Captain Larraq
Capitalist
Credit: Farscape
Intent: To bring a favorite ship design into the Star Wars setting and possibly to create a PC version of a Sentient Bio-Mechanical ship.
Development Thread: Mesen'loras Campaign
Act 01: What once was lost...
Act 02: What the feth am I reading?
Act 03: Work Opportunity
Act 04: I need an adult
Act 05: Understanding gibberish
Act 06: Needle in a haystack
Act 07: I need a sample
Act 08: Engineering Perfection
Act 09: Out of our League
Act 10: The first of many
Act 11: BORN TO BE WILD
Act 12: Finishing touches
Act 02: What the feth am I reading?
Act 03: Work Opportunity
Act 04: I need an adult
Act 05: Understanding gibberish
Act 06: Needle in a haystack
Act 07: I need a sample
Act 08: Engineering Perfection
Act 09: Out of our League
Act 10: The first of many
Act 11: BORN TO BE WILD
Act 12: Finishing touches
PRODUCTION INFORMATION
Manufacturer: Mandal Hypernautics
Model: Prowler-class Mesen'loras
Affiliation: Mandal Hypernautics
Modularity: Minor cybernetic and genetic variations
Production: Semi-Unique
Who Can Use This: Each must be submitted as a named NPC or made into a PC.
(If submitted as a named NPC, limiting it to PC piloted only is encouraged)
Material:
Spine and Frame: Iron-Calcium Bones and Struts
Interior Hull: Bio-Organic Flesh, Wires, Veins, Arteries
Interior Hull: Laminanium-Enhanced Wires, Circuitry, and Support Systems
Outer Hull: Iron-Calcium Carapace
Armor Plating: 3cm Beskar Plates
Viewports: Transparisteel-reinforced transparent membranes
Durasteel Shutters over Viewports
Durasteel Plated Weapon Turrets and Turret Mountings
DESCRIPTION
Fully sentient, the Prowler-class Mesen'loras is a Bio-Mechanical starship designed to be the ultimate organism. Unfortunately, its intelligence and mannerisms are equated to that of a moody teenager. Designed by Mandal Hypernautics and their genetic subsidiary, Auron Helix, the Prowler is a revolutionary bio-ship unlike anything seen before. It is a conglomeration of Quella, Charon, and Yuuzhan Vong bio-engineering and cybernetically augmented by Mandal Hypernautics engineers.
The bio-ship is propelled similarly to Yuuzhan Vong Coral Ships. The creature was engineered to possess a cluster of symbiotic Dovin Basal Biot's organized into a Neuroengine that serves as a type of organ for the Prowler. This Neuroengine, like all the symbiotic and cybernetic enhancements worked into this creature, is linked directly into the central nervous system of the bio-ship and is usable to the creature like any other part of its body. With this 'organ', a Prowler is effectively able to drag itself through space without the need for mechanical thrusters or conventional fuel. Unlike the Yuuzhan Vong Coral Ships, however, the Prowler is significantly more agile.
The tail of the ship, along with the port and starboard nacelle, ends in an organic structure engineered to function identically to an Etheric Rudder. The few pilots who have attempted direct control of a Prowler have described the design as “driving a front wheel drive vehicle with rear wheel handling.” While pilots typically find the experience awkward, the bio-ship is capable of extremely agile movements for a ship of its size. That, combined with the unique nature of the propulsion system, makes targeting the ship annoyingly difficult. Gunners and commanders alike have complained that “It just doesn't move right.” after attempting to engage a Prowler in testing operations.
The Prowler is capable of performing a natural hyperspace jump via a technique refered to as a 'starburst.' The exact nature of this ability is unknown or simply not fully understood to any but the Quellan scientist that studied the recovered Charon data. Though the technique seems to produce a less accurate hyperspace travel than conventional means, the Prowler and its Navibrain seems to have an instinctual understanding of how to travel to their intended destination. While the added benefit of being harder to track and detect than the hyperspace travels of conventional ships, there are other limitations to the technique. For starters, starbursting is rather exhausting for the bio-ship. A Prowler can only sustain a single starburst for long enough to travel a single galactic unit (one hex) at a time. Upon returning to realspace, a Prowler will then have to rest for twelve to fifteen minutes to recover its strength before making another jump. If particularly exhausted, it could take as long as twenty or thirty minutes. Moreover, it takes the bio-ship several minutes to find a hyperspace route that 'feels right' for a starburst. Humanoid crew can aid the bio-ship in this regard by providing secondary telemetry and using existing star charts, but the end result is a means of travel that is statistically slower and less reliable than traditional travel.
