U.S.S. Rhongomiant

Notes

Jayiie's Skill tree has been optimized to be used on as many build types as possible. As such there are some questions that naturally arise when talking about it. I will try to capture these discussions as succinctly as possible here.

Tactical ultimate and Exotic Builds

The Tactical Ultimate is still taken. Because of the skill investment for energy weapons in the skill tree, this only takes a small amount of investment. Even with the intent of going full min-max, if everyone takes the coordination protocols this is comparable to getting a Mk12 damage console which effects everything, as well as a hull plating node. These are worthwhile investments, and given how flexible Jayiies skill tree is designed to be very good at covering multiple roles such as support, tanks, and energy kinetic and exotic dps builds.

Hull Restoration vs Hull Capacity

This is very simple, while also not. Given the choice between a Improved Hull Capacity (+25.5%) and Hull restoration (+25%) against Advanced Hull capacity (+30%), I personally prefer to take the former, splitting the point difference. Since my character is an engineer, this 25% Hull restoration actually has some very useful applications through Miraculous repairs.

As well by taking some extra points into engineering, this has allowed me to take the 10th Engineering Unlock skill which adds +10 Hull Capacity, which is comparable to the +15 taken from the last point of Hull restoration. Due to how the skill works this is a +3.3% Max Hull vs 4.95% Max Hull buff respectively.

EPG vs Control Amplification, DrainX and CtrlX

This time around I've opted to put more points into CtrlX and EPG while taking Control Amplification, and instead dropping points from DrainX. If this wasn't on an engineering captain I wouldn't consider this a loss. However both Nadion Inversion and Intrusive Energy Redirection both scale with DrainX and are innate captain abilities, thus wanting for the skill.

Aux Power

Optimizing to hit 130 Aux power has been challenging. To do this I required Defensive Subsystem turning for the +4.8 Power to Aux. Combining this with the passive on most science ships as well as the Neutronic Eddies has allowed 130 to be hit passively. This has then allowed me to drop EPS Manifold Efficiency freeing up a 10th starship trait. On other builds this has the effect of allowing more aux power for more damage / better scaling on various powers.

Shield Regeneration

This is still a tank first skill tree. Shield regeneration is statically anomaly and adds a huge amount to shield regen in just the first point (more Information on shields can be found here). As such, I have taken the single point. with the most recent tree revision I've opted to spec out of DrainX and Drain Infection for that last point in EPG. Should you want to not take shield regeneration I would suggest the next DrainX point.

Starship Weapons

Notes

No fancy lockbox weapons here, though the crafted omni has only a mildly useful proc and something like a pulsed phaser omni would be better here, it wouldn't necessarily be worth the cost of such an item. Legacy Phaser omnis with pen do exist, I just don't have one. I have also seen people run the Altamid Lobi set on SS builds; however I think this a net draw or a reduction from not having a similarly typed aft weapon and the usually slotted aft weapon (Altamid Torp) not firing.

Budget Tweaks:

This build doesn't make any claim to be cheap. Between the DPRM, D.O.M.I.N.O., helical weapon torsion and BIC, and Immolating Phaser Lance, this build gets expensive fast. However, that's what makes the unconventional systems type work well; really good console active powers with really good cooldown reduction. The raw stats of the BIC fill roles that other consoles can, but not as easily. The raw power of the 3/4 active consoles provides incredible damage potential that is unmatched, hence its use in the current Meta. 

If you start missing out on these consoles with good clickies, it might be best to pivot away from Unconventional systems. I did something similar on another character of mine when developing the Lexington, where basically the entire build was redeveloped around a more traditional aspect.

Damage Consoles

• Bioneural Infusion Circuits - As a stat stick console, there's a few free options available for use. Assimilated Module from Omega Reputation is a good choice here for weapon power, some control expertise, and CrtX.

