“The Shield and Sword of the Imperium.”
The Praetorian-class Destroyer is the most widely deployed capital ship of the Arkanis Imperium, serving as the backbone of the Stellar Navy. Built to balance firepower, endurance, and versatility, it is the Imperium’s workhorse vessel—just as capable of defending key assets as it is of striking deep into hostile space.
The Praetorian was designed to be self-sufficient, capable of operating for over a year without resupply, making it the perfect ship for patrols, world defense, and extended solo campaigns. Unlike the massive Starjack Battleships or specialized Vigilance Carriers, the Praetorian is a multi-role destroyer, fulfilling countless fleet needs without the burden of extreme expense or crew requirements.
It is the most common capital ship encountered in Imperial fleets, often fielded in squadrons of three to five, or stationed alone as guardians of vital planets, stations, or supply routes.
Crew: ~800 personnel
Troops: Capable of carrying up to a legion of Imperial soldiers for planetary assaults or occupation duties.
Hangar Capacity:
15 Fighters/Bombers
2 Gunships
Cargo Capacity: Enough to hold a year’s worth of supplies and ammunition, alongside ground vehicles for deployment.
Its size and layout make it an efficient mix of frontline combat ship and mobile garrison.
The Praetorian-class balances heavy capital-killing firepower with defensive versatility:
3x Capital-Class Hardpoints – usually fitted with heavy plasma cannons, railguns, or missile systems.
8x Medium Hardpoints – highly flexible, mounted with energy weapons, missile pods, or slug throwers.
12x Small Hardpoints – typically outfitted as anti-starfighter batteries to ward off bomber and fighter strikes.
This makes the Praetorian a formidable duelist against large warships while still being able to defend itself against lighter threats.
The Praetorian is divided into four primary decks:
Command & Crew Deck – bridge, officer quarters, and standard living spaces for the ship’s core crew.
Troop & Recreation Deck – barracks, rec halls, medical bays, and living quarters for embarked soldiers.
Hangar & Cargo Deck – housing fighters, gunships, supplies, and ground vehicles.
Engineering Deck – reactor, hyperdrive, engines, and maintenance facilities.
This layout ensures clear separation of duties, maximizing efficiency during long campaigns.
The Praetorian’s adaptable design has led to numerous specialized refits, each fulfilling unique roles:
Stellar Knight Warship – outfitted for carrying Stellar Knights, with specialized chambers, meditation halls, and warplate forges.
Covert Ops Warship – equipped with advanced stealth systems and electronic warfare suites.
Occupation Warship – optimized for troop transport and planetary subjugation, with enhanced barracks and dropship support.
Forward Operations Warship – acts as a mobile command hub, coordinating entire fleets or planetary invasions.
Fleet Support Warship – designed for repair and resupply of other ships, with expanded cargo and fabrication bays.
Combat-Focused Warship – stripped of non-essential features for maximum firepower, bristling with weaponry at the cost of cargo and troop capacity.
Strengths:
Extremely versatile and self-sufficient.
Strong shields and balanced firepower.
Large troop and cargo capacity makes it ideal for extended campaigns.
Weaknesses:
Vulnerable to coordinated medium ship assaults.
Can be overwhelmed by swarms of starfighters and bombers if not properly supported.
Praetorians are the Imperium’s backbone warships—guardians, enforcers, and conquerors. They are often the first line of defense in a system and the first vessels deployed to crush rebellion. To allies, their arrival means security; to enemies, it means subjugation is near.