A starburst is significantly harder to detect via traditional sensors and biological sensors alike, which allows a Prowler-class Bio-mechanical ship to enter or exit a system with little fear of detection. Similarly, its audio, radio, radiation, heat, and electronic emissions are significantly lower than a similar ship of its size, making it a difficult ship to detect at all. This natural advantage is further augmented by a coating of sensor dampening Reflec polymer added to the armor of the ship. Sound dampening systems, organic thermal regulators, degaussing techniques, and a Gravitic Modulator further enhance the passive stealth of this ship and make it extremely hard to detect on sensors. The one area where the Prowler suffers in overall stealth capability is when it comes to gravimetric sensors. The nature of its propulsion systems cause the Prowler to register as a ship ten times its actual size on gravimetric sensors. A technique used by the Prowler and her crew to counter this vulnerability is to accelerate to optimal speeds while still well outside standard sensor ranges and then 'coast' the rest of the way forward, using the ship's Etheric Rudders to maneuver.
The Prowler organism is naturally encased in a thick carapace that is as resilient as durasteel, but significantly lighter. Seeking to further augment the ship that would prove Mandal Hypernautics' superiority in shipbuilding, CEO Rygel Larraq ordered each ship to be further enhanced with sections of 3 centimeter thick Beskar plates as armor. These plates of Beskar are extraordinarily thin by comparison to standard starship plating, but are designed to function in conjunction with the creature's own carapace as a form of composite armor.
The Prowler Bio-ship is capable of naturally emitting its own Hydrostatic shield around itself. This shield, similar to the Gungan Shield Generator, is capable of protecting the ship from radiation and other environmental hazards of space just as well as energy based weaponry, and protects the bio-ship from the effects of the Dovin Basal symbiots that propel it through space. When assaulted by energy based weaponry, the shield deflects the attack, instead of simply stopping or absorbing it as other shields would. While this typically results in a ricochet-type effect, it is possible for direct hits to be deflected back onto the firing ship at point-blank ranges.
The Prowler cannot maintain this shield indefinably though and will eventually fail as all starship shields do under heavy combat. For that reason, and due to the Hydrostatic shield's inability to effect projectile weaponry, standard deflector shields have been cybernetically grafted onto the bio-ship. These shields are standard strength for a ship of its size and can be controlled by the ship itself or the crew.
A naturally occurring symbiote of the organism, two Yuuzhan Vong Plasma Cannons grow on the outer edges of the left and right nacelle. These symbioic organisms are directly connected to the nervous system of the bio-ship and can be controlled by the ship. Augmenting this weaponry is a cybernetically attached Heavy Proton Cannon placed on the forward dorsal section of the ship. This weapon is likewise connected to the ship's central nervous system via cybernetic means. Between the two nacelle and the main hull are two forward facing Heavy Proton Torpedo tubes that must be loaded and fired by the crew of the bio-ship.
The two naturally occurring Plasma Cannons each ejected a flaming, magma-like projectile at high speeds towards a target. This projectile could cause kinetic damage to enemy ships and could actually alter the trajectory of smaller targets, such as fighters, bombers, and similar escort craft. Similarly, these magma-like projectiles tended to stick to the hulls of the ships they impact causing prolonged thermal damage to shields and electronics, as well as prolonged damage to armor plating and overall hull integrity. These weapons had a slower rate of fire when compared to traditional turbolasers or mass-drivers, but packed a significantly larger punch per hit.
The cybernetically attached Proton Cannon was of a heavier caliber and design than the models frequently installed on ground vehicles. Like most weapons of its classification, the weapon was designed to pierce the shields of Heavy Cruiser and Light Star Destroyer class starships, penetrate the armor, and explode within the hull itself. While it was not always successful in this regard, as the relative power of certain advanced shield or armor systems could prevent penetration at certain ranges and angles, the weapon was powerful enough to threaten nearly any ship at point blank ranges. Though the weapon was dangerous and deadly, the single cannon was often not enough to outright destroy Heavy Cruiser and larger ships. It was, however, ideal for causing critical damage to vital components and forcing an opposing starship to withdraw or 'bleed out'.
Each of the primary turrets is capable of retracting into the hull when not in use. The two Plasma Cannons are capable of firing forward, port and starboard respectively, ventral of the ship, dorsal of the ship, and behind the ship to a limited extent. A blind spot exists directly behind the ship, and point blank targets above or below the ship are also in blind spots. The Proton Cannon is capable of firing forward, to port and starboard, above the ship, and has a limited line of fire behind the ship. The Proton Cannon is also unable to fire directly behind the ship.
