Fleet & Ships System
Relevant source files
The following files were used as context for generating this wiki page:
The Fleet & Ships System in ChapterMaster governs the naval assets of a Space Marine Chapter, defining starting compositions, ship types, and boarding capabilities. It integrates with the Chapter's overall strategic profile, influenced by factors such as whether the Chapter is fleet-based or homeworld-based. The system manages four primary ship classes: Battle Barges, Strike Cruisers, Gladius Escorts, and Hunters.
The system also dictates how personnel and resources are distributed across the fleet. For instance, specific configuration flags determine if scouts or veterans are split among the fleet or concentrated on specific vessels. Naval effectiveness is further modified by Chapter-specific advantages such as "Kings of Space" or "Boarders," which provide bonuses to offense, defense, and extra hulls.
Fleet Configuration and Composition
The starting composition of a Chapter's fleet is primarily determined by its fleet_type. There are standard templates for Homeworld-based Chapters and Fleet-based (or Penitent) Chapters.
Standard Fleet Templates
| Fleet Type | Battle Barges | Strike Cruisers | Gladius | Hunters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homeworld | 2 | 8 | 7 | 3 |
| Fleet-based / Penitent | 4 | 3 | 7 | 3 |
Sources: datafiles/main/chapters/37.json:206-212, datafiles/main/chapters/35.json:149-155
Chapters can modify these base values using the extra_ships object in their configuration file. For example, the Deathwatch Chapter significantly reduces its starting fleet size, subtracting 1 Battle Barge and 4 Strike Cruisers.
Sources: datafiles/main/chapters/33.json:161-166
Naval Advantages
Specific Chapter advantages provide direct buffs to the fleet system:
- Kings of Space: Grants bonuses to naval offense and defense, adds an additional Battle Barge, and ensures the fleet remains controllable even without the Chapter Master present.
- Boarders: Enhances lethality during boarding actions and provides two additional Strike Cruisers.
Sources: datafiles/main/chapter_advantages.json:88-93, datafiles/main/chapter_advantages.json:6-10
Personnel Loading and Distribution
The system manages how Chapter personnel are assigned to ships through the load_to_ships configuration. This determines the tactical deployment of specific unit types across the available fleet assets.
The diagram above shows the logic for personnel distribution based on Chapter configuration flags.
Sources: datafiles/main/chapters/37.json:115-119, datafiles/main/chapters/36.json:107-111
Flagship Designation
Each Chapter can designate a specific name for its primary vessel using the flagship_name field. If left blank, the system autogenerates a name. Examples of specific flagships include the Reliquaria for the Consecrators and the Victus for the Flesh Tearers.
Sources: datafiles/main/chapters/37.json:205, datafiles/main/chapters/34.json:147
Naval Combat and Boarding
The Fleet & Ships system includes mechanics for boarding actions and specialized naval equipment. Boarding effectiveness is modified by Chapter traits and specific wargear.
Boarding Modifiers
- Lightning Warriors: Provides a 3% increase to base boarding capabilities and reduces the chance of losing equipment during raids by 15%.
- Boarders Advantage: Specifically increases lethality during ship-to-ship boarding.
Sources: datafiles/main/chapter_advantages.json:94-100, datafiles/main/chapter_advantages.json:6-10
Naval Units and Mobility
The system interacts with mobility assets that are deployed from ships. Items like the Bike include "Twin Linked Bolters" for offensive actions and provide high-speed battlefield repositioning.
Sources: datafiles/data/mobility.json:2-20
Summary
The Fleet & Ships System serves as the primary mobile base of operations for Space Marine Chapters. By balancing hull counts (Battle Barges, Strike Cruisers) with specialized loading rules for Scouts and Veterans, the system allows for diverse playstyles ranging from massive planetary blockades to agile, boarding-focused splinter fleets. The integration of Chapter Advantages like "Kings of Space" ensures that naval-focused Chapters possess a distinct operational edge in space combat.