How to design a Greek hoplite?

[Gort]

So, one of my friends wants to make a Greek hoplite as his next character. He thinks the fighter class, breastplate armour, a spear and a shield would fit it best. However, he wants the spear to have reach as well as being one-handed, and I can't find any weapons (exotic or otherwise) that are both one-handed and have reach. Is there any way round this?

Also, what class/feats/equipment should he use to fit this concept best while still being effective?

 

[John Q. Mayhem]

There's the Shield and Pike Style feat, from Dragon Magazine. That'd get you a shield and a longspear. IIRC, there're a lot of good shield feats in PHBII, and some in CW.

 

[theredrobedwizard]

Human Fighter 1 (32 Point buy)
Str 16 Dex 16 Con 12 Int 14 Wis 10 Cha 8
Feats (5): Improved Shield Bash, Shield Specialization, Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Longspear).
Skills: Intimidate 4, Tumble 2*, Climb 4, Jump 4, Survival 2*.
Equipment: Longspear, Chopping Sword (as Handaxe), Heavy Steel Shield, (some variety of armor).

Kinda contingent on the DM allowing the Longspear as a 1 Handed Exotic Weapon (cv. Bastard Sword). Shield Specialization ups AC, Improved Shield Bash for the knocking people around.

Take the Combat Expertise tree, as well as Dodge, Mobility, Spring Attack, and that feat from PHB2 that lets you knockback people with your shield.

-TRRW

 

[lukelightning]

Take a regular greek hop and then remove half the fat and calories.

 

[backbeat]

I think what you need is the Lunging Strike feat from PHB2. Full round action, 1 strike, +5ft reach.

 

[Gort]

There's the Shield and Pike Style feat, from Dragon Magazine. That'd get you a shield and a longspear. IIRC, there're a lot of good shield feats in PHBII, and some in CW.

Hm, it only allows the use of a light shield though, and I really wouldn't say the hoplon was a light shield. I may just mod it so it allows heavy shields when used with a longspear. (the longspear's a pretty subpar choice of weapon for a fighter usually, so being limited to that is a disadvantage that might make up for the strength of being able to use a heavy shield instead of a light one)

I think what you need is the Lunging Strike feat from PHB2. Full round action, 1 strike, +5ft reach.

That won't be too much use for him when he levels up, and he won't get AoOs when people charge him.

 

[Darklone]

That won't be too much use for him when he levels up, and he won't get AoOs when people charge him.

You watched 300? No AoOs when the enemies first charged the shieldwall either

 

[blargney the second]

Use the stats for a trident and just call it a spear.

 

[Henry]

Actually, back to the PHB2, where you get that feat (can't remember name) that lets you "choke up" on a reach weapon to use it in adjacent squares, and then monkey grip from complete warrior to allow a longspear in one hand at -2. Then, from the PHB2, look at all the shield specialization chain feats to get even more armor class and other bonuses from your shield.

Voila! one-man Greek Hoplite! Chances are you won't be running into many OTHER greek hoplites so he can do the formation thing, or I would recommend some feats from other sources that enhance that, too..

Now, if the DM only allows core rules, then he's going to be a bit substandard compared to other characters, but not by a lot.

 

[the_mighty_agrippa]

Weapon Focus [Longspear]
Weapon Specialization [Longspear]
Monkey Grip
Shield Specialization
Improved Shield Bash
Agile Shield Fighting

D&D doesn't really take this into account but ancient spears were notoriously prone to breaking in prolonged combat. Hoplites carried reserve weapons - short swords - as well. You know, if he needs additional flavor.