Though the Prowler is equipped with a number of Dovin Basal's, its use of them is limited and the biological targeting brain of the ship is unable to effectively use these symbiotic creatures to their full effect as a means of point defense. To augment this, four Mandal Hypernautics Automated Gun Platforms have been attached at key external points to provide point defense for the bio-ship. Two are placed on the port and starboard forward dorsal section, near the Proton Cannon. One is placed on the rear dorsal section, opposite the Proton Cannon. The final turret is located centrally on the ventral side. These turrets are automated and are activated or deactivated by the crew of the ship. The rear facing turret is the only weapon capable of firing directly behind the ship. The ventral turret is the only weapon capable of firing directly below the ship at close ranges.
The range of effect for the Prowler's Dovin Basal's is significantly shorter than that of its Yuuzhan Vong counterpart. This doesn't stop the bio-ship from attempting to use them in combat when the time arises. Unfortunately, they typically only cause about as much shield distortion as a battery of Ion Cannons. The largest impact the Dovin Basal's have on opposing ships is actually quite unintended . Ships in close proximity to a Prowler that is actively accelerating or adjusting its heading with its Dovin Basal's (including friendly ships) are unable to safely jump to hyperspace due to the gravity distortions.
While engaged in testing, it was discovered that the Prowler's organic sensors and targeting systems were immune to the effects of Mandal Hypernautics electronic warfare techniques. It is believed that this immunity is the result of the poorly understood manner in which Yuuzhan Vong Biot's detect opposing spaceships. Due to this, it is now believed that the electronic signals produced by Mandal Hypernautics' Electronic Warfare modules are completely ineffective against Yuuzhan Vong ships and is theorized that 'Vong Sensing Nodules utilize a form of gravimetric or magnetimetric detection to identify targets. Though they could just as likely use sound or smell to detect other ships.
The Prowler is capable of emitting smaller, weaker Hydrostatic Shields similar to Gungan Personal Energy Shield as a means of preventing atmospheric decompression or the spread of poison gas. Also engineered into the bio-ship are a number of small, anti-personnel grade plasma cannons that retract into the ceiling of the ship's hallways. There are two such internal defense cannons on the bridge, pilot's den, cargo hold, hanger, and in the primary reactor compartment. A few dozen such turrets are placed elsewhere throughout the ship, typically at junctions and air-locks.
The bridge of the ship is a network of cybernetic and bio-engineered systems. Computers and viewscreens rest side-by-side with Qahsa Biocomputers, Targeting Brains, Navibrains, and other organic constructs. While there are numerous stations organized throughout the bridge for crew to operate, the Prowler is capable of operating fully without the oversight of a crew of humanoids. Or so it likes to think. In reality, most bridge officers have years of training and experience that can greatly benefit the Prowler in peace and combat. Nestled to the port of the bridge is the pilot's den where a Cognition Throne resides. From here, a pilot or commander can interface directly with the ship and assume control of the ship's systems. A Prowler is capable of contesting an unwanted commander through strength of will, but will more often than not simply shoot the unwanted commander with the two plasma cannons recessed into the ceiling of the pilot's den.
The cybernetic and other mechanical adornments to the Prowler are all powered in the same way that the organism sustains itself. Nestled deep in the heart of the ship is... A heart. Of sorts. The organ is referred to as a Bio-reactor and provides all the energy the bio-ship needs to function. Grafted to this bioreactor is a thermal generator that uses the excess heat created by the organ to power the cybernetic systems of the ship.
The ship requires no true fuel. Instead, the ship simply needs to occasionally spend a period of time close to a star or gas giant. While in close proximity to one of these stellar bodies, the Prowler will absorb radiation given off by the celestial body as sustenance. This can occasionally be dangerous if the bio-ship gets too close to the gas giant or star. Should the ship get too close to a gas giant, it may find itself unable to escape the intense gravity of the planet and sink to its death. A Prowler that ventures too close to a star will suffer shield failure and burn to death long before the strength of the object's gravity overwhelms what the ship is capable of producing with its Neuroengines.
The Prowler includes genetic sequences from Firaxan Sharks and numerous other organisms. This has left the Mesen'loras with the ability to secrete its own Kolto supply. This Kolto is produced in response to injury and speeds along the healing process, enabling the creature to heal in days what would otherwise take weeks or months to heal. Structures similar to tear ducts connects the organs responsible for Kolto secretion to the medical bay of the ship, allowing the medical staff aboard the ship access to a vast quantity of Kolto to aid medical emergencies. Supporting the biological healing aspect of the Prowler, Laminanium has been worked into much of the internal circuitry to allow the cybernetic systems of the Prowler to heal at roughly the same rate as its organic structures. However, there is only so much science and engineering can do. To that extent, a colony of Dedicated Repair Droids live within the bio-ship and exist solely to repair and protect the Prowler. Though these droids operate independently, the bio-ship is capable of limited communication with the droids via the ship's Oggzil communicator organ.
