As the Clone Wars raged and numerous Senators became increasingly uncomfortable with the political climate of the Republic, even the most peaceful of traditions had to be reexamined. The J‑type star skiff was the first diplomatic vessel of Naboo to be armed (with a modest pair of linked lasers) and the first to have a gunner’s console. Its design also sacrificed the sleek, all-chromium hull to place more practical (and sturdy) access grills and powerful sublight engines. Still a thing of beauty, the star skiff was clearly designed with potential combat, escape, and repair in mind.
Though Queen Apailana of Naboo herself never used the armed star skiff, it was loaned out to Senator Amidala, a sign of the Senstor’s great popularity with her homeworld and her monarch. After Amidala died, the star skiff was retired, because it had become a painful reminder of the Senator’s last days in service to her people. However, other Senators seeking to increase their own standing and political power, began purchasing similar vessels (often with faux chromium, to save on costs).
Capabilities
Lovingly and skillfully hand-crafted, as are all royal vessels built by the Theed Palace Space Vessel Engineering Corps, the star skiff is superior in design and construction to any mass-produced vessel. A class .5 hyperdrive allows it to carry out diplomatic missions with alacrity, its interior reflects the full comfort of an advanced luxury upgrade, and its considerable storage space allows any umber of diplomatic gifts to be transported in style (and could even double as small cabins for a few guests). However, it also has laser cannons that are augmented to the edge of laser technology, two medical beds, and a shield generator as powerful as a warship, a star skiff could fly next to Naboo starfighters as a flag vessel if the situation called for it.
J-type Star Skiff (CL 14)
Starships of the Galaxy, page 103.
Colossal* space transport
Initiative: +8; Senses: Perception +12
Defenses: Fort 29, Ref 20 (flat-footed 14) ; +14 armor, Vehicular Combat
Hit Points: 200; DR: 15; SR: 50; Damage Threshold: 79
Speed: fly 16 squares (max. velocity 1,050 km/h), fly 4 squares (starship scale)
Ranged: laser cannons +14 (see below)
Fighting Space: 12×12 or 1 square (starship scale); Cover: total
Base Attack: +10; Grapple: 49
Attack Options: autofire (laser cannons)
Abilities: Str 48, Dex 22, Con —, Int 18
Skills: Initiative +8, Mechanics +12, Perception +12, Pilot +8, Use Computer +12
Crew: 3 (ace); Passengers: 3
Cargo: 10 tons; Consumables: 1 month; Carried Craft: none
Hyperdrive: ×.5, navicomputer
Availability: Restricted; Cost: not available for sale (black market values 5,000,000 used)
* This ship is treated as a Gargantuan starfighter for the purposes of being targeted by capital ship weapons, dogfighting, and using starship maneuvers.
laser cannons (gunner)
Attack: +14 (+9 autofire), Damage: 7d10×2