- For the 22nd century vessel, see Tholian starship (22nd century).
A 23rd century Tholian starship
Two Tholian starships "spinning" a web
Tholian starships were small starships of characteristic shape, utilized by the Tholian Assembly during the 23rd century. These vessels were armed with plasma torpedo-like weaponry. But their most powerful weapon was the so-called "Tholian web". This web was "weaved" by two or more Tholian vessels around an enemy ship, trapping it. The web could then be contracted, destroying the vessel inside.
In 2268, a Tholian vessel intercepted the USS Enterprise, demanding that it leave Tholian territory. At the request of First Officer Spock, Tholian Commander Loskene allowed the Enterprise additional time before they were required to withdraw to allow the Enterprise to rescue Kirk from the interphased USS Defiant. The Enterprise crew was unable to rescue Kirk within the Tholian time limit and the Tholians opened fire, damaging the Enterprise. The Enterprise returned fire, inflicting damage on the Tholian vessel.
Soon after, a second Tholian vessel appeared, and the two ships began constucting a web in an attempt to trap the Enterprise. The Enterprise crew, fortunately, was able to recover Kirk and escape before they fell victim to the Tholian's web. (TOS: "The Tholian Web")
See also
Background
The model for the Tholian ship was later redressed to represent the Aurora in "The Way to Eden".
For the HD-upgrade in the 2006 remastered edition of "The Tholian Web", the Tholian vessels appeared much different from their initial appearance [1]. Now more closely resembling the Tholian ships from Star Trek: Enterprise (episodes "Future Tense" and "In a Mirror, Darkly"), the TOSR version featured an altered structure and lighted interior, drawing some criticism from online reviewers [2].