Your family business has a hard time, it's almost bankrupt. You're the only hope left for your father, can you brainchild - the design department - safe the day? Let's find out! Design space ships, meet people, and become famous!
Star Wars: Ship Designer Quest
- Thread starter Jax
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The beginning
- Location
- Kiel; Germany
From the window, you have a perfect view of Temaris, your homeworld. Even if you have spent more time up here on the starship yards of your family than down there, you still appreciate the view. Most of the time, you're down there for parties and a bit of your education that hadn't been centered around running a shipyard and a ship building company. Temaris, a nice world in the Mid-Rim of the galaxy, standard in almost all aspects besides your family's company. That makes the system a bit unique, as not many systems can boast to have their own yards. It was a boast many down there were proud of, even if they most likely would never leave the dirtball they called home and knew the yards only from holos.
And now all of this was in danger.
You turned away from the window and back to your father who sat behind his massive desk. When you had been younger, it had looked like nothing could shake this man, but now he seemed almost fragile to you. He was beaten, that much was clear to you.
"How long?"
He looked up when he heard your question and stared at you for a moment, before shrugging. "Maybe a year? Then we reach the end of the current orders and most of the repair jobs I've got are done. If we don't have a new, big order by then, we're dead." He took a sip from his glass of expensive Corellian whisky and chuckled without any humor. "Even if we fired everyone who isn't important and some of the important employees, we can only squeeze another month out. The fact stands, we've too many creditors and most people buy the cheaper products from the bigger yards."
"Why do you only tell me this now?" Your voice was weak when you finally managed to squeeze out the question.
"Why? Well, for one to warn you of what is to come, and secondly, your idea." Your father pointed to the datapad. After a moment, you recognized it as the one you had given him almost five years ago. It was the idea for the company to form its own design department that could come up with new plans and designs for crafts. Until now, the family company had mostly concentrated on repairs, building designs licenced from other manufacturers, and building what the customers wanted to be built. Since the company had first been founded, almost two hundred years ago, it had worked – that was why your father had rejected your idea as too expensive.
"What about it?"
"I think it is the only thing that has even a chance to save us. That is why I've authorized all the credit we still have, everything that isn't absolutely needed elsewhere, to be sent into the accounts of a new department. Your department to be precise, the new Design and Research Department. I hope you can come up with something that will save our company. If not, I don't know what we can do to stop the end of our company."
Numb, you took the datapad from the desk and scrolled through it. You skipped the idea you had scratched out all those years ago and scroll down to where your father's notes began. Quickly, you read through it and swallow when you see the large number that makes the budget up of this new department, yours apparently. You had grown up rich, you knew that but even for you – who never had to worry about money – this was a large number of credits. And all of this in your hands to be used to save the family business. The idea certainly put the fear of the Ancestor Spirits into your bones.
"Are you sure?"
"I am. I think you and your idea are the only things that can save us now. It sounds crazy and desperate, but the situation is too bad for me to care what it is. We need something to sell or we're done for. Anything that you can come up with will buy us time, we have those massively overpaid guys in the PR department who could start to earn their credits. Give them something to work with and I can use it to buy us time from the banks. Time is all we need. The formation of your department and the large sums put into it shows that we're willing to move from our usual way of operating. Time, my child, we just need time – after we've time, we can start to think about money again. Until then I will stuff any credit I can find into your department. Just give me something."
"I understand, father."
[ ] Write-in Name
You're a human…
[ ] of male sex
[ ] of female sex
[ ] What is your Company known for most?
-[ ] Frame
-[ ] Engine
-[ ] Cockpit
-[ ] Weapons
-[ ] Special Compartment
-[ ] Cost
You have a solid team to start with but among them is one expert.
[ ] Gaath Kootto, a Mon Calamari who has great expertise in construction of ship frames.
[ ] Dhin Nerroma, a Bothan female who has a thing for engines.
[ ] Pika Bheilwod, a Dug engineer who makes the best cockpits you've ever seen.
[ ] Ellim, a female Wookiee who likes guns, rockets and general weapons.
[ ] Thor D'non, a Jawa who can basically construct everything – good enough to ignore the smell.
[ ] Pinagg Het, a Genosian engineer who is known for his ability to reduce production cost.
And now all of this was in danger.
You turned away from the window and back to your father who sat behind his massive desk. When you had been younger, it had looked like nothing could shake this man, but now he seemed almost fragile to you. He was beaten, that much was clear to you.
"How long?"
He looked up when he heard your question and stared at you for a moment, before shrugging. "Maybe a year? Then we reach the end of the current orders and most of the repair jobs I've got are done. If we don't have a new, big order by then, we're dead." He took a sip from his glass of expensive Corellian whisky and chuckled without any humor. "Even if we fired everyone who isn't important and some of the important employees, we can only squeeze another month out. The fact stands, we've too many creditors and most people buy the cheaper products from the bigger yards."
