That would be a good solution, although a firing/resupply period would need to be discussed..10 seconds feels a little too small versus the heavy torp travel time, whereas 30 seconds would sound like just enough.
I propose 30 seconds downtime for every 90 seconds of firing time, along with the low impact pre-resistance (say, 124 damage, 150 DPS).
Indeed, I thought that the instant deployment deal would instantly launch all fighters/shuttles/frigates from both hangars at once, effectively a 'fighter drop' without having to launch first then recall. Also, a 'panic button' should you lose all hangar pets in a short time...
Anti-fighter rail guns? I'm thinking of the U.S.A.F. Daedalus right now. AWESOME!!!
If the PD cannon had some kind of enhanced shield penetration (vs. small craft only perhaps?) of say 30% then it could prove quite an effective anti-fighter defensive weapon.
What about having it as an always on ability, But it having a 15sec continuous firing cycle with priority of small inbound targets with a 15sec cd to recharge before firing resumes. That gives you 2 firing cycles per minute.
What about having it as an always on ability, But it having a 15sec continuous firing cycle with priority of small inbound targets with a 15sec cd to recharge before firing resumes. That gives you 2 firing cycles per minute.
I like your idea better than my own, dammit... :eek:
That would be a good solution, although a firing/resupply period would need to be discussed..10 seconds feels a little too small versus the heavy torp travel time, whereas 30 seconds would sound like just enough.
I propose 30 seconds downtime for every 90 seconds of firing time, along with the low impact pre-resistance (say, 124 damage, 150 DPS).
30 seconds downtime would be appropriate.
Perhaps, have enough 'ammo' for 30 seconds of constant fire, and when the weapon fires start off a 30 second timer to reload, this would mean ~30 seconds after the last round fired the weapon would reload? It would give even 'up time' and 'down time' and solve the potential problem of having 1 round left in the chamber during a pause in combat. lol
The damage seems appropiate, after various skills and damage buffs you'd be looking at upwards of 300-500 dps off of it, and that's assuming you'd get benefits from your tac consoles too, which you probably would not, so no worries. :P
Lol, Kapla just suggested something simmilar, but with different 'up times' and 'down times', hehe, either is fine. Up to you sharpie65
I think the person you quoted was referring to the lack of an SCE-designed carrier for Starfleet; while it is good to have the somewhat-overlooked Caitians getting their own ship a lot of us would have preferred to see a more...traditional looking Starfleet wessel. :P
I love the look of the Atrox... but it's high time they they designed a Caitian interior for it ( instead of the standard starfleet issue one ) , but then again : I also want a vulcan interior for the D'Kyr : maybe it's time for Cryptic to "outsource " some of the interior-designs to the foundry -wizards ?
Hey, I'm beginning to think our degign here (your design sharpie65, if you want full credit :P) might be getting a little too powerful. Between the very favorable BOFF layout, multiple specialist stations, the PD turret, most useful Starship Trait, stealth functions, and possibly frigate pets...
Am I alone in this line of thinking? I'm already liking this carrier more than my Sarr Theln...
I love the look of the Atrox... but it's high time they they designed a Caitian interior for it ( instead of the standard starfleet issue one ) , but then again : I also want a vulcan interior for the D'Kyr : maybe it's time for Cryptic to "outsource " some of the interior-designs to the foundry -wizards ?
Hey, this would be a great Idea, perhaps you should make a thread to discuss potentially using the foundry to make ship interiors?
Hey, I'm beginning to think our degign here (your design sharpie65, if you want full credit :P) might be getting a little too powerful. Between the very favorable BOFF layout, multiple specialist stations, the PD turret, most useful Starship Trait, stealth functions, and possibly frigate pets...
Am I alone in this line of thinking? I'm already liking this carrier more than my Sarr Theln...
Hey, this would be a great Idea, perhaps you should make a thread to discuss potentially using the foundry to make ship interiors?
New shiny ships is kinda the reason we buy new ships, I do it so I can say oh it looks purty in my collection.
There have been several threads discussing foundry made interiors, short version answer is they won't do it as they may be able to monetize it in the future.
Everything is relative.... if the capital ships are traveling faster so are the fighters.. everything is relative.
Having a carrier styled after a concept that the fighters/attack wings and its frigates are its primary offence fire power can work just as well as a standard ship.
