I thought I might benefit from a discussion on ship design philosophy as I go forward with trying to produce designs that are entirely my own (albeit inspired by existing designs in sci-fi and elsewhere). Chiefly, I've been wondering what others might prioritise in their designs in terms of what would be functional layouts and components in a space-faring warship. Be advised that I'm speaking mainly in the context of building ships designed for roleplaying purposes and not those built solely for PvP gameplay.
I'll start with some thoughts on the positioning of crew quarters under the hull. My idea is that crew quarters would ideally be situated in the ship's least-protected areas. This is because, I reasoned, that when the crew is called to action stations none of them should be in their quarters. It stands to reason that they would instead be elsewhere performing their important duties. So if the crew quarters were hit, resulting in a hull breach, nothing aside from material and valuables would be lost.
I also had thoughts on the positioning of munitions magazines in ships that don't use energy weapons. Though I haven't quite worked out where would be the optimal place for those to sit, aside from somewhere near the weapon systems themselves. I wonder whether or not it would be wise to place them simply near the weapons, but then rely on thicker armour/shields on that section to protect them. I even had thoughts of simulating a magazine using warhead blocks or something. So that when a ship's magazine is hit, the expected result actually occurs.
What are your ideas for the practical positioning of specific facilities/components beneath a warship's hull?
-Dan
I'll start with some thoughts on the positioning of crew quarters under the hull. My idea is that crew quarters would ideally be situated in the ship's least-protected areas. This is because, I reasoned, that when the crew is called to action stations none of them should be in their quarters. It stands to reason that they would instead be elsewhere performing their important duties. So if the crew quarters were hit, resulting in a hull breach, nothing aside from material and valuables would be lost.
I also had thoughts on the positioning of munitions magazines in ships that don't use energy weapons. Though I haven't quite worked out where would be the optimal place for those to sit, aside from somewhere near the weapon systems themselves. I wonder whether or not it would be wise to place them simply near the weapons, but then rely on thicker armour/shields on that section to protect them. I even had thoughts of simulating a magazine using warhead blocks or something. So that when a ship's magazine is hit, the expected result actually occurs.
What are your ideas for the practical positioning of specific facilities/components beneath a warship's hull?
-Dan