Ships of the Pentapod Sphere

by

John Banagan

with additional material by

Bryn Monnery

The Bulk of this material is by John, I added some labels for easy identification purposes and the short overview. This page with be updated with new ships, missiles and drones both by John and (after I have a word with John about Pentapod designs) I.


Overview

Pentapod ships are more than just ships, they are alive. It is only recently that Pentapod warships beyond the small warships/ diplomatic couriers known to humanity as "Manta Defensives" have appeared. In the main, Pentapod warships appear to be biological copies of human warships. It is interesting that the Pentapod's don't call their combat starships; "Warships", instead they are given the less offensive (in both meanings of the word) term "Defensive".

Many other types of Pentapod ships are in service and more will be added to this list in time, transports, survey ships, courier drones, fighters, landers etc. It is practice for the Pentapod's to carry all daughter craft, missiles and drones externally on what roughly resemble nipples. None of the craft here have their missile/ small craft complement discussed (except the carrier), these will be added soon.

All Terran intelligence labels are those in use by the Earth Forces, some nationalities (notably the French) use a different nomenclature.


Pentapod Unknown-class Armed Courier

Terran Intelligence Label: Eagle

Original Date of Design: Unknown
First Example Laid Down: Unknown
First Example Completed: Unknown
Fleets of Service: Pentapod

Narrative

History

This vessel is more commonly seen traversing the Pentapod and Human borders. It is most commonly used for information exchange and delivery along the Pentapod borders particularly among enclaves that have had experiences with the Kafer or are under the threat of Kafer activity. It is lightly armored and armed but does allow interface travel to and from orbit.

Although the Pentapods have not been known for any clandestine operations, it is rumored that the Pentapods have developed their own version of hull masking and have upgraded several couriers of this class with the new hull masking. Whether or not this rumor is true is yet to be seen as the Pentapods neither deny or concede to the rumor.

Description
Diameter: 20 m
Length: 59 m
Hull: This vessel is shaped similarly to a Terran avian, complete with feather patterns moulded into the wing and body, giving the vessel a rather pleasant and eye appealing look, to Humans at least and its rigid body allows a quick entry or exit from planet to space and vice-versa.

Sensor Package: Navigation, Deep System Scan, Gravitational Scan, Standard Cartographic, Advanced Life, Active, Passive

Nerve Clusters:
Central: Pilot/Captain, Navigation, Communication, Engineering
Tactical: Passive, Active, 2 Remote Flight Controllers
Engineering: 15
Work Stations and Crew: 6 Stations; 6 Crew: 1 Ship's Security, 1 Medics, 6 Passengers

Performance Characteristics

Warp Efficiency: 3.93 (unloaded, full warp), 3.86 (loaded, full warp), 3.55 (unloaded, all weapons and sensors), 3.48 (loaded, all weapons and sensors), Power Plant: 15 MW Recharging Power Cell, Endurance: 30 Days, Thruster Fuel: 280 tons, Range: 7.7 LY, Mass: 751.27 tons (unloaded), 794.07 tons (loaded), Cargo Capacity: 42.8 m3, Passengers: 6, Comfort: 0 (for combat purposes only), Emergency Power: N/A, Total Life Support: 240 man-days, Equivalent Price: MLv 12.69

Ship Status Sheet

Movement: 8 (unloaded, full warp), 8 (loaded, full warp), 7 (unloaded and loaded, all weapons and sensors), Screens: 0, Radiated Signature: 4, Radial Reflected: 4, Lateral Reflected: 6, Weapons: 2 Pentapod Defensive Lasers, all in Masked Turrets, Targeting Nerve Cluster: Yes, Radial Profile: -2, Lateral Profile: -1, Hull Type: Rigid, Armor: 1, Hull Hits: 6/3/1, Power Plant Hits: 7/3, Active Sensors: 10, Passive Sensors: 5, Ship's Vehicles: None, Other Systems: None

Notes
Loaded weight is assuming 1 ton/m3. All missiles are slung to body of craft and are not computed into warp efficiency or movement. Any Human-made missiles may be used with the Pentapod Remote Pilot nerve cluster after organic modifications have been made to missile to allow for Pentapod nerve cluster control. There is enough life support for 8 crewmen to last 30 days.

Weapon Arcs
Defensive Laser 1 [S-SSQ-SB-SBQ]
Defensive Laser 2 [S-PSQ-PB-PBQ]


Pentapod Unknown-class Battlecruiser

Terran Intelligence Label: Kraken

Original Date of Design: Unknown
First Example Laid Down: Unknown
First Example Completed: Unknown
Fleets of Service: Pentapod

Narrative

History
The second largest ship of the line for the Pentapods is their battlecruiser. This vessel is rarely seen, and is usually seen as a Pentapod task Force commander. No example of this vessel exists outside Pentapod space and atleast one exists in every system held by the Pentapods, with numerous vessels of this type rumored to be in orbit around the Pentapod homeworld.

