Aristocratic Personnel: Regular Infantry and Space Knights

If you’re going to fight the Alliance, you need to know what you’re up against. Today’s post includes both typical bodyguards and soldiers who serve the aristocracy and the knights who make up a house (or an order). For the latter, I’ve included some references to genetic, psionic and martial legacies that I’ll explain in more detail later! I’ve simply decided to reveal the aristocracy in this particular order, because I think it makes sense to have a feel for the organization that supports the aristocracy before diving into the aristocracy itself.

Aristocratic Regulars

Regular Footman

The typical footman is extraordinarily skilled, though most are better at parade and formation than they are at adapting to the intense conditions of open battle. They serve primarily as the bodyguards of the aristocracy, the retinue of a space knight, and supplements to local militia.

ST 11	HP 11	Speed 5.25
DX 10	Will 10/12	Move: 5 (4)
IQ 10	Per 10
HT 11 (12)	FP 11	SM 0
Dodge 8 (7)	Parry 9	DR: 60/20

Startrodder SC 515 Blaster Rifle (12): 6d(5), burn, Acc 8+2, Range 1000/3000, RoF 3, Bulk -6, Rcl 2, Verify Malf.

Vibro-Bayonet (12): 2d+2 (5) imp, Reach 1,2, Parry 9

Stellar Dynamics RB–5 Light Blaster Carbine: 4d+2(5) burn, Acc 8+1, Range 330/1000, RoF 10, Bulk -3, Rcl 2.

Skills: Hiking-12, Pilot (Contragravity)-12, Savoir-Faire (Soldier)-15, Soldier-12.

Traits: Battle Drills, Fearless+2, Fit.

Notes: Human; Higher DR protects torso; lower DR protects all other locations except feet (DR 60) and skull (DR 40). Helmet and visor provide radio, air and night vision 9. Acts at the same time as all other members of formation, has +2 to notice something other members of the formation have noticed and can never hit another member of the formation by accident. Light Encumbrance.

Regular Tactics

Aimed Shot (18): After aiming for one turn, make an All-Out Determined (+1) Sighted (-4; masked) shot at the target; successful hit strikes the torso. If using the RB-5, add +2 for ROF. You may not defend.

Formation Fire (6+ROF): The entire formation fires en masse at the target. Treat this as suppression fire, multiplying the ROF of the shots (3 for SC-515s and 10 for RB-5s) by the number of troops in the unit (typically five) and add the ROF bonus to 6 (thus, typically 9 for SC-515s and and 14 for RB-5s).

Sacrificial Dodge (7): If an aristocrat is targeted by a lethal attack, a footman can attempt to take the hit in his stead.

Regular Guardian

Many Regulars serve a bodyguards, including the regulars above. Most bodyguards, however, prefer melee weapons, both for their impressive display, their traditional appearance, and their superior effectiveness in close quarters. If regular footmen use melee weapons in the defense of their lords, use the stat block below.

ST 11	HP 11	Speed 5.25
DX 10	Will 10/12	Move: 5 (4)
IQ 10	Per 10
HT 11 (12)	FP 11	SM 0
Dodge 8 (7)	Parry 9	DR: 60/20

Plasma Lance (12): 5dx2(10) burn ex, Acc 2, Range 6/60, RoF 1, Bulk -6, Rcl 3.

Force Lance (12): 6d(5) burn; Reach 2, 3*; Parry 0.

Skills: Hiking-12, Pilot (Contragravity)-12, Savoir-Faire (Soldier)-15, Soldier-12.

Traits: Battle Drills, Fearless+2, Fit.

Regular Tactics

Cover Suspect (Plasma Lance) (14): After aiming for one turn, wait, wit the stipulation that if the covered suspect attacks, you’ll attack first. On an attack, make an hip-fired (+1 on cascading waits) attack. Success hits the target’s torso. You may defend normally.

Cover Suspect (Force Lance) (16): Wait, with the stipulation that if your covered suspect attacks, you’ll attack first. Make an All-Out Attack (Determined +4) attack to hit. Success strikes the target’s torso. You may not defend.

Sacrificial Dodge (7): If an aristocrat, or your protected target, is targeted by a lethal attack, a footman can attempt to take the hit in his stead.

Regular Officer

ST 11	HP 11	Speed 5.25
DX 10	Will 12/12	Move: 5 (4)
IQ 12	Per 12
HT 11 (12)	FP 11	SM 0
Dodge 8 (7)	Parry 9	DR: 60/20

Stellar Dynamics RB–5 Light Blaster Carbine: 4d+2(5) burn, Acc 8+1, Range 330/1000, RoF 10, Bulk -3, Rcl 2.

Skills: Hiking-12, Leadership-12, Observation 12, Pilot (Contragravity)-12, Savoir-Faire (Soldier)-15, Soldier-12, Tactics-12.

Traits: Battle Drills, Fearless+2, Fit, Military Rank 3.

Regular Officer Tactics

Rally (12): Every (mook) member of the ranger’s squad (up to 10 men) gain +1 to fright checks and may ignore disadvantages harmful to combat for the duration of combat, so long as the leader lives.

