Approved Starship Empire IV-class, Line Assault Cruiser

[Ethanael Halscott]

EMPIRE IV-CLASS
"GUNSHIP"
LINE ASSAULT CRUISER

​

OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION

• Intent: Create a new generation of the Empire-class.
• Image Source: Fractal Sponge, ChatGPT
• Canon Link: N/A
• Permissions: Solarium Glasteel
• Primary Source: Empire I, Empire II, Empire III

PRODUCTION INFORMATION

• Manufacturer: Primo Victorian Shipwright
• Affiliation: Imperial Commonwealth of Dosuun
• Market Status: Closed-Market
• Model: CNC-ACE4-M1
• Production: Minor
• Material:
  
  • Durasteel Reinforced Crystalamnium Hull
  • Reinforced Duraplast with Latticed Crystaplast Liner
  • Alusteel Reinforced Durasteel Hull [Interior]
  • Tunqstoid Blast Doors, Turadium Blast Shields [Interior]
  • Solarium Glasteel Viewports [Overlay]
  • Glasteel Viewports [Underlay], Turadium Blast Shutters
  • Agrinium, Dallorian Alloy [Key Areas/Critical Components]
  • AR-0B Damage Reduction Plating [Key Areas/Critical
  • Doonium Infused Impervium [Munitions Control]
  • Hekakles-type Composite Hull System
  • Reactive Polyfoam Buffer [High Internal Shock Absorption]

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Classification: Line Assault Cruiser, Tactical Assault Ship
• Length: 840m
• Width: 280m
• Height: 200m
• Armament: High
  
  • 1× Kyronis Type II Hypervelocity Plasma Cannon: Forward dorsal centerline mount, hull-embedded with reinforced power trunking; employed as an assault pressure weapon during line advances and contested engagements.
  • 8× Maher II–type Heavy Turbolaser Batteries: Lateral turret emplacements amidships (port and starboard), mounted on raised dorsal and ventral sponsons; configured for sustained broadside fire. [Fire-Linked]
  • 4× Tojil II–type Heavy Turbolaser Batteries: Forward-quarter turret mounts with overlapping arcs; optimized for high-intensity follow-on fire against weakened or destabilized targets.
  • 6× Hawkthorne II–type Ion Cannons: Distributed across forward and midship hull nodes, with balanced dorsal and ventral placement; used for shield stripping and systems disruption.
  • 6× Draxus–type Pulse Cannons: Hull-integrated mounts positioned adjacent to primary batteries; employed to stress shield systems and destabilize defensive cycling prior to heavy fire.
  • 2× Voidbreaker II–type Seismic Cannons: Forward ventral mounts with restricted firing arcs; used selectively to disrupt enemy formations and clustered targets during close-range assault phases.
  • 28× Ironfang Type Rotary Hypervelocity Cannons: Distributed dorsal and ventral point-defense mounts along the hull perimeter; primary anti-starfighter and missile interception layer.
  • 20× Striker II Type Rotary Hypervelocity Cannons: Inner close-in defensive grid with overlapping coverage; optimized against fast attack craft and corvette-class threats.
  • 4× Alecto-type Microtorpedo Launcher Cells: Hull-recessed vertical launch system clusters positioned near the hangar and forward hull trenches; used for close-range interception, precision strikes, and area denial. [Fast-Tracked] [VLS]
  • 8× Ovmar II–type Defensive Missile Systems: Dorsal and ventral long-range interceptor launchers positioned around the superstructure and midship hull nodes; employed to counter torpedoes, heavy missiles, and saturation strikes before they reach close engagement distance.
  • 12x Hedgehog–type Counter-Ordnance Systems: Distributed dorsal and ventral terminal-defense launchers deployed near critical hull sections, hangar apertures, and structural nodes; used to neutralize incoming ordnance that penetrates outer defensive layers.
• Defenses: Very High
  
