Missile Cluster Algorithms

Imperial void missiles are notoriously slow and inaccurate, with minimal guidance mechanisms or onboard computing for fear of the dreaded “sentient machine”. While one does not have to go that far to produce a better missile, one can install improved guidance mechanisms, onboard transmitters, and simple computing systems so not only will individual missiles be faster and acquire targets more accurately, but individual missiles will also work to coordinate their targeting for maximal effect again the enemy.

### Completed

Though the project was treated with skepticism at first, the results were enough to dispel any lasting doubt as the new missile algorithms proved to be formidable tools of destruction during testing, where they increased successful and critical hits on targets by more than 60%. Though there were some flaws in the initial test runs, these were quickly ironed out.

However, there are some flaws to the new algorithmic procedures. There is some lag in the speed of communications, similar to having to wait a minute or two before being able to move your limbs after you have consciously ordered them to. Lagging signals would mean the network cant respond too quickly to changing conditions, so once a vector is secured, the network prefers that vector, with a steep drop off in effectiveness the greater the divergence. If an enemy ship is too fast (ie Eldar), then its performance would be suboptimal, but against slower opponents (such as against Orks) it would hypothetically perform quite excellently.

Other concerns have been brought up as well, though they are more theoretical in nature. It would work better against certain species better than others. While in theory it would work very well against Orks, Tyranids, or any race with tech inferior to the Golden Age that cannot disrupt the network, there are numerous galactic-scale parties that could. Necrons could relatively easily disrupt any conceivable network forcing the missiles to rely on their own capabilities, Eldar could probably disrupt them given their sheer psychic talents, even the Tau probably could have some form of countermeasures developed as their technological base improves. A great concern to Selica (and Adrian once he read the relevant historical works) is that of Chaos, which could potentially devastate even a Golden Age network with scrap code, seeing as such a phenomena happened in the past (even with some unknown level of assistance from the Emperor).

As for the Imperium and its successor governments, it seems possible that the network may help with some parties, and worse with others. The numerous internal factions, and the possible possession of xenotech, “holy” techno-relics or other arcane artifacts, and the general chaos of the galactic situation means that unless decisive intelligence was gathered on a particular faction, it is a gamble.

Still, the algorithms provide substantial improvements to every level of missile performance, both individually and in scaling groups of missiles working in concert. There are deadman switches and backup procedures in place so that all missiles can operate individually if need be, so functionally speaking there should be minimal risk.

### Rewards

+5 to all void combat missile rolls (+10 if combined with External Launchers). Crit rolls get an additional +10 to severity.