Fragmentation missiles attack question

[arcador]

Hello,

How do you rule the Fragmentation missiles attack? The rules state:

Upon reaching a target, the missile will make attack
rolls against that target and up to three others within
Adjacent range.

Does that mean that the target ship applies PD, but all 4 targets then just resolve what is left of the salvo?

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It seems those don't do much in capital ship battles. We might put a (house) rule that they only account the Defence of the fleet by half(?), for the salvo attack. It will affect squadrons, but not bigger ships. The damage is only 5 anyways.

 

[AnotherDilbert]

Does that mean that the target ship applies PD, but all 4 targets then just resolve what is left of the salvo?

I would say all targets can use PD:

The gunner must succeed at a Gunner (turret) check against any missile salvo that is about to make its attack roll against his spacecraft.

Of course anyone within range running Point Defence software (or Fleet Defence trait) may PD the salvo.


I don't see any exceptions to the Fleet combat system to be necessary.

 

[arcador]

To clarify (for myself) A salvo of 10 fragmentation missiles come into range of 4 targets.

Each of those 4 targets is, in an abstract way, attacked by 10-missile-salvo?

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About the fleet combat, if they attack up to 4 targets, then indeed no need for extra mods. But if they attack only 1, some utility is lost.

 

[AnotherDilbert]

To clarify (for myself) A salvo of 10 fragmentation missiles come into range of 4 targets.

Each of those 4 targets is, in an abstract way, attacked by 10-missile-salvo?

The same salvo makes 4 attacks, after all targets have fired PD.

About the fleet combat, if they attack up to 4 targets, then indeed no need for extra mods. But if they attack only 1, some utility is lost.

The fleet system is above such petty details. They do an abstract 5 damage once.

 

[arcador]

Well, if all 4 ships PD the heck out the salvo, there will be barely left anything to attack. :S

But I see your points, as they make sense. Thank you for the input!

 

[baithammer]

They operate in two distinct ways.

1.) If the target has other craft that are adjacent to the target of the salvo, up to three targets. Typically would be smallcraft as most other warships would operate at longer range from each other.
2.) If fired at a transiting missile salvo, it applies its own salvo value vs the targeted salvo on a one to one basis.

 

[AnotherDilbert]

Well, if all 4 ships PD the heck out the salvo, there will be barely left anything to attack. :S

Not all space craft have laser turrets, especially not small craft...