teaching_ship_rigging.html
1 <!DOCTYPE html> 2 <html lang="en"> 3 <head> 4 <!-- 2026-04-15 Wed 19:04 --> 5 <meta charset="utf-8" /> 6 <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /> 7 <title>Ship Rigging: Container Allocation as Strategy</title> 8 <meta name="author" content="Xavier Brinon" /> 9 <meta name="generator" content="Org Mode" /> 10 <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"> 11 <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="../assets/vii-legio.css"> 12 </head> 13 <body> 14 <div id="content" class="content"> 15 <h1 class="title">Ship Rigging: Container Allocation as Strategy</h1> 16 <div id="table-of-contents" role="doc-toc"> 17 <h2>Table of Contents</h2> 18 <div id="text-table-of-contents" role="doc-toc"> 19 <ul> 20 <li><a href="#orgbfe12da">1. Introduction</a> 21 <ul> 22 <li><a href="#org9ff3dd3">1.1. The Symptom</a></li> 23 <li><a href="#orgdd52370">1.2. The Root Cause (Spoiler)</a></li> 24 </ul> 25 </li> 26 <li><a href="#org2554043">2. The Problem / Motivation</a></li> 27 <li><a href="#org085ba26">3. Real-World Example: Our Codebase</a></li> 28 <li><a href="#orgdcd22dc">4. Deep Explanation</a> 29 <ul> 30 <li><a href="#org73a1015">4.1. The Four Axes of Ship Capability</a></li> 31 <li><a href="#org2c6350c">4.2. Visual Representation</a></li> 32 <li><a href="#orgbae89c1">4.3. Step-by-Step Trace</a> 33 <ul> 34 <li><a href="#org4767a5d">4.3.1. Step 1: Determine your mission profile</a></li> 35 <li><a href="#org2779089">4.3.2. Step 2: Meet minimums, then allocate free containers</a></li> 36 <li><a href="#orgf79fdd0">4.3.3. Step 3: Spend free containers on your priority axis</a></li> 37 <li><a href="#org9f926bd">4.3.4. Step 4: Verify against the tables</a></li> 38 </ul> 39 </li> 40 </ul> 41 </li> 42 <li><a href="#org4a3641f">5. Solutions and Patterns</a> 43 <ul> 44 <li><a href="#org6700403">5.1. Solution 1: The F.C. Threshold Build (reliable)</a></li> 45 <li><a href="#orgd83029b">5.2. Solution 2: The Specialist Build (high ceiling)</a></li> 46 <li><a href="#org8f7f411">5.3. Decision Tree</a></li> 47 </ul> 48 </li> 49 <li><a href="#orga02cddc">6. Common Anti-Patterns</a> 50 <ul> 51 <li><a href="#org1afaa91">6.1. Anti-Pattern 1: The Single Crew Ship</a></li> 52 <li><a href="#org0d76488">6.2. Anti-Pattern 2: Modules Before Basics</a></li> 53 <li><a href="#orgadf35f8">6.3. Anti-Pattern 3: Ignoring Fuel</a></li> 54 <li><a href="#orge31ed77">6.4. Anti-Pattern 4: Specializing Without Information</a></li> 55 </ul> 56 </li> 57 <li><a href="#org72eb4c5">7. Best Practices</a> 58 <ul> 59 <li><a href="#org3d46fba">7.1. 1. Always crew ≥ 2</a></li> 60 <li><a href="#org5f2f0fe">7.2. 2. Target diff +2 against your expected aliens</a></li> 61 <li><a href="#org4c18784">7.3. 3. Fuel ≥ 2 tanks on every ship</a></li> 62 <li><a href="#org4f3ff44">7.4. 4. Skip modules on FROMBOLA</a></li> 63 <li><a href="#org07f40b4">7.5. 5. Specialists are free — always take one</a></li> 64 <li><a href="#orgc0ff8de">7.6. 6. Invest in defense proportionally</a></li> 65 </ul> 66 </li> 67 <li><a href="#orgdbc227e">8. Practice Exercises</a> 68 <ul> 69 <li><a href="#org20f6b34">8.1. Exercise 1: Build a GLADIUM Warfighter</a></li> 70 <li><a href="#orgf7618e1">8.2. Exercise 2: Build a FROMBOLA Diplomat</a></li> 71 <li><a href="#org0bb5468">8.3. Exercise 3: Diagnose This Failing Build</a></li> 72 <li><a href="#orgc7cd3cc">8.4. Exercise 4: Optimise for Points-per-Turn</a></li> 73 </ul> 74 </li> 75 <li><a href="#org0c04b2f">9. Summary</a> 76 <ul> 77 <li><a href="#org363f352">9.1. Key Takeaways</a></li> 78 <li><a href="#org888f096">9.2. Quick Reference</a></li> 79 </ul> 80 </li> 81 <li><a href="#org6bd1dfe">10. Related Documents</a></li> 82 <li><a href="#org16b7502">11. Further Reading</a></li> 83 </ul> 84 </div> 85 </div> 86 <div id="outline-container-orgbfe12da" class="outline-2"> 87 <h2 id="orgbfe12da"><span class="section-number-2">1.</span> Introduction</h2> 88 <div class="outline-text-2" id="text-1"> 89 <p> 90 Ship rigging is where VII Legio's strategy lives. The operative tables 91 execute your plan — but the rigging screen is where you <i>make</i> the plan. 92 </p> 93 94 <p> 95 Every container you allocate shifts a number on a table, extends a range, 96 or adds a buffer against attrition. The container budget is a zero-sum 97 constraint: every laser is a fuel tank you did not install. Every module 98 (3 containers) is three components you cannot have. 99 </p> 100 101 <p> 102 This document teaches you to think about rigging as a <i>resource 103 allocation problem</i> — not a shopping list. 104 </p> 105 </div> 106 <div id="outline-container-org9ff3dd3" class="outline-3"> 107 <h3 id="org9ff3dd3"><span class="section-number-3">1.1.</span> The Symptom</h3> 108 <div class="outline-text-3" id="text-1-1"> 109 <p> 110 New players build "balanced" ships with one of everything, then wonder why 111 they lose combats and run out of fuel at the same time. They have no 112 particular strength and every weakness. 113 </p> 114 </div> 115 </div> 116 <div id="outline-container-orgdd52370" class="outline-3"> 117 <h3 id="orgdd52370"><span class="section-number-3">1.2.</span> The Root Cause (Spoiler)</h3> 118 <div class="outline-text-3" id="text-1-2"> 119 <p> 120 The container budget is too small for everything. FROMBOLA has 10 121 containers; even HASTA has only 21. You <i>must</i> sacrifice something. The 122 skill is knowing what to sacrifice and why. 123 </p> 124 </div> 125 </div> 126 </div> 127 <div id="outline-container-org2554043" class="outline-2"> 128 <h2 id="org2554043"><span class="section-number-2">2.