"Why do you only tell me this now?" Your voice was weak when you finally managed to squeeze out the question.
"Why? Well, for one to warn you of what is to come, and secondly, your idea." Your father pointed to the datapad. After a moment, you recognized it as the one you had given him almost five years ago. It was the idea for the company to form its own design department that could come up with new plans and designs for crafts. Until now, the family company had mostly concentrated on repairs, building designs licenced from other manufacturers, and building what the customers wanted to be built. Since the company had first been founded, almost two hundred years ago, it had worked – that was why your father had rejected your idea as too expensive.
"What about it?"
"I think it is the only thing that has even a chance to save us. That is why I've authorized all the credit we still have, everything that isn't absolutely needed elsewhere, to be sent into the accounts of a new department. Your department to be precise, the new Design and Research Department. I hope you can come up with something that will save our company. If not, I don't know what we can do to stop the end of our company."
Numb, you took the datapad from the desk and scrolled through it. You skipped the idea you had scratched out all those years ago and scroll down to where your father's notes began. Quickly, you read through it and swallow when you see the large number that makes the budget up of this new department, yours apparently. You had grown up rich, you knew that but even for you – who never had to worry about money – this was a large number of credits. And all of this in your hands to be used to save the family business. The idea certainly put the fear of the Ancestor Spirits into your bones.
"Are you sure?"
"I am. I think you and your idea are the only things that can save us now. It sounds crazy and desperate, but the situation is too bad for me to care what it is. We need something to sell or we're done for. Anything that you can come up with will buy us time, we have those massively overpaid guys in the PR department who could start to earn their credits. Give them something to work with and I can use it to buy us time from the banks. Time is all we need. The formation of your department and the large sums put into it shows that we're willing to move from our usual way of operating. Time, my child, we just need time – after we've time, we can start to think about money again. Until then I will stuff any credit I can find into your department. Just give me something."
"I understand, father."
[ ] Write-in Name
You're a human…
[ ] of male sex
[ ] of female sex
[ ] What is your Company known for most?
-[ ] Frame
-[ ] Engine
-[ ] Cockpit
-[ ] Weapons
-[ ] Special Compartment
-[ ] Cost
You have a solid team to start with but among them is one expert.
[ ] Gaath Kootto, a Mon Calamari who has great expertise in construction of ship frames.
[ ] Dhin Nerroma, a Bothan female who has a thing for engines.
[ ] Pika Bheilwod, a Dug engineer who makes the best cockpits you've ever seen.
[ ] Ellim, a female Wookiee who likes guns, rockets and general weapons.
[ ] Thor D'non, a Jawa who can basically construct everything – good enough to ignore the smell.
[ ] Pinagg Het, a Genosian engineer who is known for his ability to reduce production cost.
Rules
- Location
- Kiel; Germany
Dice
In this quest, only D6 are used for all tests. The exact number of dice that are rolled differ each turn, depending on what part of the creation process you're at the moment and what stat is tested. Each throw generates a number of advantages and flaws that get incorporated into the design. This influences how good the design at the end is. Dice results lead to the following number of advantages and flaws:
Your company has a number of stats that show you how good you are at designing the different parts of a spacecraft. These stats change with time as you gain new personal and special equipment. These stats are:
Depending on the parts chosen, different ships will be built. Each part of it has an influence on the performance of a ship. These stats are:
To design a ship, you usually need a procurement order from a company or organisation who needs something. This can be anything from a fighter to a giant capital ship. In the procurement, you will find a list of requirements that the client needs the most and then going down in order of the priorities. The more of these wishes you meet with your design, the more likely it is that your design will be accepted.
Stress
You can accept stress at any part of the design process to buy additional dice. You will need to release stress. This can be done by relaxing in your free time, this is part of the Company Phase. If you've taken more stress than all your stats combined, each flaw you roll will be doubled.
Character
Your character has his own stats that are similar to the company. You can add your own ability to the design process. This will add your stat dice to the die pole. You can help as long as your maximal Stress isn't reached, but only one time per phase.
Parts
With each turn in the design of your ship, you need to decide what kind of parts you wish to add to your ship. If you use known parts off the shelf, it will add significantly less to cost, on the other hand, you get a set number of advantages and flaws. Or you could decide to design something new, but then you will have to roll and might end with something worse than the shelf parts.
