It was a tough call whether to make this a Science Vessel or a Cruiser. The IP supports either. In the end we decided to make it a cruiser because it is so big and especially b/c it has so much in common with the Galaxy. So we decided to make it StarCruiser.
We could consider making it a Science Vessel. A Deep Space Science Vessel was the second choice. Doing so would swap the BOff and Mod slots. Also, its weapon slots would need to be reduced, and it would gain Subsystem Targeting. Finally it would have DeepSpace Science Vessel hull and Shield HP. So it would be something like:
Nebula
A DeepSpace Science Vessel variant (Its not a Retrofit. It utilizes the DeepSpace Science Vessel Skill).
Requires:
Rear Admiral
Weapons:
3 Fore
3 Aft
Boff seats (4 Boffs, 11 Powers):
1 Lt Tact
1 LC Eng
1 Cm Science
1 Lt Universal
Mods:
3 Eng
4 Sci
2 Tact
3 Device Slots
750 Crew
Unique Ability:
Tachyon Detection Grid: PBAoE buff that increases your, and allies w/in 10k, Starship Sensor Stat and Cloak Detection. Each buffed ally in turn will buff more allies within 10k of them - thus extending the grid.
Turn Rate = Galaxy
Any other stats not mentioned are the same as a DeepSpace Science Vessel.
I believe you It would make a lot of people happy were you to implement this setup over the cruiser centric one. though I like both the setups myself, maybe the team should seriously consider offering both.
Hell if you wanted to really stretch it out make a tac varient as well and pop all three in the one c-store pack (though seriously, the backlash for not making them obtainable in-game will likely be immense)
Tac idea. Leave the rear weapon turn rate and hull like a cruiser, escort power levels, commander tac slot, etc. The idea is the rear weapon and hull should counter the turn rate relative to other escorts. Ok so I haven't though about it that much but the seed is there at least.
Really, am i the only one who believes that having the Nebula one tier above the normal Galaxy Class is wrong?
No.
I would rather see a similar approach made, as was done with the Excelsior; A T3 Science ship, and a T5 Retrofit.
While you can go either way with it being a Cruiser or Science ship, I think the design concept fits as a Science ship better than a T5 cruiser; Nebulas are implied to be "Not quite" Galaxy class ships done cheaper and quicker; Having them as (or more) capable than the Galaxy is the wrong approach. Having them as Science ships plays to them being smaller, cheaper Galaxies...with the Science Pods.
This also addresses the fact that there are currently two additional Cruiser types at T5, and with the Ambassador class presumably in the works at some point, that will undoubtedly be a third. Evening out the Science and Escort options wherever possible is the way to go.
And speaking of the Pods, I'll echo what others have said, and request (at the very least) the USS Phoenix's SWACs Pod as an option, similar to how we can add the Ent-B variant to the Excelsior.
Really, am i the only one who believes that having the Nebula one tier above the normal Galaxy Class is wrong?
No, you're not the only one.
My personal belief is that the Nebula should be an additional configuration for Commander-tier science vessel, thus giving people an alternate to play besides the Olymbic (ballships) configuration if it doesn't strike their fancy (similarily to how a Fed commander now can choose between the Excelsior and the four-nacelled heavy cruisers).
Then, after that, they can also make it available as a Tier 5 science retrofit as well - based on the stats the CaptainGeko released to us.
Some people will argue it should be stronger than an Excelsior, or equal to a Galaxy, not weaker than an Intrepid. I can relate, but I find putting it on the same tier as the Akira-class makes some practical sense for the most benefit.
* * *
Now, my Luna-class and the DSSVs have sensor pods too. Can we get cool ship-tied abilities with them too? ~_^
I have a suggestion though. Since it can have a "Universal BO slot" which I think is great BTW; could you ALSO have a way to allow it to use the T4 piloting skill of whatever Class buys it?
In other words - the ship itself still has Cruiser turn stats, and weapons limitations, etc; BUT there is:
Nebula - Tactical Variant - Uses Fleet Escortpilot skill (and has a different looking 'Tactical Pod' mounted so enemies can tell it's a Tactical Variant)
Nebula - Engineer Variant - Uses Star Cruiser pilot skill (with a 'Engineer Pod' for identification)
Nebula - Science Variant - Uses DeepSpace Science Vessel pilot skill (with a 'Science Pod' for identification)
In fact maybe the 'ship special power' instead of just being the 'Tachyon Detection Grid' across the board - that could remain as the Engineering variant power; and you could come up with a different 'unique power' for the other two variants (if you went this route).