</span> The Problem / Motivation</h2> 129 <div class="outline-text-2" id="text-2"> 130 <p> 131 Consider this common first-game FROMBOLA build: 132 </p> 133 134 <pre class="example" id="orge2ac88d"> 135 Crew: 1 Shields: 1 Radar: 1 Laser: 1 HO-1: 1 Fuel: 1 136 Cost: 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 1 = 7/10 containers 137 Modules: 1 (Research Lab) = 3 containers 138 Total: 10/10 139 </pre> 140 141 <p> 142 This looks reasonable — you have a bit of everything. But examine what 143 actually happens: 144 </p> 145 146 <table> 147 148 149 <colgroup> 150 <col class="org-left"> 151 152 <col class="org-right"> 153 154 <col class="org-left"> 155 </colgroup> 156 <thead> 157 <tr> 158 <th scope="col" class="org-left">Stat</th> 159 <th scope="col" class="org-right">Value</th> 160 <th scope="col" class="org-left">Problem</th> 161 </tr> 162 </thead> 163 <tbody> 164 <tr> 165 <td class="org-left">F.C. (Sapiens)</td> 166 <td class="org-right">5</td> 167 <td class="org-left">diff = 5 - alien(3-7) = -2 to +2</td> 168 </tr> 169 170 <tr> 171 <td class="org-left">F.C. (Animals)</td> 172 <td class="org-right">9</td> 173 <td class="org-left">Better, but HO-1 costs 2 containers</td> 174 </tr> 175 176 <tr> 177 <td class="org-left">Shields</td> 178 <td class="org-right">2</td> 179 <td class="org-left">One R result leaves you at 75 HP</td> 180 </tr> 181 182 <tr> 183 <td class="org-left">Fuel range</td> 184 <td class="org-right">15</td> 185 <td class="org-left">Can barely reach 2-3 nearby planets</td> 186 </tr> 187 188 <tr> 189 <td class="org-left">Crew</td> 190 <td class="org-right">1</td> 191 <td class="org-left">ONE unfavorable result = game over</td> 192 </tr> 193 </tbody> 194 </table> 195 196 <p> 197 The "bit of everything" ship: 198 </p> 199 <ul class="org-ul"> 200 <li>Has only 5 F.C. against Sapiens — that is diff -2 against a Civiles 201 alien (F.C. 4), which means 33% chance of ▽ (crew loss) per combat</li> 202 <li>Has 1 crew — any crew loss at all ends the game instantly</li> 203 <li>Has 15 pc fuel — can reach maybe 2 planets before being stranded</li> 204 <li>Spent 2 containers on HO-1 that only helps against Animals</li> 205 </ul> 206 207 <p> 208 This is not a balanced ship. This is a ship that is bad at everything. 209 </p> 210 </div> 211 </div> 212 <div id="outline-container-org085ba26" class="outline-2"> 213 <h2 id="org085ba26"><span class="section-number-2">3.</span> Real-World Example: Our Codebase</h2> 214 <div class="outline-text-2" id="text-3"> 215 <p> 216 The rigging system is implemented in <code>VIILegio.jsx</code> with slot ranges 217 defined per vessel class. The container budget is enforced as a hard 218 constraint: 219 </p> 220 221 <pre class="example" id="org7b3cbb8"> 222 # From Docs/Rules/02-ships.md — FROMBOLA slot ranges 223 224 | Slot | Min | Max | Cost | 225 |----------+-----+-----+------| 226 | Crew | 1 | 3 | 1 | 227 | Shields | 1 | 3 | 1 | 228 | Radars | 1 | 2 | 1 | 229 | Laser | 0 | 2 | 1 | 230 | HO-1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 231 | SIL-12 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 232 | Fuel | 1 | 2 | 1 | 233 | Modules | 0 | 2 | 3 | 234 | Officers | 0 | 1 | 0 | 235 </pre> 236 237 <p> 238 The minimums consume: 1 + 1 + 1 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 1 + 0 = <b>4 containers</b>. 239 That leaves 6 free containers. Officers cost 0. So the real question 240 is: <i>how do you spend 6 containers?</i> 241 </p> 242 243 <p> 244 The F.C. formula from <code>Docs/Rules/03-weapons.md</code>: 245 </p> 246 247 <pre class="example" id="orgd23eb69"> 248 FC = laserFC + crewFC × (1 + barracksBonus) + tacticianBonus 249 250 Where: 251 - laserFC = ZIP-3 count × 2 (OPERATIONAL) 252 - crewFC = crew count × 1 (OPERATIONAL) 253 - barracks = +1 if Elite Barracks installed (doubles crew contribution) 254 - tactician = +2 if Combat Tactician aboard 255 </pre> 256 </div> 257 </div> 258 <div id="outline-container-orgdcd22dc" class="outline-2"> 259 <h2 id="orgdcd22dc"><span class="section-number-2">4.</span> Deep Explanation</h2> 260 <div class="outline-text-2" id="text-4"> 261 </div> 262 <div id="outline-container-org73a1015" class="outline-3"> 263 <h3 id="org73a1015"><span class="section-number-3">4.1.</span> The Four Axes of Ship Capability</h3> 264 <div class="outline-text-3" id="text-4-1"> 265 <p> 266 Every component contributes to one of four axes: 267 </p> 268 269 <pre class="example" id="org21725cb"> 270 OFFENSE (F.C.) 271 ▲ 272 │ 273 │ 274 UTILITY ◄───────┼────────► RANGE 275 (modules, │ (fuel, radar) 276 officers) │ 277 │ 278 ▼ 279 DEFENSE 280 (shields, crew buffer) 281 </pre> 282 283 <p> 284 The container budget forces trade-offs <i>between</i> axes. You cannot maximise 285 all four. The rigging skill is choosing which 1-2 axes to prioritise based 286 on your strategy. 287 </p> 288 </div> 289 </div> 290 <div id="outline-container-org2c6350c" class="outline-3"> 291 <h3 id="org2c6350c"><span class="section-number-3">4.2.