- Class: Sword-Class Frigate
- Owner: Imperial Navy (Assigned to Lady Aveline Serra)
- Captain: Lieutenant Commander Edrian Varn
Background
The Aeternus Gratis Imperator is a Sword-class frigate, a compact and agile vessel renowned for its role in escort and reconnaissance missions within the Imperial Navy. Normally tasked with convoy protection or patrolling key void lanes, the ship has been temporarily reassigned to ensure the safe passage of Lady Aveline Serra to the Great Games of Nothus.
This highly irregular assignment was orchestrated by Admiral Albrecht Daron, an elder naval officer smitten by Lady Serra’s youth and charm. Infatuated and beguiled by her manipulative allure, Admiral Daron framed the reassignment as a matter of naval honor, oblivious to the potential repercussions of diverting a vital asset to serve her personal ambitions.
Description
The Aeternus Gratis Imperator is a sleek and efficient vessel with a dark-hued hull adorned with subtle engravings of the Imperial Aquila, signifying its status as a military vessel of the Emperor’s Navy. Its design, while utilitarian, exudes an air of precision and discipline, emphasizing function over aesthetic ostentation.
Internally, the frigate has been modified to accommodate Lady Serra’s entourage with an unexpected level of elegance for a military vessel. A converted officer’s lounge now serves as her private salon, fitted with fine furnishings and a modest library to meet her high standards. Despite these alterations, the frigate retains its combat readiness, standing as a potent defensive platform should any threat arise during its voyage.
Captain: Lieutenant Commander Edrian Varn
Lieutenant Commander Edrian Varn is a capable and pragmatic officer, well-versed in commanding frigates during void skirmishes. Rising through the ranks due to his tactical acumen and steady leadership, Varn views the unusual assignment of escorting Lady Serra with unease.
While he adheres strictly to Admiral Daron’s orders, Varn harbors reservations about the diversion of naval resources for what he perceives as frivolous personal indulgences. His professional distance from Lady Serra reflects his awareness of her manipulative tendencies, though he remains cautious about her ability to exert influence even aboard a military vessel.
Key Features of Aeternus Gratis Imperator
- Escort-Class Armament: Outfitted with dual macro-cannon arrays and torpedo tubes, the frigate is designed for swift and decisive strikes, capable of navigating hostile void lanes with ease.
- Enhanced Void Shield Array: Additional shielding, installed at Admiral Daron’s behest, ensures the safety of Lady Serra and her entourage during the journey.
- Adapted Quarters: A section of the ship has been modified to provide a rare touch of luxury, accommodating Lady Serra’s entourage in a manner befitting her noble status.
- Secure Briefing Chambers: While intended for the ship’s officers, these chambers occasionally serve as private meeting rooms for Lady Serra, reflecting her ability to bend the frigate’s hierarchy to her will.
Legacy of Aeternus Gratis Imperator
The Aeternus Gratis Imperator may lack the grandeur of larger cruisers, but its presence at the Great Games carries significant weight. The frigate underscores the extent of Lady Serra’s influence, as few can claim to have swayed a senior admiral into redirecting Imperial Navy assets for their personal whims.
For Lady Aveline Serra, the frigate represents both a symbol of her manipulative prowess and a key instrument in her ambitions. The Aeternus Gratis Imperator is more than a means of transport; it is a calculated statement of her reach, ensuring her arrival at the Great Games is as secure as it is notable.
Ignis Aeternus WH 40K campaign notes 