Strategem (12): If the tactician wins a contest of tactics with his opponents, he may grant one free reroll to his squad

Knights of the Alliance

Aristocratic Houses

Each house has its own unique genetic and psionic heritage, which can be applied on a case-by-case basis for most characters. The rules below, however, assume that the knights presented are done as a group, a faceless squadron of knightly opponents. Thus, for simplicity, use the following alternations to represent the “typical” members of each house.

House Sabine

Sabine Grace: +1 DX (increase all attacks by +1)

Sabine Foresight: Combat Sense 2 (Skill 15; Replaces Combat Reflexes; Increase Defenses by +1)

House Grimshaw

Grimshaw Detahment: Unfazeable

Grimshaw Deflection: EK Shield 4 (DR 20 (Energy attacks only); Skill 15; Technique: Blaster Deflection -12 (Hardens DR 3 times against blasters);

House Elegans

Eleganian Ferocity: +1 Basic Speed (+1 Move, +1 dodge), +2 Will

Eleganian Terror: Instill Terror (Skill 15)

House Kain

Psi-Less: Remove Precognitive Parry.

Kainian Might: +2 ST, High Pain Threshold (For simplicity, all unarmed and shield-bash attacks gain +1 cr damage; reduce encumbrance by one level)

Kainian Cybernetics: +5 HP, DR 40 (Skull only), DR 20 (Rest of body; Crushing only). Add the following tactic:

Detonate: Activate internal bombs; Deal 5dx10 cr; die in explosion.

Traditional Alliance Knight

Most knights of the Alliance no longer use the outdated tactics and equipment of a more elegant, bygone age, and have long since moved on to Modern Alliance Knights below. That said, traditional armor provides superior protection to all but the most modern Imperial armor and the knightly force swordsmanship remains an exceptionally valid approach to combat. Lacking in psionics, Kain Knights prefer this approach, as the superior armor, paired with their own innate toughness and their cybernetics, make them a formidable force. Grimshaw, out of love of tradition, often fields this sort of knight as well, and delights in pairing it with their EK shield to simply walk through blaster fire.

Modify traditional space knights by their House and by their chosen force swordsmanship style.

ST 11	HP 11	Speed 6.0
DX 12	Will 11/13	Move: 4
IQ 11	Per 11
HT 11 (12)	FP 11	SM -0
Ddg 10 (8)	Parry 11	DR: 90

Force Sword (15): 8d+4(5) burn; Reach 1, 2; Parry 11

Skills: Leadership-12, Precognitive Parry-15, Savoir-Faire (High Society)-15, Tactics-12, Vacuum Suit-15

Traits: Combat Reflexes, Fit.

Notes: Human; Choose a house package above! Armor gaps and chinks at -1 to target; Armor gaps provide DR 40, armor chinks provide 65 DR. Medium Encumbrance

Traditional Knightly Tactics

Choose either the Old Way (Sabine, Grimshaw, Kain) or The Destructive Form (Kain)

The Old Way

Add Force Buckler (15): 1d-1 cr; Reach C; Block 11. Force Buckler provides +3 DB and 100 DR.

Add Style Familiarity (the Old Way).

Heroic Guardian Assault (15): Make a Move and Attack to Slam with your Force Shield. This requires a Shield (Force) roll at +0. Deal 1d+2 cr, and your shield absorbs all damage from the attack. You may not block with your shield or retreat for the remainder of the turn.

Watchful Guardian Stance: Evaluate. This grants a +3 to your next attack and allows you to negate up to -3 in defense penalties from Feints or Deceptive Attacks.

Blade Deflecting Stance (11/9): Make a Committed (+2) rapid strike (-6) Beat opponent’s force sword (11), and then a rapid strike (-6) attack against your opponent’s weapon-arm (-2). Opponent parries at a penalty equal to your margin of success, or cannot parry if he loses by 5 or more. Success inflicts 8d(5) cutting damage on the arm. You may not block or parry and you may not retreat, and you dodge at -2.

The Destructive Form

Add Grip Mastery (Force Sword) and Style Familiarity (the Destructive Form). Knights will often retain Defensive Grip (+1 parry against frontal attacks, -1 parry from side/rear attacks)

The Dignity-Killing Stroke (12): In standard grip, make a rapid pummeling strike vs target’s face. Deal 1d cr damage. If shock is inflicted, target must roll vs stun. You may defend normally.

The Spirit-Killing Stroke (12): In Defensive Grip, make a Committed rapid-strike Beat (15). Success applies margin of victory as a penalty to attack and defense, while success by 5 or more unreadies the opponent’s weapon. Then make a second attack against the arm of the opponent (13). Deal 8d(5) burn damage to the arm. You may not parry or retreat and defend at -2. Setup: Your opponent successfully parries your attack.

