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Alpha torpedo bug?

Fri, 21 November 2014 01:50

platon79

Chief Warrant Officer 3

Messages: 185
Registered: February 2004
Location: Norway

I was just wondering if there is a bug with the alpha torpedo? The Technology browser clearly states that it has a Power of 5, but every time I seem to encounter one of the trusty Stalwarth Defenders with my scout, I seem to only take 4 damage pr hit. Not that this is very relevant, as most avoid the alpha torpedo, but I just want to know Smile

I don't think it can be a rounding bug either, as 20% or 25% damage to an armor of 20 should be just as easy to calculate.

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Re: Alpha torpedo bug?

Fri, 21 November 2014 10:57

skoormit

Lieutenant

Messages: 665
Registered: July 2008
Location: Alabama

I've noticed the same thing.

I actually think it is a rounding error, possibly related to the Stars code tracking damage to tokens by bits, each bit being equal to 1/512 of the armor of the token.

I haven't investigated the actual math that might be behind it, but it could be something like:

1) Each point of damage to a 20pt hull is 512/20 = 25.6 bits of damage.
2) There's no such thing as a partial bit, so round 25.6 down to 25.
3) 5 points @ 25 bits/point = 125 bits
4) 20 armor * 125 damaged bits/512 total bits = 4.88 damaged armor
5) As always in Stars, round down for display purposes. Net result: "4 damage" displayed. Though it would be more accurate to say "4.8828125 damage", in this case the tactical effect is the same: you need 5 hits from an alpha torp, not 4, to kill a scout.

[Updated on: Fri, 21 November 2014 11:00]

What we need's a few good taters.

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