To support the crew that the bio-ship is intended to house, the Prowler hosts a unified Medical and Science bay that is stocked with 12 Athakam II Medical Units, 2 FX-10 Medical Assistant Droids, 1 MD-10 Medical Specialist Droids, 1 2-1B Surgical Specialist Droids, 1 Bio-agent Test Droid, 3 S2R(A) Science Droids, and numerous other Medical Devices and medicines.
To further support whatever missions the crew would find themselves on, a sophisticated Brig has been included in the Prowler design. Twelve cells with inhibition fields are kept in a bay with only one entrance that is defended by two of the internal defense plasma cannons. Though there are numerous air ducts and access hatches through the room, just like all other areas of the ship, these ducts and alternate routes are designed so that nothing larger than a DRD can pass through them.
STRENGTHS
+ Does not require conventional fuel
+ Will self-repair over time
+ Fully Sentient (Not as impressive as a Mechanical starship with a built-in Battle AI)
+ Extremely durable armor
+ 2x shield systems, one of which causes energy weapons to 'deflect'
+ Powerful primary cannon allows it to contend with much larger targets than itself
+ Exotic biological and biomechanical sensors and transceivers are hard to effect with Ewar
+ Extremely hard to detect
+ Fast for a ship of its size
+ Extremely agile for a ship of its size
WEAKNESSES
- Limited fire-arcs
- When using Dovin Basal's, highly visible on Gravimetric / CGT sensors
- Captain does not actually control ship, merely 'makes suggestions' that it may or may not follow
- Extremely limited number in existence
- Purchase cost is nearly as expensive as a Star Destroyer
- Ship feels pain when injured and will become less compliant to Captain's requests
- When in pain or duress, personality traits become exaggerated (Curious becomes Skittish and Naive becomes Brave when injured)
Pick one of the following Personality Traits
- Skittish personality causes ship to fear conflict and seek to flee, escape, and hide when in danger (even against the captain's wishes)
- Brave personality causes ship to encourage fighting and want to engage targets when it should escape (even civilian targets)
- Curious personality causes ship to want to get close to new planets, ships, and hazardous locations regardless of the dangers
- Naive personality causes ship to ignore the warnings of its Captain and disregard threats, hazards, poor maneuvering choices, exc
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Classification: Balanced Corvette
Role: Stealth Recon, Strike Recon,
Height: 30 meters
Width: 70 meters [min] - 90 meters [max]
Length: 150 meters
Power Core Generator/Reactor: Bioreactor and Thermal coupling
Hyperdrive Rating: Class 0.6
Minimum Crew: 6
Optimal Crew: 42
Passenger Capacity: 58
Cargo Capacity: 500 tons
Consumables: 10 Months
Maneuverability Rating: Class 5 (2.5 on old guide)
Speed Rating: Class 7 (3.5 on old guide)
NON-COMBATIVE ATTACHMENTS
Sensor Dampener
Gravitic Modulator
Passive Camouflage
Thermal Dissipater: Lorqh Membranes
Advanced Sensory Array: Sensing Nodule, Life Form Indicator,
Standard Targeting Systems: Targeting Brain
Advanced Navigational Systems: Navibrain
Advanced Communications Systems: Oggzil Villip Communication Organisms
Encryption Network
Standard Life Support Systems
Advanced Shielding Systems: Hydrostatic Shields
Advanced Armor
Advanced Security Systems: Internal Lifeform Scanner, Internal Heat-pit Sensor,
Science / Medical Bay
Detention Cells
Qahsa Biocomputers
Glow Lichens
Port and Starboard Umbilical Docking Tubes
Ventral Force Cylinder
NAVIGATION / PROPULSION
“Starburst” Biological Capability
Navibrain
Neuroengines
Triple Etheric Rudders
Inertial Compensator
Cognition Throne
ARMAMENT (Balanced: 8 Capital /4 Warhead /6 Point Defense)
Dorsal Heavy Proton Cannon (4c)
Port and Starboard Heavy Plasma Cannons (4c)
Port and Starboard Heavy Proton Torpedo Tubes (4w)
Point-Defense Emplacements (4d)
Defensive Dovin Basal (2d)
HANGER
Room for up to 8 Launch Craft
(Fighters and Bombers take up one slot)
(Shuttles and Dropships take up two slots)
(Light Freighters and Patrol Craft take up four slots)
WARNING! Do not attempt Starburst while docked.