Turns
The quest has different turns in which you decide what happens to the design of the ship. These turns are in the following order:
In this quest, only D6 are used for all tests. The exact number of dice that are rolled differ each turn, depending on what part of the creation process you're at the moment and what stat is tested. Each throw generates a number of advantages and flaws that get incorporated into the design. This influences how good the design at the end is. Dice results lead to the following number of advantages and flaws:
- 6 = 3 Advantages
- 5 - 4 = 2 Advantages, 1 Flaw
- 3 - 2 = 1 Advantage, 2 Flaws
- 1 = 3 Flaws
Your company has a number of stats that show you how good you are at designing the different parts of a spacecraft. These stats change with time as you gain new personal and special equipment. These stats are:
- Frame: This influences the compartment stat of a ship, deciding if the ship is viable.
- Engine: This influences the speed and maneuverability stats of a ship.
- Cockpit: This influences the maneuverability and weapons stats of a ship
- Weapons: This influences the weapon Stat of a ship.
- Special Compartment: This influences the ship's ability to carry special parts like cargo holds, heavy weapons (Proton Torpedos, Turbolaser etc.) and anything not covered by the rest.
- Cost: This shows how much it costs to build one ship.
Depending on the parts chosen, different ships will be built. Each part of it has an influence on the performance of a ship. These stats are:
- Compartment
- Speed
- Maneuverability
- Weapons
- Special Compartment
- Cost
To design a ship, you usually need a procurement order from a company or organisation who needs something. This can be anything from a fighter to a giant capital ship. In the procurement, you will find a list of requirements that the client needs the most and then going down in order of the priorities. The more of these wishes you meet with your design, the more likely it is that your design will be accepted.
Stress
You can accept stress at any part of the design process to buy additional dice. You will need to release stress. This can be done by relaxing in your free time, this is part of the Company Phase. If you've taken more stress than all your stats combined, each flaw you roll will be doubled.
Character
Your character has his own stats that are similar to the company. You can add your own ability to the design process. This will add your stat dice to the die pole. You can help as long as your maximal Stress isn't reached, but only one time per phase.
Parts
With each turn in the design of your ship, you need to decide what kind of parts you wish to add to your ship. If you use known parts off the shelf, it will add significantly less to cost, on the other hand, you get a set number of advantages and flaws. Or you could decide to design something new, but then you will have to roll and might end with something worse than the shelf parts.
Turns
The quest has different turns in which you decide what happens to the design of the ship. These turns are in the following order:
- Procurement
- Frame
- Engine
- Cockpit
- Weapons
- Special Compartment if needed
- Testing Phase / You can try to remove flaws here. Depending on the deadlines, you might have this turn more than once.
- Result / Company Phase
Last edited:
Company & Character
- Location
- Kiel; Germany
Company Overview
Name:
Stats
Frame: 2
Engine: 1
Cockpit: 1
Weapons: 1
Special Compartment: 1
Cost: 1 + 1 =2
Company Traits
Character Sheet
Name: Dovar Frox
Sex: Male
Frame: 1
Engine: 1
Cockpit: 1
Weapons: 1
Special Compartment: 1
Cost: 1
Stress: 2 / 6
Character Traits
Frame of Own Design
Cockpit of Own Design
Engines of Own Design
Finished Ship Projects
Name:
Stats
Frame: 2
Engine: 1
Cockpit: 1
Weapons: 1
Special Compartment: 1
Cost: 1 + 1 =2
Company Traits
- Pinagg Het, a Genosian engineer who is known for his ability to reduce production cost.