The Reaping Stroke (15): Take a Step (while still keeping your opponent in one of your forward hexes) and use Grip Mastery to shift from Defensive Grip to Regular Grip, and then make an All-Out Attack (Strong) to the Torso. As a special effect, this attack may be described as attacking the neck (this is cosmetic, so apply no hit location penalties, nor any hit location benefits). Deal 8d+8(5) damage. This is a Finishing Move. Setup: Opponent is stunned.

Modern Alliance Knight

The Space Knights of the Alliance tend to concern themselves more with dueling than with war and rarely serve on the battlefield. Even so, a fully trained space knight in full dueling regalia can still pose an enormous challenge, especially when faced in relatively small battlefields, such as battles in the halls of a fortress, the grand chambers of a temple, or the corridors of a great warship. Their armor weighs them down less, and their combat techniques favor speed, aggression and agility over power. Every House but Kain fields Modern Space Knights, but especially House Sabine and House Elegans.

Modify the space knight below by his House lens, and choose one style below.

ST 11	HP 11	Speed 6.0
DX 12	Will 11/13	Move: 5
IQ 11	Per 11
HT 11 (12)	FP 11	SM -0
Ddg 10 (9)	Parry 11	DR: 40

Force Sword (15): 8d+4(5) burn; Reach 1, 2; Parry 11

Force Saber (16): 7d(5) burn; Reach 1; Parry 12

Skills: Leadership-12, Precognitive Parry-15, Savoir-Faire (High Society)-15, Tactics-12, Vacuum Suit-15

Traits: Combat Reflexes, Fit.

Notes: Human; Choose a house package above! DR is flexible; weapon arm protected by 160 DR, head and feet by 80 DR. Light Encumbrance.

Modern Knightly Tactics

Choose either The Graceful Form (Elegans, Sabine) or The Swift Form (Elegans, Grimshaw)

The Graceful Form

Add Acrobatics-15, Flying Leap-15, Style Familiarity (Courtly Force Swordsmanship), Vigorous Assault.

The Sudden Step (15): Make a Heroic Charge (1 fatigue) and make a Move and Attack (+0) at his opponent. Opponent defends normally. You may defend normally (Vigorous Assault).

The Counter Step (13): When attacked, make an Acrobatics roll to spin around the attack and then defend against the attack (+2 from acrobatic parry) while making a side-slip (+2) with a riposte penalty (-4). Roll parry+0. On your turn, make a Spinning attack (-2) against your foe’s torso. Apply margin of success+4 as a penalty to your opponent’s defense.

The Triumph (19): After defeating a foe, make a Force Sword Art roll+4. This acts as an intimidation roll.

The Swift Form

Add Off-Hand Weapon Training (Force Sword or Force Saber), Style Familiarity (Pure Force Swordsmanship).

Pointed Critique (10): Make a defensive setup attack (-6). If successful, opponent’s next parry against you is at -2 and his dodge/block is at -1. Deal 7d-7(5) burn damage. You defend at +1 for the remainder of the turn.

Ribbons of Light (12/12): Make a Committed (+2) Rapid Strike (-6) against his opponent. Roll 2 Force-Saber attacks at -4. Each deals 7d(5) burn damage. You may not parry with the sword you attacked with, but you may parry with your off-hand sword at -2.

Dog’s Defeat (13): Make an All-Out (+4) deceptive (-4) force saber attack for the vitals (-3). Your opponent defends at -2. If you hit, deal 7d(5) burn, x2 for striking the vitals. You may not defend for the remainder of the turn.

Knightly Fighter Ace

While not strictly isolated to knights, many modern space knights have discarded antiquated hand-to-hand combat in favor of more exciting and fruitful starfighters, and many knights study both disciplines! Allied nobility can easily afford their own starfighters and often make up the bulk of the Alliances fighter aces. Grimshaw and Sabine, in particular, tend to field many knights-as-fighter aces.

As usual, when choosing a knightly NPC, modify them according to their house, above.

ST 11	HP 11	Speed 6.0
DX 12	Will 11/13	Move: 6
IQ 11	Per 11
HT 11 (12)	FP 11	SM -0
Ddg 10	Parry 11	DR: 20

Stellar Dynamics PB-9 Blaster Pistol: Dmg 3d+1(5) burn, Acc 4, Range 370/1100, RoF 3, Bulk -2, Rcl 2

Skills: Artillery (Guided Missile)-15, Gunner (Beams)-15, Leadership-12, Mechanic (Starship)-12, Pilot (Starfighter)-15, Savoir-Faire (High Society)-15, Tactics-12, Vacuum Suit-15

Traits: Combat Reflexes, Fit.

Notes: Human; Choose a house package above! DR is flexible; skull is protected by DR 40! No Encumbrance.

Knightly Fighter Ace Tactics

Shake, Rattle and Roll (12/16/14): Make a Stunt (-4). If you fail by 5 or less, go into an uncontrolled drift this turn. If you fail by more than 5, your engines are disabled or you crash into the nearest object (asteroid etc). If you succeed, make a Close (Aggressive Maneuver) with Pilot at +1 (+2 from Stunt, -1 from multitasking). Make a full RoF attack on a single target (Gunner (Beams) + RoF bonus, -1 from multitasking). You may defend normally.

