Posted by Lieutenant Jeremy Harris (Assistant Engineering Director 2) in Sprecification Review: Empress-class Heavy Dreadnought

Posted by Fleet Captain Nicholas Villarreal (Assistant EDir. 1 & Dockmaster) in Sprecification Review: Empress-class Heavy Dreadnought
After some tweaks and modifications, this spec is compliant with SSSF and MNP. Everyone, please take a look and comment.

Two weeks for review, so the review deadline is 19 June 2026.

EMPRESS-CLASS
CATEGORY: DREADNOUGHT
VARIANT: HEAVY
DESIGNER: Patrick McGarry
Mark I
Draft 1
DATE: 4 June 2026
REFERENCED URLs: None
​
History And Mission Overview
​Starfleet Tactical Command commissioned the Empress-class Heavy Dreadnought following the collapse of several border defense grids during the post-Dominion strategic reorganization period. Starfleet identified a growing need for a dedicated fleet-engagement platform capable of withstanding prolonged, heavy combat operations without relying on support formations traditionally required by cruiser-centered battlegroups.
​Unlike exploratory flagships, the Empress-class was conceived from inception as a dedicated combat vessel. Every major structural, tactical, and propulsion allocation reflects the heavy-grade purpose. While capable of limited scientific support from its secondary labs, those functions are secondary to the vessel’s primary tactical mission.
​
Mission Profiles
​Fleet engagement and linebreaker combat
​Strategic deterrence and border defense
​Rapid-response tactical deployment
​Heavy convoy and task force escort
​Anti-capital engagement platform
​Sector defense command ship
​
Structure And Construction
​The Empress-class utilizes a reinforced tritanium-duranium structural frame built around a triple-spine load-bearing architecture designed to distribute combat stress across the entire superstructure during sustained weapons discharge cycles.
​The physical layout features a forward circular upper main section mated directly to an integrated, heavily armored aft engineering hull. This direct connection eliminates the traditional, vulnerable structural neck to maximize combat survivability. The propulsion system utilizes three asymmetric warp nacelles mounted along a ventral-dorsal offset arrangement (two lateral-swept attached to the aft hull, one dorsal-centerline), providing an imposing, high-tonnage profile optimized for combat field stability.
​Hull armor consists of 10.0cm ablative combat armor layered above a reinforced tritanium-duranium support lattice. Four internal interspatial cargo decks are included within the lower engineering hull; these sections are unmanned and entirely automated during normal operation.
​
Science And Remote Sensing Systems
​To ensure fleet compatibility and fulfill fleet operational requirements, the Empress-class includes a fully operational, combat-integrated Science Department. Sensor systems consist of Type-IX long-range sensor pallets optimized for fleet tracking, long-range threat acquisition, subspace disturbance monitoring, and tactical target resolution. The vessel possesses electronic warfare capabilities through dedicated sensor masking and targeting disruption systems.
​The computer core architecture consists of three isolated isolinear computer cores enhanced with bio-neural computational overlays and redundant tactical processing nodes to handle massive battlefield telemetry streams.
​
Warp Propulsion System
​The Empress-class features a vertical Class-10 Matter/Anti-Matter Reaction Assembly (M/ARA) positioned within the central engineering hull, driving three asymmetric fixed-geometry warp nacelles.
​The third dorsal nacelle is an operational necessity: it stabilizes the massive, shifting warp field geometry caused by the ship’s dense ablative armor plating, while providing a dedicated power feed directly to the structural integrity field during high-warp tactical maneuvers. Due to the extreme power demands of the tactical arrays, maximum warp velocity cannot be sustained simultaneously with full weapons initialization without secondary power management.
​
Impulse Propulsion System
​The vessel utilizes four fusion-powered impulse drive assemblies integrated along the aft engineering hull. The system emphasizes controlled mass acceleration and structural stability over high-agility maneuvering, utilizing heavy structural hardpoints to manage sublight deceleration forces safely away from the primary command hull.
​
Tactical Systems
​Defensive Shields
​Defensive shielding is provided by a Type-12 regenerative covariant shield grid operating across twelve independent shield sectors. Tactical doctrine limits simultaneous maximum shield reinforcement and sustained spinal weapons discharge due to extreme electro-plasma system load demands.
​
Phaser Systems
​The primary phaser armament consists of 18 Type-12 Phaser Arrays positioned for comprehensive multi-vector firing coverage:
​2 Primary Dorsal Arrays (200 emitters each)
​2 Primary Ventral Arrays (200 emitters each)
​4 Forward Swept Arrays (150 emitters each)
​4 Aft Pylon Arrays (100 emitters each)
​6 Lateral Hull Arrays (60 emitters each)
​
Torpedo Systems
​Four Type-6 burst-fire torpedo launchers are installed on the vessel (two forward, two aft). In accordance with tactical command guidelines, all launchers share standardized tactical tracking logic allowing for rapid-cycling burst payloads.
​Heavy Spinal P ser Lance