Description
Diameter: 17 m
Length: 42 m
Hull: The hull is made of a rigid, bone-like substance. Several moveable protuberances as well as gas ports are located on the vessel, evenly spaced throughout the hull surface. The hull is non-streamlined and has the shape of an elongated asteroid. There is no apparent entrance to the vessel however a definite warp device can be seen to the vessel's rear.

Sensor Package: Navigation, Deep System Scan, Gravitational Scan, Standard Cartographic, Advanced Life, Active, Passive

Nerve Clusters:
Central: Pilot/Captain, Navigation, Communication, Engineering
Tactical: Passive, Active, 4 Remote Flight Controllers
Engineering: 100
Work Stations and Crew: 20 Stations; 210 Crew: 40 Ship's Security, 160 Ship's Troops, 10 Medics

Performance Characteristics
Warp Efficiency: 3.85 (unloaded, full warp), 3.78 (loaded, full warp), 1.79 (unloaded, all weapons and sensors), 1.75 (loaded, all weapons and sensors), Power Plant: 100 MW Recharging Power Cell, Endurance: 60 Days, Thruster Fuel: None, Range: 7.7 LY, Mass: 5,357.37 tons (unloaded), 5,638.23 tons (loaded), Cargo Capacity: 290.86 m3, Passengers: 0, Comfort: 0 (for combat purposes only), Emergency Power: N/A, Total Life Support: 12,600 man-days, Equivalent Price: MLv 38.94

Ship Status Sheet
Movement: 8 (unloaded and loaded, full warp), 4 (unloaded and loaded, all weapons and sensors), Screens: 0, Radiated Signature: 6, Radial Reflected: 6, Lateral Reflected: 8, Weapons: 16 Pentapod Defensive Lasers, 8 Pentapod Offensive/Defensive Lasers, 4 Pentapod Offensive Laser, all in Masked Turrets, Targeting Nerve Cluster: Yes, Radial Profile: -2, Lateral Profile: 0, Hull Type: Rigid, Armor: 6, Hull Hits: 418/209/104, Power Plant Hits: 23/12, Active Sensors: 10, Passive Sensors: 5, Ship's Vehicles: None, Other Systems: None

Notes
Loaded weight is assuming 1 ton/m3. All missiles are slung to body of craft and are not computed into warp efficiency or movement. Any Human-made missiles may be used with the Pentapod Remote Pilot nerve cluster after organic modifications have been made to missile to allow for Pentapod nerve cluster control. There is enough life support for 210 crewmen to last 60 days.

Weapon Arcs
Defensive Laser 1 [S-SSQ-SB-SBQ] x4
Defensive Laser 2 [S-PSQ-PB-PBQ] x4
Defensive Laser 3 [B-SBQ-SB-SSQ] x4
Defensive Laser 4 [B-SBQ-SB-SSQ]] x4
Offensive/Defensive Laser 1 [B-SBQ-SB-SSQ] x4
Offensive/Defensive Laser 2 [B-PBQ-PB-PSQ] x4
Offensive Laser 1 [B-SBQ-SB-SSQ] x2
Offensive Laser 2 B-PBQ-PB-PSQ] x2


Pentapod Unknown-class Carrier

Terran Intelligence Label: Mother

Original Date of Design: Unknown
First Example Laid Down: Unknown
First Example Completed: Unknown
Fleets of Service: Pentapod

Narrative

History

One of the largest ships not used extensively as its Human counterparts is the carrier. Like Human carriers, the Pentapods use theirs as a mobile base for their fighters. Common practice is to jump to a system and immediately discharge the warp drives while the fighters, fresh from the jump, launch to conduct missions and to protect the carrier. This carrier has a fighter complement of 40 vessels, all slung to the hull, allowing all of them to launch simultaneously.

Description
Diameter: 20 m
Length: 65 m
Hull: The vessel is rather smooth with a coupling nipples located on various parts of the body that allow the fighters to attach to when docked with the carrier. These nipples also allow the transfer of thruster fuel to the fighters as needed.

Sensor Package: Navigation, Deep System Scan, Gravitational Scan, Standard Cartographic, Advanced Life, Active, Passive

Nerve Clusters:
Central: Pilot/Captain, Navigation, Communication, Engineering
Tactical: Passive, Active, 40 Flight Controllers, 10 Remote Flight
Controllers Engineering: 150
Work Stations and Crew: 20 Stations; 210 Crew: 40 Ship's Security, 160 Ship's Troops, 10 Medics

Performance Characteristics
Warp Efficiency: 4.27 (unloaded, full warp), 4.09 (loaded, full warp), 4.05 (unloaded, all weapons and sensors), 3.88 (loaded, all weapons and sensors), Power Plant: 150 MW Recharging Power Cell, Endurance: 60 Days, Thruster Fuel: 800 tons, Range: 7.7 LY, Mass: 5,881.20 tons (unloaded), 6,704.62 tons (loaded), Cargo Capacity: 823.42 m3, Passengers: 0, Comfort: 0 (for combat purposes only), Emergency Power: N/A, Total Life Support: 12,600 man-days, Equivalent Price: MLv 38.58

