Spaceships

Size

Size determines things like the ship’s Hull score, its needed and average crew complements, and its capacity for certain utilities.

Size	Length	Hull	Crew min	Crew avg	Example
Tiny	5m	1	1	2	Breaching Pod
Small	10m	1d3	1	2	Shuttle, skiff
Medium	25m	1d6	2	4	Ship's boat, dropship
Large	50m	2d6	4	16	Frigate
Huge	100m	3d6	16	64	Destroyer
Gigantic	250m	4d6	64	512	Cruiser
Colossal	500m	5d6	256	2048	Battleship
Titanic	1km+	6d6	1024	8192	Conly gerneration-ship

Hull

A ship’s Hull measures its overall structural strength.

Crew

The ships min crew indicates the crew size required to run the ship efficiently. If the crew does not meet the min, add a -2 modifier for each category drop.

Crew Competence

For ships crew by NPCs, ability test bonuses are determined by the crew competence.

Competence	Bonus
Incompetent	0
Poor	1
Average	2
Capable	3
Skilled	4
Elite	5

Drive

Even at a high-g burn, regular breaks must be taken for the crew to attend to their biological needs and recover, which means that ships must have stores of food, water, air, medicine, and other consumables in proportion to the crew and the distance the ship plans to travel.

An Epstein Drive plume is visible and detectable over a considerable distance, meaning a ship on the burn is fairly easy to track.

The plume itself is capable of reducing any matter in it down to its constituent atoms, and firing a drive in close proximity to a station, an asteroid, or another ship can cause considerable damage.

Sensors

A ship’s Sensors score measures the overall effectiveness of this equipment, on a range from –2 to 6 or more.

Weapons

While civilian ships are unarmed, military and security craft have a variety of weapons, as do some pirates and similar illegal ships.

Types of weapons:

Grapplers
Point defence cannons (PBCs)
Rail Guns
Torpedoes

Countermeasures

Most ships also have defensive countermeasures packages used to help keep enemies from targeting them:

Communications arrays can broadcast cycling bursts of radio static across commonly used frequencies to jam communications, and at close enough range
Communications lasers can be used to try and blind enemy targeting optics
Physical chaff can be ejected into space between the ship and enemies, spreading out clutter to interfere with targeting lasers or radar.