Again, I have a feeling this one is also going to end up in the C-Store (and I sympathize that you DO NOT seem to get to make that final decision because if you did, I think we would see a way to get it in game via means other than the C-Store) - so once purchased, allow the Captain to configure his/her nebula to better suit their class (Tac/Eng/Sci).
Again just a thought.
I give this idea my stamp (^_^)\m/ of approval. I would VERY much like to see this be a science ship but since in canon this is a multirole ship, I strongly like the idea of three variants of it.
Because, to be honest, asking a science officer when they reach RA to respec into cruisers just for one ship? That's kinda mean. If it must be one specific 'class' variant, maybe make it a DSSV variant of some kind. I have nothing against a slow-turning but slightly beefier science ship. And this is the perfect chance to diversify!
The Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Technical Manual lists both the Nebula and Galaxy-class starships as an "Explorer" type vessel. Since both were predominantly "ships of exploration" are we going to get a science version of the Galaxy-class too?
It was a tough call whether to make this a Science Vessel or a Cruiser. The IP supports either. In the end we decided to make it a cruiser because it is so big and especially b/c it has so much in common with the Galaxy. So we decided to make it StarCruiser.
We could consider making it a Science Vessel. A Deep Space Science Vessel was the second choice. Doing so would swap the BOff and Mod slots. Also, its weapon slots would need to be reduced, and it would gain Subsystem Targeting. Finally it would have DeepSpace Science Vessel hull and Shield HP. So it would be something like:
Nebula
A DeepSpace Science Vessel variant (Its not a Retrofit. It utilizes the DeepSpace Science Vessel Skill).
Requires:
Rear Admiral
Weapons:
3 Fore
3 Aft
Boff seats (4 Boffs, 11 Powers):
1 Lt Tact
1 LC Eng
1 Cm Science
1 Lt Universal
Mods:
3 Eng
4 Sci
2 Tact
3 Device Slots
750 Crew
Unique Ability:
Tachyon Detection Grid: PBAoE buff that increases your, and allies w/in 10k, Starship Sensor Stat and Cloak Detection. Each buffed ally in turn will buff more allies within 10k of them - thus extending the grid.
Turn Rate = Galaxy
Any other stats not mentioned are the same as a DeepSpace Science Vessel.
OMG yes please! I like this option better than cruiser, and I'll add my voice to the chorus supporting this ship as a science vessel. If we could get a variant for the peeps that like the star cruiser option, all the better!
It was a tough call whether to make this a Science Vessel or a Cruiser. The IP supports either. In the end we decided to make it a cruiser because it is so big and especially b/c it has so much in common with the Galaxy. So we decided to make it StarCruiser.
We could consider making it a Science Vessel. A Deep Space Science Vessel was the second choice. Doing so would swap the BOff and Mod slots. Also, its weapon slots would need to be reduced, and it would gain Subsystem Targeting. Finally it would have DeepSpace Science Vessel hull and Shield HP. So it would be something like:
I rather like the science variant better than the cruiser style.
Also, I think it would be perfectly fair, since it's getting a Universal BO slot, for the new carrier that the Klingons are getting to also have this tachyon detection grid, as a natural consequence of the Federation abrogating the Treaty of Algeron. Hell... the Klinks probably planned to put it on that carrier anyway, knowing that they Freds would be deploying cloaks at some point soonish.
It was a tough call whether to make this a Science Vessel or a Cruiser. The IP supports either. In the end we decided to make it a cruiser because it is so big and especially b/c it has so much in common with the Galaxy. So we decided to make it StarCruiser.
We could consider making it a Science Vessel. A Deep Space Science Vessel was the second choice. Doing so would swap the BOff and Mod slots. Also, its weapon slots would need to be reduced, and it would gain Subsystem Targeting. Finally it would have DeepSpace Science Vessel hull and Shield HP. So it would be something like:
Nebula
A DeepSpace Science Vessel variant (Its not a Retrofit. It utilizes the DeepSpace Science Vessel Skill).