As a game they can make a single fighter have more fire power then 1000 scimitars... so no there is no reason they couldn't make a true carrier class ship.
With specializations, more hangers, skills and such it would be no issue of creating a carrier class ship that works fine for any content.
Before you bring up that real life carriers are part of a fleet, a Carrier can launch frigates.. those are your escorts. A carrier in game with 6 BOP's or Bug ships flying escort would be in essence a carriers escort.
Other then the apparent fact you don't like the idea there is no reason at all it could not be implemented.
Yeah?
What happens when your fighters are torn apart like tin foil from the constant AoE in this game? With no offensive power besides your fighters you're just slightly my useful than a derelict hulk.
Leaving your entire offense to a AI that is sorta like a toddler with ADD isn't very smart...they'd literally have to be extremely OP pets to actually make them effective.
Can't have a honest conversation because of a white knight with power
Hey, I'm beginning to think our degign here (your design sharpie65, if you want full credit :P) might be getting a little too powerful. Between the very favorable BOFF layout, multiple specialist stations, the PD turret, most useful Starship Trait, stealth functions, and possibly frigate pets...
Am I alone in this line of thinking? I'm already liking this carrier more than my Sarr Theln...
To be honest, it does feel that way! It looks like the ship will be very favourable with the carrier crowd, although I'm not expecting it to break any records if it gets beyond this stage.
*******
I've had some thoughts about other skins/subclasses for the carriers, and here they are:
Independence
As seen earlier on, appearance is more of a converted Vesta than the others.
Essex
Essex would be larger and have a linage more recognisable as the lovechild of the Sovereign/Odyssey and the Vesta, with the nacelle pylons curving upward instead of being integrated into the hangar/flight-deck area. A refinement of the Indy.
Shinano
Shinano is flatter and more angular than Essex, although is relatively the same size. Nacelle pylons situated on the dorsal side of the engineering hull, saucer has the appearance of a Sovereign-class cruiser.
Ark Royal
Ark Royal is the smallest of the four variants, however the nacelles take inspiration from the Atrox in that they are integrated into the rear engineering hull. Overall design appearance is that of an enlarged Intrepid-class science vessel (Mark Rademaker Full Circle refit).
As seen earlier on, appearance is of a captured Hirogen Apex converted for carrier duty.
Qang (Chancellor)
A refinement of the Batlh'Quv, the Qang takes some design tips from Orion and Nausicaan ships. Flatter, with a tapered head.
VoD'leh
The VoD'leh follows the same design principles as the Vo'quv variant of the same name - a Gorn heritage whilst staying true to the Batlh'Quv design.
Rokhelh
As seen earlier, appearance is of a converted Ha'apax/Haakona Advanced Warbird. Visible balance of armour and weapon hardpoints and is the largest of the three.
Morairi (Guard)
A similar-sized refinement of the Rokhelh, the wings extend outwards. The ship has the appearance of being more heavily armoured than Rokhelh.
Vauthil (Victory)
The smallest of the three variants, with more obvious weapon hardpoints and swept-back wings. Vauthil has the appearance of a Terran osprey at the front.
Hey, these variants sound hot! Though, 4 variants for Fed? That's gonna make KDF captains, and Romulan Captains, somewhat upset...
Perhaps making a 4th KDF, Rom variant, and making them a bonus if all three previous variants are purchased? (Since bundles come in three's )
Also, would the difference between variants be purely cosmetic, or would there be some difference in consoles, boff layout, etc?
Perhaps through your variants, we can use most of the suggestions made for BOFF layouts? (I'm still partial to the layout I suggested lol, I feel it's the most balanced, for the ship and the game as a whole..) :P
Hmm, maybe the variants could mix up the Intel/Command stations? Maybe make one (or more) have a preference toward Intel than Command, and vice versa? Just a thought. lol
With the progress we're all making with this design I'm really hoping that the Devs actually DO at look at the designs and consider using them... I'd pay good money for one of these beauties!
Oh, it occurs to me, if we do get some favorable developer attention perhaps we could raise the necessary funding to design in-game versions with some kind of kickstarter thing? Just throwing the idea out there, since ship design for STO costs money and Cryptic may not be inclined to fund a 3rd party design. We can worry about this later, though.