Ship Status Sheet
Movement: 9 (unloaded, full warp), 8 (loaded, full warp), 8 (unloaded and loaded, all weapons and sensors), Screens: 0, Radiated Signature: 6, Radial Reflected: 6, Lateral Reflected: 10, Weapons: 20 Pentapod Defensive Lasers, all in Masked Turrets, Targeting Nerve Cluster: Yes, Radial Profile: -1, Lateral Profile: 1, Hull Type: Rigid, Armor: 4, Hull Hits: 307/153/77, Power Plant Hits: 32/16, Active Sensors: 10, Passive Sensors: 5, Ship's Vehicles: None, Other Systems: None

Notes
Loaded weight is assuming 1 ton/m3. All missiles and vessels are slung to body of craft and are not computed into warp efficiency or movement. Any Human-made missiles may be used with the Pentapod Remote Pilot nerve cluster after organic modifications have been made to missile to allow for Pentapod nerve cluster control. There is enough life support for 210 crewmen to last 60 days.

Weapon Arcs
Defensive Laser 1 [S-SSQ-SB-SBQ] x5
Defensive Laser 2 [S-PSQ-PB-PBQ] x5
Defensive Laser 3 [B-SBQ-SB-SSQ] x5
Defensive Laser 4 [B-SBQ-SB-SSQ] x5


Pentapod Unknown-class Corvette (SDB)

Terran Intelligence Label: Manta

Original Date of Design: Unknown
First Example Laid Down: Unknown
First Example Completed: Unknown
Fleets of Service: Pentapod

Narrative:

Josh looked at his terminal, another Pentapod vessel requesting permission to land. The preliminary scans showed nothing out of the ordinary and as usual, the life sensors went off the scale.

"Pentapod vessel delta niner, you are cleared for landing. Follow transponder to bearing two-three-three, pad seven. Over." Josh stared back at the terminal.

"Roger, out," chirped the terminal in a metallic computer voice, interpreting the Pentapod language into something Josh could understand.

A bright glow appeared in the sky as the Pentapod vessel began its descent, and with a plume of black smoke, slowed its descent. Josh looked out his window to watch the ship land. Oddly beautiful he thought to himself, as the black skinned space creature circled gently to the ground, exhaust ports blowing dirt and debris away as its tail and wings slightly wavered.

Two large taloned claws emerged from the bottom as it settled down onto the landing pad.

History

The Pentapod's Corvette (SDB) is the most common seen vessel along the borders of the Pentapod-Human spheres, particularly where incidents of Kafer activity have been prevalent. This vessel is tasked with routine patrols along the borders where it can act as a picket or as a system defense boat since it can be stationed planet-side or in orbit somewhere in-system.

Description
Diameter: 10 m
Length: 19 m
Hull: The hull is made of a very dense leathery textured substance, not unlike cowhide. However the hull is resistant and rigid enough to survive atmospheric entry and minor space combat. The shape of the hull resembles a Terran manta ray, complete with rippling wings and a swishing tail.

Larger exhaust ports and fuel glands are located towards the rear of the vessel, while most weapons are arced towards the front.

Sensor Package: Navigation, Deep System Scan, Gravitational Scan, Standard Cartographic, Advanced Life, Active, Passive

Nerve Clusters:
Central: Pilot/Captain, Navigation, Communication, Engineering
Tactical: Passive, Active, Remote Flight Controller
Engineering: 15
Work Stations and Crew: 3 Stations; 7 Crew: 1 Ship's Security, 5 Ship's Troops, 1 Medics

Performance Characteristics
Warp Efficiency: 3.86 (unloaded, full warp), 3.86 (loaded, full warp), 3.26 (unloaded, all weapons and sensors), 3.26 (loaded, all weapons and sensors), Power Plant: 15 MW Recharging Power Cell, Endurance: 30 Days, Thruster Fuel: 270 tons, 132.09 tones used (unloaded), 132.49 tons used (loaded), Range: 7.7 LY, Mass: 792.54 tons (unloaded), 794.93 tons (loaded), Cargo Capacity: 2.39 m3, Passengers: 0, Comfort: 0 (for combat purposes only), Emergency Power: N/A, Total Life Support: 210 man-days, Equivalent Price: MLv 15.24

Ship Status Sheet
Movement: 8 (unloaded and loaded, full warp), 7 (unloaded and loaded, all weapons and sensors), Screens: 0, Radiated Signature: 4, Radial Reflected: 5, Lateral Reflected: 5, Weapons: 2 Pentapod Defensive Lasers, 1 Pentapod Offensive/Defensive Lasers, all in Masked Turrets, Targeting Nerve Cluster: Yes, Radial Profile: -2, Lateral Profile: -1, Hull Type: Rigid, Armor: 2, Hull Hits: 11/6/3, Power Plant Hits: 7/3, Active Sensors: 10, Passive Sensors: 5, Ship's Vehicles: None, Other Systems: None

Notes
Loaded weight is assuming 1 ton/m3. All missiles are slung to body of craft and are not computed into warp efficiency or movement. Any Human-made missiles may be used with the Pentapod Remote Pilot nerve cluster after organic modifications have been made to missile to allow for Pentapod nerve cluster control. Thruster fuel usage is based on a one-way trip, away or into a planet's atmosphere at 1G. There is enough life support for 7 crewmen to last 30 days.

