—along with everything else aboard, including the crew and passengers. An inertial flux engine does not operate within a planetary atmosphere, and most ships fitted with this kind of engine also have secondary thrusters or rely on shuttlecraft.

Minimum Ship Size: Gargantuan.

Tactical Speed Bonus: +1,500 feet (+3 squares).

Purchase DC: 15 + one-half the base purchase DC of the starship.

SPATIAL COMPRESSOR (PL 9)

The most advanced engine available, the spatial compressor surrounds the ship in a field that “folds” or “wrinkles” the fabric of space in the direction the pilot wishes to travel. This results in a continuous series of micro-jumps in which the ship flickers into and out of reality, teleporting thousands of times every second.

Since the ship has no intrinsic velocity (it’s stationary while it teleports), the spatial compressor can instantaneously stop or change direction and thrust vector without any maneuvering whatsoever.

However, the engine still needs to build up cyclic speed to increase the frequency of its microjumps, so it accelerates normally. The spatial compressor requires a lot of power, but no fuel. It is safe for atmospheric flight.

Minimum Ship Size: Colossal.

Tactical Speed Bonus: +2,000 feet (+4 squares).

Purchase DC: 10 + one-half the base purchase DC of the starship.

STARSHIP ARMOR

A starship can have only one type of armor installed. To surround a starship’s hull in armor or to upgrade the armor, a character must succeed at a Craft (structural) check (DC 30) after investing 600 hours in its assembly. A character without a mechanical tool kit takes a –4 penalty on the skill check. The character must also make a Wealth check against the armor’s (or upgraded armor’s) purchase DC.

Different types of starship armor are presented below.

Hardness: The amount of damage the armor absorbs from a weapon hit or collision.

Tactical Speed Penalty: The amount by which the armor reduces the starship’s tactical speed, given in feet and squares.

Weight: The armor’s weight.

Purchase DC: The armor’s purchase DC.

Restriction: The restriction rating of the armor.

ALLOY PLATING (PL 5)

Alloy plating is made of advanced metal alloys engineered for high resistance to attacks at relatively low weights.

Hardness: 20.

Tactical Speed Penalty: –500 feet (–1 square).

Weight: One-eighth the weight of the starship (rounded down).

Purchase DC: 15 + one-half the base purchase DC of the starship.

Restriction: None.

POLYMERIC (PL 6)

Polymeric armor is made up of advanced polymers, such as carbon fiber and high-grade fiberglass. It is relatively cheap and light, but doesn’t offer tremendous protection.

Hardness: 20.

Tactical Speed Penalty: None.

Weight: One-tenth the weight of the starship (rounded down).

Purchase DC: 10 + one-half the base purchase DC of the starship.

Restriction: Licensed (+1).

VANADIUM (PL 6)

Interlocking plates of light vanadium alloy absorb a respectable amount of damage and are easy to mold to a starship’s hull.

Hardness: 30.

Tactical Speed Penalty: None.

Weight: One-eighth the weight of the starship (rounded down).

Purchase DC: 15 + one-half the base purchase DC of the starship.

Restriction: Military (+3).

CERAMETAL (PL 7)

Combining the heat-resistant qualities of tough ceramics with the ductile strength of metal, cerametal armor offers a good compromise between protection and economy.

Hardness: 30.

Tactical Speed Penalty: None.

Weight: One-eighth the weight of the starship (rounded down).

Purchase DC: 10 + one-half the base purchase DC of the starship.

Restriction: Licensed (+1).

DEFLECTIVE (PL 7)

Deflective armor is composed of a shiny, light, flexible polymer especially good at neutralizing energy damage but less effective against ballistic attacks.

Hardness: 20 against attacks that deal ballistic damage, 40 against all other attacks.

Tactical Speed Penalty: None.

Weight: One-tenth the weight of the starship (rounded down).

Purchase DC: 15 + one-half the base purchase DC of the starship.

Restriction: Military (+3).

NEUTRONITE (PL 7)

Neutronite is a tough steel alloy into which a “weave” of free neutrons has been pressed. It is extremely resilient but also incredibly massive, weighing about five times more than a similar volume of lead.

Hardness: 40.

Tactical Speed Penalty: –500 feet (–1 square).

Weight: One-quarter the weight of the starship (rounded down).

Purchase DC: 15 + one-half the base purchase DC of the starship.

Restriction: Military (+3).

ABLATIVE (PL 8)

This silvery, reflective armor is amazingly thin, yet has tremendous tensile strength and the ability to absorb damage better than most kinds of armor plating.

Hardness: 40.

Tactical Speed Penalty: None.

Weight: One-tenth the weight of the starship (rounded down).

Purchase DC: 15 + one-half the base purchase DC of the starship.

Restriction: Military (+3).

NANOFLUIDIC (PL 8)

Consisting of a thick layer of gel-like fluid sandwiched in a neutronite structure, nanofluidic armor is “smart” armor—it concentrates at the point of impact to blunt physical blows and circulates around heat sources to dissipate energy.

Hardness: 50.

Tactical Speed Penalty: –500 feet (–1 square).

Weight: One-quarter the weight of the starship (rounded down).

Purchase DC: 15 + one-half the base purchase DC of the starship.

Restriction: Military (+3).

STARSHIP DEFENSE SYSTEMS

Armor does an admirable job of preventing damage to the superstructure of a starship, but it’s really only the last line of defense. Since the late Industrial Age, aircraft have been outfitted with an ever-increasing number of defensive systems designed to avoid or avert damage to a craft’s hull—or to repair it before catastrophe occurs.

To build a defense system from scratch, a character must succeed at a Craft (electronic) check (DC 30) and a Craft (mechanical) check after investing 60 hours in its assembly. A character without an electrical or mechanical tool kit takes a –4 penalty on the appropriate skill check. The character must also make a Wealth check against the system’s purchase DC.

Installing a defensive system requires a successful Craft (mechanical) check (DC 30) after investing 30 hours. A character without a mechanical tool kit takes a –4 penalty on the skill check.

Different types of defensive systems are detailed below.

Purchase DC: The purchase DC of the system.

Restriction: The level of license required to purchase the system legally.

AUTOPILOT SYSTEM (PL 5)

An autopilot system “kicks in” whenever the pilot is unable to fly the starship. An autopilot system isn’t as good at avoiding attacks as a living pilot, but it’s better than nothing. Larger vessels have more adaptive autopilot systems than smaller ships (although this increased sophistication doesn’t outweigh the penalties associated with the ships’ larger sizes).

An autopilot system provides an equipment bonus to the starship’s Defense depending on the ship’s size: Huge +1, Gargantuan +2, Colossal +4. This bonus applies only when the autopilot system is engaged.

Purchase DC: 5 + one-quarter the base purchase DC of the starship.

Restriction: None.

DAMAGE CONTROL SYSTEM (PL 5)

A starship equipped with a damage control system can perform damage control as a move action. With a successful Repair check (DC 15), the ship regains a number of hit points depending on its type, as shown on Table: Damage Control Systems. Damage control cannot be performed if the ship has been reduced to negative hit points.

Purchase DC: Varies by starship type (see Table: Damage Control Systems).

Restriction: None.

Table: Damage Control System

Ship Type	Hit Points Restored	Purchase DC
Ultralight	1d10	18
Light	2d10	22
Mediumweight	3d10	27
Heavy	4d10	33
Superheavy	5d10	40

SENSOR JAMMER (PL 5)

A sensor jammer interferes with radar and enemy sensor scans. It also confounds missile guidance systems.

Sensor checks made against a ship with an active sensor jammer take a –5 penalty. In addition, the ship gains one-half concealment against missile attacks (20% miss chance).

