Theme #7 (part 3/3)
EVOLUTION OF COMBAT
Militia
The Militia are an organized group of survivors native to Solstice and other habitable planets. They act as a resistance force, primarily using ambush tactics to combat occupying forces. Despite being low-tech compared to other factions, they use scavenged weaponry and resources to become a significant threat to Vanguard and other AI-controlled enemies.
Player Experience
Players should expect sudden ambushes from Militia, which create reactionary combat scenarios. The ambushes slow players down and force them to become more methodical in navigating the map, being mindful of Militia traps or squads lurking nearby. Militia combat should feel unpredictable but not entirely without warning. Players can detect the presence of Militia through subtle environmental cues like chatter, clicks, and whistles. This gives players some control over avoiding traps while still keeping the pressure on.
Encounters
Militia ambushes come in various forms, surprising and disorienting players with traps or sudden attacks. Some common ambush types include:
- Trap Ambush: Exclusively targets Vanguard players with tripwire traps. Once triggered, Militia squads quickly appear to engage the player.
- Roaming Ambush: Militia squads roam the map, attacking both players and NPC squads.
- Camp Ambush: Militia lie in wait at strategic locations, initiating scripted set-piece encounters.
- Trapdoor Ambush: Triggered by players or objects like grenades. These ambushes send Rogues (a Militia variant) to spring a high-damage melee attack.
Post-Combat
If Militia wins a fight, they might be seen looting deathboxes in the area before retreating. Militia who successfully loot items will drop them upon death if killed later.
Militia Variant ideas:
- Warrior: Standard enemy wielding stolen Core80s. Uses knives in close proximity.
- Watcher: Tracks targets with low fire-rate rifles and maintains a safe distance.
- Rogue: Fast-moving melee attackers who charge recklessly toward players.
- Grenadier: Throws explosives from behind cover, advancing on pinned targets.
Situational Awareness (Player’s Perspective vs Militia):
Players need to rely on subtle cues to detect Militia presence. These include:
- Militia Presence Ambience: Whispers, clicks, and subtle sounds warn players of nearby Militia.
- Militia War Cry: Loud war cries signal an impending attack, giving players a final moment to react.
- Unique Footsteps: Militia have a distinctive sound profile, making them identifiable even when out of sight.
Loot Drops
Militia often drop munitions components and scrap. More valuable resources can be found as uncommon loot, but players may also recover items looted by Militia during their ambushes.
