Baescarii
The Baescarii is a formidable heavy bomber class starfighter utilized by the Theocratic Navy for devastating orbital bombardment and void-based strategic operations. Distinguished by its massive wingspan and reinforced hull plating, the Baescarii serves as the backbone of the navy's bomber squadrons, capable of delivering punishing payloads against both planetary targets and enemy capital ships.
A Baescarii heavy bomber emerging from its hangar aboard a Providence class battleshipDesign and Capabilities
The Baescarii's design emphasizes durability and weapons capacity over maneuverability. Its thick armor plating, crafted from crystalline-latticed adamantium, allows it to withstand significant damage while penetrating enemy defense screens. The bomber's distinctive triple-wing configuration provides exceptional stability during atmospheric flight and precision bombing runs, while also housing additional weapon hardpoints and fuel reserves for extended operations.
The craft's primary armament consists of an impressive array of plasmic warheads stored in internal weapons bays, supplemented by underslung bier lances for precision strikes against heavily armored targets. For self-defense, the Baescarii carries multiple shard cannons in remote-controlled turret mounts, allowing it to fend off interceptors while maintaining course toward primary targets.
Combat Role
In fleet actions, Baescarii bombers typically operate in wings of three to five craft, supported by Strix fighters for escort protection. Their primary mission involves neutralizing enemy capital ships through concentrated bombing runs, using their heavy armor to close distance with targets before unleashing devastating salvos of plasmic warheads. The bombers are particularly effective against stationary targets like orbital defense platforms and planetary installations, where their precision bombardment capabilities can be fully utilized.
When deployed in support of Messianic Legion ground operations, Baescarii squadrons provide heavy air support through tactical bombing runs and strategic resource denial. Their ability to deliver sustained bombardment while absorbing significant damage makes them invaluable for breaking enemy fortifications and supporting advancing legion forces.
Crew and Training
Each Baescarii requires a crew of four highly trained naval personnel: a pilot, bombardier, defense systems operator, and engineering officer. The pilot and bombardier undergo extensive training at the Void Combat Academy on Hebhastun, mastering both void and atmospheric flight operations. The defense systems operator manages the bomber's protective armaments and electronic warfare suite, while the engineering officer maintains the craft's complex systems during extended missions.
Technical Specifications
The Baescarii's propulsion system combines conventional plasma drives with an auxiliary gravitic impeller array, allowing for precise maneuvering despite the craft's considerable mass. Its sophisticated targeting systems, developed by Elysian tech-priests, can track multiple targets simultaneously while calculating optimal attack vectors through complex defensive screens. The bomber's internal systems are protected by redundant void shields and backup power generators, ensuring operational capability even after sustaining significant damage.
Service History
First deployed during the early phases of The War for Eternity, the Baescarii quickly proved its worth against aberration forces attempting to establish footholds in theocracy space. The bomber's most notable action came during the Defense of Hebhastun, where squadrons of Baescarii successfully prevented The Black Barbarians from breaching the foundry world's orbital defenses through sustained bombardment campaigns.