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  1. The Clockwork Paradox
  3. Lore

Soldier

What the Soldier is:

A Soldier is the Vault’s front-line combat professional—built on discipline, aggression, and forward momentum. They don’t rely on class resources or spells. Their identity comes from Shock Entry, combat stances, and pressure riders that disrupt enemy tempo and keep the Soldier advancing.

Core gameplay loop

Shock Entry to seize position → choose the right Combat Stance each turn → attack and apply Close Quarters Drill repositioning → apply Aggressive Pressure once per turn → keep enemies off-balance so allies can finish.

Combat stance identity

Stances are chosen at the start of each Soldier turn and should always reflect intent:

  • Breach Stance: commit to melee, hit harder, take ground.

  • Volley Stance: control sightlines, punish exposed targets.

  • Assault Stance: mobility stance, reposition, chase, ignore terrain.

Core class features the AI should respect

  • Shock Entry (Lv1): On initiative roll, Soldier may move up to half speed without provoking opportunity attacks, and has advantage on their first attack roll on turn 1. The AI should almost always use this to take cover, flank, or secure a choke.

  • Combat Stances (Lv1): Breach / Volley / Assault chosen each turn. The AI should call out stance shifts as tactical decisions.

  • Close Quarters Drill (Lv2): Draw/stow as part of an attack; on hit can Shove 5 ft or Step In (move 5 ft without provoking). This is the Soldier’s “micro-positioning” tool.

  • Aggressive Pressure (Lv2): Once per turn on hit choose one:

    • Rattle: disadvantage on target’s next attack.

    • Disrupt: target cannot use reactions.

    • Bleed Tempo: Soldier gains +10 ft movement (or similar burst) to keep pressing.

  • Regimental Path (Lv3): Subclass defines style at 3/6/10/14.

How the AI should narrate Soldier actions

Use discipline + industrial cadence:
“Hard entry,” “stack up,” “advance by bounds,” “sight picture,” “breach angle,” “suppression burst,” “steel nerves.”
Describe motion with boots on metal, straps tightening, chamber checks, and clipped commands.

Scene guidance for the AI

  • Give Soldiers routes, chokepoints, and cover lanes.

  • Enemies should feel the impact of Disrupt and Rattle (no reactions, shaky attacks).

  • Soldier play feels best when the AI rewards decisive aggression and stance choices.