  • Rampart Shield Matrix [Primary All-Angle Shield]
  • Phalanx Adaptive Shield Matrix [Attack-Adaptive Layer]
  • Ballista Shield Array [Kinetic/Projectile Interception]
  • Sentinel Defense System [Close-In Interceptor Grid]
  • Boudica Kinetic Deflector [Localized Impact Mitigation]
  • Vitralis Reflex Shield Generator [Reflexive Shield Layer]
  • Crystalamnium Mesh + Crystaplast Shell [Radiant + Kinetic Dispersal]
  • Hekakles Composite Hull [Core Durability Layer]
  • Ariadne ECM Assistant [Electronic Countermeasure Control]
  • Arbalest Capacitor System [Emergency Power Surge Buffer]
  • Russ Shield Suite (Emergency Redundancy Layer)
    
    • Deflector Shield Generators (x2): Particle & Ray Overlay w/ Integrated Shield Boost
    • Regenerative Reinforced Shield Generator: Self-healing layer + Shield Boost
    • Ion Shield Generator: Specialized ion disruption protection
    • Emergency Capacitor Boost System: Temporarily doubles absorption threshold on critical areas
  • Tauros Defensive Suite
    
    • Capacitor Drains, Socket Guards, and De-Ionizer Rigs
    • Anti-Tractor Beam Shroud (Field Disruptor Pattern)
    • Chaff and Flares Dispersal System (Multi-burst Countermeasure Ejectors)
    • Anti-Ordnance EM Probe (Localized detonation field on missile proximity)
    • Missile Deactivation Transmitter (Pulse jammer for active munition)
• Hangar Space: Average - 4
• Hangar Allocations: 2x Thunderbolts, 1x Firestrike, 1x Scryver
  
  • Starfighters: 3 squadrons
  • Support Craft: 1 squadrons
• Maneuverability Rating: Average
• Speed Rating: High
• Hyperdrive: 1.0

STANDARD FEATURES

• Auxiliary & Emergency Systems
  
  • Auxiliary and reserve power generator suites
  • Power conversion and control networks
  • Emergency back-up generator systems
  • Systems control center and supplemental control hub
  • Auxiliary reactor and core coolant management
  • Emergency shield and life-support management suites
  • Emergency command operations center
  • Escape pod control and ejection system management
  • Automatic failsafe, containment, and isolation management
• Flight & Navigation Systems
  
  • Flight control and navigation suite
  • Primary and secondary flight controller management
  • Sublight and hyperdrive power management
  • Propulsion systems control suite
  • Hyperlane and jump-point navigation systems
  • Galactic hyperspace holosite integration
  • Impulse and vector thrust control systems
• Engineering & Power Management
  
  • Primary and secondary power management control suites
  • Reactor core control and disengagement systems
  • Core coolant management and safety containment suites
  • Engineering control hub with secondary redundancy systems
  • Weapons, shields, and holosite power distribution suites
  • Dedicated and emergency weapons generator systems
  • Capacitor control and power buffering systems
  • Hazard and damage control management suite
  • Tractor / pressor beam control systems
  • Repulsor generator systems and waste-management control
• Communications Systems
  
  • Coordinated command encryption network
  • Encrypted short-range and fleet communications suites
  • Hyperwave communications and encryption layer
  • Interfleet and intrafleet communications systems
  • Fleet data-exchange and relay management
  • Standard communications management hub
• Tactical & Security Systems
  
  • Tactical computer-assisted targeting and rangefinding
  • Lock-on and target-lead automation systems
  • Weapons control, reload management, and munition handling
  • Shield monitoring, conversion, and containment systems
  • Shield booster and tertiary generator management
  • Automated reload, temperature monitoring, and safety systems
  • Internal security monitoring and compartmental lockdown systems
• Sensor & Navigational Systems
  
  • Multi-directional long-range sensor arrays
  • Long-range gravitational and tachyon sensor suites
  • Navigational and hyper-navigational sensor systems
  • Starship signature identification systems
  • Cargo sweep and standard identification suites
  • Planetary and lifesigns identification (standard range)
• Hangar & Craft Support Systems
  