Weapon Arcs
Defensive Laser 1 [S-SSQ-SB-SBQ]
Defensive Laser 2 [S-PSQ-PB-PBQ]
Offensive/Defensive Laser 1 [PBQ-B-SBQ]


Pentapod Unknown-class Destroyer

Terran Intelligence Label: Falcon

Original Date of Design: Unknown
First Example Laid Down: Unknown
First Example Completed: Unknown
Fleets of Service: Pentapod

Narrative:

"Move your ass Johnson!" cried the Task Force commander as fighter after fighter was being destroyed by Kafer volleys and laser fire. The small group of fighters were defending a way station used by several nations and the Pentapods, and the odds didn't look good for the Task Force commander.

The starfield directly behind the way station warped, blurred, and was still once again, what was in it's place was several Pentapod destroyers. The commander looked twice as these ships quickly rallied to the small group of fighters. "Pickles?" The commander muttered, " they look like pickles!"

"Defend way station, battle Kafers" a eerie voice echoed over all the fighters comms.

Lasers beamed and missiles fired as the battle was renewed between the Kafers and Pentapods. Perhaps the way station would have a chance. Perhaps.

History
The Pentapod destroyer is the first line of capital ships designed by the Pentapods to defend their space and to assist with the Kafer menace. Although not comletely unfamiliar with the concept of naval warfare, the Pentapods are quickly adapting to the notion since their contact with the Kafer, using Human vessels as a sort of blueprint for design. However, the rapidity of their vessel design and construction suggest that the Pentapods are not strangers to armed conflict and that perhaps designs for these naval vessels and their new breed of warriors have been existent, long before contact with Man.

One destroyer can be found around major Pentapod enclaves that exist in Human held space, somewhere in orbit. Currently, the Pentapods are arranging a small task force consisting of several destroyers with a cruiser serving as a flagship for the Pentapod forces. When this task force will be ready is unknown.

Description
Diameter: 13 m
Length: 38 m
Hull: The hull is made of a rigid, bone-like substance. Several moveable protuberances as well as gas ports are located on the vessel, evenly spaced throughout the hull surface. The hull is non-streamlined and has the shape of an elongated asteroid. There is no apparent entrance to the vessel however a definite warp device can be seen to the vessel's rear.

Sensor Package: Navigation, Deep System Scan, Gravitational Scan, Standard Cartographic, Advanced Life, Active, Passive

Nerve Clusters:
Central: Pilot/Captain, Navigation, Communication, Engineering
Tactical: Passive, Active, 2 Remote Flight Controllers
Engineering: 50
Work Stations and Crew: 6 Stations; 53 Crew: 10 Ship's Security, 40 Ship's Troops, 3 Medics

Performance Characteristics
Warp Efficiency: 4.6 (unloaded, full warp), 4.44 (loaded, full warp), 3.7 (unloaded, all weapons and sensors), 3.57 (loaded, all weapons and sensors), Power Plant: 50 MW Recharging Power Cell, Endurance: 60 Days, Thruster Fuel: None, Range: 7.7 LY, Mass: 1,561.49 tons (unloaded), 1,745.68 tons (loaded), Cargo Capacity: 184.19 m3, Passengers: 0, Comfort: 0 (for combat purposes only), Emergency Power: N/A, Total Life Support: 6,360 man-days, Equivalent Price: MLv 23.98

Ship Status Sheet
Movement: 9 (unloaded and loaded, full warp), 7 (unloaded and loaded, all weapons and sensors), Screens: 0, Radiated Signature: 4, Radial Reflected: 5, Lateral Reflected: 6, Weapons: 8 Pentapod Defensive Lasers, 4 Pentapod Offensive/Defensive Lasers, 2 Pentapod Offensive Laser, all in Masked Turrets, Targeting Nerve Cluster: Yes, Radial Profile: -2, Lateral Profile: 0, Hull Type: Rigid, Armor: 4, Hull Hits: 76/38/19, Power Plant Hits: 16/8, Active Sensors: 10, Passive Sensors: 5, Ship's Vehicles: None, Other Systems: None

Notes
Loaded weight is assuming 1 ton/m3. All missiles are slung to body of craft and are not computed into warp efficiency or movement. Any Human-made missiles may be used with the Pentapod Remote Pilot nerve cluster after organic modifications have been made to missile to allow for Pentapod nerve cluster control. There is enough life support for 53 crewmen to last 60 days.

Weapon Arcs
Defensive Laser 1 [S-SSQ-SB-SBQ] x4
Defensive Laser 2 [S-PSQ-PB-PBQ] x4
Offensive/Defensive Laser 1 [B-SBQ-SB-SSQ] x2
Offensive/Defensive Laser 2 [B-PBQ-PB-PSQ] x2
Offensive Laser 1 [B-SBQ-SB-SSQ]
Offensive Laser 2 B-PBQ-PB-PSQ]


Pentapod Unknown-class Dreadnought

Terran Intelligence Label: Behemoth

Original Date of Design: Unknown
First Example Laid Down: Unknown
First Example Completed: Unknown
Fleets of Service: Pentapod

Narrative:

The Pentapod dreadnought scanned the battlefield. Many of it's comrades floated freely, their life energies gone, or ebbing. The merchant vessels and frigates had been no match for the Kafer Task Force that had raided the supply convoy. Supplies needed by both Pentapod and Human troops would be delayed, an outcome that was unacceptable, and unfortunate for the both species.

