Retribution T1 Cruisers - Part 5 - The Stabber

Part 5 - Stabber
The stabber pre-retribution never really lived up to it's promise as a poor man's Vagabond. By far the fastest T1 Cruiser, it was unable to actually apply DPS at range to take advantage of it's speed. Limited number of slots meant that it couldn't really manage a decent shield tank or armour tank so if it was caught, it was dead. I used to kill these things easily in a Rifter. Let's look at what changes Retribution brings...

Here is a Shield Stabber:
[Stabber, Shield Stabber]
Damage Control II
Nanofiber Internal Structure II
Tracking Enhancer II
Gyrostabilizer II

Experimental 10MN MicroWarpdrive I
Large Shield Extender II
Large Shield Extender II
Warp Disruptor II

220mm Vulcan AutoCannon II, Barrage M
220mm Vulcan AutoCannon II, Barrage M
220mm Vulcan AutoCannon II, Barrage M
220mm Vulcan AutoCannon II, Barrage M
Rapid Light Missile Launcher II, Caldari Navy Mjolnir Light Missile
Rapid Light Missile Launcher II, Caldari Navy Mjolnir Light Missile

Medium Anti-EM Screen Reinforcer I
Medium Core Defense Field Extender I
Medium Core Defense Field Extender I

If it looks like a Vagabond, quacks like a Vagabond, smells like a Vagabond, but does about 2/3 the damage, has 2/3 the tank and 1/10 the price... it must be a Stabber. While it's performance does not match that of it's T2 variety, it is far superior to the pre-retribution Stabber thanks to the damage projection from the new falloff bonus. I expect this to be a popular ship once players learn to appreciate just what it is capable of. Manual flying is pretty much a must. While the damage is comparable to a frigate, the Stabber should be able to keep out of range of close ranged ships and avoid being scrammed/webbed. Be warned however, while the Stabber is still the fastest 'Attack Cruiser', it's speed advantage is less then what it once was.

IMHO there are no viable armour, while it can fit the modules it really serves no use except for some specific niche roles.

tl;dr: New Stabber = 2/3 Vaga. nuff said.

Tomorrow I will discuss the Thorax.