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| {{Specifications | | {{icons|bfo}} |
| | image = [[Image:Manticore.jpg|275px]] | | {{Position |
| | name = Manticore | | |image=[[Image:BFCSeal.png]] |
| | affiliation = Starfleet | | |name=Bravo Fleet Commanding Officer |
| | role = Heavy Escort | | |abbreviation=BFCO |
| | dateEntered = 2391
| | |member of=[[Bravo Fleet Command]] |
| | expectedLife = 100 Years
| | |IC title=Fourth Fleet Commanding Officer |
| | expectedRefit = 10 Years
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| | timeResupply = 3 Years
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| | crewComplement = 250
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| | emergencyCap = 1,000
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| | length = 361 meters
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| | width = 151.3 meters
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| | height = 73 meters
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| | decks = 18
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| | propulsionSystem = Matter/Antimatter powered warp drive
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| | cruiseSpeed = Warp 7.5
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| | maxSpeed = Warp 9.8
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| | emergencySpeed = Warp 9.985 (12 hours)
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| | energyWeapons =*10x Type-XII phaser arrays
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| | torpLaunchers =*2 forward (pod)
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| *1 forward
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| * 2 aft
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| | torpPayload =*100 Photon Torpedoes
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| *100 Quantum Torpedoes
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| | shields =Multi-Layered Shielding System
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| | shuttleBays =1
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| | shuttles =4
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| | runabouts =1 | |
| }} | | }} |
| | The '''Bravo Fleet Commanding Officer (BFCO)''' is the highest position in Bravo Fleet, serving as chief executive, as well as the chair and a voting member of [[Bravo Fleet Command]]. They have far-reaching administrative responsibilities that cover nearly all aspects of Bravo Fleet. With the future interest of the organization in mind, they both lead the membership as a whole and directs the policies and hierarchy of Bravo Fleet. This leader’s far-reaching perspective allows them to consider all of the seemingly disparate services, hierarchies, and other facets of the club when making decisions. Their oversight unifies these different areas into one whole which we call Bravo Fleet. |
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| == Class Overview ==
| | Authority not clearly delineated or reserved by the [[Bravo Fleet Charter]] is reserved for the BFCO. The BFCO sits in 12-month terms which must be renewed by BFC vote. This position is established under [[Bravo_Fleet_Charter#Article_IV_.E2.80.93_Bravo_Fleet_Commanding_Officer|Article IV]] of the [[Bravo Fleet Charter]]. |
| Designed for independent operations in dangerous regions of space, the ''Manticore''–class escort is a formidable opponent in combat while still serving Starfleet’s mandates of exploration, diplomacy, and aid. With Starfleet’s presence stretched thinner across the Alpha and Beta Quadrants, the ''Manticore'' has demonstrated itself capable of representing remote Federation interests with limited support, or supplementing security interests at home.
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| === Exploration and Science ===
| | The current Bravo Fleet Commanding Officer is [[bfms_user:1356|Teylas Ramar]]. |
| The ''Manticore'' under-performs in scientific missions compared to most Starfleet vessels in her size category. While its laboratory spaces and scientific sensor sophistication are limited, it is still capable of undertaking missions of exploration and analysis such as might be competently handled by an ''Intrepid''. The scientific suitability of any ''Manticore'' is often dependent upon the mission pod, which may sacrifice laboratory space for further weapons capacity. | |
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| It is, of course, inefficient to dedicate a ''Manticore'' to solely such a mission. It is usually sent on such assignments only if there is some anticipation of danger, such as hostile local powers. In those cases, the ''Manticore'' is able to conduct exploratory operations while able to defend itself where other explorers of its calibre could not.
| | == General Duties == |
| | *Serving as chief executive of Bravo Fleet, with [[Bravo_Fleet_Charter#Article_IV_.E2.80.93_Bravo_Fleet_Commanding_Officer|authority]] defined in the Fleet's Charter; |
| | *Serving as chair of [[Bravo Fleet Command]]; |
| | *Administering authority over Bravo Fleet's infrastructure and services; |
| | *Delegating the powers and authority of Bravo Fleet Commanding Officer as-needed; |
| | *Coordinating contact with other organizations, serving as the Bravo Fleet's diplomatic voice with other clubs. |
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| Although the initial designs for the ''Manticore'' did not consider its role as a long-range explorer, Federation needs have changed. While it will never be sent on deep-space assignments such as those reserved for the ''Century'' or the ''Elysion'', it is capable of operating without resupply for years. With Starfleet forces more thinly-spread, this makes the ''Manticore'' suitable for missions ranging beyond Federation borders for some months – so long as there is a need for its tactical capabilities.
