The Harold-class Diplomatic Barge was primarily used as a diplomatic ship by members of the Galactic Senate of the Republic or the Jedi Order during the Hutt War. Due to its armament, it could be used as both a cruiser or a frigate in the Republic Navy if needed.
Characteristics[]
Senate-used versions of the Harold-class barge were used primarily for transport, and thus were lightly armed and not fit for prolonged space combat. They were painted red to declare their status as diplomatic vessels. It also established itself as the first of many Republic consular ships to have a salon pod to be used by diplomats, and could even be used as an escape pod if necessary.
The ship could hold eight crew members and up to sixteen passengers, though most were droids to prevent danger to diplomats.
Military versions of the Harold-class were rare, but when they were seen, they were primarily used in planetary defense fleets. Unlike the diplomatic versions, these cruisers were armed to fight in space battles for as long as necessary.
History[]
Legacy[]
The Harold-class barge would set the standard for future Republic diplomatic vessels, such as the Consular-class cruisers which would be used until the Republic was replaced with the New Order. Even after the New Order came to power, variations of the Harold-class would appear to be used by the Alliance to Restore the Republic and the New Republic.
Sources[]
Behind the scenes[]
The picture used for this vessel, as well as its name, goes to user Weiss of TheStarWarsRP.Com, who named the vessel and used the picture to describe the type of ship used by his Republic Senator character.