Frigates are the smallest vessels rated for deep space military operations. They’re typically deployed for patrol, scouting, and commerce escort missions when heavier vessels aren’t available. When dragged into fleet actions, they’re usually used in small squadrons as screening units, or if unlucky, for flanking maneuvers.

Lancers are vessels with an emphasis on forward-directed weapons, and are designed to charge directly at the enemy and inflict as much damage as possible before disengaging. The Sphere Fleet’s Lancer Frigate is unusual in that it mounts a Cruiser grade laser cannon. Mounting such a large weapon in such a small spaceframe, and an energy weapon at that, came with severe sacrifices in in every category. The vessel is so heavily optimized they didn’t even mount the massive six-meter lens that would typically protect the laser mirror.