Kickstop (12/14/14): Cut all acceleration. Make a Stunt (-4). If you fail by 5 or less, go into an uncontrolled drift this turn. If you fail by more than 5, your engines are disabled or you crash into the nearest object (asteroid etc). If you succeed, make a Reversal (Reversal Maneuver) with Pilot at -1 and using your opponent’s Acceleration Bonus. If you succeed, you are Advantaged. Make a full RoF attack on a single target (Gunner (Beams) + RoF bonus -1 for multitasking). You may defend normally.

Rock’n’Roll (16/10+ROF): Make a Dedicated (+3) Closing Maneuver (Aggressive Maneuvering) with Pilot at +1. Make a Fast-Firing (-4) Beam Weapons (-4 + RoF -2 for Multitasking). You may not defend.

Alliance Militia Personnel

Militia Strategies

Militias focus almost exclusively on defense, and each militia has its own approach to defense (which makes coordinating between multiple militia somewhat difficult!). To simplify, consider three strategies below, each of which offers some optional traits that members of a militia following that strategy might have.

Hard

The militia uses trench warfare, embanked guns, minefields and planetary shields to create impenetrable zones of control that the enemy cannot bypass.

Optional traits:

Barricade Tactics [1]. Militia in cover apply an additional -1 to opponents attempting to shoot at them, giving opponents a -3 rather than -2.

Cool under Fire [1]. Militia ignore the -2 for pop-up attacks (this increases all “Fire from Cover” Tactics by +2!).

Enhanced Dodge (Dive for Cover) [5]. Militia have +1 to defend from explosions.

Mobile

The militia relies on mobility, vehicular supports and “defense in depth” to defeat the enemy. The create a flow, flexible defensive line that can absorb the enemy’s advance, and flow around the enemy lines for a counter attack.

Optional traits:

Move Under Cover [1]. Assume the NPCs always find cover, if any is remotely available, at the end of a move on foot.

Motorized Training [1]. Ignore penalties for firing from a moving vehicle if a passenger. Gain the following tactic:

Fire on the Move (+1 to base skill): While aboard a moving vehicle (-0) as a passanger, make an All-Out (+1) Sighted attack with your weapon, firing a single shot at your opponent. You may not defend (but your vehicle may).

Basic Move +1 [5].

Deceptive

The militia fights using asymmetrical tactics against a superior foe. They prefer to fade into the terrain, to break apart under attack and reform later, which makes them maddeningly difficult to defeat, though it does little to actually protect the land or infrastructure.

Optional traits:

Dead Eye [1]. The nameless NPC may aim for 4 turns for a maximum accuracy bonus of +3 (rather than +2). Gain the following tactic:

Careful Aim (+Accuracy+5 to base skill): After aiming for 4 turns, apply full accuracy +3 from weapon and make an All-Out (+1) Sighted attack with your weapon, firing a single shot at your opponent. You may not defend.

Sure-Footed (Terrain): Ignore up to -2 to attack penalties for a specific terrain, or -1 to defense penalties for a specific terrain.

Fit [5].

Alternate Militiamen

All militia listed below are designed with urban or plains environments in mind and represent “generic” militiamen. Most militia integrate more closely with their environment, including camouflage unique to the environments of their world. For alternate environments, consider adjusting the equipment as noted below.

Arctic or Mountain Militia

Replace standard uniform with a winter uniform or replace armor and uniform with arctic armor, which provides DR 45 (15 vs crushing) to the arms, legs and torso. Both typically wear goggles (Nictitating Membrane 10 and protected vision). For Mountain militia, add Climbing-12.

Desert Militia

Replace standard uniform with a summer uniform or replace armor and uniform with desert armor, which provides DR 30 (10 vs crushing) to the arms, legs and torso. Both typically wear goggles (Nictitating Membrane 10 and protected vision) and an airmask with filter. Airmasks, if worn, apply a -4 to all sighted attacks.

Forest Militia

Forest militia often wear nightvision goggles (4x magnification, night vision 9, nictitating membrane 10, protected vision), and a vibro-blade.They gain the following tactic:

Vibro Assault (16): Make an All-Out Attack (Determined) with your vibroblade. Opponent defends normally. On a hit, deal 2d+4 (5) cut to the torso.

Jungle or Swamp Militia

Replace standard uniform with a summer uniform or replace armor and uniform with expedition armor, which provides DR 15 (5 vs crushing) to the arms, legs and torso. Swamp militia often wear an airmask. Jungle militia often wear nightvision goggles (4x magnification, night vision 9, nictitating membrane 10, protected vision), an airmask and a vibro-blade. Airmasks, if worn, apply a -4 to all sighted attacks. They gain the following tactic:

Vibro Assault (16): Make an All-Out Attack (Determined) with your vibroblade. Opponent defends normally. On a hit, deal 2d+4 (5) cut to the torso.

Alternate Militia Weaponry

The Alliance has access to a far broader spectrum of equipment than the Empire does. They tend to draw most of their equipment from one of three sources:

Rook & Law: A centuries old industrial cooperative preferred by rural inhabitants for their reliability.

