Imperial Navy Vessel Creation Tables
A series of tables for rolling up a ship from the Imperial Navy, based on Fantasy Flight Games' own such tables.
The Basics[edit | edit source]
| Roll (d100) | Result |
|---|---|
| 1-40 | Escort - The smallest size of Imperial Navy vessel, Escorts often serve as patrol boats, reconnaissance ships, or, true to their name, as protection for larger vessels. |
| 41-70 | Cruiser - Ships-of-the-line for the Imperial Navy, Cruisers form the core of almost all fleets. Most are a strong balance of firepower, protection, and speed, though exceptions exist. |
| 71-85 | Battlecruiser - A midway point between Cruiser and Battleship, a Battlecruiser tries to cram the firepower of the latter into a similar footprint to the former. |
| 85-90 | Grand Cruiser - The ancient predecessor to the Battlecruiser. All are relics dating millennia back in their service and deeds, but most have been decommissioned in favor of its easier-to-produce successor. |
| 91-100 | Battleship - These grand behemoths are the largest Imperial voidship type, an individual battleship oft being the centerpiece of whatever fleet hosts it. Manufacturing a single one can be a centuries-long effort and requires a world's worth of resources. |
Roll on one of the Ship Class Tables below to determine the exact class of ship, depending on what type you rolled.
Ship Class Tables[edit | edit source]
Roll on the appropriate table for your vessel's size. Note that Corvettes are not included in this due to being print out by the millions expendable ships just barely qualifying for the battle line (and mostly serving as escorts and patrols), and Heavy Cruisers are not included due to doctrinal obsolescence and are more appropriate for civilian merchant fleets or in deep reserve. If you need either, pick as you wish as any of the former that stands out and the latter still in active service are already notable.
| Roll (d100) | Class Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 01-05 | Sword-class Frigate | A common and versatile escort, the Sword-class is known for its speed and balanced armament. Often equipped with torpedo launchers and lance weaponry, it excels in fast attack maneuvers and harassing larger enemy vessels. Its agility allows it to evade heavier fire and engage multiple targets effectively. While not as heavily armored as some other escorts, its speed and firepower make it a valuable asset in most fleet formations. They are frequently deployed in screening roles and as part of rapid response forces. |
| 06-15 | Cobra-class Destroyer | The Cobra-class is built for one thing: speed. Stripped down and equipped with powerful engines, these destroyers are among the fastest ships in the Imperial Navy. Their primary armament typically consists of torpedo launchers, allowing them to deliver devastating alpha strikes against larger targets. However, this focus on speed comes at the cost of armor and sustained firepower, making them relatively fragile and reliant on swift hit-and-run tactics. Cobra-class destroyers are often used in wolfpack formations to overwhelm enemy defenses with sheer numbers of torpedoes. |
| 16-25 | Firestorm-class Frigate | As its name suggests, the Firestorm-class prioritizes heavy firepower for its size. Often equipped with powerful plasma cannons and other energy-based weaponry, these frigates can deliver punishing broadsides. While not as fast as some other escorts, their concentrated firepower makes them a significant threat to enemy escorts and even light cruisers. They are frequently deployed to provide fire support for larger vessels or to spearhead attacks on vulnerable enemy formations. The volatile nature of their plasma weaponry can sometimes be a liability, however. |
| 26-35 | Falchion-class Frigate | The Falchion-class represents a more balanced approach to escort design. Possessing a respectable level of armament, including a mix of macrocannons, lances, and sometimes torpedoes, coupled with decent armor and maneuverability, these frigates are versatile and reliable. They are commonly found in fleet escort duties, providing a solid core of defense and offense. Falchions are often seen leading smaller formations of escorts or supporting larger capital ships in sustained engagements. Their adaptability makes them a mainstay of many Imperial Navy fleets. |
| 36-45 | Nova-class Frigate | The defining feature of the Nova-class frigate is its powerful Nova Cannon. This long-range energy weapon can inflict devastating damage on enemy capital ships from a significant distance. While the rest of its armament is typically lighter to accommodate the Nova Cannon, these frigates excel in standoff engagements and can significantly alter the course of a battle with a well-aimed shot. They often operate in pairs or small groups, providing long-range fire support and forcing enemy commanders to consider their positioning carefully. |
