Merc
The Merc is one of six core Archetypes in the Rainwall system. Mercs are best at fighting and killing. These people are natural soldiers, living the way of the gun. They operate best with high Strength and Force Influence scores. The three sub-types for the Merc are Assassin, Bounty Hunter, and Warlord.
Description
The rule of law has fallen to memory. Desperate people do anything to survive. Others do unspeakable things for pleasure. There is no 911 here, no protection other than what you provide for yourself. This is what makes the merc a valuable asset. Killing is their trade. They are likely skilled in a variety of weapons, and understand military tactics to bring the fight to the enemy. The merc refuses to become anyone's prey in this desolate world. They negotiate best with bullet and blade.
Merc Sub-Types
- Assassin - Whereas the Mercenary is a gun for hire who might be called upon to perform a wide variety of tasks (bodyguard, armed escort, capture, sentry or patrol duty, etc.), the Assassin’s primary skillset is designed for killing.
- Bounty Hunter - Bounty Hunters are the best at locating and apprehending people. They are excellent trackers, and are skilled in capturing people alive. They will pursue a target relentlessly for as long as it takes.
- Warlord - The Warlord seeks only one thing: power. They do this through building an army and taking whatever they please by force. They understand that there is safety in numbers, and as long as they are in charge, they are in their element.
Base Traits
If you choose to go with a ready-made character of the Merc Archetype, the base trait stats are as follows:
Merc Bonuses
- Mercs automatically get a 4 skill rating in two Combat Skills and start with an Ammosmithing or Weaponsmithing skill of 1.
- They also get 1 non-combat actions and 4 combat actions per turn during combat.
- can upgrade Combat Skills at a cost of 2000 Experience Points for 1 skill point
- can upgrade Speed at a cost of 1000 XP for 1 speed point.
Merc Tricks
The following Archetype Tricks are available only to Mercs.
- Angel of Death - +1 action point per turn until combat is over whenever Merc damage results in death
- Avenger - +1 damage when attacking a character that has damaged another player in the party
- Blood Sacrifice - can deal 1 extra damage point per own Life Point sacrificed during a successful hit
- Fast Reload - can reload during combat without spending an action point
- Gunslinger - can roll a Reflex Check when first being shot at for a chance to get the first shot
- Hand of Justice - +1 damage when attacking any Blueback or lawless character
- Intimidating Presence - increases the Merc’s Character Difficulty Rating by 1 during surprise attacks
- Last Stand - +2 damage while the Merc’s life points are below 10
- Legendary Precision - can choose where attacks hit in lieu of the dice roll
- Rally - all party members gain a once-per-combat encounter +1 Luck point bonus to attack