Requires:
Rear Admiral
Weapons:
3 Fore
3 Aft
Boff seats (4 Boffs, 11 Powers):
1 Lt Tact
1 LC Eng
1 Cm Science
1 Lt Universal
Mods:
3 Eng
4 Sci
2 Tact
3 Device Slots
750 Crew
Unique Ability:
Tachyon Detection Grid: PBAoE buff that increases your, and allies w/in 10k, Starship Sensor Stat and Cloak Detection. Each buffed ally in turn will buff more allies within 10k of them - thus extending the grid.
Turn Rate = Galaxy
Any other stats not mentioned are the same as a DeepSpace Science Vessel.
Honestly i'd prefer this over the stats dstahl posted, sci needs some love and you guys need to remember this game isnt all about cruisers
It's a Cruiser. It wouldn't make sense as a Science ship. It's basically an older kind of Galaxy-class with the ability to equip itself for specific missions.
It had anything from extra torpedo pods (making it more escort-like) to sensory pods (more science like). It is NOT at all a Science ship. It's a CRUISER with the ability to be a little more.
The Universal slot signifies the fact that it can be outfitted for different missions well enough. However...
Anyways here are some changes I made (IN RED):
Boff seats (4 Boffs, 11 Powers):
1 Lt Tact
1 Cm Eng 1 Lt Science
1 LC Universal
I just switched the Universal to Lieutenant Commander and Science to Lieutenant.
I changed that because I think you can further show that this ship is very able to take on any mission. It might not mesh well with the mods but whatever. :P
It was a tough call whether to make this a Science Vessel or a Cruiser. The IP supports either. In the end we decided to make it a cruiser because it is so big and especially b/c it has so much in common with the Galaxy. So we decided to make it StarCruiser.
We could consider making it a Science Vessel. A Deep Space Science Vessel was the second choice. Doing so would swap the BOff and Mod slots. Also, its weapon slots would need to be reduced, and it would gain Subsystem Targeting. Finally it would have DeepSpace Science Vessel hull and Shield HP. So it would be something like:
Nebula
A DeepSpace Science Vessel variant (Its not a Retrofit. It utilizes the DeepSpace Science Vessel Skill).
Requires:
Rear Admiral
Weapons:
3 Fore
3 Aft
Boff seats (4 Boffs, 11 Powers):
1 Lt Tact
1 LC Eng
1 Cm Science
1 Lt Universal
Mods:
3 Eng
4 Sci
2 Tact
3 Device Slots
750 Crew
Unique Ability:
Tachyon Detection Grid: PBAoE buff that increases your, and allies w/in 10k, Starship Sensor Stat and Cloak Detection. Each buffed ally in turn will buff more allies within 10k of them - thus extending the grid.
Turn Rate = Galaxy
Any other stats not mentioned are the same as a DeepSpace Science Vessel.
Waaaait a second. Why is it that a BoP pays one BOFF slot and gets all its seats universal, while the Nebula would pay the same one-slot tax and get only a universal Lieutenant?
Second, I hope "Turn Rate = Galaxy" is just a copy-paste oversight from the original cruiser setup, because that would be godawful slow for a science vessel... people already avoid the DSSV because it turns too slowly to use the 90 degree arc science abilities.
Third, why doesn't this ship lose a mod console slot for its unique ability Tachyon Detection Grid? All the refits sacrificed one for theirs, except the Excelsior, which might make sense because its unique ability is non-combat.
Fourth... I hope you guys aren't planning to let the detection grid work on Photonic Fleet ships. Nothing like having an extra three bodies' worth of multiplier on the ability per science captain.
If that goes in as is then I'd have a new healing ship. Just looking at it I can see that the combination of healing powers would be better than the star cruiser. Which means I'd have to pay $15 for a ship that's better than what's currently in the game.
Oddly enough there's no hard set date for when the Nebula-class began construction, the only date mentioned for a specific ship was on the dedication plaque on the USS Phoenix:
"It is unknown, precisely, which class spawned the other, or if they were designed simultaneously. The only chronological evidence that exists can be determined by a comparison of dedication plaques, which reveals that the Nebula-class Phoenix was commissioned (on stardate 40250.5) just a short time before the launch (stardate 40759.5) of the Galaxy-class USS Enterprise-D."
