The Complete Guide to Frontier 2 by Chris Heit
WORD WRAP ON, S'IL VOUS PLAT.
At last, the long awaited sequel to the best selling Frontier has arrived!

THIS IS THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO FRONTIER 2, GIVING HISTORIES OF SHIPS, EQUIPMENT, ETC. STATISTICS, AND MORE TO PLEASE THE PLAYER.  IT ALSO GIVES AN OVERVIEW OF THE GAME, GIVING TIPS ON WHAT THE PLAYER SHOULD DO, AND GENERALLY HELP THEM OUT. TO READ THE INSTRUCTIONS, PLEASE VIEW INFO.TXT.

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IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU PRINT THIS OUT, AS REFERENCE WHILE PLAYING
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The Complete Contents to the Complete Guide to Frontier 2
The Story
The Police
The Elite Control Center (ECC)
Information
  A. Systems
  B. Equipment
  C. Ships
Statistics
  A. Systems
  B. Equipment
  C. Ships
Police & Elite Ratings
  A. Ranks
  B. Missions
  

The Story:
February 3, 3206
Bob stepped out of his Century Eagle, sweating from head to toe. He had just infiltrated the Imperial Navy's capitol, Garbaggio, and captured the Emporer.  He looked at his steaming hyperdrive.  What a battle it had been.  He walked into
Federal Military HQ. The General looked up at him.  "Nice work, Bob." he said.   "You've made me proud. I'm promoting you to Lieutenant General.  Report to Earth immediately."
 "Sir, my Century Eagle needs time to cool off." Bob protested.
 "We have a Viper Defense Craft waiting for you."
 Bob smiled and left HQ. He saw the gleaming blue and white Viper right away. Four missiles were connected to their pylons. He looked up at the brand-new radar mapper spinning around in the daylight. "What a ship." he thought, and stepped inside.

Bob punched in the coordinates of the Sol System, and pushed a button. Days later as he arrived from his hyperspace cloud, he locked onto Earth.  The autopilot started up.  Just as he sat back to relax, three ships appeared behind him. "Ack!" he thought. Calming himself down, he pushed a button labeled 'Energy Bomb'. Instantly flashs appeared around his ship with a high-pitched sound. All three pirates' ships exploded.  Just as he smiled, an Imperial Courier arrived. "Oh great!" he mumbled. Frowning, he noticed the ray from the Courier's plasma accelerator coming towards him. He quickly launched four missiles, which were quickly disintegrated by the Courier's ECM system. Slowly the plasma accelerator's light engulfed the ship.

December 14, 3228

Bobby woke up with a jolt as his alarm went off. A holographic image of the Chief of Police appeared.  "Bobby!!!" he said. There was a trembling in his voice, "We've discovered what happened to your father."
 "What?" Bobby asked, still not quite awake.
 "Your father was shot down by an assassin en route to Earth."
 "WHAT?!?" Bobby cried, fully awake now.
 "An Imperial Agent was sent to assassinate the captor, your father Bob, of the Emporer."
 Bobby quickly dressed and ran out to New York's starport, and climbed into his father's old Century Eagle. It may be old, he thought, but it was the best-known ship of the Federation.
  As Bobby sat in his father's ship, he realized his lack of money.  After filling his two missile pylons, all he had left was 100 dollars.  He realized he would have to start like his father, trading goods to other planets and systems, then fulfill his ultimate goal, to continue his father's work and remove all traces of the Empire and its navy.

The Police:
  Ten years after the disappearance of Bob, the Empire was a mere nothing, and Federation gained total control of the galaxy. However, due to financial problems, the Federation slowly slipped away too, leaving nothing but the Police to maintain peace. The most dreamed of job for young ones is to become a well known person in the Police force.

The Elite Control Center:
  The Elite Control Center, or ECC, has been in existence for 314 years, keeping justice in the outskirts of space.  Anyone owning a ship is given a rating depending on the amount of ships they have destroyed, ranging from 'Harmless' to all-powerful 'Elite'. Few souls have made it this far, needing 2056 victories. With the advancements in technology after Bob's time, battles have become more decisive on what's equipped, rather than the skills of the pilot, shortening the lives of pirates, and unfortunately, space cadets.  The ECC pays bounties on pirates to all high-rated pilots.


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INFORMATION
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A. Systems

1. SOL
The Sol System is the most famous system of all. The birthplace of humanity is located on Earth.  In the year 2089, Mars became the first terraformed planet, as humans created a synthetic breathable atmosphere. Earth, being the luxurious place it is, manufactures a surplus of luxury goods, a major export.  These are a key to traders across the galaxy.  However, many computers are needed to produce these luxuries, and few factories are found in Sol, thus being a heavy import. Four distinct starports are located on Earth. New York was the first city to build a starport. Minot, North Dakota built a starport shortly after the local astrologist Chris Heit invented an improved Atmospheric Shielding. This allowed ships to enter any atmosphere at any speed without burning up. Atmospheric shielding is a necessity for everyone who would like to land somewhere were they can breathe normally. Paris, France and Toyko, Japan have also built large starports to accomodate the numerous tourists. The space station Mir XIV, orbits Earth. Mars, being the only other planet in Sol with a breathable atmosphere, has only one major starport: Quenisset.
Many AUs away is the space station of Columbus, located in orbit around Jupiter's volcanic moon, Io. This serves as a stop for tourists coming to Earth. No one forgets the awesome sight of Io, with Jupiter in the background.  The Police have a big influence on Sol, and there is relatively no piracy in the system.

