First thought of by Emperor Palpatine as he awaited the arrival of the Alliance Fleet over Endor in 4 ABY, the "Shadow Hand Strategy" would involve major military assets of Palpatine's empire, including an enormous naval task force to enforce it. In accordance with the strategy, fleets of warships participating in the campaign fanned out in waves from the Deep Core, conquering nearby worlds. Although they gained footholds in New Republic territory, following the final death of the reborn Emperor Palpatine, the campaign faltered and the remaining ships were absorbed by various Imperial warlords.
- 6 World Devastators
- At least 1 Sovereign-class Super Star Destroyer
- Imperial II-class Star Destroyers
- 2 Eclipse-class dreadnoughts
- At least 4 Allegiance-class battlecruisers
- At least 1 Bellator-class dreadnought
- At least 1 Procursator-class Star Destroyer
- At least 1 Modular taskforce cruiser
- At least 1 MB-C1 medium transport
- Dark Empire endnotes
- Dark Empire Sourcebook
- The Essential Guide to Vehicles and Vessels
- The Essential Chronology
- The New Essential Guide to Characters
- Coruscant and the Core Worlds
- Geonosis and the Outer Rim Worlds
- The New Essential Chronology
- Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Praji on Hyperspace
- Jedi Academy Training Manual
- The Essential Guide to Warfare