It was a tough call whether to make this a Science Vessel or a Cruiser. The IP supports either. In the end we decided to make it a cruiser because it is so big and especially b/c it has so much in common with the Galaxy. So we decided to make it StarCruiser.
We could consider making it a Science Vessel. A Deep Space Science Vessel was the second choice. Doing so would swap the BOff and Mod slots. Also, its weapon slots would need to be reduced, and it would gain Subsystem Targeting. Finally it would have DeepSpace Science Vessel hull and Shield HP. So it would be something like:
Nebula
A DeepSpace Science Vessel variant (Its not a Retrofit. It utilizes the DeepSpace Science Vessel Skill).
Requires:
Rear Admiral
Weapons:
3 Fore
3 Aft
Boff seats (4 Boffs, 11 Powers):
1 Lt Tact
1 LC Eng
1 Cm Science
1 Lt Universal
Mods:
3 Eng
4 Sci
2 Tact
3 Device Slots
750 Crew
Unique Ability:
Tachyon Detection Grid: PBAoE buff that increases your, and allies w/in 10k, Starship Sensor Stat and Cloak Detection. Each buffed ally in turn will buff more allies within 10k of them - thus extending the grid.
Turn Rate = Galaxy
Any other stats not mentioned are the same as a DeepSpace Science Vessel.
As much as I like the DSSV version of the Nebula, I'm not too crazy about the turn rate being the same as the galaxy if it went that direction.
The slower turn rate with fewer weapons doesn't sound all that great of an alternative to me.
It was a tough call whether to make this a Science Vessel or a Cruiser. The IP supports either. In the end we decided to make it a cruiser because it is so big and especially b/c it has so much in common with the Galaxy. So we decided to make it StarCruiser.
We could consider making it a Science Vessel. A Deep Space Science Vessel was the second choice. Doing so would swap the BOff and Mod slots. Also, its weapon slots would need to be reduced, and it would gain Subsystem Targeting. Finally it would have DeepSpace Science Vessel hull and Shield HP. So it would be something like:
Nebula
A DeepSpace Science Vessel variant (Its not a Retrofit. It utilizes the DeepSpace Science Vessel Skill).
Requires:
Rear Admiral
Weapons:
3 Fore
3 Aft
Boff seats (4 Boffs, 11 Powers):
1 Lt Tact
1 LC Eng
1 Cm Science
1 Lt Universal
Mods:
3 Eng
4 Sci
2 Tact
3 Device Slots
750 Crew
Unique Ability:
Tachyon Detection Grid: PBAoE buff that increases your, and allies w/in 10k, Starship Sensor Stat and Cloak Detection. Each buffed ally in turn will buff more allies within 10k of them - thus extending the grid.
Turn Rate = Galaxy
Any other stats not mentioned are the same as a DeepSpace Science Vessel.
This is much better. There are way too many crusiers as is. Lets spread around the love
A universal LT spot? Oh...let's make it even more adaptable than the Excelsior...no universal station there... Oh wait...universal stations ARE the sole domain of the BOP. If you want to have a universal slit.....I say that you make it 4...yes, 4 BO slots, just as the only other ship in the game (a Klink BOP has 4 universal).
If that does not rile you up, think of it this way....Another LTC tac spot...This will ALSO be more powerful than the Sovereign cruiser....Yes, I hear people griping about that in-game with the Excelsior...So, Where's the griping on that?
I swear...a universal station to make this more powerful than a Sovereign or any other ship currently out there. All I can say is that if you are going to do this, then we dang well should get a universal slot on our upcoming Klink ship(s)....
What an outrage to Klinks and Sovereign captains alike...I say this universal slot NEEDS to be changed so as to keep the balance between the ships...The Nebula with a changeable mission pod is versatile enough without having to add a universal slot....sheesh....
A universal LT spot? Oh...let's make it even more adaptable than the Excelsior...no universal station there... Oh wait...universal stations ARE the sole domain of the BOP. If you want to have a universal slit.....I say that you make it 4...yes, 4 BO slots, just as the only other ship in the game (a Klink BOP has 4 universal).