Startrodder: A corporation known for its military weaponry; it has a long tradition of arming the Federation and was one of the first corporations to side with the Alliance against the Empire.

Stellar Dynamics: A newer arms manufacturer with a focus on civilian markets, and with a sleek design aesthetic

The typical planetary militia uses Startrodder weaponry; rural or poor militia might favor Rook & Law, while sleek and well-funded militia might use Stellar Dynamics. In that case, replace the following weapons with:

Scattershot Blaster: GD 870 “Trench Blaster” Scattershot Blaster may be replaced with:

Rook & Law “Outlander” 683 Blaster Shotgun: Dmg 3d(2) burn, Acc 6, Range 400/1200, RoF 1×12, Bulk -4, Rcl 1 or Dmg 7d (3) burn, Acc 8, RoF 1, Rcl 2. May not fire hotshots;

Stellar Dynamics SB-87 “Suppressor” Scattershot Blaster: Dmg 2d+1(2) burn, Acc 6, Range 75/230, RoF 3×12, Bulk -4, Rcl 1 or Dmg 5d(3) burn, Acc 8, Range 75/230, RoF 3, Rcl 2.

Carbine: SC 760 Carbine may be replaced with:

Rook & Law Huntsman 844 Blaster Rifle: Dmg 6d+1(5) burn, Acc 8, Range 750/2100, ROF 1, Bulk -5, Rcl 2. May not fire hotshots.

Stellar Dynamics RB-5 Light Blaster Carbine: Dmg 4d+2(5) burn, Acc 8+1, Range 330/1000, RoF 10, Bulk -3, Rcl 2.

Rifle: SC 515 Blaster Rifle may be replaced with:

Rook & Law Huntsman 844 Blaster Rifle: Dmg 6d+1(5) burn, Acc 8, Range 750/2100, ROF 1, Bulk -5, Rcl 2. May not fire hotshots.

Stellar Dynamics RSB-1 Blaster Rifle: Dmg 6d(5) burn, Acc 8+3, Range 1100/3300, RoF 3, Bulk -5, Rcl 2.

Repeating Blaster: LRX-550 Repeating “Steam” Blaster may be replaced with:

Rook & Law Dragoon 870 Gatling Blaster: Dmg 7d (5) burn, Acc 12, Range 750/2200, ROF 16, Bulk -7, Rcl 2. May not fire hotshots

Alliance Militiaman

Militiamen make up the backbone of every planetary militia. While they train regularly, they serve primarily as reservists, keeping their arms and armor at home, and flying into battle at a moment’s notice. As a result, they tend to be less disciplined or devoted than a professional soldier, but that doesn’t mean they lack heart, fighting spirit or the ability to hold their ground.

Militiamen typically serve in all militia, regardless of preferred tactics or environment, but they do vary based on the typical environments of the world. The militiaman shown below is typical of militias that serve in plain, island or urban environments; for alternate militia, see Alternate Militiamen.

ST 11	HP 11	Speed 5.25
DX 10	Will 10	Move: 5 (4)
IQ 10	Per 10
HT 11	FP 11	SM -0
Dodge 8 (7)	Parry 9	DR: 80/50

Startrodder 760 Carbine (12): 5d(5) burn (Acc 8+1, Range 800/2400 RoF 3, Bulk -4)

Carbine Butt (12): 1d+1 cr

Grenade (12): 6dx5 cr exp inc

(Range 35 yards, +4 if you aim for the ground, 1 turn to ready, 2 seconds to blow)

Skills: Area Knowledge (Local)-10, Camouflage-12 (14), Hiking-12, Pilot (Contragravity)-12, Savoir-Faire (Soldier)-10, Soldier-10.

Traits: None

Notes: Human; Listed DR protects torso only; lower DR is vs crushing. Helmet provides skull with DR 60 and boots provide DR 40. Wears camouflage suitable for his homeworld, which provides +2 camouflage. Light Encumbrance.

Militiaman Tactics

Fire from Cover (11): Come out of cover and make a sighted, all-out (determined) pop-up (-2) attack against the enemy. Return to cover. You may not defend.

Focus Fire (21): While you have a weapon braced either on the ground or on cover, aim. If you have already aimed, make a sighted, all-out determined attack on your opponent’s torso. You may not defend, but because you are prone or behind cover, apply a -2 to any attempts to hit you.

Alliance Veteran

Typically, enthusiastic and idealistic volunteers make up the bulk of a militia, and militia tend not to train their soldiers to elite efficiency. However, the rigors of war can forge even the softest man into someone as hard at steel. Veterans have seen engagement after engagement, perhaps protecting a world in a hard-fought war, or perhaps after a long campaign serving beneath a nobleman. Either way, Veterans know and understand war well, making them far tougher to kill, far quicker, and able to rally men with their superior experience and leadership.

