quote:
Originally posted by Barnacle Bill:
Frankly, I don't have this big problem with faster ships being able to avoid combat. In real life, that is how it works. Faster speed plus longer ranged weapons in real life also means "the fast guy with long arms wins".
Usually true, but there are some caveats:
1) If you run out of gas/forage/food/endurance, you get caught, even by a slower opponent.
2) You also get caught by a slower opponent if you get surrounded or trapped.
3) If the terrain doesn't allow you to use your speed, you can get caught.
4) Once you run out of arrows, your long-range bows are useless.
5) Forces that depend upon speed and long-distance weapons get decimated in a close fight.