Bantam
[Lore sourced from Frigates of EVE book]
![[Lore sourced from Frigates of EVE book]](https://puu.sh/E9nFf/05fb4c4fff.jpg){kind=link}
Current Description
In YC114 each major empire faction, having been embroiled in a harrowing, extensive, long-term war, recognized the growing need for support and logistics functionality in their vessels during the kind of protracted interstellar warfare that might otherwise prove exhausting for its participants. In the Caldari State, this led to the redesign and redeployment of the Bantam.
The Bantam, a strong and sturdy craft, was originally an extremely effective mining frigate. After its redesign, the Bantam’s large structure had to give way for logistics systems that ate up some of its interior room but allowed it to focus extensively on shield support for fellow vessels.
Submission Description
The Bantam is the go-to logistical support platform for the Caldari State for small scale fleet operations or border patrols. While mot much use in taking the fight to the enemy by itself, a Bantam still has a place on any battlefield with any fleet with a shield tank doctrine. Capable of providing small - yet invaluable - shield transfers with it’s state of the art shield projection emitter.
However, before the Emergency Militia War Powers Act of YC 114, the Bantam had a more humble beginning in New Eden. Developed by Minedrill, the Bantam was first designed to be used as a lightweight mining vessel with a sizable cargo bay to contain a small quantity of ore. The Bantam would become a popular choice for Capsuleers looking to get their hands dirty in some honest work, and pave the way for the industrial powerhouse Capsuleers enjoy today.
The Bantam’s role of a mining vessel would eventually become outdated as more dedicated mining barges developed by Outer Ring Excavations would become more widespread and preferred. The ship would be handed a new purpose by the Caldari Providence Directorate with the break out of CONCORD’s Emergency Militia War Powers Act of YC 114. The generous cargo space of the Bantam would be cut down to size in favor of adding additional technology to turn it into the logistical frigate it is today.
Offensively, the Bantam is extremely vulnerable, with no advantages in combat aside from being able to provide support to actual combat vessels. Pilots of this frigate should stick close to their wingmen for protection.
Keep your fleet alive, and they’ll keep you alive.