</span> Visual Representation</h3> 292 <div class="outline-text-3" id="text-4-2"> 293 <p> 294 Three FROMBOLA builds (10 containers each) and their stat profiles: 295 </p> 296 297 <pre class="example" id="org9f921b5"> 298 Build A: "Glass Cannon" Build B: "Explorer" Build C: "Balanced" 299 Crew:2 Shield:1 Radar:1 Crew:2 Shield:2 Radar:2 Crew:2 Shield:2 Radar:1 300 Laser:2 HO:0 SIL:0 Laser:0 HO:0 SIL:0 Laser:2 HO:0 SIL:0 301 Fuel:1 Module:0 Tact:1 Fuel:2 Module:0 Sci:1 Fuel:2 Module:0 Tact:1 302 Cost: 2+1+1+2+1+0 = 7 Cost: 2+2+2+0+2+0 = 8 Cost: 2+2+1+2+2+0 = 9 303 304 F.C.: ████████ 8 F.C.: ██ 2 F.C.: ████████ 8 305 Def: ██ 2 Def: ████ 4 Def: ████ 4 306 Fuel: ███ 15pc Fuel: ██████ 30pc Fuel: ██████ 30pc 307 Radar: █ 1pc Radar: ██ 2pc Radar: █ 1pc 308 </pre> 309 310 <table> 311 312 313 <colgroup> 314 <col class="org-left"> 315 316 <col class="org-left"> 317 318 <col class="org-left"> 319 </colgroup> 320 <thead> 321 <tr> 322 <th scope="col" class="org-left">Build</th> 323 <th scope="col" class="org-left">Strengths</th> 324 <th scope="col" class="org-left">Fatal weakness</th> 325 </tr> 326 </thead> 327 <tbody> 328 <tr> 329 <td class="org-left">Cannon</td> 330 <td class="org-left">F.C. 8 (+5 vs most)</td> 331 <td class="org-left">15pc fuel = 2 planets, 1 shield</td> 332 </tr> 333 334 <tr> 335 <td class="org-left">Explorer</td> 336 <td class="org-left">30pc fuel, 2pc radar</td> 337 <td class="org-left">F.C. 2 = loses every combat</td> 338 </tr> 339 340 <tr> 341 <td class="org-left">Balanced</td> 342 <td class="org-left">F.C. 8 + 30pc fuel</td> 343 <td class="org-left">No radar, no module slots used</td> 344 </tr> 345 </tbody> 346 </table> 347 348 <p> 349 Build C is the strongest FROMBOLA configuration. It sacrifices radar 350 range and modules for both strong offense and adequate range. The 351 tutorial's recommended build is a slight variant of this. 352 </p> 353 </div> 354 </div> 355 <div id="outline-container-orgbae89c1" class="outline-3"> 356 <h3 id="orgbae89c1"><span class="section-number-3">4.3.</span> Step-by-Step Trace</h3> 357 <div class="outline-text-3" id="text-4-3"> 358 </div> 359 <div id="outline-container-org4767a5d" class="outline-4"> 360 <h4 id="org4767a5d"><span class="section-number-4">4.3.1.</span> Step 1: Determine your mission profile</h4> 361 <div class="outline-text-4" id="text-4-3-1"> 362 <p> 363 Before touching a slider, ask: what missions am I planning to run? 364 </p> 365 366 <table> 367 368 369 <colgroup> 370 <col class="org-left"> 371 372 <col class="org-left"> 373 374 <col class="org-left"> 375 </colgroup> 376 <thead> 377 <tr> 378 <th scope="col" class="org-left">Profile</th> 379 <th scope="col" class="org-left">Priority axis</th> 380 <th scope="col" class="org-left">Key components</th> 381 </tr> 382 </thead> 383 <tbody> 384 <tr> 385 <td class="org-left">Warfighter</td> 386 <td class="org-left">Offense</td> 387 <td class="org-left">Lasers, crew, Combat Tactician</td> 388 </tr> 389 390 <tr> 391 <td class="org-left">Diplomat</td> 392 <td class="org-left">Offense+Range</td> 393 <td class="org-left">Crew, fuel, Diplomat officer</td> 394 </tr> 395 396 <tr> 397 <td class="org-left">Explorer</td> 398 <td class="org-left">Range+Utility</td> 399 <td class="org-left">Fuel, radar, Science Officer, Lab</td> 400 </tr> 401 402 <tr> 403 <td class="org-left">Specialist</td> 404 <td class="org-left">Offense</td> 405 <td class="org-left">HO-1 or SIL-12 + matching targets</td> 406 </tr> 407 </tbody> 408 </table> 409 </div> 410 </div> 411 <div id="outline-container-org2779089" class="outline-4"> 412 <h4 id="org2779089"><span class="section-number-4">4.3.2.</span> Step 2: Meet minimums, then allocate free containers</h4> 413 <div class="outline-text-4" id="text-4-3-2"> 414 <p> 415 Every ship must have at least minimum crew and fuel. Start there: 416 </p> 417 418 <pre class="example" id="org4e5a4c7"> 419 FROMBOLA minimums: Crew:1 Shield:1 Radar:1 Fuel:1 = 4 containers 420 Free: 10 - 4 = 6 containers 421 422 GLADIUM minimums: Crew:2 Shield:2 Radar:1 Fuel:1 = 6 containers 423 Free: 18 - 6 = 12 containers 424 425 HASTA minimums: Crew:3 Shield:3 Radar:2 Fuel:2 = 10 containers 426 Free: 21 - 10 = 11 containers 427 </pre> 428 </div> 429 </div> 430 <div id="outline-container-orgf79fdd0" class="outline-4"> 431 <h4 id="orgf79fdd0"><span class="section-number-4">4.3.3.</span> Step 3: Spend free containers on your priority axis</h4> 432 <div class="outline-text-4" id="text-4-3-3"> 433 <p> 434 For a Warfighter FROMBOLA (6 free containers): 435 </p> 436 437 <pre class="example" id="orgf06d5ed"> 438 Priority: F.C. ≥ +2 diff vs Civiles (FC 4), so need FC ≥ 6 439 Base FC from minimums: Crew(1) + Laser(0) = 1 440 441 Add: Crew +1 (cost 1) → FC: 2 442 Add: Laser +1 (cost 1) → FC: 4 443 Add: Laser +1 (cost 1) → FC: 6 444 Add: Tactician (cost 0) → FC: 8 ← threshold met! 445 446 Remaining: 3 containers 447 Add: Fuel +1 (cost 1) → 30pc range 448 Add: Shield +1 (cost 1) → 4 defense 449 Remaining: 1 container spare 450 </pre> 451 </div> 452 </div> 453 <div id="outline-container-org9f926bd" class="outline-4"> 454 <h4 id="org9f926bd"><span class="section-number-4">4.3.4.</span> Step 4: Verify against the tables</h4> 455 <div class="outline-text-4" id="text-4-3-4"> 456 <p> 457 With F.C. 8 vs Civiles (FC 4): diff = +4 458 </p> 459 460 <p> 461 Table A at +4: 50% U, 50% △, 0% bad outcomes. Excellent. 462 </p> 463 464 <p> 465 Counter-attack: 4 - floor(3.2) = +1 466 </p> 467 468 <p> 469 Table B at +1: R R D D D D — 67% component damage. Painful but 470 survivable with 2 shields. 471 </p> 472 </div> 473 </div> 474 </div> 475 </div> 476 <div id="outline-container-org4a3641f" class="outline-2"> 477 <h2 id="org4a3641f"><span class="section-number-2">5.</span> Solutions and Patterns</h2> 478 <div class="outline-text-2" id="text-5"> 479 </div> 480 <div id="outline-container-org6700403" class="outline-3"> 481 <h3 id="org6700403"><span class="section-number-3">5.1.</span> Solution 1: The F.C. Threshold Build (reliable)</h3> 482 <div class="outline-text-3" id="text-5-1"> 483 <p> 484 Target: achieve diff ≥ +2 against expected alien F.C. 485 </p> 486 487 <pre class="example" id="orgf4e445d"> 488 Alien FC by intelligence: 489 Non Sapiens: 1-3 → need FC ≥ 5 490 Sub Civiles: 2-4 → need FC ≥ 6 491 Civiles: 3-5 → need FC ≥ 7 492 Super Civ: 4-7 → need FC ≥ 9 493 </pre> 494 495 <p> 496 Spend on lasers and tactician first, then backfill defense and range. 