Theocrat
First Post
Hi all-
Below is my Soldier core class. I'm starting a new Military themed campaign with my players, and am requiring them to start out as this class and every 4th Character Level take 1 level of Solider. Of course, they can take Soldier levels at any other time as well.
Please let me know what you think.
I appreciate it.
Prelatel Soldier / Soldier
Prelatel Soldier: Soldier in the service of the Theocracy of the Pale w/ exceptional combat capability and is an adjusted AEG's Mercenaries Legionnaire class. For questions please review pg. 32-34 of that book.
Prelatel Soldiers are considered the best trained soldiers in the Flanaess. The military of the Theocracy of the Pale had grown in strength and training during the Greyhawk Wars of CY 585. With their powerful position, they grew to prominence in the early 590's, and when the United Kingdom of Ahlissa began the Hegemony Wars in 593, the Theocracy of the Pale joined in with its attack on the forces of Iuz and the Bandit Kingdoms in the former lands of Tenh. With its victories mounting, and attack on Nyrond and the Urnst States went forward. With the powerful military leading the way, the Pale entered into an expansionism period and renaming itself the Imperial Theocracy of the Pale.
These Prelatel Soldiers are skilled at marching and drilling in formation. When fighting as a unit they can easily break enemy formations, using the skills of their former soldiers to provide openings others would miss. With their shield skills, they can withstand powerful charges by enemies and make excellent defenders.
Adventures: Soldiers are usually either still in the service of the Pale's military under special operations or have left service. However, some entire troops have left service and formed themselves formidable mercenary company's. Even when not fighting with their unit, Soldiers still retain their training and can easily adapt to new companions.
Characteristics: Soldiers share the combat prowess of standard fighters but have specialized training which grants them many advantages. Soldiers of the Prelatel Army often wear light or medium armor and depend upon a shield and occasionally use hand-held ranged weapons, like spears or javelins, which they throw before charging into melee combat.
Alignment: Although the typical soldier ranges in alignment, the Prelatel Soldier is almost always Lawful and typically Lawful Neutral or Good. However, Lawful Evil members have joined and done extremely well, they are typically not liked by the enlisted men, as they usually hand out harsher punishments. Neutral Good and True Neutral members have joined the Prelatel Army, usually for the benefits of companionship and training. Chaotic members are barred from joining the Prelatel Army.
Religion: The Prelatel Army is the military strong arm of the Church of the One True Path of Pholtus of the Imperial Theocracy of the Pale and as such, all members must openly worship Pholtus as the church does. However, there are some that are brave enough to secretly worship other more combative deities.
Background: Soldiers come from nearly any background, however many new recruits to the Pale are the former Flan of Tenh. With the demise of Tenh by the forces of Iuz and later the orc's and hobgoblins of Sil-Krag, many crossed the Palish borders. With the swelling of raw recruits, the Army grew in size and strength. With the recent occupation of the majority of Nyrond, and the spread of the faith of the One True Path throughout the Flanaess, many new members are flocking from across the lands.
Races: Any race can become a soldier provided they can pass basic training. However, being that the Pale is very humanocentric, as well as prejudice, the majority of the recruits are human. Orc's, half-orc's, elves and half-elves are races in which the Army is currently at war with, however, many orc's and half-orc's have no problems with fighting against their own kind are extremely useful in such encounters. Elves and half-elves, when not opposed to doing so, are used to fight the Elves of the Phostwood, however, due their nature, many request duty away from that situation and nearer the battle lines against humans and orc's.
Other Classes: Prelatel Soldiers are considered a favored class of any race, and as such are not penalized for multiple other classes, due to the constant peasant levies called upon many citizens. Once training and military exercises have been ingrained, they cannot be forgotten. Raising in levels as a Soldier also provides military rank (see below).
Game Rule Information
Abilities: Strength is the prime requisite for Soldiers because it improves their attack and damage rolls. Constitution is important with their constant marching and carrying heavy loads. Dexterity is important for those Soldiers that become involved with special operations.
Alignment: LN, LG, LE, NG, TN
Hit Dice: d10
Class Skills: Diplomacy, Handle Animal, Heal, Hide, Knowledge - Religion, Ride, Survival
Skill Points: 2 + Int Mod (x4 for 1st level) per level
Class Features
Weapon & Armor Proficiency: Soldiers are proficient with all simple and martial weapons, with both light and medium armor and will shields.
Formation Fighting: When Soldiers fight in formation, all members of the Formation gain +2 morale bonus to attack rolls and +2 circumstance bonus to AC. Formation is defined as two or more Soldiers fighting in adjacent squares. This bonus applies to thrown weapons as well. Facing need not be the same. If a non-Soldier ally is in an adjacent square, the Soldier is still able to utilize his training, but at a reduced +1 attack and AC bonus, while the ally does not.