| 46-50 | Hunter-class Destroyer | The Hunter-class is specifically designed to pursue and eliminate smaller, faster enemy vessels. Equipped with rapid-firing weapons batteries and advanced targeting systems, they excel at intercepting raiders, torpedo boats, and other nimble threats. While their firepower against larger ships is limited, their speed and agility allow them to effectively screen larger vessels and protect vulnerable flanks. They are often deployed in anti-escort roles and patrol duties in contested sectors. |
| 51-55 | Dart-class Frigate | True to its name, the Dart-class is an exceptionally fast and maneuverable frigate. Sacrificing heavy armament and armor for sheer speed, these vessels are used for scouting, reconnaissance, and delivering rapid strikes against vulnerable targets. Their light armament typically consists of smaller caliber weapons and perhaps a limited number of torpedoes. Darts rely on their speed and agility to avoid enemy fire and are often deployed in forward positions, providing vital intelligence to the fleet. |
| 56-60 | Widowmaker-class Destroyer | The Widowmaker-class is a dangerous opponent in close quarters. Equipped with potent short-ranged weaponry, such as melta cannons and heavy bolters, these destroyers are designed to inflict maximum damage at point-blank range. While vulnerable at longer distances, their devastating close-range firepower makes them a significant threat in boarding actions and chaotic melees. They are often deployed in ambush tactics or used to punch through enemy escort screens at close proximity. |
| 61-65 | Havoc-class Destroyer | The Havoc-class is geared towards boarding actions and close-range firepower. Often equipped with reinforced hulls, grappling claws, and a variety of short-ranged weaponry like flamers and meltaguns, these destroyers are designed to close with the enemy and deliver assault teams. They are frequently used in conjunction with troop transports and excel at disabling and capturing enemy vessels. Their focus on close combat makes them less effective in long-range engagements. |
| 66-70 | Tempest-class Frigate | The Tempest-class is a versatile escort that incorporates a variety of weapon systems, making it adaptable to different combat scenarios. They might be equipped with a mix of macrocannons, lances, missile launchers, and torpedo tubes. This flexibility allows them to engage a wide range of targets effectively. Tempest-class frigates are often favored by commanders who value adaptability and the ability to fulfill multiple roles within a fleet engagement. |
| 71-75 | Manticore-class Frigate | The Manticore-class is heavily armed for its size, often featuring significant missile batteries as its primary armament. These frigates can unleash devastating barrages of guided munitions, capable of overwhelming enemy defenses and inflicting heavy damage from a distance. While their direct energy or kinetic weaponry might be less prominent, their missile capacity makes them a serious threat to both escorts and larger capital ships. They are often used in bombardment roles or to saturate enemy formations with ordnance. |
| 76-80 | Hydra-class Destroyer | The Hydra-class is an anti-fighter specialist. Armed with numerous rapid-fire weapons batteries, such as autocannons and flak cannons, these destroyers excel at engaging and destroying enemy aircraft and torpedo boats. While less effective against larger warships, their ability to provide a strong anti-air screen is invaluable for protecting larger vessels from aerial attacks. They are often deployed in defensive formations around capital ships. |
| 81-83 | Gladius-class Frigate | The Gladius-class is known for its durability and relatively heavy armor plating for an escort vessel. While perhaps not the fastest or most heavily armed, their resilience allows them to withstand significant damage and remain in the fight longer. They often serve as reliable line escorts, providing a sturdy screen for larger ships and capable of absorbing enemy fire. Their robust construction makes them valuable assets in prolonged engagements. |
| 84-86 | Rapier-class Destroyer | The Rapier-class is a lightly armed but exceptionally fast interceptor. Focusing purely on speed and maneuverability, these destroyers are designed to rapidly engage and disrupt enemy formations or to quickly respond to emerging threats. Their armament is typically minimal, perhaps consisting of a few light weapons or torpedo tubes. Rapiers rely on their speed to outmaneuver enemy fire and deliver swift, targeted strikes against vulnerable targets. |
| 87-89 | Styx-class Frigate | The Styx-class is often utilized for scouting and reconnaissance duties. Equipped with advanced sensor arrays and stealth technologies (by Imperial Navy standards), these frigates are designed to gather intelligence on enemy movements and fleet deployments. While their offensive capabilities are usually limited, their ability to provide crucial information makes them invaluable for fleet commanders. They often operate independently or in small groups, venturing into dangerous or uncharted territories. |
| 90-92 | Viper-class Destroyer | The Viper-class is characterized by its focus on a single, powerful weapon system, such as a heavy lance or a melta cannon. This specialized armament allows them to deliver a concentrated blow against a specific target. While less versatile than other escorts, their ability to cripple or destroy heavily armored opponents with a single well-aimed shot makes them a dangerous threat. They are often deployed in ambush roles or used to target key enemy vessels. |
