Aotrs Shipyards December 2023 Release: Royal Elven Navy Wave One

[Aotrs Shipyards]

Aotrs Shipyards December 2023 Release: Royal Elven Navy Wave One

Like an unconvincing skeletal Santa in an obviously faked beard bringing a pile of dubious gifts, I have a multitude of releases and updates this month!

Firstly, this month’s releases are the first batch of vessels for the Royal Elven Kingdoms Navy; but we’ll come back to that in a moment!

I have finally gone through the painstaking process of updating the PDF catalogue with all the new links/prices etc. Here’s a direct link.

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Manoeuvre Group Updates

Manoeuvre Group have been hard at work, and between us, we have released version v2.02 for Issue 2 of the main Manoeuvre Group Rules (available at Wargames Vault here). This corrects the usual batch of typos and spelling errors that creep in despite one’s best efforts, fixes several long-standing errors that have been in the rules since release. The assault rules section has been completely re-written to accommodate for some edge cases that the authors found when fighting infantry games – specifically, to account for situations like “what happens if you are assaulting any enemy unit, and that enemy unit runs off through one of its friends and the assaulting unit hits the friends instead?”

Manoeuvre Group Sci-fi (free at Wargames Vault here) has been updated to v1.02, the most pertinent change being the addition of the stats for the Yrgynela and forthcoming Royal Elven Army.

In both cases, existing customers should have received an email notification of the updates and a change log (and for good measure, a change log document is now included to!)

Wargame Vault is also having its usual Winter Offensive sale (25% off, 21st December to January 2nd), so then is a good time to get Maneouvre Group or even Accelerate and Attack! if you don’t already have them!

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Only-Games Store Update & Winter Sales

I went into full detail about the situation in last week’s Modern release post  and this will be long enough as it is, so I’ll be brief. The short, short version is that the Only-Games store will remain open for January, but there has been a necessary price increase of about 13% to accommodate that. As of yesterday, that has been completed across all ranges in time for the switch over.

To leaven that somewhat, Only-Games are having a 25% off winter sale, starting 15th of December. Use code: SNOWYGAMES25

MyMiniFactory are also having a Winter Sale, starting of the 18th of December until the 8th of January, which is 30% of the Aotrs Shipyards ranges; use code WINTERSAVINGS

(Note: The Black Friday sales, particularly at MMF were sufficiently good I elected to join both of these sales, even though that are close together. But I will try not making a habit of it (if I wanted to be Always On Sale, I’d have set my MMF prices higher to start with!)

I am less pleased to report that, as I have been updating the catalogue, I discovered Shapeways has had another unannounced price increase of 25-30%. Nothing I can do about that, sorry.

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So that finally brings us to the release itself! Seven ships this time around.

Royal Elven Navy

Hundasonda Dreadnought

MMF (file) $3.40

Physical Print
Only-Games £14.14
Shapeways $24.33
FDM £5.70

The Hundasonda represents a fundamental shift in elven ship design, a process which started with the refits of the mid- 2330s and the construction of the Kestrel and Bestra cruisers. Following the Dathedi model, the cruisers boasted massive engines and manoeuvrability and their primary defence, but at the cost of a correspondingly lighter weapons load. Both vessels used fixed lazer cannons and torpedoes as the primary armament. While they were by themselves not usually able to disable an enemy, their extreme manoeuvrability proved very useful.

The Hundasonda is the ultimate expression of that philosophy – a highly manoeuvrable large dreadnought. The Hundasonda was conceived with no less goal of being a “Midnight-killer;” a ship capable of taking on the Aotrs Midnight-class Dreadnought on equal terms.

The initial designs simply could not carry enough weapons to compensate for the Aotrs superior technology, and the hull was revised and got larger. The REN thus opted to continue to build using elven hull technologies, simply because the saiyvalyss as not rebuilt shipyards of sufficient size. The production Hundasonda masses almost 25% again as its erstwhile target. This mass is propelled by advanced saiyvalyss engines to an acceleration of 16.5mc and 183 MEUs, more than sufficient to overhaul even the upgraded Midnight’s and mitigate the latter’s range advantages.