If that does not rile you up, think of it this way....Another LTC tac spot...This will ALSO be more powerful than the Sovereign cruiser....Yes, I hear people griping about that in-game with the Excelsior...So, Where's the griping on that?
I swear...a universal station to make this more powerful than a Sovereign or any other ship currently out there. All I can say is that if you are going to do this, then we dang well should get a universal slot on our upcoming Klink ship(s)....
What an outrage to Klinks and Sovereign captains alike...I say this universal slot NEEDS to be changed so as to keep the balance between the ships...The Nebula with a changeable mission pod is versatile enough without having to add a universal slot....sheesh....
The Nebula does not have an "changeable mission pod". The universal boff slot is there to represent it's multi-function role.
Not to mention it is a LT universal slot. It's not that game-breaking.
THIS IS ALL SUBJECT TO CHANGE!!! (unless you forgot what happened with the Excelsior) but better to start talking about it now than weeks from now.
Also keep in mind this ship has been in development for some time (pre-dates the new KDF ships being worked on)
Ok... here it is
Nebula
A StarCruiser variant (Its not a Retrofit. It utilizes the StarCruiser Skill).
Requires:
Rear Admiral
Weapons:
4 Fore
4 Aft
Boff seats (4 Boffs, 11 Powers):
1 Lt Tact
1 Cm Eng
1 LC Science
1 Lt Universal
Mods:
4 Eng
3 Sci
2 Tact
3 Device Slots
750 Crew
Unique Ability:
Tachyon Detection Grid: PBAoE buff that increases your, and allies w/in 10k, Starship Sensor Stat and Cloak Detection. Each buffed ally in turn will buff more allies within 10k of them - thus extending the grid.
Turn Rate = Galaxy
Any other stats not mentioned are the same as a Star Cruiser.
Screenshots attached - the second is one of the mission pod swap out configuration options
I strongly prefer the 4/4 weapon slots over 3/3. I like the idea of tactical/cruiser/science variants with different powers and if not PLEASE go with this option.
I also like the idea of making the LC or Cm slot universal over the Lt.
Last but also very important, the Tachyon grid sounds cool but what if you aren't on a team or not fighting cloaked ships? Then the Tachyon grid is pretty useless it seems. This ship seems more for team pvp (fed v klg) and not for anything else. So far all of the other special ship powers can be used in multiple situations pvp, pve, fleet, STF, etc. I'll not a big pvp fan myself and you seem to be limiting your those who would purchase this ship. This power seems very specific. I was really looking forward to this ship but if all it has is a Tachyon grid I will have to rethink that.
A universal LT spot? Oh...let's make it even more adaptable than the Excelsior...no universal station there... Oh wait...universal stations ARE the sole domain of the BOP. If you want to have a universal slit.....I say that you make it 4...yes, 4 BO slots, just as the only other ship in the game (a Klink BOP has 4 universal).
If that does not rile you up, think of it this way....Another LTC tac spot...This will ALSO be more powerful than the Sovereign cruiser....Yes, I hear people griping about that in-game with the Excelsior...So, Where's the griping on that?
I swear...a universal station to make this more powerful than a Sovereign or any other ship currently out there. All I can say is that if you are going to do this, then we dang well should get a universal slot on our upcoming Klink ship(s)....
What an outrage to Klinks and Sovereign captains alike...I say this universal slot NEEDS to be changed so as to keep the balance between the ships...The Nebula with a changeable mission pod is versatile enough without having to add a universal slot....sheesh....
The pods don't offer actual changeable abilities in-game though, that's why they're trying to simulate it with a universal slot. Plus you're jumping the gun about this, if they're experimenting with different BO slot load outs with these ships then it stands to reason they'll be doing the same for the future Klingon faction ships.
It was a tough call whether to make this a Science Vessel or a Cruiser. The IP supports either. In the end we decided to make it a cruiser because it is so big and especially b/c it has so much in common with the Galaxy. So we decided to make it StarCruiser.
We could consider making it a Science Vessel. A Deep Space Science Vessel was the second choice. Doing so would swap the BOff and Mod slots. Also, its weapon slots would need to be reduced, and it would gain Subsystem Targeting. Finally it would have DeepSpace Science Vessel hull and Shield HP. So it would be something like:
Nebula
A DeepSpace Science Vessel variant (Its not a Retrofit. It utilizes the DeepSpace Science Vessel Skill).