Several pulses rushed across the scanning neural cluster as Kafer vessel after Kafer vessel appeared from behind a small moon. "So the wolves still hunger" it thought to itself.

Its primary neural cluster glowed red, vengeance, hatred, all-consuming anguish, over the loss of friends and comrades, new feelings, new reasonings, discovered with its more advanced neural network. The dreadnought didn't understand what it was feelings. What it did understand was that the Kafers would pay dearly.

The dreadnought veered course directly towards the Kafer vessels. Brilliant lances exploded from its hull, piercing Kafer vessels as it drove by. Smaller Kafer vessels were rammed into as it pushed through the Kafer line. Plumes of gas shot from the hull surface as missile after missile struck home, sending shockwaves through space. Kafer vessels exploded violently as the dreadnought continued on its warpath.

If one could hear in space, one would almost hear the fury of the dreadnought as it screamed through space, destroying all in its path. Death, either its own or of the enemy would be its only reprise.

History
The largest ship of the line in Pentapod space is the Dreadnought. There are rumored to be only a few of these vessels, however this data has never been confirmed as the Pentapods deny nor confirm the existence of this vessel. If this vessel does exist, it would exist somewhere towards the core of the Pentapod homeworld but this has yet to be discovered.

For a ship of its size, many nations would not consider it a dreadnought-class vehicle but because of its overall tenacity and armament, it more than meets the standards of a vessel of considerable size or firepower.

Description
Diameter: 20 m
Length: 59 m
Hull: Unlike the other vessels commonly seen by Humans, the dreadnought is sleek and elegant, not like the more standard asteroid shapes of the frigate, destroyer, and cruiser. Still unstreamlined, the vessel resembles a Terran orca, with many of the armaments placed towards the front. Massive drive units appear to the rear.

Sensor Package: Navigation, Deep System Scan, Gravitational Scan, Standard Cartographic, Advanced Life, Active, Passive

Nerve Clusters:
Central: Pilot/Captain, Navigation, Communication, Engineering
Tactical: Passive, Active, 2 Remote Flight Controllers
Engineering: 75
Work Stations and Crew: 10 Stations; 105 Crew: 20 Ship's Security, 80 Ship's Troops, 5 Medics

Performance Characteristics
Warp Efficiency: 4.34 (unloaded, full warp), 4.22 (loaded, full warp), 3.16 (unloaded, all weapons and sensors), 3.08 (loaded, all weapons and sensors), Power Plant: 75 MW Recharging Power Cell, Endurance: 60 Days, Thruster Fuel: None, Range: 7.7 LY, Mass: 2,801.77 tons (unloaded), 3,039.26 tons (loaded), Cargo Capacity: 237.49 m3, Passengers: 0, Comfort: 0 (for combat purposes only), Emergency Power: N/A, Total Life Support: 6,300 man-days, Equivalent Price: MLv 30.03

Ship Status Sheet
Movement: 9 (unloaded, full warp), 8 (loaded, full warp), 6 (unloaded and loaded, all weapons and sensors), Screens: 0, Radiated Signature: 6, Radial Reflected: 6, Lateral Reflected: 8, Weapons: 32 Pentapod Defensive Lasers, 16 Pentapod Offensive/Defensive Lasers, 8 Pentapod Offensive Laser, all in Masked Turrets, Targeting Nerve Cluster: Yes, Radial Profile: -2, Lateral Profile: 0, Hull Type: Rigid, Armor: 5, Hull Hits: 179/90/45, Power Plant Hits: 19/10, Active Sensors: 10, Passive Sensors: 5, Ship's Vehicles: None, Other Systems: None

Notes
Loaded weight is assuming 1 ton/m3. All missiles are slung to body of craft and are not computed into warp efficiency or movement. Any Human-made missiles may be used with the Pentapod Remote Pilot nerve cluster after organic modifications have been made to missile to allow for Pentapod nerve cluster control. There is enough life support for 105 crewmen to last 60 days.

Weapon Arcs
Defensive Laser 1 [S-SSQ-SB-SBQ] x8
Defensive Laser 2 [S-PSQ-PB-PBQ] x8
Defensive Laser 3 [B-SBQ-SB-SSQ] x8
Defensive Laser 4 [B-SBQ-SB-SSQ] x8
Offensive/Defensive Laser 1 [B-SBQ-SB-SSQ] x8
Offensive/Defensive Laser 2 [B-PBQ-PB-PSQ] x8
Offensive Laser 1 [B-SBQ-SB-SSQ] x4
Offensive Laser 2 B-PBQ-PB-PSQ] x4


Pentapod Unknown-class Frigate

Terran Intelligence Label: Hawk

Original Date of Design: Unknown
First Example Laid Down: Unknown
First Example Completed: Unknown
Fleets of Service: Pentapod

Narrative:

The Kafer commander clicked its mandibles in anticipation. The pitiful meat-being vessel who had engaged the Kafer cruiser had taken sever damage and even now, scurried away, trying to find refuge in a near-by asteroid field.