To ensure it reached range, the Hundasonda was equipped with 7200TXq shields, and a saiyvalyss-armour skin rated to 24TXq; both equalling or exceeding the Midnight’s. And to protect from the swarms of missiles – and to provide extra short-range firepower – the Hundasonda carries a plethora of point-defence blaster and syvri batteries which collectively rate at a staggering 8940Xq.

The primary firepower is provided by three spinal-mount lazer cannons, totalling an output of 1260TXq over an accuracy enveloper of 430 000TXq. Multiple lazer turrets with an accuracy envelope of 410 000km provide another 2496TXq of firepower to bear.

This still left the Hundasonda somewhat undergunned for its size, and still without much of a counter to the Midnight’s superior firepower. Thus the elven designers took a novel approach. The Saiyvali had been experimenting with the concept of fitting numerous light torpedo batteries to their capital ships, to replace the short-ranged fixed syvri that is commonplace on their ships. Such systems were only good for one or two salvos before being expended, but the spike impact was significant. This theory found an ideal partner in the Hundasonda and its assigned targets.

Thus the Hundasonda mounts thirty-two light torpedo tubes in four clusters in the nose. While each one only carries three Amhylathi (“radiant arrow”) light torpedoes, each warhead is rated at 103TXq, making a single salvo very dangerous within the accuracy envelope of 120 000km.

In practise, this proved too loftier goal even for the combined technology base of the Royal Elven Kingdoms and the Saiyvalyss Alliance. The Aotrs’ technology was just too far ahead for the Hundasonda to stand a chance one-on-one. Two, however, would be more than a match.

This was proven in October of 2348. The newly-formed Bright Accord alliance forces (consisting of the Royal Elven Kingdoms, the Saiyvalyss Alliance, the United Concorde of Divine Realms and the Zirakthargûm Divinity) launched an attack on elements of the Aotrs First fleet. The First Fleet vessels had just completed their refits and were preparing to re-join their operational theatre. While the FTL jump distance was within elven hyperspace jump distance, without the sensors of the UCDR, the elves had never been able to track the Aotrs Gate drives to be able to mount a successful assault. The UCDR, by mutual consent, took a backseat role in the attack, to preserve an element of surprise on their capabilities. Their primary contribution was to use tractor-configured vessels to two the Zirakthargûm Divinity elements into battle. (The dwarf hyperdrive otherwise would never have been sufficient.) No saiyvalyss vessels engaged in the battle, but many personnel were present on the joint craft, notably on the three Hundasondas deployed.

The attack achieved tactical surprise – a significant achievement against the Aotrs. Hundasonda dreadnoughts Vana, Verya and Hundasonda Nelde, and their accompanying task force charged right into the Aotrs command group and destroyed the Midnight Dreadnought Witch Hour with a single salvo. The allied forces inflicted heavy damage on the Aotrs fleet before withdrawing ahead of Aotrs reinforcements. (Delaying too long would have put the dwarven element at significant risk.) Nonetheless, this was a resounding victory for the alliance, and the first defeat inflicted on the Aotrs navy for almost thirty years, since the commission of the first 10th generation Aotrs starships.

Shrike Escort Cruiser

MMF (file) $0.85

Physical Print
Only-Games £2.69
Shapeways $5.14
FDM £2.80

The Shrike Escort Cruiser was first produced in 2156, and so has been a near-ubiquitous sight for humans, at least, dealing with the Royal Elven Kingdoms. It has had several iterations over this span, but had changed relatively little.

The latest 2348 version follows this same path. The vessel’s distinctive profile has been little changed in its latest incarnation. While it utilises several key Saiyvalyss Alliance technologies provided by the alliance, much of the basic function remains unchanged. The Shrike was the second such vessel to be produced by the joint project; like the Falcon Destroyer, the length of service time lessened the work to produce the duel-technology systems, further assisted by the work done of the Falcons.