| 93-95 | Thunderbolt-class Frigate | The Thunderbolt-class is primarily designed for ground support and orbital bombardment. Equipped with powerful ordnance launchers and heavy macrocannons with a significant downward firing arc, these frigates can deliver devastating firepower against planetary targets. While capable of engaging other ships, their primary role lies in supporting Imperial ground forces and suppressing enemy defenses from orbit. |
| 96-98 | Lance-class Frigate | The Lance-class specializes in long-range lance strikes. Equipped with powerful, ship-killing lance batteries, these frigates can engage enemy capital ships from a considerable distance. While their close-range armament might be less formidable, their ability to deliver devastating long-range energy beams makes them a crucial component of any fleet engagement. They often operate in support of larger capital ships, providing long-range fire support. |
| 99 | Unique/Rare Class | This result indicates a less common or sector-specific escort class. This could be a locally produced design, a captured and refitted alien vessel, or an experimental prototype. Consult a separate table or generate details based on the specific sector or campaign you are playing in. These vessels often possess unusual or specialized capabilities. |
| 100 | Ancient/Lost Class | This could be a very old design dating back to the Great Crusade or even earlier, possibly rediscovered in a forgotten archive or derelict fleet. Such vessels might possess technologies or configurations rarely seen in the modern Imperium, offering unique advantages and potential drawbacks. Their history and purpose could be shrouded in mystery, making them a valuable and intriguing addition to a fleet. |
| Roll (d100) | Class Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 01-08 | Lunar-class Cruiser | A venerable and reliable design, the Lunar-class is a common sight in Imperial Navy fleets. Known for its balanced armament of macrocannons, lances, and torpedoes, along with decent armor, it serves as a versatile command ship and line cruiser. Often seen leading smaller formations or bolstering the firepower of larger capital ships. Many have served for centuries, accumulating a rich history. |
| 09-16 | Dictator-class Cruiser | The Dictator-class prioritizes heavy firepower, often mounting powerful broadside batteries of macrocannons and lance weaponry. While perhaps not the most agile, its sheer offensive capability makes it a formidable opponent in ship-to-ship engagements. Frequently deployed to break enemy lines or provide overwhelming fire support. Its command facilities are also notable, making it a good flagship for smaller fleets. |
| 17-24 | Gothic-class Cruiser | Characterized by its distinctive prow-mounted lance battery, the Gothic-class excels at long-range engagements. Its secondary armament typically includes macrocannons and missile launchers, providing a solid all-around offensive capability. Often used to engage enemy capital ships from a distance or to guard strategic chokepoints. Its lance armament can deliver devastating pinpoint attacks. |
| 25-32 | Dauntless-class Light Cruiser | A faster and more agile cruiser design, the Dauntless-class sacrifices some firepower and armor for increased speed and maneuverability. Often equipped with lance weaponry and torpedo launchers, they excel in scouting, raiding, and screening duties. Their speed allows them to outflank heavier vessels and engage vulnerable targets. They are frequently used in independent commands or as part of vanguard formations. |
| 33-40 | Endeavour-class Light Cruiser | The Endeavour-class is a versatile light cruiser often configured for specific roles, such as fleet support or planetary assault. Armament can vary significantly between vessels, but often includes a mix of macrocannons, missile launchers, and bombardment cannons. They are commonly deployed in secondary fleet roles, providing fire support and troop transport capabilities. |
| 41-48 | Exorcist-class Cruiser | The Exorcist-class is a dedicated missile cruiser, carrying a large number of missile silos capable of unleashing devastating barrages. While potentially vulnerable to close-range attack once its missile payload is expended, its initial volleys can cripple or destroy enemy warships. Often used to soften up enemy formations before a main engagement or to provide long-range fire support. |
| 49-55 | Avenger-class Grand Cruiser (Note: While Grand Cruisers were meant to be omitted, this is a common class that blurs the line and might be encountered. Adjust roll range if strictly excluding.) | A powerful vessel often seen leading battlefleets, the Avenger-class boasts a heavy armament including macrocannons, lances, and torpedoes, along with significant armor. It serves as a command ship and a formidable line combatant. Its presence often signifies a major Imperial Navy deployment. (Consider re-rolling if strictly omitting Grand Cruisers). |