​The Empress-class mounts a single, fixed-forward heavy spinal phaser lance running heavy-graded primary structural spine of the vessel. This weapon design is derived from tactical telemetry of modified Galaxy-class fleet command variants (Ref: USS Enterprise-D, alternate timeline Stardate 47988). Unlike standard orbital strips, the lance utilizes a sequence of inline, high-capacity focusing crystals to discharge a tightly concentrated, continuous beam of pure energy.
​The weapon is designed exclusively for anti-capital ship engagements to penetrate heavy-grade hull armor. Due to the thermal and energy drain on the EPS grid, the spinal lance cannot be discharged simultaneously with maximum defensive shield reinforcement without a brief, automated cycling of secondary auxiliary power.
​
Command And Support Systems
​Bridge
​Located on Deck 1, the Main Bridge is submerged slightly into the primary superstructure for kinetic protection. It features a sunken central command arena, a wrap-around primary viewer, and isolated stations for GORBI-NX interface coordination, alongside standard stations for Command, Helm, Operations, Tactical, Engineering, Internal Security, Science, and Fleet Coordination.
​
Main Engineering
​Main Engineering spans Decks 3 and 4, housing the vertically mounted Class-10 warp core through the center of the compartment. Facilities include the Chief Engineer’s office, antimatter control station, EPS regulation centers, and structural integrity control monitors.
​
Science Labs
​The laboratory spaces support fleet operations through specialized analytical functions. Facilities include a General Science Lab (for general scanning, anomaly analysis, and chemistry), Tactical Astrometrics, Stellar Cartography, Tactical Physics (for weapon and shield harmonic analysis), Cybernetics (for electronic counter-measures), and Xenobiology (for bio-threat defense).
​
Brig
​The brig complex on Deck 9 features eight reinforced detention cells utilizing localized forcefields, a security processing center, and direct armory access control. The holding cells are physically, air-gapped from the primary computer core to prevent remote network infiltration.
​
Combat Information Center (CIC)
​Located deep within the armored core on Deck 2, the Combat Information Center provides complete tactical redundancy. The CIC is physically isolated from the primary Bridge by secondary automated bulkheads, ensuring the vessel maintains uninterrupted fleet command and internal defensive capability if the primary Bridge superstructure is compromised.
​
Utility Systems
​Cargo Bay
​Four standard cargo bays are positioned between Decks 11-14, supplemented by four automated, unmanned interspatial cargo holds on Decks 15-18. Cargo transporter systems are integrated explicitly for non-living material handling.
​Transporters
​The vessel features four primary personnel transporter rooms containing six pads each, operating at a standard low-orbit range of 40,000 kilometers. Two dedicated emergency transporter systems are onboard, operating with an outbound-only range of 15,000 kilometers.
​
Tractor Beam
​The utility array features one primary ventral tractor emitter and two auxiliary aft pylon emitters, operating at a maximum effective low-mass range of 20,000 kilometers.
​
Crew Support Systems
​Sickbay
​Primary Sickbay is located on Deck 9 and features 12 specialized biobeds, an intensive care section, a surgical ward, an isolation ward, and the Chief Medical Officer’s office. A secondary medical facility is located on Deck 10 to serve as emergency triage overflow.
​
Quarters ​Accommodations are divided into distinct tiers:
Senior Officer suites, standMythology classrters, and modular Enlisted compartmentswas optimize space for dedicated military infrastructure, the vessel utilizes high-density Temporary Tactical Berthings (bunk-style barracks near staging areas ) to house security forces, Marine detachments, or planetary evacuation personnel.
​
Lounge Facility
​Social and dining facilities include an Officer’s Mess on Deck 24, a Main Crew Lounge on Deck 24, and two separate structural observation lounges located on Decks 1 and 24 to accommodate crew rotation blocks.
​
Recreational Facilities
​Recreational infrastructure includes a combat-readiness gymnasium, an internal tactical training center, and four independent holodecks (two decks tall) configured for tactical simulations and crew relief.
​
Auxiliary Spacecraft Systems
​The primary launch and maintenance facilities span Decks 20 and 21. The standard auxiliary complement consists of 12 standard shuttlecraft, 4 tactical runabouts, 6 work bees, and a dedicated Captain’s Yacht integrated into the ventral hull.
​
Technical Specifications
​Dimensions & Structure
​Length
​780 meters
​Beam (Width)
​410 meters
​Height
​140 meters
​Decks
​31
​Crew Complement:
​Officers and Crew
​1,012
​Command
​65
​Engineering
​285
​Medical
​92
​Science
​140
​Security
​330
​Other Departments
​100
​Visiting Personnel
​200
​Maximum Evacuation Limit
​15,000
​Computer Systems:
​Core
​Triple-redundant Isolinear Core System with Bio-Neural Overlays
​Software
​LCARS v12.4
​Interface
​GORBI-NX
​Warp Systems:
​Power Plant
​One Class-10 M/ARA core feeding 3 nacelles
​Cruising Velocity
​Warp 6.0
​Maximum Warp
​Warp 9.99
​Max. Sustainable Velocity (12 Hours)
​Warp 9.9
​Emergency Speed
​Warp 9.995
​Impulse Systems:
​Full Impulse
​0.25c
​Zero-0.25c
​4.2 seconds
​0.25c-Zero
​3.8 seconds
​Defensive Systems
​Shield Maximum Graviton Load (Continuous)
​2,688 MW
​Shield Maximum Energy Dissipation Rate
​7.3 x 10^5 kW
​Offensive Systems:
​Torpedoes
​Tubes
​4x Type-6 Burst Fire Launcher
​Standard Payload
​500 Total Casings (300 Quantum Torpedoes, 175 Photon Torpedoes, 25 Probes)
​Phaser system
​18 Type-12 phaser arrays, 1 Heavy Spinal Phaser Lance