- Shen, Junior Developer: Get a +1d6 once per project
- Efficient Production Line: -1 Cost on total Ship cost
- Simulator for Performance tests: -1 Flaw for own Parts in Frame, Engine, Cockpit
Character Sheet
Name: Dovar Frox
Sex: Male
Frame: 1
Engine: 1
Cockpit: 1
Weapons: 1
Special Compartment: 1
Cost: 1
Stress: 2 / 6
Character Traits
Frame of Own Design
Name: Mk. 1 Vulkan Light Freighter Frame
Size: Normal
Compartment Space: 11
Advantage: 1
Flaw: 3
Cost: 1
Size: Normal
Compartment Space: 11
Advantage: 1
Flaw: 3
Cost: 1
Corvette Frame
Name: Mk. 1 Vulkan Corvette Frame
Size: Normal
Compartment Space: 15
Advantage: 6
Flaw: 2
Cost: 3
Name: Mk. 1 Vulkan Corvette Frame
Size: Normal
Compartment Space: 15
Advantage: 6
Flaw: 2
Cost: 3
Cockpit of Own Design
Name: Mk.1 Light Freighter Cockpit
Size: Normal
Maneuverability: 1
Weapons: 1
Advantage: 2
Flaw: 0
Cost: 4
Size: Normal
Maneuverability: 1
Weapons: 1
Advantage: 2
Flaw: 0
Cost: 4
Engines of Own Design
Name: Vulkan Mk. 1 Corvette Engine
Size: Normal
Speed: 5
Maneuverability: 3
Advantage: 1
Flaw: 0
Cost: 5
Size: Normal
Speed: 5
Maneuverability: 3
Advantage: 1
Flaw: 0
Cost: 5
Finished Ship Projects
Compartment: 12 (Mk. 1 Vulkan Light Freighter Frame), (Mk.1 Light Freighter Cockpit)
Speed: 5 (CEC NovaQuad-D), (Modifications)
Maneuverability: 2 (CEC NovaQuad-D), (Mk.1 Light Freighter Cockpit)
Weapons: 2 (Zyrinox Double-Death Laser Weapon)
Special Compartment: Freight Compartment (9), Crew Quarters Universal (Normal), Passenger Quarters (Small)
Advantage: 9
Flaw: 6
Cost: 17,5
Speed: 5 (CEC NovaQuad-D), (Modifications)
Maneuverability: 2 (CEC NovaQuad-D), (Mk.1 Light Freighter Cockpit)
Weapons: 2 (Zyrinox Double-Death Laser Weapon)
Special Compartment: Freight Compartment (9), Crew Quarters Universal (Normal), Passenger Quarters (Small)
Advantage: 9
Flaw: 6
Cost: 17,5
Last edited:
Voting closed
Meeting a Bug & Procurement
- Location
- Kiel; Germany
>>Dovar Nest'Frox, I was surprised to get your invitation.<< The Genosian gave a small bow as he spoke in the typical click-speech of his kind. He was followed by a protocol droid who translated his words for you. >>I'm glad that you did so, the situation on Genosis became a bit problematic for myself. I will do my utmost to help you and my workers will do so as well. You will find them very eager to work.<<
"I'm glad to hear that, my friend." You led the insectoid away from the docking facility and towards your new department. It's not far from the docking facility and had a good lookout over Yard 4 that had been assigned to your department. This showed how bad the situation for your family company was, that your father could afford to give you a whole Yard to do what you wish. Hopefully Pinagg Het, the Genosian engineer, overlooked this fact. You met him years ago during your studies, before his fall from grace. When you had sent out a call for experts to help you, he had been the only one to answer. He also brought a cabal of workers that were currently taking their quarters near Yard 4.
Before Pinagg Het responded, he had been one of the leading experts on the matter of cost reduction on Genosis, until some sort of scandal had happened. After that, he had almost been exiled. Your offer had come at the right time, it seemed, and now he was here. There wouldn't be any questions about it coming from you, but you still asked the people for special cases your family had to take a look. They found out that the good Pinagg had come into conflict with Archduke Poggle the Lesser. Nothing that would be a problem for the company for now, but you would have to keep an eye on it.
You finally reached your office and you invited him in.
"Take a seat, we have some things to talk about. But first, the contract. Here, please sign it and we can begin with the work." You pushed a datapad with your family company's logo on it towards him and leant back into your seat. It was the normal contract, with a special clause for the services of the workers the legal department had insisted on. They had been a bit worried that these workers were slaves and had to dig deep into the legal code of the Republic, but apparently, they weren't. Genosian workers have the right to choose what hive they belong to and which noble they follow and, as such, they aren't slaves. For you, it still sounded a bit like slavery but the legal department was sure about it.
On the contract, you can see the name of your family company ...
[ ] Freewalker Shipyards
[ ] Temaris Constructions
[ ] Skywalker Repair & Shipbuilding
[ ] Write-in
Pinagg signed it without any hesitation or reading the contract. After a moment, he offered his alien hand towards you and you grabbed it to shake.
>>With that out of the way, I wish to know what we're working on. This is a new department, unusual for an established business. Bold, if I dare to say so.<<
"We actually have some projects to choose from. My father wishes for us to succeed in this endeavor to open new markets. He thought that we should have as much freedom as possible," you lie without blinking in the usual corporate way you had grown up with. The best part, it wasn't even a total lie, just from a certain point of view. After all, your father wanted new markets to open up for the company and had given you more than enough freedom. You would be happy if it wasn't for the sinking feeling that the fate of the company was depending on your success.
"Here, take a look."
Pinagg took up the datapad you had slid across the desk towards him. After a quick look through, he gave you a shrewd gaze from his alien eyes. >>These are some interesting procurements your father has found. Have you made a decision yet?<<
"Well …"
[ ] A new Cruiser is needed
The Temaris Defense Fleet is looking for a replacement for their old Hammerhead cruisers. They are looking for offers and as a local company, they have also asked you. Mostly because of the jobs you hold and the new development department.