Any ship with a Class III sensor system (or better) is not subject to the effects of the sensor jammer, ignoring the penalty and miss chance.

Purchase DC: 5 + one-half the base purchase DC of the starship.

Restriction: Military (+3).

AUTOPILOT SYSTEM, IMPROVED (PL 6)

An improved autopilot system provides an equipment bonus to the starship’s Defense depending on the ship’s size: Huge +3, Gargantuan +4, Colossal +5. This bonus applies only when the autopilot system is engaged. An improved autopilot system replaces the PL 5 autopilot system.

Purchase DC: 5 + one-half the base purchase DC of the starship.

Restriction: None.

CHAFF LAUNCHER (PL 6)

Chaff consists of a cloud of millions of tiny metal strips or particles. This detritus interferes with sensors and missiles. Deploying chaff— usually via a small bundle from the rear or underside of a starship—is a move action. The chaff fills one 500-foot square with these strips or particles. Sensor scans directed at anything within the square take a –10 penalty, and scanning something on the direct opposite side of the chaff field incurs a –5 penalty. Any missile that passes through the chaff field to reach its intended target suffers a 30% miss chance (as though the target has three-quarters concealment).

Purchase DC: 20 for chaff launcher and one chaff bundle, 15 for each additional chaff bundle.

Restriction: Licensed (+1).

DAMAGE CONTROL, IMPROVED (PL 6)

A starship equipped with improved damage control regains an additional +1d10 points of damage each time damage control is performed successfully (see Damage Control System, above).

Purchase DC: 5 + the purchase DC of a standard damage control system.

Restriction: Licensed (+1).

DECOY DRONE LAUNCHER (PL 6)

A decoy drone is a small, self-guided missile that mimics the electromagnetic and infrared signatures of the ship that launched it.

Deploying a decoy drone is an attack action, and the drone occupies the same fighting space as the ship it imitates.

The decoy drone negates the equipment bonus on attack rolls granted by an enemy ship’s targeting system. Launching multiple decoy drones grants no cumulative effect.

A deployed and intact decoy drone can be recovered or captured with a successful grapple. It can also be targeted and destroyed. A decoy drone has a Defense of 12 and 10 hit points, and it rolls 1d20+4 on opposed grapple checks.

Purchase DC: 28 for drone launcher and one drone, 25 for each additional drone.

Restriction: Restricted (+2).

MAGNETIC FIELD (PL 6)

The magnetic field is the first primitive energy shield. It uses vast amounts of power to surround the ship with potent lines of magnetic force. Missiles and weapons that deal ballistic damage fired at a starship with a magnetic field take a –4 penalty on attack rolls.

A mine can be equipped with a magnetic field.

Purchase DC: 5 + one-half the base purchase DC of the starship or mine.

Restriction: Military (+3).

POINT-DEFENSE SYSTEM (PL 6)

A point-defense system serves two functions: It targets all incoming missiles, and it allows a starship to make attacks of opportunity against enemy ships passing through its threatened area. The point-defense system consists of batteries of automated weapons programmed to fire when either of these two conditions is met.

A point-defense system does not fire upon mines, cannot be controlled manually by the crew, and cannot be used to make normal attacks.

Destroy Missiles: A point-defense system has a 20% chance of destroying any incoming missile. A destroyed missile deals no damage to the ship.

Make Attacks of Opportunity: A starship equipped with a point-defense system threatens the space it occupies as well as all adjacent 500-foot squares. When making an attack of opportunity, the point-defense system rolls 1d20 and adds the ship’s targeting system bonus on the roll. If the result equals or exceeds the enemy ship’s Defense, the point-defense weapons deal ballistic damage based on the ship’s type, as shown in Table: Point-Defense Systems. Point-defense systems cannot score critical hits.

Purchase DC: Varies by starship type (see Table: Point-Defense Systems).

Restriction: Licensed (+1).

Table: Point-Defense Systems

Starship Type	Point-Defense Damage	Purchase DC
Ultralight	1d12×10	31
Light	2d12×10	34
Mediumweight	3d12×10	36
Heavy	4d12×10	38
Superheavy	5d12×10	40

RADIATION SHIELDING (PL 6)

Radiation shielding protects a ship’s crew and passengers against the harmful radiation of neutron stars, solar flares, and other external causes. All personnel aboard the ship gain a +5 circumstance bonus on saves to resist the effects of radiation poisoning.

Purchase DC: 5 + one-half the base purchase DC of the starship.

Restriction: None.

SELF-DESTRUCT SYSTEM (PL 6)

A self-destruct system ensures that a starship cannot be captured, dissected for information, or used against its builders. Installing a starship self-destruct system requires a Demolitions check (DC 30) instead of a Craft check and takes an amounts of time as determined by the ship’s type: ultralight 1 hour, light 10 hours, mediumweight 30 hours, heavy 60 hours, superheavy 120 hours. If the Demolitions check fails by 10 or more, the system detonates, destroying the ship and possibly harming others nearby.

A self-destruct system can be programmed to activate only under specified conditions—usually the voice authorization of the ship’s commander, and usually only after the crew has had sufficient time to evacuate (see Starship Evacuation).

The self-destruct system obliterates the starship (killing all aboard) regardless of how many hit points it has remaining. A starship destroyed by its own self-destruct system has no salvageable parts.

The starship’s self-destruction triggers an explosion of shrapnel that deals collateral slashing damage to all other ships in its fighting space; mediumweight, heavy, and superheavy ships also deal collateral damage to ships in adjacent squares. A successful Pilot check (DC 15) reduces the damage by half. Table: Starship Self-Destruct Systems shows the amount of collateral damage (and the system’s purchase DC) based on the starship’s type.

Purchase DC: Varies by starship type (see Table: Starship Self-Destruct Systems).

Restriction: Restricted (+2).

Table: Starship Self-Destruct Systems

Starship Type	Collateral Damage	Purchase DC
Ultralight	1d6×10	26
Light	2d6×10	32
Mediumweight	3d6×10	38
Heavy	4d6×10	44
Superheavy	5d6×10	50

STEALTH SCREEN (PL 6)

An improved version of the sensor jammer (see above), the stealth screen is a sophisticated electromagnetic transceiver capable of detecting incoming electromagnetic energy from radars, ladars, and other sensor devices. When it detects such energy, it responds by generating an electromagnetic interference pattern. In addition, it monitors the ship’s own EM emissions and cloaks them in a similar manner. Finally, the stealth shield masks the ship’s mass signature. Sensor checks made against a ship with an active stealth screen take a –10 penalty.

Additionally, a deployed mine has a 50% chance of not detecting the screened ship as it enters or leaves its detonation area.

Finally, a starship with an active stealth screen gains one-half concealment against all attacks (20% miss chance).

A mine can be equipped with a stealth screen.

Purchase DC: 10 + one-half the base purchase DC of the starship or mine.

Restriction: Military (+3).

DISPLACER (PL 7)

Using the same technology that will someday drive the PL 9 spatial compression engine, the displacer “shifts” the ship a few hundred yards several times a second in a random series of short-range teleportations.

All enemy attacks against the displacing ship have a 30% miss chance, as though it has three-quarters concealment.

A mine can be equipped with a displacer.

Purchase DC: 10 + one-half the base purchase DC of the starship or mine.

Restriction: Military (+3).

LIGHT FORTIFICATION (PL 7)

The starship’s structural integrity is reinforced so that the ship can shake off attacks that would cripple it otherwise. Light fortification converts 25% of all critical hits into regular hits.

Installing light fortification requires a Craft (structural) check instead of a Craft (mechanical) check.

