Prototype Pattern Groups

Prototype Pattern Groups is a third-party supplement for Lancer that introduces over a dozen experimental NPC classes, several variant NPC templates, new modular sitreps, and a collection of optional rules to tweak the default Lancer combat experience. True to the name, many of these rules and NPCs are in development, and will change based on user feedback!

The new NPC Classes include:

• The Anchor, an enormous Defender/Controller mech that attracts ranged attacks to itself and manipulates gravity to protect its allies.
• The Boombox, an ostentatious Support/Controller that compels its opponents to dance, providing its allies an opportunity to strike.
• The Capacitor, an invigorating Support/Artillery mech that dispenses damage and shielding alike with its oversized lightning cannon.
• The Ghost, a tricky and slippery Support/Defender mech that possesses allies to grant them Intangible, requiring unconventional approaches to engage.
• The Hatchet, a nimble Striker/Controller thrown weapon specialist that keeps its foes just outside of arms’ reach.
• The Howler, a feral Defender/Striker that lunges into the fray, challenges foes with a ferocious howl, and rips apart any who refuse to confront it.
• The Kensei, a patient but aggressive Striker/Defender swordmaster that fluidly shifts between offense and defense while projecting threat with vicious strikes.
• The Knight, a valiant Defender/Support champion that challenges foes to duels while exposing them to allied fire.
• The Mesmerist, a hypnotic, tech-oriented frontline Defender/Controller that demands the attention of all hostiles nearby.
• The Napalm, a scorched-earth backline Artillery/Controller that lays down broad swaths of flammable, adhesive gel.
• The Occultist, a ruthless drone-fielding Controller/Support that sacrifices its flock to subdue foes and bolster allies.
• The Prism, an avant-garde Defender/Artillery using holographic technology to threaten opponents from two places at once.
• The Torrent, an inexorable Controller/Striker of quick-hardening greywash that wallops opponents across the battlefield.
• The Vulture, a scavenging Support capable of repurposing battlefield wrecks into a variety of utility items.
• The Zealot, a fervent force multiplier Support/Striker that leads from the front, empowering its allies with passionate zeal.

In addition, this supplement includes new NPC template options extending those in the Lancer Core Book:

• The Anomaly, a bizarre extension of the Exotic template with inexplicable powers capable of radically warping reality in myriad ways.
• The Brigand, a jury-rigged template that builds off of the Pirate template by shifting focus away from raw damage and towards unusual (and unethical) battlefield tactics.
• The Formation, an alternative to the Grunt template that distributes a single NPC’s actions and abilities across several, weaker bodies that can cover more ground.
• The Prototype, a novel, bleeding-edge mech template blending existing NPC features with untested technologies, exploiting their obscurity as a defense of its own.
• New, class-specific features for the Ultra and Veteran templates.

If that wasn't enough, Prototype Pattern Groups also includes rules for action-driven, modular sitreps of adjustable duration, including the following:

• Blitz, for quickly securing or destroying multiple targets.
• Fortify, for maintaining control of strategic assets despite mounting pressure.
• Seize, for wresting control of strategic assets through sustained force.
• Transport, for moving valuable objects across a dangerous location.
• Triangulate, for searching for hidden objectives.

Finally, this supplement includes optional rules for NPC heat, AI cascade, simplified Structure Damage and Overheating, and more! If using Foundry VTT, I recommend the fan-maintained mod LANCER: PPG Structure Rework to automate the alternative Structure and Overheating rules featured in this project.

The GM-facing NPC rules from the paid Lancer Core Book and the "Intangible" status from the Karrakin Trade Baronies (accessible in the free LCP data under “Demo”) are required for effective use of this supplement.

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Prototype Pattern Groups is not an official Lancer product; it is a third party work, and is not affiliated with Massif Press. Prototype Pattern Groups is published via the Lancer Third Party License.

Lancer is copyright Massif Press.