  • Starfighter traffic and hangar control systems
  • Diagnostic, repair, and refueling systems for embarked craft
  • Weapon loading and maintenance bays
  • Crash-hangar damage-control systems
  • Fabrication and machinist workshops (limited scale)
• Medical Systems
  
  • Primary medical bay with surgical and trauma capability
  • Secondary sickbay and overflow triage ward
  • Intensive care unit and isolation chambers
  • Cryogenic stasis and emergency suspension pods
  • Biohazard containment and quarantine suites
  • Automated medical diagnostics and imaging systems
  • Emergency medivac response and casualty processing center
  • Psychological services and combat-fatigue counseling
  • Life-support integration and patient monitoring systems

ADVANCED SYSTEMS

Internal Defense Management:

• Retractable Auto Blasters
• Retractable Turadium Bulkheads
• Retractable Turadium Ventilation Spikes
• Retractable Turadium Blast Barriers, Crystalamnium Coated.
• Automated War Droid Emergency Deployment
• Automated Anti-Concussion Field Emergency Deployment
• Advanced Biometric Security Systems
• Advanced Laser Grid, Emergency Deployment Only
• Advanced Mass Sensor Plating and Grid System
• Extensive Security Camera and Motion Detection System
• Extensive Thermal Energy Sensors and Biometric Detection Systems
• Emergency Lock-Down Tram & Lift Systems
• Emergency Pressure Plate and Compact Disposal Systems

Power and Propulsion

• Twin, Treadshock-XS Ion Engine [High-thrust vectored ion propulsion]
• Trinity Core Reactor [Reactor + ElectroFrost regulation system]
• Blackwake Core [Supplemental Reactor Core]
• Icarus Maneuvering Array [Micro-thrust and counter-gravity agility system]
• Crystal-Integrated Harmonic Regulator [Force-resonance and energy destabilization protection]
• Aether-IX Modular Suite [System integration and modulation overlay]
• Fries-IV Modular Suite [Thermal regulation and emergency power reroute]

Datacore & Sensor Systems

• Helion Data Core Matrix: Serves as the central data handling and analysis nexus. Integrates sensor inputs, targeting data, astrogation, and fleet relay processing. Blackwake interfaces with this directly to prioritize system resilience.
• SPX Aetherveil Sensor Suite
  
  • Long-range passive + active scanning
  • Force-resonance tuned with Verityne crystal logic
  • High-resolution mapping + gravitational anomaly detection
  • Use: Early warning, fleet synchronization, sensor triangulation in crowded space.
• TCSX Strikeveil Sensor Suite
  
  • Tactical fire control optimization
  • Real-time target trajectory and maneuver prediction
  • Integrated with Vanguard-GTS and weapons grid
    
    • Mid-combat tactical locking and active countermeasure compensation.
• SCX Navicor Sensor Suite
  
  • Dedicated for nav-hazard detection
  • Hyperlane anomaly mapping and battlefield pathfinding
  • Optimized for formation maneuvering and emergency reroute
    
    • Strategic positioning, safe retreat vectors, escort formation cohesion.

Advanced Communications

• Electronic Interference Mast
• Dudley Communication Suite
  
  • Hyperwave Beacon Scrambler
  • Hyperwave Signal Interceptor
  • Hyperwave Transceiver, Transmitter
  • Encryption Modules
  • Ion Scrambler
  • Comm-Laser
  • Holotransceiver
  • Holonet Connection
  • Communication Transceiver
  • Subspace Radio, Monitor
  • Subspace Emergency Signal Transceiver
  • Ranger Transceiver

Countermeasures

• Ion Encumbrance System [Drive-disrupting signature cloud]
• Phantom Short-Range Tactical Jammers (x2)
• SIG-220 Tactical Jammer [Broadband Disruption Layer]
• IFF Confuser / Screamer Sensor Jammer / Hail Comm Jammer

Advanced Sensors

• Bluford Sensor Suite [Trimmed]:
  
