Traveller: Zhdits Destroyer Escort

A failed experiment in screening Zhodani Destroyers from enemy fire, the Zhdits Destroyer Escort is nevertheless one of my favorite Traveller starship designs.

The thin neck and forward bridge, along with the winglike aft, gives the Zhdits a vaguely Klingon bird-of-prey or Romulan warbird vibe.

Since my early science fiction indoctrination was heavily informed by original Star Trek, the Zhodani initially became a convenient stand-in for the Klingons and Romulans.

Once I put my hands on the full-sized Zhodani Traveller supplement, my view of the Zhodani became more nuanced.

But I still think of Zhodani starships in Zhdits / Klingon / Romulan terms, and am slightly annoyed to see other, non-needle-shaped starship designs promulgated for the Zhodani.