The Startide represented a partially built MC90 Star Cruiser whose existence was cut short during the attack on Mon Calamari due to its destruction.
This newly designed warship was intended to be among the initial warships finished after the World Devastator assaults on the planet during Operation Shadow Hand.
As Imperial Admiral Natasi Daala launched her assault on the planet, Admiral Ackbar, located on the planet's surface, took control of the vessel remotely and directed it into a crash with the Star Destroyer Manticore. While the Startide was lost as a result, this action provided the necessary delay for a New Republic fleet to appear and force Daala's forces into retreat.
The name Startide is a reference to the science fiction novel Startide Rising from 1983, penned by David Brin. Brin receives acknowledgement in the Dark Apprentice acknowledgements section.