With the decision to forgo the Navigator housing, you now have the opportunity to enhance your Selenia-class merchantman with armaments, providing it with a modicum of self-defense. This is crucial, as venturing beyond charted warp routes exposes your vessel to potential pirate attacks.
While your Selenia may not be a match for a determined pirate armada, its weaponry can deter or delay skirmishes with smaller vessels, buying precious time for reinforcements to arrive. The two armament options available offer distinct advantages and drawbacks.
The Mars Mk. 3 Laser Broadside Batteries, a stalwart of the Imperium's arsenal since before the Great Crusade, provide familiarity and reliability. These laser arrays, akin to the lasguns of the Astra Militarum, are enclosed in armored turrets, safeguarding them from enemy fire at the cost of a narrow firing arc.
The Antan Pattern Light Macro Turret, on the other hand, introduces a taste of naval warfare onto your merchantman. This powerful projectile weapon, typically found on dedicated warships, is squeezed into a single turret atop the Selenia's hull. While severely exposed, the turret boasts a wide firing arc, covering both sides and parts of the bow. The Antan's macro-caliber rounds can even inflict damage on warships, making it a formidable deterrent.
Fortunately, Temaris Prime possesses the capacity to manufacture both weapon systems locally, ensuring their availability for your Selenia. As you weigh the options, consider the trade-off between the defensive prowess of the Mars Mk. 3 Laser Broadside Batteries and the offensive potential of the Antan Pattern Light Macro Turret. Your decision will determine how your Selenia responds to the perils of the void.
[ ] Mars Mk. 3 Laser Broadside Batteries (+ Reliable, + Protected, - Narrow Arc)
[ ] Antan Pattern Light Macro Turret (+ Wide Arc, + Damage Dealer, - Exposed)
Current Project:
Name: Unnamed
Spaceframe:
Selenia class
Expected Build Time: 13 Years
Expected Prestige: 2
Engines: 1/2
- Omnicron 71-DX Pattern Mk. X Plasma Torches (Cost 1, - Low Speed, + Reliable)
Armament: 1
Armor: 1
Internals: 3