"K!Chagkh! **hjk!" yelled the commander, smacking him on the back of the head with a scepter. The gunner snapped to, and quickly beared down his particle weapon on the meat-being's damaged flank.

"Cha-ghk!" bellowed the commander as a bright pulse emerged from the Kafer cruiser, hitting an asteroid that had managed to fly between the Kafer ship and the human vessel. The asteroid glowed softly, then changed its course. The commander stared in awe as the asteroid turned, bearing towards the Kafer cruiser.

Energy erupted from the asteroid, illuminating the Kafer vessel in a sickly-green glow. Sparks flew in the Kafer bridge and warning lights blared as damage was taken and several hull breaches recorded. The Kafer commander looked in terror as he saw two more asteroid-shaped vessel join the first one.

"*!K-fgh!" it whispered as the three asteroid-ships let loose a volley, vaporizing the Kafer vessel.

History
The first appearance of the Pentapod frigate was near Pentapod space near the French-Arm. Apparently a French Aconit-class vessel had happened upon a larger Kafer cruiser which had been raiding near-by shipping lanes. The Aconit immediately took hits and returned fire, receiving more than it was giving. The captain of the vessel desperately made haste for a near asteroid field hoping to shield his ship from more Kafer fire. Just as it looked that the Aconit was to be destroyed by a final Kafer volley, an asteroid veered into the line of fire, taking the hits that surely would have destroyed the French vessel. The asteroid then returned fire, damaging the Kafer vessel. Two more asteroids vectored onto the Kafer vessel and fired, vaporizing it.

The commander of the Aconit was then escorted to the nearest French naval port and discovered that his saviors had been a trio of Pentapod frigates, forming a picket against Kafers entering Pentapod space. The French commander lovingly nicknamed these vessels "space potatoes" a nickname which has remained among French naval personnel.

Since the advent of the Kafer-Human War, the Pentapods have been slowly developing new warships to fight the Kafer menace. Whether of not the Pentapods will devote a larger force to the Human cause has yet to be seen as more Pentapod warships can be seen escorting Pentapod merchants in riskier areas.

Description
Diameter: 10 m
Length: 31 m
Hull: The hull is made of a rigid, bone-like substance. Several moveable protuberances as well as gas ports are located on the vessel, evenly spaced throughout the hull surface. The hull is non-streamlined and has the shape of an elongated asteroid. There is no apparent entrance to the vessel however a definite warp device can be seen to the vessel's rear.

Sensor Package: Navigation, Deep System Scan, Gravitational Scan, Standard Cartographic, Advanced Life, Active, Passive

Nerve Clusters:
Central: Pilot/Captain, Navigation, Communication, Engineering
Tactical: Passive, Active, Remote Flight Controller
Engineering: 20
Work Stations and Crew: 4 Stations; 26 Crew: 4 Ship's Security, 20 Ship's Troops, 2 Medics

Performance Characteristics
Warp Efficiency: 4.24 (unloaded, full warp), 4.20 (loaded, full warp), 3.25 (unloaded, all weapons and sensors), 3.22 (loaded, all weapons and sensors), Power Plant: 20 MW Recharging Power Cell, Endurance: 30 Days, Thruster Fuel: None, Range: 7.7 LY, Mass: 800.92 tons (unloaded), 823.75 tons (loaded), Cargo Capacity: 22.83 m3, Passengers: 0, Comfort: 0 (for combat purposes only), Emergency Power: N/A, Total Life Support: 1,560 man-days, Equivalent Price: MLv 15.14

Ship Status Sheet
Movement: 8 (unloaded and loaded, full warp), 6 (unloaded and loaded, all weapons and sensors), Screens: 0, Radiated Signature: 4, Radial Reflected: 5, Lateral Reflected: 6, Weapons: 2 Pentapod Defensive Lasers, 2 Pentapod Offensive/Defensive Lasers, 1 Pentapod Offensive Laser, all in Masked Turrets, Targeting Nerve Cluster: Yes, Radial Profile: -2, Lateral Profile: -1, Hull Type: Rigid, Armor: 3, Hull Hits: 27/14/7, Power Plant Hits: 7/4, Active Sensors: 10, Passive Sensors: 5, Ship's Vehicles: None, Other Systems: None

Notes
Loaded weight is assuming 1 ton/m3. All missiles are slung to body of craft and are not computed into warp efficiency or movement. Any Human-made missiles may be used with the Pentapod Remote Pilot nerve cluster after organic modifications have been made to missile to allow for Pentapod nerve cluster control. There is enough life support for 26 crewmen to last 60 days.

