Your Merlin-class airship is equipped with the Ironclad Combat System (ICS) by Kandace Commons — a team-based combat system that simulates incremental battle damage and sometimes localized battle damage. ICS is widely used in not only “ironclad” steamship combat, but also in many other fighting vehicles, including ships, boats, tanks, and now the Merlin-class airship.
Nota bene: In most locations in Second Life, people have rules against the use of weapons. Using a weapon without permission might get you banned locally. Repeatedly doing so could result in abuse reports against you. Please use your weapons responsibly.
ICS Combat Specifications for the Merlin-class Airship
In terms of combat capabilities, the Merlin-class airship is relatively vulnerable, and carries only two light cannon. Its real punch is in the four “medium” power torpedoes. This makes it very dangerous to sea-borne targets, provided you can fly within range without being shot down.
- Hit points: 100
- Clockwork torpedo: 4 x ICS “spar” torpedo (medium) v3.0
- Cannon round: 50 x ICS light cannon round v3.0
The cannon and torpedoes can be fired by the pilot, though to aim the cannon, you will need additional crew members.
Where to Engage in Combat
- You can fire your weapons only where the land permits you to create objects.
- Land should be set to “safe” (no damage) or hits to your vehicle may “kill” you inappropriately and teleport you home.
- Before firing your gun, always make sure that the landowner and other avatars present will not mind.
Firing the Cannon from the Pilot’s Position
While piloting the Merlin-class airship, you can fire the port and starboard guns by clicking the left and right “C” buttons on your pilot’s HUD. You cannot aim the guns from this position except by turning the ship.
Firing the Cannon from a Gunner’s Position
- Right-click a gun and choose “Get In”. Your avatar kneels at the gun and a menu pops up.
- Click “Get HUD” from the pop-up menu and wear it.
- To aim, use the arrow keys on your keyboard. To fire, click your mouse anywhere except on the ship or the HUD.
Things to keep in mind while operating the gun:
- Avoid aiming too close to your ship, as it is very easy to cause serious damage to your own vessel.
- Your cannon fires in an arc trajectory, so elevating the muzzle can increase distance. Keep an eye on the smoke trail.
- You can aim and fire only if you wear the gunner’s HUD.
Destroying Targets with Torpedoes
Torpedoes are your primary weapon, and can be used in a conventional way against sea-borne targets and as a bomb against land-based targets and ships.
Sinking Ships and Submarines
Torpedoes can be launched from quite high up, but their clockwork mechanisms run down in about half a minute, so the lower you are when they launch, the better chance you have of hitting your target.
- Approach the enemy target and point your bow towards the centre of the enemy.
- When you are within 100m of your target, click the “T” button on the HUD or say T in chat. A torpedo releases and falls into the water.
On splashdown, it motors forward until either it hits an object or its mechanism runs down.
Nota bene: After splashdown, your torpedo will rise to the surface. Be aware that it is not effective against completely submerged targets.
Bombing Targets
You can damage or destroy targets by dropping torpedoes directly onto them. For example, dropping a torpedo onto the deck of a ship can be just as effective as firing the torpedo into the water to strike it at the waterline. Though a hit is just as effective, accuracy is extremely difficult.
Getting Damaged or Destroyed
Each time you are hit by enemy ordinance, your airship registers damage according to the power of the enemy weapon and the location on your ship.
Examples:
- If your airship is hit by a cannon round on its gas bag, it will cause a partial or complete loss of buoyancy.
- If your rudder or elevators (wings) are struck, you may lose some or all steering.
- If your engine is struck, it can be catastrophic.
A sufficiently powerful explosive to any part of the ship or accumulated damage will cause your ship to explode and burn, after which you must wait until the airship “regenerates”. When it’s ready, the fire will go out and your airship will be once again ready for battle.
Using Flags to Assign Teams
ICS uses “nation” and “ensign” flags to assign vessels and targets to teams. A nation would be the primary team, while an ensign would be a sub-unit of the primary team. You can apply nation and ensign flags using your airship’s Paint menu (see the instructions on painting your airship).
