Phalanx Freelancer (CR 3)

Phalanx Freelancer CR 3

XP 800
Phalanx gunslinger
CN Medium construct (aether, phalanx)
Init +4; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision; Perception +8

DEFENSE

AC 19, touch 13, flat-footed 16 (+5 armor, +2 Dex, +1 dodge, +1 natural)
hp 38 (4d10+12)
Fort +6, Ref +6, Will +2
Defensive Abilities nimble +1, phalanx traits; Immune disease, exhaustion, fatigue, poison, and sleep effects

OFFENSE

Speed 30 ft.
Ranged mwk rifle +8 (1d10+2/x4)
Special Attacks deeds (deadeye, gunslinger initiative, gunslinger’s dodge, pistol-whip, quick clear, utility shot), grit (1), gun training +2 (rifle)

TACTICS

Before Combat The phalanx freelancer is ready for most combat situations with little preparation and prefers to engage opponents at a long range. If aware of enemies with great mobility, they will prepare a tanglefoot bag for use on the first round of combat.

During Combat Phalanx freelancers use mobility and powerful ranged attacks to harry enemies from a great distance and will try to keep distance between themselves and any prospective target. Against reliably easy-to-hit targets a freelancer will make liberal use of their Deadly Aim feat. A phalanx freelancer will also attempt to gain and maintain high ground so as to keep line of sight with opponents.

Morale A freelancer knows when an assignment has gone sour and surrenders when reduced to 5 hp or less. If surrender is not accepted, the freelancer will attempt to flee or—if cornered—fight to the death.

STATISTICS

Str 8, Dex 15, Con 15, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 14
Base Atk +4; CMB +3; CMD 16
Feats Deadly Aim, Point-Blank Shot, Weapon Focus (rifle)
Skills Acrobatics +9, Bluff +8, Perception +8, Stealth +6
Languages Common
SQ curiosity, flashback (1/day), no breath
Combat Gear tanglefoot bags (4); Other Gear +1 armored longcoat, masterwork rifle (plus 30 bullets), greater aetheric capacitor (280 au, see Appendix 1)

Phalanx freelancers are often former Century War veterans that chose to leave the structure of the Hierarchy’s military to pursue private interests. Some phalanx own and operate large mercenary companies, leveraging their war experience to manage efficient and well-maintained teams. Others work on their own, performing odd jobs for clients across the system. Many phalanx freelancers are derided for “stealing” employment from humanoid mercenaries, due to many prospective employers hiring phalanx on account of their resilience and ability to operate in hostile environments.

Campaign Role

Freelancers are independent soldiers-for-hire who offer their services to the highest bidder. With their varied backgrounds, no two freelancers are ever alike, though war veteran phalanx freelancers are high in number and often high in reputation.

As an ally a freelancer might simply be a hired hand coming along for a job, or a more experienced mercenary willing to show the ropes to newcomers, or a grizzled veteran that refuses to go back into the fight but is willing to serve as a mentor. Some freelancers operate strictly as contacts, serving as a go-between for parties interested in purchasing military-grade hardware As an enemy, freelancers are at their worst hired thugs, sent to deliver a violent message or steal a valuable object.

They can also be from rival freelancer groups operating on cross-purpose with the PCs. They can also serve as Enforcers for more powerful NPCs. An enemy freelancer may have fluid allegiances, being an enemy one day and swiftly changing to act as an ally depending on their next contract. Others can harbor grudges that last years, going out of their way to dismantle operations of their enemies and leave long-lasting reminders of their enmity.

Section 15: Copyright Notice

Alien Codex © 2018, Legendary Games; Lead Designer: Jason Nelson. Authors: Anthony Adam, Kate Baker, John Bennet, Eytan Bernstein, Robert Brookes, Russ Brown, Duan Byrd, Paris Crenshaw, Jeff Dahl, Robyn Fields, Joel Flank, Matt Goodall, Robert J. Grady, Jim Groves, Steven T. Helt, Thurston Hillman, Tim Hitchcock, Nick Hite, Daniel Hunt, Mike Kimmel Marshall, Isabelle Lee, Jeff Lee, Lyz Liddell, Jason Nelson, Richard Pett, Tom Phillips, Jeff Provine, Alistair J. Rigg, Alex Riggs, Wendall Roy, Mike Shel, Neil Spicer, Todd Stewart, Russ Taylor, Rachel Ventura, Mike Welham, George Loki Williams, Scott Young.

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