497 </p> 498 499 <p> 500 Pros: 501 </p> 502 <ul class="org-ul"> 503 <li>Consistent combat wins (0% ▽ at +2 or higher)</li> 504 <li>Works against all alien types</li> 505 </ul> 506 507 <p> 508 Cons: 509 </p> 510 <ul class="org-ul"> 511 <li>May sacrifice fuel range</li> 512 <li>No specialization bonus</li> 513 </ul> 514 </div> 515 </div> 516 <div id="outline-container-orgd83029b" class="outline-3"> 517 <h3 id="orgd83029b"><span class="section-number-3">5.2.</span> Solution 2: The Specialist Build (high ceiling)</h3> 518 <div class="outline-text-3" id="text-5-2"> 519 <p> 520 Target: maximise F.C. against one life form type using HO-1 or SIL-12. 521 </p> 522 523 <pre class="example" id="orge9984bd"> 524 GLADIUM vs Animals: 525 Crew:3 Shield:3 Radar:1 Laser:2 HO-1:2 Fuel:1 Tactician 526 Cost: 3+3+1+2+4+1 = 14/18 527 528 FC vs Animals: (2×2) + 3 + (2×4) + 2 = 15 529 FC vs Sapiens: (2×2) + 3 + 2 = 9 530 </pre> 531 532 <p> 533 Pros: 534 </p> 535 <ul class="org-ul"> 536 <li>Guaranteed +6 diff (table cap) against target type</li> 537 <li>83% kill rate on Table A</li> 538 </ul> 539 540 <p> 541 Cons: 542 </p> 543 <ul class="org-ul"> 544 <li>2 containers per HO-1/SIL-12 (expensive)</li> 545 <li>No benefit against non-target types</li> 546 <li>Must find the right alien type</li> 547 </ul> 548 </div> 549 </div> 550 <div id="outline-container-org8f7f411" class="outline-3"> 551 <h3 id="org8f7f411"><span class="section-number-3">5.3.</span> Decision Tree</h3> 552 <div class="outline-text-3" id="text-5-3"> 553 <pre class="example" id="org13b644d"> 554 What aliens do you expect? 555 │ 556 ├── Mixed / unknown 557 │ └── F.C. Threshold Build 558 │ (ZIP-3 + Tactician, reliable against all) 559 │ 560 ├── Mostly Animals / Vegetales 561 │ └── HO-1 Specialist Build 562 │ (FC ×4 bonus, 2 containers each) 563 │ 564 ├── Mostly Minerals 565 │ └── SIL-12 Specialist Build 566 │ (FC ×10 bonus, 2 containers each) 567 │ 568 └── Mostly Sapient (Civiles+) 569 └── Diplomat Build 570 (Crew + Diplomat officer, Alliance/Commerce focus) 571 </pre> 572 </div> 573 </div> 574 </div> 575 <div id="outline-container-orga02cddc" class="outline-2"> 576 <h2 id="orga02cddc"><span class="section-number-2">6.</span> Common Anti-Patterns</h2> 577 <div class="outline-text-2" id="text-6"> 578 </div> 579 <div id="outline-container-org1afaa91" class="outline-3"> 580 <h3 id="org1afaa91"><span class="section-number-3">6.1.</span> Anti-Pattern 1: The Single Crew Ship</h3> 581 <div class="outline-text-3" id="text-6-1"> 582 <pre class="example" id="orga856c4a"> 583 BAD — Crew: 1, everything else maxed 584 585 Result: First ▽ outcome = random(1, floor(1 × 0.4)) = 0 or 1 crew loss 586 If 1 crew lost → 0 alive crew → GAME OVER 587 588 This ship has a ~17% chance of instant death per combat at diff 0. 589 </pre> 590 591 <p> 592 Fix: 593 </p> 594 595 <pre class="example" id="org5c9c075"> 596 GOOD — Crew: 2 minimum (3 for longer voyages) 597 598 Result: First ▽ outcome = random(1, floor(2 × 0.4)) = 0 or 1 crew loss 599 Even if 1 crew lost → 1 alive crew → game continues 600 Medical Bay module can restore dead crew 601 </pre> 602 </div> 603 </div> 604 <div id="outline-container-org0d76488" class="outline-3"> 605 <h3 id="org0d76488"><span class="section-number-3">6.2.</span> Anti-Pattern 2: Modules Before Basics</h3> 606 <div class="outline-text-3" id="text-6-2"> 607 <pre class="example" id="org6610418"> 608 BAD — FROMBOLA with Research Lab (3 containers) + minimums 609 610 Crew:1 Shield:1 Radar:1 Laser:0 Fuel:1 Module:1 611 Cost: 1+1+1+0+1+3 = 7/10 612 FC: 1 (crew only!) 613 614 The Research Lab gives +2 exploration points — but you cannot survive 615 any combat to reach the exploration phase. 616 </pre> 617 618 <p> 619 Fix: 620 </p> 621 622 <pre class="example" id="org90504db"> 623 GOOD — Skip modules on small ships, invest in components 624 625 Crew:2 Shield:2 Radar:1 Laser:2 Fuel:2 Tactician 626 Cost: 2+2+1+2+2 = 9/10 627 FC: 8 628 629 Modules cost 3 containers each. On a 10-container ship, that is 30% 630 of your budget for a single bonus. On HASTA (21 containers), modules 631 become viable because the budget is larger. 632 </pre> 633 </div> 634 </div> 635 <div id="outline-container-orgadf35f8" class="outline-3"> 636 <h3 id="orgadf35f8"><span class="section-number-3">6.3.</span> Anti-Pattern 3: Ignoring Fuel</h3> 637 <div class="outline-text-3" id="text-6-3"> 638 <pre class="example" id="org30774e5"> 639 BAD — FROMBOLA with Fuel: 1 (minimum) 640 641 Range: 15 pc 642 Average planet distance from base: 6-10 pc 643 Planets reachable: 1-2 before stranded 644 645 You win 2 combats, earn 8 points, then cannot reach any more planets. 646 Stuck at Decurion forever. 647 </pre> 648 649 <p> 650 Fix: 651 </p> 652 653 <pre class="example" id="org1d61923"> 654 GOOD — Fuel: 2 on FROMBOLA (maximum) 655 656 Range: 30 pc 657 Planets reachable: 5-8 658 You can sustain a campaign long enough to reach Centurion (12 points) 659 </pre> 660 </div> 661 </div> 662 <div id="outline-container-orge31ed77" class="outline-3"> 663 <h3 id="orge31ed77"><span class="section-number-3">6.4.</span> Anti-Pattern 4: Specializing Without Information</h3> 664 <div class="outline-text-3" id="text-6-4"> 665 <pre class="example" id="orgf074e94"> 666 BAD — 2× SIL-12 (4 containers) on a ship with no radar 667 668 You built for Minerals but cannot see planet details before travelling. 