the Spartan Elite PrC (ericSHINRA) [Archive] - Wizards Community

the Spartan Elite PrC (ericSHINRA) [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
ericSHINRA
03-21-07, 09:25 AM I'm sure I'm not the first to make a PRC based off the Spartans in the movie '300' and I wont be the last but I'd like to think this is a fairly decent representation of their fighting style. It's doubtable this class is suited for adventuring party's not consisting entirely of Spartan soldiers but was fun to make.

Note: I know this PRC is powerful. Please read the whole post and take notE of the 'Ex-Spartan Elite' section. Thank you.

SPARTAN ELITE
Hit Die: d12.

Requirements
To qualify to become a Spartan Elite, a character must fulfill all the following criteria.

Race: Human

Gender: Male

Alignment: Lawful Neutral

Base Attack Bonus: +6

Feats: Weapon Focus(Scimitar and Shortspear), Phalanx Fighting, Combat Reflexes, Hold the Line, Combat Expertise, Improved Shield Bash

Skills: Intimidate 9 ranks, Profession (Soldier) 5 ranks.

Special: Must have been trained from birth for war.

Class Skills
The defender’s class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Craft (Int), Climb (Str), Handle Animal (Cha), Heal (Wis), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Knowledge(History) (Nobility and Royalty) (Int), Listen (Wis), Profession (Wis), Sense Motive (Wis), Spot (Wis), Survival (Wis).

Skill Points at Each Level: 4 + Int modifier.

table: The Spartan Elite
Level BAB Fort Ref Will AC Bonus Special
1 +1 +2 +0 +0 +1 Fearless, Shield Bonus, Phalanx Stance 1/day
2 +2 +3 +0 +0 +1 Damage Reduction 2/-
3 +3 +3 +1 +1 +1 Phalanx Stance 2/day
4 +4 +4 +1 +1 +2 Damage Reduction 4/-
5 +5 +4 +1 +1 +2 Phalanx Stance 3/day
6 +6 +5 +2 +2 +2 Damage Reduction 6/-
7 +7 +5 +2 +2 +3 Phalanx Stance 4/day
8 +8 +6 +2 +2 +3 Damage Reduction 8/-, Mobile Defense
9 +9 +6 +3 +3 +3 Phalanx Stance 5/day
10 +10 +7 +3 +3 +4 Damage Reduction 10/-

Class Features

All of the following are Class Features of the Spartan Elite prestige class.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: A Spartan Elite is proficient with all simple and martial weapons, and all shields.

Fearless (Ex): At 1st level, the Spartan Elite gains immunity to fear and its effects. This only active while the Spartan is unarmored and unencumbered.

Shield Bonus (Ex): The Spartan Elite receives a shield bonus to Armor Class when unarmored and unencumbered that starts at +1 and improves as the Spartan Elite gain levels, until it reaches +4 at 10th level. When fighting in a shield wall, this bonus doubles. This only active while the Spartan is unarmored and unencumbered.

Phalanx Stance: When he adopts a Phalanx Stance with adjacent ally with whom he forms a shield wall, a Spartan Elite gains phenomenal strength and defensive ability, but he cannot move from the spot he is defending. He gains +4 to Strength, and a +4 shield bonus to AC. While in a phalanx stance, a Spartan Elite cannot use skills or abilities that would require him to shift his position. A Phalanx Stance lasts until the end of the encounter or until he moves from the space he's defending. A Spartan Elite may end his phalanx stance voluntarily prior to the end of the encounter. A Spartan Elite can only use his Phalanx Stance a certain number of times per day as determined by his level (see Table: The Spartan Elite). Using the Phalanx Stance takes no time itself, but a Spartan Elite can only do so during his action. This only active while the Spartan is unarmored and unencumbered.

Damage Reduction (Ex): At 2nd level, a Spartan Elite gains damage reduction. Subtract 2 point from the damage the Spartan Elite takes each time he is dealt damage. This damage reduction increases by 2 each even level after 2nd. At second, this damage reduction rises to 10/–. Damage reduction can reduce damage to 0 but not below 0. This only active while the Spartan is unarmored and unencumbered.

