Clarification on Screens

[EldritchFire]

Just a quick clarification on how screens work.

In order to activate them, you need to make an Angle Screens check using Gunnery. HG2e page 33 says that you must succeed at a check against an attack. Does that mean you roll after the attack, and just need to get that 8+ to succeed, or does it mean that you have to exceed the attack roll?

Also, since screens are not weapon systems, am I correct in assuming that no computer program will add a bonus to the angle screen action? The only program that I see that works on screens is the screen optimizer, which just lets the computer roll 2D to try to activate them. None of the other programs seem to me to be able to work with screens, since the rest talk about attack rolls, weapons, etc. Is there something I'm missing?

 

[AnotherDilbert]

In order to activate them, you need to make an Angle Screens check using Gunnery. HG2e page 33 says that you must succeed at a check against an attack. Does that mean you roll after the attack, and just need to get that 8+ to succeed, or does it mean that you have to exceed the attack roll?

I do not think "against" implies an opposed roll, but merely designates the target (see multiple examples in the core book). You intercept the attack before it has rolled attack (to hit).

The Angle Screen roll could be either 8+ or 10+:

Screen: Activating and using a ship’s energy screens like Black Globe generators or meson screens. Activating a Screen to Intercept Enemy Fire: Difficult (10+) Gunner (screen) check (1D seconds, DEX).

Core, p66.

The gunner must succeed at a Gunner (screen) check [so defaulting to 8+] against an attack and, if successful, he will reduce the damage of the attack, ...

HighGuard, p33

Also, since screens are not weapon systems, am I correct in assuming that no computer program will add a bonus to the angle screen action? The only program that I see that works on screens is the screen optimizer, which just lets the computer roll 2D to try to activate them. None of the other programs seem to me to be able to work with screens, since the rest talk about attack rolls, weapons, etc. Is there something I'm missing?

Correct, but you can use an expert system to aid the gunner.

You can use an expert system, Screen Optimiser, Virtual Crew, or Virtual Gunner to replace the gunner, but you probably do not want to.

 

[EldritchFire]

Thanks, AnotherDilbert!

 

[AnotherDilbert]

I lied to you, Expert systems cannot be used with screens, since operating screens seems to be a DEX task.

Only INT and EDU-based checks can be attempted.

Core, p106.

Sorry.

 

[EldritchFire]

I lied to you, Expert systems cannot be used with screens, since operating screens seems to be a DEX task.

Only INT and EDU-based checks can be attempted.

Core, p106.

Sorry.

I would have assumed that screens would be an Int check, not Dex. Quickness of mind and all that. Bummer.