The Merchant class was originally developed to be the new workhorse of the empire. Its reactors were a fraction of the size of the Explorer's power plant but were capable of reaching a third of average warp speed, essential to bind together the emergent Tau empire. Conflict with the Orks caused significant revision of the design with field modifications that allowed virtually all the cargo space to be converted to weapons systems if needed. The continued requirements of the fleet ensured that the Merchant class remained predominantly a warship until the Hero class was laid down.

Prow Railgun battery (strength 2 battery, range 45, arcs FLR)
Port Gravitic Hook (1 Orca)
Starboard Gravitic Hook (1 Orca)
Port Railgun battery (strength 2 battery, range 45, arcs FL)
Starboard Railgun battery (strength 2 battery, range 45, arcs FR)

Prow Railgun battery (strength 2 battery, range 45, arcs FLR)
Port Ion Cannon Turret (lance strength 1, range 30, arcs FL)
Starboard Ion Cannon Turret (lance strength 1, range 30, arcs FR)
Port Railgun battery (strength 2 battery, range 45, arcs FL)
Starboard Railgun battery (strength 2 battery, range 45, arcs FR)

Built in the popular Ke'lshan configuration this Merchant vessel has been trading in Imperial space for almost two centuries under a succession of commanders. Operating a network of rogue trader contacts and deep space meeting points Tau goods are exchanged for Imperial technology and the services of Imperial citizens. On three separate occasions the Vash'ya Il'fannor Ur'akym Drimma has been closely pursued by Imperial frigates and on each occasion it has managed to fight them off although during the last encounter its Orcas were lost luring an Imperial Cobra squadron to fight within an asteroid belt.