Idea - Extended arcs

[Calistan]

There are a few ships with "turreted" parts and I was wondering why the arcs are limed to 90 degrees, why not have extended arcs that cover 180 degrees?

 

[H]

but turrets already have 360 degree arcs?

 

[Burger]

Simplicity.

You could make up thousands of different arcs... how about "front and left", "front and right", just left 180 degrees, just right 180 degrees, how about 45 degrees from forward to right or left?

In the end its just to keep the number of weapon arcs limited to 7, for simplicity.

 

[Arch Lector Petrovski]

Though the system is technically set to be a representation of the multi-dimensional facits of space, hence the ships not blocking line of sight, it wouldn't be practical to attempt to represent these dimensions; such as elevation. Plus the system as it is feeds into the standard naval terminology, and though deck guns can often rotate to fill a number of arcs they can't fire in multiple arcs at the same time.

For example lets look at the Nova's multitude of pulse cannon. In all likely hood they are mounted on rotating turretsbut rather than have the potential of 180 degree arcs the weapons fire is broken down into the arcs they are because each gun can only fire in one direction at a time. Besides any ship you want to shoot will be in one of the pre-designated arcs.

 

[Calistan]

Though the system is technically set to be a representation of the multi-dimensional facets of space, hence the ships not blocking line of sight, it wouldn't be practical to attempt to represent these dimensions; such as elevation. Plus the system as it is feeds into the standard naval terminology, and though deck guns can often rotate to fill a number of arcs they can't fire in multiple arcs at the same time.

For example lets look at the Nova's multitude of pulse cannon. In all likely hood they are mounted on rotating turrets, but rather than have the potential of 180 degree arcs the weapons fire is broken down into the arcs they are because each gun can only fire in one direction at a time. Besides any ship you want to shoot will be in one of the predesignated arcs.

If the turrets were arranged linearly then, I would say that the cannon could traverse 180 degrees, but since that are laid down side by side, then that limits the weapon arcs.

Some ships like the Warlock, Marathon, and probably the Hyperion have turreted guns that should be able to have extended arcs.

From my view point, the extended arc concept is a way to take a new look at the game. It would add new advantages, but if people think it makes things complicated, except for firing, consider the weapon to affected by events that affect that arc. Example: If a critical would affect a forward arc, then it would affect a forward extended arc as well.

 

[Arch Lector Petrovski]

I think you'll find it adds more complication than actual benifit, and the data sheets for each ship will be a lot larger. Also, how exactly would it effect the loss of a random. For a start there would be more arcs to knock out and if the forward arc is disabled would a fore/port weapon still be able to fire in the port arc, both or not at all.

 

[dmcgee1]

It is my opinion that the arcs given are a representation of how much firepower can, actually, be thrown into a given arc. Taking the Nova, for example, it's broadsides attacks are much more deadly than its head-ons due to the fact that more mounts can fire into the port and/or starboard arcs. Were the ship a sphere, it would, more than likely, be given a few turreted guns as opposed massing the guns along the sides.

So, in answer to the original question, the arcs are representations of directable firepower - not necessarily are they actual mounted guns with restricted arcs.

 

[Arch Lector Petrovski]

Pretty much what I was trying to say, but put a lot more concisely. Congratulations.

I like the idea of a spherical Nova by the way, it's sort of like inserting a bicycle pump into a Vree saucer and inflating it. :lol: