Well, we didn't have a clear winner in the poll, but considering how
poorly I ran it, it's no surprise.
Here are some of my thoughts on the entries:
I really like the /Balaam Hector/ that Daryl Frewing created. I didn't
vote for it because it seemed like it didn't fit for the time period:
1206. I chose that year so as to take advantage of the increased
security and stability of the RC (5 years after its formation). Using a
relic could work here but in Daryl's write up he pointed out the
scarcity of the class after proving to be vulnerable to Viral infection
in the early days of the outbreak. Its scarcity would've worked in 1201
as desperation for purpose-built ships and overall low demand would've
made it attractive. If I'd stuck with having three time periods as I
initially envisioned, this would've been my choice for the 1120 time
period. I really loved the design and the overall operational setup.
Craige Cook had 3 entries: the revised Seeker, the /Explorer/ Scout and
the /Gorilla/ Mining and Exploration Vehicle. The best of these (for me)
was the /Gorilla/. Its 5000 ton displacement helped the ship live up to
its name. I thought that it was exceptionally well-equipped but the size
of the crew (153. 80 of them engineers) seemed high, even though he
admitted using a higher level of automation than FF&S. I don't recall
if the older rules would've significantly lowered this number or not.
It's probably my skewed perception here. But the killer was the price
tag: 3,813 MCr. Craig calculated a ROI of just 2 years, but I wasn't
sure that the ship would be able to meet the delivery schedule, nor did
I think that the RC banks would extend enough credit to the Voshkod
Corporation to make it work. All their eggs in one basket? Still risky
even in year 5 of the RC, IMO. Again, if I'd stuck with 3 time periods,
this vessel would've been a surefire winner in the 1248 time period.
Why? The Dominate War was over, Vampire Fleets were no longer a threat,
the larger economies of various interstellar states mean that more
credit was generally available. Well, that's how I see it at least.
Our other designer was Roger Clark Topaz. He submitted the /New Dawn/
Seeker, the /Ridge Runner/ Far Trader and the /Virginia City/ Mining
Vessel. I gave my vote to the /Virginia City./ I thought
that it was the right size (800 tons), reasonable price (under 250 MCr),
and had solid armament (6 x 120 MJ turrets). The compartmentalized cargo
hold offered varied storage options. I would've liked more info on the
extra mining vehicles, but I guess that's another contest.
I think all three guys are winners here. Daryl had the added stress of
his sister giving birth and yet he still turned in an elaborate design.
I didn't offer a prize at the beginning of the contest. I don't know if
we've ever had one in the past. I feel bad for neglecting this contest
and dragging it out all year (and only convincing 7 people to vote) so
the three of you can have a free ebook copy of my novel, /Armistice Day/
(assuming you're interested). Contact me offline and we'll work out the
details.
Thanks again, guys.
\_/
DED