| 56-63 | Dominator-class Cruiser | The Dominator-class is a heavily armed cruiser focused on delivering overwhelming broadside firepower. Its banks of macrocannons and heavy bolters can tear through enemy formations at medium range. While lacking the long reach of lance-equipped cruisers, its concentrated firepower makes it a dangerous opponent in a slugging match. Often deployed in the center of a battle line. |
| 64-71 | Tyrant-class Cruiser | The Tyrant-class is a well-rounded cruiser with a balanced mix of macrocannons, lances, and missile launchers. It serves as a reliable and adaptable command ship and line combatant. Often favored by fleet admirals for its versatility and ability to handle a variety of threats. A common and respected design. |
| 72-78 | Defiant-class Light Cruiser | Another fast and agile light cruiser, the Defiant-class often emphasizes torpedo armament and swift maneuvering. Used for scouting, screening, and delivering rapid torpedo strikes against larger enemy vessels. Its speed is its primary defense, allowing it to evade heavier fire. Often operates in conjunction with other fast attack escorts. |
| 79-85 | Carnage-class Cruiser | True to its name, the Carnage-class is a brutal close-range brawler. Equipped with powerful short-ranged weaponry like melta cannons and heavy bolters, along with reinforced armor, it excels at closing with the enemy and delivering devastating point-blank attacks. Less effective at long range, it relies on aggressive tactics. |
| 86-92 | Prowler-class Light Cruiser | The Prowler-class is a more specialized light cruiser often equipped for reconnaissance, electronic warfare, or carrying specialized support elements. Its armament might be lighter than other cruisers, but it often possesses advanced sensor suites or other unique systems. Used for gathering intelligence and disrupting enemy communications. |
| 93-96 | Heresy-Era Cruiser (Specific Class) | This result indicates a cruiser design dating back to the Horus Heresy. Roll on a separate, more specialized table for these ancient and often unique vessels. They might possess powerful but temperamental technologies or unusual configurations. |
| 97-98 | Sector-Specific Cruiser Class | This is a cruiser design more common to a particular sector of the Imperium. It might reflect local shipbuilding traditions or adaptations to specific regional threats. Research or create details based on the sector in question. |
| 99 | Experimental Cruiser | This cruiser incorporates experimental technologies or weapon systems. Its capabilities and reliability might be unpredictable, offering both great potential and significant risks. Generate details on the nature of the experimental technology. |
| 100 | Lost/Relic Cruiser Class | A rare and ancient cruiser design, possibly rediscovered after centuries or millennia. Its history and original purpose might be unknown, and its technology could be both powerful and difficult to maintain. Its appearance in a fleet is often a significant event. |
| Roll (d100) | Class Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 01-10 | Mars-class Battlecruiser | A venerable and powerful design, the Mars-class is heavily armed with a potent mix of macrocannons, lance batteries, and torpedo launchers. Known for its durability and sustained firepower, it often serves as a flagship for smaller fleets or a powerful element in larger engagements. While not the fastest of its kind, its resilience and broadside capabilities are highly valued. Many examples of this class have served for centuries, accumulating extensive combat histories. |
| 11-20 | Overlord-class Battlecruiser | The Overlord-class emphasizes heavy macrocannon batteries, delivering devastating broadsides against enemy capital ships. While its lance armament might be less prominent than some other designs, its sheer volume of large-caliber fire can cripple or destroy even heavily armored targets. Often employed in line engagements, Overlords excel at slugging matches and breaking enemy formations. Their command and control facilities are also typically well-developed. |
| 21-30 | Avenger-class Battlecruiser | The Avenger-class is characterized by its prominent dorsal lance battery, capable of delivering powerful long-range strikes. Supplemented by macrocannons and missile launchers, it offers a balance of long and medium-range firepower. Avengers often operate independently or in small squadrons, utilizing their lance to cripple key enemy vessels before closing to engage with their other weaponry. Their speed is generally respectable, allowing for tactical flexibility. |
| 31-40 | Renown-class Battlecruiser | The Renown-class is known for its speed and relatively lighter armament compared to other battlecruisers. Often equipped with a significant number of lance batteries and torpedo tubes, it relies on swift maneuvers and concentrated strikes against vulnerable points. Renowns are frequently used for scouting, raiding, and flanking maneuvers, utilizing their speed to outmaneuver heavier opponents. Their agility makes them harder to hit but also less capable of sustained direct engagements. |