669 You travel 12 pc to discover: Animales. Your SIL-12 contributes +6 670 instead of +20. Four containers partially wasted. 671 </pre> 672 673 <p> 674 Fix: 675 </p> 676 677 <pre class="example" id="org1441997"> 678 GOOD — Invest in radar + information before specializing 679 680 Radar:2 + MATER Computer module + Science Officer = high info degree 681 You see alien life forms BEFORE committing to travel. 682 Then specialise weapons on ships with enough budget (GLADIUM+). 683 </pre> 684 </div> 685 </div> 686 </div> 687 <div id="outline-container-org72eb4c5" class="outline-2"> 688 <h2 id="org72eb4c5"><span class="section-number-2">7.</span> Best Practices</h2> 689 <div class="outline-text-2" id="text-7"> 690 </div> 691 <div id="outline-container-org3d46fba" class="outline-3"> 692 <h3 id="org3d46fba"><span class="section-number-3">7.1.</span> 1. Always crew ≥ 2</h3> 693 <div class="outline-text-3" id="text-7-1"> 694 <p> 695 One crew means instant death on any ▽ result. Two crew is the absolute 696 minimum for survival. Three crew gives you a buffer and +1 F.C. 697 </p> 698 </div> 699 </div> 700 <div id="outline-container-org5f2f0fe" class="outline-3"> 701 <h3 id="org5f2f0fe"><span class="section-number-3">7.2.</span> 2. Target diff +2 against your expected aliens</h3> 702 <div class="outline-text-3" id="text-7-2"> 703 <p> 704 Diff +2 on Table A eliminates all unfavorable outcomes (▽) and introduces 705 kills (U at 17%). This is the minimum viable combat capability. 706 </p> 707 708 <pre class="example" id="org53747f7"> 709 Non Sapiens (FC 1-3): need FC 5-6 710 Sub Civiles (FC 2-4): need FC 6-8 711 Civiles (FC 3-5): need FC 7-9 712 </pre> 713 </div> 714 </div> 715 <div id="outline-container-org4c18784" class="outline-3"> 716 <h3 id="org4c18784"><span class="section-number-3">7.3.</span> 3. Fuel ≥ 2 tanks on every ship</h3> 717 <div class="outline-text-3" id="text-7-3"> 718 <p> 719 One fuel tank = 15 pc range. Most games require visiting 8-12 planets to 720 reach Fabius. One tank cannot sustain that. Two tanks (30 pc) is the 721 minimum viable range. 722 </p> 723 </div> 724 </div> 725 <div id="outline-container-org4f3ff44" class="outline-3"> 726 <h3 id="org4f3ff44"><span class="section-number-3">7.4.</span> 4. Skip modules on FROMBOLA</h3> 727 <div class="outline-text-3" id="text-7-4"> 728 <p> 729 At 3 containers each, modules consume 30% of FROMBOLA's 10-container 730 budget. The components you sacrifice are worth more than the module bonus. 731 Start using modules on GLADIUM (18 containers) where 3 containers is 17%. 732 </p> 733 </div> 734 </div> 735 <div id="outline-container-org07f40b4" class="outline-3"> 736 <h3 id="org07f40b4"><span class="section-number-3">7.5.</span> 5. Specialists are free — always take one</h3> 737 <div class="outline-text-3" id="text-7-5"> 738 <p> 739 Officers cost 0 containers. They occupy their own slot but have no 740 container cost. There is no reason to leave a specialist slot empty. 741 </p> 742 743 <ul class="org-ul"> 744 <li>Combat Tactician (+2 F.C.) for combat-focused builds</li> 745 <li>Diplomat (+3 Alliance/Commerce) for diplomatic builds</li> 746 <li>Science Officer (+1 exploration) for exploration builds</li> 747 <li>Chief Navigator (+15% fuel) for long-range builds</li> 748 </ul> 749 </div> 750 </div> 751 <div id="outline-container-orgc0ff8de" class="outline-3"> 752 <h3 id="orgc0ff8de"><span class="section-number-3">7.6.</span> 6. Invest in defense proportionally</h3> 753 <div class="outline-text-3" id="text-7-6"> 754 <p> 755 Shields absorb R results from Table B (25 HP per hit). Each shield at 756 OPERATIONAL provides +2 defense. But shields do not help you <i>win</i> — they 757 help you <i>survive</i>. 758 </p> 759 760 <p> 761 Rule of thumb: shields = floor(lasers × 0.75). If you have 2 lasers, 762 have at least 1-2 shields. If you have 4 lasers, have at least 3 shields. 763 </p> 764 </div> 765 </div> 766 </div> 767 <div id="outline-container-orgdbc227e" class="outline-2"> 768 <h2 id="orgdbc227e"><span class="section-number-2">8.</span> Practice Exercises</h2> 769 <div class="outline-text-2" id="text-8"> 770 </div> 771 <div id="outline-container-org20f6b34" class="outline-3"> 772 <h3 id="org20f6b34"><span class="section-number-3">8.1.</span> Exercise 1: Build a GLADIUM Warfighter</h3> 773 <div class="outline-text-3" id="text-8-1"> 774 <p> 775 You have 18 containers and these slot ranges: 776 </p> 777 778 <table> 779 780 781 <colgroup> 782 <col class="org-left"> 783 784 <col class="org-right"> 785 786 <col class="org-right"> 787 788 <col class="org-right"> 789 </colgroup> 790 <thead> 791 <tr> 792 <th scope="col" class="org-left">Slot</th> 793 <th scope="col" class="org-right">Min</th> 794 <th scope="col" class="org-right">Max</th> 795 <th scope="col" class="org-right">Cost</th> 796 </tr> 797 </thead> 798 <tbody> 799 <tr> 800 <td class="org-left">Crew</td> 801 <td class="org-right">2</td> 802 <td class="org-right">5</td> 803 <td class="org-right">1</td> 804 </tr> 805 806 <tr> 807 <td class="org-left">Shields</td> 808 <td class="org-right">2</td> 809 <td class="org-right">5</td> 810 <td class="org-right">1</td> 811 </tr> 812 813 <tr> 814 <td class="org-left">Radars</td> 815 <td class="org-right">1</td> 816 <td class="org-right">3</td> 817 <td class="org-right">1</td> 818 </tr> 819 820 <tr> 821 <td class="org-left">Laser</td> 822 <td class="org-right">0</td> 823 <td class="org-right">3</td> 824 <td class="org-right">1</td> 825 </tr> 826 827 <tr> 828 <td class="org-left">HO-1</td> 829 <td class="org-right">0</td> 830 <td class="org-right">2</td> 831 <td class="org-right">2</td> 832 </tr> 833 834 <tr> 835 <td class="org-left">SIL-12</td> 836 <td class="org-right">0</td> 837 <td class="org-right">1</td> 838 <td class="org-right">2</td> 839 </tr> 840 841 <tr> 842 <td class="org-left">Fuel</td> 843 <td class="org-right">1</td> 844 <td class="org-right">3</td> 845 <td class="org-right">1</td> 846 </tr> 847 848 <tr> 849 <td class="org-left">Modules</td> 850 <td class="org-right">0</td> 851 <td class="org-right">4</td> 852 <td class="org-right">3</td> 853 </tr> 854 855 <tr> 856 <td class="org-left">Officers</td> 857 <td class="org-right">0</td> 858 <td class="org-right">2</td> 859 <td class="org-right">0</td> 860 </tr> 861 </tbody> 862 </table> 863 864 <p> 865 Goal: F.C. ≥ 9 against Sapiens, fuel range ≥ 30 pc, crew ≥ 3. 