Light Cruiser Designs
Javelin MkIII
A major update of the Javelin design, this Light Cruiser variant is a powerful contender. Launching a volley of distracting Holo-Missiles before the basic Missiles fire, this Javelin variant is able to easily spoof enemy Point Defense weaponry, and its forward-mounted Bubble Shield is placed to ensure the survival of the Missile Pods against stray shots that would otherwise endanger the ship.
Javelin MkIII-N
A Nuclear-Missile-toting variant of the Javelin MkIII, this ship uses its Holo-Missile array to distract enemy Point Defense long enough to slip a Nuclear surprise past the overwhelmed defenses.
Dirk MkIII
The most recent iteration of the Dirk, this Corvette design is very tough and made for frontlining and patrol work. Internal Bubble Shields act as permanent buffers, preventing enemy fire from penetrating the depths of the ship, and the Fore-Facing Shield Generators prevent the majority of attacks from even reaching the ship. Between the numerous layers of armor and thrusters, the MkIII is able to face or flee from any fight.
Dagger MkI
A Light Cruiser meant for bolstering the frontline forces of Dirks; able to tear into much heavier ships and defend against missiles, the Dagger has been a necessary addition to the forces helping retake the home systems. Fleet Command usually uses Dagger Light Cruisers as support and command ships for patrol fleets. In addition, the Dagger has its own Sensor Array, allowing it to coordinate and overwatch a much larger area.
Dagger MkII
For the longest time, the Dagger acted as the primary combat force alongside the Dirks - however, the MkII found itself rapidly supplanting that role, the heavier armament and tougher dual-shield system letting it shrug off heavier blows from a wider variety of directions. As well, it has a better missile construction system, letting it hammer foes from a longer range. Overall, the only point where it falls behind the MkI is the lack of a Sensor Array, leading to MkI Daggers remaining common in Patrol Fleets, while MkIIs make more frequent appearances in combat fleets.
Lance MkII - Alpha Variant
These fast, tough ships are often seen as the successors to the venerable Dirk design; they're faster, tougher, and are better able to maintain fire over long periods of time. As well, they're less vulnerable to missiles, as the Braking Pod at the rear of the ship is easily detached under fire and built to be scrapped in a pinch, the materials going right into putting a new Braking Pod onto the ship after combat. The Alpha Variant uses two Fore-Facing Shield Generators for a stronger, longer-lasting defense, and has a higher crew allotment.
Lance MkII - Beta Variant
These fast, tough ships are often seen as the successors to the venerable Dirk design; they're faster, tougher, and are better able to maintain fire over long periods of time. As well, they're less vulnerable to missiles, as the Braking Pod at the rear of the ship is easily detached under fire and built to be scrapped in a pinch, the materials going right into putting a new Braking Pod onto the ship after combat. The Beta Variant uses two Bubble Shield Generators and an extra pair of Small Reactors to allow for a faster recharge time on the shields and allow for slightly more solid Armor blocks.
Wakazashi MkII
The Wakazashi is a support Light cruiser designed to work alongside the Sai series; however, it generally gets more use as anti-armor and anti-fighter support for a Javelin battlegroup instead. Utilizing a compartmentalized design, the Wakazashi is more resistant to cannon fire and Ion Beam Emitters, two of the biggest dangers to most Light Cruisers.
Cleaver MkII
Designed based on the ancient 'Hook' model of ship, the Cleaver is a powerful Light Cruiser able to shatter enemy ships from far away, the Capital Ship grade 3500mm cannons hammering apart the target from absurd ranges. It has smaller guns for anti-missile defense, but it mostly relies on support ships for that purpose. A small modification many Captains make is to place a right-facing small thruster on the far right side to allow lateral movement to the ship's left.
Longbow MkIII
The Longbow is an extreme-range support ship, the massive Sniper Cannon on the front smashing apart armor and components once another ship takes down the target's shields. As well, the Longbow sports six Light Machine Guns to a side for anti-fighter defense. It is largely unshielded, however, which can present a problem at times.
Bowie MkI
A fast Light Cruiser design, it utilizes an odd 'Spongiform' design concept, wherein only the outermost shell is armored, the inside kept light for extra impact resistance, the entire design just about impermeable to fire-based attacks, and the Bowie sports an almost absurd amount of agility and speed, nimbly sliding through space to attack enemy flanks and shred fighter formations.
