Initially designed as a durable, lightweight attack vessel, the Merlin has evolved over the years from a versatile gunnery support frigate into a focused and exceptionally deadly Hybrid weapons platform at any range of engagement. From long range to up-close combat, the Merlin presents as an incredibly difficult target to break due to its formidable defensive capabilities.

This ship balances offense with passive defense, providing bonuses to both Hybrid Weaponry and the resistances of its shields – and though it may be slower than other frigates, its attack power and tank number among the best in its class, making it ideal for level 1 Security Missions, fleet combat, or for use as tackle – fitting Stasis Webs or Warp Disruptors.

With a bonus to the outright damage output of all Hybrid weapons, combined with its potential to fit an extremely effective tank for a frigate, the Merlin can be easily configured to make use of either Blasters OR Railguns – coming in close for Blasters while still keeping up defenses, or keeping at reasonable range with Railguns, staying out of distance of enemy guns. A fleet of Merlins and shield logistics ships, such as the Bantam, can be a force to be reckoned with.