2. TAU CETI
In 2067 the first alien life was discovered in Tau Ceti. Excitedly, Edward Comstock brought an expedition to Tau Ceti A1. As he arrived, sadly, all alien life was fading to extinction due to a comet that had struck it earlier that year. But to Comstock's luck, the comet contained large amounts of hydrogen. He quickly set up a base on the planet, and made large profits. In 3002, after Comstock's death, the planet was renamed to Comstock's Lode, and was terraformed. Campton is the main starport there, while Eliston is an expensive vacationing resort, where exotic animals were introduced.  New Franbe, the moon now free from Imperial rule, orbits Comstock's Lode. The legendary Bob was known for making extended spy trips to the satellite of Comstock's Lode.  The underground starport, accurately named 'New Franbe' is still in use today.  Orbiting New Franbe is the space station Fraser.

3. SIRIUS
Sirius is a binary system. It is known for two things. One, it was the brightest star in the sky to the primitive Earth-bound humans of the 20th century and back.  Two, the lone planet of Lucifer is the largest producer of computers. Lucifer is named from the harsh climate found on it, leaving no choice but to move the industries underground.  Hydrogen is a scarce element here, causing the prices of fuel to be exceedingly high.

4. ZELFKA
Zelfka is located on the outskirts of the inhabited systems.  It is known for New America, one of the few planets containing a natural oxygen atmosphere. Computers are heavily imported here. Nobleport and New Jacobs are the major starports of New America. Orbiting the planet is the station Anklon.

5. ACHINE
Achine is solely a mining system. Three planets orbit Achine, a red giant. Each one is significant for the large amounts of radioactive elements not commonly found anywhere else in the universe.  All three planets are named after their major element: Astatine, Technetium, and Praseodymium respectively. The few inhabitants of the underground starports demand large amounts of luxuries.

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B. Equipment
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Missile-
The missile is an ancient method of defense. Invented long long ago, the missile was used in airplanes of primitive Earth. A missile will seek the radiation emitted from an enemy ship. It can destroy small ships.

Laser-
The laser is the standard weapon used on almost all ships. There are many different wattages of the laser. Small ships hold the 1 MW laser, while large ones such as the Imperial Courier, hold the dreaded 20 MW, which can destroy almost all ships in one hit.

Plasma Accelerator-
The plasma accelerator is the king of all weapons. It can disintegrate anything in its path in a matter of seconds. However, it is very expensive and large. Only the Panther Clipper can hold it.

Hydrogen Fuel-
Hydrogen has been the source of fuel in hyperdrives for centuries. A ship can fly without fuel, but cannot jump through hyperspace. Larger ships eat up more fuel when jumping.

Luxury Goods-
Luxuries have been popular since the beginning of time. Only the rich can afford them, making them a good choice for trading.

Computers-
Built exclusively in Sirius, computers are a necessity for almost everything.  They are good for starting a trading route, until one builds up a large supply of money.

Atmospheric Shielding-
Atmospheric shielding is necessary to avoid burning up when entering a planet with an atmosphere (Earth, Mars, Comstock's Lode, etc). Without one a ship will burn up instantly on contact with the atmosphere.

Radar Mapper-
Invented in 3115, the radar mapper is now found on most Elite ships.  It will scan an enemy's ship and display their hull's strength.

Automatic Landing System-
The auto-lander is a rather new invention, created in 3221. It locks onto a starport and determines if it is onground, underground, or a space station and lands without the pilot's manual control.

Energy Bomb-
The energy bomb was created in 2015, near the start of space exploration.  It emits gamma rays in all directions with a high-pitched noise, penetrating into the interior of a ship, damaging it greatly. The energy bomb didn't become popular until about 3207, when it finally could be controlled. Before then, it often damaged, if not destroyed, the ship containing it.


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C. SHIPS
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1.Shuttlecraft
The shuttlecraft has been around for about a millenium, and has always been a valuable trading craft between planets. However, it's small hull can pose a problem. A hyperdrive cannot fit on a shuttlecraft, it can't hold a laser, and with atmospheric shielding, it can't hold anything period.  Anyone whose mind is set solemnly on a shuttlecraft's best bet is Sol, where the Police force is so strong there are virtually no pirates, trading between Mir and Columbus (that way atmospheric shielding is not needed.) Due to the shuttlecrafts small size, pirates have trouble picking up it on their scanners.

2.Hawk Aircraft
The Hawk Aircraft is a favorite for pirates across the galaxy, boasting the fastest speed of any ship, allowing them to catch their prey. A down side is the small hull capacity, and it's low shields. A 1MW laser is the largest laser that can be installed.
The Hawk is a good start for beginning traders, due to the fact that less pirates can catch it, by its speed and small size.

