Scout cruisers for confined Adriatic waters

The ships were intended to exploit the short distances of the Adriatic, conduct hit-and-run operations, and avoid drawing too many resources from the dreadnought program. Speed could help them choose engagements and withdraw, while modest range was acceptable for work close to home bases. Yet an Austrian ship trying to reach the Mediterranean first had to run the length of the Adriatic and confront a blockade at the Strait of Otranto, where it could not count on choosing the fight. That chokepoint demanded enough armour and firepower to survive the opening hits and push past whatever force was waiting.