Purchase DC: 10 + one-half the base purchase DC of the starship.

Restriction: Licensed (+1).

PARTICLE FIELD (PL 7)

Generators project a field of alpha particles (helium nuclei that have been stripped of their electrons) around the ship. The field absorbs energy damage; weapons that wholly or partly deal concussion, electricity, fire, or nonspecific energy damage (such as beam weapons) fired at the starship take a –4 penalty on attack rolls.

A mine can be equipped with a particle field.

Purchase DC: 10 + one-half the base purchase DC of the starship or mine.

Restriction: Military (+3).

REPAIR DRONES (PL 7)

Repair drones are Small spiderlike robots that rapidly deploy to damaged sections of a ship’s outer hull. They are programmed to repair damage quickly and efficiently.

A ship with repair drones can perform damage control as a free action. A ship without a damage control system cannot be fitted with repair drones.

Purchase DC: 15 + one-half the base purchase DC of the starship.

Restriction: Military (+3).

DAMAGE CONTROL, ADVANCED (PL 8)

A starship equipped with advanced damage control regains an additional +2d10 points of damage each time damage control is performed successfully (see Damage Control System, above). Advanced damage control replaces (and does not stack with) improved damage control.

Purchase DC: 10 + the purchase DC of a standard damage control system.

Restriction: Military (+3).

CLOAKING SCREEN (PL 8)

An improvement of the PL 7 stealth screen, the cloaking screen warps light and energy around the ship’s hull, rendering the ship invisible to visual and electronic sensors.

A cloaked ship has total concealment. To attack a cloaked ship, an attacker must guess in which square the ship currently is (or determine its position based on where it attacked last), and even if the guess is accurate, there is a 50% chance that the attack misses.

Additionally, a deployed mine cannot detect a cloaked ship and does not detonate when the ship enters or leaves its burst area. The ship’s pilot must make a Pilot check (DC 5, +5 per additional mine) to avoid a collision with the mine if the starship enters the mine’s square; on a failed check, the mine detonates.

A cloaking screen cannot be used in conjunction with chaff, since the chaff cloud would give away the ship’s position. It also cannot operate simultaneously with any sort of field (including magnetic fields and particle fields), as the field gives away the ship’s position.

A mine can be equipped with a cloaking screen.

Purchase DC: 15 + one-half the base purchase DC of the starship or mine.

Restriction: Military (+3).

MEDIUM FORTIFICATION (PL 8)

As light fortification (see above), except that the medium fortification system converts 75% of all critical hits into regular hits.

Purchase DC: 10 + one-half the base purchase DC of the starship.

Restriction: Licensed (+1).

NANITE REPAIR ARRAY (PL 8)

The final refinement of damage control systems, the nanite repair array consists of numerous nodules filled with nanites—microscopic robots—scattered throughout the ship. The nanite repair array can repair a ship with negative hit points; however, not even nanites can repair a destroyed ship.

Purchase DC: 10 + one-half the base purchase DC of the starship.

Restriction: Restricted (+2).

HEAVY FORTIFICATION (PL 9)

As light fortification (see above), except that the heavy fortification system converts all critical hits into regular hits.

Purchase DC: 10 + one-half the base purchase DC of the starship.

Restriction: Licensed (+1).

STARSHIP SENSORS

A starship would be lost in the blackness of outer space without a sophisticated sensor array enabling it to perceive its surroundings. Sensor arrays allow a starship’s crew to plot safe courses through unexplored star systems, avoid comets and electromagnetic storms, navigate asteroid belts, analyze planetary surface conditions, detect other starships nearby, and analyze damage to the ship’s outer hull. Without a functional sensor array, a ship and its crew are virtually paralyzed.

This section describes several standard sensor arrays. Each sensor array includes a list of functions; each function requires a move action and a successful Computer Use check (DC 15).

To build a sensor system from scratch, a character must succeed at a Craft (electronic) check (DC 30) after investing 60 hours in its assembly. A character without an electrical tool kit takes a –4 penalty on the skill check. The character must also make a Wealth check against the sensor system’s purchase DC.

Installing a sensor system requires a successful Craft (electrical) check (DC 30) after investing 30 hours. A character without an electrical tool kit takes a –4 penalty on the skill check.

Different types of sensor systems are detailed below.

Purchase DC: The purchase DC of the system.

Restriction: The level of license required to purchase the system legally.

CLASS I SENSOR ARRAY (PL 5)

This array includes radar, hi-res video, and infrared heat sensor units. As a move action, a Class I sensor array can perform either of the following functions with a successful Computer Use check (DC 15):

• Ascertain the location and type (ultralight, light, and so on) of all visible ships on the battlefield.
• Identify and ascertain the location of all visible hazards on the battlefield (such as asteroids and mines).
• Analyze the chemical composition of a planet’s atmosphere (the ship must be orbiting the planet).

Purchase DC: 21.

Restriction: None.

CLASS II SENSOR ARRAY (PL 6)

This array incorporates hi-res video, infrared and electromagnetic sensors, and ladar detection units. (The ladar uses low-powered laser beams to locate targets.) As a move action, a Class II sensor array can perform any one of the following functions with a successful Computer Use check (DC 15):

• Ascertain the location, type (ultralight, light, and so on), and subtype (fighter, destroyer, and so on) of all visible ships on the battlefield.
• Identify and ascertain the location of all visible hazards on the battlefield (such as asteroids and mines).
• Identify all PL 5 or PL 6 weapons on a specific ship (number and type of weapons present), including their organization into batteries (but not fire links).
• Ascertain the presence of any or all of the following systems on a specific ship: grapplers, magnetic field, point-defense system.
• Identify a specific ship’s armor type (PL 5 and PL 6 armor types only).
• Analyze the chemical composition of a planet’s atmosphere (the ship must be orbiting the planet).

Purchase DC: 27.

Restriction: None.

CLASS III SENSOR ARRAY (PL 6)

As the Class II sensor array, except that the ship also gains a +2 equipment bonus on all initiative checks. This array is normally installed on ships built for combat.

Purchase DC: 30.

Restriction: None.

TARGETING SYSTEM (PL 6)

A computerized targeting system helps starship gunners aim weapons and track enemy ships. A targeting system provides an equipment bonus on attack rolls depending on the ship’s size: Huge +1, Gargantuan +2, Colossal +3.

The purchase DC of the targeting system depends on the size of the ship.

Purchase DC: 18 (Huge), 23 (Gargantuan), or 28 (Colossal).

Restriction: Licensed (+1).

CLASS IV SENSOR ARRAY (PL 7)

This array includes hi-res video, electromagnetic sensors, multiband radar, spectroanalyzers, and mass detectors. (A mass detector locates objects via their gravitational signatures.)

As a move action, a Class IV sensor array can perform any one of the following functions with a successful Computer Use check (DC 15):

• Ascertain the location, type (ultralight, light, and so on), subtype (fighter, destroyer, and so on), and mass of all visible ships on the battlefield.
• Identify and ascertain the location of all visible hazards on the battlefield (such as asteroids and mines).
• Identify all of the PL 5, PL 6, and PL 7 weapons on a specific ship (number and type of weapons present), including their organization as fire-linked weapons and batteries.
• Ascertain the presence of any or all of the following systems on a specific ship: grapplers, magnetic field, particle field, point-defense system, tractor beam.
• Identify a specific ship’s armor type (PL 5, PL 6, or PL 7 armor types only).
• Identify the type of engines a ship has.
• Determine the number of life forms aboard a specific ship.
• Analyze the chemical composition of a planet’s atmosphere (the ship must be orbiting the planet).
• Analyze and chart the topography of a 1,000-square-mile area on a planet’s surface (the ship must be orbiting the planet).
• Determine a planet’s prevailing meteorological conditions and weather patterns (the ship must be orbiting the planet).

