THERMOPYLAE CLASS

STA

Thermopylae Class
Entered Service - Early 2374
Specs:
Length: 100m, Width: 62.5 m, Height:17m (not including landing gear
for terrestrial operations)
Warp: Factor 8
Crew: 20 standard
Overview:
Federation shipyards were regularly attacked from the start of the
Dominion War, especially facilities producing more powerful,
combat-capable classes of ships. StarFleet was looking for any quick
solutions that would fill the gaps in the fleet till repairs could be made
and the newer, stronger vessels could join the war effort. Thanks to
the quick thinking of a Commander at a low-priority shipyard
assembling Nova Class vessels, an idea was formulated and
authorized by Command.
The plan was to take all the essential operation systems of a Nova
Class and cram it all into the saucer section. This included the warp
nacelles, to minimize materials used in construction and offer some
protection to the engines, similar to what is seen with the Defiant or
Steamrunner Classes. A bit of length was added to accommodate the
shuttle bay and the main impulse drive. 'Beefed up' weapons systems
and ample amount of thrusters were added, to what the hull integrity
and power systems would allow.
Once assembled, this all produced a small, agile vessel that was able Also the impulse and thrusters, that were standard for the larger
to 'punch above its weight-class' in tactical situations. The prototype, frame of the Nova Class, were all installed and configured to produce
USS Thermopylae, was simple, reliable, and easy to press into one of the most agile and highly maneuverable crafts in the
service with components StarFleet already had in inventory. The Alpha/Beta quadrants. The Reaction Control System was adapted to
condensed nature of the interior called for a minimal crew be similar to that seen in Klingon B'Rel class to maximize the vessel's
complement. This was a plus as StarFleet was often dealing with nimble characteristics. This was essential to the survivability of the
manpower shortages. ship in close quarters combat as it could not stand toe-to-toe with the
The Thermopylae Class (vessels were normally named after larger, more powerful vessels it was expected to encounter in the war.
famous/historical battles) were pressed into service as soon as they Its size and sleek, low profile made it very capable in atmospheric
were assembled. Its flight/operations and in crowded space environments like asteroid
size didn't cause fields. It was also capable of terrestrial landing and take-off.
much notice, but
the aggressive red
COMM 9 SEN 9
glow of the visible
forward warp intake
housing gave COMP 8 STR 7
enemies notice they
were in for a fight, ENG 7 WEAP 8
and it fought well
wherever it was
deployed.
COM 1 ENG 2
The end of the War brought an end to the production of the class,
with many being decommissioned so parts could be used in the CONN 4 SCI 2
construction of Nova Class vessels for the post-war fleet. Despite
this, from time to time you will see one or two in your sector serving SEC 2 MED 2
as valiantly as they did against the Dominion.
Capabilities: Power 7
The Thermopylae Class was a capable vessel, meeting production Shields 9
performance goals that of a B'Rel Bird of Prey. The one exception Scale 3
was having a warp factor of Warp 8 due to the standard Nova Class Resistance 3
engines used in construction. Commissioned as Tactical Support
vessels, it was most Attacks:
effective when Phaser Cannons (Energy, Range Close, 7*, Vicious 1)
coordinated with other Photon Torpedoes (Torpedo, Range Long, 5*, High Yield)
vessels, notably when Tractor Beam (Strength 2)
deployed with a pack of Talents:
others of its class.
Improved Reaction Control System
As far as systems and
components there was
Improved Impulse Drive
nothing new, but how they were brought together made quite a Crew: Talented (Attribute 11, Discipline 3)
unique spaceframe. The majority of what was used was standard to
the Nova Class. Notable exceptions included its tactical systems,
such as phaser cannons that were sitting in the inventory waiting
installation into larger vessels that were delayed because of shipyard
reconstruction.

* Basically it’s a Federation B’Rel Bird of Prey. If you make a custom vessel of the class use the B’Rel template
change “Disruptor” to “Phaser” and Talents Improved Reaction Control System & Improved Impulse Drive…
unless you want to do something different. It's your ship!