| | == In Character Role == |
| | The BFCO serves as Commanding Officer of the [[Fourth Fleet]], overseeing operations of the entire fleet. During times of peace, the position is largely administrative, however, in combat situations the BFCO can take command from the front lines. The Fourth Fleet Commander reports directly to [[Starfleet Command]] and the [[Chief of Starfleet Operations]]. |
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| === Diplomacy === | | == Holders of Office == |
| As one of Starfleet’s premier tactical vessels, the ''Manticore'' is reserved for diplomatic missions which include warring governments, insurgency movements, disruptive third parties, or natural disasters. If the overtures of peace must come with a message that Starfleet will defend itself or those deemed under its protection, a ''Manticore'' is a suitable choice of vessel. Otherwise, it is easy to see this show of strength as a threat, and wrongly-applied, the ''Manticore'' is a sign of the Federation’s increasing xenophobia and self-interest.
| | {| class="wikitable" width="500px" |
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| | !Character |
| | !Player |
| | !Term Began |
| | !Term End |
| | |- |
| | | [[Fleet Admiral]] [[Teylas Ramar]] |
| | | [[User:Teylasramar|Vince]]<sup>3</sup> |
| | | June 14, 2019 |
| | | June 14, 2022 |
| | |- |
| | | colspan="4" | <span style="font-size:14px">During this time (2017-2019), the position was divided among three Admiralty members known as the Bravo Fleet Command Council.</span> |
| | |- |
| | | [[Fleet Admiral]] [[Oliver Tidwell]] |
| | | [[User:DCaplinger|Darian Caplinger]]<sup>2</sup> |
| | | January 2, 2013 |
| | | January 4, 2017 |
| | |- |
| | | [[Fleet Admiral]] [[Reytan Grax]] |
| | | [[User:Teylasramar|Vince]]<sup>2</sup> |
| | | March 4, 2012 |
| | | January 2, 2013 |
| | |- |
| | | [[Fleet Admiral]] [[Nathan Cowell]] |
| | | Mark (aka Jonileth) |
| | | January 5, 2012 |
| | | March 4, 2012 |
| | |- |
| | | [[Fleet Admiral]] [[S'iraa]] |
| | | Steve |
| | | October 2, 2011 |
| | | January 5, 2012 |
| | |- |
| | | [[Fleet Admiral]] [[Teylas Ramar]] |
| | | [[User:Teylasramar|Vince]]<sup>1</sup> |
| | | July 31, 2011 |
| | | October 2, 2011 |
| | |- |
| | | [[Fleet Admiral]] [[Barak Aubrey]] |
| | | Colin |
| | | January 30, 2010 |
| | | July 31, 2011 |
| | |- |
| | | [[Fleet Admiral]] [[Teylas Ramar]] |
| | | [[User:Teylasramar|Vince]] |
| | | June 1, 2009 |
| | | January 30, 2010 |
| | |- |
| | | [[Fleet Admiral]] [[Christopher A. Pike]] |
| | | Art |
| | | September 11, 2008 |
| | | June 1, 2009 |
| | |- |
| | | [[Fleet Admiral]] [[Dan Taylor]] |
| | | Dan Taylor |
| | | January 3, 2008 |
| | | September 11, 2008 |
| | |- |
| | | [[Fleet Admiral]] [[Luke Duncan]] |
| | | Paul (aka MJ) |
| | | October 2007 |
| | | January 3, 2008 |
| | |- |
| | | [[Fleet Admiral]] [[Mike K'Wor Bremer]] |
| | | [[User:MBremer|Mike Bremer]]<sup>1</sup> |
| | | 2007 |
| | | October 2007 |
| | |- |
| | | [[Fleet Admiral]] [[Adrian Mormar]] |
| | | Adam (aka FlyingGremlin) |
| | | 2007 |
| | | 2007 |
| | |- |
| | | [[Fleet Admiral]] [[Valren Arelwynn]] |
| | | Jord |
| | | 2007 |
| | | 2007 |
| | |- |
| | | [[Fleet Admiral]] [[Robert Chadwick]] |
| | | [[User:DCaplinger|Darian Caplinger]] |
| | | November 2006 |
| | | 2007 |
| | |- |
| | | [[Fleet Admiral]] [[Tomas Wolfe]] |
| | | Lenny |
| | | September 2005 |
| | | November 2006 |
| | |- |
| | | [[Fleet Admiral]] [[Sorac Dunar]] |
| | | Ed Smith |
| | | March 2004 |
| | | September 2005 |
| | |- |
| | | [[Fleet Admiral]] [[Mike K'Wor Bremer]] |
| | | [[User:MBremer|Mike Bremer]] |
| | | December 1997 |
| | | March 2004 |
| | |- |
| | | [[Fleet Admiral]] [[Victor Murdock]] |
| | | Pat Weber |
| | | 1997 |
| | | December 1997 |
| | |} |
| | <small><sup>1</sup> Has held the office of [[Bravo Fleet Commanding Officer]] for the second time.<br> |
| | <sup>2</sup> Has held the office of [[Bravo Fleet Commanding Officer]] for the third time.<br> |