Purchase DC: 33.

Restriction: None.

CLASS V SENSOR ARRAY (PL 7)

As the Class IV sensor array, except that the ship also gains a +2 equipment bonus on all initiative checks. This array is normally installed on ships built for combat.

Purchase DC: 36.

Restriction: None.

TARGETING SYSTEM, IMPROVED (PL 7)

A starship equipped with an improved targeting system gains an equipment bonus on attack rolls depending on the ship’s size: Huge +3, Gargantuan +4, Colossal +5. This system replaces the PL 6 targeting system.

The purchase DC of the improved targeting system depends on the size of the ship.

Purchase DC: 22 (Huge), 27 (Gargantuan), or 32 (Colossal).

Restriction: Licensed (+1).

CLASS VI SENSOR ARRAY (PL 8)

This array includes hi-res video, electromagnetic sensors, spectroanalyzers, multiphase radar, and mass detectors.

As a move action, a Class VI sensor array can perform any one of the following functions with a successful Computer Use check (DC 15):

• Ascertain the location, type (ultralight, light, and so on), subtype (fighter, destroyer, and so on), and mass of all ships on the battlefield.
• Identify and ascertain the location of all hazards on the battlefield (such as asteroids and mines).
• Determine a specific ship’s PL 5, PL 6, PL 7, and PL 8 design specs (engines, defensive systems, sensor systems, communication systems, and weapons, including fire-linked weapons and batteries).
• Detect the presence and location of ships and mines using active cloaking screens (targets still gain the benefits of total concealment).
• Determine the number and type of life forms aboard a specific ship (“type” refers to the creature type).
• Analyze the chemical composition of a planet’s atmosphere (the ship must be orbiting the planet).
• Determine the number and type of life forms within a 4,000-square mile region on a planet’s surface (the ship must be orbiting the planet, and “type” refers to the creature type).
• Analyze and chart the topography of a 4,000-square-mile area on a planet’s surface (the ship must be orbiting the planet).
• Determine a planet’s prevailing meteorological conditions and weather patterns (the ship must be orbiting the planet).

Purchase DC: 39.

Restriction: None.

CLASS VII SENSOR ARRAY (PL 8)

As the Class VI sensor array, except that the ship also gains a +2 equipment bonus on all initiative checks. This array is normally installed on ships built for combat.

Purchase DC: 42.

Restriction: None.

ACHILLES TARGETING SOFTWARE (PL 8)

Any starship with a targeting system can have Achilles targeting software; the software does not take up one o f the starship’s

sensor system slots.

Achilles targeting software enables the ship to better train its weapons on an enemy’s critical systems. Achilles targeting software increases the critical threat ranges of the ship’s beam, projectile, and missile weapons by 1. This effect stacks with other systems that expand a weapon’s critical threat range, such as weapon batteries.

The purchase DC of Achilles targeting software depends on the size of the ship.

Purchase DC: 26 (Huge), 31 (Gargantuan), or 36 (Colossal).

Restriction: Restricted (+2).

CLASS VIII SENSOR ARRAY (PL 9)

This array is an amplified version of the Class VI sensor array.

As a move action, a Class VIII sensor array can perform any one of the following functions with a successful Computer Use check (DC 15):

• Ascertain the location, type (ultralight, light, and so on), subtype (fighter, destroyer, and so on), and mass of all ships in the star system.
• Identify and ascertain the location and trajectories of all hazards in the star system (such as asteroids and mines).
• Determine a specific ship’s design specs (engines, defensive systems, sensor systems, communication systems, and weapons, including fire-linked weapons and batteries).
• Detect the presence and exact location of ships and mines equipped with cloaking screens, and negate the effects of stealth screens, displacers, and cloaking screens.
• Determine the number, type, and species of life forms aboard a specific ship (“type” refers to the creature type).
• Analyze the chemical composition of a planet’s atmosphere (the ship must be in the same system as the planet).
• Determine the number, type, and species of life forms on a planet’s surface (the ship must be orbiting the planet, and “type” refers to the creature type).
• Analyze and chart the topography of a planet’s surface (the ship must be orbiting the planet).
• Determine a planet’s prevailing meteorological conditions and weather patterns (the ship must be in the same system as the planet).

Purchase DC: 45.

Restriction: None.

CLASS IX SENSOR ARRAY (PL 9)

As the Class VIII sensor array, except that the ship also gains a +2 equipment bonus on all initiative checks. This array is normally installed on ships built for combat.

Purchase DC: 48.

Restriction: None.

STARSHIP COMM SYSTEMS

The ability to communicate with other ships and bases is vital to starships. The more advanced a ship’s communications capabilities, the better informed its crew is, and the better they can coordinate with other ships in the same fleet.

To build a communication system from scratch, a character must succeed at a Craft (electrical) check (DC 30) after investing a number of hours equal to the ship’s Hit Dice. A character without an electrical tool kit takes a –4 penalty on the skill check. The character must also make a Wealth check against the system’s purchase DC.

Installing a comm system requires a successful Craft (mechanical) check (DC 30) and a successful Craft (electrical) check (DC 30) after investing 30 hours. A character without a mechanical or electrical tool kit takes a –4 penalty on the appropriate skill check.

The following section describes various ship-to-ship comm. systems.

Purchase DC: The cost of the comm system.

Internal Comm Systems

Internal comm systems, though as vital as ship-to-ship communications, are not covered in depth here. Obviously, the larger a ship’s crew complement, the greater its need for internal communications. The crew must stay in contact to do their jobs properly. Smaller ships can often get by with headsets jacked into the ship’s network, or short-range two-way radios, or even just shouting to each other from nearby crew stations. Larger ships require a more sophisticated system.

A standard internal communication system allows twoway audio communication from any comm station to any other comm station on the same ship. An internal comm system has a purchase DC based on the ship’s type: ultralight 13, light 16, mediumweight 19, heavy 22, superheavy 25. Increase the purchase DC by +2 if the comm stations include video screen displays as well.

RADIO TRANSCEIVER (PL 5)

The radio transceiver can transmit on multiple frequencies in either LOS (line of sight) or omnidirectional mode, sending messages at the speed of light. A radio transceiver can handle up to ten simultaneous two-way conversations.

Purchase DC: 21.

LASER TRANSCEIVER (PL 6)

This system uses a beam of coherent light to transmit messages. The laser is unidirectional; the signal cannot be intercepted or jammed unless it’s beamed directly at a hostile ship or station. However, if the comm officer doesn’t know exactly where the receiving station is, the laser transceiver is a waste of effort. This has some hidden drawbacks; a character cannot use the laser transceiver for a general distress call to all stations in the area, for example. A ship can’t receive laser communications unless it is equipped with the transceiver.

Lasers are limited to the speed of light (8 AU/hour), meaning it can take hours or days to get a response within a system, or even weeks to get a response at interstellar distances.

Purchase DC: 23.

DRIVESAT COMM ARRAY (PL 7)

This massive comm array provides rapid interstellar communications. The array consists of a constellation of dozens of small transmitters that transmit and receive messages through space at faster-thanlight speeds, enabling communications with a range of 50 light-years.

The signals travel at a rate of 5 light-years per hour. Because of the need for steady signal, the ship must remain stationary to transmit and receive messages. If the ship moves while its drivesat array is transmitting or receiving, the ship’s communication officer must make a Computer Use check (DC 30) to avoid losing the signal.

Only mediumweight, heavy, and superheavy ships can be equipped with a drivesat comm array.

Purchase DC: 53.

