Category:Vaadwaur Starship Classes

"Our only motive is to survive."

    —Gredrin

Vaadwaur starships are purpose-built for one reason: combat. Every system within a Vaadwaur ship is specifically designed to increase the peak combat performance of that vessel. In the original first contact between the United Federation of Planets and Vaadwaur Supremacy, the Federation Starfleet vessel USS Voyager only encountered one vessel, the small Pythus-class fighter. However, since the re-emergence of the Vaadwaur, Starfleet has encountered several vessel types. Based on information gathered by Starfleet Intelligence, the Vaadwaur appear to use designs largely reminiscent of their original height of power over 800 years ago. However, all of the systems of these ships have been upgraded to modern standards through a yet unknown and seemingly impossible means.

Pythus-class Fighter

The Pythus-class assault fighter is a small, highly maneuverable combat ship that was first in operation by the Vaadwaur in the 15th century. It is capable of flying in both the atmosphere of a planet and in space, and can be operated by a single pilot if necessary. The assault fighter is roughly 70 meters in length and has an extremely narrow profile, which makes it ideal for close-quarter dogfights, as it was difficult to target. The ship was originally armed with particle cannons, and the twin barrels were located on either side of the cockpit making it easier to line up an enemy ship. However, the Pythus was the first Vaadwaur vessel to receive modernization upgrades which included the particle cannons being replaced by polaron-based cannons which pack significantly more firepower and are relative to modern weaponry. Although the fighters are limited at warp, the Pythus were developed to withstand the stresses of Underspace, which the Vaadwaur had discovered.

In modern engagements, the Pythus is launched from and expected to escort larger vessels such as the Gaul or Astika. The Vaadwaur prefer frontal assaults and the Pythus allows the Vaadwaur to screen smaller enemy vessels and engage more directly with their larger ships. It is rare to see a larger Vaadwaur vessel without a wing of these escorts either deployed or at the ready.

Manasa-class Assault Escort

The Manasa-class assault escort is the backbone of the new Vaadwaur fleet. Representing the bulk of the Vaadwaur fleet, the Manasa is a highly versatile combat platform making it a maneuverable attack craft with tremendous offensive capabilities and remarkable durability for a ship of its size due to its powerful shields.

The Manasa is equipped with twelve polaron cannons giving in 360 degrees of coverage, however six of those cannons are pointed forward which makes the frontal assault capabilities of the Manasa extremely dangerous. Complimenting the cannons, the ship has two forward and two aft torpedo launchers.

Since the re-emergence of the Vaadwaur Supremacy, the Manasa has by far been the most produced ship according to what little intelligence Starfleet has been able to gather as well as the Vaadwaur vessel most frequently encountered by Starfleet. While Starfleet Intelligence has yet to confirm the exact origins of the Manasa-class, it is believed that this ship design dates back to the time before the Vaadwaur's initial downfall due to their overreaching expansionism. This familiarity with the vessel design may be why they represent a bulk of the Vaadwaur fleet. And, despite its ancient origins, the Manasa has been subject to extensive modernization along with the rest of the Vaadwaur fleet.

The Manasa has proved to be not only a relic from the past but a testament to the Vaadwaur's ability to adapt and evolve. The continued production of the Manasa ensures that the Vaadwaur can maintain a steady presence in their campaign to re-establish their former dominance.

Astika-class Heavy Battlecruiser

Battlecruisers of the Astika-class battlecruiser further reinforce focus on offensive force while also being capable of withstanding heavy incoming fire, thanks to their sturdy craftsmanship and many versatile capabilities.

The Astika packs all its key systems, including weapons, engines, and crew space into its primary hull, with minimal usage of secondary hulls or outboard structures. The sides of the hull house numerous weapon hardpoints, including the powerful Vaadwaur polaron cannons. The deflector is mounted along the forward "nose" area, exposing the minimal amount of necessary surface area to allow functionality. The bridge is housed inside an armored "tower" structure at the rear of the dorsal hull, where it overlooks the spine of the ship. Along the sides of the hull are the newly designed Vaadwaur polaron barrage emitters which specialize in seige style combat and heavy assaults, primarily on stationary targets. The Astika's warp nacelles are concealed inside a pair of armored "wings" located towards the rear of the hull, alongside five large impulse engine ports.

The Astika is a significant departure in combat style for the Vaadwaur. The inclusion of the polaron barrage emitters gives the Vaadwaur a tactical advantage against heavily shielded or armored opponents in the battlefield. However, while the Astika also fields standard polaron cannons, the style of attack the barrage emitters promote typically means the Astika is being escorted by numerous smaller Pythus and Manasa-class vessels.

Gaul-class Juggernaut

The Gaul-class juggernaut is the pinnacle of combat technology in the Vaadwaur fleet and serves as its flagship.

The Gaul's lethality is that it is equipped with a powerful powerplant, which makes it perhaps the most dangerous vessel in the Vaadwaur fleet able to put much more energy into the ship's weapons systems than any other Vaadwaur ship. This power plant allows it to strike powerful blows with its polaron-based energy weapons while also achieving high warp speeds when it needs to be deployed onto the battlefield rapidly. Following the design lineage of the Astika-class, the Gaul features a long spine and a compact primary hull. Its hybrid weapons configuration includes numerous hardpoints along the front and sides, making it exceptionally effective in frontal assaults, engaging heavily shielded targets, and defending against incoming threats. Additionally, the Gaul boasts two hangar decks capable of housing 18 Pythus-class fighters. These fighters serve as both offensive assets and defensive screens, protecting the Gaul from smaller, more maneuverable adversaries.

Although a rare sight due to their limited numbers, the Gaul is the most formidable force the Vaadwaur can deploy. Often escorted by entire fleets, the Gaul alone is capable of taking on a small fleet of enemy ships if required.