Requires:
Rear Admiral
Weapons:
3 Fore
3 Aft
Boff seats (4 Boffs, 11 Powers):
1 Lt Tact
1 LC Eng
1 Cm Science
1 Lt Universal
Mods:
3 Eng
4 Sci
2 Tact
3 Device Slots
750 Crew
Unique Ability:
Tachyon Detection Grid: PBAoE buff that increases your, and allies w/in 10k, Starship Sensor Stat and Cloak Detection. Each buffed ally in turn will buff more allies within 10k of them - thus extending the grid.
Turn Rate = Galaxy
Any other stats not mentioned are the same as a DeepSpace Science Vessel.
I dunno, but this option looks very, very tempting. I love the idea of the ship being a DSSV. This is a very attractive loadout, and I say "Go for it"
I am sure this has already been suggested but how about you let the players decide how they want to use this ship. What I mean by this is that since the Nebula Class has different modules that can be put on it let the modules decide how it is used. Say if someone decides to put on the science pod it get those types of attributes, if some one puts the engineering pod it gets those and so on and so on. This would make it a ship for all types. I love the fact that all the new ships that have been mostly cruisers but a little love for the other types of ships would be nice as well. it is just a thought.
It was a tough call whether to make this a Science Vessel or a Cruiser. The IP supports either. In the end we decided to make it a cruiser because it is so big and especially b/c it has so much in common with the Galaxy. So we decided to make it StarCruiser.
We could consider making it a Science Vessel. A Deep Space Science Vessel was the second choice. Doing so would swap the BOff and Mod slots. Also, its weapon slots would need to be reduced, and it would gain Subsystem Targeting. Finally it would have DeepSpace Science Vessel hull and Shield HP. So it would be something like:
Nebula
A DeepSpace Science Vessel variant (Its not a Retrofit. It utilizes the DeepSpace Science Vessel Skill).
Requires:
Rear Admiral
Weapons:
3 Fore
3 Aft
Boff seats (4 Boffs, 11 Powers):
1 Lt Tact
1 LC Eng
1 Cm Science
1 Lt Universal
Mods:
3 Eng
4 Sci
2 Tact
3 Device Slots
750 Crew
Unique Ability:
Tachyon Detection Grid: PBAoE buff that increases your, and allies w/in 10k, Starship Sensor Stat and Cloak Detection. Each buffed ally in turn will buff more allies within 10k of them - thus extending the grid.
Turn Rate = Galaxy
Any other stats not mentioned are the same as a DeepSpace Science Vessel.
Giving it the same turn rate as a Galaxy with the same hull durability as a DSSV won't work. It'll be a "shoot the pigeon" game. You will need to adjust that...
Again, this ship is not at all a science ship... It's a versatile Cruiser.
Well here's my updated idea:
Boff seats (4 Boffs, 11 Powers):
1 Lt Tact
1 Cm Eng 1 LC Universal
1 Lt Science
Switch these ranks like last time.
Mods:
4 Eng 2 Sci (minus 1)
2 Tact
850 Crew (plus 100)
4 Device Slots (plus 1)
The idea here is that the Nebula is NOT a science ship. It can be equipped to be as much of an escort as a science ship.
Like before I switched a Lt Universal to LC and LC Science to Lt. This was because this is NOT a science ship. It's a versatile Cruiser like I said. It can be equipped to be more science-like OR escort-like.
Now with that in mind I evened out the mods. I took out a Science one. This might make this ship suck a bit too much so I added 100 crew (the thing is technically more massive than a Galaxy anyways) and another Device Slot (barely helps but it does).
If it's still too weak give it +1 turn rate OR even more crew (not over 1000).
I agree that the multi-role nature of this Class makes it hard to pigeonhole. This is going to be a really difficult one for you guys, as if the Excelsior wasn't bad enough.
Comments
I believe you It would make a lot of people happy were you to implement this setup over the cruiser centric one. though I like both the setups myself, maybe the team should seriously consider offering both.