I managed to find an additional variant for each of the lesser-represented factions: CharghwI' (Victor, as in winner) and D'ravsai (Preserver, named for the race). The CharghwI' is essentially the Vauthil or Ark Royal for the Klingons - smaller, yet just as capable as her larger sisters. D'ravsai is effectively an up-armoured Morairi, thus would appear to be less manoeuvrable than her sister warbirds.
The designs were intended to be purely cosmetic, but if there's an idea multiple Specialist variants who am I to argue? Traits may be a problem, as will hangar pets (although I did have the idea of a Panama-class Heavy/Modular Runabout as the Fed Frigate while out with the dogs), and the Romulans could have a Bhoewen-class runabout as their answer to the Panama and Ning'tao .
Some developer attention would be very nice indeed, although I think that TtC and the rest of the team have their hands full with other ship projects. :P
Purely cosmetic? So then a three ship cross-faction bundle then? (with the additional variants as 'costume pieces')?
I'm game with this, though lately Cryptic has gotten in the habit of disguising 'costume variants' as seperate ships by switching up the consoles a bit and selling it seperately or in a big fat bundle.
For hangar pets, didn't you mention some strike fighters a few pages back? Those could work for basic fighters.
As for Frigates, we could use the Maquis Raiders (Condor class?) for Fed. (If you don't have any other ideas lol)
For Romulans, perhaps This Romulan Scout from TNG?
For Klingons maybe K'toch class? (bit of a longshot I know, but Klingons don't do many small designs...)
Or This unnamed Klingon ship from Enterprise, Again longshot, Klingons aren't known for small ships outside of BoPs
I've updated the OP to make the changes to the Romulan ship.
I did mention the strike fighters as being the stock hangar pets, although the "frigate" pets would be available from the respective stores.
For the Fed, I thought of something a little more fitting to the Federation's ideals than a "raider" - the Panama-class (from the Panama Canal) Heavy Runabout. The basic version is armed with Phaser Arrays and Photon Torpedoes, and can use FAW1, EPtS1, Subspace Vortex 1, and Rotate Shield Frequency. All variants come with a Tractor Beam
The Advanced version comes with all of the above, however swapping the photons for Chroniton Torpedoes. It also gets Phaser Dual Beam Arrays, Torpedo: High Yield 2, and Transfer Shield Strength 2.
The Elite pets get all of the above, plus the Tetryon-Plasma engines from the Yellowstone Runabouts, Engineering Team 2, and Chroniton Mines.
The Ning'Tao would effectively have the same layout as the Panama, although favouring Disruptor Cannons, Turrets, and Quantum Torpedoes. The skills and abilities it uses remain almost the same, swapping the mines, engines, and TSS2 for Disruptor Quad Cannons, a battle cloak, and Attack Pattern Delta 2.
The Romulan Heavy Drones would have a beams/cannons and plasma torpedoes loadout in Romulan Plasma flavour, with battle cloak, TSS2 and Tractor Beam Mines. (I think the Romulan ones are a tad OP :P)
Aye, those Tractor mines on the Romulan one *could* be overpowering... perhaps if they only drop one at a time? Might help, might not... *shrugs*
Also Quantum torpedoes are generally used as an 'upgrade' for hangar pets (I'll not get into if they actually are performance wise or not), as in Advanced and Elite Hangar pets trade in the Photons for Quantums.
Aside from that, those pets sound rather cool, TSS might be a tad ineffective, considering it's a heal-over-time effect... kinda regretting suggesting it some time ago lol. Perhaps Emergency 2 Shields? It's not a science ability but it heals shields and provides a brief resistance buff, so it might be of greater benefit for the somewhat... untimely nature of fighter ai. :P
That's a good plan for the the Drones, and the Ning'Tao uses photons on the basic version (it's effectively a copy/paste of the Panama through the different ranks, with certain abilities altered to better suit the role of a BoP).
I would put in EPtS2 for TSS2, but that would mean scrapping ET2 and take away the capacity for mothership/ally support (being somewhat better use in CSA/E). But in all honesty, the hangar pet AI needs a great deal of work to make it what it could be..which is why I'm not expecting it to happen any time soon. :P
Would you really need to toss Engineering Team if you used Emergency to Shields? If so, I guess you could use Science Team instead. Might help... lol
Also, the Ning'Tao uses those quad cannons, yes? wouldn't the Rom and Fed have to use quads as well? And wouldn't that kinda stomp on the Aquarius Escort that the Odyessy launches?
