Database and Lore

The Mondra Class Dreadnought

*Spoilers if you haven't read past Gabatrix: The First Peace arc* “The standard heavy warship of the Itrean clans is something that can’t be ignored. They are everywhere and will remain till the end,” Fleet Adjunct Yuio’larin, 2339. An improvement upon the venerable Oldra class Dreadnought, the Mondra continued to help pave the way forward for the most powerful warships that the Itreans ever had. Unfortunately, its legacy was one that is slowly fading away as the Itrean Civil War continues to 2350. Even then, it remains as a significant fleet asset. Design The Mondra (or Mother) class Dreadnought, much like the I’rala class Battleship, was designed to replace and add to the dreadnought fleet in the former United Itrean Republic. However, unlike the I’rala class, the Oldra class Dreadnought had a little more fame to its lasting impact in the current inventory. Many saw the Oldra class as an expensive but worthwhile project as the Itrean clans had to recover during the Emphra War. However, by the time it hit 2320, the economies were pulling out of their recessions. Many saw that the Oldra, much like the Ikra class Battleship, could be further improved. Technically, not much had to be changed when it came to the Oldra class. Much of the interior is very much the same as the former type. However, a number of minor improvements were made when the Mondra was being unveiled. For one, new heavier railguns were introduced. These railguns could fire shells at much faster velocities and inflict more damage. The frame module for holding these railguns was also lengthened. The shuttle bays were made into two through- facilities. This would allow the dreadnoughts to house an additional shuttle between the two shuttles. Altogether, the dreadnought could hold six shuttles. Additional facilities could allow the Mondra to become makeshift troop transports to further support large-scale planetary invasions. New advanced autogun turrets were mounted on the bow section of the ship. While it was hopeful to incorporate these new guns on the rest of the frame, the cost to make them limited production. For the Shal’rein clan, the design improvements were much like how they improved upon the I’rala class. Their vessels can hold three shuttles and add an additional anti-missile missile battery system on the mid-dorsal section of the frame. This further improves upon the vessel’s anti-missile system in taking out fields of small targets. History The first series of Mondras came out in 2322. They were generally welcomed, much like the I’ralas. However, it was argued that the beginning of the collapsing alliance of the United Itrean Republic produced a danger to the construction of the new dreadnoughts. While many saw the vessels as vast improvements, general politics and opinions stood against the concept of a United Itrea. The Mondra was the most powerful warships in Itrean clan possession. It was here that most of the criticism flowed. Regardless of outside opinions, many of the military personnel in the Itrean clans still valued having a warship that could be built in such viable numbers. No delays were ever made as shipyard after shipyard would mass-produce the vessel in sizeable numbers. Much like the Oldras, the Mondras were kept in signature parade fleets. They would mostly remain at home and very rarely be left to patrol outlying sectors. Their goal was to simply maintain a defensive posture and many Itrean adjuncts refused to send the vessels on distant voyages. Even if the fear of the Emphra had dwindled, this didn’t stop the Itreans from keeping the Mondras in the tightest of security positions. Oddly, the Itrean Civil War would change this entire frame of thinking for the Mondra class. Even if newer dreadnought vessels had been introduced, this didn’t stop the Mondra type from being shoveled into every battle that could be ever imagined. Many viewed the dreadnoughts as viable combat platforms. Even with the advent of Zilik’s Disease, it did nothing in stopping the Mondras from being used. If anything, the reduced population of Itrean clans flowed to the dreadnoughts as a way to ensure powerful combat platforms would remain operational. It’s not surprising that the Mondra class consisted of almost 14% of naval assets in the first few years of the Civil War alone. Unlike the Oldras, the Mondra still saw much use in the later years of the Itrean Civil War. By the time it started to hit 2346 and beyond, the class of dreadnought started to be seen less often as there were no replacements of the class. Even then, there is no expected known date of when this vessel class is going to be ultimately retired. In 2350, they are typically used in rear guard fleets to help reinforce many worlds. The Mondras would help inspire the vastly improved Alamaiz Mark 1, Akra class, and Kiyliy class dreadnoughts.