Sphyriel-class Frigate

The Sphyriel-class frigate is the largest craft equipped with solar sails. While its design is inherited from historical orcish vessels, most of the technology on which the craft operates has been carefully upgraded by Stroalsent Spinnerspace to take advantage of scientific advancements without compromising the archaic aesthetic.

One such technology is integrated into the sails themselves. Older iterations were only capable of reflecting radiation, but the Sphyriel's sails are capable of passive photovoltaic absorption, allowing it to generate power even with the main engine fully disabled. The sails are also retractable, articulated, and self-repairing, making them far more reliable than their historical counterparts. In addition to their use as propulsion and power generation, they also serve as excellent heat radiators.

The Sphyriel is also driven by several models of modern engines, which often relied upon during turbulent Zipp Space travel, however most passengers and crew agree that the sails are often preferable due to the gentle and silent acceleration.

Two shielded hangar bays pass through the width of the frigate, allowing fighter and shuttle craft to land.

While it is tempting to assume that the Sphyriel is exclusively used as a luxury cruise vessel, it is also a capable warship for a number of surprising reasons.

Firstly, it is equipped with sufficient weaponry to be comparable to the Cognizant-class frigate. The sails, though rarely deployed during combat, unfortunately limit the firing arc of most of these weapons.

Secondly, the wide hangar bays allow for a greater variety of fighter craft that other frigates would find difficult to house, and tricky to scramble.

Finally, the use of solar sails as a means of propulsion leave the Sphyriel with one of the lowest energy signatures of all known cataloged spacecraft. Unlike the Tachruk-class stealth frigate, its energy signature is not masked by stealth technology, so with its sails in use as propulsion, it is capable of maintaining stealth nearly indefinitely, even while firing its weaponry.