The power core has been replaced with a saiyvalyss design. The same core is used on the saiyvalyss YL-6 Idilgwand Class Transport Cruiser and only a few modifications were necessary. This enhanced power system enables to Shrike to upgrade to saiyvalyss engines. Dropping the mass by 25%, the Shrike’s performance has increased by over 50%, going from an acceleration of 11.24mc to 17.2mc. The agility has likewise substantially improved, now rated at 176 MEUs over the Shrike’s previous respectable 110. This increased manoeuvrability gives the new Shrike a much-needed boost to its survivability.

Some of the extra mass was devoted to a new armoured skin of saiyvalyss manufacture. Rated at an Armour Integrity Capacity of 421TXq, it is relatively light for a cruiser of the Shrike’s size, but still gives a solid backstop to the Shrike’s existing 1600TXq shields.

The most notable change has been the removal of almost all the Shrike’s previous pint-defence systems. Only the two missile racks remain; as before, these are typically loaded with 48 Zephr Arrow point-defence missiles. Instead both short-and-long range lazer batteries have been replaced with roughly equal numbers of saiyvalyss blasters and syvri. This brings the Shrike’s total point-defence energy weapon output to 4470TXq, a boost of almost 150%. There is some cost in range – the Shrike’s previous long range lazer batteries had a larger engagement sphere of 7.4Ym³ compared to the 2.34Ym³ of the saiyvalyss blasters, but the lazers could only output 520TXq and massed twice as much. The Saiyvalyss systems have enough range to allow a greater separation than the standard elven point-defence lazers, which has been considered a good-trade off. While it might force the Shrike’s escorted craft to fly slightly closer, the massive amount of extra firepower will ensure that far less missiles will penetrate the screen.

The Shrike’s secondary armament is unchanged. The twin heavy lazer cannons have an accuracy envelope of 420 000km, and a combined output of 832TXq. This is supplemented by smaller batteries rated to 618TXw, provided all-aspect coverage at an accuracy envelope of 300 000km.

All-in-all, the new Shrike is considerably better at its job and is likely to survive to perform it much better, thus ensuring more elven vessels stay in the fight.

Falcon Aurë Destroyer

MMF (file) $0.80

Physical Print (2)
Only-Games £3.05
Shapeways $5.76
FDM £2.90

Falcon Sarn Destroyer

MMF (file) $0.80

Physical Print (2)
Only-Games £3.10
Shapeways $5.77
FDM £2.90

Falcon Rost Destroyer

MMF (file) $0.80

Physical Print (2)
Only-Games £3.10
Shapeways $5.97
FDM £2.90

The Falcon Class Destroyer has had a very long an illustrious history. The very first Falcon class destroyers date back to 1575, in the aftermath of the Dathedi War, being among the first generation of elven ships built under the unified banner of the newly-minted Royal Elven Kingdoms.

Over the past nearly eight centuries, the Falcon destroyer has significantly changed, with only the name and a rough similarity of shape in common between the first Falcons and the present.

The Falcon Destroyers of the previous century suffered from the lack of military innovation. Fundamentally a sound vessel, the Falcon struggled with being a little too generalised.

But when the first projects for the joint Royal Elven Navy and Saiyvalyss Alliance Kallvourassthi (lit. “night sky navy”) were discussed, the Falcon Destroyer was a natural fit. Sheer familiarity with the hull chassis and the expertise built up over centuries of use meant that the Falcon could be most easily adapted for a ground-up prototype. Many subsystems did not require changing, having already been optimised to perfection various configurations over the years. While the Saiyvali had more advanced hull techniques that would be of some benefit, producing a saiyvalyss hull would have required a completely new design and more extensive shipyards, compared to the comparatively lesser investment in systems.

