Build:Science Systems

8.24 Science Systems

Cost: Varies

Star Fleet is, first and foremost, an exploratory and research organization. Most of its ships come equipped with an impressive array of sophisticated laboratories, scientific instruments, and related technology. In many cases this equipment not only allows scientists and researchers to do their jobs, it actually makes their jobs easier.

To represent its scientific equipment and resources, every ship has a Science rating. Some Science ratings represent technology and systems so advanced that they grant Test Result bonuses to any Science skill Test made with them (this would include analyzing sensor data, but not operating the sensors themselves). The accompanying table indicates the SU cost and effects of the various Science ratings. A second table provides a separate listing for the number of laboratories a ship has, which cost SUs; every 5 labs (or portion thereof) provides a +1 (Note: not 5!) bonus to Skill Tests. The third table details the usual numbers of labs per ship, based upon class. The designer of the ship can specify what’s in each lab (perhaps leaving some unspecified for special missions) if he wants to.

(Klingon: Compared to other species’ vessels, Klingon ships have relatively low science ratings and relatively primitive research facilities. While the Klingons recognize the value of science, they prefer to perform their experiments on dedicated scientific ships. Ships meant for fighting should fight, not spend a week analyzing the stellar anomalies of the Bre’thak Cluster!)

Tables

Table 8.24a:
Science Ratings

Science Rating	SU	Effect	Year	Notes
1	5 + Size	+0	1989	Scouts, escorts, runabouts, shuttles
2	10 + Size	+5	2198	Frigates, cruisers
3	15 + Size	+10	2245	Explorers, science and medical ships
4	20 + Size	+15	2301	Most advanced science and medical ships

Table 8.24b:
Labs

Number Labs	SU
0	0
1 – 10	2
11 – 20	4
21 – 30	6
31 – 40	8
41 – 50	10
51 – 60	12
61 – 70	14

*Note: +5 bonus to Skill Tests for every 5 (or portion) labs.

Table 8.24c:
Average Quantity of Labs

Ship Type	Avg # Per Size*
Courier	0 – 1
Cruiser	1 – 4
Escort	1 – 3
Explorer	2 – 6
Frigate	1 – 3
Medical	3 – 6
Research	3 – 7
Scout	0 – 1
Surveyor	2 – 6
Transport	0 – 1

*Note: Light, Fast, and Heavy versions within each class tend to have fewer laboratories.

Table 8.24d:
Average Quantity of Labs (Romulan)

Ship Type	Avg # Per Size
Bird of Prey	1 - 3
Courier	0 – 1
Cruiser	2 – 4
Dreadnought	2 - 7
Frigate	1 – 3
Gunship	1 - 2
Medical	3 – 6
Research	3 – 7
Scout	0 – 1
Starbird	2 - 6
Surveyor	2 – 5
Transport	0 – 1
Warbird	1 - 4

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SFC Technology Index

Science System ratings represent more of a scientific capacity than a standardized or branded system. As such, Science Systems have no index.

Construction Rules Index

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