Battlefleet Imperial

**Battlefleet Imperial**, also called **The Imperial Fleet**, the formidable naval armada of the Thoria Empire, stands as a symbol of the empire's naval supremacy. Led by the Navigatores Caelestes, an exclusive chamber of the Imperious, the elite guards of the emperor, this fleet is unparalleled in its size, scope, and technological prowess. It serves as the personal fleet of the emperor, granting it a status and privilege beyond that of any other military force in the empire.

One defining characteristic of Battlefleet Imperial is its autonomy. No entity, organization, or individual outside the emperor and the Grand Imperial Militant holds authority over it. This exclusivity ensures that the fleet remains directly answerable only to the highest echelons of Thorian leadership. Consequently, Battlefleet Imperial operates with a level of independence and flexibility that few other fleets can match.

In terms of sheer scale, Battlefleet Imperial is among the largest fleets known to the galaxy. Its armada boasts an astonishing number of warships, from nimble frigates to colossal battleships. This vast array of vessels allows it to fulfill an extensive range of military roles, from defense to projection of power across the empire and beyond. Battlefleet Imperial serves as a cornerstone of the Thoria Empire's military might, projecting its influence and safeguarding its interests in the galactic theater.

What sets Battlefleet Imperial apart, however, is its access to cutting-edge technology. As the personal fleet of the emperor, it enjoys first access to the empire's most advanced innovations. These technological marvels, often decades or even centuries ahead of standard Imperial Navy equipment, provide Battlefleet Imperial with a significant edge in combat effectiveness.

## History

### Honor Guard

In the dawn of the Thoria Empire, when its name still echoed in the cosmos as an emerging power, the annals of its history witnessed the birth of Battlefleet Imperial. This formidable naval armada, now an emblem of the empire's dominance, had its humble origins as an honor guard during a time when the empire's boundaries were just beginning to take shape.

The empire's early years were marked by the aftermath of the Loeko-Thorian War, a conflict etched in the history books as the first major military engagement of the fledgling Thoria Empire. As a nascent power, Thoria faced considerable challenges from rivals in the cosmos.

During this period, the empire's naval capabilities were in their infancy. The Navy, while emerging as a force to be reckoned with, was relatively small and lacked the sophistication it would later attain. It was during this time that the foundation of what would become Battlefleet Imperial was laid.

Originally, it wasn't conceived as a separate naval entity. Instead, it served as an honor guard, devoted to protecting the emperor himself during this time of upheaval. This small detachment, known simply as the Imperial Guard along with the 3rd battalion of the 1st Imperial Legion, was entrusted with safeguarding the highest authority in the empire, the emperor.

However, as the empire recognized the need for a potent naval presence to secure its interests and extend its influence, the Imperial Guard underwent a significant transformation. Gradually, it transitioned into a full-fledged naval fleet.

The nomenclature "Imperial" was retained, an homage to its origins as the emperor's personal guard. Thus, Battlefleet Imperial was established, signifying its role as both a defender and an enforcer of the empire's interests in an uncertain galaxy.

While its early years were characterized by limitations in terms of numbers and technological capabilities, Battlefleet Imperial embarked on a journey of expansion and evolution. Over time, it would emerge as one of the most formidable naval forces in the known universe, serving as a stalwart protector of the empire's interests.

### Transition into a full Battlefleet

Following its transformation from an honor guard into a full-fledged battlefleet, Battlefleet Imperial found itself at the forefront of the Thoria Empire's ambitious expansion into the galaxy. This transition marked a pivotal period in the fleet's history, as well as in the empire's quest for interstellar dominance.

The Thoria Empire was acutely aware of the necessity of a robust naval shipbuilding industry. Without a substantial domestic shipbuilding capacity, the empire's aspirations of galactic conquest and control were severely hampered. It was an intolerable situation for a power that sought to extend its reach to the stars.

The turning point came when the Thoria Empire captured an entire shipyard world during the Obbudrian-Thoria War. This achievement, led by Emperor Gredia and his military advisors, was nothing short of astounding. It presented an unparalleled opportunity to establish a powerful shipbuilding infrastructure that could meet the empire's burgeoning naval demands.

With the shipyard world fully operational once more, the Thoria Empire set about creating a formidable armada capable of addressing its considerable naval needs. Battlefleet Imperial, being the premier naval force, was accorded priority during this expansion phase.

It was during this period that the tradition of Battlefleet Imperial as the largest and most influential fleet in the empire emerged. The battlefleet's primary mission was to grind enemy fleets to dust, embodying the empire's unwavering commitment to military superiority.

### Battlefleet of the Emperor

The transformation of Battlefleet Imperial into the personal fleet of the emperor marked a significant shift in its mission and operational focus. While its primary duty remained to serve as the imperial taxi and guardian, it was also tasked with maintaining the highest levels of combat readiness. To achieve this, a unique tradition was established within the fleet, setting it apart from other naval forces in the Thoria Empire.

The emperor, ever committed to ensuring that his personal guard remained at the pinnacle of military excellence, issued a directive that would shape the future of Battlefleet Imperial. The order was clear: actively seek out and engage the most formidable enemy fleets that posed a genuine threat to the Thoria Empire. This directive stemmed from a deeply rooted belief that real combat experience far outweighed the benefits of simulated drills. This tradition became emblematic of Battlefleet Imperial's relentless pursuit of martial prowess.

