Engines

Lore & Background

The technology behind these drives varies by species but converges on the same result: bending space-time for rapid transit. The Federation utilizes standard thrusters that are efficient and stable, while the Mantis rely on biological or bio-mechanical systems that grow with their ship. The Rock's engines are often massive and durable, built to withstand the harsh conditions of asteroid fields. Regardless of origin, a damaged engine is a tactical setback, not a death sentence—crews can still jump away if the FTL drive is intact.

In Their Own Story

The red light above the Engine room door flashed violently as sparks rained down from the ceiling. 'We're losing thrust!' the engineer shouted over the roar of the failing thrusters. Outside, the enemy cruiser's lasers chewed through the hull, but inside, the silence was worse—the hum of the engine had dropped to a sputtering wheeze. The captain gripped the console, sweat stinging his eyes. 'Divert all power! If we can't jump in ten seconds, we die here.' A crew member scrambled over the debris, welding torch in hand, praying the FTL drive would engage before the hull breached.

Reader's Guide

The Engine room is typically located near the rear of the ship and contains a large central thruster unit. It requires at least one power conduit to function, though higher levels demand more energy. In combat, players must balance power distribution carefully; diverting too much from shields or weapons can leave the ship vulnerable, but starving the engine prevents movement. Upgrading the Engine increases its speed and reduces the time required for FTL jumps. A Level I engine is slow, while a Level IV engine allows for near-instantaneous jumps. Upgrades also reduce the power cost per level, making it easier to maintain full functionality during intense battles where other systems need maximum power. If the Engine takes damage, its efficiency drops, and it may catch fire or explode. Crew members can repair it manually, but this leaves them exposed to enemy boarders. Nanobots are a safer alternative for repairs, though they are limited in quantity. Always ensure at least one crew member is near the engine during combat to handle emergencies quickly.

Did You Know?

• The Engine can be completely unpowered without grounding the ship—you'll just lose dodge chance and FTL charge speed.
• Mantis ships often feature unique biological engine designs that differ significantly from Federation technology.
• Upgrading the Engine does not reduce time to reach full thrust; it improves dodge chance and reduces FTL charge time.
• A destroyed Engine does not prevent the use of the FTL drive—only a damaged FTL room can stop a jump.