3.Century Eagle
The most popular ship of the days of the Federation, all experienced pilots of the Federal Military preferred the Century Eagle. The Eagle can hold a laser and accessories and still have room for cargo.  Also the ship can be flown with no assistance, keeping the cost to fly down.

4.Adder
Named after the deadly adder snake, the Adder is a common ship of richer pirates.  With 60 tons of space, the Adder is the cheapest ship that can handle more than a 1MW laser.  Traders appreciate the hull space, as lots of cargo can be carried, providing a large income.  The Adder was the first ship that the energy bomb could be used safely with.  A crew of two is required to fly the Adder.

5.Viper Defense Craft
The Viper is the universal ship of the Police force. Boasting 75 tons of hull space and and quick engine, the Viper is a favorite among experienced pilots. Only the pilot is required, providing complete control.  The Viper also has a relatively low fuel usage for its size.  This is one ship many traders hope to someday own.

6.Imperial Courier
The Imperial Courier is the only remnant of the Empire.  Assassins and anarchists are commonly associated with the Courier.  The Courier has one of the largest hull capacities around, and is commonly found with the dreaded 20MW laser. A crew of six is needed to fly the ship.

7.Panther Clipper
It takes a rich man to by one a Panther Clipper, but once he does, he'll be rich for life with the awesome 1000 ton capacity.  The Panther Clipper is one of the few ships that can hold a Plasma Accelerator. Unless one has a large laser and a big ship, he doesn't want to mess with this twelve-person beast.  However, due to the Clipper's monstrous size, the ship eats fuel like a dog on steroids, often using 54 tons on one hyperjump, and is tremendously slow.

(NOTE: All crew members besides the pilot in the Adder, Courier or Clipper have a salary of $20, paid at each landing. If the pilot cannot pay the crew, the will all quit the job, forcing the pilot find a new crew before leaving the starport)

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STATISTICS
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A. Systems

1*:# "oxygenated" ports 2*: # space stations 3*:# Underground
System      | # Starports  | 1* | 2* | 3*| Imports      |   Exports 
Sol             |          7          |  5  |  2  |  0 | Computers  |  Luxuries
Tau Ceti    |          4          |  2  |  1  |  1 | None           |  Fuel
Sirius         |         1           |  0  |  0  |  1 | Hydrogen   | Computers
Zelfka        |         3           |  2  |  1  |  0 | Computers | None
Achine       |         3           |  0  |  0  |  3 | Luxuries     | None

The starports requiring atmospheric shielding are as follows:
Minot, New York, Paris, Tokyo, Quenisset, Campton, Eliston, Nobleport, and New Jacobs.
Space Stations: Mir, Columbus, Fraser, and Anklon.
Underground ports: New Franbe, Lucifer, Astatine, Technetium, and Praseodymium.


B. Equipment
Name                            |  Price              |  Size  | Usage
Missile                           | 30-50              |     1    | Weapon
Energy Bomb               | 17000-20000  |     4    | Weapon
Radar Mapper              | 1200               |     1    | Scan Enemies
Atmospheric Shielding| 300                 |     1    | Planets with atmsph.
Automatic Lander       | 3000               |     1    | Landing Automatically


Gun Mounting             | Price              |  Size   |
1MW Laser                   | 500                |    1      |
3MW     "                      | 1250              |    5      |
5MW     "                      | 3000              |   20     |
20MW   "                      | 10000            |   75     |
Plasma Accelerator     | 200000          |  500    |

C. Ships
1:Hull Capacity  2:Missile Pylons  3:Speed Order(1-7)  4:Crew Needed
5:Fuel Needed Per Jump  6:Hitpoints
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Name                            | Price    |   1   |  2  |3| 4 |  5  |   6   
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Shuttlecraft                 |12000    |   1   |  0  |4| 1 |N/A|   1   
Hawk Aircraft              |20000    |   5   |  1  |1| 1 |  1  |  10  
Century Eagle              |46000   |   8    | 2  |3| 1 |  1   |  20 
Adder                           |80000   |  60   | 4  |5| 2 |  4   | 100
Viper Defense Craft    |84000    |  75  |  4 |2| 1  | 4   |  80 
Imperial Courier         |140000  | 200 |  8 |6| 6  | 20 |  200
Panther Clipper          |2000000|1000|  8 |7|12 | 54 |1000

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Police & Elite Ratings
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A person is ranked in the Police by the number of 'points' he as achieved.  The table for ranks and their corresponding points is as follows:

Rank                                |Points Needed
Cadet                               |   1
Private                            |   12
Officer                             |   24
Lieutenant                     |  256
2nd In Command           |  625
Chief of Police                | 2000

Each type of mission is worth a certain number of points:

Mission                                        |Points Worth
Delivery (papers or prisoners)  |          2
Assassination                              |         14
Bombing                                     |          20
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The ECC handles its ratings in a similar way, with each ship destroyed worth one point:

Rank                                |Points Needed
Harmless                         |          0
Mostly Harmless             |          4
Poor                                |           8
Below Average               |          16
Average                          |          32
Above Average               |         64
Dangerous                      |        128
Deadly                            |        512
Elite                                |       2056