MASS TRANSCEIVER (PL 7)

This device can transmit instantaneously to any point in the same star system, with no “lag” due to FTL limitations. However, its range is limited to about 1,000 AU, so the signal can’t cross interstellar space.

Purchase DC: 25.

DRIVE TRANSCEIVER (PL 8)

The drive transceiver is the first interstellar comm system that’s truly practical for small ships or second-rate colonies. It operates like the much larger PL 7 drivesat comm array, sending a signal up to 50 lightyears distant. The signal travels at a rate of 5 light-years per hour. The target station must also be equipped with a drive transceiver.

Purchase DC: 28.

ANSIBLE (PL 9)

The ansible is a device that induces precise changes in the energy states of atomic nuclei, without regard to distance or time. In effect, it permits instantaneous interstellar communications—voice, video, or data transfer—to any other ship or station equipped with an ansible. Much like a radio, the receiving station has to be attentive to a particular “frequency,” so two ansible-equipped stations must have some prearranged communications protocols; an ansible cannot pick up any transmissions not intended for that specific frequency.

Purchase DC: 33.

STARSHIP WEAPONS

Starship weapons fall into one of four categories: beam weapons, projectile weapons, missiles, and mines. Each category of weapon is described in greater detail below.

Starship weapons require the Starship Gunnery feat to operate proficiently. Without this feat, a gunner takes a –4 penalty on attack rolls made with starship weapons. Trained, expert, and ace crew gunners are assumed to have this feat.

To build a starship weapon system from scratch, a character must succeed at a Craft (mechanical) check (DC 30) after investing 300 hours in its assembly. A character without a mechanical tool kit takes a –4 penalty on the skill check. The character must also make a Wealth check against the weapon’s purchase DC.

Installing a weapon system requires a successful Craft (mechanical) check (DC 30) after investing 30 hours. A character without a mechanical tool kit takes a –4 penalty on the skill check.

Modifying Weapons: Certain beam and projectile weapons—as noted in Table: Starship Weapons—can be modified for different rates of fire. With 1 hour of work and a successful Repair check (DC 30), these weapons can be reconfigured for semiautomatic or automatic fire mode. (Resetting a weapon to its original configuration requires another check and 1 hour.) Weapons can be purchased in their modified versions, but the purchase DC of a modified weapon increases by +3.

Average Weapon Damage

Some starship weapons (particularly fire-linked weapons) deal incredible damage. To speed up play, you can decide to deal average damage with weapon attacks instead of rolling handfuls of dice and adding them up. Table: Starship Weapons lists average damage in parentheses in the Damage column.

BEAM WEAPONS

Beam weapons deal energy damage, usually of a nonspecific type. They range from weapons as simple as a high-powered laser to monstrous devices capable of harnessing the fundamental forces of the universe.

Beam weapons draw power from a starship’s power plant and are considered to have unlimited ammunition.

Beam Weapon Mounts: Beam weapons are mounted on turrets or in banks that, coupled with the starship’s ability to adjust its orientation, allow the weapons to fire in any direction. The cost of a turret mount or bank is included in the purchase DC of the weapon.

PROJECTILE WEAPONS

Projectiles are generally solid slugs delivered to the target, where the velocity and density of the slug hopefully punch through the target’s defenses. The most basic projectile weapons launch a small hunk of metal at roughly the speed of sound; the most advanced can push around mountains or molecules at greater than the speed of light.

Projectile weapons tend to be slightly more expensive than beam weapons, but the top end damage is considerably higher.

Starships have sufficient storage space to contain a virtually unlimited supply of projectile weapon ammunition.

Projectile Weapon Mounts: Like beam weapons, projectile weapons are mounted on turrets or in banks that, coupled with the starship’s ability to adjust its orientation, allow the weapons to fire in any direction. The cost of a turret mount or bank is included in the purchase DC of the weapon.

MISSILES

A missile is an explosive warhead fixed to a guided rocket and fired from a missile launcher. The type of warhead determines both the type and amount of damage.

All missiles are equipped with guidance systems that negate the penalty for range increments. Missiles are purchased in racks of eight.

Missile Launchers: A starship must be equipped with missile launchers to fire missiles. Each type of missile has its own type of missile launcher; for example, a launcher designed to fire CHE missiles cannot fire KE submunition missiles. Missiles can fire in any direction. A missile launcher has a purchase DC of 20.

MINES

Mines are immobile explosives that must be deployed to be effective. Mines are equipped with sensors to scan approaching ships and detonate when hostile ships draw near. Some mines also come equipped with cloaking screens and other defensive systems to conceal their presence (see Defensive Systems).

Mines are sold individually. Although a mine weighs no more than a few thousand pounds, one mine consumes 100 tons of a ship’s cargo capacity (most of it taken up by the launch system and radiation shielding).

Minelayers: A starship must be equipped with a minelayer (purchase DC 25) to deploy mines, and only Colossal ships can be fitted with minelayers. A minelayer consists of two or more mine rails—low-powered magnetic accelerators that can deploy one mine per round.

Deploying a Mine: A starship equipped with a minelayer can, as an attack action, deploy a single mine in any 500-foot square it occupies. Only after the starship leaves the mine’s detonation area does the mine activate.

A starship that deploys a mine sets the conditions under which the mine detonates. Up to four mines can be deployed in the same 500-foot square and programmed to detonate simultaneously.

A deployed mine is a Medium-size object with Defense 5, hardness 10, and 50 hit points. Damaging or destroying a deployed mine has a 50% chance per hit of detonating it.

Detonating a Mine: When certain predetermined conditions are met (usually when an enemy ship enters the mine’s detonation area), the deployed mine explodes. The mine’s detonation area includes the square it occupies and all adjacent 500-foot squares (9 squares total). All ships within the mine’s detonation area take damage when the mine detonates. A pilot may attempt a Pilot check (DC 25) to reduce the damage by half; making this check does not count as an action.

FIRE-LINKED WEAPONS

Fire-linked weapons are identical beam weapons, projectile weapons, or missile launchers that point and fire in the same direction. In effect, this arrangement creates a single weapon (fired with a single attack roll) that deals greater damage than either weapon alone.

Each full doubling of the number of fire-linked weapons (two weapons, four, eight, and so on) increases the damage by one-half the base damage. For example, a fighter using two fire-linked rail cannons (damage 6d12 each) deals 9d12 points of damage with a successful attack. Fire-linking weapons adds +1 to the purchase DC of each weapon in the link; taking the above example, each fire-linked rail cannon would have a purchase DC of 31 instead of 30.

Variable fire links also exist, allowing the gunner to decide from attack to attack whether to fire the weapons individually (as normal), in a full link (as described above), or in a partial link. A partial link allows the pilot to fire the linked weapons in groups of two. Only starships with four or more fire-linked weapons can be fired in a partial link. The variable version of the fire link adds +3 to the purchase DC of each weapon in the link.

WEAPON BATTERIES

A weapon battery consists of a cluster of up to five identical beam weapons, projectile weapons, or missile launchers that fire as a single weapon (requiring a single attack roll). When using battery fire, every weapon after the first in a battery adds a +1 bonus on the attack roll, to a maximum of +4 for a five-weapon battery. If the attack succeeds, roll damage as if one of the weapons had hit. In addition, a weapon battery has a greater chance of scoring a critical hit. Regardless of the number of weapons in the battery, the threat range is increased by 1. For example, a battery of plasma cannons (normal threat range of 20) has a threat range of 19–20. This effect stacks with other systems that expand a weapon’s critical threat range, such as Achilles targeting software.

Batteries of weapons cannot be “split” into individual weapons; they either fire all together, or not at all. Installing weapons in a battery increases the purchase DC of each weapon by +1.

