Editing PerilsOfTheWarship:Main Page (section)

==Solar Storm==
[[File:Dominator_Class_Cruiser.png‎|frame|right|c|<table><tr><td><b>Ship Name:</b></td><td>Solar Storm</td></tr><tr><td><b>Ship Class:</b></td><td>Dominator II Cruiser (Retrofit)</td></tr></table>]]

The original Dominator class cruiser was a brutal warship at close range thanks to its impressive Nova Cannon.  However the Adaptus Mechanicus realized the inherent flaw in the design of the ship – the relative short range of it’s desctructive firepower compared to other ships in space – so they took one of these powerful cruisers and retrofitted it with numerous enhancements and upgrades.

The goal of these retrofittings were to equip with ship with an all-in-one type ship that could handle multiple situations instead of having to call for specialized support, which often takes weeks or months.  The introduction of this retrofitting is the first step towards a fleet-wide upgrade where all ships will have less reliance on others, and can thus operate more independently as needed.

The Solar Storm is the first of these new retrofitted cruisers to be put into the field.  This new design includes many upgrades, including:

* '''Research & Development Labs:''' The original Dominator was purely a warship.  A significant portion of the Dominator II has been transformed into research and development labs for Imperial scientists. 
* '''Civilian Decks:''' There is a small section that has been designated as a civilian zone.  By putting in proper security checkpoints and biometric scanners, a small city-like structure has been added to the ship.  The purpose of this is to allow civilian merchants to provide services to the rest of the crew without compromising security.  There are even several large hangars available for civilian usage for ships.  While the city isn’t populated yet since this is a new vessel, it is hoped that trade and business will be attracted to the ship shortly after deployment.  The other advantage this offers is that unlike other vessels, this section allows the family of the crew to travel with the ship instead of remaining behind.
* '''Automated Control Systems:''' One of the annoying flaws in almost all Imperial ships is the ridiculous amount of crew needed to maintain and operate the ship.  A large portion of these processes have been automated to enable the ship to run with a significantly smaller crew (hundreds compared to thousands).
* '''Mark XVIII Warp Drive:''' For generations Imperial ships have used the same warp drive engine to power their ships.  But there have been several enhancements made to existing ships, and the Solar Storm has what is called a Mark XVIII Warp Drive.  This new technology is supposedly more efficient at getting a ship through the Warp.
* '''Enhanced Sublight Engine:''' The Solar Storm has a very powerful sub-light engine, giving the speed and maneuverability of frigate-class ships despite it’s massive size.  In addition, these new engines enable the ship to accelerate very rapidly.  When cruising at max speed however, the ship does tend to get a little bumpy so it usually runs as standard cruising speeds and only goes to max velocity when the situation calls for it.


The Solar Storm the same weapon system that a typical Dominator is loaded with:

* '''Port/Starboard Side Weapons Batteries:''' Standard issue short-range assault batteries which are common on most Imperial ships.  The primary purpose of these batteries is to fend off frigates and assault craft which get close.

* '''Prow Nova Cannon:''' An immensely powerful cannon which fires a huge burst of charged plasma at medium range.  The Nova Cannon is based on the Plasma Cannon which is frequently carried into battle by Imperial troops, however it is approximately one thousand times as powerful.  Historically, the Nova Cannon has decimated cruiser-size ships with a single volley, and it has severely damaged battleship-size ships with ease.  The biggest challenge with this weapon system is that it’s range is less than desirable, working out to approximately 15kms whereas most other ships have ranges of 20-30kms for their primary weapons.

===Ship Layout===

[[File:Solarstorm-layout.gif‎|frame|left|c|]]Solar Storm is 2000m long, spanning 70 decks and 150 sections per deck.  It is approximately 900m wide at the rear, and 500m wide at the front end.  Several key sections are listed below and shown in the map.

'''Astropaths:''' This spire houses the Astropaths, telepathic psykers that act as communication beacons for the ship and the rest of the Empire.  Nobody is allowed into the spire except highly ranking officers (Rank 6 or higher required to access, verified via biometric security scanners).    The Astropaths never leave the spire.

'''Civilian Zone:''' This massive section is currently empty, but consists of several decks, quarters, various-sized structures, and hangars.  It is the future home of the civilian section and it is the only place on the ship that doesn’t require a biometric security scan to enter.

'''Emergency Stations (estats):''' There are small emergency centers located every hundred meters or so in the ship.  These stations provide a small armory, med kits, and other items that might be useful in an emergency.   Access to an eStat requires a biometric security scan (Rank 1 required).

'''Engine Room:''' Self explanatory.  It’s usually packed with engineers and tech priests.  Rank 3 required for access.

'''Main Bridge:''' Command center of the ship.  It usually have 50 crew manning various stations.  Rank 1 required for access.

'''Navigators:''' This spire contains the Navigator, or pilot of the ship. Commands are usually relayed from the bridge to the Navigator, who then moves the ship as needed.  Rank 6 or higher required for access.

'''Ogryns:''' This section has abnormal size doorways and ceilings to accommodate the Ogryns.  It is generally adviseable to avoid this section, as Orgryn’s are not know for being overtly (or even remotely) friendly.  Rank 1 required for access.

'''Quarters, Barracks, Galley, Training Facilities:''' This is one of the largest sections of the ship, spanning 15 decks and 55 sections.  It contains number barracks for the standard guardsmen, plus several dozen private quarters of various size for officers.  This section also contains a massive galley, multiple entertain centers, recreation facilities, and training facilities.  The guardsmen on board rarely leave this section except to head to the Deployment Deck.  This section also contains an extensive hospital, massive chapel, and other necessities.  Rank 1 required for access.

'''R&D:''' Off limits.  Biometric scanners are programmed to shoot unauthorized access attempts to this section.  Rank 8 required for access.

'''Storage, Hangers, Deployment Deck:''' This large area contains all the vehicles, tanks, armories, and drop pods for the guardsmen.  They all congregate here and board their vehicles when commencing a mission.  Rank 1 required for access.

'''Weapons Control:''' Contains the ammunition and control mechanisms for the ships’ weapon systems. Rank 3 required for access.

===Getting Around===

'''Security'''

Every major section of the ship has a biometric security scanner (scans your retina).  While most sections only require Rank 1 to access, some sections of the ship require a higher rank.   Since the game is running at Rank 3 right now, you are able to access about 90% of the ship.  Getting to the restricted areas will require permission or going with somebody who does have clearance (i.e. the Captain, Inquisitor, Commissar, etc).

Additionally, some areas require additional scanning or verification before entering.  Generally speaking though, you just need to be identified when enting a specific section.

Failed authentications immediately send notifications to the bridge, and they are most likely to respond not so pleasantly.

'''Lifts & Stairs:''' Every 200m there is a lift (elevator) that extends to all decks that it can reach vertically.  Lifts are usually 15x15 feet, some are larger freight lifts designed for moving cargo.  There is also a spiral staircase adjacent to every lift.  

'''Airlocks:''' Every deck has 2 airlocks along each side (sections 30 and 80).  Opening the airlocks requires high security clearance and it will open the entire section to space and kill everybody in the section.

'''Conduits:''' Between every deck runs a series of conduits that house the electronics and control systems that power the ship.  It is possible to gain access to these conduits from hundreds of locations around the ship, however they are quite small and don’t give much wiggle room.  But once you are in, they will connect to all the other conduits and pretty much give you access to any part of the ship.  There are no biometric scanners in the conduits.  However all the access points have some kind of sensor on them designed to alert the bridge, and the penalties for digging around in the bowels of the ship can be rather harsh.