• Immolating Phaser Lance - this is a great phaser console but that's all it really is on this build right now; a damage source. Any generic +phaser damage console or phaser damage dealing console will do fine. This is really needed for playing into stacking Universal Designs as well

• Weaponized Helical Torsion - I myself was debating this versus something like the altamid or assimilated module and went with the clicky console to help fuel damage stacks on the Cutting Tractor Beam.

• D.O.M.I.N.O - Most cite here the M6 Computer as being worth a slot and I think I did try it myself at one point, however the lack of a passive is really what hurts this replacement. Quantum Phase Convertor is fine here.

• Dynamic Power Redistributor Module: This is simultaneously a damage buffing console (+19% DEW damage, and +40% Cat2 all on the active) and a durability console (+11.3 DRR, and the active for +500% Regen and +100 BDRR). This makes it hard to replace direactly. Taking either a damage or a durability console is probably the play here, depending on your needs.

Notes

I originally had the photonic officer on the Lt.C intel seat; however after some experimentation I realized that I could improve performance by swapping to an intelligence power unconventional systems trigger here. Ionic Turbulance also leads to more -DRR to targets along the flight path.

Meta-Focused Tweaks:

I think I've seen some people give up Aux2Sif in favor of another unconventional systems trigger in the form of Emit Unstable Warp bubble; I'm not that bold.

Budget Tweaks:

For those looking for a budget approach that doesn't use Unconventional systems I would suggest:

• Commander Engineering (Intel): Emergency Power to Engines 1 / Auxiliary Power to Structural 1 / Emergency Power to Weapons 3 / Surgical Strikes 3

• Lt.C Tactical: Kemocite Laced Weaponry 1 / Attack Pattern Beta 1 / Torpedo Spread 3

• Ens Universal (Tactical): Distributed Targeting 1

• Lt.C Universal Intel: Intelligence Team / Ionic Turbulence 1 / Override Subsystem Safeties 3

• Lt. Science: Hazard Emitters 1 / Photonic Officer 1

Meta-Focused Tweaks:

There isn't much to change here in terms of utility. If playing on a captain trait always try to slot A Good Day to Die (not confusing at all there's a starship trait, mission, and personal trait with the same name).

Budget Tweaks:

For budget players who want to save some EC, there's a few standard traits that could be used:

• EPS Manifold Efficiency - Engineering Captain innate trait - this provides +10 all subsystem power for 30s when using EPtX or batteries. A useful filler.

• Point Blank Shot - Episode Reward from House Pegh - scaling damage based on distance to target from 2km to 6km.

• Operative - Innate Trait - +1% CrtH +2% CrtD, this isn't spectacular but if you lack any offensive traits you can use it.

• Bulkhead Technician - Innate trait - this provides +10% Maximum Hull capacity and can be used as a stand in for durability consoles

• Living Hull - Episode Reward from "Surface Tension" - +15% hull regen in combat

• Redacted Armor Plating - Episode Reward from “The Renegade's Regret” - +30 all DRR when hit from behind or sides

• Regenerative Control Synergy - Episode Reward from “Of Signs and Portents” - Grants +45% hull regen when using a control power for 10 seconds

Meta-Focused Tweaks:

With the 2022 Meta Event campaign I picked up Universal Designs. Pairing this trait with the Immolating Phaser Lance should maintain the full 5 stacks on UD, granting +10% CrtH and +50% CrtD. This is a really well working combo. However if you have to pick only one, if any at all, take the Immolating Phaser Lance. Because you can now pick the console up with the Mudds Pilot bundle, I suspect more people are going to have access to the Lance than UD.

Budget Tweaks:

Offensive Traits:

• Improved Critical Systems - Temporal Agent Recruit Reward, grants CrtX on use of EptX abilities.

• Unconventional Tactics - Strategist Specialization, grants damage on using 

• Predictive Algorithms - Intelligence Specialization Rewards, very minor Accuracy boost when using weapon enhancement abilities.