Military Rank: As with all things, rank has its privileges. A Soldier is considered a higher rank than other members of the military (usually peasant levies) due to their training and expertise. At 1st level the Soldier is promoted to the rank of Corporal, 3rd level they are promoted to Sergeant, 5th level Master Sergeant, and 7th level to Chief Warrant Officer. At 10th level, the Soldier is considered to become an Officer, and attains the rank of Lieutenant. At 12th level Captain is attained, a 15th level Soldier has become a Marshal and at 18th level a Commandant. At 20th level, the Soldier has become a General and typically no longer leads men into battle. At each promotion, there is added benefits such as higher pay, ability to requisition items and manpower, as well as many other things. However, politics is usually considered the drawback to any promotion.
Table 1-1: The Prelatel Soldier
Level Base Attack Fort Save Ref Save Will Save Special
1 +1 +2 +0 +0 Formation Fighting, Military Rank
2 +2 +3 +0 +0 Endurance, Pack March
3 +3 +3 +1 +1 Military Rank
4 +4 +4 +1 +1 Bonus Feat
5 +5 +4 +1 +1 Military Rank
6 +6/+1 +5 +2 +2 Leatherback
7 +7/+2 +5 +2 +2 Bonus Feat, Military Rank
8 +8/+3 +6 +2 +2 Pack March
9 +9/+4 +6 +3 +3 Improved Charge
10 +10/+5 +7 +3 +3 Bonus Feat, Military Rank
11 +11/+6/+1 +7 +3 +3
12 +12/+7/+ 2 +8 +4 +4 Promotion, Military Rank
13 +13/+8/+ 3 +8 +4 +4 Bonus Feat
14 +14/+9 /+4 +9 +4 +4 Pack March
15 +15 /+10/+5 +9 +5 +5 Superior Charge, Military Rank
16 +16/+11/+6+/+1 +10 +5 +5 Bonus Feat
17 +17/+12/+7/+2 +10 +5 +5
18 +18/+13/+8/+3 +11 +6 +6 Military Rank
19 +19/+14/+9/+4 +11 +6 +6 Bonus Feat
20 +20/+15/+10/+5 +12 +6 +6
Pack March: At 2nd level, the Soldier is so accustomed to marching with a full pack and gear that when determining carrying capacity, the character is considered to have +2 Strength. This bonus increases to +4 at 8th level and +6 at 14th level.
Bonus Feat: at 4th level, a Soldier gains a bonus feat in addition to any additional feats granted at that level. The Soldier gains additional beats every three levels thereafter (4, 7, 10, 13, 16, and 19). These bonus feats must be drawn from the following list: Armor Proficiency: Heavy, Armor Focus, All or Nothing, Assault Formation, Blind-Fighting, Combat Reflexes, Exotic Weapon Proficiency*, Great Fortitude, Improved Critical*, Improved Initiative, Iron Will (Continue the Fight), Phalanx, Power Attack (Cleave, Improved Bull Rush), Sunder, Great Cleave, Two Weapon Fighting (Improved Two Weapon Fighting) Weapon Focus*, and Weapon Specialization*.
Some of the bonus feats available to a Soldier cannot be acquired until he has obtained one or more prerequisites feats; these feats are listed parenthetically after the prerequisite feat. He can select feats marked with an asterisk (*) more than once, but must be for a different weapon each time. He must still meet all prerequisites for a feat, including ability score and base attack bonus minimums.
Note that these feats are in addition to the feat that a character of any class gains every three levels.
Leatherback: At 6th level, the Soldier is so accustomed to wearing light or medium armor that his skin has become hardened. As such, the Soldier can choose between increasing their natural armor class by 1 or by adding 3 additional hit points. These abilities are similar to the feats Improved Natural Armor and Toughness and stack with those feats.
Weapon Specialization: Upon attaining 6th level or higher, as a feat, the Soldier may take Weapon Specialization. Weapon Specialization adds a +2 damage bonus with a chosen weapon. He must have Weapon Focus with that weapon to take Weapon Specialization. The Soldier may take this feat as a bonus feat or as a regular level advancement feat. All other aspects of this ability are per the feat.
Improved Charge: At 9th level, the Prelatel Soldier, when attacking using an improved charge, he gains a +2 morale bonus to his attack roll and does not suffer the -2 AC penalty. Furthermore, he may make a second melee attack.
Promotion: As an Officer of the Prelatel Army, the rank of Captain is bestowed upon the Soldier and is granted the Leadership feat, or is granted a +2 bonus to their leadership score if Leadership is already had.
Superior Charge: At 15th level, the Soldiers target of a charge attack suffers a morale penalty to attack rolls, weapon damage, and saving throws against the Soldier equal to the Soldiers Charisma modifier for 4 rounds. As long as the Soldier is charging, he may do so any number of times per day.