866 </p> 867 868 <div class="details" id="orga746a4c"> 869 <p> 870 <b>Solution</b> 871 </p> 872 873 <table> 874 875 876 <colgroup> 877 <col class="org-left"> 878 879 <col class="org-right"> 880 881 <col class="org-right"> 882 </colgroup> 883 <thead> 884 <tr> 885 <th scope="col" class="org-left">Component</th> 886 <th scope="col" class="org-right">Count</th> 887 <th scope="col" class="org-right">Cost</th> 888 </tr> 889 </thead> 890 <tbody> 891 <tr> 892 <td class="org-left">Crew</td> 893 <td class="org-right">3</td> 894 <td class="org-right">3</td> 895 </tr> 896 897 <tr> 898 <td class="org-left">Shields</td> 899 <td class="org-right">3</td> 900 <td class="org-right">3</td> 901 </tr> 902 903 <tr> 904 <td class="org-left">Radar</td> 905 <td class="org-right">1</td> 906 <td class="org-right">1</td> 907 </tr> 908 909 <tr> 910 <td class="org-left">Laser ZIP-3</td> 911 <td class="org-right">3</td> 912 <td class="org-right">3</td> 913 </tr> 914 915 <tr> 916 <td class="org-left">Fuel</td> 917 <td class="org-right">2</td> 918 <td class="org-right">2</td> 919 </tr> 920 921 <tr> 922 <td class="org-left">Tactician</td> 923 <td class="org-right">1</td> 924 <td class="org-right">0</td> 925 </tr> 926 927 <tr> 928 <td class="org-left"><b>Total</b></td> 929 <td class="org-right"> </td> 930 <td class="org-right"><b>12</b></td> 931 </tr> 932 </tbody> 933 </table> 934 935 <p> 936 F.C.: (3×2) + 3 + 2 = 11. Diff vs Civiles (FC 5): +6. 937 Fuel: 30 pc. Crew: 3. Shields: 6 defense. 938 6 containers spare — could add modules, HO-1, or more shields. 939 </p> 940 941 </div> 942 </div> 943 </div> 944 <div id="outline-container-orgf7618e1" class="outline-3"> 945 <h3 id="orgf7618e1"><span class="section-number-3">8.2.</span> Exercise 2: Build a FROMBOLA Diplomat</h3> 946 <div class="outline-text-3" id="text-8-2"> 947 <p> 948 Same 10 containers. Goal: reach Alliance missions, survive landing, 949 have enough F.C. to not lose combats when Alliance is unavailable. 950 </p> 951 952 <p> 953 Constraint: you need Peaceful attitude for Commerce, so landing risk 954 is +2. What loadout minimises that risk? 955 </p> 956 957 <div class="details" id="org1edb9d6"> 958 <p> 959 <b>Solution</b> 960 </p> 961 962 <table> 963 964 965 <colgroup> 966 <col class="org-left"> 967 968 <col class="org-right"> 969 970 <col class="org-right"> 971 </colgroup> 972 <thead> 973 <tr> 974 <th scope="col" class="org-left">Component</th> 975 <th scope="col" class="org-right">Count</th> 976 <th scope="col" class="org-right">Cost</th> 977 </tr> 978 </thead> 979 <tbody> 980 <tr> 981 <td class="org-left">Crew</td> 982 <td class="org-right">2</td> 983 <td class="org-right">2</td> 984 </tr> 985 986 <tr> 987 <td class="org-left">Shields</td> 988 <td class="org-right">2</td> 989 <td class="org-right">2</td> 990 </tr> 991 992 <tr> 993 <td class="org-left">Radar</td> 994 <td class="org-right">1</td> 995 <td class="org-right">1</td> 996 </tr> 997 998 <tr> 999 <td class="org-left">Laser ZIP-3</td> 1000 <td class="org-right">1</td> 1001 <td class="org-right">1</td> 1002 </tr> 1003 1004 <tr> 1005 <td class="org-left">Fuel</td> 1006 <td class="org-right">2</td> 1007 <td class="org-right">2</td> 1008 </tr> 1009 1010 <tr> 1011 <td class="org-left">Diplomat</td> 1012 <td class="org-right">1</td> 1013 <td class="org-right">0</td> 1014 </tr> 1015 1016 <tr> 1017 <td class="org-left">Landing Hangar</td> 1018 <td class="org-right">1</td> 1019 <td class="org-right">3</td> 1020 </tr> 1021 1022 <tr> 1023 <td class="org-left"><b>Total</b></td> 1024 <td class="org-right"> </td> 1025 <td class="org-right"><b>11</b></td> 1026 </tr> 1027 </tbody> 1028 </table> 1029 1030 <p> 1031 This exceeds 10 containers! The Landing Hangar (-1 landing risk) costs 1032 3 containers. On FROMBOLA, you cannot afford it alongside adequate 1033 weapons and fuel. 1034 </p> 1035 1036 <p> 1037 Revised without module: 1038 </p> 1039 1040 <table> 1041 1042 1043 <colgroup> 1044 <col class="org-left"> 1045 1046 <col class="org-right"> 1047 1048 <col class="org-right"> 1049 </colgroup> 1050 <thead> 1051 <tr> 1052 <th scope="col" class="org-left">Component</th> 1053 <th scope="col" class="org-right">Count</th> 1054 <th scope="col" class="org-right">Cost</th> 1055 </tr> 1056 </thead> 1057 <tbody> 1058 <tr> 1059 <td class="org-left">Crew</td> 1060 <td class="org-right">2</td> 1061 <td class="org-right">2</td> 1062 </tr> 1063 1064 <tr> 1065 <td class="org-left">Shields</td> 1066 <td class="org-right">2</td> 1067 <td class="org-right">2</td> 1068 </tr> 1069 1070 <tr> 1071 <td class="org-left">Radar</td> 1072 <td class="org-right">1</td> 1073 <td class="org-right">1</td> 1074 </tr> 1075 1076 <tr> 1077 <td class="org-left">Laser ZIP-3</td> 1078 <td class="org-right">2</td> 1079 <td class="org-right">2</td> 1080 </tr> 1081 1082 <tr> 1083 <td class="org-left">Fuel</td> 1084 <td class="org-right">2</td> 1085 <td class="org-right">2</td> 1086 </tr> 1087 1088 <tr> 1089 <td class="org-left">Diplomat</td> 1090 <td class="org-right">1</td> 1091 <td class="org-right">0</td> 1092 </tr> 1093 1094 <tr> 1095 <td class="org-left"><b>Total</b></td> 1096 <td class="org-right"> </td> 1097 <td class="org-right"><b>9</b></td> 1098 </tr> 1099 </tbody> 1100 </table> 1101 1102 <p> 1103 F.C.: (2×2) + 2 + 3(diplomat) = 9 for Alliance. 