Advice Thread OOC Future Tech Only

[The Akasha Colony]

That it would. I imagine 'lolchearg' tactics against a slowly marching meatgrinder would be pretty A.

Although, that might be so. Could wind up trading tech and handing over basic Acolyte implants for the infantry. I'd imagine a line musket would fuck up an Acolyte though.

speaking of 'lolchearg' tactics, are close combat weapons (swords, machete's, etc) still viable in FT? I know I use them because (ICly) of the 'inhereted tactics' of my nation combined with a perpetual war with an enemy that is very fond of using mind-controlled lobotomised humans as their main infantry asset, but in a more 'normal' situation such as urban warfare, would they still be effective?

Not likely, at least not without a plot device to render ranged weapons magically ineffective. A sword would be as large as a carbine and no more handy in close-combat, but without the ability to simply shoot the enemy. A basic knife will be useful at least as a utility tool, but there won't be any use for bigger weapons, and only limited use for the knife.

[Hyperspatial Travel]

Not outlawed; just licenced, and it's for the very reason you and Sen have pointed out - you don't want just anyone flying around space with potential weapons of mass destruction.

To be fair, any ship capable of travelling at a decent clip of lightspeed is a potential weapon of mass destruction. It's why in the Talythian core systems, all ships are forced to dock at Lagrange points in order to transfer cargo to smaller, (usually government-run) shuttles and other cargo craft, if they want to land cargo. If a ship wants to land cargo itself, or simply get into orbit, it needs to submit to being flown by state pilots and having its navcomp slaved to the system's defenses.

[Ularn]

Not outlawed; just licenced, and it's for the very reason you and Sen have pointed out - you don't want just anyone flying around space with potential weapons of mass destruction.

To be fair, any ship capable of travelling at a decent clip of lightspeed is a potential weapon of mass destruction. It's why in the Talythian core systems, all ships are forced to dock at Lagrange points in order to transfer cargo to smaller, (usually government-run) shuttles and other cargo craft, if they want to land cargo. If a ship wants to land cargo itself, or simply get into orbit, it needs to submit to being flown by state pilots and having its navcomp slaved to the system's defenses.

Fast ships are a different position though. If you see a ship speeding towards your planet you can calculate when they reach the latest point at which they could decelerate to a safe velocity and avoid a collision. After that, you'd probably still have several hours to deal with the ship, either by getting the crew to alter course or by commandeering or destroying it. You have many more options in dealing with approaching ships than you do regarding weapons which can be launched at close range without warning.

The UIF also has procedures in place to safeguard its space. Any ship approaching a UIF space station has to surrender remote access to its own self destruct to local traffic control, just in case they try anything stupid.

[Dtn (Ancient)]

To be fair, any ship capable of travelling at a decent clip of lightspeed is a potential weapon of mass destruction. It's why in the Talythian core systems, all ships are forced to dock at Lagrange points in order to transfer cargo to smaller, (usually government-run) shuttles and other cargo craft, if they want to land cargo. If a ship wants to land cargo itself, or simply get into orbit, it needs to submit to being flown by state pilots and having its navcomp slaved to the system's defenses.

Fast ships are a different position though. If you see a ship speeding towards your planet you can calculate when they reach the latest point at which they could decelerate to a safe velocity and avoid a collision. After that, you'd probably still have several hours to deal with the ship, either by getting the crew to alter course or by commandeering or destroying it. You have many more options in dealing with approaching ships than you do regarding weapons which can be launched at close range without warning.

The UIF also has procedures in place to safeguard its space. Any ship approaching a UIF space station has to surrender remote access to its own self destruct to local traffic control, just in case they try anything stupid.

Ularn sounds like a really great place to be a space suicide bomber.

[Ularn]

Fast ships are a different position though. If you see a ship speeding towards your planet you can calculate when they reach the latest point at which they could decelerate to a safe velocity and avoid a collision. After that, you'd probably still have several hours to deal with the ship, either by getting the crew to alter course or by commandeering or destroying it. You have many more options in dealing with approaching ships than you do regarding weapons which can be launched at close range without warning.

The UIF also has procedures in place to safeguard its space. Any ship approaching a UIF space station has to surrender remote access to its own self destruct to local traffic control, just in case they try anything stupid.

Ularn sounds like a really great place to be a space suicide bomber.

Because you'll be blown to smithereens light-hours short of your intended target? Yup.

[Dtn (Ancient)]

What happens if you tamper with the self destruct device?

[Ularn]

What happens if you tamper with the self destruct device?

By "you" are you referring to the would-be terrorists disabling it to hamper efforts to stop them, or the traffic controllers who might hypothetically blow up a ship for teh lulz?

[Ascentech Strategic Solutions]

what if the terrorists bribe the traffic controllers to detonate the ship?

[Dtn (Ancient)]

What happens if someone on the ship attempts to disable the self destruct advice?

[Ascentech Strategic Solutions]

I thought they put the self destruct in there, like to stop it being captured by the enemy, and they're handing over the control of it so they don't detonate it in harbour and kill a bunch of people, that'd be lame.

[System-Lord Baal]

Or best yet: what if there is no self-destruct? Ships are too bloody expensive to blow up at the push of a button.

Also, melee combat is a very important part of nation's tactics. If it is a mission that absolutely can't be performed by ships at all, then they will send in infantry. My standard infantry are usually designed for close-range combat with staff weapons that can be alternately used as both short-ranged (about 60 meters) and melee (think like a ninja stick with clubbed ends). Blades and heavy cannons are also often used. The infantry themselves have armour that will stop bladed and sharp weapons, but not armour-piercing projectile or energy weapons.

I would assume that they would not fare well against other nations. So far, they have never been needed in an RP in an actual warzone situation (I will and do use ships for as much as possible). Also, in an actual warzone situation I will use shielded tanks:

^like thus. I expect them to bear the brunt of any artillery and let them clear the way for the footsoldiers. Any suggestions on improving this in the face of other FT nations?

[Ascentech Strategic Solutions]

air support, lots of air suppport

[G-Tech Corporation]

Ascendancy vessels have none of theses 'big red buttons' of which you speak. If we need to destroy our own spacecraft in a hurry we just turn off our drives and let the ship be torn to shreds by quick-interaction flowmetal decay.
*nods*

Also, 44th, though close-combat weapons may seem obsolete they still have a place in FT- inside a ship. In any other battlefield you'll want to go with a gun/laser/disrupt or almost every time, but throwing around bullets/plasma inside a small pressurized hull in a vacuum has always struck me as a poor life choice. Mind you, I don't think boarding actions are in any way useful, but in rare cases (capturing a derelict space hulk, xenomorph infestation) being able to cut the alien bugs a new one without burning holes in the layer of armor between you and explosive decompression is very handy.

[System-Lord Baal]

air support, lots of air suppport

Already got that.

They would have glider and al'kesh support certainly. That's standard procedure. Al'kesh are heavy bombers that will shield landing troops, follow closely overhead to scout positions, and provide cover fire. The infantry would enter buildings when needed. Their primary function is to sack and secure things.

[Ascentech Strategic Solutions]

oooh pretty.

In that case, consider a longer range version of that infantry staff thing to issue to a sort of designated marksman, or a lighter weight version of the cannon to function as a sort of LMG, I have a feeling at 60m in FT you're going to be consistently outranged in open terrain.

for close in terrain, which it sounds like your infantry is going to be mostly employed, that staff looks like a pain in the ass, imagine trying to get it through doors. Any chance of, like a carbine variant?

[Feazanthia]

Jaffa tend to be more of a "zerg rush" type of army. They'd always outnumber the SG teams, and they had to. The P90 and other ballistic weapons used by the USAF were simply better once they switched to AP rounds. Carter put a very fine point on this in one episode by completely showing up a rebel Jaffa in target practice without even trying.

You'll fare better in urban environments; but if an enemy infantry squad sets up a firing line you're hosed unless you lead with armored elements.

I'm fairly certain that's a canon vehicle, but there's really no reason for the gunner to be that exposed. I know Goa'uld technology is pretty retarded when it comes to utility over flashiness (which is part of the point, in fairness), but not having at least an armored canopy over the gunner is tantamount to suicide even if it is shielded.