Below is my Soldier core class. I'm starting a new Military themed campaign with my players, and am requiring them to start out as this class and every 4th Character Level take 1 level of Solider. Of course, they can take Soldier levels at any other time as well.
Please let me know what you think.
I appreciate it.
Prelatel Soldier / Soldier
Prelatel Soldier: Soldier in the service of the Theocracy of the Pale w/ exceptional combat capability and is an adjusted AEG's Mercenaries Legionnaire class. For questions please review pg. 32-34 of that book.
Prelatel Soldiers are considered the best trained soldiers in the Flanaess. The military of the Theocracy of the Pale had grown in strength and training during the Greyhawk Wars of CY 585. With their powerful position, they grew to prominence in the early 590's, and when the United Kingdom of Ahlissa began the Hegemony Wars in 593, the Theocracy of the Pale joined in with its attack on the forces of Iuz and the Bandit Kingdoms in the former lands of Tenh. With its victories mounting, and attack on Nyrond and the Urnst States went forward. With the powerful military leading the way, the Pale entered into an expansionism period and renaming itself the Imperial Theocracy of the Pale.
These Prelatel Soldiers are skilled at marching and drilling in formation. When fighting as a unit they can easily break enemy formations, using the skills of their former soldiers to provide openings others would miss. With their shield skills, they can withstand powerful charges by enemies and make excellent defenders.
Adventures: Soldiers are usually either still in the service of the Pale's military under special operations or have left service. However, some entire troops have left service and formed themselves formidable mercenary company's. Even when not fighting with their unit, Soldiers still retain their training and can easily adapt to new companions.
Characteristics: Soldiers share the combat prowess of standard fighters but have specialized training which grants them many advantages. Soldiers of the Prelatel Army often wear light or medium armor and depend upon a shield and occasionally use hand-held ranged weapons, like spears or javelins, which they throw before charging into melee combat.
Alignment: Although the typical soldier ranges in alignment, the Prelatel Soldier is almost always Lawful and typically Lawful Neutral or Good. However, Lawful Evil members have joined and done extremely well, they are typically not liked by the enlisted men, as they usually hand out harsher punishments. Neutral Good and True Neutral members have joined the Prelatel Army, usually for the benefits of companionship and training. Chaotic members are barred from joining the Prelatel Army.
Religion: The Prelatel Army is the military strong arm of the Church of the One True Path of Pholtus of the Imperial Theocracy of the Pale and as such, all members must openly worship Pholtus as the church does. However, there are some that are brave enough to secretly worship other more combative deities.
Background: Soldiers come from nearly any background, however many new recruits to the Pale are the former Flan of Tenh. With the demise of Tenh by the forces of Iuz and later the orc's and hobgoblins of Sil-Krag, many crossed the Palish borders. With the swelling of raw recruits, the Army grew in size and strength. With the recent occupation of the majority of Nyrond, and the spread of the faith of the One True Path throughout the Flanaess, many new members are flocking from across the lands.
Races: Any race can become a soldier provided they can pass basic training. However, being that the Pale is very humanocentric, as well as prejudice, the majority of the recruits are human. Orc's, half-orc's, elves and half-elves are races in which the Army is currently at war with, however, many orc's and half-orc's have no problems with fighting against their own kind are extremely useful in such encounters. Elves and half-elves, when not opposed to doing so, are used to fight the Elves of the Phostwood, however, due their nature, many request duty away from that situation and nearer the battle lines against humans and orc's.
Other Classes: Prelatel Soldiers are considered a favored class of any race, and as such are not penalized for multiple other classes, due to the constant peasant levies called upon many citizens. Once training and military exercises have been ingrained, they cannot be forgotten. Raising in levels as a Soldier also provides military rank (see below).
Game Rule Information
Abilities: Strength is the prime requisite for Soldiers because it improves their attack and damage rolls. Constitution is important with their constant marching and carrying heavy loads. Dexterity is important for those Soldiers that become involved with special operations.
Alignment: LN, LG, LE, NG, TN
Hit Dice: d10
Class Skills: Diplomacy, Handle Animal, Heal, Hide, Knowledge - Religion, Ride, Survival
Skill Points: 2 + Int Mod (x4 for 1st level) per level
Class Features
Weapon & Armor Proficiency: Soldiers are proficient with all simple and martial weapons, with both light and medium armor and will shields.
Formation Fighting: When Soldiers fight in formation, all members of the Formation gain +2 morale bonus to attack rolls and +2 circumstance bonus to AC. Formation is defined as two or more Soldiers fighting in adjacent squares. This bonus applies to thrown weapons as well. Facing need not be the same. If a non-Soldier ally is in an adjacent square, the Soldier is still able to utilize his training, but at a reduced +1 attack and AC bonus, while the ally does not.
