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The Soldier discipline is focused on combat, purely and simply. Effective with both ranged weapons and hand-to-hand fighting, the Soldier expands on many of the roles in which the Operative dabbled. Also, with the introduction of the Taunt ability, the Soldier becomes a highly effective tank for the party because they can now draw enemies off of their team-mates.
“Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.” – John F. Kennedy, 1917-1963
Main Abilities:
Strengths:
- First major increase in Health points.
- Has damage reduction.
- Able to Taunt enemies away from more vulnerable team members.
Weaknesses:
- Lacks support abilities such as patching, viruses, or boosters.
- May have difficulties in soloing.
Play Styles:
Solo play:
As a Soldier out on your own, you need to make sure you are well-prepared for whatever you may face. While more effective in combat than an Operative, many of the lessons learned in that discipline will still hold true. Pick your fights, know when to run away, and always have a stash of Health pills on hand.
Group play:
A Soldier brings many of the same advantages to a team as an Operative. Used either in the frontlines or shooting from range, the Soldier brings a lot of damage potential to any team. The Combat Toughness and Taunt abilities make you a lifesaver in battles as you can taunt an opponent away from more vulnerable team-mates like Hackers or Coders and take the heat until the battle is over.
Main Abilities:
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Combat Toughness (Operative)
Soldiers can begin shrugging off part of the damage done to them. While the advantages start small, they add up quickly. Soldiers often can remain standing long after their companions have fallen in battle due to Combat Toughness. |
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Firearms Skill (Combat Toughness 4)
You will deal more damage with your ranged weapons with this ability loaded. Any Soldier who intends to offer ranged support for his group should have this.
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Body Shot (Firearms Skill 5)
This brutal rifle attack leaves your opponent wide open for additional damage from subsequent attacks. You'll want to use this ability right before using one of your more damaging special attacks. |
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Sharpshooter (Firearms Skill 1)
Nothing is more frustrating for a ranged fighter than being pulled into Close Combat against a hand-to-hand opponent. The Sharpshooter gives you even footing in the fight and allows you to continue using firearms without penalty. |
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Martial Arts Prowess (Combat Toughness 4)
While you haven't picked up a specific martial arts " style" yet, you have become more comfortable fighting with your hands and feet. You will be able to put a little extra " oomph" into each of your hits with this ability. |
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Overhand Smash (Martial Arts Prowess 5)
A fierce jab to the gut followed by a two-fisted smash to your opponent's back will not only do some damage, but it will also throw your enemies focus and their combat scores will suffer for it |
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Multi-Fighting (Martial Arts Prowess 1)
As the saying goes, " there is strength in numbers" . But if you have this ability loaded, they had better bring a whole gang if they want to take you on. You can fight up to 3 opponents at once without accruing any combat penalties. |
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Taunt (Combat Toughness 5)
This is a vital ability for the Soldier who plans to be part of a team. If the team's Hacker or Coder starts getting too much attention from a hostile, the Soldier can Taunt that enemy away and give them some breathing room. It may take a couple of Taunts to get an enemy's attention, but stick with it& your Hacker will thank you for it.
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Soldier (Body Shot, Overhand Smash)
Once you load out the Soldier ability you will instantly feel a little surer in combat and a whole lot tougher. This ability gives you a small boost to your combat tactics and a good-sized boost to your maximum Health. |
Looking Forward:
The next step for a Soldier is the path of Gunman or Martial Arts Initiate. The Gunman is great for Soldiers who prefer staying back and using their firearms to tip the scales in a fight. Martial Arts Initiate, on the other hand, is the path for Soldiers who enjoy being on the frontline going toe-to-toe with the enemy.
Complementary Disciplines:
Solo:
Soldier is a great addition to any other discipline. Its increased damage output for ranged attacks can make any support character that much more effective from the sidelines and the Combat Toughness damage reduction is a welcome benefit for any character who might take a hit or two during a mission.
Grouping:
Soldiers, with their Combat Toughness, enhanced melee damage and Taunt ability, benefit all other disciplines by their presence in a group. Taunt pulls enemies into Close Combat with you, who are best equipped to deal with them, leaving them open to viral damage and ranged attacks from other team members. Many of the grouping tactics you developed as an Operative can be put to use with even greater effect as a Soldier.
Minimum Level: 4
Hints and Tips:
Health Pills are, again, your best friend. Keep a handy supply of these on hand at all times. Although teaming up with a Hacker may keep you healthy most of the time, remember your lessons from the Operative discipline and always prepare for the worst.
Even if you decide to dump more points into Martial Arts Prowess than into Firearms Skill, you should still pack a good gun. You never know when you might need to suddenly start providing ranged support for your friends.
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