                              Command : TORPEDO

NAME
   torpedo - Slip a torpedo to some poor sucker (from a sub or ship)

Level: Basic

SYNTAX
   [##:##]% torpedo <submarine-SHIPS> <target-SHIP>

The torpedo command is used to shoot other naval vessels in a sneaky manner.

The <target-SHIP> argument is the victim ship number and the <submarine-SHIPS>
argument  is  the  number(s)  of  your submarine or other ship(s) with torpedo
ability.  The program will ask for these if not provided on the command  line.
If  using  the multi-fire option, the program will prompt for targets for EACH
firing torpedo ship, if no target was given on the command line.

Your <submarine-SHIPS> must meet the following criteria:
   1) It must have torpedo ability. (see info show)
   2) It must have at least 1 gun (torpedo tube)
   3) It must have at least 3 shells (3 shells = 1 torpedo)
   4) It must be at least 60% efficient
   5) It must have some mobility
Meeting all these criteria, your torpedo will be launched  toward  the  victim
ship and a countdown of seconds until the expected detonation will commence.

The range of a torpedo depends on  the  type  of  sub,  and  its  tech  level.
Currently the range formula looks like this:
        (frng) * (tech+50)/(tech+200)

        [Note: frng comes from show ship capability]

If the target is out of range, you will be told so, (after your torp is in the
water).  See info Hitchance for the chance of a torpedo hitting its target.

A hit will be reported to you as BOOM!, See info Damage for the damage that  a
torpedo does.

In order to simulate the real-time situation, your  mobility  will  be  decre-
mented  by mobility equal to 1/2 the cost the torpedo-ship would pay to move a
sector for each torpedo fired; if it goes to zero  (or  beyond)  you  will  be
forced  to  stick  around.   If your torpedo scores a hit, your victim will be
informed of the fact and will be told the number of the torpedo-ship, but  not
the country (so you can deny it).

The victim's only automatic protection against sub attacks is that any ship of
his/hers  that  is  near  you and has depth-charge ability and has shells will
drop them on you as depth charges.  Each depth charge does 10% to  40%  damage
to  your  sub,  depending  on  the armor of the sub, and the range of the des-
troyer.

The range a ship can depth charge at is the same as its gun range.

Against surface ships launching torpedo attacks, the victim gets to  fire  all
his  ships & sectors within range at the attackers BEFORE the attackers get to
fire. Damage done by all defending ships is divided evenly over all  attacking
ships.

SEE ALSO
   attack, assault, fire, Combat, Ships