Mobile Defense (Ex): At 8th level, a Spartan Elite can adjust his position while maintaining a Phalanx Stance. While in a Phalanx Stance, he can take one 5-foot step each round without losing the benefit of the stance. This only active while the Spartan is unarmored and unencumbered.

Ex-Spartan Elites
A Spartan Elite who ceases to be lawful neutral, who flees from battle, surrenders, or is brought back to life through magical means loses all class features but not weapon, and shield proficiencies). He may not progress any farther in levels as a Spartan Elite.
nyluenatha
03-21-07, 10:18 AM For some reason, I really like the clause you put in their for ex-Spartan Elites that if they are magically brought back to life then they lose their class abilities. I think that's definitely a very cool addition.

All in all, I think the class is well-balanced and pretty sweet. Good job!
ericSHINRA
03-21-07, 10:32 AM For some reason, I really like the clause you put in their for ex-Spartan Elites that if they are magically brought back to life then they lose their class abilities. I think that's definitely a very cool addition.

All in all, I think the class is well-balanced and pretty sweet. Good job!

Thanks, I was trying to base that last point off their belief system seeing as I don't believe Leonidas would have much appreciated being brought back to life.

I have to get to class now but I'll add flavor text to back it up later.
Bhaal006
03-23-07, 04:23 PM HOLY-****, 10DR/- for 10 measly levels, barbarians everywhere are crying.

You realize a fighter can't take this prestige till levels 7 right.
maxxrox
03-23-07, 06:33 PM I'd suggest taking a look at Heroes of Battle. The mass-combat rules are in there.
ericSHINRA
03-23-07, 11:19 PM HOLY-****, 10DR/- for 10 measly levels, barbarians everywhere are crying.

You realize a fighter can't take this prestige till levels 7 right.

Yes, I know. I think your asking a question at least, I'd add the question mark in there if that be the case.

The high Damage Reduction is there to somewhat balance out the fact Spartan Elites cannot retreat, surrender or be brought back to life without losing ALL their class features.

I've seem worse abuses of DR in classes and PrCs on these boards.

Read the Ex-Spartan Elites Clause at the end of my post again.
Kardanok
04-02-07, 03:41 PM Nice job, it's interesting how you were able to balance out their power with the Ex-Spartan Elites ability. I also like the choice to increase AC as opposed to BAB, very unorthadox, but looks like it would work great.
ericSHINRA
04-02-07, 06:23 PM Thanks, though their BAB does increase as they level.
Kardanok
04-02-07, 07:16 PM O_o The chart seems to say that the BAB stays at +1 for the whole class.
ericSHINRA
04-02-07, 08:29 PM O_o The chart seems to say that the BAB stays at +1 for the whole class.

ACK! No idea how or why that happened.
Fixed.
Flymolo
04-03-07, 07:05 PM Why not just Crusaders or Warblades (tome of battle) with Phalanx Fighting and Shield Wall feats?
ericSHINRA
04-04-07, 05:03 PM Why not just Crusaders or Warblades (tome of battle) with Phalanx Fighting and Shield Wall feats?

Simply because I wanted to try my hand at making a decent Spartan PrC and while I do own Tome of Battle, I thought the fighting style of the Spartans in the movie '300' would be better suited for a specific PrC.

Do you just not like that he has to take levels in Fighter to qualify? From my experience, Fighter's are fine so long as members of the party work together and the Wizard/Cleric is buffing the Fighter, not themselves.
Raana
05-04-07, 02:43 AM I don't think a spartan would be a barbarian bard, rogue or anything but a fighter
Patinho_Amarelo
05-04-07, 09:17 AM I like the PrC, but, may be better, you make few mistakes, and i advice you change a little things

First--> I see Spartian Soldier like a Core Class, not Prestige class, becaus EVERY MAN IN SPARTA become one. (If survive of course)

Second--> Sure will have PrC between the Spartan, this will let more effective.

Third--> Historic, Spartan soldier are good in hide and move silently, why? They mus steal as young to survival, AND CAN´T BE CAUGHT. Spartan murder they slaves people (don´t remember the name) to pratice.