[ ] Far & Wide Trade
The trading line Far & Wide Trade is looking for a new light freighter that is fast and cheaply built. It has to be able to transport goods and passengers. They also want some good armament, but it is a secondary requirement.
[ ] A Scout
A scientist by the name of Hans Olo plans to explore the surrounding space of the sector in search of new hyperspace routes. He has a surprisingly large number of rich backers and wishes for a specially-built ship.
[ ] Something of our own
You decide to damn the jobs offered and invent a design of your own. Write-in what as a raw idea!
"I'm glad to hear that, my friend." You led the insectoid away from the docking facility and towards your new department. It's not far from the docking facility and had a good lookout over Yard 4 that had been assigned to your department. This showed how bad the situation for your family company was, that your father could afford to give you a whole Yard to do what you wish. Hopefully Pinagg Het, the Genosian engineer, overlooked this fact. You met him years ago during your studies, before his fall from grace. When you had sent out a call for experts to help you, he had been the only one to answer. He also brought a cabal of workers that were currently taking their quarters near Yard 4.
Before Pinagg Het responded, he had been one of the leading experts on the matter of cost reduction on Genosis, until some sort of scandal had happened. After that, he had almost been exiled. Your offer had come at the right time, it seemed, and now he was here. There wouldn't be any questions about it coming from you, but you still asked the people for special cases your family had to take a look. They found out that the good Pinagg had come into conflict with Archduke Poggle the Lesser. Nothing that would be a problem for the company for now, but you would have to keep an eye on it.
You finally reached your office and you invited him in.
"Take a seat, we have some things to talk about. But first, the contract. Here, please sign it and we can begin with the work." You pushed a datapad with your family company's logo on it towards him and leant back into your seat. It was the normal contract, with a special clause for the services of the workers the legal department had insisted on. They had been a bit worried that these workers were slaves and had to dig deep into the legal code of the Republic, but apparently, they weren't. Genosian workers have the right to choose what hive they belong to and which noble they follow and, as such, they aren't slaves. For you, it still sounded a bit like slavery but the legal department was sure about it.
On the contract, you can see the name of your family company ...
[ ] Freewalker Shipyards
[ ] Temaris Constructions
[ ] Skywalker Repair & Shipbuilding
[ ] Write-in
Pinagg signed it without any hesitation or reading the contract. After a moment, he offered his alien hand towards you and you grabbed it to shake.
>>With that out of the way, I wish to know what we're working on. This is a new department, unusual for an established business. Bold, if I dare to say so.<<
"We actually have some projects to choose from. My father wishes for us to succeed in this endeavor to open new markets. He thought that we should have as much freedom as possible," you lie without blinking in the usual corporate way you had grown up with. The best part, it wasn't even a total lie, just from a certain point of view. After all, your father wanted new markets to open up for the company and had given you more than enough freedom. You would be happy if it wasn't for the sinking feeling that the fate of the company was depending on your success.
"Here, take a look."
Pinagg took up the datapad you had slid across the desk towards him. After a quick look through, he gave you a shrewd gaze from his alien eyes. >>These are some interesting procurements your father has found. Have you made a decision yet?<<
"Well …"
[ ] A new Cruiser is needed
The Temaris Defense Fleet is looking for a replacement for their old Hammerhead cruisers. They are looking for offers and as a local company, they have also asked you. Mostly because of the jobs you hold and the new development department.
[ ] Far & Wide Trade
The trading line Far & Wide Trade is looking for a new light freighter that is fast and cheaply built. It has to be able to transport goods and passengers. They also want some good armament, but it is a secondary requirement.
[ ] A Scout
A scientist by the name of Hans Olo plans to explore the surrounding space of the sector in search of new hyperspace routes. He has a surprisingly large number of rich backers and wishes for a specially-built ship.
[ ] Something of our own
You decide to damn the jobs offered and invent a design of your own. Write-in what as a raw idea!
Voting closed
- Location
- Kiel; Germany
At the moment I don't plan to go too far away from the main plot of Star Wars. As your world is completely OC and the sector at large also, I think I've more than enough room to maneuver abit to tell a story. Also remember, you built ships not change the course of the galaxy. You will learn about what happens in the galaxy via Holonet News and rumors, etc.
I might change my stance on that later, so don't nail me on it. But for the moment you can believe in the known plot.
Edit: Voting closed
Frame and a bit of history.
- Location
- Kiel; Germany
"Well, the job for Far & Wide Trade sounds good to me." You waited until Pinagg Het looked back at the pad with the information for the job. "They are looking for a new light freighter that can replace their older ships. As far as my father was able to gather, they have asked CEC about their new YV-series but weren't satisfied with the price they were given. Apparently, they thought themselves much more important than they are, and CEC just didn't bother to bow down to such a small customer."
