The Gryphon is ancient and redoubtable ship, said to be constructed in the Jovian shipyards more than five millennia ago. Like most Mars-class battlecruisers, she’s equipped as a fleet flagship and carrier vessel, preferring to remain out of range of her opponents so she can pummel them with Nova Cannon and long-range lance fire, then smother them with waves of attack craft.

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The Mars class was originally envisioned as an “all rounder” battlecruiser, capable of dealing with virtually any combat scenario. Equipped with powerful weapons batteries, launch bays, dorsal lances, and a Nova Cannon, the Mars had a diverse weapon load. However, it fell foul of changing military philosophies wihin the Imperial Navy. The Martian shipyards discontinued production of the warships more than two millenia ago, and since then few shipyards continue to build this battlecruiser in limited numbers.

However, the Mars remains popular amongst many in the Imperium, particularly in the Calixis Sector. The warship is an extremely versatile combatant, able to handle a wide variety of combat situations. In addition, many captains appreciate the combination of Nova Cannon and attack craft squadrons, as it allows them to pound their foes at range without closing within an opponent’s guns. Several frontier battlefleets make extensive use of the Mars as a squadron command vessel.

Despite their scarcity, these ships are in many ways the perfect Rogue Trader vessel, offering withering firepower and extensive launch bays for any operation. Their only drawback is that the design of the Mars precludes many refits – the hanger bays and Nova Cannon mounts are almost impossible to remove without scrapping the entire vessel.