| 41-50 | Retribution-class Battlecruiser | The Retribution-class is built around a massive forward-mounted Nova Cannon, capable of inflicting catastrophic damage at extreme range. While the rest of its armament is secondary to this primary weapon, it still possesses a respectable array of macrocannons and lance batteries. Retributions are often deployed to break enemy formations or eliminate high-value targets from a safe distance. Their reliance on the Nova Cannon can leave them vulnerable if it is disabled or if they are engaged at close range. |
| 51-60 | Dominator-class Battlecruiser | The Dominator-class emphasizes heavy bombardment capabilities. Equipped with powerful ordnance launchers and macrocannons with a significant downward firing arc, these battlecruisers excel at providing orbital support for ground operations. While capable of engaging other warships, their primary role lies in delivering devastating barrages against planetary targets and fortifications. Their armor is typically robust to withstand counter-battery fire. |
| 61-70 | Vengeance-class Battlecruiser | The Vengeance-class is a heavily armored battlecruiser designed for direct confrontation. While perhaps not the fastest, its thick plating and numerous weapon batteries, including heavy macrocannons and powerful lance arrays, allow it to withstand significant punishment and deliver devastating broadsides. Vengeance-class vessels often form the vanguard of Imperial fleets, leading the charge and absorbing enemy fire. |
| 71-80 | Armageddon-class Battlecruiser | The Armageddon-class is a versatile design with a balanced armament of macrocannons, lance batteries, and missile launchers. Known for its adaptability, it can effectively engage a wide range of targets and fulfill various roles within a fleet. Armageddons are often seen as reliable workhorses, capable of both offensive and defensive operations. Their command and control systems are also typically well-regarded. |
| 81-90 | Heresy-Era Pattern Battlecruiser | This result indicates a battlecruiser design dating back to the Horus Heresy or earlier. These vessels often possess unique or archaic technologies and weapon configurations that differ significantly from standard Imperial Navy doctrine. Roll on a separate sub-table for specific Heresy-era patterns (e.g., *Ironclad*, *Hammerfall*, *Desolator*), each with its own distinct characteristics and potential quirks. Their maintenance can be challenging, and their history is often steeped in legend and conflict. |
| 91-95 | Unique/Rare Battlecruiser Class | This result signifies a battlecruiser of a less common or sector-specific design. It could be a locally produced variant, a heavily modified vessel with unique experimental weaponry, or a captured and refitted alien hull. Generate specific details based on the sector or campaign, giving it distinctive traits and a potentially unusual history. |
| 96-100 | Ancient/Lost Battlecruiser Class | This result points to a battlecruiser design that is incredibly old, possibly predating even the Great Crusade. Such vessels are exceedingly rare and might possess technologies long forgotten or considered heretical by the modern Imperium. Their discovery would be a significant event, and their capabilities could be unlike anything currently in service. Determine its specific armament, history, and the circumstances of its rediscovery. |
| Roll (d100) | Class Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 01-10 | Retribution-class Grand Cruiser | A heavily armed and armored vessel, the Retribution-class prioritizes raw firepower. Often equipped with powerful macrobatteries, lance weaponry, and significant torpedo tubes, it is designed to engage and destroy enemy capital ships in direct confrontations. While not as fast or maneuverable as some other grand cruisers, its sheer resilience and offensive capabilities make it a formidable presence in any fleet. They frequently serve as flagships for smaller formations or as heavy support elements in larger engagements. |
| 11-20 | Avenger-class Grand Cruiser | The Avenger-class focuses on a balanced approach, combining significant firepower with respectable speed and maneuverability for a vessel of its size. Typically armed with a mix of macrobatteries, lance cannons, and missile launchers, it can adapt to various combat scenarios. Avengers often serve as versatile command ships or as powerful independent operators capable of engaging a wide range of threats. Their adaptability makes them a valuable asset in diverse fleet compositions. |
| 21-30 | Exorcist-class Grand Cruiser | The Exorcist-class is renowned for its devastating long-range firepower, often centered around powerful lance batteries and long-range missile silos. While its close-range defenses might be less emphasized, its ability to cripple enemy capital ships from a distance makes it a crucial element in standoff engagements. Exorcists typically operate in support roles, providing heavy fire support and forcing enemy commanders to respect their reach. |