Military Rank: As with all things, rank has its privileges. A Soldier is considered a higher rank than other members of the military (usually peasant levies) due to their training and expertise. At 1st level the Soldier is promoted to the rank of Corporal, 3rd level they are promoted to Sergeant, 5th level Master Sergeant, and 7th level to Chief Warrant Officer. At 10th level, the Soldier is considered to become an Officer, and attains the rank of Lieutenant. At 12th level Captain is attained, a 15th level Soldier has become a Marshal and at 18th level a Commandant. At 20th level, the Soldier has become a General and typically no longer leads men into battle. At each promotion, there is added benefits such as higher pay, ability to requisition items and manpower, as well as many other things. However, politics is usually considered the drawback to any promotion.
Table 1-1: The Prelatel Soldier
Level Base Attack Fort Save Ref Save Will Save Special
1 +1 +2 +0 +0 Formation Fighting, Military Rank
2 +2 +3 +0 +0 Endurance, Pack March
3 +3 +3 +1 +1 Military Rank
4 +4 +4 +1 +1 Bonus Feat
5 +5 +4 +1 +1 Military Rank
6 +6/+1 +5 +2 +2 Leatherback
7 +7/+2 +5 +2 +2 Bonus Feat, Military Rank
8 +8/+3 +6 +2 +2 Pack March
9 +9/+4 +6 +3 +3 Improved Charge
10 +10/+5 +7 +3 +3 Bonus Feat, Military Rank
11 +11/+6/+1 +7 +3 +3
12 +12/+7/+ 2 +8 +4 +4 Promotion, Military Rank
13 +13/+8/+ 3 +8 +4 +4 Bonus Feat
14 +14/+9 /+4 +9 +4 +4 Pack March
15 +15 /+10/+5 +9 +5 +5 Superior Charge, Military Rank
16 +16/+11/+6+/+1 +10 +5 +5 Bonus Feat
17 +17/+12/+7/+2 +10 +5 +5
18 +18/+13/+8/+3 +11 +6 +6 Military Rank
19 +19/+14/+9/+4 +11 +6 +6 Bonus Feat
20 +20/+15/+10/+5 +12 +6 +6
Pack March: At 2nd level, the Soldier is so accustomed to marching with a full pack and gear that when determining carrying capacity, the character is considered to have +2 Strength. This bonus increases to +4 at 8th level and +6 at 14th level.
Bonus Feat: at 4th level, a Soldier gains a bonus feat in addition to any additional feats granted at that level. The Soldier gains additional beats every three levels thereafter (4, 7, 10, 13, 16, and 19). These bonus feats must be drawn from the following list: Armor Proficiency: Heavy, Armor Focus, All or Nothing, Assault Formation, Blind-Fighting, Combat Reflexes, Exotic Weapon Proficiency*, Great Fortitude, Improved Critical*, Improved Initiative, Iron Will (Continue the Fight), Phalanx, Power Attack (Cleave, Improved Bull Rush), Sunder, Great Cleave, Two Weapon Fighting (Improved Two Weapon Fighting) Weapon Focus*, and Weapon Specialization*.
Some of the bonus feats available to a Soldier cannot be acquired until he has obtained one or more prerequisites feats; these feats are listed parenthetically after the prerequisite feat. He can select feats marked with an asterisk (*) more than once, but must be for a different weapon each time. He must still meet all prerequisites for a feat, including ability score and base attack bonus minimums.
Note that these feats are in addition to the feat that a character of any class gains every three levels.
Leatherback: At 6th level, the Soldier is so accustomed to wearing light or medium armor that his skin has become hardened. As such, the Soldier can choose between increasing their natural armor class by 1 or by adding 3 additional hit points. These abilities are similar to the feats Improved Natural Armor and Toughness and stack with those feats.
Weapon Specialization: Upon attaining 6th level or higher, as a feat, the Soldier may take Weapon Specialization. Weapon Specialization adds a +2 damage bonus with a chosen weapon. He must have Weapon Focus with that weapon to take Weapon Specialization. The Soldier may take this feat as a bonus feat or as a regular level advancement feat. All other aspects of this ability are per the feat.
Improved Charge: At 9th level, the Prelatel Soldier, when attacking using an improved charge, he gains a +2 morale bonus to his attack roll and does not suffer the -2 AC penalty. Furthermore, he may make a second melee attack.
Promotion: As an Officer of the Prelatel Army, the rank of Captain is bestowed upon the Soldier and is granted the Leadership feat, or is granted a +2 bonus to their leadership score if Leadership is already had.
Superior Charge: At 15th level, the Soldiers target of a charge attack suffers a morale penalty to attack rolls, weapon damage, and saving throws against the Soldier equal to the Soldiers Charisma modifier for 4 rounds. As long as the Soldier is charging, he may do so any number of times per day.