Only mediumweight, heavy, and superheavy starships can be equipped with weapon batteries.

WEAPON DESCRIPTIONS

Table: Starship Weapons provides the following statistics for various ranged weapons:

Damage: The damage the weapon deals.

Critical: The critical threat range of the weapon.

Damage Type: Most beam weapons deal a nonspecific type of energy damage that is not subject to energy resistance. A few weapons deal a specific kind of energy damage; for example, a laser deals fire damage. Projectile weapons deal ballistic damage.

Range Increment: A weapon’s range increment is given in feet. An attack at less than this distance is not penalized for range. However, each full range increment causes a cumulative –2 penalty on the attack roll. Beam weapons dissipate and become ineffective past 10 range increments, while projectile weapons have unlimited range.

Rate of Fire: Ranged weapons have three possible rates of fire: single shot, semiautomatic, or automatic.

Single Shot: A weapon with a single shot rate of fire can fire only one shot per attack, even if the gunner has a feat or other ability that normally allows more than one shot per attack.

Semiautomatic (S): A semiautomatic ranged weapon fires one shot per attack (effectively acting as a single shot weapon). However, a gunner who gains multiple attacks per round because of his level or because of certain feats can fire a semiautomatic beam weapon multiple times in rapid succession, getting more than one shot per attack.

Automatic (A): Automatic ranged weapons fire a burst or stream of shots. Only weapons with the automatic rate of fire can be set on autofire or be used with feats that take advantage of automatic fire. See the Starship Weapons on Autofire for more rules and information.

Minimum Ship Size: The minimum size of starship capable of supporting the weapon.

Purchase DC: The purchase DC of the weapon.

Restriction: The level of license required to purchase the weapon legally.

Starship Weapons on Autofire

If a starship weapon has an automatic rate of fire, it can be set on autofire. Autofire affects an area and everything in it, not a specific target. The starship using the autofire weapon targets a 1,000-foot-by-1,000-foot area and makes an attack roll; the targeted area has an effective Defense of 10. If the attack succeeds, the pilots of all ships within the affected area must make a Pilot check (DC 15) or take the weapon’s damage.

Apply a penalty on the check based on the size of the pilot’s ship: Huge –2, Gargantuan –4, Colossal –8.

Some starship weapons—such as the needle driver—only have autofire settings and can’t normally fire single shots.

Table: Starship Weapons

	Weapon Damage	Critical	Damage Type	Range Increment	Rate of Fire	Minimum Ship Size	Purchase DC	Restriction
Progress Level 6: Fusion Age
Fusion beam	10d8 (45)	20	Energy	3,000 ft.	Single	Gargantuan	33	Res (+2)
Gauss gun	8d12 (52)	20	Ballistic	4,000 ft.	Single1	Gargantuan	35	Res (+2)
Laser	6d8 (27)	20	Fire	3,000 ft.	Single1	Huge	28	Lic (+1)
Laser, heavy	8d8 (36)	20	Fire	4,000 ft.	Single	Colossal	31	Res (+2)
Mine, fusion	5d100 (275)	—	Energy	—	—	Colossal	33	Mil (+3)
Missile, CHE	6d12 (39)	19–20	Ballistic	—	Single	Gargantuan	252	Mil (+3)
Missile, KE submunition	4d12 (26)	19–20	Ballistic	—	Single	Gargantuan	222	Lic (+1)
Missile, nuclear	16d8 (72)	19–20	Energy	—	Single	Gargantuan	452	Mil (+3)
Needle driver	8d12 (52)	20	Ballistic	4,000 ft.	A	Gargantuan	36	Lic (+1)
Neutron gun	6d8 (27)	20	Energy	5,000 ft.	Single	Colossal	31	Mil (+3)
Neutron gun, heavy	10d8 (45)	20	Energy	6,000 ft.	Single	Colossal	35	Mil (+3)
Rail cannon	6d12 (39)	20	Ballistic	3,000 ft.	Single1	Gargantuan	30	Lic (+1)
Progress Level 7: Gravity Age
Antimatter gun	10d8 (45)	20	Energy	5,000 ft.	Single	Colossal	38	Mil (+3)
Mass cannon	8d12 (52)	20	Ballistic	5,000 ft.	Single	Gargantuan	37	Lic (+1)
Mass cannon, heavy	10d12 (65)	20	Ballistic	6,000 ft.	Single	Colossal	40	Res (+2)
Mine, gravitic	10d100 (550)	—	Energy	—	—	Colossal	43	Mil (+3)
Missile, mass reaction	20d8 (90)	19–20	Energy	—	Single	Colossal	502	Mil (+3)
Missile, plasma	18d8 (81)	19–20	Fire	—	Single	Gargantuan	462	Res (+2)
Particle beam	12d8 (54)	20	Energy	4,000 ft.	Single	Gargantuan	36	Res (+2)
Particle beam, heavy	16d8 (72)	20	Energy	5,000 ft.	Single	Colossal	39	Res (+2)
Plasma cannon	14d8 (63)	20	Fire	3,000 ft.	Single1	Gargantuan	36	Lic (+1)
Plasma cannon, heavy	18d8 (81)	20	Fire	4,000 ft.	Single1	Colossal	39	Res (+2)
Quantum cannon	16d8 (72)	20	Energy	6,000 ft.	Single	Gargantuan	41	Res (+2)
Progress Level 8: Energy Age
Automaser	12d8 (54)	20	Energy	6,000 ft.	A	Colossal	40	Res (+2)
EMP cannon	8d8 (36)3	20	Electricity	4,000 ft.	Single	Gargantuan	41	Res (+2)
Kinetic lance	10d12 (65)	20	Concussion	3,000 ft.	Single1	Colossal	42	Res (+2)
Maser cannon	12d8 (54)	20	Energy	6,000 ft.	Single1	Gargantuan	40	Lic (+1)
Maser cannon, heavy	16d8 (72)	20	Energy	8,000 ft.	Single1	Colossal	44	Res (+2)
Mine, zero point	15d100 (825)	—	Energy	—	—	Colossal	48	Mil (+3)
Missile, nova burst	12d8 (54)	19–20	Ballistic/ Energy	—	Single	Gargantuan	452	Mil (+3)
Missile, starload	20d8 (90)	19–20	Energy	—	Single	Huge	452	Mil (+3)
Neutronium driver	12d12 (78)	20	Ballistic	5,000 ft.	Single	Colossal	42	Mil (+3)
Sliver gun	8d12 (52)	20	Ballistic	3,000 ft.	S, A	Gargantuan	39	Res (+2)
Zero bore	16d8 (72)	20	Energy	6,000 ft.	Single	Colossal	52	Mil (+3)
Progress Level 9: Matter Age
Blacklaser	16d8 (72)	20	Energy	8,000 ft.	S, A	Huge	50	Mil (+3)
Mine, null4	10d100 (550)	—	Energy	—	—	Colossal	53	Mil (+3)
Singularity cannon	20d8 (90)	20	Energy	5,000 ft.	Single	Colossal	53	Mil (+3)
String projector	12d12 (78)	20	Energy	6,000 ft.	Single	Colossal	54	Mil (+3)
Tachyon gun	14d8 (63)	20	Energy	10,000 ft.	Single	Gargantuan	52	Mil (+3)
With a successful Repair check (DC 30) and 1 hour of work, this weapon can be modified for semiautomatic or automatic fire mode. Resetting the weapon to its original configuration requires another check and another hour of labor. The purchase DC includes a basic launch system (missile rack or missile tube) and eight missiles with warheads. The purchase DC is 2 lower without the launch system. In addition to taking damage, the ship is dazed for 1 round (see Starship Condition Summary). This weapon’s damage ignores a ship’s hardness.

