[GK Games] Ships of Clement Sector 9: System Defense Boats

[Gypsy Knights Games]

Captain! SDBs incoming!

Ships of Clement Sector 9: System Defense Boats is now available on DTRPG at this link!

Gypsy Knights Games is proud to present the ninth entry in our newest line of products dedicated to the starships of Clement Sector.

Ships of Clement Sector 9: System Defense Boats details six common vessels that are often the first line of defense for a planetary government and, for many, the only system defense they have against piracy or even invasion from another planetary government. These boats can be used as a primary defense, customs inspections or search and rescue missions.

Ships of Clement Sector 9: System Defense Boats comes complete with beautiful views of each of these ships. Each ship is shown with full deckplans and statistics to make your use of our product simple, easy, and fun. In addition, we have included several adventure seeds and a sample NPC to aid the Referee in his/her preparation.

Though designed specifically with our Clement Sector setting in mind, each of these ships could easily be used in any Traveller setting.

Get on board! Adventure awaits!

"Traveller" and the Traveller logo are Trademarks owned by Far Future Enterprises, Inc. and are used with permission. The Traveller Main Rulebook is available from Mongoose Publishing.

 

[Gypsy Knights Games]

Ships of Clement Sector 9: System Defense Boats is now also available at the Paizo online shop!

http://paizo.com/products/btpy9g8l?Ships-of-Clement-Sector-9-System-Defense-Boats

 

[Ewan]

I was wondering when the print version of the book will be available. Thanks

 

[Gypsy Knights Games]

I was wondering when the print version of the book will be available. Thanks

There will be a print compilation of Ships of Clement Sector 7-9, just as there was with 1-3 and 4-6. There is no firm release date for this currently but I am confident that it will be sometime during the month of September. Current best guess for this one would be the second week of September.

 

[Ewan]

Thanks John, I will be buying the compilation when it comes out

 

[Annatar Giftbringer]

Another fine addition to the ever-growing fleet of Clement sector! Good to see some of the alternate modules from the ship-building book make an entrance, such as crew berth and PD nodes. And an interresting new take on the standard stateroom, with the fresher taking up 2x0,5 squares instead of the usual 1x1

Speaking of PD nodes, I can't help to think of them as borderline cheating, since they enable a ship to go all-in on offensive turrets and still retain point-defence, but I do love them, and they are available for everyone so...

Great to finally see the Raptor sloop, along with its non-zimm River version! Now all we need is that light cruiser (and perhaps a carrier?)

Clement warships have always been heavily armed. I mean, juts compare the 1,200 dt farragut destroyer with the much heavier Agashaam from Fighting Ships! This is of course true also for the SDBs in this book, just look at the River with its dual meson bays - but the Rattlesnake must be some kind of record-breaker! Just look at it, it's a beast, wow!

With the way zimm drives work, in-system ships can be build much larger than FTL-ships, so I was kinda surprised to see that nothing in this book was larger than 600 dtons - but perhaps you're planning on a book of monitors later on?

Some of the SDBs have extremly thick armour, more than I thought the rules actually allow normally... But rules are meant to be broken, right?

I'm really glad you designed zimm-modules for several of the boats - basically self-propelled zimm-drives to allow system-to-system transfers for when the boats need redeploying. I would however have liked to see more images of the boats docked with their modules.

Looks like you guys really like the command deck configuration first seen in the Perth frigate, eh? Officer staterooms, bridge near the bow, wid access corridors on either side, and dual laser turrets. Hey, it's a good design, and if it's the same company that builds the various ships in-universe it's no wonder they stuck to a design that works.

Oh, almost forgot... The suit worn by lieutenant commander Fuller and her crew in the news thread, is that an equivalent to the naval battledress (no, not the traditional traveller kind) mentioned in Hub Fed navy?

5/5, another job well done

 

[Gypsy Knights Games]

With the way zimm drives work, in-system ships can be build much larger than FTL-ships, so I was kinda surprised to see that nothing in this book was larger than 600 dtons - but perhaps you're planning on a book of monitors later on?

You have guessed well.

5/5, another job well done

Thank you, sir. Michael, Ian and Bradley all did outstanding jobs in creating this supplement. I am proud to be the one to bring it to you.

 

[madmike]

Annatar

Happy to answer some of those questions

Another fine addition to the ever-growing fleet of Clement sector! Good to see some of the alternate modules from the ship-building book make an entrance, such as crew berth and PD nodes. And an interesting new take on the standard stateroom, with the fresher taking up 2x0,5 squares instead of the usual 1x1

I thought it was time I started using the new A&F internal component options in our designs.

