LargeShip Matrix sizeShip Matrix size is the vehicle size that CIG uses on the pledge store and ship matrix. It might not match the in-game size and can be outdated for flight ready vehicles.Data sourceShip Matrix
LoanerLoaner vehicleGranted to player when that vehicle is unavaliable in game (e.g. gameplay bugs, not flight ready, etc.).Data sourceLoaner Ship Matrix
StandaloneStandalone pledge priceStandalone pledges are pledge packages that do not contain the game. Original price is shown in the brackets if it is different than the currnet price.
$ 650.00 ($ 250.00)
WarbondWarbond pledge priceWarbond pledges are available at a discount as they are available for cash only and cannot be acquired using any amount of store credit. Original price is shown in the brackets if it is different than the currnet price.
$ 600.00 ($ 300.00)
Availability
Time-limited sales
Specifications
Height
80 m
Mass
9,635,000 kg
Length
237 m
Width
203 m
Development
Announced
11 November 2013
The BanuMerchantman is a trading ship capable of landing or docking and then inviting locals in to view what its cargo holds have to offer. The ship design, perfected by generations of Banu development, is intended to offer a combination of high speed and durability. While the Merchantman is less configurable than a Caterpillar or a Starfarer, there's still plenty of room to take the ship in different directions.[1]
Features
Bazaar
Featuring an on-board enclosed marketplace, traders can display their goods and services to be exchanged or sold.
Negotiation Room
This is where the Banu does all the negotiating with clients which looks onto the cargo bay so clients can see the cargo.
Craftsmanship
When you walk around a Merchantman, you will quickly notice the exquisite craftsmanship with intricate subtle detailing the Banu are well known for. Ideal if you wish to give a good impression to your clients.
Durability
They are reliable, sturdy and durable, which makes them valued by their Human owners. Amongst the Banu, a ship can sometimes be passed on from generation to generation.
Defense
If there is one thing that these ships are famous for, it is their defensive capabilities. With a hull & armor that can take a pounding, together with a set of fast engines, the Merchantman can easily escape an attack with minimal damage to the ship and internal cargo.
Concealed Weaponry
All the Banu's weapons are concealed because of their need for being low key. But in times of need, the Banu's weaponry can pack a punch, making them ideal in situations like running at pirate blockades.
Specifications
Disclaimer: The following information comes from the Merchantman's official RSI page, updated with new information from CitCon 2951.[2]
The Merchantman was part of the 27 million stretch goal in 2013, aiming to expand the game’s alien cultures. As with the Khartu-al, the Merchantman helped introduce and define the Banu race early on before copious amounts of additional lore were developed for the species.[11]
Original concept was reworked to reflect the new styles from the Defender.[2][13]
2021-05-05
Revealed to be in production and to be implemented in game with an allocated work schedule of 50 weeks.[14]
2021-10-09
Additional information about the state of reworked Merchantman is provided on CitizenCon 2951.[2]
2023-06-26
Revealed to be demoted into the development backlog to prioritize capital ships such as Polaris from Roberts Space Industries. It was due to RSI capital ships costing less resources and more impactful to develop, as it has existing design kits and the created assets can be applied to several other RSI ships. While the Merchantman needs a lot of unique assets and there are less or no Banu vehicles in the pipeline. Due to its long development time, some key people that have worked with that are no longer with the company, with Merchantman having no existing guidelines, it will take significant time to restart the development process.[15]
In an Inside Star Citizen episode on 2024-05-16, Vehicle Director John Crewe stated that "When and where are the Banu Merchantman?" is the top 1 question being asked.[17]