Fourth--> Put more tactical abilites, you put only few, and Spartan soldiers have the "superior tactical fighting"

Fifth--> Dra 10\- is A LOT, i advice put the Dr only in the stance, not all the time, that way is a good choice

Sixth--> The basica stance MUST give 5 feet steep, because Spartan don´t fighting stop, they walk all the time of battle.

Seventh--> When two spartans use stance, one of the side of another, must be an aditional bonus. they are expert in fight style with allies.

Eight--> You don´t put Knowledge (War) (Tactical)

Nine--> I believe wich the Alignment must be Lawful and something, not just neutral, because Spartan can be good or evil yet.

Ten--> For god safe, Focus in scimitar no. Spartan soldiers use short sword, not scimitar.

The Graphic Novels of Frank Miller is Awesome, but, you don´t need make historic mistakes, after all, the estetic of a novel, isn´t the same of one RPG Game. Respect the history, she will be greatful to you.

PS: I don´t remember all now, but i believe i put few interesant points to argument.
ericSHINRA
05-16-07, 11:38 PM I don't think a spartan would be a barbarian bard, rogue or anything but a fighter

Why the hate? The Fighter is so unloved.

But seriously, I can't see the a Spartan PRC as anything but lawful(Barbarian is out), they don't use any sort of magic(no Bard) and the d6 hit dice with lack of shield use does nothing for their combat prowess(no Rogue).

I like the PrC, but, may be better, you make few mistakes, and i advice you change a little things

First--> I see Spartian Soldier like a Core Class, not Prestige class, becaus EVERY MAN IN SPARTA become one. (If survive of course)

Second--> Sure will have PrC between the Spartan, this will let more effective.

Third--> Historic, Spartan soldier are good in hide and move silently, why? They mus steal as young to survival, AND CAN´T BE CAUGHT. Spartan murder they slaves people (don´t remember the name) to pratice.

Fourth--> Put more tactical abilites, you put only few, and Spartan soldiers have the "superior tactical fighting"

Fifth--> Dra 10\- is A LOT, i advice put the Dr only in the stance, not all the time, that way is a good choice

Sixth--> The basica stance MUST give 5 feet steep, because Spartan don´t fighting stop, they walk all the time of battle.

Seventh--> When two spartans use stance, one of the side of another, must be an aditional bonus. they are expert in fight style with allies.

Eight--> You don´t put Knowledge (War) (Tactical)

Nine--> I believe wich the Alignment must be Lawful and something, not just neutral, because Spartan can be good or evil yet.

Ten--> For god safe, Focus in scimitar no. Spartan soldiers use short sword, not scimitar.

The Graphic Novels of Frank Miller is Awesome, but, you don´t need make historic mistakes, after all, the estetic of a novel, isn´t the same of one RPG Game. Respect the history, she will be greatful to you.

PS: I don´t remember all now, but i believe i put few interesant points to argument.

Woah. You made a few spelling and grammer mistakes there, buddy. Kinda hard to understand but I gave it my best.

But yeah... I based it off the movie. If you want to make a PrC or Base Class based on historical fact, go ahead.

1. This class is supposed to represent the Elite Spartan Warrior, not the regulars.

2. Huh? If you think a base class is more suitable, why a PrC?

3. Not even going to try.

4. I could include a few more items I suppose but it seems fairly tactical to me... I'm not a soldier or war historian though, so I guess I wouldn't know? You?

5. It's a PrC which rewards the player who manages to keep his player from DYING for face SERIOUS consequences. Read the Ex-Spartan Elite clause, again.

6. Where did you read that? They never stop fighting, ever? What if they cant take that 5-foot step(as in the enemy occupying the next square on the battle grid)?

7. I thought I included that?

8. Not sure you understand what your trying to say.

9. I suppose they could be Evil, but they're certainly not good.

10. The swords used in the movie resembled the Scimitar more then the Shortsword.

Again, keep in mind I BASED IT OFF THE MOVIE and was not going for historical accuracy.
captianhowdy
05-17-07, 12:52 AM Try adding some new abilites and flavor. Seems like all you did really was take 2 abilities and power um up for 10 levels
ericSHINRA
05-17-07, 11:24 AM Try adding some new abilites and flavor. Seems like all you did really was take 2 abilities and power um up for 10 levels

There are five abilities actually but I suppose I could work in another. Any ideas?
BlackFiend
05-17-07, 11:36 AM Wouldn't a Spartan be a class than a presitge class.