| | <sup>3</sup> Has held the office of [[Bravo Fleet Commanding Officer]] for the fourth time.</small> |
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| With multiple VIP suites and two diplomatic conference rooms, the ''Manticore'' is able to host delegates in safety. Comfort is provided by the proximity of these quarters to the holodecks, lounge, and other recreational facilities also enjoyed by the crew. This allows delegates to room and meet aboard in the safety and comfort of neutral Starfleet territory.
| | [[Category:Bravo Fleet Positions]] |
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| === Engineering ===
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| As a tactical cruiser, the ''Manticore'' is designed to be tough and fast, with a significant weapons loadout. While this already placed significant parameters on the design team, Starfleet’s wish the ''Manticore'' not exclusively serve tactical operations put further demands upon its space and resource allocation for scientific needs.
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| In anticipation of taking weapons fire, its saucer and secondary hull design are more integrated than most modern Starfleet ships. This allows for thicker hull plating around the main body of the vessel, and the deflector dish is more naturally shielded by the saucer than is the case with the ''Manticore’s'' contemporaries. An additional benefit of this has been a more narrow profile, which has aided in target evasion.
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| It is one of the fastest Federation ships, and presently boasts the highest emergency speed in Starfleet. This, as well as its need for exceptional shielding, makes the ''Manticore'' also one of the most power-intensive. Advances in warp drive technology provide the energy needed, with multiple redundancies built-in on power allocation and distribution in consideration of the high likelihood of damage. This includes the four-nacelle build, which allows the ''Manticore'' a more stable warp field as well as redundancies if a nacelle is damaged in battle; for this reason modern, variable geometry nacelles were chosen. Independent fusion reactors power each impulse engine, a redundancy and power boost lifted from its successes in the ''Sovereign-''class.
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| With this robust power array, complex warp drive, and a need to maintain redundancies in case of combat, the engineering department is a large proportion of the crew. This includes a notable array of specialists to ensure each system is operating at peak efficiency, and able to keep operating after the ship has taken damage.
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| === Tactical ===
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| Tactical assignments are where the ''Manticore'' shines. While it is out-performed by the manoeuvrable ''Prometheus'' and its Multi Vector Assault Mode, it otherwise takes a ''Sovereign'' or an ''Akira'' with the right mission profile before the ''Manticore'' is surpassed in combat. It can stand its ground one-on-one against most starships barring the largest battleships, and enjoys enough speed and manoeuvrability to be a flexible part of any task force deployment. There, it is often the first point of engagement with enemy forces, tying them up to be harried by smaller, faster tactical vessels.
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| Phaser strip coverage is closer to 300 degrees than 360, with lesser protection on the rear; while the ''Manticore’s'' manoeuvrability compensates to some degree, this dictates a heavy, front-focused assault style. The most common tactical pod enhances a ''Manticore’s'' torpedo capacity, which may allow the ''Manticore'' to act as more of a long-range gunboat. Without it, the ship is far more suitable engaging in a closer-ranged slugging match with an opponent.