I was never happy with provided state rooms per two crew. Made no sense to me as berth bunking is common place in current navies and has been for five hundred years (in varying forms). I had a long talk with my son-in-law who serves in the RAN about how it all meshes together. The design of the crew berthing component and heads evolved from that.

The new internal stateroom arrangement was first used in the Trent class destroyer design for the captain's quarters and I was pretty happy with it so decided to use this again.

Speaking of PD nodes, I can't help to think of them as borderline cheating, since they enable a ship to go all-in on offensive turrets and still retain point-defence, but I do love them, and they are available for everyone so...

You could think of it that way, but 20th and 21st century warship design has gone for the layered defence since the advent of airbourne threats. Heavier turreted weapons for medium and long ranges and other defence systems for short and close range (Bofors, Oerlikon and the more modern CIWS/Goalkeeper come to mind)

Great to finally see the Raptor sloop, along with its non-zimm River version! Now all we need is that light cruiser (and perhaps a carrier?)

Bwahaha. John and I are ALWAYS scheming about what designs to do. The tricky and fun thing is the order of publication! I already have preliminary designs for several ships including the Intrepid class Assault carrier.

Clement warships have always been heavily armed. I mean, juts compare the 1,200 dt farragut destroyer with the much heavier Agashaam from Fighting Ships! This is of course true also for the SDBs in this book, just look at the River with its dual meson bays - but the Rattlesnake must be some kind of record-breaker! Just look at it, it's a beast, wow!

With the way zimm drives work, in-system ships can be build much larger than FTL-ships, so I was kinda surprised to see that nothing in this book was larger than 600 dtons - but perhaps you're planning on a book of monitors later on?

The Rattlesnake is an interesting design. I wanted a boat with a big powerful fixed forward armament but not a spine mount obviously, so decided to bring forward a limited scope concept I had been looking at for a while, the spine mounted meson bay. It is a design fully in keeping with Monroe's defence doctrine.

Monitors mean a load of deck plan work but they will be appearing in the SOCS series for certain.

Some of the SDBs have extremly thick armour, more than I thought the rules actually allow normally... But rules are meant to be broken, right?

I'm really glad you designed zimm-modules for several of the boats - basically self-propelled zimm-drives to allow system-to-system transfers for when the boats need redeploying. I would however have liked to see more images of the boats docked with their modules.

Fitting all the superb images Ian and Brad do is a pleasant struggle and those that are missed out will always make an appearance in other supplements.

For single systems like Harrison or Monroe, Zimm modules are less of a concern as SDB's are not required to be moved about member world systems such as the Hub Federation has. But in saying that they needed to be included in SOCS9 for those designs that I wanted them for.

Looks like you guys really like the command deck configuration first seen in the Perth frigate, eh? Officer staterooms, bridge near the bow, wid access corridors on either side, and dual laser turrets. Hey, it's a good design, and if it's the same company that builds the various ships in-universe it's no wonder they stuck to a design that works.

Yeah, I actually like that configuration as it is the "armoured citadel" concept. This allows the bridge to be more centrally placed as required and still provide uninterrupted access fore and aft.

Oh, almost forgot... The suit worn by lieutenant commander Fuller and her crew in the news thread, is that an equivalent to the naval battledress (no, not the traditional traveller kind) mentioned in Hub Fed navy?

5/5, another job well done

Most space service arms of the system defence forces of Clement Sector have similar types, a combination of protective skin suit and ship rig. They just give them difering names rather than the Hub Federation Navy name of battle dress.

Many thanks for the praise!

 

[Annatar Giftbringer]

Annatar

Happy to answer some of those questions

Another fine addition to the ever-growing fleet of Clement sector! Good to see some of the alternate modules from the ship-building book make an entrance, such as crew berth and PD nodes. And an interesting new take on the standard stateroom, with the fresher taking up 2x0,5 squares instead of the usual 1x1

I thought it was time I started using the new A&F internal component options in our designs.

I was never happy with provided state rooms per two crew. Made no sense to me as berth bunking is common place in current navies and has been for five hundred years (in varying forms). I had a long talk with my son-in-law who serves in the RAN about how it all meshes together. The design of the crew berthing component and heads evolved from that.

Yeah, I was surprised too when I first got into the game and saw that large warships are basically flying hotels with guns But I thought ah well those are the rules.

One reason I can see for that requirement is life-support issues. On an ocean-going ship you can always get fresh air from outside. I remember an old discussion on some of the warships from Babylon 5, I think it was the Sharlin Cruiser, with its extremely large main corridor. Of course, the real-life reason for that might be so that the scene looks good on TV, but someone had a theory that the large corridor contains more air, so in the event of catastrophic danger the crew has oxygen for a longer period than if every corridor had been cramped.

