The Ascendancy was an Imperial II-class Star Destroyer that served as the flagship of Clan Plagueis and its Ascendant Fleet. It was formerly part of the Imperial Navy as the Nemesis. Acquired by Plagueis in 34 ABY from a surplus yard in the Ganthel system, it was refitted and rearmed over the next 18 months and joined the Ascendant Fleet in 35 ABY.
The Ascendancy fell under the day to day command of Captain Owen Serrus, but often was under the authority of Admiral Cyvaria Ranin when the destroyer served as her flagship.
History
Purchased as part of an effort to rebuild the Ascendant Fleet following staggering losses, the Ascendancy was purchased and refitted to serve as the primary flagship of a new attack formation. While it would take just over a year to fully bring the vessel back to combat readiness, it was pressed into service shortly after the Twelfth Great Jedi War and helped to defend the Clan's new home of Caperion against both slave insurrections and foreign aggressors. It would later participate in the attack on the Collective stronghold of Meridian Prime and the defense of the Brotherhood in the Fourteenth Great Jedi War. The vessel was later upgraded to the standards of an Imperial II-class. The signing of the Canto Bite Accords in 40 ABY that stipulated the freeing of the slave classes of Clan Plagueis, including enslaved military personnel, resulted in a massive draw down within the ranks of the Ascendant Fleet. Eventually, as a result the large crew requirements were untenable for the newly restructured officer corps of the fleet. As a result, the Ascendancy was replaced as the Clan flagship in early 41 ABY.
Characteristics
An iconic symbol of the Empire's reign, the Imperial I-class Star Destroyer is an imposing sight to behold. At 1,600 meters in length and with an angular framework, it was a departure to previous designs of the Republic and emphasized the terror methods favoured by the Tarkin Doctrine. The ship was extremely heavily armed, with sixty heavy turbolaser batteries and sixty heavy ion cannons, allowing it to equal or overwhelm almost any other ship in a conventional engagement. Equally, the vessel benefitted from immensely powerful shielding and armour plating, making it suited for slugging matches against other vessels. While not exceptionally fast and manoeuvrable, it nevertheless proved to be adequate in both areas for a ship of its design.
The Imperial I-class could support up to six full squadrons of fighters in order to help expand its range of mission profiles, while leaving room for further vessels. This allowed it to host a range of support ships and landing craft, giving it the ability to perform planetary invasions without the need for more specialised vessels. To this end the ship could transport 9,700 troops in addition to its 27,850 crewmen and 9,235 enlisted officers.
Role
The Ascendancy served as the central role of the entire Ascendant Fleet, operating as its overall flagship. Not only did it serve as a command vessel and strongest single vessel in terms of firepower, but it carried a substantial portion of the fleet's fighter support. Combined with the innate durability of typical Star Destroyer shielding and armor plating, it could afford to enter direct slugging matches with larger enemy warships. When operating as part of both individual fleet elements or the combined fleet, it served as a crucial part of the main battle line that directly engaged enemy targets.
Complement
Command Staff
- Commanding Officer: Captain Owen Serrus
- Commander Air Group: