Copeline-class Merchant Vessel

[Independence Games]

Here's the first preview for Independence Games' Copeline-class merchant vessel. An Earth Sector design, the Copeline is a 300 tonne merchant ship which became hugely popular following its introduction in 2348.

Written by Michael Johnson with art from Ian Stead and Jennifer Leonard, the Copeline-class merchant vessel will be available as a PDF on May 7th and in print shortly thereafter.

 

[Independence Games]

Coming May 7!

Art seen here by Ian Stead.

 

[wellis]

Is this sort of like an updated Rucker-class, in a sense, considering it's built from the ground up for the new fuel cell tech?

 

[Independence Games]

Is this sort of like an updated Rucker-class, in a sense, considering it's built from the ground up for the new fuel cell tech?

In the sense that it's Earth Sector's most common ship and is 300 tonnes, yes. It's definitely built for the new fuel cell technology.

 

[wellis]

Regarding this from the Tech 2350 Book:

Fusion Power plant fuel cells can only be refueled at specialist facilities located only at Starports with classifications A to C.

what is the primary difference if you get refuelled/replaced fuel cells from a B or C-class starport vs an A-class Starport?

In the sense that it's Earth Sector's most common ship and is 300 tonnes, yes. It's definitely built for the new fuel cell technology.

Is the Copeline-class around the same price as a Rucker-class or is it a good deal more expensive?

And what are the disadvantages of a retrofitted ship for the power plant fuel cells versus a ship designed for them from the beginning? Higher maintenance costs?

 

[Independence Games]

Regarding this from the Tech 2350 Book: what is the primary difference if you get refuelled/replaced fuel cells from a B or C-class starport vs an A-class Starport?

Not much, really. I'd say the Referee could make a good case for having the work take longer in a place with more workers but that's not something set in stone in the rules.

Is the Copeline-class around the same price as a Rucker-class or is it a good deal more expensive?

I'm going to assume you mean the standard merchant variant of the Rucker. The price on it is 101.2 million HFCredits.

The Copeline with the basic cargo modules is going to run you 117.3 million credits.

And what are the disadvantages of a retrofitted ship for the power plant fuel cells versus a ship designed for them from the beginning? Higher maintenance costs?

I would say increased maintenance would be the chief problem. Well, that and having to retrofit the ship to do it.

 

[Independence Games]

One of the most popular features of the Copeline-class Merchant Vessel is that it is a modular design. While this is a complex task to change the modules (and requires a B-class starport or better to perform), many owners prefer the ability to change the interior layout of the ship to be able to handle more cargo or more passengers.

The picture shows the ship with modules attached and detached. The art is by Ian Stead.

The Copeline-class Merchant Vessel will be available as a PDF from Independence Games on May 7 and in print shortly thereafter.

 

[wellis]

It honestly sounds like, thanks to both the modules and fuel cells expanding potential cargo & passenger space, that you can do something like the gambling ship variant of the Rucker but even better.

Because that modular stuff is pretty neat!

 

[Independence Games]

Here's a preview of the deckplans for the Copeline-class Merchant Vessel. This is a view of the upper deck of the ship with a passenger module installed on one side and a cargo module installed on the other.

The Copeline-class Merchant Vessel will be available on May 6 in PDF and print on Drive-thru RPG as well as in PDF on our webstore.

Art seen here by the author, Michael Johnson.

 

[wellis]

For passenger modules are there different choices available based on low, mid, & high-passage?

 

[Independence Games]

For passenger modules are there different choices available based on low, mid, & high-passage?

No. The "passenger module" is set up with 20 medium staterooms. There are also four high staterooms in the lower deck of the main body of the ship.