CBF Missile question

[browncoatone]

Page #42 of the Core Rules state:

"Once the missile enters a hex containing a target, its movement immediately stops and the missile switches to attack mode."

Suppose I wish to take a page out of Honor Harrington's play book and order a missile launch against only a specific ship, or class of ships and my missile volley enters a hex containing an enemy vessel, but not one of the ones I intended the missile attack to engage, do the missile engage that ship anyways? For example, suppose the enemy formation includes two Battleships and four Destroyers and I specifically intend my missile barrage to engage only the lead Battleship, ignoring the other five enemy warships, but while on course to intercept that Battleship my missiles enter a hex containing one of the enemy Destroyers. Are my missiles wasted on that Destroyer or do they continue on to their designated target?

[warchariot]

Missiles are meant to be shot at range and because you can control them somewhat, you can guide them into a target, especially if you have a wave in front and behind the target. MvM shows this tactic well as the machine ships will get killed if they close to one turn missile range.

So, to answer your question, they engage the destroyer. This is a tactic which can be used to save ships from missile attacks. Any enemy ship could run over a missile or two and take the damage. We use this with some larger ships to clear paths to the enemy when needed. Again, in MvM you should use your Raptors to ECM missiles which is another great use for these handy little fighters.

Another reason is ease of play, keeping track of missiles and what ship they can attack can be a nightmare, especial if you have lots of missiles on the board. You could, of course have a house rule with lock-on roll ect. to do this.

[fastgit]

Dec 29, 2010 13:25:58 GMT -5 warchariot said:

So, to answer your question, they engage the destroyer. This is a tactic which can be used to save ships from missile attacks.

And herein lies the reason for escorts & pickets. What admiral wouldn't sacrifice a destroyer or light cruiser to protect the battleline?