1104 Landing risk: base + 2(peaceful) = varies by planet, no hangar discount. 1105 Compromise: accept higher landing risk, compensate with 2 shields. 1106 </p> 1107 1108 <p> 1109 Key insight: FROMBOLA is too small for a dedicated diplomat build. Modules 1110 on small ships cost proportionally too much. Diplomacy works better on 1111 GLADIUM+ where you can afford Landing Hangar + Diplomat + adequate weapons. 1112 </p> 1113 1114 </div> 1115 </div> 1116 </div> 1117 <div id="outline-container-org0bb5468" class="outline-3"> 1118 <h3 id="org0bb5468"><span class="section-number-3">8.3.</span> Exercise 3: Diagnose This Failing Build</h3> 1119 <div class="outline-text-3" id="text-8-3"> 1120 <p> 1121 A player reports: "I keep dying on my third planet. Here's my HASTA build:" 1122 </p> 1123 1124 <pre class="example" id="orgedff164"> 1125 Crew:3 Shield:6 Radar:2 Laser:1 HO-1:0 SIL-12:0 1126 Fuel:5 Module:0 Officers:0 1127 Cost: 3+6+2+1+5 = 17/21 1128 </pre> 1129 1130 <p> 1131 What is wrong? Why does this ship die? 1132 </p> 1133 1134 <div class="details" id="org0deb3c2"> 1135 <p> 1136 <b>Solution</b> 1137 </p> 1138 1139 <p> 1140 <b>Problem:</b> F.C. = (1×2) + 3 = 5. Against Civiles (FC 4), diff = +1. 1141 At diff +1 on Table A: 0% U, 50% △, 50% F. No kills, half the time 1142 aliens flee (partial success). The player earns few points and the game 1143 drags. 1144 </p> 1145 1146 <p> 1147 But the real killer: no officers. The Combat Tactician (+2 FC) is free. 1148 With it: FC = 7, diff = +3 vs Civiles. Dramatically better odds. 1149 </p> 1150 1151 <p> 1152 Also: 6 shields on HASTA is maximum, but shields do not help you <i>win</i>. 1153 They only absorb R results (25 HP each). Reducing shields to 4 frees 1154 2 containers for 2 more lasers: 1155 </p> 1156 1157 <table> 1158 1159 1160 <colgroup> 1161 <col class="org-left"> 1162 1163 <col class="org-right"> 1164 1165 <col class="org-right"> 1166 </colgroup> 1167 <thead> 1168 <tr> 1169 <th scope="col" class="org-left">Component</th> 1170 <th scope="col" class="org-right">Count</th> 1171 <th scope="col" class="org-right">Cost</th> 1172 </tr> 1173 </thead> 1174 <tbody> 1175 <tr> 1176 <td class="org-left">Crew</td> 1177 <td class="org-right">3</td> 1178 <td class="org-right">3</td> 1179 </tr> 1180 1181 <tr> 1182 <td class="org-left">Shields</td> 1183 <td class="org-right">4</td> 1184 <td class="org-right">4</td> 1185 </tr> 1186 1187 <tr> 1188 <td class="org-left">Radar</td> 1189 <td class="org-right">2</td> 1190 <td class="org-right">2</td> 1191 </tr> 1192 1193 <tr> 1194 <td class="org-left">Laser ZIP-3</td> 1195 <td class="org-right">3</td> 1196 <td class="org-right">3</td> 1197 </tr> 1198 1199 <tr> 1200 <td class="org-left">Fuel</td> 1201 <td class="org-right">3</td> 1202 <td class="org-right">3</td> 1203 </tr> 1204 1205 <tr> 1206 <td class="org-left">Tactician</td> 1207 <td class="org-right">1</td> 1208 <td class="org-right">0</td> 1209 </tr> 1210 1211 <tr> 1212 <td class="org-left"><b>Total</b></td> 1213 <td class="org-right"> </td> 1214 <td class="org-right"><b>15</b></td> 1215 </tr> 1216 </tbody> 1217 </table> 1218 1219 <p> 1220 F.C.: (3×2) + 3 + 2 = 11. Diff vs Civiles (FC 5): +6. 6 containers 1221 spare for modules, specialists, or specialised weapons. The ship that 1222 was dying is now dominant. 1223 </p> 1224 1225 </div> 1226 </div> 1227 </div> 1228 <div id="outline-container-orgc7cd3cc" class="outline-3"> 1229 <h3 id="orgc7cd3cc"><span class="section-number-3">8.4.</span> Exercise 4: Optimise for Points-per-Turn</h3> 1230 <div class="outline-text-3" id="text-8-4"> 1231 <p> 1232 You are playing SPATHA (19 containers). You are at 45 points and need 1233 80 to win (Fabius). What build maximises points earned per turn? 1234 </p> 1235 1236 <p> 1237 Hint: which missions pay the most? What build supports those missions? 1238 </p> 1239 1240 <div class="details" id="org387bafb"> 1241 <p> 1242 <b>Solution</b> 1243 </p> 1244 1245 <p> 1246 Alliance pays 5 + base points (highest). Commerce pays 3 + Table G. 1247 Both require specific attitudes and sapient aliens. Combat pays base + 2 1248 on kill. 1249 </p> 1250 1251 <p> 1252 Optimal high-points build: 1253 </p> 1254 1255 <table> 1256 1257 1258 <colgroup> 1259 <col class="org-left"> 1260 1261 <col class="org-right"> 1262 1263 <col class="org-right"> 1264 </colgroup> 1265 <thead> 1266 <tr> 1267 <th scope="col" class="org-left">Component</th> 1268 <th scope="col" class="org-right">Count</th> 1269 <th scope="col" class="org-right">Cost</th> 1270 </tr> 1271 </thead> 1272 <tbody> 1273 <tr> 1274 <td class="org-left">Crew</td> 1275 <td class="org-right">3</td> 1276 <td class="org-right">3</td> 1277 </tr> 1278 1279 <tr> 1280 <td class="org-left">Shields</td> 1281 <td class="org-right">3</td> 1282 <td class="org-right">3</td> 1283 </tr> 1284 1285 <tr> 1286 <td class="org-left">Radar</td> 1287 <td class="org-right">3</td> 1288 <td class="org-right">3</td> 1289 </tr> 1290 1291 <tr> 1292 <td class="org-left">Laser ZIP-3</td> 1293 <td class="org-right">2</td> 1294 <td class="org-right">2</td> 1295 </tr> 1296 1297 <tr> 1298 <td class="org-left">Fuel</td> 1299 <td class="org-right">3</td> 1300 <td class="org-right">3</td> 1301 </tr> 1302 1303 <tr> 1304 <td class="org-left">Diplomat</td> 1305 <td class="org-right">1</td> 1306 <td class="org-right">0</td> 1307 </tr> 1308 1309 <tr> 1310 <td class="org-left">Science Officer</td> 1311 <td class="org-right">1</td> 1312 <td class="org-right">0</td> 1313 </tr> 1314 1315 <tr> 1316 <td class="org-left">Landing Hangar</td> 1317 <td class="org-right">1</td> 1318 <td class="org-right">3</td> 1319 </tr> 1320 1321 <tr> 1322 <td class="org-left"><b>Total</b></td> 1323 <td class="org-right"> </td> 1324 <td class="org-right"><b>17</b></td> 1325 </tr> 1326 </tbody> 1327 </table> 1328 1329 <p> 1330 Strategy: High radar (3) to identify sapient aliens before travelling. 