Starship Combat: i think we might be doing it wrong.

[Theconiel]

Suppose the science officer wants to scan another ship. S.O. has +14 Computers skill (+6 ranks, +5 INT, +3 class skill). Our ship has advanced sensors (+4) and a Mk 3 duonode computer (+3). Since scanning is a Computers check, both bonuses apply, so the net bonus is +21.

The other ship is a Tier 6 ship, with Mk 5 defenses, so the check is DC 21 (10+6+5).

S.O. rolls 14, so his score is 14+21=35.

S.O. exceeded the DC by 14, so we learn:

1. Basic Information (DC+0)
2. Defenses (DC+5)
3. Weapon (DC+10)

Would this use one of the two bonuses available from the duonode computer?

[breithauptclan]

Using the computer node or not is something that is decided on before rolling. So if you are adding the +3 from the computer bonus to the roll, then yes. It used one of the available bonuses from the computer.

If on the next round the science officer wants to scan a different ship or scan the same ship again, but a couple of someones else need to use the computer, then they could make the roll without the computer bonus and leave the computer available for the other players.

[Theconiel]

breithauptclan wrote:

Using the computer node or not is something that is decided on before rolling. So if you are adding the +3 from the computer bonus to the roll, then yes. It used one of the available bonuses from the computer.

If on the next round the science officer wants to scan a different ship or scan the same ship again, but a couple of someones else need to use the computer, then they could make the roll without the computer bonus and leave the computer available for the other players.

Oh. I thought the Mk 3 duonode meant +3 to any Computers check, and a +3 bonus to two additional checks.

[BigNorseWolf]

Pretty sure a constant bonus to scanning is the sensors

[Theconiel]

BigNorseWolf wrote:

Pretty sure a constant bonus to scanning is the sensors

Aye, but since the scan action is a Computers check, I thought the ship's computer bonus would figure in there also.

[Nefreet]

It does if you want it to.

[Theconiel]

Nefreet wrote:

It does if you want it to.

Well, if the GM wants it to.

[Nefreet]

No. You, as a player.

[BigNorseWolf]

He means you could stick the node bonus onto the scanner.

Which.. would be an aid another on an aid another. Probably not the best use of it vs just sticking it on the gun.

[Nefreet]

I always recommend it on the first round, at least, but then I'm a fan of learning everything you can about your enemy.

[BigNorseWolf]

Nefreet wrote:

I always recommend it on the first round, at least, but then I'm a fan of learning everything you can about your enemy.

I prefer the scientific method

Shoot them as many times as you can and see what happens!

[Hawk Kriegsman]

It should be pointed out the OP's original formula is incorrect.

Scanning another ship is 5 + (1.5 x enemy tier) + defenses.

The DC would be 19 (5 +9 +5)not 21.

["Dr." Cupi]

Based on the OPs original info...

Your science officer, without using any of the duonode will be +18 (character's computers skill mod, plus the sensors mod). If your S.O. chooses to use the duonode (they do not have to) they would then have a +21.