The Falcon’s newest 2347 incarnation thus is serving as a test bed. Built on the tried-and-tested elven hull chassis, the Falcon’s engines have been replaced by more advanced saiyvalyss drives. These match and slightly exceed the Falcon’s previous specifications, bringing an acceleration of 16.9mc and 186 MEUs. This allowed an increase of 6% to the ships’ mass for a little over half the engine mass and volume, and the volume reduction also means the new Falcon is actually slightly sleeker too. A saiyvalyss-tech hyperdrive further increases the Falcon’s FTL speed by 17%.

The Falcon’s 1600TXq shields have been retained, as elven shield technology is superior, but they are now supplemented with saiyvalyss armour-plate rated at 420 TXq AIC for an additional layer of protection.

The sensor and communications systems have likewise been built to saiyvalyss standards, while superior elven secondary systems (towing tractors and teleporters) are retained.

The Falcon’s 1000TXq point-defence lasers have been removed. Additional mass saved from the new engines allowed them to be replaced with a more extensive system of saiyvalyss point-defence blasters and syvri, totalling a net 2210TXq output. With an engagement sphere of 2.34Ym³, more than double the lazer’s 1.1Ym³, the 2347 Falcon has doubled its point-defence capability for only a 50% increase of mass and volume.

The Falcon’s 500TXq spinal lazer cannon remains the centre piece of its anti-capital ship firepower. But with the other improvements, the Falcon’s remaining weapons payload is higher.

Three weapons configurations have been developed and are being tested.

The first configuration Aurë (sunlight), supplements the spinal cannon with two additional lazer cannons, bringing the net spinal weapon output to 1020TXq, over a 420 000km accuracy envelope. Four lazer batteries bring a total 416TXq output that can be brought over a similar range against a target at any aspect.

The Sarn (stone) configuration most closely matches the previous Falcon’s weapons load. Replacing the single elven 710TXq-yield torpedo tube is much more advanced saiyvalyss torpedo technology. Two twin tubes for both fore and rear can fire 920TXq-yield torpedoes, and fire at double the accuracy envelope at a staggering 1.2 million km; the much compact torpedoes also mean that the Falcon Sarn carries 120 torpedoes instead of 42. This makes is very much more effective as a torpedo vessel. The cost of this is that the all-aspect lazer batteries had to be downgraded to the older Falcon’s 309TXq systems with only a 300 000 km accuracy envelope.

The third configuration, Rost (rain) is a departure from the Falcon’s more typical role as a ship-of-the-line, becoming a missile vessel. The Rost carries the same all-aspect batteries as the Aurë, but the additional lazer cannons are replaced by a pair of missile pods. The initial test loadout has been 96 of the elven standard 230TXq-yield Starspear missiles, capable of being fired in bursts of twelve. The nature of the missile pods means they can be easily re-equipped on a per-mission basis, either with a like number of 224TXq-yield Striking Swallow long-range missiles or 216TXq-yield Zephr Arrow point-defence missile or even up to 112 of the Saiyvali’s more advanced missiles, the standard of which is the 250TXq-yield range.

The new Falcon is, perforce, significantly more expensive to produce, on account of the advanced technology. Even when full production lines are operational, it is expected that the resource cost alone is likely to increase by 27% to 85% over the older Falcon. However, the increase of offence and defence in considered well worth the extra expense.

The Falcons are still undergoing testing to iron out any problems – particularly stemming from the mixed technology, but it is likely that the 2347 Falcon may enter production by the end of the 2348.

Tiriech Escort Frigate

MMF (file) $0.80

Physical Print (4)
Only-Games £2.66
Shapeways $6.23
FDM £2.80

The Kindred Escort Frigate was the last purely elven starship design to be produced. It entered service in 2335, as part of the frantic refit efforts following the disastrous Dathedi incursion. The Kindred was intended to supplement the elven fleet point-defence vessels, aimed particularly for cruisers and larger vessels. The Kindred was centred on a large-scale ECM system. This was backed up with the same array of point-defence lazers as the Shrike, in a more compact hull and mobile hull. Its sublight drive characteristics allowed it to keep pace with all larger elven starships save the Kestrel. Other weaponry was limited, only providing a single torpedo tube with 24 torpedoes of 230TXq yield; this allowed it some sniping shots are range, but little else.