In these engagements, Battlefleet Imperial consistently demonstrated its unmatched skill and the sheer might of its colossal fleet. The battle-hardened crew and the overwhelming firepower at their disposal made the fleet an indomitable force in the galaxy. It is important to note that while they emerged victorious in every battle, Battlefleet Imperial did not emerge unscathed. The crucible of battle claimed numerous ships from its inventory, including some of its most esteemed flagships. The toll of war on hardware and personnel was a price willingly paid for the sake of maintaining peak combat readiness.

Yet, despite these losses, one thing remained sacrosanct: the safety of the emperor. Battlefleet Imperial's unwavering dedication to this duty became a source of immense pride for the fleet. For them, their mission was considered fulfilled as long as the highest authority in the empire remained unharmed. This unwavering commitment to protecting the emperor and the empire itself solidified Battlefleet Imperial's status as an unparalleled force, both in terms of firepower and unwavering loyalty.

Over the course of 100,000 years, Battlefleet Imperial has ground an incalculable number of enemy fleets to dust under the unyielding will of the emperor. They stand ready for their next mission, their colossal fleet and formidable crews prepared for any challenge that may threaten the Thoria Empire. Their legacy is one of relentless dedication and an unwavering commitment to duty, and they will remain resolute in their guardianship until the Thoria shipyards cease to resupply their fleet and the last corvette is consigned to history.

## Composition

The composition of Battlefleet Imperial is a sprawling, incomprehensibly diverse assembly of ships, reflective of its monumental size and complex mission requirements. With nearly 200,000 ships at its disposal, the fleet encompasses a staggering range of vessel types, classes, and configurations, each meticulously selected and tailored to fulfill specific roles within the Thoria Empire's overarching naval strategy.

At the core of Battlefleet Imperial, one can find a formidable complement of capital ships, their sheer scale and firepower serving as the backbone of the fleet's offensive capabilities. These include colossal battleships, dreadnoughts, and supercarriers, each meticulously designed to deliver overwhelming firepower and strategic dominance in battles of titanic proportions.

Intermingled with these colossal warships are fleets of cruisers and destroyers, varying in size and function. These versatile vessels are instrumental in supporting the larger capital ships and engaging enemy fleets with precision and adaptability. Some cruisers are equipped for long-range bombardment, while others are geared toward anti-fighter operations, adding layers of strategic complexity to the fleet's composition.

To protect against agile and elusive foes, Battlefleet Imperial incorporates vast numbers of escort ships, corvettes, and frigates, designed for swift maneuverability and adept at engaging smaller, agile threats. These nimble vessels are essential for escorting the larger capital ships, maintaining defensive formations, and responding rapidly to threats.

In addition to its expansive combat vessels, Battlefleet Imperial deploys an extensive array of support ships. These include replenishment ships, medical vessels, and repair ships, which ensure the fleet's longevity and effectiveness during prolonged campaigns. Furthermore, electronic warfare and reconnaissance vessels play a crucial role in gathering intelligence, jamming enemy communications, and coordinating fleet movements.

The composition of Battlefleet Imperial extends beyond combat vessels to encompass an intricate web of logistical and auxiliary craft. Transport ships, cargo haulers, and troop carriers facilitate the rapid deployment of ground forces, enabling planetary invasions and occupations when required. Fuel tankers and resource transporters ensure the fleet's sustained operation, delivering the necessary materials to maintain the gargantuan war machine.

What truly sets Battlefleet Imperial apart is its commitment to embracing innovation and experimentation. The fleet often serves as a testing ground for the latest technological advancements, with prototype vessels and experimental weapon systems regularly integrated into its ranks. This forward-thinking approach ensures that Battlefleet Imperial remains at the forefront of military innovation, constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing challenges of the galaxy.

### General Composition

* 8 Naval titans
	+ Aleister Class Naval Titans
	+ Neidia Class Naval Titans
	+ Imperious Class Naval Titans
	+ Imperious II Class Naval Titans
	+ Guanto Class Naval Titans
	+ Pikol Class Naval Titans

* 200 Mandatum Dreadnaughts
	+ Ando Class Mandatum Dreadnaught
	+ Caldera Class Mandatum Dreadnaught
	+ Chalacta Class Mandatum Dreadnaught
	+ Mandatum Dreadnaughts
	+ Orpheus Class Mandatum Dreadnaught
	+ Vortum Class Majorum Dreadnaught
	+ Furor Class Mandatum Dreadnaught

* 1,400 Majorum Dreadnaughts
	+ Amatius Class Majorum Dreadnaught
	+ Bellus Class Majorum Dreadnaught
	+ Epsior Class Majorum Dreadnaught
	+ Foondo Class Majorum Dreadnaughts
	+ Heraclix Class Majorum Dreadnaught
	+ Junic Class Majorum Dreadnaught
	+ Calaclix Class Majorum Dreadnaught
	+ Tolmar Class Majorum Dreadnaught

* 3,200 Minorum Dreadnaughts
	+ Stenandor Class Minorum Dreadnaught
	+ Suspiria Class Minorum Dreadnaught
	+ Taharath Class Minorum Dreadnaught
	+ Timba Class Minorum Dreadnaughts
	+ Tsanorn Class Minorum Dreadnaught
	+ Valorum Class Minorum Dreadnaught
	+ Ebon Class Minorum Dreadnaught
	+ Ordish Class Minorum Dreadnaught
	+ Asidium Class Minorum Dreadnaught

* 10,000< Capital Ships (Battle Cruisers - Destroyers)
* 100,000< smaller support ships (Cruisers - Corvettes)