Weapon Arcs
Defensive Laser 1 [S-SSQ-SB-SBQ]
Defensive Laser 2 [S-PSQ-PB-PBQ]
Offensive/Defensive Laser 1 [B-SBQ-SB-SSQ]
Offensive/Defensive Laser 2 [B-PBQ-PB-PSQ]
Offensive Laser 1 [PBQ-B-SBQ]


Pentapod Unknown-class Missile Frigate

Terran Intelligence Label: Hedgehog

Original Date of Design: Unknown
First Example Laid Down: Unknown
First Example Completed: Unknown
Fleets of Service: Pentapod

Narrative

History
The missile frigate, a new concept for the Pentapods, is based on the Human design of having a multi-missile launcher available for naval engagements. This vessel has the ability to control 10 such remotes at one time and mounts a significant laser system for point defense.

Description
Diameter: 10 m
Length: 33 m
Hull: The missile frigate has a rigid hull, but where most Pentapod vessels are pot-marked like asteroids, this vessel is bristling with protuberances, much like a Terran porcupine. All missiles are slung onto the vessel facing outward and are attached by gripper protuberances at the base of the missiles.

Sensor Package: Navigation, Deep System Scan, Gravitational Scan, Standard Cartographic, Advanced Life, Active, Passive

Nerve Clusters:
Central: Pilot/Captain, Navigation, Communication, Engineering
Tactical: Passive, Active, 10 Remote Flight Controllers
Engineering: 25
Work Stations and Crew: 4 Stations; 26 Crew: 4 Ship's Security, 20 Ship's Troops, 2 Medics

Performance Characteristics
Warp Efficiency: 4.46 (unloaded, full warp), 4.30 (loaded, full warp), 3.76 (unloaded, all weapons and sensors), 3.62 (loaded, all weapons and sensors), Power Plant: 25 MW Recharging Power Cell, Endurance: 60 Days, Thruster Fuel: None, Range: 7.7 LY, Mass: 859.57 tons (unloaded), 961.05 tons (loaded), Cargo Capacity: 101.08m3, Passengers: 0, Comfort: 0 (for combat purposes only), Emergency Power: N/A, Total Life Support: 1,560 man-days, Equivalent Price: MLv 18.81

Ship Status Sheet
Movement: 9 (unloaded, full warp), 9 (loaded, full warp), 8 (unloaded, all weapons and sensors), 7 (loaded, all weapons and sensors), Screens: 0, Radiated Signature: 5, Radial Reflected: 4, Lateral Reflected: 6, Weapons: 8 Pentapod Defensive Lasers, all in Masked Turrets, Targeting Nerve Cluster: Yes, Radial Profile: -2, Lateral Profile: 0, Hull Type: Rigid, Armor: 2, Hull Hits: 19/10/5, Power Plant Hits: 13/7, Active Sensors: 10, Passive Sensors: 5, Ship's Vehicles: None, Other Systems: None

Notes
Loaded weight is assuming 1 ton/m3. All missiles are slung to body of craft and are not computed into warp efficiency or movement. Any Human-made missiles may be used with the Pentapod Remote Pilot nerve cluster after organic modifications have been made to missile to allow for Pentapod nerve cluster control. There is enough life support for 26 crewmen to last days.

Weapon Arcs
Defensive Laser 1 [S-SSQ-SB-SBQ] x4
Defensive Laser 2 [S-PSQ-PB-PBQ] x4


Pentapod Unknown-class Troop Carrier

Terran Intelligence Label: Santa Maria

Original Date of Design: Unknown
First Example Laid Down: Unknown
First Example Completed: Unknown
Fleets of Service: Pentapod

Narrative:

The troop carrier smashed through the Kafer defenses towards the Kafer battle station. The small planetoid had been hollowed out and served as a way station for Kafer vessels, and if the Pentapods could capture the station, it would serve them the same way.

Small beams of light arced from the troop carrier, littering the planetoid with small pricks and explosions of fire. Fortunately, most of the surface emplacements had been destroyed by the initial bombardments of the Pentapod fighters and that had slipped pass the pickets.

Small explosions dotted the troop carrier's surface as it angled into a drop-flight position as small batteries on the planetoid blazed in defiance. Small ports opened up along the surface of the drop ship, then small plumes of gas exploded as shock troopers jettisoned themselves from their mothership. Thousands of shock troops littered the planetoid as the troop carrier continued to drop its deadly seeds.

Shortly, the carnage on the surface and within the planetoid would begin, shortly the Pentapods would give the Kafers reason to fear the "smart barbarians."

History
Definitely the largest ship in existence in Pentapod space, this mobile fort has room for 3,000 Pentapod shock troops, their equipment, and if need be, interface vehicles for planetary assaults. One such vessel has been sent to garrison a Pentapod enclave within Human space to be used later on a proposed assault on an undisclosed Kafer stronghold. Although this ship class has not seen action, both Pentapods and Humans have high hopes in its successfulness in the upcoming campaigns.

Description
Diameter: 50 m
Length: 175 m
Hull: The hull is made of a rigid, bone-like substance. Several moveable protuberances as well as gas ports are located on the vessel, evenly spaced throughout the hull surface. The hull is non-streamlined and has the shape of an elongated asteroid. There is no apparent entrance to the vessel however a definite warp device can be seen to the vessel's rear.