Hell if you wanted to really stretch it out make a tac varient as well and pop all three in the one c-store pack (though seriously, the backlash for not making them obtainable in-game will likely be immense)
Tac idea. Leave the rear weapon turn rate and hull like a cruiser, escort power levels, commander tac slot, etc. The idea is the rear weapon and hull should counter the turn rate relative to other escorts. Ok so I haven't though about it that much but the seed is there at least.
Yes, i am.
Oh well...
No.
I would rather see a similar approach made, as was done with the Excelsior; A T3 Science ship, and a T5 Retrofit.
While you can go either way with it being a Cruiser or Science ship, I think the design concept fits as a Science ship better than a T5 cruiser; Nebulas are implied to be "Not quite" Galaxy class ships done cheaper and quicker; Having them as (or more) capable than the Galaxy is the wrong approach. Having them as Science ships plays to them being smaller, cheaper Galaxies...with the Science Pods.
This also addresses the fact that there are currently two additional Cruiser types at T5, and with the Ambassador class presumably in the works at some point, that will undoubtedly be a third. Evening out the Science and Escort options wherever possible is the way to go.
And speaking of the Pods, I'll echo what others have said, and request (at the very least) the USS Phoenix's SWACs Pod as an option, similar to how we can add the Ent-B variant to the Excelsior.
No, you're not the only one.
My personal belief is that the Nebula should be an additional configuration for Commander-tier science vessel, thus giving people an alternate to play besides the Olymbic (ballships) configuration if it doesn't strike their fancy (similarily to how a Fed commander now can choose between the Excelsior and the four-nacelled heavy cruisers).
Then, after that, they can also make it available as a Tier 5 science retrofit as well - based on the stats the CaptainGeko released to us.
Some people will argue it should be stronger than an Excelsior, or equal to a Galaxy, not weaker than an Intrepid. I can relate, but I find putting it on the same tier as the Akira-class makes some practical sense for the most benefit.
* * *
Now, my Luna-class and the DSSVs have sensor pods too. Can we get cool ship-tied abilities with them too? ~_^
I give this idea my stamp (^_^)\m/ of approval. I would VERY much like to see this be a science ship but since in canon this is a multirole ship, I strongly like the idea of three variants of it.
Because, to be honest, asking a science officer when they reach RA to respec into cruisers just for one ship? That's kinda mean.
Any way you slice it I think having multiple versions is a good idea.
No, actually you're not. Then again, having an Excelsior on par (better than) a Sovereign Class is mind-bending in it's stupidity.
So at this point it's sort of like... whatever.
OMG yes please! I like this option better than cruiser, and I'll add my voice to the chorus supporting this ship as a science vessel. If we could get a variant for the peeps that like the star cruiser option, all the better!
I rather like the science variant better than the cruiser style.
Also, I think it would be perfectly fair, since it's getting a Universal BO slot, for the new carrier that the Klingons are getting to also have this tachyon detection grid, as a natural consequence of the Federation abrogating the Treaty of Algeron. Hell... the Klinks probably planned to put it on that carrier anyway, knowing that they Freds would be deploying cloaks at some point soonish.
Honestly i'd prefer this over the stats dstahl posted, sci needs some love and you guys need to remember this game isnt all about cruisers
It had anything from extra torpedo pods (making it more escort-like) to sensory pods (more science like). It is NOT at all a Science ship. It's a CRUISER with the ability to be a little more.
The Universal slot signifies the fact that it can be outfitted for different missions well enough. However...
Anyways here are some changes I made (IN RED):
Boff seats (4 Boffs, 11 Powers):
1 Lt Tact
1 Cm Eng
1 Lt Science
1 LC Universal
I just switched the Universal to Lieutenant Commander and Science to Lieutenant.
I changed that because I think you can further show that this ship is very able to take on any mission. It might not mesh well with the mods but whatever. :P
Is that an in-game shot or a mock-up?
Waaaait a second. Why is it that a BoP pays one BOFF slot and gets all its seats universal, while the Nebula would pay the same one-slot tax and get only a universal Lieutenant?
Second, I hope "Turn Rate = Galaxy" is just a copy-paste oversight from the original cruiser setup, because that would be godawful slow for a science vessel... people already avoid the DSSV because it turns too slowly to use the 90 degree arc science abilities.
