From “Jaynz Ships of the Galaxy” in Stardate magazine, volume 3, number 6.  Design by Josh Spencer.
D-12 (Death Boot) Class IX Cruiser
Known Sphere Of Operation: Coreward and Romulan border areas
Data Reliability: D
Major Data Source: Klingon Sector Intelligence, Triangle Sector Intelligence
       One of the newest ships to appear in the Klingon Empire’s inventory, the D-12 class uses the KWF-1 warp drive, KIE-2 impulse, and KSL shielding systems to combine the high maneuverability and warp speed feared in Klingon attack vessels with the firepower of a less-maneuverable cruiser (such as the D-10).  One of the most unusual designs features shows the warp engines above and behind instead of below the ship (as it is on most other Klingon vessels).
      The weapon systems on the A and B models vary a good deal, but the total firepower between the two models differs by approximately 10%.  While the D-12A uses the efficient KP-5 photon torpedoes, the D-12B possesses the powerful KP-6, making it the smallest Klingon cruiser so equipped.  All disruptors are mounted in banks of two.
      The D-12 class cruiser takes its name from the kh’ exrilin, or the “footgear of death.”  When the ship’s designer was serving in the Imperial Klingon Expeditionary Forces aboard a D-10 during the ill-fated Organian Campaign, he was on the bridge when, during a transmission to a Federation adversary, the UFP commander attempted to insult his Klingon opponent in klingonaase, using the Earther phrase “Your mother wears army boots” as a basis.  Complimentary though it was, he never forgot the line and submitted it as the name for the class.  Apparently, someone higher up also felt the same way and the name was quickly approved.
      It is unknown to Star Fleet Intelligence Command just where the D-12 is being produced and in what numbers; however, due to the number of official transmissions being intercepted between the Romulan and “Unknown” borders, it is believed this class is being constructed at either the Z’Hai or Mustaka facility.  Neither type has been seen of the UFP border area, which further strengthens this speculation.
      It has been reported that, upon launching, the officers upon one D-12A decided to join the Imperial Klingon States, putting down a mutiny in favor of the Empire in the process.  This report has not been confirmed at present, but if it turns out to be true, the IKS may become more than just a nuisance to the Klingon Empire.