Nevertheless, the Kindred saw rapid deployment (partly to replace Shrike losses). It in fact first served the REN in an engagement with the Japanese Empire, where its ECM system were used offensively to mitigate JE cloaking systems and won the day for the elves.

An upgraded version was thus a logical choice for the third joint elven and saiyvalyss project. The Kindred was more heavily redesigned from scratch and became the Tiriech (guarding spear).

The Tiriech masses slightly less than the Kindred (by about 4%). One of the primary reasons was the removal of the torpedo launcher, regulating the Tiriech to a pure support role. The drive characteristics remain the same: 16mc and 182 MEUs, identical to the Kindred’s, though the Tiriech uses saiyvalyss drives that mass half as much. Like the other joint projects, the Tiriech uses the more advanced saiyvalyss hyperdrive, increasing its FTL transit speed by 16.67%.

As with its forebear, the Tiriech echoes its contemporary Shrike’s energy point-defence armament – in this case, the 2348 Shrike’s blaster and syvri armament, which gives the Tiriech the same output (4470TXq). The ECM system remains much the same, with only a few upgrades in areas where the saiyvalyss had some advantages.

The Tiriech uses some of the mass reductions to mount slightly sturdier shields. It still has no armour, but its shields are rated to 795TXq, a third again as much as the Kindred.

The resulting trade-offs make the Tiriech a much better vessel at its job, but while leaving some room left for the numerous Kindreds to not be completely overshadowed; indeed there is an a good argument for the Kindreds being freed up to take more of an offensive roll, and there is talk of a refit to remove the Kindred’s less mass-efficient long range lazer batteries for full capital lazers or possibly even missile racks.

 

Sicil Heavy Corvette

MMF (file) $0.80

Physical Print (4)
Only-Games £2.14
Shapeways $5.00
FDM £2.70

The Sicil is the last of the first batch of new generation elven ships to have been produced. Like the Hundasonda, the Sicil (dagger) is a totally new design, though one that owes much to earlier corvettes, notably the Sparrowhawk.

The Sicil is a close-attack strike vessel, intended to close to short range and attack point targets, taking advantage of the same light torpedo tubes that the Hundasonda uses.
To this end, the Sicil mounts eight light torpedo tubes, each loaded with a trio of 103TXq-yield Amhylathi torpedoes. This only gives it one or maybe two effective salvos, but even this is two-third the firepower of a typical bomber squadron.

Backing up the light torpedoes, the Sicil mounts an array of blaster point defence systems of saiyvalyss manufacture. These give a combined output of 1440TXq, giving the Sicil decent point-defence or a significant amount of firepower to add to any breeches the Amhylathi’s create.

The Sicil’s saiyvalyss engines are configured for evasion and mobility over acceleration. It boasts a rating of 290 MEUs in manoeuvrability. Its acceleration of 21.45mc is still extremely respectable, though less than what might be expected for the engine’s mass. The Sicil’s remaining defences are modest; only a thin unarmoured skin of 24TXq AIC rating covered by shields rated to 420TXq. Still, in concert with its agility, this is enough to protect it long enough to get it into attack range.

It is noteworthy that this sort of semi-sacrificial strike craft is more typical of saiyvalyss thinking than elven, and represents a shift in military philosophy towards the rather more typically aggressive style of the Saiyvalyss Alliance.

 

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Photos, as always, of Prusa versions.

Next month will see the start of three releases of the (much-overdue) Royal Elven Army, which will see us into March. After that, we’ll, it’s anybody’s guess… But I hear dark rumours that after their emergence three years ago, the Grand Terran Sovereign Republic has consolidated enough of its combined technology base to begin production of its own ships…

This will (hopefully!) be the last update of this year. So have a good Christmas (and/or appropriate holiday) and good New Year and thank you for bearing with me in the year that, for the Shipyards specifically, been roughest to date.

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