[WOTC] Proficiency Class Plugin: Phalanx 2.0 (Redux+BETA)

This is a BETA release for additional testing beyond my own tests, feedback is appreciated. Future balance changes will likely happen in the future.

This mod adds a brand new class to go alongside Shiremct’s Proficiency classes as a shield-using tank and reaction firing operative, with it’s own Proficiency which is all about improving the soldier’s defensive capability as you level up.

This is a remake of my original Primary Secondary Pistol version of the Phalanx, a revamp over 4 years later which intends to correct design flaws from the original and to introduce a more interesting gameplay loop as a shield user.

Large changes include:

• Swapping Primary Pistols for SMG’s with a dedicated SMG weapon category, instead of being a gunslinger that could frankly output higher damage than I really intended for them, the SMG builds here is based around reaction fire to fit the defensive playstyle a tank-class strives for, someone who can defend themselves and their allies in turn.
• Removed almost all offensive melee-related perks for the shields, now Shield Rework is not just a suggestion but the only intended style of shield, with the low melee damage of the shield and how it’s a guaranteed source of disorient I thought it could go a bit crazy if they had a lot of perks relating to melee performance in addition to jumping on the Assault Infantries niche in the original Proficiency Class Pack.
• Changed up the ally-supporting tree to feel better as both a protector and an ally buff granter. This was always the biggest flaw I interpreted with the original Phalanx, they were too good of a Gunslinger, so-so as a tank but poor as a squad supporter. Thanks to new perks from Styr’s Perk Pack this should be changed for the better.

This class mod has 3 trees plus a random Xcom tree

Tower: Utilize your natural defense to hold the line against enemy fire.

Ballistic: Become a reaction fire specialist by using your SMG for support fire.

Defender: A defensive support specialist with the ability to protect others from harm.

Class document here:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1s7ioo4l2wIafIXRoM-vqEauayckXw_VOWogCYH-B2uE/edit?usp=sharing

The random abilities you can get from the Xcom tree besides blank/dummy slots like the original Prof classes are:

Ranks 2-4:

• Combatives,
• Impulse,
• Untouchable,
• Smokescreen
• CertifiedCMT

Ranks 5-7:

• Reposition,
• Shed Skin,
• Entrenched,
• Unbreakable,
• Lesser Coagulant

All the listed DLC hard requirements, the majority of the requires mods are hard requirements or are otherwise the intended experience for the mod.

Incompatible with the original Phalanx class mod, a billion pigeons will descend upon you if one tries to use both at the same time.

Shire’s Weapon and Item overhaul is recommended as that is what I designed the class around. The SMG plug-in is not truly mandatory but without it you’ll need a different mod to give the SMG’s the weapon category change from Rifle to SMG.
Weapon and Item Overhaul

Primary Secondaries is not required if your only using Ballistic Shields for this class alone. Likewise it has no primary pistol as an option this time.

The class should also be safe to install mid-campaign if one is already running the Proficiency classes.

The sacrifice ability currently doesn’t have a proper dedicated animation for non-Spark human soldiers, the current one is them pointing their gun at the ground and "firing" at it without a projectile. This is a temporary visual issue and I intend to get a custom animation made for it within the next month or two. The Ability functionality works.

If bugs do arise related to this class mod itself specifically then let me know and I’ll try to address them if possible.

Shiremct: For creating the original Proficiency Classes mod.

FearTheBunnies: For giving me help with class design alongside the SMG WIO plug-in.

Zelfana: For giving me vital coding assistance for SMG+Ballistic Shield firing animations when using a SMG weapon category. Additional coding assistance.

RustyDios: For creating the original Thumbnail as well as coding assistance.

Cloista: For the original Combat Engineer which I used as a base for the original Phalanx.

Iridar allowing me to use the Guard perk from Stormrider that I used as a template for Phalanx Guard.

Styr, M3r1st and Favid for their perk packs used that make up a good chunk of the mod.

Favid again for giving permission for me to borrow ability code from their perk pack to create Blast Plating.

Ketaros: For his icon pack used for the class icon and Prof ability icon.

Special Thanks in addition to everybody in the MEME Discord server and my fellow members of the ChristopherOdd Production Team who gave input and feedback regarding the class.

And thanks to everybody who used the original Phalanx over the years, I hope the 2.0 is a worthy successor.