| 31-40 | Vengeance-class Grand Cruiser | The Vengeance-class is characterized by its heavy torpedo armament and prow-mounted assault weaponry, such as a powerful siege cannon or a reinforced ram. Designed for aggressive close-to-medium range engagements, these grand cruisers excel at delivering crippling alpha strikes and breaking enemy formations. While vulnerable at longer ranges, their devastating close-quarters potential makes them a terrifying opponent. They are often used to spearhead attacks or to deliver decisive blows against key enemy targets. |
| 41-50 | Dominator-class Grand Cruiser | The Dominator-class emphasizes broadside firepower, typically equipped with numerous heavy macrobatteries and secondary weapon systems. Designed to unleash overwhelming barrages of kinetic and energy fire, these grand cruisers can tear apart enemy formations. While their maneuverability might be limited, their sheer weight of fire makes them a significant threat in broadside exchanges. They often form the core of battle lines, delivering sustained firepower. |
| 51-60 | Overlord-class Grand Cruiser | The Overlord-class is designed as a command and control vessel, equipped with advanced sensor arrays, communication systems, and extensive command decks. While still possessing significant armament, its primary role is to coordinate fleet actions and enhance the effectiveness of surrounding vessels. Overlords often serve as flagships for large formations, providing crucial tactical information and strategic direction. |
| 61-70 | Tyrant-class Grand Cruiser | The Tyrant-class is a versatile design often configured for specific mission profiles. This can result in variations in armament, but they typically feature a balanced mix of macrobatteries, lance weaponry, and potentially a specialized weapon system like a grav-cannon or a vortex missile launcher. Their adaptability allows them to fulfill various roles within a fleet, from heavy support to independent operations. |
| 71-80 | Apocalypse-class Grand Cruiser | The Apocalypse-class is known for its devastating short-to-medium range energy weaponry, often featuring powerful plasma cannons and melta arrays. Designed to inflict catastrophic damage at closer distances, these grand cruisers excel at breaching enemy lines and destroying heavily armored targets. While vulnerable at longer ranges, their close-quarters firepower makes them a terrifying prospect for any opposing vessel. |
| 81-85 | Hades-class Grand Cruiser | The Hades-class specializes in orbital bombardment and ground support. Equipped with powerful ordnance launchers and heavy macrobatteries with a significant downward firing arc, these grand cruisers can deliver devastating firepower against planetary targets. While capable of engaging other ships, their primary role lies in supporting Imperial ground forces and suppressing enemy defenses from orbit. |
| 86-90 | Nemesis-class Grand Cruiser | The Nemesis-class often features experimental or less common weapon systems, such as graviton beams, phase cannons, or other esoteric technologies. These grand cruisers are often employed in specialized roles, testing new weaponry or exploiting unique tactical advantages. Their capabilities can vary significantly depending on their specific configuration. |
| 91-95 | Conqueror-class Grand Cruiser | The Conqueror-class is built for prolonged engagements and attrition warfare. Featuring reinforced armor, extensive repair facilities, and a balanced armament, these grand cruisers are designed to endure heavy damage and continue fighting. They often serve as anchors in battle lines, providing a resilient and sustained offensive presence. |
| 96-98 | Ancient/Lost Pattern Grand Cruiser | This result indicates a grand cruiser of a very old or rediscovered pattern. Such vessels might possess unique technologies or configurations rarely seen in the modern Imperium. Their capabilities and history could be shrouded in mystery, making them powerful and potentially unpredictable assets. |
| 99 | Unique/Rare Grand Cruiser | This could be a one-of-a-kind vessel, a captured and heavily modified alien design, or a grand cruiser with highly specialized and unusual weaponry or systems. Its capabilities would be highly unique and require further definition. |
| 100 | Sector-Specific Grand Cruiser | This grand cruiser class is unique to a particular sector of the Imperium, reflecting local shipbuilding traditions, available resources, or specific strategic needs of that region. Its armament and role would be defined by the characteristics of its home sector. |
| Roll (d100) | Class Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 01-15 | Emperor-class Battleship | The iconic backbone of many Imperial Navy battlefleets, the Emperor-class is a heavily armed and armored behemoth. Typically mounting numerous turrets with powerful macrocannons and lance batteries, along with extensive secondary armament and torpedo tubes, it is a formidable warship capable of engaging multiple threats simultaneously. Emperor-class battleships often serve as flagships and command centers, their presence inspiring awe and fear in equal measure. While not the fastest of battleships, their sheer staying power and overwhelming firepower make them a crucial asset in any major engagement. |
