Cruisers

Overview
Cruisers are long range, high speed, agile, warships that can protect transports and harass the enemy. They are just as well protected as destroyers but sacrifice some of their armaments in the name of endurance and detection. Cruisers are typically slightly larger than destroyers (though not significantly) and are multi-mission capable. They are designed to operate on their own without the support of other ships so they have a great balance of attributes.

Cruisers have been used as explorers and scouts when the mission calls for some firepower in case things get rough. All cruisers have combat-grade shielding, unless otherwise noted. They are captained by a Catal or higher due to the independence they require and are crewed by about 50. They can go about 6 months between resupplies.

Variants
There are three variants of the cruiser. Frigates are used to harass the enemy, battlecruisers are heavily armed with their missiles, and explorers are long-range science ships.

Frigate
A frigate is a fast ship designed to get behind enemy lines and cause hell. These harriers have 3, medium caliber, fixed, medium range, rapid firing, energy cannons as well as 5 long range missile batteries. Frigates can cloak, though must move slowly when they do.

Battlecruiser
Also called "missile cruisers", battlecruisers are heavily armed cruisers. They are typically found on the line in much the same role as destroyers, though armed with different weapons. They have 5, medium caliber, fixed, medium range, energy cannons as well as 20 long range missile batteries. They typically use these warheads to hammer an enemy fleet from a distance. These missiles can also be used as an effective barrier to punish an enemy fleet for acting too rashly.

Explorer
An explorer cruiser has only 5 small caliber, turret mounted, short range, rapid firing, energy cannons. These are mostly used for self-defense against incoming fighter craft. In exchange they have a larger range (2 years between resupplies) and a much higher top speed. Explorers are used for scientific and diplomatic missions rather than combat ones.

Statistics

 * Size 2
 * Speed 5
 * Power 3
 * Rank 3
 * Value 3
 * Type: Auxiliary