Whew, bit of a chain of logic there...
In fairness I don't think many people use the Aquarius, and fewer people would be upset about a frigate pet 'borrowing' a weapon from it. The common opinion is the Aquarius escort from the Odyessy kinda sucks anyway, so it might not be a problem, hehe. :P
The Tetryon Engines from the Yellowstones? That might cause some problems since Yellowstones are one of the few Fed hangar pets worth buying... Perhaps dropping the Tetryon plasma farts, and using basic Eject Warp Plasma?
Or how about a scaled down version of the Metreon Gas Canisters that the Regent has? *Ducks for Cover*
Either of those would be good, although I'm intending for the Runabouts to maintain the "traditional" role of slowing enemies..besides, Tetryon Plasma is useful if you just want to slow down the target without damaging it (whenever you would want to do that, I have no idea!).
If the Aquarius was released as a C-Store ship for 500-1500 Zen, I think it would suck - at least marginally - less..but yes, a Heavy Runabout with the power capacity for Quad Cannons in addition to it's current armament (at Elite standard) would be awesome!
Or how about a scaled down version of the Metreon Gas Canisters that the Regent has? *Ducks for Cover*
Metreon Gas Canisters on a Runabout..hell yes! It would be difficult to pull off, especially with the questionable AI inherent to hangar pets.
*Runabout lets off Metreon Gas, ignites and flies right into plasma explosions* :P
*Off-Topic*
I think the Aquarius, in common opinion, sucks because it uses cannons and not beams..personally, I like it. *Hides in Fleet Forums until safe*
*Back On-Topic*
Since the Panama would be a Frigate-type pet in it's own right, it would still have some unique quirks whilst getting some of the things that make Runabout pets (I'm looking at YOU Yellowstones!) unique. Because they're effectively the intermediary of fighters/shuttles and starships, I wouldn't mind them getting their own lease as a frigate - significant changes will have to be made, but it (the Panama) could work.
Hmm, I like your ideas for the frigate pets, although...
The KDF and Rom versions seem to be geared toward dps, and the Fed geared toward crowd control.
If this is the plan, then might I suggest, dropping the warp plasma, even the Yellowstones don't really use it very well (AI again lol), perhaps use Subspace Boom? It's a Pilot ability and might work for crowd control in a limited mannor, pair with a tractor beam and chroniton torpedoes... Maybe Torpedo Full Spread too?
Oh, perhaps Target Engines Subsystems instead of fire at will? (Could even boost its effectiveness with a secondary deflector if desired)
Could use Target Shields for KDF, and For the Rom... umm Surgical Strikes? (Questioning this one myself, actually...)
For the Ning'Tao... I wonder if Lock Trajectory would be cool... those little beasties use cannons, yes? Lock Trajectory would let the frigate slide past a target while firing forward cannons on it. :P
For the Romulan one... Attack Pattern Lambda? Romulans do like to confuse and debuff enemies, yes?
*Looks at suggestions*
...
*Hides under rock*
Edit: Disregard the above, not enough coffee this morning. Most of the above is crazy, overpowered nonsense... With the possible exception of the subsystem targeting for the Fed ship instead of FAW, for a crowd controling hangar pet you might not want it attracting aggro to itself with FAW.
If this is the plan, then might I suggest, dropping the warp plasma, even the Yellowstones don't really use it very well (AI again lol), perhaps use Subspace Boom? It's a Pilot ability and might work for crowd control in a limited manner, pair with a tractor beam and chroniton torpedoes... Maybe Torpedo Full Spread too?
Oh, perhaps Target Engines Subsystems instead of fire at will? (Could even boost its effectiveness with a secondary deflector if desired)
Could use Target Shields for KDF, and For the Rom... umm Surgical Strikes? (Questioning this one myself, actually...)
For the Ning'Tao... I wonder if Lock Trajectory would be cool... those little beasties use cannons, yes? Lock Trajectory would let the frigate slide past a target while firing forward cannons on it. :P
For the Romulan one... Attack Pattern Lambda? Romulans do like to confuse and debuff enemies, yes?