Once you take your lickings at the hands of one or more "alien" armies, assuming your resident Goa'uld is not arrogant enough to think himself invincible, start leading with air elements like Death Gliders and Al'kesh. You may even look into modifying the Al'kesh chassis to remove its transport ability (for some of your Al'kesh, of course. You still need transports), turning it into more of a dedicated air support platform.

Use these craft in a one-two punch to try and achieve local air superiority, or at least force a stalemate. You'll probably also need to develop heavier armored vehicles and infantry fighting vehicles; things with the durability to get your Jaffa footsoldiers into cover. Eliminate your enemies' range advantage and let your superior numbers overwhelm them.

[G-Tech Corporation]

Baal, on the topic of your infantry.... to me the Jaffa armor always seemed ludicrously ineffective as portrayed. Perhaps you could integrate some of the super-soldier armor into a chest plate etc? It might be a touch more expensive, but otherwise in FT that armor is just so much decorative tin foil.

The staff weapons are good though, concentrated energy is always a handy weapon. Perhaps you should focus on infantry-light forces in actual warzones, with gliders, alkesh, and your tanks doing the heavy lifting with infantry support against anti-armor concentrations.

Think Blitzkrieg.

[Dtn (Ancient)]

You could always ditch the TV mooks for something more like the movie, then go even further and integrate comms and sensors into the helmet. Aim the staff with a HUD. Armor doesn't need to be powered, but it would be very helpful if it was sealed.

[System-Lord Baal]

Jaffa tend to be more of a "zerg rush" type of army. They'd always outnumber the SG teams, and they had to. The P90 and other ballistic weapons used by the USAF were simply better once they switched to AP rounds. Carter put a very fine point on this in one episode by completely showing up a rebel Jaffa in target practice without even trying.

You'll fare better in urban environments; but if an enemy infantry squad sets up a firing line you're hosed unless you lead with armored elements.

I'm fairly certain that's a canon vehicle, but there's really no reason for the gunner to be that exposed. I know Goa'uld technology is pretty retarded when it comes to utility over flashiness (which is part of the point, in fairness), but not having at least an armored canopy over the gunner is tantamount to suicide even if it is shielded.

Once you take your lickings at the hands of one or more "alien" armies, assuming your resident Goa'uld is not arrogant enough to think himself invincible, start leading with air elements like Death Gliders and Al'kesh. You may even look into modifying the Al'kesh chassis to remove its transport ability (for some of your Al'kesh, of course. You still need transports), turning it into more of a dedicated air support platform.

Use these craft in a one-two punch to try and achieve local air superiority, or at least force a stalemate. You'll probably also need to develop heavier armored vehicles and infantry fighting vehicles; things with the durability to get your Jaffa footsoldiers into cover. Eliminate your enemies' range advantage and let your superior numbers overwhelm them.

*cough* I'm pretty certain it isn't canon in the least, since I invented it. Darn show didn't have tanks. I think it's properly flashy.

I also invented the ultra-heavy hok al'kesh class. That is a giant flying cannon platform.

Baal, on the topic of your infantry.... to me the Jaffa armor always seemed ludicrously ineffective as portrayed. Perhaps you could integrate some of the super-soldier armor into a chest plate etc? It might be a touch more expensive, but otherwise in FT that armor is just so much decorative tin foil.

The staff weapons are good though, concentrated energy is always a handy weapon. Perhaps you should focus on infantry-light forces in actual warzones, with gliders, alkesh, and your tanks doing the heavy lifting with infantry support against anti-armor concentrations.

Think Blitzkrieg.

I do have some Kull armour variants, but it's by no means widespread. Goa'uld industry is crap. Rather- knowing that the armour is so useless- I often dispense with it altogether and have scantily-dressed female warriors. Doesn't do much difference considering standard Jaffa armour.

And truly, the Goa'uld would rather have al'kesh drop a great deal of bombs all over the enemy troops than engage directly.

You could always ditch the TV mooks for something more like the movie, then go even further and integrate comms and sensors into the helmet. Aim the staff with a HUD. Armor doesn't need to be powered, but it would be very helpful if it was sealed.