Qualities and flaws

Qualities

Quality	Effect
Acceleration, Improved	The ship can accelerate faster. When performing a high-g maneuver, the ship can add a bonus of up to +7. The ship also gets a +1 to the Piloting test when attempting to increase or decrease range. Additional applications of this bonus can be taken, which increases the high-g maneuver bonus by 1 for each, up to a maximum of +9. Each additional level also grants another +1 to the Piloting test to increase range, up to a maximum of +3.
Advanced Sensor Package	+1 increase in Sensors score for each time this quality is applied. Sensors score usually maxes out at 6, unless the GM chooses to make an exception.
Agile	Only ships of Small or Medium size can take this quality. The ship is extremely nimble and able to maneuver easier than other ships. The ship gets a +1 to Evasion tests and any other Piloting tests that require maneuverability. Additional applications can be taking which grant an additional +1 up to a maximum of +3. A ship must be designed and built to have this capability. It cannot be added later.
Altered Transponder Code	The ship has access to or use of an altered transponder code, allowing it to appear as another ship with a different name and point of origin. This can provide a way around any number of prob lems that might arise in the course of a vessel’s life. It should be noted that changing a transponder code is highly illegal. MCRN ships are designed as such so that if the transponder code is altered without the proper access codes the ship self-destructs.
Atmosphere Capable	The ship can operate in a planetary atmosphere for limited periods of time and is capable of landing. Generally, a ship must be designed and built to have this capability. It cannot be added later.
Communication Systems, Advanced	The ship’s communications systems, both tightbeam and radio array, have an increased bandwidth that results in shorter relay times, although lightspeed still dictates the minimum transmis sion time of interplanetary communications. The advanced communications system can also send and receive encrypted messages and provide a private network for all inbound and outbound comm traffic. It can even break through some jamming frequencies. Flagships often have advanced communications systems so that they can better organize attacks. The SP cost for any Fleet Command Stunts is reduced by 1.
Disguise	The ship has been disguised in some way to conceal its true provenance or purpose. While not as effec tive as stealth, Disguise combined with an Altered Transponder Code, may allow a ship to pass inspection if those looking don’t know what they’re looking for. This can counter the Wanted flaw (see the Spaceships chapter of The Expanse RPG) or similar difficulties but is not meant as a permanent solution to either.
Drone Bay	The ship has at least two drones for combat, visual reconnaissance, or repair. These can be remote controlled by crewmembers who can pilot them or by a computer system.
Emergency Batteries	All ships have batteries that allow them to run life support and maneuvering thrusters (although not the Epstein drive) even when the engines are offline for a limited period—usually less than a week depending how much power is used. Emergency batteries allow a ship to operate for months without reactor power.
Flagship	Flagships are the leaders to fleets and are often on the front line and the hub of command and communi cations in battle. During the Command step of space combat, the flagship generates an additional 2 SP and can give any of their generated SP to allied ships. This SP is added to any SP generated by that ship during its Command step.
Good Juice	+2 bonus on Constitution (Stamina) tests against high-acceleration manoeuvres.
Gourmet Galley	The ship has an extensive galley capable of turning out extravagant meals that are well-balanced and nutritious, and nutritious. It also has a high-quality coffee (and beverage) maker that makes a cup of coffee as good as any found on Earth. The crew has a +1 bonus to a Constitution or Willpower test once per session when they have regular access. Maintaining this quality requires adding +1 to the Resupply Cost to maintain the ship (see Resupply in Chapter 1 of this book). The crew can eliminate this cost by losing this quality.
Hanger Bay	Carrying ships totalling up to three or more Size categories smaller than it. Contains all of the necessary equipment for maintenance.
Hidden Compartments	Designed for smuggling or otherwise concealing cargo from inspections or borders.
Hull Platting	+1 bonus when determining its Hull total against damage. Have multiple times, up to a maximum equal to its Hull score in dice.
Improved Stores	Capable of stocking supplies for extended travel for its crew and a number of passengers equal to half its optimal crew listing.
Luxury Amenities	Especially fine or luxurious accommodations. Adds +1 to the Lifestyle Cost to maintain the ship Contributes to reputations
Manoeuvrable	Considered one Size category smaller than its actual Size for tests to change range, to evade attacks, and for chases. Highly Manoeuvrable -> effectively two Size categories smaller.
Medical Expert System	auto doc provides treatment character with the Intelligence (Medicine) focus with a +2 bonus. Additional applications -> +1 bonus per option to a maximum of +5.
Network and Database Access, Improved	In addition to the public access databases and local networks, the ship has improved and private access to more advanced stores and databanks of information. Using this terminal can give a +1 bonus to any advanced Intelligence (Current Affairs or Research) test made on board.
Plasma Torpedoes	The ship must have a Torpedo Launcher. The ship is equipped with plasma torpedoes, designed to burn through hulls and inflict focused damage. The torpedo does 4d6 damage, and when a 1 or 2 is rolled for damage, it is counted as a 3.
Rail Gun, High-Charge	The ship must be at least Large Size. These rail guns fire with a higher thrust than stan dard issue rail guns, and the slugs are supercharged to do extra damage when they impact with hulls. The rail gun does 3d6 damage, but when a 1 or 2 is rolled for damage, it is counted as a 3.
Rapid Reload Torpedo Tubes	The ship can reload torpedoes at a faster than normal rate. SP cost to use the Rapid Reload Command Stunt is reduced by 1.
Reduced Crew Requirements	The ship has optimized controls to allow it to be manned by a smaller crew. Halve the crew requirement for the ship (with a minimum of 1)
Reliable	The ship is particularly dependable: it works the way it’s supposed to when its crew needs it to, and its upkeep is minimal. Though the crew still must dedicate activities to Maintenance during Interludes, the GM should reduce the Resupply Cost of maintaining the ship by 2.
Redundant Hull (Double)	A double hull provides a redundant barrier against the vacuum—usually by a few to several feet—in case the outer hull is damaged. This is standard on most Martian military ships. The ship can ignore the f irst loss condition imposed in an encounter. See Losses in the Spaceships chapter of The Expanse RPG.
Redundant Hull (Triple)	For maximum redundancy, the ship has a triple hull design. Less common than the Double Hull, this is primarily a feature of the yachts of the obscenely wealthy. The ship can ignore the first two loss conditions imposed in an encounter. See Losses under Space Combat in the Spaceships chapter of The Expanse RPG.
Repair Facilities	The ship has built-in facilities that can repair damage taken to other ships. Most standard losses can be repaired by a ship with repair facilities. To be able to repair serious losses, the ship must also have the Hanger Bay Quality and the ship to be repaired must be able to fit into the hanger bay.
Security Systems, Advanced	The ship’s security systems and associated software are technologically advanced, providing a +1 bonus to crew Security or Technology tests involving the ship. Additional applications of this quality provide the crew with an additional +1 bonus per option, to a maximum of +5.
Self-destruct system	Programmed to drop the containment on the ship’s fusion reactor. Countdown or a dead-man’s switch
Sensor Scrambling	When an enemy is within Medium or closer range, they suffer -1 to all Sensors tests.
Stealth	While the ship is at rest, with its drive inactive and using only passive sensors, it is effectively invisible and undetectable to ship sensors.
Stealth, Improved	Protogen stealth technology is more advanced than anything currently used by the UNN and the MCRN. Not only is this ship completely invisible to sensors when its engines are shut off, but heat sinks and other advanced technology make this ship harder to target, giving all enemy ships a -2 to all Electronic Warfare tests.
Sturdy	The ship is well built and can take more damage than expected for a ship of its size. The Hull receives a +2 to its value: for example, a Sturdy Large frigate would have a Hull score of 2d6+2 rather than the usual 2d6. A ship must be designed and built to have this capability. It cannot be added later.
Targeting Systems, Advanced	The ship has a +1 bonus to the Sensors score for Electronic Warfare tests.
Ultraluxury Amenities	The ship is an ultraluxury vessel with accommodations that would not be out of place in any seven-star resort—full decks given over to sumptuously decorated quarters with staffed galleys, private baths, and lounges—all the best money can buy. And it does cost money: this quality adds +4 to the Resupply Cost to maintain the ship (see the Resupply Cost table in Chapter 1 of this book). The crew can eliminate the increase to Cost by losing this quality, but the ship will not function as it is meant to; it would be somewhat like trying to run a fancy hotel without a staff.
Weapons - PBCs	One quality -> cover to forward arc Two qualities -> full coverage
Weapons - Rail Gun	Must be at least Medium-sized Spinal-mounted -> forward or rear firing position Large or larger ships -> two rail guns (one in each direction) Gigantic or larger ship -> rail guns on turrets half-spherical range of fire on one side of the ship.
Weapons - Torpedo Launcher	Medium-sized -> 1 torpedo launcher Additional Size category -> adds capacity for one launcher