>>How many ships are they wanting to buy?<<
"Twenty, maybe twenty-five. Far & Wide mostly run some small-time routes in our sector and the Outer Rim. Transporting goods and people, just a glorified dirt-ball-hopping-business to be honest. I'm not surprised that CEC didn't give them any discounts in the first place. They are just too small and seem to have forgotten that fact. Father said they were rather tiring in the talks. If they buy what we design, this could lead to us getting more jobs for similar firms. Apparently, Far & Wide is not the only one of this kind of companies who are looking for replacement ships and aren't too happy about the prices they get from the big names."
The Genosian leant back and stroked his chin for a moment, deep in thought. Then he made some clicking sounds. The droid didn't bother to translate this when you glanced over to it. >>A good start. We shouldn't face many complications. But the price question is a bit tricky. We could lower costs in some ways, either by designing parts completely new that are easy to produce, or mostly use parts off the shelf. The latter has the bonus that customers can quickly come up with their own modifications or repair their ships themselves. It will attract more customers of the independent kind.<<
"That was what my father and I also thought. It allows us to break into the light freighter market through the backdoor. Hopefully, these companies will buy the new ship, independent pilots on the same routes see them, and ask about the ship. We won't beat CEC or any of the other big names fast, but it will hopefully allow us to gain some reputation in the Outer Rim and the Mid Rim."
>>If I might suggest something?<<
"Of course. You're here because I need your opinion."
The Genosian noble nodded. >>We should stick with a more conservative design. It is what most people know and will buy. Especially in the light freighter market, many ship owners can't afford something too fancy. What will be designed depends mostly on what we want to focus on most, a ship that meets Far & Wide's requirements, or something the company thinks will sell better than the original contract.<<
"Yes, I see what you mean. Still, if we come up with something good, it will sell."
>>If people want it. The best and most useful technologies won't make any money if people don't buy it.<<
[ ] Classical Design
Name: Mk. 1 Light Freighter
Size: Normal
Compartment Space: 10
Advantage: 2
Flaw: 1
Cost: 2
[ ] Classic Courier Design
Name: Mk. 1 Speed Cruiser
Size: Small
Compartment Space: 5
Advantage: 1
Flaw: 2
Cost: 1
[ ] Classic Transporter Design
Name: Mk. 1 Transporter
Size: Large
Compartment Space: 15
Advantage: 2
Flaw: 2
Cost: 3
[ ] Vulkan Frame
Name: Mk. 1 Vulkan Light Freighter Frame
Size: [ ] Small, [ ] Normal, [ ] Large, [ ] Extra Large
Compartment Space: ???
Advantage: ???
Flaw: ???
Cost: ???
A few weeks later, your department went all hands in on designing the new light freighter. It took some time to decide on the frame, but you had a feeling that your choice would work. Different models for the shape of the new ship were being tested at the moment, and the rest of your team not involved with that were already preparing for the development of the engines, the next step in the development cycle. It filled your heart with joy as you watched your whole department work like a hive of Kan'tri reptiles. This was precisely what you had in mind all those years ago when you first proposed the creation of a development department to your father – and now you could watch it work.
When it came to the staff, your father had given you a free hand on who you could hire. The most prominent appointment had been Pinagg Het, but the rest of the department weren't simple desk workers either. You had made sure that your team was filled with bright minds who had the experience or enthusiasm to work in a completely new team. Slowly, the parts came together, and you couldn't wait to see the first ship your department came up with when it finally rolled off the production line.
You heard clicking noises from behind you, and turned to see Pinagg with the ever-present translating droid coming over to you. In his hands were two glasses with a golden liquid in it. >>Here, the first batch of the Hive Vine my workers produced since we arrived at the station. It is still a bit rough around the tastebuds, but it is a good start – like this department. It felt fitting to share it with you.<<
You accepted the glass and gave it a small sniff. It did smell like alcohol, but also reminded you of something sweet. When you gave it a try, there was initial sweetness, followed by the hard punch of alcohol you had been expecting. You barely managed to hold back a coughing fit and, instead, cleared your throat. "It has an interesting taste to it."
>>I know, it will get better with time,<< the amused alien told you and took a small sip from his glass. He then looked over the busy department and stroked his chin with a pleasant vibrating sound you've become accustomed to in the last weeks. It was the sign of a pleased Genosian. His eyes finally rested on the symbol of your family's company and the name on it. >> There is something I wanted to ask you about the name of your family's business.<<
"Oh?"