Anyways, I do like the option for more space-efficient berthing.

The new internal stateroom arrangement was first used in the Trent class destroyer design for the captain's quarters and I was pretty happy with it so decided to use this again.

Speaking of PD nodes, I can't help to think of them as borderline cheating, since they enable a ship to go all-in on offensive turrets and still retain point-defence, but I do love them, and they are available for everyone so...

You could think of it that way, but 20th and 21st century warship design has gone for the layered defence since the advent of airbourne threats. Heavier turreted weapons for medium and long ranges and other defence systems for short and close range (Bofors, Oerlikon and the more modern CIWS/Goalkeeper come to mind)

Oh I can definitely see PD nodes as useful, logical and welcome additions to the game, and I do like them. the 'cheat' part was compared to regular Traveller ships, where beam lasers are the only defence, and a ship must choose between offensive turrets of defensive ones. With PD nodes, it's possible to have both - Which, as you say, is a good thing! And besides, in any setting where I choose to use them, they are available for every ship, and everyone that can and wants to pay for them.

They seem like a good addition for an adventuring ship, with their ability to defend the ship from ground-side hostiles too.

And they can be used as a story-element, to upgrade parts of the fleet with better/more defence, especially if a warship gets lost to a torpedo attack or something (Yes, feel free to use that as an adventure hook/ministory ^^)

Great to finally see the Raptor sloop, along with its non-zimm River version! Now all we need is that light cruiser (and perhaps a carrier?)

Bwahaha. John and I are ALWAYS scheming about what designs to do. The tricky and fun thing is the order of publication! I already have preliminary designs for several ships including the Intrepid class Assault carrier.

The Intrepid, now how could I forget about that!

Clement warships have always been heavily armed. I mean, juts compare the 1,200 dt farragut destroyer with the much heavier Agashaam from Fighting Ships! This is of course true also for the SDBs in this book, just look at the River with its dual meson bays - but the Rattlesnake must be some kind of record-breaker! Just look at it, it's a beast, wow!

With the way zimm drives work, in-system ships can be build much larger than FTL-ships, so I was kinda surprised to see that nothing in this book was larger than 600 dtons - but perhaps you're planning on a book of monitors later on?

The Rattlesnake is an interesting design. I wanted a boat with a big powerful fixed forward armament but not a spine mount obviously, so decided to bring forward a limited scope concept I had been looking at for a while, the spine mounted meson bay. It is a design fully in keeping with Monroe's defence doctrine.

Monitors mean a load of deck plan work but they will be appearing in the SOCS series for certain.

Some of the SDBs have extremly thick armour, more than I thought the rules actually allow normally... But rules are meant to be broken, right?

I'm really glad you designed zimm-modules for several of the boats - basically self-propelled zimm-drives to allow system-to-system transfers for when the boats need redeploying. I would however have liked to see more images of the boats docked with their modules.

Fitting all the superb images Ian and Brad do is a pleasant struggle and those that are missed out will always make an appearance in other supplements.

Yeah, I understand that there can't be room for everything in every book. Also, given the choice between another ship in the book or one more image, the extra ship wins (but barely, the pics are very lovely and really helps bring the books to life!)

For single systems like Harrison or Monroe, Zimm modules are less of a concern as SDB's are not required to be moved about member world systems such as the Hub Federation has. But in saying that they needed to be included in SOCS9 for those designs that I wanted them for.

Looks like you guys really like the command deck configuration first seen in the Perth frigate, eh? Officer staterooms, bridge near the bow, wid access corridors on either side, and dual laser turrets. Hey, it's a good design, and if it's the same company that builds the various ships in-universe it's no wonder they stuck to a design that works.

Yeah, I actually like that configuration as it is the "armoured citadel" concept. This allows the bridge to be more centrally placed as required and still provide uninterrupted access fore and aft.

Oh, almost forgot... The suit worn by lieutenant commander Fuller and her crew in the news thread, is that an equivalent to the naval battledress (no, not the traditional traveller kind) mentioned in Hub Fed navy?

5/5, another job well done

Most space service arms of the system defence forces of Clement Sector have similar types, a combination of protective skin suit and ship rig. They just give them difering names rather than the Hub Federation Navy name of battle dress.

yeah, much more characterful than to simply call it vacc suit, TL 12. I'm guessing those suits are not worn for general duty, but rather when danger/combat is expected or imminent?

Many thanks for the praise!

 

[Gypsy Knights Games]

Annatar,

Thanks for the review! It is much appreciated.

http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product_reviews.php?products_id=155089


John