| 16-28 | Retribution-class Battleship | Focusing on immense firepower, the Retribution-class sacrifices some of the Emperor's versatility for even heavier primary armament. Often equipped with massive dorsal lances or exceptionally powerful macrocannon batteries, these battleships are designed to deliver devastating broadsides and cripple enemy capital ships with concentrated fire. While their secondary armament might be slightly less extensive, their primary punch makes them ideal for breaking enemy lines and engaging heavily armored targets. They are often deployed as the heavy hitters of a fleet. |
| 29-40 | Apocalypse-class Battleship | The Apocalypse-class is characterized by its devastating broadside firepower. Mounting a staggering array of heavy macrocannons and bombardment cannons along its flanks, these battleships can unleash a storm of shells capable of tearing apart enemy formations. While their forward and rear armament might be less potent, their broadside potential makes them deadly in a line engagement. They are often positioned to deliver crippling broadsides as the enemy fleet approaches. |
| 41-50 | Oberon-class Battleship | A more balanced design compared to some of its more specialized counterparts, the Oberon-class boasts a good mix of heavy macrocannons, lance batteries, and torpedo launchers. This versatility allows them to engage a wider variety of targets effectively. While not excelling in any single area like some other battleship classes, their well-rounded capabilities make them reliable and adaptable command ships or powerful elements within a battle line. |
| 51-58 | Vengeance-class Battleship | The Vengeance-class often features a powerful dorsal weapon, such as a lance battery or a specialized energy weapon, as its primary offensive capability. This allows them to deliver focused fire on key enemy targets from a distance. While their broadside armament might be less overwhelming than some other classes, their central weapon can cripple enemy flagships or heavily armored cruisers. They are often deployed to target high-value enemy assets. |
| 59-65 | Nemesis-class Battleship | The Nemesis-class is typically equipped with an unusually large number of torpedo tubes and missile launchers for a battleship. This focus on ordnance allows them to saturate enemy formations with devastating barrages of torpedoes and guided missiles. While their direct-fire weaponry might be less prominent, their ability to unleash massive salvos of ordnance makes them a significant threat, particularly in fleet engagements where maneuverability is limited. |
| 66-71 | Mars-class Battleship | Often seen as a more technologically advanced or specialized design, the Mars-class may feature unique weapon systems or enhanced targeting arrays. They might incorporate more advanced energy weapons or experimental technologies. Due to their potentially complex systems and higher production costs, they are generally less common than the more standard battleship classes. Their specific capabilities can vary depending on the sub-type or forge world of origin. |
| 72-77 | Conqueror-class Battleship | The Conqueror-class is designed for aggressive assault and close-range engagements for a battleship. They might feature reinforced prows for ramming actions, powerful short-ranged weaponry, and enhanced boarding capabilities. While perhaps less effective at extreme long range, their ability to close with the enemy and deliver devastating point-blank firepower makes them a terrifying opponent in a brawl. |
| 78-82 | Dominator-class Battleship | The Dominator-class often emphasizes heavy bombardment cannons and ordnance designed for orbital assault. While capable of engaging other warships, their primary role lies in delivering overwhelming firepower against planetary targets and fortifications. They might have a reduced focus on anti-ship weaponry compared to other battleship classes. |
| 83-87 | Ironclad-class Battleship | True to its name, the Ironclad-class prioritizes exceptionally heavy armor and defensive systems. While their offensive firepower might be somewhat less than other battleships, their ability to withstand immense punishment makes them incredibly resilient. They often serve as anchors in a battle line, absorbing enemy fire and providing a stable platform for other vessels. |
| 88-91 | Avenger-class Battleship | The Avenger-class often features a prominent dorsal weapon battery or lance, coupled with a focus on speed and maneuverability for a battleship. While not as heavily armored as some other classes, their relative agility allows them to reposition more effectively and bring their primary weapon to bear on key targets. |
| 92-94 | Belligerent-class Battleship | The Belligerent-class might represent older or less common designs still in service. Their armament and capabilities could vary significantly depending on their age and refits. They might possess a mix of older weapon systems and a less standardized configuration compared to more modern battleship classes. |
