Alchemist's Heart

Until the vessel was purloined by the Pink Ork and his piratical band, the Alchemist's Heart (then called the Heart of Absolution) was a stalwart member of Battlefleet Lithesh. Most of its service was spent as a pirate hunter, with dozens of raiders and up-gunned transports falling to its formidable torpedo array and broadsides.

Endeavour Class Light Cruiser, constructed in orbit around Lithex Dominus in mid M41 according to patterns modified from the widely produced Voss design, with long-range las batteries provided by Lithex Maximus. Though a relatively mundane vessel, it is outfitted with electronic shrouding systems that reduce adversaries' capacity to determine its capabilities. To be refitted at the Ludd V Zdrakov shipyard. Stealth systems added along with barracks for boarding actions and planetary assault, and an arboretum to maintain food supplies during long patrols.

The Alchemist's Heart is a solid generalist and, as such, its role in the Highdown fleet is flexible. In fleet engagements it can stay back with the heavy capital ships - sniping with torpedoes and serving as a heavy escort - or it can use its speed to back up escort squadrons. The vessel is fast enough to keep pace with the Allure of the Void and the two ships complement one another well. Between the Allure's launch bays and teleportarium, and the Heart's boarding torpedoes, even capital ships are vulnerable to boarding actions from them.

Outside of heavy combat its most valuable asset is perhaps its mundanity. Light Cruisers are common throughout Battlefleet Lithesh and popular with various Imperial organisations. Thanks to its mimic drive and variable figurehead, the vessel is able to blend in at most starports across the sector - a feat that most of the dynasty's voidships are incapable of due to their distinctive features.

As per ongoing contractual obligations between The Holy House Highdown Rogue Trader Dynasty and The Honorable and Noble Navis House Dakkar, the Alchemist's Heart is due to be turned over to the custody and exclusive enjoyment of House Dakkar, with upkeep and crew costs covered by the Highdown dynastic coffers. Kol Sorna - instrumental in the capture of the Heart - is to be appointed Master of the ship, with officer selection at his discretion.