FUSION BEAM (PL 6)

The fusion beam initiates a fusion reaction and then directs the blast at the target.

GAUSS GUN (PL 6)

The gauss gun is an electromagnetic accelerator that fires tiny ball bearings at an extremely high velocity.

LASER (PL 6)

The simplest beam weapon, the laser is used generally for small craft. It consists of a focused beam of white-hot light.

LASER, HEAVY (PL 6)

The heavy laser is simply an oversized laser that pours more energy on the target. It’s too big to install on light spacecraft, but is common on destroyers and larger warships.

MINE, FUSION (PL 6)

A fusion mine initiates a fusion reaction that deals damage to all starships in its square and all adjacent squares.

MISSILE, CHE (PL 6)

A CHE (conventional high-explosive) warhead can destroy a small vessel, but it’s less effective against larger warships unless launched in numbers. Heavy vessels, such as battleships, can usually ignore the weapon despite its payload of hundreds of kilos of advanced chemical explosives.

MISSILE, KE SUBMUNITION (PL 6)

This warhead consists of a bundle of dozens or even hundreds of tungsten steel darts, each mounted on small rocket motors. As the weapon approaches its target, the warhead splits open, unleashing a lethal hail of high-velocity metal arrows. The impact alone can vaporize several square yards of heavy armor.

MISSILE, NUCLEAR (PL 6)

This 1-megaton warhead is essentially a fusion bomb rigged to a guided rocket.

NEEDLE DRIVER (PL 6)

The needle driver is a larger, heavier version of the rail cannon (see below), with an extremely high rate of fire. It fires small metal flechettes at the rate of thousands of rounds per minute.

NEUTRON GUN (PL 6)

This device directs an intense blast of neutron radiation at the target.

NEUTRON GUN, HEAVY (PL 6)

This weapon is simply a larger version of the neutron gun.

RAIL CANNON (PL 6)

Rail cannons use a series of electromagnets to propel projectiles down a magnetic track. The projectiles are kinetic-energy weapons with no explosive charge, but at close ranges, they can still be quite devastating.

ANTIMATTER GUN (PL 7)

Using the same basic technology as the PL 6 rail cannon, the antimatter gun throws a piece of antimatter at the target. The impact alone is extremely destructive. Following the initial impact damage, the “splatter” of antimatter from the disintegrating warhead creates a cluster-bomb effect around the point of impact, increasing the chance of a critical hit.

MASS CANNON (PL 7)

The mass cannon uses gravitic technology to “charge” a small bit of matter with incredible gravitational energy, then hurls it at the target, where its increased gravitational pull causes it to slam into the target like a wrecking ball.

MASS CANNON, HEAVY (PL 7)

The heavy mass cannon is a larger and more powerful version of the mass cannon.

MINE, GRAVITIC (PL 7)

When a gravitic mine detonates, it creates a brief artificial gravity well that pulls on ships in its square and in all adjacent squares, tearing their hulls.

MISSILE, MASS REACTION (PL 7)

This warhead uses a dark matter reaction to unleash a powerful wave of energy. The effect is more concentrated than a nuclear blast, but it’s less likely to cause unwanted collateral damage.

MISSILE, PLASMA (PL 7)

The plasma warhead improves on the PL 6 chemical explosive. It creates a burst of white-hot plasma that can blast a small ship out of space with one shot.

PARTICLE BEAM (PL 7)

The next phase of the PL 6 neutron gun, the particle beam projects a stream of protons, neutrons, or alpha particles at the target—each particle accelerated to near light-speed.

PARTICLE BEAM, HEAVY (PL 7)

This weapon is simply a larger version of the particle beam.

PLASMA CANNON (PL 7)

Using a powerful electrical charge to convert a mix of chemicals into white-hot plasma, this weapon then accelerates the plasma mass toward the target with a simple rail gun. The result is a bolt of incandescent plasma that can explosively vaporize objects in its path.

PLASMA CANNON, HEAVY (PL 7)

This weapon is simply a larger version of the plasma cannon.

QUANTUM CANNON (PL 7)

The quantum cannon fires a stream of highly charged subatomic particles, destabilizing the atoms of the target and creating localized fission reactions.

AUTOMASER (PL 8)

The automaser uses multiple firing arrays to channel high-energy maser compressions into shorter pulse widths. This weapon fires only in automatic mode.

EMP CANNON (PL 8)

The EMP cannon induces an electromagnetic pulse effect similar to that of a nuclear explosion. This makes the EMP cannon especially effective against electronic equipment. In addition to taking damage, the starship is dazed for 1 round. Neither crew nor passengers are dazed, however.

KINETIC LANCE (PL 8)

The kinetic lance creates a high-velocity stream of virtual particles simulating solid matter. The impact of these particles is quite destructive—rather like a collision with a solid object.

MASER CANNON (PL 8)

Maser cannons channel an enormous amount of power through a linear antenna array, creating a broad-spectrum blast of energy that devastates the target with heat, light, and intense radiation.

MASER CANNON, HEAVY (PL 8)

The heavy maser cannon is a larger version of the maser cannon. With 1 hour of work and a successful Repair check (DC 30), a heavy maser can be reconfigured for semiautomatic or automatic fire mode. (Resetting the weapon to its original configuration requires another check and another hour of labor.) Increase the purchase DC of the modified pulse maser by +5.

MINE, ZERO POINT (PL 8)

This mine creates a spontaneous quantum fluctuation of energy—the same energy as the Big Bang, though obviously on a smaller scale.

MISSILE, NOVA BURST (PL 8)

The nova burst warhead generates an incredible gravitational force that compresses normal matter into an incredibly dense mass, which then explodes in a colossal detonation.

MISSILE, STARLOAD (PL 8)

The starload warhead is essentially an improved version of the PL 7 mass reaction missile.

NEUTRONIUM DRIVER (PL 8)

This version of the rail gun is configured to fire a projectile of false neutronium—a slug the size of a baseball, but with a temporary mass of thousands of tons. Because neutronium is electrically neutral, the driver mechanism actually encapsulates the projectile in a sleeve or sabot of ordinary matter to fire the slug.

SLIVER GUN (PL 8)

An efficient mass driver loaded with flechettes of tungsten steel, the sliver gun is the PL 8 version of a heavy machine gun. It cycles at a rate of fire of almost 4,000 rounds per minute, and each sliver can tear through a yard or more of heavy armor.

ZERO BORE (PL 8)

The zero bore creates a stream of energy that encourages extraordinary amounts of quantum energy fluctuation—the so-called “zero point” energy. Anything in its path is wrecked by the spontaneous destruction of space itself.

BLACKLASER (PL 9)

Using the fluorescent gaseous form of dark matter, a blacklaser fires a beam of coherent light. To human eyes, it appears to be a beam of purplish light bordering on ultraviolet, but it is composed of radiation much more energetic and dangerous than ordinary photons.

MINE, NULL (PL 9)

This weapon is horrifyingly simple in design. It harnesses nuclear strong force to generate a field in which all atomic bonds cease to exist. Matter in the mine’s square and all adjacent squares is pulverized into subatomic dust.

A null mine ignores a ship’s hardness.

SINGULARITY CANNON (PL 9)

The singularity cannon creates a quantum black hole and fires it at the enemy. A quantum black hole is no bigger than a single molecule, but it masses hundreds of millions of tons and can rip even the toughest armor to shreds.

STRING PROJECTOR (PL 9)

The string projector creates a super-dense cosmic string that passes through the target. A cosmic string is a short-lived chain of extraordinary mass; the effect on the target is similar to being pierced by the mass of a mountain, but concentrated into a space the size of a strand of hair.