1331 Diplomat (+3 Alliance/Commerce). Landing Hangar (-1 risk) to compensate 1332 for Peaceful attitude (+2). Science Officer for +1 on Exploration when 1333 no sapient aliens found. 1334 </p> 1335 1336 <p> 1337 F.C. for Alliance: (2×2) + 3 + 3(diplomat) = 10. 1338 Against Civiles (FC 4): diff +6. 83% success rate. 1339 Points per Alliance success: 5 + base(3-5) = 8-10 points. 1340 </p> 1341 1342 <p> 1343 At 8+ points per successful Alliance, you need ~5 successful missions 1344 to reach Fabius from 45 points. With 3 fuel tanks (45 pc) and high 1345 radar, you can reach and identify enough sapient planets. 1346 </p> 1347 1348 </div> 1349 </div> 1350 </div> 1351 </div> 1352 <div id="outline-container-org0c04b2f" class="outline-2"> 1353 <h2 id="org0c04b2f"><span class="section-number-2">9.</span> Summary</h2> 1354 <div class="outline-text-2" id="text-9"> 1355 </div> 1356 <div id="outline-container-org363f352" class="outline-3"> 1357 <h3 id="org363f352"><span class="section-number-3">9.1.</span> Key Takeaways</h3> 1358 <div class="outline-text-3" id="text-9-1"> 1359 <ol class="org-ol"> 1360 <li>The container budget is a zero-sum constraint — every choice excludes 1361 another</li> 1362 <li>Always crew ≥ 2, fuel ≥ 2 tanks, and take a free specialist officer</li> 1363 <li>Target diff +2 against expected aliens to eliminate unfavorable outcomes</li> 1364 <li>Modules cost 3 containers — skip them on FROMBOLA, consider on GLADIUM+</li> 1365 <li>Weapon specialization (HO-1, SIL-12) is powerful but narrow — only 1366 invest when you can identify targets with radar</li> 1367 <li>Shields keep you alive but do not help you win — invest proportionally</li> 1368 <li>The best builds prioritise 1-2 axes, not all four</li> 1369 </ol> 1370 </div> 1371 </div> 1372 <div id="outline-container-org888f096" class="outline-3"> 1373 <h3 id="org888f096"><span class="section-number-3">9.2.</span> Quick Reference</h3> 1374 <div class="outline-text-3" id="text-9-2"> 1375 <table> 1376 1377 1378 <colgroup> 1379 <col class="org-left"> 1380 1381 <col class="org-left"> 1382 1383 <col class="org-left"> 1384 </colgroup> 1385 <thead> 1386 <tr> 1387 <th scope="col" class="org-left">Concept</th> 1388 <th scope="col" class="org-left">Anti-pattern</th> 1389 <th scope="col" class="org-left">Correct approach</th> 1390 </tr> 1391 </thead> 1392 <tbody> 1393 <tr> 1394 <td class="org-left">Crew count</td> 1395 <td class="org-left">1 crew (instant death risk)</td> 1396 <td class="org-left">≥ 2 crew minimum</td> 1397 </tr> 1398 1399 <tr> 1400 <td class="org-left">Fuel allocation</td> 1401 <td class="org-left">1 tank (15 pc, stranded)</td> 1402 <td class="org-left">≥ 2 tanks (30 pc minimum)</td> 1403 </tr> 1404 1405 <tr> 1406 <td class="org-left">Module timing</td> 1407 <td class="org-left">Modules on FROMBOLA</td> 1408 <td class="org-left">Modules on GLADIUM+ only</td> 1409 </tr> 1410 1411 <tr> 1412 <td class="org-left">Specialist officers</td> 1413 <td class="org-left">Empty officer slots</td> 1414 <td class="org-left">Always fill (0 cost)</td> 1415 </tr> 1416 1417 <tr> 1418 <td class="org-left">Weapon specialization</td> 1419 <td class="org-left">SIL-12 without radar</td> 1420 <td class="org-left">Radar first, then specialise</td> 1421 </tr> 1422 1423 <tr> 1424 <td class="org-left">Shield vs laser</td> 1425 <td class="org-left">Max shields, min lasers</td> 1426 <td class="org-left">Shields ≈ 75% of laser count</td> 1427 </tr> 1428 </tbody> 1429 </table> 1430 </div> 1431 </div> 1432 </div> 1433 <div id="outline-container-org6bd1dfe" class="outline-2"> 1434 <h2 id="org6bd1dfe"><span class="section-number-2">10.</span> Related Documents</h2> 1435 <div class="outline-text-2" id="text-10"> 1436 <ul class="org-ul"> 1437 <li><a href="../tutorials/tutorial_first_voyage.html">Tutorial: Your First Voyage</a> — Hands-on first game with a starter build</li> 1438 <li><a href="../explanation/explanation_combat_resolution.html">Explanation: Combat Resolution</a> — How the operative tables convert your 1439 build into outcomes</li> 1440 </ul> 1441 </div> 1442 </div> 1443 <div id="outline-container-org16b7502" class="outline-2"> 1444 <h2 id="org16b7502"><span class="section-number-2">11.</span> Further Reading</h2> 1445 <div class="outline-text-2" id="text-11"> 1446 <ul class="org-ul"> 1447 <li>The original 1981 VII Legio rulebook — the physical tables that define 1448 all probability curves in the game</li> 1449 </ul> 1450 </div> 1451 </div> 1452 </div> 1453 <div id="postamble" class="status"> 1454 <p class="date">Date: 2026-04-15 Wed 00:00</p> 1455 <p class="author">Author: Xavier Brinon</p> 1456 <p class="date">Created: 2026-04-15 Wed 19:04</p> 1457 <p class="validation"><a href="https://validator.w3.org/check?uri=referer">Validate</a></p> 1458 </div> 1459 </body> 1460 </html>