Harking back to the movie 300, the 300 weren't all 8th to 18th level chars.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
ericSHINRA 03-21-07, 09:25 AM	I'm sure I'm not the first to make a PRC based off the Spartans in the movie '300' and I wont be the last but I'd like to think this is a fairly decent representation of their fighting style. It's doubtable this class is suited for adventuring party's not consisting entirely of Spartan soldiers but was fun to make. Note: I know this PRC is powerful. Please read the whole post and take notE of the 'Ex-Spartan Elite' section. Thank you. SPARTAN ELITE Hit Die: d12. Requirements To qualify to become a Spartan Elite, a character must fulfill all the following criteria. Race: Human Gender: Male Alignment: Lawful Neutral Base Attack Bonus: +6 Feats: Weapon Focus(Scimitar and Shortspear), Phalanx Fighting, Combat Reflexes, Hold the Line, Combat Expertise, Improved Shield Bash Skills: Intimidate 9 ranks, Profession (Soldier) 5 ranks. Special: Must have been trained from birth for war. Class Skills The defender’s class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Craft (Int), Climb (Str), Handle Animal (Cha), Heal (Wis), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Knowledge(History) (Nobility and Royalty) (Int), Listen (Wis), Profession (Wis), Sense Motive (Wis), Spot (Wis), Survival (Wis). Skill Points at Each Level: 4 + Int modifier. table: The Spartan Elite Level BAB Fort Ref Will AC Bonus Special 1 +1 +2 +0 +0 +1 Fearless, Shield Bonus, Phalanx Stance 1/day 2 +2 +3 +0 +0 +1 Damage Reduction 2/- 3 +3 +3 +1 +1 +1 Phalanx Stance 2/day 4 +4 +4 +1 +1 +2 Damage Reduction 4/- 5 +5 +4 +1 +1 +2 Phalanx Stance 3/day 6 +6 +5 +2 +2 +2 Damage Reduction 6/- 7 +7 +5 +2 +2 +3 Phalanx Stance 4/day 8 +8 +6 +2 +2 +3 Damage Reduction 8/-, Mobile Defense 9 +9 +6 +3 +3 +3 Phalanx Stance 5/day 10 +10 +7 +3 +3 +4 Damage Reduction 10/- Class Features All of the following are Class Features of the Spartan Elite prestige class. Weapon and Armor Proficiency: A Spartan Elite is proficient with all simple and martial weapons, and all shields. Fearless (Ex): At 1st level, the Spartan Elite gains immunity to fear and its effects. This only active while the Spartan is unarmored and unencumbered. Shield Bonus (Ex): The Spartan Elite receives a shield bonus to Armor Class when unarmored and unencumbered that starts at +1 and improves as the Spartan Elite gain levels, until it reaches +4 at 10th level. When fighting in a shield wall, this bonus doubles. This only active while the Spartan is unarmored and unencumbered. Phalanx Stance: When he adopts a Phalanx Stance with adjacent ally with whom he forms a shield wall, a Spartan Elite gains phenomenal strength and defensive ability, but he cannot move from the spot he is defending. He gains +4 to Strength, and a +4 shield bonus to AC. While in a phalanx stance, a Spartan Elite cannot use skills or abilities that would require him to shift his position. A Phalanx Stance lasts until the end of the encounter or until he moves from the space he's defending. A Spartan Elite may end his phalanx stance voluntarily prior to the end of the encounter. A Spartan Elite can only use his Phalanx Stance a certain number of times per day as determined by his level (see Table: The Spartan Elite). Using the Phalanx Stance takes no time itself, but a Spartan Elite can only do so during his action. This only active while the Spartan is unarmored and unencumbered. Damage Reduction (Ex): At 2nd level, a Spartan Elite gains damage reduction. Subtract 2 point from the damage the Spartan Elite takes each time he is dealt damage. This damage reduction increases by 2 each even level after 2nd. At second, this damage reduction rises to 10/–. Damage reduction can reduce damage to 0 but not below 0. This only active while the Spartan is unarmored and unencumbered. Mobile Defense (Ex): At 8th level, a Spartan Elite can adjust his position while maintaining a Phalanx Stance. While in a Phalanx Stance, he can take one 5-foot step each round without losing the benefit of the stance. This only active while the Spartan is unarmored and unencumbered. Ex-Spartan Elites A Spartan Elite who ceases to be lawful neutral, who flees from battle, surrenders, or is brought back to life through magical means loses all class features but not weapon, and shield proficiencies). He may not progress any farther in levels as a Spartan Elite.
