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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Priest_Sidran" data-source="post: 3484856" data-attributes="member: 30857">After doing some research on the subject of the Hoplite a standard fighter class (whether fighter from the PHB or a variant core class from elsewhere) would work for the basic stats. He really shouldn't go to far from the Phalanx fighting style however, because that is the key strength of the Hoplite. Weapon focus (longspear) + monkey grip or similar feats should allow a one handed profficiency with the two handed reach spear. Trouble is which spear to use. I said longspear but in truth a Hoplite spear is a double weapon (it has both a spear point, and a butt spike similar to a pointed mace head) The weapon was between 8 ft and 10 ft long and had a unique grip about mid point between to the two ends. The weapon was only used for thrusts, until it was broken, and then they pulled a Xiphos, or Lakonian Sword (somewhere between a Knife, and a Shortsword for the later). As someone said earlier the shield was indeed worn but it was not freely worn without the need of a hand. It had a complex grip that held the arm in a brace, which also ended in a grip to allow for more control. Called a "Corinthian" grip by some. So the spear would have to be wielded one handed IMHO a more accurate use of the weapon in most regards anyway. The easiest way to make a Hoplite is to write a homebrew, or wait for the 300 Spartans sourcebook which someone in the Publishers forum is seeking a writer for. Speculating on a Homebrew the class would have a decent HD, Good Fort, Ref and Have Shield Mastery, perhaps Fast Movement, Weapon focus as a first level bonus feat, Phalanx benefit abilities. A bonus on checks against knockback, or other similar ability would be appropriate.  Anyway since this is the wrong forum for this type of discussion I will leave off at this point but I recommend writing a class or having him write a class for you. Or there are a number of already written classes about on the Boards (not so much here as elsewhere) that would work for the class.I have treated my Hoplite spear IMC as a regular Longspear with a 1d6/1d4 damage (with the 1d4 beng bludgeoning). The weapon is called a Sarissa IMC and has reach.</blockquote>

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