All very good suggestions, although the SS for the Romulans has the potential to be more OP than the Scimidrones..sticking with the theme of subsystem targeting, how about Target Subsystem Weapons/Auxiliary?
Dropping the Tet-Plasma may be a good idea, considering the state of hangar pet AI at the moment! Also, the Subspace Boom, Lock Trajectory and APL could persuade a few of the Lone Wolves out there to play in a team and find a fleet ...but that might not happen LOL!
EDIT: If the Ning'Tao has subsystem targeting, would it be prudent to give it a DBB in place of a set of DHCs/dual cannons? Considering that existing BoP pets have a very forward-oriented loadout, that might actually work in favour.
Here it is - the Panama Heavy Runabout. This beauty is approximately 3x the size of a standard Yellowstone- or Danube-class Runabout, and I'm interested to know what you think of it.
Hey, looked at the Panama runabout sketch. It's kinda hard to give any sort of constructive feedback on it, the drawing isn't very detailed... Although, I'm really liking the Akira/Miranda style Rollbar on the top, that's hot! If the base fuselage of the craft is simmilar to the standard starfleet runabout, or even like the Federation Scout Ship I think it would make a really cool hangar pet for Starfleet carriers.
I'll be honest about the design, it was kinda hard to get all the details I'd want in there whilst keeping the basic design of the runabout. I think I might have wanted to base it off of the concept art for the Defiant.
I'll go back and add some more detail to it, but if you want hull textures that's a little out of my league! :P I'll do what I can without it being too..cluttered, but I can't promise it'll look any better.
Ok, here's the updated art for the Panama. Hope you like it better than the first one!
I also have a basic design for the Klingon fighter, the qajunpaQ'. (Apologies in advance if you see any resemblance to phallic imagery, that was NOT the intention here.)
Eh, just give me a carrier with the base numbers increased to match T6 standards, and I'm a happy camper. Although, if we want to stick to a theme of the new command/pilot/etc. ships, I would think that command would probably be the closest match. After all, you ARE technically commanding a small fleet of ships. Either way, I'll just take what I can get. To be honest, I would also like to to see lower tier carriers, but I guess the devs don't put carriers as a priority for development. *sigh*
Ok, here's the updated art for the Panama. Hope you like it better than the first one!
I also have a basic design for the Klingon fighter, the qajunpaQ'. (Apologies in advance if you see any resemblance to phallic imagery, that was NOT the intention here.)
Ah, so the Panama appears to be sort of a hybrid (appearance wise, that is) between the Akira and Yellowstone, yes? It looks good, those stubby little wings adds a Delta Flyer ish feel to it as well, very nice.
For the Klingon one, it looks like a scaled down B'rel, which actually makes sense for the KDF, since they don't 'do' small ships much lol.
Phallic? Oh, yeah I guess one could make that parallel, I didn't, I just thought it looked like a B'rel.
It occurs to me, that a slight reshape of the fuselage on the KDF ship to something simmilar to a Toron Shuttle might make it a little less 'phallic', though properly modeled I don't see any issues with your design.
I've made some design revisions to the qajunpaQ'. I've also drawn something up for the Gyrfalcon[/URL (the Romulan fighter, in case you forgot), and the Romulan frigate-pet Zaeyd'n.
Hey, nice alterations on the KDF ship, looks good. Very Klingon and not very *ahem* inappropriate at all. lol
Those Romulan designs definately fit for Romulans, though the... umm feathering on the Gyrfalcon seems a bit bold, perhaps a more subtle feathering on the wings?
Overall the proposed hangar pets are very appropriate for their respective factions and would be welcome additions for any carrier captain!
I've been thinking about the boff layout of the carriers recently, and I do believe the dual specialized stations are a bit overpowered, one Lt. Commander and one Lt. would still be pushing it but more appropriate and less 'crazy OP' lol...
Perhaps switching the undetermined 'specialist' station to the Lt. Uni station?
Just a thought, might help this from becoming a P2W monstrosity...
Comments
I propose 30 seconds downtime for every 90 seconds of firing time, along with the low impact pre-resistance (say, 124 damage, 150 DPS).
What about having it as an always on ability, But it having a 15sec continuous firing cycle with priority of small inbound targets with a 15sec cd to recharge before firing resumes. That gives you 2 firing cycles per minute.