>>I took a bit of time to research the name, as it wasn't clear to me what it meant. First, I thought it meant volcano, but the writing is not Basic, nor a number of more ancient writing systems. Does it have some meaning to your family?<<
"Yes. A historical one, almost a thousand years old. In the New Sith Wars, Temaris was a world on the frontline," you begin to speak as you stare up to the sign, remembering the old family legends. "Warships often needed repairs, and given the time, there wasn't always the possibility to reach one of the great yards. So the ruler of our world decided to build one here, so the ships could get repaired closer to the front. His name was Lord Vulkan. The new shipyard was named in his honour. After he died and the war ended, the name stuck."
>>When you say "Lord," do you mean a Sith or a Jedi?<<
[ ] "He was a Jedi-Lord, the last of the Temaris Chapter. He led many daring raids and offensive from this world until he was killed – or so the legend says."
[ ] "He was a Sith Lord, born on Temaris. He united our world under his banner and forced the pirates out, which used the Republic's weakness. He capitulated to the Jedi in the end – to spare his homeworld from further damage in the wars. That's why we were allowed to keep the name."
>>How many ships are they wanting to buy?<<
"Twenty, maybe twenty-five. Far & Wide mostly run some small-time routes in our sector and the Outer Rim. Transporting goods and people, just a glorified dirt-ball-hopping-business to be honest. I'm not surprised that CEC didn't give them any discounts in the first place. They are just too small and seem to have forgotten that fact. Father said they were rather tiring in the talks. If they buy what we design, this could lead to us getting more jobs for similar firms. Apparently, Far & Wide is not the only one of this kind of companies who are looking for replacement ships and aren't too happy about the prices they get from the big names."
The Genosian leant back and stroked his chin for a moment, deep in thought. Then he made some clicking sounds. The droid didn't bother to translate this when you glanced over to it. >>A good start. We shouldn't face many complications. But the price question is a bit tricky. We could lower costs in some ways, either by designing parts completely new that are easy to produce, or mostly use parts off the shelf. The latter has the bonus that customers can quickly come up with their own modifications or repair their ships themselves. It will attract more customers of the independent kind.<<
"That was what my father and I also thought. It allows us to break into the light freighter market through the backdoor. Hopefully, these companies will buy the new ship, independent pilots on the same routes see them, and ask about the ship. We won't beat CEC or any of the other big names fast, but it will hopefully allow us to gain some reputation in the Outer Rim and the Mid Rim."
>>If I might suggest something?<<
"Of course. You're here because I need your opinion."
The Genosian noble nodded. >>We should stick with a more conservative design. It is what most people know and will buy. Especially in the light freighter market, many ship owners can't afford something too fancy. What will be designed depends mostly on what we want to focus on most, a ship that meets Far & Wide's requirements, or something the company thinks will sell better than the original contract.<<
"Yes, I see what you mean. Still, if we come up with something good, it will sell."
>>If people want it. The best and most useful technologies won't make any money if people don't buy it.<<
[ ] Classical Design
Name: Mk. 1 Light Freighter
Size: Normal
Compartment Space: 10
Advantage: 2
Flaw: 1
Cost: 2
[ ] Classic Courier Design
Name: Mk. 1 Speed Cruiser
Size: Small
Compartment Space: 5
Advantage: 1
Flaw: 2
Cost: 1
[ ] Classic Transporter Design
Name: Mk. 1 Transporter
Size: Large
Compartment Space: 15
Advantage: 2
Flaw: 2
Cost: 3
[ ] Vulkan Frame
Name: Mk. 1 Vulkan Light Freighter Frame
Size: [ ] Small, [ ] Normal, [ ] Large, [ ] Extra Large
Compartment Space: ???
Advantage: ???
Flaw: ???
Cost: ???
A few weeks later, your department went all hands in on designing the new light freighter. It took some time to decide on the frame, but you had a feeling that your choice would work. Different models for the shape of the new ship were being tested at the moment, and the rest of your team not involved with that were already preparing for the development of the engines, the next step in the development cycle. It filled your heart with joy as you watched your whole department work like a hive of Kan'tri reptiles. This was precisely what you had in mind all those years ago when you first proposed the creation of a development department to your father – and now you could watch it work.
When it came to the staff, your father had given you a free hand on who you could hire. The most prominent appointment had been Pinagg Het, but the rest of the department weren't simple desk workers either. You had made sure that your team was filled with bright minds who had the experience or enthusiasm to work in a completely new team. Slowly, the parts came together, and you couldn't wait to see the first ship your department came up with when it finally rolled off the production line.
