Overlord-class Dreadnought
Project that united the Alliance
The Human Interplanetary Alliance (HIA) was jolted into action upon their first encounter with the Imperial forces in 1024. At that time, the HIA Fleet consisted primarily of small, agile vessels, effective for combating pirates but ill-equipped for a full-scale conflict. The need for a more powerful and resilient interstellar fleet became evident.
In response, John Lance, Chancellor of Azor proposed a transformative solution: the unification of all Allied Worlds into a single, multiplanetary Federation. This bold initiative, aimed at consolidating resources and fostering deeper political and economic integration, in order to pave the way for a formidable interstellar armada.
After a year of debates, the governments of all HIA members ultimately pledged their allegiance to the newly formed Federation. Their military strategy, driven by a straightforward approach, aimed to outmatch the Imperial warships in terms of size and firepower. Various shipbuilding corporations were tasked with developing the prospective designs.
Goals and Development
By 1027, the Federal Attack Fleet embarked on a series of daring maneuvers near the Imperial borders. Initially, these heavily armored vessels achieved success in a skirmish against an Imperial patrol. However, their triumph was short-lived as they were met with a formidable Imperial dreadnought, the Nova Monarkia, and were ultimately annihilated.
Despite the tragic outcome, this suicide mission yielded valuable intelligence about the Imperials’ capabilities. The Federal War Council, armed with this newfound knowledge, authorized the construction of a dreadnought of their own, codenamed “Project Overlord.” This immense vessel was intended to surpass the Nova Monarkia in terms of size, armor, and firepower, with the potential to serve as a one-ship-fleet capable of even scorching entire planets.
Trial by Fire, the Avenging Might
In 1037, the first Overlord-class cruiser, named the Avenging Might in honor of the recent catastrophic Imperial attack on Azor, was finally completed. Its true destructive power was unleashed during a Federal counteroffensive in 1039. As flagship of the 301st Attack Fleet, it boldly emerged from subspace directly above the Imperial Capitol on Limmea. Avenging Might pierced through the Imperial defense fleet, and unleashed its devastating firepower upon the Imperial palace. As a consequence of that, the Imperial Monarch, Surendra Khan II and his family were obliterated in an instant. This decisive blow effectively beheaded the Imperial leadership.
However, this triumphant victory was overshadowed by a subsequent turn of events. A small strike team of Imperial Legionnaires, supported by a fighter wing, managed to overwhelm the Avenging Might’s defenses and cripple its engines, rendering it vulnerable to boarding actions. After a grueling five-hour operation, led by the ambitious young lieutenant Igor Singh, the Avenging Might fell under Imperial control.
Cancellation of the Project
As the Federal forces retreated from Imperial space, post-operation analysis revealed that another Overlord-class cruiser would be susceptible to similar tactics. Recent intelligence also indicated that the Empire was actively adapting to prevent similar incursions by deploying hyperjump-jamming traps and minefields along their borders. These developments led to a decision to terminate the Overlord project altogether. All ships on different stages of development were doomed to be decommissioned and scrapped for resources.
This cancellation marked a significant shift in the Federation’s military strategy. Rather than pursuing a doctrine of large weapons platforms with overwhelming firepower, they adopted a more cautious approach, emphasizing maneuverability, stealth, and coordinated tactics. This strategic shift was crucial in shaping the Federation’s future military doctrine, paving the way for a more adaptable and resilient force capable of putting a strain on the Imperial fleet by a constant barrage of hit and run tactics.
