Database and Lore

The Italx Mark 3 Class Attack Battleship

*Spoilers if you haven’t read Gabatrix: The First Peace* “The scourge of the Aksren clan’s fleet. They are everywhere, in every nook and cranny of the galaxy. No doubt, the UHN has their hands full when going against these guys,” Journalist Kenmore, Martian Central News. The Italx Mark 3 is the successful evolution of the Aksren clan battleships. It is the culmination of the success of the ancient warships to the leading design in high-tech attack ships. The Italx class battleship is the core network of the alien clan forces. It is practical, effective, and easy to manufacture in quantity. However, despite all of this, the Italx Mark 3 isn’t the top-notch warship when compared in a one-on-one battle against the other clan battleships. Regardless, the Aksren clan can easily manufacture them in superior numbers when compared to the other models. Design As expected, the Italx Mark 3 was designed as a replacement for the Mark 2. When introduced in the early years of the war, the Aksren clan would learn the hard way that the Italx Mark 2 was filled with some inherent flaws. These issues weren’t enough to plague the vessels from fighting against the T’rintar clan Italq Mark 2s or the Shal’rein Yu’il class. However, it was evident that the Aksren clan warships could use a series of dramatic improvements. The transition from Italx Mark 1 to Mark 2 seemed revolutionary, offering a realm of improvements. However, drastic corners were cut in the making of the ship. Redundant systems and backup systems were removed to make way for additional firepower. In 2342, the issues weren’t that severe to warrant much attention, but it was an ongoing trend that a half-reduced population would need something better. Even a clan species that valued quantity over quality over the other clan species began to reconsider their options. In 2343, the Aksren empires began to revalue the Mark 2. Crews pointed out the flaws in the Mark 2, and the design bureau decided to listen. The Italx Mark 3 incorporated a number of design changes. This would include the bulbous bowhead structure. Unlike the Mark 2, the forward compartment would add additional heavy torpedo tubes. In addition, the Mark 3 would utilize an improved CIWS design. The triple turret would allow the autoguns to take down enemy munitions more effectively. Among some of the other changes was a lengthened mid-section. The railgun would be replaced with a more powerful barrel. This would allow the railguns to propel shells at much faster velocities than the previous models. The through- shuttle bay could technically hold three shuttles instead of two. The redundant systems that were so graciously removed were returned and re- incorporated into the mid-section of the ship. While the vessels cost more than the Mark 2, many crew and adjuncts were pleased with the concept. The appearance of the Mark 3 was more and more akin to the ancient Ayio’Karen class battleships. The famous “head-crest” was making a comeback to the Aksren ships. In 2344, the design bureau gave the go-ahead to begin mass producing the new Mark 3 warships. History The Mark 3s began to appear near the end of the year. The battleships proved to be a shock to many of the defending clans. However, even with the recent arrival, it would still take a few years before their impact was fully known. All Aksren shipyards, with the exception of the Empire of Itsis, began to manufacture the Mark 3s as fast as possible. From 2347 to 2348, they formed almost a 1/3 of the Aksren battleship force. Almost every space battle would at least see the Mark 3 make their debut, often with terrifying results. However, even with the Mark 3s introduction into service, the T’rintar and Shal’rein clan still only saw the improvements of the Mark 3 as marginal. Indeed, by the time it hit 2347 to 2350, the T’rintar clan would introduce the Italq Mark 3 and the Shal’rein, the Yu’il Mark 2. They perfectly mitigated the full entry of the Italx when compared to their opponent’s warships. The only few weaknesses in the Italx Mark 3 is that, when compared to the newer Itrean warships, the Aksren ships are somewhat substandard. For example, even with an improved railgun, the Shal’rein Yu’il Mark 2 carries a rotary railgun turret of the same strength and power. The Italq Mark 3 used by the T’rintar has a light rotary railgun turret, ablative armor, and improved CIWS. In a one-on-one battle, the odds are slightly in favor of the T’rintar and Shal’rein battleships. However, like all Aksren clan decisions, the clan always favors quantity. Indeed, the Mark 3s’ slightly higher cost is still cheaper than the opponent’s battleships. When used in conjunction with the robust Aksren industry, this allows the Italx Mark 3 to be spit out of the shipyards at a relatively fast rate. When the Itreans discovered humanity, the Aksren Italx Mark 3 would be used to spearhead most of the skirmishes. They were used in almost every major battle, including the defeat of Cipra. Even by 2350, the UHN, analysts, and media have referred to the red battleship as the scourge of warships. They were easily able to beat a Magellan Class Battleship in a one-on-one fight. Even the more powerful Nelson class Battleship is barely able to take down such a warship. In the early months of the war, the unknown Mark 3 was the deadliest alien warship known to humanity. In modest numbers, that could easily wipe out a UHN defense fleet. Only the newer UHN battleships or dreadnoughts have any hope of stopping them. However, the alliance with the T’rintar clan has brought new awareness to the strengths and weaknesses of the ship. Despite the power that the Italx Mark 3 offers, it is still a ship that can be destroyed. As of 2350, the Aksren clan has made no indications of improving upon the famed warships' design. Much of this is speculated on the fact that the Empire of Itsis actions in reintroducing and enhancing the venerable Xetregren battleships. Without the backing of Itsis, it’s up to the other empires to field their research teams to make the Mark 3 better. For now, it’s the timed and well- proven strategy of the Aksren. If one Mark 3 fails to win a fight, just make more till the enemy fails and falls in utter defeat.