TACHYON GUN (PL 9)

The tachyon gun fires a blast of high-energy, faster-than-light particles at the target.

GRAPPLING SYSTEMS

The following devices are commonly found on starships but don’t fit under the headings of armor, engines, sensors, defensive systems, or weapons.

Installing one of these systems requires a successful Craft (mechanical) check (DC 30) after investing 30 hours. A character

without a mechanical tool kit takes a –4 penalty on the skill check.

Purchase DC: The purchase DC of the system.

Restriction: The level of license required to purchase the system legally.

GRAPPLERS (PL 5)

Grapplers consist of two or more robotic arms fitted with magnetic grips or pads capable of latching onto a single target, usually another ship. Grapplers can also be used to grab Small or larger objects adrift in space.

Using grapplers against another ship or an unattended object is an attack action. Against another ship, this action provokes an attack of opportunity if the ship being grabbed has a point-defense system. To successfully grab the target, the starship must first enter the target’s square; then the starship’s pilot must succeed at a Pilot check. The Pilot check’s DC depends on the size and Defense of the target being grabbed, as shown on Table: Grappler Pilot Check DCs below. If the check succeeds, the starship successfully latches onto the target, and the two ships continue to occupy the same space until the grapplers release their hold. The grappling ship cannot move as long as it wishes to remain latched and moves in concert with the grappled ship. Neither ship can attack the other as long as the grapplers maintain their hold.

As an attack action, a grabbed starship can free itself from a grabbing ship by succeeding at an opposed Pilot check. Each ship adds a special grapple bonus on its check based on its size: Huge +8, Gargantuan +12, Colossal +16. A ship may only attempt to free itself once per round.

A starship using grapplers to latch onto another ship can release the hold and retract the grapplers as a free action.

Purchase DC: 10 + one-half the base purchase DC of the starship.

Restriction: None.

Table: Grappler Pilot Check Dcs

Size of Target	Pilot Check DC
Colossal	5 + target’s Defense
Gargantuan	10 + target’s Defense
Huge	15 + target’s Defense
Large	20 + target’s Defense
Medium-size	25 + target’s Defense
Small	30 + target’s Defense

TRACTOR BEAM EMITTER (PL 7)

A tractor beam emitter projects a short-range gravitational “tether” that latches onto or immobilizes a single target, usually a ship or unattended object. The target must be in the same square or in an adjacent square.

Using a tractor beam against a starship or an unattended object is an attack action. Against another ship, this action provokes an attack of opportunity if the ship being grabbed has a point-defense system.

To grab a target with its tractor beam, a starship must succeed at a ranged attack roll. If the attack succeeds, the smaller ship is immediately pulled into the larger ship’s space (if it isn’t in occupying the same space already); if both ships are the same size, the target is pulled into the tractoring ship’s space. In any case, being pulled into another ship’s space by a tractor beam does not count against a ship’s movement. If the tractoring ship is one or more size categories larger than the target, the target is effectively immobilized, and tractoring ship drags the target with it when it moves. If the tractoring ship is the same size category as the target or smaller, both the tractoring ship and the target are effectively immobilized. See the Starship Condition Summary for the effects of being immobilized.

As an attack action, a tractored starship can free itself from the tractoring ship by succeeding at an opposed Pilot check. Each ship adds a special grapple bonus on its check based on its size: Huge +8, Gargantuan +12, Colossal +16. A ship may only attempt to free itself from a tractor beam (or any other grappling device) once per round. A ship held by multiple tractor beams may attempt a single grapple check to escape all of the beams, but must beat the grapple check results of all opponents.

A starship using a tractor beam to grab another ship can terminate the beam (thereby releasing its hold on the other ship) as a free action.

Only Gargantuan and Colossal ships can be equipped with a tractor beam emitter.

Purchase DC: 15 + one-half the base purchase DC of the starship.

Restriction: Licensed (+1).

HEROES IN STARSHIPS

A hero in a starship fills one of several possible roles, which determines what the character can do.

Commander: A ship’s commander makes decisions about tactics and issues orders to the crew. The commander can help another crewmember by taking an aid another action. The commander must be located on the starship’s command deck to do so.

Aiding another crewmember is a move action. A starship can only have one commander, and ships under Colossal size tend not to have a commander at all.

Pilot: The pilot of a starship controls its movement. Most starships have only one position from which the starship can be piloted. Piloting a starship is always at least a move action, which means that the pilot may be able to do something else with her attack action each round. On smaller ships such as fighters, the pilot also serves as the gunner. A starship can have only one pilot at a time.

Copilot: The copilot can help the pilot on Pilot checks by taking an aid another action. The copilot must be located somewhere on the ship from where he can see the starship’s surroundings and advise the pilot (usually the command deck or cockpit). Aiding the pilot is a move action, leaving the copilot with an attack action each round to do something else. A copilot may also serve as a gunner or sensor operator if he can access one of the starship’s weapon systems or the ship’s sensors from his station. A starship can have only one copilot at a time.

Gunner: A gunner controls one of the ship’s weapon systems, applying her ranged attack bonus and Dexterity modifier to the attack rolls. A ship with multiple weapon systems can have multiple gunners.

Sensor Operator: Although the copilot usually operates the sensors, some ships (particularly heavy and superheavy ships) have a dedicated crew position for a sensor operator. A sensor operator can take an aid another action either to help the pilot with Pilot checks, or to help a gunner with attack rolls. Either is a move action, leaving the sensor operator with an attack action each round to do something else. A starship can have as many sensor operators as it has different sensor systems (see Starship Sensors).

Engineer: A starship’s engineer keeps the ship in working order. If a system has failed for any reason, it is usually up to the engineer to get that system working again. An engineer can attempt a Repair check to fix minor problems as a full round action. A starship can have one engineer, plus one additional engineer each for the ship’s life support, sensors (and communications), and defensive systems.

Passenger: All other personnel aboard the starship are considered passengers for purposes of starship combat. Passengers have no specific role in the starship’s operation, but they help repel boarders or take other actions.

BY HOOK OR BY CROOK

Heroes who cannot afford to buy their own starship can always borrow, requisition, rent, or steal one as the need arises.

Borrowing a Starship: A character with the favor talent can attempt a favor check (DC 30) to borrow a starship from a friendly contact, assuming that the contact has a ship available. The contact must have an attitude of helpful, and improving a contact’s attitude requires a Diplomacy check. The GM sets the terms of the favor.

Requisitioning a Starship: A character working for an agency can requisition a starship as “equipment,” using the rules for requisitioning equipment.

Renting a Starship: The issue of starship rental won’t come up in campaigns where space traffic is limited to military vessels. However, in campaigns featuring commercial and privately owned starships, heroes can rent a starship for much less than it costs to buy one. Only ultralight or light starships with a restriction rating of licensed (+1) or restricted (+2) can be rented, and the heroes must have the appropriate license to operate the vessel. Renting a starship for a day requires a successful Wealth check against one-quarter of the starship’s purchase DC. Increase the purchase DC by 2 if the ship is equipped for interstellar travel or if a trained crew is provided as part of the rental agreement. Renters must cover any damages sustained by the ship during the rental period.

Stealing a Starship: Characters can steal a starship only after disabling its security locks (Disable Device DC 40, one check per lock), overcoming any hostile crewmembers aboard, and defeating the ship’s onboard computer security system (Computer Use DC 40). A ship’s computer security system can be accessed from any onboard computer terminal, although using a bridge terminal reduces the DC by 5. For more information on defeating computer security, see the Computer Use skill description.

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