r/StarshipPorn

If I just want to unwind and relax, I cruise around in the Duchess of Ix completing random bulk passenger missions.

Meet the Wasp - light assault ship built to protect humanity’s convoys in Synvector

Wasps usually operate in groups of four. When a convoy is attacked, a Wasp wing positions itself between the raiders and the freighters, forcing enemies that expected a quick hit-and-run attack into a direct fight.

Their main weapons are light kinetic guns. They don’t have enough firepower to reliably penetrate the armor of heavy Krait ships, so Wasp pilots usually target engines and lighter escort vessels instead.

Against the Shrazi, things get more interesting.

Their “Shirrs” perform roughly the same role and usually operate in similar numbers. Battles between the two wings often come down to the pilots themselves. Shrazi clan pilots rarely break off an attack, meaning human formations are often the first to lose cohesion.

But the Wasp has another interesting feature: the way it is sold. On the exchanges of Refuge and Port Avant-Garde, Wasps are usually sold in batches of four. If a single Wasp appears on the market, pilots often assume something happened to the rest of its wing.

Many also end up on the secondary market at the Break, where old hulls are restored, fitted with engines from other ships, and stripped of their original factory markings. A rebuilt Wasp can cost roughly half the price of a new one.

And then there’s the superstition. Wasps are almost never given names. Leader ships and freighters are named, and some famous vessels - like the Aegis - are known across Refuge by name. But among mercenaries, naming a Wasp is considered a bad omen.

Would you use a wing of Wasps to protect your convoy?

And would you rather fly a freshly manufactured Wasp or take your chances with a restored one from the Break?

Work is moving forward. Progress is being made. We're proud to present the 3D model of the "Aegis" - an elite command-tier combat ship, whose key feature is a shield projector, with no primary weapon installed.

This ship's mission is as simple as it gets - keep your teammates in the fight and strip the shields off the enemy. The ship's appearance is unlike any other - wide, cruciform, elongated. This unconventional shape is dictated by the reactor and the numerous energy accumulators housed inside to power the shield projector.

In terms of energy output, this is the most powerful ship, but that power doesn't go into weapons - it goes into defense.

The shield projector has 2 modes:

In practice, the "Aegis" will provide allied ships with a buff to shield strength and regeneration. It won't give them a "second shield," but will instead restore the shield they already have and absorb roughly 5–10% of incoming damage. The "Aegis" can strip shields from enemy ships. Completely. Leaving an enemy cruiser extremely vulnerable to any hit. In the game, this will work as follows: The enemy ship's base shield protection is removed. Incoming damage is increased by 5–10%.

You can't use both modes at once. You're either reinforcing an ally or stripping an enemy ship's protection.

Armament:

It would be foolish to leave a spaceship completely unarmed, so it comes with two lasers - a light one and a pulse cannon.

The pulse cannon literally burns through the enemy. The damage output isn't impressive, sure, but this ship isn't built for destruction - it's built for support. It's best to operate on the 2nd or 3rd line - on the front line, you won't last long. At the same time, keep in mind that you'll be a priority target for enemy ships. Nobody wants a ship nearby that causes serious trouble and hampers their advance. If you don't want to dive into the thick of things, this ship is a great fit for you. However, keep in mind that you'll have to watch the situation closely. A few wrong moves could cost you the battle.

What do you think of the unconventional cruciform silhouette?

Should we add a risky mode: a temporary boost to the projector (making it work faster) with reactor overheating (which could lead to the ship exploding)?

Which projector mode do you prefer - buffing your teammates or stripping enemy shields?