I like your idea better than my own, dammit... :eek:
30 seconds downtime would be appropriate.
Perhaps, have enough 'ammo' for 30 seconds of constant fire, and when the weapon fires start off a 30 second timer to reload, this would mean ~30 seconds after the last round fired the weapon would reload? It would give even 'up time' and 'down time' and solve the potential problem of having 1 round left in the chamber during a pause in combat. lol
The damage seems appropiate, after various skills and damage buffs you'd be looking at upwards of 300-500 dps off of it, and that's assuming you'd get benefits from your tac consoles too, which you probably would not, so no worries. :P
Lol, Kapla just suggested something simmilar, but with different 'up times' and 'down times', hehe, either is fine. Up to you sharpie65
I love the look of the Atrox... but it's high time they they designed a Caitian interior for it ( instead of the standard starfleet issue one ) , but then again : I also want a vulcan interior for the D'Kyr : maybe it's time for Cryptic to "outsource " some of the interior-designs to the foundry -wizards ?
Am I alone in this line of thinking? I'm already liking this carrier more than my Sarr Theln...
Hey, this would be a great Idea, perhaps you should make a thread to discuss potentially using the foundry to make ship interiors?
New shiny ships is kinda the reason we buy new ships, I do it so I can say oh it looks purty in my collection.
There have been several threads discussing foundry made interiors, short version answer is they won't do it as they may be able to monetize it in the future.
Yeah?
What happens when your fighters are torn apart like tin foil from the constant AoE in this game? With no offensive power besides your fighters you're just slightly my useful than a derelict hulk.
Leaving your entire offense to a AI that is sorta like a toddler with ADD isn't very smart...they'd literally have to be extremely OP pets to actually make them effective.
To be honest, it does feel that way!
*******
I've had some thoughts about other skins/subclasses for the carriers, and here they are:
Independence
As seen earlier on, appearance is more of a converted Vesta than the others.
Essex
Essex would be larger and have a linage more recognisable as the lovechild of the Sovereign/Odyssey and the Vesta, with the nacelle pylons curving upward instead of being integrated into the hangar/flight-deck area. A refinement of the Indy.
Shinano
Shinano is flatter and more angular than Essex, although is relatively the same size. Nacelle pylons situated on the dorsal side of the engineering hull, saucer has the appearance of a Sovereign-class cruiser.
Ark Royal
Ark Royal is the smallest of the four variants, however the nacelles take inspiration from the Atrox in that they are integrated into the rear engineering hull. Overall design appearance is that of an enlarged Intrepid-class science vessel (Mark Rademaker Full Circle refit).
As seen earlier on, appearance is of a captured Hirogen Apex converted for carrier duty.
Qang (Chancellor)
A refinement of the Batlh'Quv, the Qang takes some design tips from Orion and Nausicaan ships. Flatter, with a tapered head.
VoD'leh
The VoD'leh follows the same design principles as the Vo'quv variant of the same name - a Gorn heritage whilst staying true to the Batlh'Quv design.
Rokhelh
As seen earlier, appearance is of a converted Ha'apax/Haakona Advanced Warbird. Visible balance of armour and weapon hardpoints and is the largest of the three.
Morairi (Guard)
A similar-sized refinement of the Rokhelh, the wings extend outwards. The ship has the appearance of being more heavily armoured than Rokhelh.
Vauthil (Victory)
The smallest of the three variants, with more obvious weapon hardpoints and swept-back wings. Vauthil has the appearance of a Terran osprey at the front.
Perhaps making a 4th KDF, Rom variant, and making them a bonus if all three previous variants are purchased? (Since bundles come in three's
Also, would the difference between variants be purely cosmetic, or would there be some difference in consoles, boff layout, etc?
Perhaps through your variants, we can use most of the suggestions made for BOFF layouts? (I'm still partial to the layout I suggested lol, I feel it's the most balanced, for the ship and the game as a whole..) :P
Hmm, maybe the variants could mix up the Intel/Command stations? Maybe make one (or more) have a preference toward Intel than Command, and vice versa? Just a thought. lol
With the progress we're all making with this design I'm really hoping that the Devs actually DO at look at the designs and consider using them... I'd pay good money for one of these beauties!