| 95-96 | Unique/Rare Battleship Class | This result indicates a very uncommon or sector-specific battleship design. This could be a one-of-a-kind vessel, a captured and heavily modified alien battleship, or an experimental warship with highly unusual capabilities. Detailed information would likely require specific sector knowledge or GM fiat. |
| 97-98 | Ancient/Lost Battleship Class | This could be a battleship dating back to the Age of Sail or the Great Crusade, rediscovered after millennia. Such vessels might possess incredibly advanced or utterly obsolete technologies, making them unpredictable and potentially devastating assets (or liabilities). Their history would be shrouded in legend. |
| 99-100 | Grand Cruiser (Exceptional Example) | While technically not a battleship, a particularly large, heavily armed, and well-equipped Grand Cruiser might be considered to fulfill a similar role in certain circumstances, especially in smaller or less well-supplied fleets. This could represent a unique command vessel or a ship with battleship-grade weaponry. |
History[edit | edit source]
| Roll (d100) | Result |
|---|---|
| 1 | Dark Age of Technology/Age of Strife (pre-M30) - This vessel has seen humanity's peak and its fall from grace, and survived the Men of Iron and the birth of Slaanesh both. Its service record has few peers in terms of its length and how much it has participated in. It may also host Archaeotech from that forgotten period, making it a ship with unpredictable effectiveness. |
| 2-5 | Great Crusade (M30-004.M31) - This vessel was constructed to fight for the Emperor of Mankind during the Great Crusade to take back humanity's worlds. It has likely seen - and exterminated - Xenos species bizarre and dangerous yet not remembered by the Imperium, and may have fought alongside a Primarch in a fleet formation. |
| 6-10 | Horus Heresy (005-014.M31) - Either directly commissioned to serve against the Archtraitor and his forces or simply having the misfortune of being pressed into service at that time, this vessel's fledgeling years were when it fought against what would become the mortal and Astartes forces of Chaos. Its Machine Spirit may be particularly vengeful due to it coming into existence at this time, focusing all of its might upon traitor vessels whenever possible. |
| 11-20 | Time of Rebirth (015.M31-M32) - During the recovery from the Heresy would be when this vessel was created, the beginnings of its service occurring as the Imperium settled into its current governmental system. If it was set to sail in its earliest years, it helped push the Traitor Legions into the Eye of Terror as part of the Great Scouring. |
| 21-30 | The Forging (M32-M34) - This vessel served in various conflicts as the Imperium consolidated its power over the galaxy once more in its early years, be it stopping the largest WAAAGH! in Imperial history or a mostly-forgotten (and redacted) major rebellion. |
| 31-40 | Nova Terra Interregnum (M34-M35) - This vessel was forged during a time where the Imperium was split in two, and fought against the Ur-Council and their secessionists among other threats of the time. |
| 41-50 | Age of Apostasy (M36) - This ship was raised during the bloody reign of Goge Vandire or in the surrounding time period. It may have fought for him or against him in its early service, but either way it survived and continued to serve the Emperor after the fact. It may also have fought against the first Plague of Unbelief. |
| 51-65 | Age of Redemption (M37-M38) - This vessel was commissioned following the Thorian Reformation, and no doubt saw a lot of action due to all the crusades occurring at the time. It may have fought in the Occlusiad, or had to deal with the new traitors created by the Abyssal Crusade. |
| 65-80 | The Waning (M39-early M41) - This vessel was made just as new threats to the Imperium and old ones alike reared their ugly heads. It may have been mustered to face the approaching Tyranid hordes, the awakening Necron Dynasties, or the rapidly-progressing Tau; alternatively (or perhaps later) it would fight against the 12th Black Crusade in the Gothic War and/or spearheaded the last great expansion in the Macharian Crusade (as well as dealing with the Macharian Heresy right after). |
| 81-95 | Time of Ending (mid-to-late M41)- This vessel came online during the tulmutuous closing years of the 41st Millenium, called to defend against an apocalyptic wave of threats to the Imperium. It survived only to see the galaxy split in two by Abbadon the Despoiler's 13th Black Crusade. |
| 96-100 | Era Indomitus/Age of the Dark Imperium (M42-present) - Wrought for the Indomitus Crusade's various fleets or for some other recent purpose (or simply having just finished construction in the case of a Battleship), this vessel is fresh from the orbital dockyards. It may have yet to see real combat, or has had its trial by fire within recent memory. |
You will probably want to reroll newer dates if your vessel is no longer being actively produced (for example, in later years a Grand Cruiser is not likely to be produced outside of the very best shipyards which are almost certainly already busy with battleships).