Hebhastun's Glory
The Hebhastun's Glory stands as one of the most formidable Dominantae pattern battleships in the Theocratic Navy, serving as the flagship of Entelius the Disgraced. Named in honor of both the ancient Elysian god of blacksmithing and the great foundry-district of Hebhastun, this 20-kilometer colossus represents the pinnacle of Elysian engineering and naval might.
The Hebhastun's Glory in high orbit above Hebhastun, its massive silhouette casting a shadow visible from the surfaceConstruction and Design
Constructed in the Soaring Shipyards of Hebhastun, the Glory required over three decades to complete, with thousands of Gear Hierophants working in concert to forge its massive hull from Nyrosul. The vessel's architecture follows the traditional fortress-like aesthetic of Theocratic warships, though it incorporates subtle elements of Elysian design philosophy in its spired command towers and geometrically-precise weapon batteries.
The Glory's primary hull is divided into twelve major sectors, each protected by overlapping layers of void shields and armored bulkheads. Its command spire rises nearly two kilometers from the dorsal spine, housing the bridge, strategic command centers, and the Astropathic Chamber, where specialized psykers maintain communication across vast distances through the Tachyon Comm-cast network.
Armament and Defenses
The Glory's primary weapons batteries consist of spine-mounted Bier Lances capable of bisecting enemy capital ships, complemented by batteries of Plasmic Cannons and Graser Arrays arranged in overlapping fields of fire. Its broadsides house dozens of Shard Cannon batteries, while numerous point-defense turrets provide protection against fighter craft and incoming ordnance.
Crew and Complement
Housing a crew of over 500,000 souls, the Glory maintains strict hierarchical organization under the command of its Bridge Council, led by Entelius himself. The vessel serves as both a military command center and a mobile seat of Elysian governance, with entire decks dedicated to diplomatic functions and administrative duties.
The Glory's complement includes multiple wings of attack craft, from squadrons of Stormclaw interceptors to formations of Baescarii heavy bombers. It also maintains a significant contingent of Cyber Paladins who serve as both security forces and technical specialists.
Role in the War for Eternity
During the War for Eternity, the Glory has served as the primary command vessel for Elysian operations within the Theocracy. Its most notable engagement came during the Unfair Ambush, where it sustained severe damage but managed to survive an assault by forces of the Tricksters of Damnation, though at great cost to its crew and supporting vessels.
The vessel's current mission involves attempting to re-establish contact with the Technate of Elysia and secure the delivery of the Void Battleforts and Stellar Colossi crucial to the Theocracy's war effort. This task has proven particularly challenging due to the severing of established Foldspace routes by enemy forces.
Legacy and Symbolism
The Hebhastun's Glory represents more than merely a warship - it stands as a symbol of Elysian dedication to the Theocracy's cause and Entelius' personal quest for redemption. Its very name serves as a reminder of the deep connection between the Elysians and their adopted home within Uzhyr's domain, while its impressive capabilities demonstrate the heights achievable through the merger of faith and technology.
See also: - The Technate of Elysia - Dominantae Pattern Battleship - The Theocratic Navy