nyluenatha 03-21-07, 10:18 AM	For some reason, I really like the clause you put in their for ex-Spartan Elites that if they are magically brought back to life then they lose their class abilities. I think that's definitely a very cool addition. All in all, I think the class is well-balanced and pretty sweet. Good job!
ericSHINRA 03-21-07, 10:32 AM	For some reason, I really like the clause you put in their for ex-Spartan Elites that if they are magically brought back to life then they lose their class abilities. I think that's definitely a very cool addition. All in all, I think the class is well-balanced and pretty sweet. Good job! Thanks, I was trying to base that last point off their belief system seeing as I don't believe Leonidas would have much appreciated being brought back to life. I have to get to class now but I'll add flavor text to back it up later.
Bhaal006 03-23-07, 04:23 PM	HOLY-****, 10DR/- for 10 measly levels, barbarians everywhere are crying. You realize a fighter can't take this prestige till levels 7 right.
maxxrox 03-23-07, 06:33 PM	I'd suggest taking a look at Heroes of Battle. The mass-combat rules are in there.
ericSHINRA 03-23-07, 11:19 PM	HOLY-****, 10DR/- for 10 measly levels, barbarians everywhere are crying. You realize a fighter can't take this prestige till levels 7 right. Yes, I know. I think your asking a question at least, I'd add the question mark in there if that be the case. The high Damage Reduction is there to somewhat balance out the fact Spartan Elites cannot retreat, surrender or be brought back to life without losing ALL their class features. I've seem worse abuses of DR in classes and PrCs on these boards. Read the Ex-Spartan Elites Clause at the end of my post again.
Kardanok 04-02-07, 03:41 PM	Nice job, it's interesting how you were able to balance out their power with the Ex-Spartan Elites ability. I also like the choice to increase AC as opposed to BAB, very unorthadox, but looks like it would work great.
ericSHINRA 04-02-07, 06:23 PM	Thanks, though their BAB does increase as they level.
Kardanok 04-02-07, 07:16 PM	O_o The chart seems to say that the BAB stays at +1 for the whole class.
ericSHINRA 04-02-07, 08:29 PM	O_o The chart seems to say that the BAB stays at +1 for the whole class. ACK! No idea how or why that happened. Fixed.
Flymolo 04-03-07, 07:05 PM	Why not just Crusaders or Warblades (tome of battle) with Phalanx Fighting and Shield Wall feats?
ericSHINRA 04-04-07, 05:03 PM	Why not just Crusaders or Warblades (tome of battle) with Phalanx Fighting and Shield Wall feats? Simply because I wanted to try my hand at making a decent Spartan PrC and while I do own Tome of Battle, I thought the fighting style of the Spartans in the movie '300' would be better suited for a specific PrC. Do you just not like that he has to take levels in Fighter to qualify? From my experience, Fighter's are fine so long as members of the party work together and the Wizard/Cleric is buffing the Fighter, not themselves.
Raana 05-04-07, 02:43 AM	I don't think a spartan would be a barbarian bard, rogue or anything but a fighter
Patinho_Amarelo 05-04-07, 09:17 AM	I like the PrC, but, may be better, you make few mistakes, and i advice you change a little things First--> I see Spartian Soldier like a Core Class, not Prestige class, becaus EVERY MAN IN SPARTA become one. (If survive of course) Second--> Sure will have PrC between the Spartan, this will let more effective. Third--> Historic, Spartan soldier are good in hide and move silently, why? They mus steal as young to survival, AND CAN´T BE CAUGHT. Spartan murder they slaves people (don´t remember the name) to pratice. Fourth--> Put more tactical abilites, you put only few, and Spartan soldiers have the "superior tactical fighting" Fifth--> Dra 10\- is A LOT, i advice put the Dr only in the stance, not all the time, that way is a good choice Sixth--> The basica stance MUST give 5 feet steep, because Spartan don´t fighting stop, they walk all the time of