• Dimensional Modulation - Inherent to the ship, I would recommend against using this since it has such a strict trigger requirement.

• Getting into C-store accessible traits:

  • Promise of Ferocity - Alliance Pilot escorts, +4% bonus weapon damage when using a tactical or pilot bridge officer power (max 5 stacks, one stack every 4s)

  • Heart of Sol - Temporal Warship, adds +10% Firing Cycle haste and +5% Bonus Phaser Damage when using APB or a temporal power.

  • Strike from Shadows - Pilot Escorts, Adds a passive -60% threat generation, +5% CrtH, and +5% Cat2, with a very very minor placate

Notes:

Also worth noting that Heart of Sol is only available to federation captains. Jem'hadar captains who choose federation will get Persistence of the Founders instead, and romulan captains who choose federation will get Pride of Mol'Rihan. This is regardless of the ship you get, so build and buy accordingly.

Miscellaneous

As mentioned, there's many ships that can fill this build role very well. Two big ones that have already been discussed:

• Legendary Scimitar Intel Dreadnought Warbird - This ship is just so flexible. EPH has not only a surgical build but a projectile and a support build on it as well.

• Kelvin Timeline Vengeance Intel Dreadnought Cruiser - This is probably peoples go-to SS build platform. As I said, I'm not personally a fan but I'm willing to give it another go. I like very much more how the Legendary Kelvin Intel BC flys comparatively.

• Legendary D7 Intel Battlecruiser - This was released and flew under my radar, this is probably the best surgical platform we have because of its access to miracle worker seating. It does mean you have to take two of Narrow Sensor Bands 3, Emergency power to Weapons 3, and Override Subsystem Safeties 3 but that might be a bit too ambitious (NSB2 + EPtW3 is often what I use anyway, with most meta people taking EPtW2 + NSB3)

• The Bozeman Intel Heavy Frigate and fleet - These can do this build as well, but suffers on tactical console space, however makes up for it in BOff Utility.

Opening up my strict requirements a bit more we get several more ships:

• Terran Adamant Heavy Raider - lacking 2 weapons but gaining universal seating, more maneuverability, and an experimental weapon this is probably the more accessible platform most people will have access too.

• Bozeman Intel Heavy Frigate - I've been rather surprised with this little ship. Its got a great console (see over here on my support) and since its a frigate it has mostly universal seating.

• Cardassian Ghemor Intel Flight Deck Carrier - 2 hanger bays can be a really good DPS jump. The seating is a little restrictive if you're after unconventional systems triggers but if not go wild!

• Emerald Chain Intel Juggernaut - This is an interesting ship...you too can have an SS build on it and fit many unconventional systems triggers. It is only 4 fore 4 aft so it will drag behind some other choices.

• Eclipse Intel Cruiser - ignoring some...minor changes (like temporal seating) this is basically an older 4/4 weapon layout Vengeance, yes it has a forced Lt.C engineering but that's how I'd probably end up running the Vengeance anyway to get OSS3 and EPtW3. This was also once upon a time the SS build platform of choice. I believe it deserves a spot on this list, even if it is a bit engineering heavy. Its counterpart the Qib is very similar in capability.

• Phantom Intel Escort - unique console for phaser buffs and a phaser lance this can make a really mean SS build. Lots of intel space for uncon and just the right amount of engineering seating.

• Jovian Intel Heavy Raider - Miracle Worker, Intel, universal seating and plenty of tactical consoles, super great platform if you have it.

Finally, I would be remised if I didn't bring up the the Legendary Ambassador Intel Support Cruiser for having its Lt.C Temporal seat for Recursive shearing which excels under single target builds and would get double duty from Vanguard Specialist. Unfortunately for the Ambassador it cannot slot dual heavy cannons, but that's not enough for me to keep it from this section. Some funny SS things can also be done with science ships and SS but that starts to evolve more into a weird niche space than most people would care to do for a raw energy weapon SS build.