Flaws

Flaw	Effect
Aging	The ship is still in good shape but getting older, so it requires extra work to keep flying at its best. The GM should require additional Maintenance, Researching, and/or Fixing activities during Interludes (see Interludes in Chapter 5: Game Play of The Expanse RPG) and increase the Resupply Cost of by +1 to represent the additional mate rials needed for minor upkeep and repairs.
Bad Juice	–1 penalty to Constitution tests involving acceleration hazards.
Banned from Port	The ship has been banned from a major port for some reason—warranted or unwarranted. It could be due to substandard maintenance, disturbing the peace, or worse. This flaw should be paired with a specific port in Sol System and can be picked up during gameplay at GM’s discretion.
Faulty System	The first use of the system in an encounter roll a die: - 1 or 2 -> system stops working, just like a loss due to damage.
Fragile	Reduce its Hull score to that of the Size category one below the ship’s Size.
High Maintenance	Require additional Maintenance activities and increase the Lifestyle Cost of maintaining the ship by +1.
Limited Range	The ships does not carry enough reaction mass for long distance travel using its Epstein drive. Such ships usually have a range of about 1 AU (the distance of earth to the Sun or, roughly, earth to Mars and back).
Lumbering	Considered one Size category larger for manoeuvring tests.
Old	The ship is old—between fifty years and a century’s service in space—and nothing works like it did when it was brand new. The GM should require additional Maintenance, Researching, and Fixing activities during Interludes (see Interludes in Chapter 5: Game Play of The Expanse RPG) and increase the Resupply Cost of by +2 to represent the additional materials needed for minor upkeep and repairs
Poor Acceleration	The ship does not accelerate as fast as others of its Size. When performing a high-g manoeuvre, the ship can only add a bonus up to +5 (rather than the usual +6). The ship also suffers a -1 to the Piloting test when attempting to increase or decrease range. This Flaw can be taken up to six times, making the high-g manoeuvre bonus 0 and applying a -6 penalty to Piloting tests when attempting to increase or decrease range.
Poor Amenities	Recovering activities on board take 50% longer.
Software Glitch	The ship has a glitch in the software that has been missed by updates and system scans, making it vulnerable to hacking. It is at a -1 penalty in all opposed Electronic Warfare tests (see Space Combat in the Spaceships chapter of The Expanse RPG for details)
Thrusters Only	The ship is only intended for short trips between planet and moon or station to station and not equipped with an Epstein drive. It limits the ship’s speed to up to 1 g until otherwise modified and takes a considerable amount of time to get up to this speed.
Uncomfortable	Crewmembers find the ship’s space, furniture, and facilities inconvenient to use due to size constraints. Either these are too small, in the case of a pre-Belter era design, or too large, in the case of being designed specifically for Belters only, for some members of the crew. For applicable crewmembers, this will create a -1 penalty to all ship-related actions
Vulnerable Systems	When the ship takes losses, choose an additional loss condition
Vulnerability	The ship has a weakness in the exterior (hull, hangar, cargo bay, etc.) that could be breached for boarding or worse. Anyone scanning the ship can make a TN 13 Intelligence (Technology) test to detect the weakness. Targeted weapon attacks that aim for the weakness impose a impose a -1 penalty to absorbing the Hull damage from that attack.
Wanted	Can cause problems docking at legitimate ports, or might mean the ship needs to avoid certain places or routes in order to avoid further trouble.
Weak Hull	The ship has a -1 penalty when determining the Hull total against damage. A ship can have this flaw multiple times, up a maximum equal to its Hull score in dice. For example, if the Hull is 3d6 the flaw can be taken three times.

Maintenance and Upkeep

GM should take the crew’s need to maintain their ship into account for maintenance activities during interludes, and remind players that neglecting these responsibilities may lead to the ship developing flaws or even suffering some losses, as if it were damaged.