You heard clicking noises from behind you, and turned to see Pinagg with the ever-present translating droid coming over to you. In his hands were two glasses with a golden liquid in it. >>Here, the first batch of the Hive Vine my workers produced since we arrived at the station. It is still a bit rough around the tastebuds, but it is a good start – like this department. It felt fitting to share it with you.<<
You accepted the glass and gave it a small sniff. It did smell like alcohol, but also reminded you of something sweet. When you gave it a try, there was initial sweetness, followed by the hard punch of alcohol you had been expecting. You barely managed to hold back a coughing fit and, instead, cleared your throat. "It has an interesting taste to it."
>>I know, it will get better with time,<< the amused alien told you and took a small sip from his glass. He then looked over the busy department and stroked his chin with a pleasant vibrating sound you've become accustomed to in the last weeks. It was the sign of a pleased Genosian. His eyes finally rested on the symbol of your family's company and the name on it. >> There is something I wanted to ask you about the name of your family's business.<<
"Oh?"
>>I took a bit of time to research the name, as it wasn't clear to me what it meant. First, I thought it meant volcano, but the writing is not Basic, nor a number of more ancient writing systems. Does it have some meaning to your family?<<
"Yes. A historical one, almost a thousand years old. In the New Sith Wars, Temaris was a world on the frontline," you begin to speak as you stare up to the sign, remembering the old family legends. "Warships often needed repairs, and given the time, there wasn't always the possibility to reach one of the great yards. So the ruler of our world decided to build one here, so the ships could get repaired closer to the front. His name was Lord Vulkan. The new shipyard was named in his honour. After he died and the war ended, the name stuck."
>>When you say "Lord," do you mean a Sith or a Jedi?<<
[ ] "He was a Jedi-Lord, the last of the Temaris Chapter. He led many daring raids and offensive from this world until he was killed – or so the legend says."
[ ] "He was a Sith Lord, born on Temaris. He united our world under his banner and forced the pirates out, which used the Republic's weakness. He capitulated to the Jedi in the end – to spare his homeworld from further damage in the wars. That's why we were allowed to keep the name."
Voting closed
Finish the Frame!
- Location
- Kiel; Germany
So, I've decided to split the following up from the next update. As it is a fairly simple point and I need the information for the next post. Because of that, this voting will be closed tomorrow.
The work was coming along quite well. In the end, you decided that your team had to work on a completely unique frame, contrary to Pinagg's wishes. For a first frame, it wasn't that bad, but it could be better. The length was normal for a light freighter, meaning forty meters. Only when the prototype was finished would you see how long the full design was. You stared at the hologram of the frame and frowned a bit. It looked like a normal frame, with some disadvantages, but nothing too detrimental, even if there was some room for improvement that would make the frame more distinct from others.
For example, it could have more room for compartments that could be added later if just a bit of the support structure was moved or thinned out. Or cheaper materials could be used on noncritical parts of the structure and bring the price down, making the production of the frame cheaper overall. Of course, you could leave it as it was and not rework any of it. Even if the deadline wasn't pressing, it was nice to save some time.
[ ] It's working, so you decided, in the end, to let the frame be.
[ ] You spend a few extra weeks to make some more room for compartments that would be added later. (# of Advantages used)
[ ] You spend a few additional weeks to replace some of the support structure with weaker but cheaper material. (# of Advantages used)
The work was coming along quite well. In the end, you decided that your team had to work on a completely unique frame, contrary to Pinagg's wishes. For a first frame, it wasn't that bad, but it could be better. The length was normal for a light freighter, meaning forty meters. Only when the prototype was finished would you see how long the full design was. You stared at the hologram of the frame and frowned a bit. It looked like a normal frame, with some disadvantages, but nothing too detrimental, even if there was some room for improvement that would make the frame more distinct from others.
For example, it could have more room for compartments that could be added later if just a bit of the support structure was moved or thinned out. Or cheaper materials could be used on noncritical parts of the structure and bring the price down, making the production of the frame cheaper overall. Of course, you could leave it as it was and not rework any of it. Even if the deadline wasn't pressing, it was nice to save some time.
[ ] It's working, so you decided, in the end, to let the frame be.
[ ] You spend a few extra weeks to make some more room for compartments that would be added later. (# of Advantages used)
[ ] You spend a few additional weeks to replace some of the support structure with weaker but cheaper material. (# of Advantages used)
Name: Mk. 1 Vulkan Light Freighter Frame
Size: [x] Normal
Compartment Space: Starting at 10
Advantage: 3
Flaw: 3
Cost: Starting at 2
You have 3 advantages, you can use these to:
Size: [x] Normal
Compartment Space: Starting at 10
Advantage: 3
Flaw: 3
Cost: Starting at 2
You have 3 advantages, you can use these to:
- Add additional compartment space
- Reduce cost
Voting closed