ST 12	HP 14	Speed 6
DX 12	Will 11/13	Move: 6 (5)
IQ 11	Per 10
HT 12	FP 12	SM -0
Dodge 10(9)	Parry 11	DR: 80/50

Startrodder 760 Carbine (15): 5d(5) burn (Acc 8+1, Range 800/2400 RoF 3, Bulk -4)

Carbine Butt (15): 1d+1 cr

Grenade (15): 6dx5 cr exp inc

(Range 35 yards, +4 if you aim for the ground, 1 turn to ready, 2 seconds to blow)

Skills: Area Knowledge (Local)-12, Camouflage-12 (14), Leadership-12, Pilot (Contragravity)-12, Savoir-Faire (Soldier)-12, Soldier-15

Traits: Combat Reflexes;

Veteran Tactics

Fire from Cover (14): Come out of cover and make a sighted, all-out (determined) pop-up (-2) attack against the enemy. Return to cover. You may not defend.

Focus Fire (24): While you have a weapon braced either on the ground or on cover, aim. If you have already aimed, make a sighted, all-out determined attack on your opponent’s torso. You may not defend, but because you are prone or behind cover, apply a -2 to any attempts to hit you.

Strategem (12): If the tactician wins a contest of tactics with his opponents, he may grant one free reroll to his squad

Alliance Artillerist

Preferred Tactic: Hard

An artillerist operates the heavy firepower of the Alliance. While the Artillerist is most common in militias that use the “Hard” defense strategies of trench warfare, where he operates the heavy cannons and howitzers to blast his enemies to bits, most strategies find some use for a man who knows how to bring heavy firepower! The artillerist below is written from the perspective of man-portable firepower, but many make use of heavier guns.

ST 12	HP 12	Speed 5.25
DX 10	Will 10	Move: 5 (3)
IQ 10	Per 10
HT 11 (12)	FP 11	SM 0
Dodge 8 (6)	Parry 9	DR: 80/50

Startrodder LRX-550 Repeating “Steam” Blaster (12): 5d(5) burn, Acc 8, Range 600/1800, RoF 8 or 10d(5) burn, Acc 8, Range 600/1800, RoF 1; Bulk -4.

IML (12): 6dx10(10) cr inc + linked 8d cr ex [3d], Acc 3, Range 750/6000, RoF 1, Bulk -4

Skills: Artillery-12, Area Knowledge (Local)-10, Camouflage-12 (14), Gunner (Beams)-12, Pilot (Contragravity)-12, Savoir-Faire (Soldier)-12, Soldier-12.

Traits: None.

Artillerist Tactics

Suppression Fire (8): While firing from the hip, move up to 3 yards and make an unsighted All-Out Attack (Suppression fire) using RoF 8. Anyone under the suppression zone can be hit (to a maximum of 8 targets) and must make a Will or Will-based Soldier roll (Add Fearlessness as a bonus, +2 from Combat Reflexes, and characters with Unfazeable automatically succeed) to expose themselves to the suppression fire zone. Successful hits strike a random hit location. Gain +2 to Fast-Draw or to act first during a cascading wait. You may not defend.

Spread Fire (13): While you have a weapon braced either on the ground or on cover, make a sighted, all-out (Determined) attack, dividing your 8 ROF in up to two ROF 4 attacks against up to two targets. You may not defend, but because you are prone or behind cover, apply a -2 to any attempts to hit you.

Alliance Combat Engineer

Preferred Tactic: Hard

Combat Engineers dig trenches, set-up razor wire, and lay mine-fields. They also excel at Forced Entry and demolitions. They usually carry three to five charges, either 1.25 lb of HEX-6 (8dx4 cr ex) or a small plasma charge (6dx6 cr ex) as well as assorted engineering tools.

ST 11	HP 11	Speed 5.25
DX 10	Will 11	Move: 5 (3)
IQ 11	Per 11
HT 11	FP 11	SM 0
Dodge 8 (6)	Parry 9	DR: 80/50

Startrodder GD 870 Scattershot Blaster (12): Dmg 3d+2(2) burn, Acc 6, Range 350/1000, RoF 2×12, Bulk -4, Rcl -1 or Dmg 8d (3) burn, Acc 8, RoF 2, Rcl 2

Trench Tool (12): 1d+3 cr

Plasma Charge (12): 6dx6 cr exp inc (Must be planted and remotely triggered)

Skills: Area Knowledge (Local)-12, Camouflage-12(14), Engineering (Combat)-15, Explosives (Demolition)-15, Forced Entry-15, Pilot (Contragravity)-12, Savoir-Faire (Soldier)-10, Soldier-12, Traps-12.

Traits: None.

Pilot Tactics

Fire from Cover (13): Come out of cover and make a sighted, all-out (determined) (+1) pop-up (-2) attack against the enemy using ROF 12 (+2). Return to cover. You may not defend.

Focus Fire (28): While you have a weapon braced (+1 acc) either on the ground or on cover, aim (+6). If you have already aimed, make a sighted, all-out determined (+1) attack on your opponent’s torso using full ROF 24 (+4). You may not defend, but because you are prone or behind cover, apply a -2 to any attempts to hit you.

