Scenario Four: Surprise Attack

The attacking fleet has launched a pre-emptive strike against the enemy, catching them unawares while they are still taking on stores in dock. The defenders must try to muster a defence as quickly as possible, before they are destroyed piecemeal.

Forces

Both fleets are picked to an equal points value. In addition, the defender may spend an extra D6×10 points on planetary defences for every 500 points (or part) in his fleet (i.e. 10-60 points for up to 500 points of ships, 20-120 points for 501-1,000 points of ships and so on).

Battlezone

A surprise attack normally takes place in the system’s primary or inner biosphere. Set up a planet in the middle of the table. The planet’s size depends upon the size of the battle: up to 500 points = small, between 500 to 1,500 points = medium, over 1,500 points = large. Generate rings, moons, etc. as normal. Then determine which table edge is sunward and place other celestial phenomena as normal.

Set-up

At the start of the game, the defender may choose D3 ships or squadrons to be on full alert. These ships may be set up anywhere on the table that is at least 30 cm from a table edge. The rest of the defending fleet is still on standby. Squadrons on standby must be deployed with at least one ship within 15 cm of the planet and all ships abeam of the planet’s surface. The attackers move on to the table edge of their choice in their first turn.

First Turn

The attacker gets the first turn.

Special Rules

Ships or squadrons on standby may not move, fire weapons or launch ordnance. They may however attempt to Brace for Impact! and repair critical damage. Turrets and shields work normally. To go on alert status, it must first pass a Leadership Test. Note that this is not a Command check, so failing with one squadron or ship will not prevent you from testing the others. A ship or squadron may not use special orders on the same turn that it goes on alert status.

Game Length

The game lasts until one fleet disengages or is destroyed.

Victory Conditions

Both fleets score victory points as normal and the fleet with the highest victory points total at the end of the battle wins.