Third, why doesn't this ship lose a mod console slot for its unique ability Tachyon Detection Grid? All the refits sacrificed one for theirs, except the Excelsior, which might make sense because its unique ability is non-combat.
Fourth... I hope you guys aren't planning to let the detection grid work on Photonic Fleet ships. Nothing like having an extra three bodies' worth of multiplier on the ability per science captain.
"It is unknown, precisely, which class spawned the other, or if they were designed simultaneously. The only chronological evidence that exists can be determined by a comparison of dedication plaques, which reveals that the Nebula-class Phoenix was commissioned (on stardate 40250.5) just a short time before the launch (stardate 40759.5) of the Galaxy-class USS Enterprise-D."
As much as I like the DSSV version of the Nebula, I'm not too crazy about the turn rate being the same as the galaxy if it went that direction.
The slower turn rate with fewer weapons doesn't sound all that great of an alternative to me.
But then that just might be me.
This is much better. There are way too many crusiers as is. Lets spread around the love
A universal LT spot? Oh...let's make it even more adaptable than the Excelsior...no universal station there... Oh wait...universal stations ARE the sole domain of the BOP. If you want to have a universal slit.....I say that you make it 4...yes, 4 BO slots, just as the only other ship in the game (a Klink BOP has 4 universal).
If that does not rile you up, think of it this way....Another LTC tac spot...This will ALSO be more powerful than the Sovereign cruiser....Yes, I hear people griping about that in-game with the Excelsior...So, Where's the griping on that?
I swear...a universal station to make this more powerful than a Sovereign or any other ship currently out there. All I can say is that if you are going to do this, then we dang well should get a universal slot on our upcoming Klink ship(s)....
What an outrage to Klinks and Sovereign captains alike...I say this universal slot NEEDS to be changed so as to keep the balance between the ships...The Nebula with a changeable mission pod is versatile enough without having to add a universal slot....sheesh....
The Nebula does not have an "changeable mission pod". The universal boff slot is there to represent it's multi-function role.
Not to mention it is a LT universal slot. It's not that game-breaking.
Just breathe there homie.
I strongly prefer the 4/4 weapon slots over 3/3. I like the idea of tactical/cruiser/science variants with different powers and if not PLEASE go with this option.
I also like the idea of making the LC or Cm slot universal over the Lt.
Last but also very important, the Tachyon grid sounds cool but what if you aren't on a team or not fighting cloaked ships? Then the Tachyon grid is pretty useless it seems. This ship seems more for team pvp (fed v klg) and not for anything else. So far all of the other special ship powers can be used in multiple situations pvp, pve, fleet, STF, etc. I'll not a big pvp fan myself and you seem to be limiting your those who would purchase this ship. This power seems very specific. I was really looking forward to this ship but if all it has is a Tachyon grid I will have to rethink that.
Thanks
The pods don't offer actual changeable abilities in-game though, that's why they're trying to simulate it with a universal slot. Plus you're jumping the gun about this, if they're experimenting with different BO slot load outs with these ships then it stands to reason they'll be doing the same for the future Klingon faction ships.
I dunno, but this option looks very, very tempting. I love the idea of the ship being a DSSV. This is a very attractive loadout, and I say "Go for it"
+1 to this guy
Giving it the same turn rate as a Galaxy with the same hull durability as a DSSV won't work. It'll be a "shoot the pigeon" game. You will need to adjust that...
Well here's my updated idea:
Boff seats (4 Boffs, 11 Powers):
1 Lt Tact
1 Cm Eng
1 LC Universal
1 Lt Science
Switch these ranks like last time.
Mods:
4 Eng
2 Sci (minus 1)
2 Tact
850 Crew (plus 100)
4 Device Slots (plus 1)
The idea here is that the Nebula is NOT a science ship. It can be equipped to be as much of an escort as a science ship.
Like before I switched a Lt Universal to LC and LC Science to Lt. This was because this is NOT a science ship. It's a versatile Cruiser like I said. It can be equipped to be more science-like OR escort-like.
Now with that in mind I evened out the mods. I took out a Science one. This might make this ship suck a bit too much so I added 100 crew (the thing is technically more massive than a Galaxy anyways) and another Device Slot (barely helps but it does).
If it's still too weak give it +1 turn rate OR even more crew (not over 1000).