Ecliptic

(For the mercenary, see Ecliptic (Character))

Ecliptic is a professional mercenary organization that operates throughout the Settled Systems.^[1]

Overview[]

Ecliptic was once a highly-regarded military contractor that accepted contracts from both the United Colonies and the Freestar Collective. These contracts were usually to provide peacekeeping services in far-flung corners of the Settled Systems where the two great factions could not easily deploy their own military forces. Recently, Ecliptic began abusing their nominal authority to extort money under the pretense of enforcing laws, and this has turned the entire Settled Systems against them, even the Crimson Fleet. The UC and Freestar are both aware that Ecliptic has been overstepping its bounds, but they are reluctant to take any action against the organization because they still have need of their services from time to time.

As of 2330, Ecliptic mercenaries are known to be willing to work for anyone, as long the client has the credits for their services. They are widely derided as petty killers-for-hire, yet it is an open secret that both the United Colonies and Freestar Collective hire them to handle their dirty work.

Gameplay[]

Ecliptic Mercenaries are usually hostile to the player, and will engage the player on sight. When they are hostile, they can be killed and looted without losing standing to any of the factions. There are a few pre-scripted events when the mercenaries are non-hostile, but this is uncommon. The player will almost always have a green light to shoot when dealing with Ecliptic.

Ecliptic Mercenaries can engage the player both on the ground and in space. When the player is given a mission that involves the Ecliptic Mercenaries, the player should be prepared to do either. If a player takes possession of an Ecliptic ship via boarding action, they should be careful when going back to port. Ecliptic ships frequently have contraband on board.

Ecliptic Mercenaries are one of the most common hostile groups in the game. The player will run into them early and often in places such as wilderness outposts, abandoned star yards, and so on. It isn't hard to find Ecliptics when playing Starfield.

Ecliptic have a large base in Jaffa system, called Vulture's Roost on Jaffa IV. Ecliptic is also hired for security at the Red Mile on Porrima III. Despite being agressive, corrupt and threathening towards everybody, this is the only place where not hostile Ecliptic members can be found.