Alliance Pilot

Preferred Tactic: Mobile

The planetary defense forces of the Alliance often deploy their own vehicles, especially to provide air-support for the rest of their militia. Most militias will deploy some sort of vehicle, but those who focus on Mobile Defense use them to a far greater degree, and with greater effectiveness, than most other militias. The Alliance pilots generally work to protect their planet and aren’t well suited to surviving if they fight in space and suffer a catastrophic failure. Even so, they sometimes join greater alliance fleets and serve as back-up pilots for the elite of the Alliance Regulars.

ST 10	HP 10	Speed 5.5
DX 12	Will 11	Move: 5.5
IQ 11	Per 11
HT 10	FP 10	SM 0
Dodge 8	Parry 9	DR: 45/15

Stellar Dynamics PB-9 Blaster Pistol (12): Dmg 3d+1(5) burn, Acc 4, Range 370/1100, RoF 3, Bulk -2, Rcl 2.

Punch (12): Dmg 1d-3 cr

Skills: Artillery (Guided Missile)-12, Area Knowledge (Local)-12, Gunner (Beams)-12, Mechanic (Vehicle)-12, Pilot (Any)-12, Savoir-Faire (Soldier)-10, Soldier-10.

Traits: None

Notes: Human; Listed DR protects torso only; lower DR is vs crushing. Beneath flight suit vest, a coverall protects arms and legs with DR 5. Helmet provides skull with DR 60 and boots provide DR 40. Often wears an air-mask and has an emergency air supply that will last for 20 minutes. No Encumbrance.

Pilot Tactics

Fire from Cover (11): Come out of cover and make a sighted, all-out (determined) (+1) pop-up (-2) attack against the enemy. Return to cover. You may not defend.

Fire on the Move (10): Make a Move and Attack (-2) with full ROF (+0). Your target defends normally and any hits strike a random hit location. You may defend normally, but you may not drop.

Alliance Assault Strikers

Preferred Tactic: Mobile

Mobile tactics typically require strong, brave men willing to charge at the enemy, especially to get around their flanks or to drive them from cover. An Assault Striker imitates the core role of all Imperial Troopers in that they represent a form of shock trooper who pushes the fight to the enemy. The Alliance’s lighter armor and smaller weapons allow greater mobility at the cost of greater vulnerability and less staying power. They work best when combined with other soldiers who can support them. They also fulfill a scout role in militias that don’t also have rangers or commandos. Assault Strikers work best in terrain with plenty of cover for them to exploit or flank while still allowing relatively free movement, including forests, jungles and mountains.

ST 12	HP 12	Speed 6
DX 12	Will 10/12	Move: 7
IQ 10	Per 10
HT 12	FP 12	SM 0
Dodge 10	Parry 10	DR: 80/50

Startrodder LR 555-S Assault Blaster (15): Dmg 3d+2(5) burn, Acc 6, Range 400/1200, RoF 8, Bulk -2, Rcl 2, Cost $8500.

Grenade (12): 6dx5 cr exp inc

(Range 35 yards, +4 if you aim for the ground, 1 turn to ready, 2 seconds to blow)

Skills: Area Knowledge (Local)-12, Camouflage-12(14), Hiking-15, Observation-12, Pilot (Contragravity)-12, Running-15, Savoir-Faire (Soldier)-12, Soldier-12.

Traits: Combat Reflexes

Striker Tactics

Fire from Cover (15): Come out of cover and make a sighted, all-out (determined) pop-up (-2) at full ROF 8 (+1) attack against the enemy. Your target defends normally and any hits strike a random hit location. Return to cover. You may not defend.

Forward Assault (14): Make a Move and Attack (-2) with full RoF 8 (+1). Your target defends normally and any hits strike a random hit location. You may defend normally, but you may not drop.

Spotting (12): Make an observation roll against a target you can see and shout out some advice to a nearby ally. The observation roll acts as a complimentary roll for their attack (success provides +1, critical success provides +2, failure provides -1, etc). You may defend normally.

Alliance Ranger

Preferred Tactic: Deception

Some Alliance forces work more closely with their world’s terrain than others. Rangers often work as hunters or guides, who later join the local militia as scouts, turning their lethal skills against human prey. Rangers tend to work best with deceptive militias, as they can easily melt into rough terrain, spy on the enemy, and then harass then with sniper fire. They also often make use of traps, all of which require a Traps roll to set up (See DF 16 for more details!), including :

Covered Pit: Roll Per-based Traps vs Camouflage (12) or fall

Dead Fall: Roll Per-based Traps vs Camouflage (12) or have rocks/tree fall on you. Roll Dodge (-2 if no Danger Sense), +3 for Dive for Cover. Deals 10d cr damage.

Spring Snare: Roll Per-Based Traps vs Camouflage (12) or be trapped and “dangled” if you are ST 20 or less, until someone cuts the rope (DR 1, HP 2).

The Ranger listed below is generic, appropriate for “Urban” or “Plains” environments. They often adapt to their local environment; consider applying the alternate militia equipment for unusual terrain!