  • Passive & Long-range Sensor Arrays
  • Life Form Indicator, Com-scan, Electro Photo Receptor
  • Tri-Tracker & Light Detection + Ranging Suite
  • Dedicated Energy Receptor, Sensor Dampener
  • Tri-Tracker, Wide-range Sensor
  • Optical Transducer Panels
• Savić Tracking Sensor Suite [Bolt Spec]:
  
  • Imaging System
  • Combat Multi-view Display
  • Target-Aggressor Attack Resolution Software
  • Countermeasures Compensation Computer
  • Ranging Laser System
  • Universal Transceiver Package
• Targeting
  
  • Vanguard-GTS Targeting Suite
    
    
    • Active Matrix Targeting, Targeting Computer + Combat Multi-View Display
    • Target-Aggressor Attack Resolution Software
  • Sureshot Targeting Array
  • Short Range Target Acquiring Sensor
  • Integrated with Icarus, Trinity, and Ariadne systems for seamless lock acquisition and coordination

STRENGTHS

• Line endurance under sustained fire: Very High layered shielding, kinetic mitigation, and redundancy systems allow the Empire IV to remain combat-effective through prolonged fleet actions rather than relying on short “burst” survivability.
• Attrition-oriented fleet combatant: High armament is optimized for sustained pressure and follow-on kills (Maher II broadside sustainment + Tojil II finishing), rather than fragile alpha-strike gimmicks.
• Layered anti-ordnance umbrella: Ovmar II long-range intercept, Alecto VLS microtorpedoes, dense rotary PD, and Hedgehog terminal counter-ordnance combine into a multi-tier defensive envelope that punishes missile-heavy opponents.
• Formation-integrated assault capability: Forward-biased assault pressure (Kyronis + limited Voidbreaker) supports pushing into contested space while the ship maintains line cohesion.
• Resilient operations tempo: Scryver repair drone squadron and robust damage-control standard features support rapid patching and return-to-line behavior, improving fleet staying power during drawn-out campaigns.
• Task-force synergy by design: The Empire IV deliberately omits SIGINT/counter-stealth specialization, relying on fleet integration with dedicated recon/EW hulls—keeping the cruiser efficient, repeatable, and doctrine-pure.

WEAKNESSES

• Not a carrier and not a strike platform: Average hangar capacity (4 squadrons) is defensive and sustainment-oriented; the Empire IV cannot replace dedicated strike carriers or bomber platforms for power projection.
• Limited specialized reconnaissance: Without SIGINT/counter-stealth suites, the Empire IV is vulnerable to being out-informed if separated from task-force sensor/EW assets or forced to operate independently in deceptive battlespaces.
• Assault tools require commitment: Kyronis and especially the limited Voidbreaker mounts are most effective when the ship noses into the fight; this can expose the bow to concentrated fire if unsupported.
• Moderate agility for its size: Average maneuverability means it can reposition within the line but is vulnerable to being outflanked or kited by smaller, faster attack craft without escorts.
• High system complexity: Layered defenses and counter-ordnance systems increase maintenance burden and crew training requirements compared to simpler cruiser designs, particularly under prolonged operational tempo.

DESCRIPTION
The Empire IV-class Line Assault Cruiser represents the maturation of the Empire lineage—from its origins as a heavy frigate into a true cruiser-scale combatant designed to hold and advance the line. At 840 meters, the Empire IV is not intended to function as a miniature destroyer or a substitute carrier; instead, it fills the role a fleet cannot afford to lose: a repeatable, durable warship that can remain on station through drawn-out engagements, absorb punishment, and keep firing with disciplined consistency.

Built around Twin Treadshock-XS Ion Engines and a Trinity Core Reactor reinforced by a Blackwake Core, the ship sustains high-output operations without sacrificing stability. The Icarus Maneuvering Array provides controlled repositioning and attitude correction—enough to maintain formation integrity and exploit openings, without implying escort-grade agility. System coherence and survivability are further improved by the Aether-IX Modular Suite, FRIES-IV, and a Crystal-Integrated Harmonic Regulator, which collectively stabilize distribution, thermal load, and resonance disruption during protracted combat operations.