Sensor Package: Navigation, Deep System Scan, Gravitational Scan, Standard Cartographic, Advanced Life, Active, Passive

Nerve Clusters:
Central: Pilot/Captain, Navigation, Communication, Engineering
Tactical: Passive, Active, 30 Flight Controllers, 10 Remote Flight Controllers
Engineering: 200
Work Stations and Crew: 163 Stations; 3,368 Crew: 150 Ship's Security, 3,000 Ship's Troops, 163 Medics, 50 Passengers

Performance Characteristics
Warp Efficiency: 2.14 (unloaded, full warp), 1.84 (loaded, full warp), 2.02 (unloaded, all weapons and sensors), 1.73 (loaded, all weapons and sensors), Power Plant: 200 MW Recharging Power Cell, Endurance: 30 Days, Thruster Fuel: None, Range: 7.7 LY, Mass: 61,866.66 tons (unloaded), 98,360.18 tons (loaded), Cargo Capacity: 36,493.52 m3, Passengers: 50, Comfort: 0 (for combat purposes only), Emergency Power: N/A, Total Life Support: 99,540 man-days, Equivalent Price: MLv 67.35

Ship Status Sheet
Movement: 4 (unloaded, full warp), 4 (loaded, full warp), 4 (unloaded, all weapons and sensors), 3 (loaded, all weapons and sensors), Screens: 0, Radiated Signature: 6, Radial Reflected: 11, Lateral Reflected: 15, Weapons: 30 Pentapod Defensive Lasers, all in Masked Turrets, Targeting Nerve Cluster: Yes, Radial Profile: -2, Lateral Profile: 0, Hull Type: Rigid, Armor: 4, Hull Hits: 5,164/2,582/1,291, Power Plant Hits: 40/20, Active Sensors: 10, Passive Sensors: 5, Ship's Vehicles: None, Other Systems: None

Notes
Loaded weight is assuming 1 ton/m3. All missiles are slung to body of craft and are not computed into warp efficiency or movement. Any Human-made missiles may be used with the Pentapod Remote Pilot nerve cluster after organic modifications have been made to missile to allow for Pentapod nerve cluster control. There is enough life support for 3,368 crewmen to last 30 days. Drop vessels are not added into weight or warp efficiency. All vessels carried are slung to hull troop carrier.

Weapon Arcs
Defensive Laser 1 [S-SSQ-SB-SBQ] x10
Defensive Laser 2 [S-PSQ-PB-PBQ] x10
Defensive Laser 3 [B-SBQ-SB-SSQ] x5
Defensive Laser 4 [B-SBQ-SB-SSQ]] x5


Pentapod Unknown-class Unarmed Courier

Terran Intelligence Label: Man-O-War

Original Date of Design: Unknown
First Example Laid Down: Unknown
First Example Completed: Unknown
Fleets of Service: Pentapod

Narrative

History
The unarmored carrier is the standard vessel used by the Pentapods for missions in more secure areas of Pentapod and Human space.

Description
Diameter: 9 m
Length: 13 m
Hull: The unarmored carrier has a teardrop shape and is made of a viscous material not unlike a Terran jellyfish. Its transparent shape allows passengers to view their space travel, which can be unnerving to people unaccustomed to travel of this sort. The vessel is illuminated internally with a slight phosphorescent glow, which externally gives the vessel an eerie ghost-like glow.

Sensor Package: Navigation, Deep System Scan, Gravitational Scan, Standard Cartographic, Advanced Life, Active, Passive

Nerve Clusters:
Central: Pilot/Captain, Navigation, Communication, Engineering
Tactical: Passive, Active
Engineering: 10
Work Stations and Crew: 3 Stations; 7 Crew: 1 Ship's Security, 1 Steward, 1 Medic, 4 Passengers

Performance Characteristics
Warp Efficiency: 4.25 (unloaded, full warp), 4.08 (loaded, full warp), 3.94 (unloaded, all weapons and sensors), 3.79 (loaded, all weapons and sensors), Power Plant: 10 MW Recharging Power Cell, Endurance: 10 Days, Thruster Fuel: None, Range: 7.7 LY, Mass: 397.12 tons (unloaded), 426.75 tons (loaded), Cargo Capacity: 29.63 m3, Passengers: 4, Comfort: 0 (for combat purposes only), Emergency Power: N/A, Total Life Support: 70 man-days, Equivalent Price: MLv 11.35

Ship Status Sheet
Movement: 9 (unloaded, full warp), 8 (loaded, full warp), 8 (unloaded and loaded, all weapons and sensors), Screens: 0, Radiated Signature: 4, Radial Reflected: 4, Lateral Reflected: 5, Radial Profile: -2, Lateral Profile: -2, Hull Type: Viscous, Armor: 0, Hull Hits: 1/1/0, Power Plant Hits: 3/1, Active Sensors: 10, Passive Sensors: 5, Ship's Vehicles: None, Other Systems: None

Notes
Loaded weight is assuming 1 ton/m3. There is enough life support for 7 crewmen to last 10 days.

Back to the UK in 2300AD page