​Deck Layout
​Deck 1
​Main Bridge, Captain’s Ready Room, Observation Lounge 1
​Deck 2
​Combat Information Center (CIC), Senior Officer Quarters
​Deck 3
​Main Engineering (Upper Level), Chief Engineer’s Office, EPS Regulation
​Deck 4
​Main Engineering (Lower Level), Antimatter Control Station
​Deck 5
​Officer Quarters, Tactical Astrometrics, Stellar Cartography
​Deck 6
​Main Computer Cores, Isolinear Core Arrays, GORBI-NX Processing
​Deck 7
​General Science Lab, Tactical Physics, Cybernetics, Xenobiology
​Deck 8
​Main Security Headquarters, Primary Armory, Tactical Briefing Room
​Deck 9
​Primary Sickbay, Surgical Ward, Intensive Care, The Brig
​Deck 10
​Secondary Medical Facility, Enlisted Crew Compartments
​Deck 11
​Standard Cargo Bay 1, Enlisted Crew Quarters
​Deck 12
​Standard Cargo Bay 2, Enlisted Crew Quarters
​Deck 13
​Standard Cargo Bay 3, Crew Quarters
​Deck 14
​Standard Cargo Bay 4, Crew Quarters
​Deck 15
​Automated Interspatial Cargo Hold 1
​Deck 16
​Automated Interspatial Cargo Hold 2
​Deck 17
​Automated Interspatial Cargo Hold 3
​Deck 18
​Automated Interspatial Cargo Hold 4
​Deck 19
​Transporter Rooms 1-4, Transporter Control
​Deck 20
​Primary Shuttlebay (Upper Level), Flight Control, Tactical Runabout Pads
​Deck 21
​Primary Shuttlebay (Lower Level), Maintenance Bays, Temporary Tactical Berthing
​Deck 22
​Forward Torpedo Launchers, Secured Torpedo Magazine Storage
​Deck 23
​After Torpedo Launchers, Secured Torpedo Magazine Storage
​Deck 24
​Officer’s Mess, Main Crew Lounge, Observation Lounge 2
​Deck 25
​Gymnasium, Combat Simulation Center, Holodecks 1-2 (Upper Level)
​Deck 26
​Holodecks 1-2 (Lower Level), Holodecks 3-4 (Upper Level)
​Deck 27
​Holodecks 3-4 (Lower Level), Deuterium Storage Tanks
​Deck 28
​Impulse Engine Control, Auxiliary Fusion Reactors
​Deck 29
​Structural Integrity Field Control, Shield Generator Arrays
​Deck 30
​Antimatter Storage Pods, Lateral Sensor Pallet Processing
​Deck 31
​Primary Ventral Tractor Emitter, Waste Reclamation Systems
​
Ships Of Class
​USS Empress, NCC-84900 (Class Ship)
USS Majestic, NCC-84901
USS Imperator, NCC-84902
USS Valiant, NCC-84904
USS Aegis, NCC-84905
USS Titania, NCC-84906
USS Resolute, NCC-84907
USS Invictus, NCC-84908
USS Vanguard, NCC-84909
USS Warlord, NCC-84910
​
Conclusion
​The Empress-class Heavy Dreadnought represents Starfleet Tactical Command’s ultimate interpretation of modern naval combat doctrine. Designed exclusively for fleet warfare, strategic deterrence, and sustained heavy engagement operations, the class sacrifices multi-mission flexibility in favor of overwhelming survivability, sustained tactical output, and battlefield command endurance. It exists as a fully optimized front-line combat platform intended to anchor the Federation’s defensive strategy well into the twenty-fifth century.

