Character classes in Grunts: Second Wave
Grunt: your basic cannon fodder. This is the base of the class tree. no special abilities, low survivability rate.
tier one: reached on 5 deaths as a grunt, or on successful accomplishment of a Mission. One class is unlocked per mission or per 5 deaths. One can unlock a second class on 5 deaths within this tier, or on successful completion of a Mission as a tier-1. So, if one were a Soldier, and wanted to unlock shooter, one would either die 5 times as a soldier, or would succeed in a Mission as Shooter.
Soldier: gains one level of armor
Brute: wields a melee weapon in addition to the standard laser. capable of great feats of strength.
Grenadier: carries three fragmentation grenades, one EMP grenade, and one smoke grenade.
shooter: gains a bonus to aimed fire. One must be stationary, and in a stable stance, to gain the bonus. USes Class Action Take Aim, which grants the bonus for as long as the shooter remains stationary.
Assault Gunner:wields a more powerful, slug throwing weapon. capable of multiple shots per round.
driver:can drive standard ground vehicles: jeeps, hoverboats, APCs, tanks
technician:operates machinery, such as radios, electronic doors and surveillance systems
Medic:can stabilize wounded Grunts. Can reduce wounds by one level, except maimings.
chaplain:Grants bonuses to morale and possibly to actions as well through prayer and their Holy Presence on the battlefield. May counteract mental status effects such as disorientation or drunkenness
tier two: Unlocked on 5 deaths as a tier-1 unit. Each tier-2 unit is unlocked after 5 deaths of the corresponding tier-1 unit, or on successful completion of a Mission as the respective tier - 1 unit. thus, to unlock berserker, you either die 5 times as heavy, or you succeed in a mission as a Heavy.
NCO: advancement of the soldier class
Berserker:advancement of the Brute Class
Demolitions:advancement of the grenadier class
Marksman:advancement of shooter class
Heavy Weapons Gunner:advancement of the assault gunner class. Wields a gatling laser or heavy machine gun.
Pilot:advancement of Driver class
Operator:advancement of technician class
Field surgeon:advancement of medic class
Priest:advancement of chaplain class
prestige classes:unique successes or exemplary roleplay as a tier 2 class (or in special cases, as a tier 1) will unlock a prestige class within that branch of the tree. examples of prestige classes (as seen in the original Grunts game) are: kung fu priest, eel rider, wyvern rider, shocktrooper, and cyborg. other prestige classes exist, or will exist.
Kung Fu Priest: (upgrade from chaplain/priest class) gains bonuses to unarmed melee, acrobatics. +1 vs. individual close combat death rolls.
shocktrooper: (upgrade from Brute class) carries Electroshock Melee weapon. +1 to disable struck enemies.
cyborg: varies. upgrades class of Grunt cyborgized.
riders: upgrades driver/cavalry. bonuses based on mount.
Equipment
standard grunt equipment includes: weapon(varies by class), backpack(contains most other equipment) helmet, artrificial imitation chewing resin substitute (or variation thereof), Combat knife, standard rations, clothing, blanket, spare socks, small sewing kit, small cup and bowl, spork, and spoon. (other standard equipment TBD.)