I already have HUDs in the helmets. I just don't pass out a lot of helmets.

And the movie guys were even less armoured:

Movie vs. TV show

[Ascentech Strategic Solutions]

If you're very rarely going to be using infantry and ground forces, then consider making them small elite, specialised units, what sort of missions are we talking about? what do you have at your hands that's gonna let you do win in those specific situations?

[Feazanthia]

Well, kudos; as it looks like something the show creators would've come up with

But still. Put an armored canopy on it when it's being deployed for actual combat missions and not, y'know, terrorizing civilians.

[Ascentech Strategic Solutions]

or specialise it for terrorising civlians and make a tankier tank for doing...tank things

[System-Lord Baal]

If you're very rarely going to be using infantry and ground forces, then consider making them small elite, specialised units, what sort of missions are we talking about? what do you have at your hands that's gonna let you do win in those specific situations?

No, I need hordes of unspecialized mooks to control my ultra-massive slave population. The Jaffa infantry is the police, and often the judge, jury, and executioner. I also need the Jaffa to incubate larval Goa'uld. As the larva give the Jaffa advanced powers anyway, it makes since to militarize them.

And mostly, they are supposed to fight each other as the Goa'uld lords try killing each other over territory and wealth.

Those are their prime functions. I also happen to use them in alien combat situations. They are expected to secure enemy bases, round up civilians and surrendered troops, and hold the captured land for the Empire.

For special missions I have guys in Kull armour and "ChA teams" (chaapa'ai teams). Those are perfect for sneaking into places and utterly blasting everything in their path.

Well, kudos; as it looks like something the show creators would've come up with

But still. Put an armored canopy on it when it's being deployed for actual combat missions and not, y'know, terrorizing civilians.

Bleh. If I do that I'll make it more golden.

Also, usual weapons (outlined one is not done being drawn by yours truly):

Cho'laar is my invention. It's for my ultra-heavy Goa'uld troops, which use it as something a little more carbine-sized, but it is operable by regular troops as well.

or specialise it for terrorising civlians and make a tankier tank for doing...tank things

No. It's perfect for terrorizing civilians as is and I love it. Tanks are not so cool as when they look like light flying boats with hieroglyphs on them, and then they drive into a bazaar and utterly pummel screaming people.

[SquareDisc City]

Has anyone seen the movie Core?

Yes. It would miss out on the record for movie scientific inaccuracy only because 2012 was released some years after. The Core averages one scientific error every two minutes.

On melee weapons, I think a purely melee weapon would be somewhat pointless. Something with ranged and melee capability, however, is worthwhile. Could be a rifle with a bayonet on the end, or some sort of combination energy blade/blaster. Even lightsabers aren't solely melee weapons, since a skilled user can block incoming blaster fire with one.

[Ularn]

I thought they put the self destruct in there, like to stop it being captured by the enemy, and they're handing over the control of it so they don't detonate it in harbour and kill a bunch of people, that'd be lame.

Surrendering the self destruct is so that traffic control can blow up a ship remotely if it appears to try and ram the space station or another vessel, thereby limiting the damage.

What happens if someone on the ship attempts to disable the self destruct advice?

I guess there's very little traffic control can do to prevent them from disabling their own self-destruct, though such an act would be treated as an offence if they were caught and they'd be heavily fined. If the self destruct didn't work on a suicide bombing ship then the warships in the system defence picket tasked with protecting the station would deal with it in short order.

what if the terrorists bribe the traffic controllers to detonate the ship?

Traffic Controllers are in a position where they could massacre thousands with a few keystrokes. The recruitment process tends to weed out the ones who might be susceptible to bribery.

Or best yet: what if there is no self-destruct? Ships are too bloody expensive to blow up at the push of a button.

Very few ships are likely to have self-destruct commands wired to a Big Red Button, but I imagine pretty much all of them would have the ability to self destruct through other means like programming the engine or reactor to overload. It would be these sorts of commands that mus be surrendered. If there is really no way to make the ship self-destruct then they would be barred from docking with the station and all loading or unloading would have to be performed via the aid of other smaller ships and shuttle craft - at the crew's expense.