​Submitted on 4 June 2026 by Patrick McGarry

Congratulations on being the first new submission in what seems like a while!

It meets all the number/type limits listed in the MNP… but I’m sure Nick would have caught that before it was posted.

The role of the Empress-class is sufficiently different from our other Dreadnought that it has its own niche as a role-playing environment. Battleship vs Carrier.

I do think the ‘fluff’ could be fleshed out a little bit more to highlight the ship’s character better. The ultimate goal is to make it the type of ship that people want to play on. That means you need to give them a good feel for it in the write-up.

“Fluff” Comments/Questions:
Since the engineering hull is mounted directly to the saucer, you might want to clarify which decks encompass which sections, and which ones are both. “The physical layout features a forward circular upper main section mated directly to an integrated, heavily armored aft engineering hull.”

I do think CIC and the Bridge should be further apart, but that’s just me.

Main Engineering is often in the Engineering hull. Do Decks 3 and 4 stretch to the engineering hull?

2 of our 3 Runabout classes are 2 decks tall, so your Hangar Bays might need more decks.

Other ships have 4 tiers of quarters: Captain/XO level quarters, Department Head level quarters, JO quarters, and Crew quarters. (as a comparison to your 3 tiers) Visiting quarters might also include the Admiral/Ambassador level.

Maybe flesh out the quarters for the visiting personnel. If it’s designed to serve as a sector defense Command Ship, does this include Admiral-level quarters? How big is the staff for this function?

Regarding the Temporary Tactical Berthing… is this part of the 200 visiting personnel, or on top of it? Somewhere between normal visitors and full evacuation limit? Should an extra number be added to the Visiting Personnel section?

Stat Questions:

The maximum evacuation limit of 15,000 is a little higher than the other Large ships (13,200, 10,000, and 12,500), but I don’t see that being an issue.

Is the LCARS v12.4 just for flavor? The Mythology-class specified LCARS v7… but I didn’t see anything else about it. Also not an issue… just curious.

Similarly, I couldn’t find anything for the GORBI-NX interface. What is special about this? A different voice? Just curious.

Class 10 power plants/hyperdrives list a Cruising Speed of 7? Is that just the max? (like the max # of tubes/phasers/etc.?) Curious why the Empress-class is listed as Warp 6 cruising.

Your acceleration and deceleration times are closer to those of a fighter. The Mjolnir-class has the best times of the Large Class ships, and she’s at 30 seconds & 60 seconds. I understand the Empress-class is meant to be agile, but that seems a bit much.

Jeremy H

Thank you for the thorough review and feedback.

I do want to note that, as currently written, the Empress-class remains within all published design guidelines and numerical limits established by the MNP. Before submission I specifically checked the vessel against the requirements for size, systems, crew capacity, armament, support craft, and performance to ensure it remained compliant. While several areas can certainly benefit from additional clarification and expanded flavor text, the intent was not to exceed any established standards.

Regarding the comments on layout, deck arrangements, quarters, and embarked personnel, I agree these sections could be fleshed out further to better convey the ship’s identity and role. Most of these suggestions appear to be matters of presentation and clarification rather than mechanical concerns, and I think expanding those descriptions will make the vessel easier for prospective players to visualize and enjoy.

For the statistical questions, my understanding is that the current values remain within the permitted ranges established by the MNP. The acceleration and deceleration figures, while aggressive for a large vessel, were selected intentionally to reflect the design philosophy behind the class. The Empress-class was conceived as a battleship rather than a carrier or traditional dreadnought, emphasizing direct engagement, rapid response, and tactical maneuverability. While I am certainly willing to revisit those numbers if there is a broader consensus that they create balance concerns, my intent was to remain within the performance envelope permitted by the guidelines rather than exceed it.

Similarly, the Warp 6 cruising speed, LCARS v12.4 designation, and GORBI-NX interface were included either as flavor elements or as interpretations of existing system specifications while remaining within established fleet standards. None were intended to create a mechanical advantage beyond what is already permitted under the rules.

Ultimately, I view most of the feedback as opportunities to improve the write-up and better communicate the character of the ship. Unless directed otherwise by the review team, my preference would be to address the presentation and clarification issues while maintaining the core design, as it currently operates within the published guidelines and was intentionally designed to fill a unique battleship niche within the fleet roster.

I appreciate the time and effort put into the review and will work on incorporating the suggested clarifications.
Lieutenant Patrick A. McGarry
Engineering