In combat, the Empire IV’s armament is built as a layered kill chain rather than a single overwhelming gimmick. The Maher II batteries form the sustained broadside backbone, while Tojil II batteries deliver higher-intensity follow-on fire to capitalize on damaged targets. Hawkthorne II ion cannons and Draxus pulse cannons pressure shields and systems to create openings for the main batteries. The forward Kyronis Type II Hypervelocity Plasma Cannon provides assault pressure during line advances, and the ship’s limited Voidbreaker II seismic cannon mount(s) offer situational formation disruption—powerful when used selectively, but deliberately capped to avoid siege-platform behavior.

The Empire IV’s defining trait is survivability through layered defense. The ship employs a cruiser-optimized defensive architecture derived from line escort doctrine: Rampart Shield Matrix as the omnidirectional baseline, Phalanx Adaptive Shield Matrix for resistance tuning under sustained attack, and Vitalis Reflex Shield Generation for responsiveness during breakthrough attempts. Kinetic and projectile survival is reinforced by the Ballista Shield Array, Boudicca Kinetic Deflector, and composite hull layering including Crystallaminium Mesh + Crystalplast Shell and the Hekakles Composite Hull. Electronic resilience and counter-ordnance protection come from the Ariadne ECM Assistant, the Tauros Defensive Suite, and the ship’s layered intercept systems—Ovmar II defensive missiles for long-range interception, Alecto VLS microtorpedoes as flexible close-range denial, dense rotary point-defense grids, and Hedgehog counter-ordnance as a terminal “last-ditch” layer when saturation leaks through.

Hangar capacity remains intentionally conservative at Average (4 squadrons), reflecting the Empire IV’s role as a line combatant rather than a carrier. Standard allocations typically include two Thunderbolt superiority squadrons and one Firestrike interceptor squadron for organic air defense, with the final slot reserved for Scryver repair drones—a sustainment choice that reinforces the ship’s ability to remain operational and return to the fight after damage. The Empire IV is expected to operate as part of a task force, where semi-unique reconnaissance and electronic warfare hulls provide SIGINT and counter-stealth functions; the cruiser itself prioritizes fire-control reliability, formation coordination, and survivability over niche intelligence specialization.

In practice, the Empire IV excels in fleet engagements where endurance and cohesion matter: escorting heavier units, anchoring cruiser lines, protecting logistics groups in contested lanes, and pushing through defensive screens as part of a combined-arms advance. Its limitations are equally clear: it is not optimized for independent deep patrol, it does not replace strike carriers, and its assault tools are strongest when committed forward—making escort coordination and task-force integration central to how the ship is meant to be used.

Deck Layout:

DECKS 1–4: Command, Fire Control & Navigation

• Deck 1 – Command Bridge
  
  • Primary Bridge (Helm, Navigation, Tactical)
  • Commanding Officer & Executive Officer Quarters
  • Shipwide Command Operations Hub
  • Emergency Auxiliary Bridge Access
• Deck 2 – Tactical Operations
  
  • Combat Information Center (CIC)
  • Tactical Fire Control Coordination
  • FleetNet Interface Node (non-flag)
  • Weapons Targeting & Threat Evaluation Suites
• Deck 3 – Sensors & Astrometrics
  
  • Long-Range Sensor Processing
  • Astrogation & Hyper-Navigation Labs
  • Gravitational / Tachyon Sensor Arrays
  • Starship Signature Identification Systems
• Deck 4 – Communications Core
  
  • Hyperwave Communications & Encryption
  • Interfleet Messaging Hub
  • Task Force Coordination Relay
  • Emergency Beacon & Distress Control

DECKS 5–9: Personnel, Medical & Internal Security

• Deck 5 – Officer Quarters
  
  • Senior & Junior Officer Quarters
  • Briefing Rooms & Tactical Planning Suites
  • Officer Lounge & Mess
• Deck 6 – Crew Quarters
  
  • Enlisted Crew Berthing
  • Cafeterias & Recreation Areas
  • Chapels, Library, Holonet Access
  • Holotraining & Simulation Rooms
• Deck 7 – Medical Suite I
  