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| The ''Manticore''’s original design includes space for a Combat Information Centre, which has been most favoured by ships on long-term independent assignments, focusing upon the strategic analysis of a region. After the mission pod, this is one of the features that differs the most across ''Manticores''; some captains replace the CIC with another science laboratory, while those within Federation borders or on diplomatic missions may replace the CIC with further recreational facilities. This is not an insignificant refit, and tends to reflect the long-term profile of a ''Manticore'' and its captain rather than the needs of individual missions.
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| The ''Manticore'' has a larger-than-average sickbay for a ship of her class, along with additional storage bays for medical supplies and deployable field hospitals stored in the cargo bays. These robust medical facilities of the ''Manticore'' make it a suitable starship to respond to natural disasters. While it lacks the resources to attend to epidemics or other such medical crises, it is reasonably well-equipped for disaster relief, and can of course provide the security, in personnel as much as tactically, that is often needed on such missions.
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| === Shipboard Life ===
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| Life for the crew of a ''Manticore-''class is expected to be comfortable due to her size and the allocated resources. Senior staff enjoy solo quarters, while junior officers and NCOs either share rooms with one other or have their own room in shared quarters. All quarters are spacious enough to encourage personal touches and decoration. Facilities likewise allow a decent standard of living, with several holodecks, a full range of permanent recreational facilities, two crew messes, and an officers’ mess. The most notable luxury is the main lounge, whose proximity to the diplomatic facilities makes it the ideal place for hosting guests as much as recreational gatherings. All of this is deemed necessary for a starship expected to be capable of conducting missions away from Federation territory for long months, while lacking the feel of the ‘floating city’ of the ''Galaxy'', ''Sovereign'' or ''Century''.
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| Small enough in size that a ''Manticore'' officer will know many of the crew by sight, large and comfortable enough that the ship may be considered a home, the class has been noted for its crews developing a familial-like bond. This is only redoubled in the ''Manticores'' mission profile as an escort, a high-stress environment. Under combat conditions, including simple threat of combat, crews are more likely to bond closely and quickly. This was one of the design purposes of the expansive recreational facility; Starfleet research supports such facilities assisting in the psychological welfare of crews under such stress, and these tend to play a major role in developing crew bonds. A further contribution has been the ''Manticores'' unsuitability for families; while some civilian staff may be counted among the personnel and fraternisation is permitted, only under specific circumstances are spouses on the civilian roster and children are not berthed.
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| Senior staff of a ''Manticore'' are usually veterans of other tactical vessels, and a ''Manticore'' is likely to be a captain’s second command after proven service as a combat leader. While a ''Manticore'' is not as prestigious an assignment as the ships of the line, it is respected enough in its specialised purpose that a captain may never sit another command chair and still be deemed to have a successful career. The only staff who may view a ''Manticore'' as a stepping stone to something greater are likely to be the ambitious, or the science department.
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| == Class History ==
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| The ''Manticore'' is of the first generation of tactical starships after the Dominion War, which required the significant tactical refitting of many vessels. Those already designed or suitable for warfare were the small ''Defiant'' with its limited range, the grand and personnel-heavy ''Sovereign'', the auxiliary craft-reliant ''Akira'', or the more compact but complex and resource-intensive ''Prometheus''. The absence of a combat starship capable of independent tactical operations with a reasonable demand on expense and personnel was noted at Starfleet R&D, and options were explored throughout the mid-2370s without much progress.
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| With the war’s end, the design mandates that would lead to the ''Manticore'' remained on the backburner as Starfleet endeavoured to return to its focus on exploration in the late 2370s. This influence meant the small team continuing work at Antares were mindful their superiors wanted a design more flexible than the ''Prometheus'', and so the ''Manticore'' was eventually pitched as a starship as capable of long-term, independent assignments as the ''Intrepid'', representing the full gamut of Starfleet interests in troubled regions where conflict was expected or likely.
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| Avoiding expensive tactical complexities like the ''Prometheus''’ Multi-Vector Assault Mode, the Antares team had to look elsewhere for design cues. Instead they examined early proposals for the ''Sovereign'', and examined what could be scaled down, lost, and repurposed for their needs. This became considerably easier with improvements in miniaturisation and compact starship design over the 2370s with the perfection of the ''Defiant'' and the designs that followed on from it. The ''Manticore'' could not compare with the ''Sovereign'' in armaments or complexities of systems, and was sacrificing the tactical exceptionality of the ''Prometheus'' for more flexibility, but as a more modern starship enjoyed new advances in system design, weapon efficiency, shielding and hull plating.