Oh, it occurs to me, if we do get some favorable developer attention perhaps we could raise the necessary funding to design in-game versions with some kind of kickstarter thing? Just throwing the idea out there, since ship design for STO costs money and Cryptic may not be inclined to fund a 3rd party design. We can worry about this later, though.
The designs were intended to be purely cosmetic, but if there's an idea multiple Specialist variants who am I to argue?
Some developer attention would be very nice indeed, although I think that TtC and the rest of the team have their hands full with other ship projects. :P
I'm game with this, though lately Cryptic has gotten in the habit of disguising 'costume variants' as seperate ships by switching up the consoles a bit and selling it seperately or in a big fat bundle.
For hangar pets, didn't you mention some strike fighters a few pages back? Those could work for basic fighters.
As for Frigates, we could use the Maquis Raiders (Condor class?) for Fed. (If you don't have any other ideas lol)
For Romulans, perhaps This Romulan Scout from TNG?
For Klingons maybe K'toch class? (bit of a longshot I know, but Klingons don't do many small designs...)
Or This unnamed Klingon ship from Enterprise, Again longshot, Klingons aren't known for small ships outside of BoPs
Hmm, quite logical. Nice.
Though, if I may suggest, leave the shield mod at 1.05 and reduce the hull value to slightly lower than the Fed, say 52k@60?
Second thought, forget what I said, just looked at the command ships as a reference you are spot on @lianthelia for shield/hull comparisons.
I did mention the strike fighters as being the stock hangar pets, although the "frigate" pets would be available from the respective stores.
For the Fed, I thought of something a little more fitting to the Federation's ideals than a "raider" - the Panama-class (from the Panama Canal) Heavy Runabout. The basic version is armed with Phaser Arrays and Photon Torpedoes, and can use FAW1, EPtS1, Subspace Vortex 1, and Rotate Shield Frequency. All variants come with a Tractor Beam
The Advanced version comes with all of the above, however swapping the photons for Chroniton Torpedoes. It also gets Phaser Dual Beam Arrays, Torpedo: High Yield 2, and Transfer Shield Strength 2.
The Elite pets get all of the above, plus the Tetryon-Plasma engines from the Yellowstone Runabouts, Engineering Team 2, and Chroniton Mines.
The Ning'Tao would effectively have the same layout as the Panama, although favouring Disruptor Cannons, Turrets, and Quantum Torpedoes. The skills and abilities it uses remain almost the same, swapping the mines, engines, and TSS2 for Disruptor Quad Cannons, a battle cloak, and Attack Pattern Delta 2.
The Romulan Heavy Drones would have a beams/cannons and plasma torpedoes loadout in Romulan Plasma flavour, with battle cloak, TSS2 and Tractor Beam Mines. (I think the Romulan ones are a tad OP :P)
Also Quantum torpedoes are generally used as an 'upgrade' for hangar pets (I'll not get into if they actually are performance wise or not), as in Advanced and Elite Hangar pets trade in the Photons for Quantums.
Aside from that, those pets sound rather cool, TSS might be a tad ineffective, considering it's a heal-over-time effect... kinda regretting suggesting it some time ago lol. Perhaps Emergency 2 Shields? It's not a science ability but it heals shields and provides a brief resistance buff, so it might be of greater benefit for the somewhat... untimely nature of fighter ai. :P
I would put in EPtS2 for TSS2, but that would mean scrapping ET2 and take away the capacity for mothership/ally support (being somewhat better use in CSA/E).
Also, the Ning'Tao uses those quad cannons, yes? wouldn't the Rom and Fed have to use quads as well? And wouldn't that kinda stomp on the Aquarius Escort that the Odyessy launches?
Whew, bit of a chain of logic there...
In fairness I don't think many people use the Aquarius, and fewer people would be upset about a frigate pet 'borrowing' a weapon from it. The common opinion is the Aquarius escort from the Odyessy kinda sucks anyway, so it might not be a problem, hehe. :P
The Tetryon Engines from the Yellowstones? That might cause some problems since Yellowstones are one of the few Fed hangar pets worth buying... Perhaps dropping the Tetryon plasma farts, and using basic Eject Warp Plasma?
Or how about a scaled down version of the Metreon Gas Canisters that the Regent has? *Ducks for Cover*
If the Aquarius was released as a C-Store ship for 500-1500 Zen, I think it would suck - at least marginally - less..but yes, a Heavy Runabout with the power capacity for Quad Cannons in addition to it's current armament (at Elite standard) would be awesome!
