AGGRESSOR FLEET ZAYTSEV
I can theory craft all day and say whatever, but let's put it to the test. Here's a T3 sniper fleet, CON4, NRG4, Advancer, Poor Safety:
Retribution class Laser Frigate
1 Twist Drive
7 DHe Fusion Core (Refined)
3 Deuterium Drive (Refined)
1 Scanners
1 Gas Vents
8 Interceptors (Refined)
1 Microwave Beamer
4 Titanium Armor
1 Heavy Cladding
Cost: 146e (66e) / 50m / 109v / 0a / 0t / 54s
Size: 66 / Mass: 77 / IS: 7 / IP: 1
Range: 0 (2) / Power: 59 / Heat: -3
Init: 2 (10) / Dodge: -18 / Avoid: 0 / Armor: 21 / Shield: 1
EM Total Damage: 118L
Missile Total Damage: 8
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Righteous class Command Frigate
1 Twist Drive
7 DHe Fusion Core (Refined)
3 Deuterium Drive (Refined)
1 Recyclers
1 Hibernation Pods
1 Supply Section
1 Command Deck
1 Command Staff
1 Computer
2 Commlinks
1 Scanner
1 Gas Vents
4 Interceptors (Refined)
1 Plasma Shield
5 Titanium Armor
1 Heavy Cladding
Cost: 193e (87e) / 51m / 116v / 0a / 4t / 72s
Size: 75 / Mass: 77 / IS: 5 / IP: 1
Range: 2 / Power: 46 / Heat: -5
Init: 4 (12) / Dodge: -18 / Avoid: 0 / Armor: 27 / Shield: 18
Missile Total Damage: 4
Init Bonus to Fleet: 8
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Code:
[b]AGGRESSOR FLEET ZAYTSEV[/b]
[b][u]NAME PRICE # COST[/b][/u]
[i]Retribution[/i] class 146e 3x 438e
[i]Righteous[/i] class 193e 1x 134e
[b]TOTAL 631/600e[/b]
[b]Other Costs:[/b] 201m / 443v / 0a / 4t / 126s
[b]Refined Costs:[/b] 1000e / 350s
It's a bit over on e, and v is modestly high but m and s are really cheap, and it's less ridiculous than assuming CON5 size limits with T3/4 junk in it, so let's roll with it.
This is a relatively low-tech, deep raid fleet of up to IS 5 striking range. It shows up at a respectable range and starts frying whatever it sees of value. If someone spams Missiles at it, it spams Interceptors back. If a bunch of tiny ships manage to reach it and try and board or whatever, it leaves while they're on the way. This is all about doing damage and bugging out before anyone can do anything about it.
The force-advantage you gain by slagging enemy HVTs gives you the breathing space to build more of these and then come back and do it again, with increasing effectiveness each time, with little chance of meaningful retribution.
I will be very shocked if this is easily countered without some sneaky EW shenanigans against the
Righteous class or some ridiculous boarding ship swarms, in which case you can still just leave.