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| With ambitions for a relatively compact frame – compared to Starfleet’s huge ships of the line – paired with a hefty weapons complement, high speed, and a respectable sensor array, power demands and allocation rapidly became a concern. The demanded warp factor for a ship that could operate, if needed, as a rapid response vessel turned the team back to the ''Prometheus'' for inspiration, and the ''Manticore'' was redeveloped with a four-nacelle design. This included redundancies in the warp systems as well as that of the nacelles themselves, considered essential for a starship that might still need high mobility under or after taking heavy fire.
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| The template for scientific capabilities was taken from smaller vessels such as the ''Intrepid'' or the ''Elysion'', though the ''Manticore'' does not attempt to mimic the latter’s degrees of automation. Medical facilities were given more thorough consideration and resource allocation, with an emphasis on triage and emergency medicine in-line with expected mission profiles. Likewise space was established for diplomatic quarters and facilities.
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| Initial simulations in the early 2380s still saw the ''Manticore'' under-perform in changing, unpredictable or flexible missions requiring anything but combat. While it massively out-performed its contemporaries tactically, Starfleet rejected the design as unsuitable to use outside of internal patrols and defence, as a starship on a long-range mission appropriate to the ''Manticore’s'' size and expense needed a higher rating in science.
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| Shortly after this setback came the oncoming Romulus crisis and the attack on Mars, both of which placed new demands on Antares Shipyards. These might have finished off the ''Manticore'' as the Federation reeled and re-allocated its resources, but the project was saved by a proposal from lead designer Commander Kren Tavik. The power output of the ''Manticore'' could support more facilities, and so a mission pod was suggested. At a default it would offer an upgrade to the ship’s scientific resources for long-range missions, but if the ''Manticore'' was needed for tactical duties closer to home, it could enjoy an upgrade in sensor arrays or torpedo capacity and launchers.
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| This new viability of the ''Manticore'' matched the changing needs of Starfleet post-Mars. What had always been a secondary project of lesser importance suddenly became a valued design as the fleet underwent massive changes in build and distribution. More apprehensive of threats from outside, but keen to protect core member worlds, Starfleet jumped at a new starship which could protect its borders with limited support while meeting scientific and diplomatic needs. After a slow development cycle of over ten years, construction on the USS ''Manticore'' herself was fast-tracked in earnest in 2389. She was launched in 2391, further builds ordered not long after.
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| == In Play ==
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| * A Manticore is not deployed to a mission lightly. Either a situation explicitly requires its tactical capabilities, or it is encountering a situation while on long-range operations in an area to which it, likewise, has been assigned because of those capabilities. It would be hugely inefficient to use a Manticore on a scientific mission without threat where a cheaper and more mission-suitable starship could be posted instead.
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| * The Manticores capacity to operate away from a starbase for long periods, paired with Starfleet’s withdrawal of many of its forces to core worlds, has made it not uncommon for a Manticore to be given oversight of a whole region of more distant, troubled Federation space, expected to protect it and represent Starfleet interests.
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| * While a Manticore under-performs in science for its size category, it is still capable of conducting these limited exploratory operations which might be expected of a smaller vessel such as an Intrepid.
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| * In combat, a Manticore should be able to at least hold its own against most threats. Great battleships of the galaxy will outclass it, but beyond these it is one of the more prestigious tactical vessels in Starfleet. In turn, its arrival signifies that Starfleet expects trouble, which can have implications in relief or diplomatic missions.
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| * Manticore crews are usually seasoned officers with some combat experience, especially in the tactical and engineering departments. A Manticore is seen as a coveted posting for officers of such a career trajectory, without being the apex achievement of a Sovereign or Odyssey.
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| * NPC Manticores should only make an appearance when their muscle is needed. They are a signifier that Starfleet recognises a situation is both dangerous and worthy of allocating such a resource.
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| [[Category:Federation starship classes]] | |
| [[Category:Heavy Escorts]]
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