Metreon Gas Canisters on a Runabout..hell yes! It would be difficult to pull off, especially with the questionable AI inherent to hangar pets.
*Runabout lets off Metreon Gas, ignites and flies right into plasma explosions* :P
*Off-Topic*
I think the Aquarius, in common opinion, sucks because it uses cannons and not beams..personally, I like it. *Hides in Fleet Forums until safe*
*Back On-Topic*
Since the Panama would be a Frigate-type pet in it's own right, it would still have some unique quirks whilst getting some of the things that make Runabout pets (I'm looking at YOU Yellowstones!) unique. Because they're effectively the intermediary of fighters/shuttles and starships, I wouldn't mind them getting their own lease as a frigate - significant changes will have to be made, but it (the Panama) could work.
The KDF and Rom versions seem to be geared toward dps, and the Fed geared toward crowd control.
If this is the plan, then might I suggest, dropping the warp plasma, even the Yellowstones don't really use it very well (AI again lol), perhaps use Subspace Boom? It's a Pilot ability and might work for crowd control in a limited mannor, pair with a tractor beam and chroniton torpedoes... Maybe Torpedo Full Spread too?
Oh, perhaps Target Engines Subsystems instead of fire at will? (Could even boost its effectiveness with a secondary deflector if desired)
Could use Target Shields for KDF, and For the Rom... umm Surgical Strikes? (Questioning this one myself, actually...)
For the Ning'Tao... I wonder if Lock Trajectory would be cool... those little beasties use cannons, yes? Lock Trajectory would let the frigate slide past a target while firing forward cannons on it. :P
For the Romulan one... Attack Pattern Lambda?
*Looks at suggestions*
...
*Hides under rock*
Edit: Disregard the above, not enough coffee this morning. Most of the above is crazy, overpowered nonsense... With the possible exception of the subsystem targeting for the Fed ship instead of FAW, for a crowd controling hangar pet you might not want it attracting aggro to itself with FAW.
Now, off to get coffee...
All very good suggestions, although the SS for the Romulans has the potential to be more OP than the Scimidrones..sticking with the theme of subsystem targeting, how about Target Subsystem Weapons/Auxiliary?
Dropping the Tet-Plasma may be a good idea, considering the state of hangar pet AI at the moment! Also, the Subspace Boom, Lock Trajectory and APL could persuade a few of the Lone Wolves out there to play in a team and find a fleet
EDIT: If the Ning'Tao has subsystem targeting, would it be prudent to give it a DBB in place of a set of DHCs/dual cannons? Considering that existing BoP pets have a very forward-oriented loadout, that might actually work in favour.
Maybe even a new playable shuttle... ?
I'll go back and add some more detail to it, but if you want hull textures that's a little out of my league! :P I'll do what I can without it being too..cluttered, but I can't promise it'll look any better.
I also have a basic design for the Klingon fighter, the qajunpaQ'. (Apologies in advance if you see any resemblance to phallic imagery, that was NOT the intention here.)
Ah, so the Panama appears to be sort of a hybrid (appearance wise, that is) between the Akira and Yellowstone, yes? It looks good, those stubby little wings adds a Delta Flyer ish feel to it as well, very nice.
For the Klingon one, it looks like a scaled down B'rel, which actually makes sense for the KDF, since they don't 'do' small ships much lol.
Phallic?
It occurs to me, that a slight reshape of the fuselage on the KDF ship to something simmilar to a Toron Shuttle might make it a little less 'phallic', though properly modeled I don't see any issues with your design.
Those Romulan designs definately fit for Romulans, though the... umm feathering on the Gyrfalcon seems a bit bold, perhaps a more subtle feathering on the wings?
Overall the proposed hangar pets are very appropriate for their respective factions and would be welcome additions for any carrier captain!
I've been thinking about the boff layout of the carriers recently, and I do believe the dual specialized stations are a bit overpowered, one Lt. Commander and one Lt. would still be pushing it but more appropriate and less 'crazy OP' lol...
Perhaps switching the undetermined 'specialist' station to the Lt. Uni station?
Just a thought, might help this from becoming a P2W monstrosity...