  • Primary Medical Bay (Trauma & ER)
  • Surgical Wards & Meddroid Stations
  • Emergency Medivac Intake
• Deck 8 – Medical Suite II
  
  • ICU & Isolation Chambers
  • Overflow Recovery Wards
  • Psychological Services & Combat Stress Care
  • Cryogenic Stasis Pods
• Deck 9 – Security & Administration
  
  • Brig & Detention Cells
  • Security Operations Center
  • Internal Monitoring & Lockdown Control
  • Armory & Security Training Rooms

DECKS 10–14: Hangar, Support Craft & Logistics

• Decks 10–12 – Hangars (Multi-Height)
  
  • Starfighter Bays (Port & Starboard)
  • Scryver Repair Drone Hangars
  • Crash Hangar & Recovery Zone
  • Emergency Ventral Hangar Access
• Deck 13 – Hangar Operations
  
  • Flight Control & Traffic Coordination
  • Craft Diagnostics, Refueling & Rearming
  • Damage Control Stations
  • Fabrication & Machinist Workshop (limited scale)
• Deck 14 – Ordnance & Logistics
  
  • Munitions Magazines
  • Missile Elevator & VLS Feed Systems
  • Cargo Holds (Supplies & Spares)
  • Inventory & Supply Management

DECKS 15–19: Tactical Systems & Shipwide Support

• Deck 15 – Fire Control Deck
  
  • Weapons Control AI & Targeting Systems
  • Lock-On & Auto-Reload Management
  • Ordnance Safety & Thermal Monitoring
• Deck 16 – Defensive Systems Control
  
  • Shield Control (Rampart / Phalanx / Vitalis)
  • Counter-Ordnance Coordination (Ovmar, Hedgehog)
  • Defense Grid Interfaces
• Deck 17 – Damage Control & Survival
  
  • Fire Suppression Network Control
  • Life Support Backup Systems
  • Emergency Lockdown Grid
  • Hull Integrity Monitoring
• Deck 18 – Operations & Cargo Management
  
  • Cargo Bays A & B
  • Power Distribution Oversight
  • Systems Maintenance Control
  • Spare Parts & Repair Stores
• Deck 19 – Engineering Control
  
  • Primary Engineering Command Core
  • Power Routing & Capacitor Management
  • Coolant Flow & Load Balancing

DECKS 20–24: Propulsion & Power Infrastructure

• Decks 20–22 – Reactor & Engine Systems
  
  • Trinity Core Reactor Control
  • Blackwake Core (Supplemental)
  • Twin Treadshock-XS Ion Engines
  • Emergency Disengage & Containment
• Deck 23 – Power & Life Support
  
  • Backup Generators
  • Emergency Life Support Control
  • System Fail-Safes
• Deck 24 – Thermal & Escape Systems
  
  • Cooling & Plasma Conversion Grid
  • Radiator & Heat Exchanger Arrays
  • Escape Pods & Capsule Launch Rails

DECKS 25–30: Weapons, Aft Systems & Emergency Infrastructure

• Deck 25 – Secondary Reactor Systems
  
  • Auxiliary Reactor Components
  • Power Conversion & Buffering
• Deck 26 – Navigation & Transit
  
  • Sublight & Hyperdrive Control
  • Jump Point & Emergency Reroute Systems
• Deck 27 – Tractor / Repulsor Systems
  
  • Kondakova Pressor Beam Nodes
  • Maintenance Crawlspaces & Conduits
• Deck 28 – Aft Weapons & Magazines
  
  • Heavy Turbolaser & PD Ammunition Bays
  • AI Autoload Systems
• Deck 29 – Ventral Defense & Recovery
  
  • Defensive Missile System Flanks
  • Hangar Recovery Access
  • Maintenance & Shield Capacitor Access
• Deck 30 – Emergency Systems
  
  • Emergency Ejection & Disposal Bay
  • Final Lock Seals
  • Pressure Equalization Chambers

 

[MANIAC]

Ethanael Halscott

Amazing as always.

Approved.