The Hardman project was one governments attempt to create a combat construct. The original version used an organic interface – the brain of a ‘volunteer’, but it turned out this was a terrible idea. The cybernetics at the time were so primitive the brain was driven insane, and the brains typically failed within a few days and died.

The project was forced into limbo and disappeared for centuries. It was not until after the GAP that the project was rediscovered and revived. Having learned their lesson the researchers and contractors went with purely AI driven constructs.

After the bugs were worked out, the result was a fairly tough robotic unit which could be sent in against ground troops. As a combatant, the creature was a pure terror because of its long, razor-sharp claws and the fact it could easily extend the reach of the claws by extending its arms. The head of the robotic creature is also fitted with a powerful bear trap-like jaw, which can inflict horrible wounds.

Hardman is quite tall, standing around 7 feet, and appears almost skeletal. There are plates which cover vital components such as the CPU and power system, but thanks to the construction, it is rather difficult to damage it. Most physical attacks slide off the skeletal structure, while many ranged attacks have a bad habit of ricocheting and can cause harm to the shooter or others nearby.

There is no visible eyes on the construct, although it does have multiple sensors located on the head and in the torso. Gifted with thermal imagers, the Hardman is able to see through solid walls and objects in order to find its target.  As such, it is not uncommon for the Hardman to smash through walls in order to get at their targets.

It is not common, but the Hardman is perfectly capable of using firearms and will do so if the weapon is available, although it is more likely to use its claws and teeth. It typically will only use ranged weapons if somehow the target it is trying to destroy is unreachable.

Most of the Hardman constructs are polished silver in coloration, matt black or tan, although different corporations will often pain them in the typical camo pattern of the military they are sold to.

When the construct is given an assignment, it devotes its full attention to completing the task. It cannot be reasoned with, and although it can understand the local common dialect, it is incapable of speech. The construct does know how to strike fear into targets however, and is exceptionally good at intimidation.

Starfinder Creature Index

Chris Van Deelen is the creator and contributor to over half of the Wisdom from the Wastelands series, contributor to the Swords of Kos: Hekaton anthology. He also wrote Creatures of the Tropical Wastelands, and 100 Oddities found in a Car. As prolific as he is, Chris Van Deelen continues to write and produce material which will be in publication soon. Not only is he a prolific content creator, he also has a wide selection of fiction and stories! If you like his work, please follow his personal author page on Facebook and on Twitter to keep up with his latest news and game content.