Phalanx Freelancer

Phalanx Freelancer CR 3

XP 800
CN Medium humanoid (phalanx, aether)
Init +4; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +13

DEFENSE

HP 40; EAC 14; KAC 17
Fort +5; Ref +3; Will +4
Defensive Abilities armored advantage
Weaknesses aetherite dependency

OFFENSE

Speed 20 ft.
Melee thunderstrike pulse gauntlet +8 (1d6+3 B & So; critical knockdown) or armored fists +8 (1d3 B)
Ranged frostbite-class zero rifle +11 (1d8+3 C)
Offensive Abilities fighting styles (sharpshoot), sniper’s aim

STATISTICS

Str +0; Dex +4; Con +2; Int +0; Wis +1; Cha +0
Feats Far Shot
Skills Acrobatics +6, Athletics +6, Stealth +6
Languages Hymnas
Other Abilities flashback, constructed
Gear thunderstrike pulse gauntlet, frostbite-class zero rifle, golemforged plating II armor, frag grenade I, stickybomb grenade I

ECOLOGY

Environment any
Organization solitary or troop

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.

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.