ST 10	HP 10	Speed 5.5
DX 10	Will 11	Move: 5.5
IQ 11	Per 12
HT 12	FP 12	SM 0
Dodge 8	Parry 9	DR: 45/15

Startrodder SC 515 Blaster Rifle (12): 6d(5) burn (Acc 8+2, Range 1000/3000 RoF 3, Bulk -6)

Vibro-Knife (12): 1d(5) imp or 2d (5) cut (Reach C)

Grenade (12): 6dx5 cr exp inc

(Range 35 yards, +4 if you aim for the ground, 1 turn to ready, 2 seconds to blow)

Skills: Area Knowledge (Local)-12, Camouflage-12(14), Climbing-12, Forward Observer-12, Hiking-12, Observation-12, Pilot (Contragravity)-12, Savoir-Faire (Soldier)-10, Soldier-10, Stealth-12, Survival-12, Swimming-12, Tracking-12, Traps-12.

Traits: Night Vision 2;

Ranger Tactics

Vanish (7): At the beginning of a fight, you may attempt to vanish and get the drop on his opponent. Roll Vanish (ignore modifiers for stealth at the beginning of a fight). Success means he may attack one opponent “from behind.” He may not do this at any other point in the fight.

Snipe (21): After a single aiming action, make an All-Out Attack (Determined). Successful hit strikes the torso. You may not defend.

Remove Sentry (16/11): If the target is unaware of your presence, make a telegraphic grapple for the head (16). You may defend normally. If your target is grappled, make an all-out (Determined) swing cutting attack with the blade on the target’s neck (11). Opponent dodges at -1 or parries at -2. If you hit, deal 2d(5) cut to the neck and double all damage that penetrates DR. You may not defend.

Alliance Commando

Preferred Tactic: Deception

Commandos focus on infiltrating the enemy, often by making use of local civilian clothing or their exception stealth and camouflage mastery. Once close by, they can destroy communications, damage infrastructure, and ambush their disoriented targets. They tend to carry relatively light weapons better suited to attacking on the move (choose one of the Assault Blaster or the Scattershot blaster below). They usually carry charges, either 1.25 lb of HEX-6 (8dx4 cr ex) or a small plasma charge (6dx6 cr ex). Once they’ve blown their explosives, they’ll open fire from cover, and then retreat, usually under the cover of supporting snipers (such as Rangers).

The Commando below is a generic commando typical of an urban environment. Commandos certainly integrate with the local environment, and might carry alternate arms and armor appropriate to the sort of environment they find themselves fighting in. See Alternate Miltia for examples.

ST 10	HP 10	Speed 6
DX 12	Will 12/14	Move: 6
IQ 12	Per 12
HT 12	FP 12	SM 0
Dodge 10	Parry 11	DR: 45/15

Startrodder LR 555-S Assault Blaster (15): Dmg 3d+2(5) burn, Acc 6, Range 400/1200, RoF 8, Bulk -2, Rcl 2, Cost $8500.

Startrodder GD 870 Scattershot Blaster (15): Dmg 3d+2(2) burn, Acc 6, Range 350/1000, RoF 2×12, Bulk -4, Rcl -1 or Dmg 8d (3) burn, Acc 8, RoF 2, Rcl 2

Vibro-Knife (15): 1d(5) imp or 2d (5) cut (Reach C)

EMP Grenade (15): HT-8(5) 8 yard +2d cr ex

(Range 35 yards, +4 if you aim for the ground, 1 turn to ready, 2 seconds to blow)

Expendable Jammer (15): -10 to communications, 60-yard radius(Range 35 yards, +4 if you aim for the ground, 1 turn to ready, 2 seconds to blow)

Skills: Area Knowledge (Local)-15, Camouflage-15(17), Climbing-12, Explosives (Demolitions)-15, Forward Observer-12, Observation-15, Pilot (Contragravity)-15, Savoir-Faire (Soldier)-12, Soldier-15, Stealth-15, Survival-15, Swimming-12, Traps-15.

Traits: Combat Reflexes; Night Vision 2.

Commando Tactics

Vanish (10): At the beginning of a fight, you may attempt to vanish and get the drop on his opponent. Roll Vanish (ignore modifiers for stealth at the beginning of a fight). Success means he may attack one opponent “from behind.” He may not do this at any other point in the fight.

Fire from Cover (15 or 18): Come out of cover and make a sighted, all-out (determined) (+1) pop-up (-2) at full ROF 8 (+1) or 24 (+4) attack against the enemy. Your target defends normally and any hits strike a random hit location. Return to cover. You may not defend.

Remove Sentry (19/14): If the target is unaware of your presence, make a telegraphic grapple for the head (19). You may defend normally. If your target is grappled, make an all-out (Determined) swing cutting attack with the blade on the target’s neck (14). Opponent dodges at -1 or parries at -2. If you hit, deal 2d(5) cut to the neck and double all damage that penetrates DR. You may not defend.

Spotting (15): Make an observation roll against a target you can see and shout out some advice to a nearby ally. The observation roll acts as a complimentary roll for their attack (success provides +1, critical success provides +2, failure provides -1, etc). You may defend normally.