battle. Seventh--> When two spartans use stance, one of the side of another, must be an aditional bonus. they are expert in fight style with allies. Eight--> You don´t put Knowledge (War) (Tactical) Nine--> I believe wich the Alignment must be Lawful and something, not just neutral, because Spartan can be good or evil yet. Ten--> For god safe, Focus in scimitar no. Spartan soldiers use short sword, not scimitar. The Graphic Novels of Frank Miller is Awesome, but, you don´t need make historic mistakes, after all, the estetic of a novel, isn´t the same of one RPG Game. Respect the history, she will be greatful to you. PS: I don´t remember all now, but i believe i put few interesant points to argument.
ericSHINRA 05-16-07, 11:38 PM	I don't think a spartan would be a barbarian bard, rogue or anything but a fighter Why the hate? The Fighter is so unloved. But seriously, I can't see the a Spartan PRC as anything but lawful(Barbarian is out), they don't use any sort of magic(no Bard) and the d6 hit dice with lack of shield use does nothing for their combat prowess(no Rogue). I like the PrC, but, may be better, you make few mistakes, and i advice you change a little things First--> I see Spartian Soldier like a Core Class, not Prestige class, becaus EVERY MAN IN SPARTA become one. (If survive of course) Second--> Sure will have PrC between the Spartan, this will let more effective. Third--> Historic, Spartan soldier are good in hide and move silently, why? They mus steal as young to survival, AND CAN´T BE CAUGHT. Spartan murder they slaves people (don´t remember the name) to pratice. Fourth--> Put more tactical abilites, you put only few, and Spartan soldiers have the "superior tactical fighting" Fifth--> Dra 10\- is A LOT, i advice put the Dr only in the stance, not all the time, that way is a good choice Sixth--> The basica stance MUST give 5 feet steep, because Spartan don´t fighting stop, they walk all the time of battle. Seventh--> When two spartans use stance, one of the side of another, must be an aditional bonus. they are expert in fight style with allies. Eight--> You don´t put Knowledge (War) (Tactical) Nine--> I believe wich the Alignment must be Lawful and something, not just neutral, because Spartan can be good or evil yet. Ten--> For god safe, Focus in scimitar no. Spartan soldiers use short sword, not scimitar. The Graphic Novels of Frank Miller is Awesome, but, you don´t need make historic mistakes, after all, the estetic of a novel, isn´t the same of one RPG Game. Respect the history, she will be greatful to you. PS: I don´t remember all now, but i believe i put few interesant points to argument. Woah. You made a few spelling and grammer mistakes there, buddy. Kinda hard to understand but I gave it my best. But yeah... I based it off the movie. If you want to make a PrC or Base Class based on historical fact, go ahead. 1. This class is supposed to represent the Elite Spartan Warrior, not the regulars. 2. Huh? If you think a base class is more suitable, why a PrC? 3. Not even going to try. 4. I could include a few more items I suppose but it seems fairly tactical to me... I'm not a soldier or war historian though, so I guess I wouldn't know? You? 5. It's a PrC which rewards the player who manages to keep his player from DYING for face SERIOUS consequences. Read the Ex-Spartan Elite clause, again. 6. Where did you read that? They never stop fighting, ever? What if they cant take that 5-foot step(as in the enemy occupying the next square on the battle grid)? 7. I thought I included that? 8. Not sure you understand what your trying to say. 9. I suppose they could be Evil, but they're certainly not good. 10. The swords used in the movie resembled the Scimitar more then the Shortsword. Again, keep in mind I BASED IT OFF THE MOVIE and was not going for historical accuracy.
captianhowdy 05-17-07, 12:52 AM	Try adding some new abilites and flavor. Seems like all you did really was take 2 abilities and power um up for 10 levels
ericSHINRA 05-17-07, 11:24 AM	Try adding some new abilites and flavor. Seems like all you did really was take 2 abilities and power um up for 10 levels There are five abilities actually but I suppose I could work in another. Any ideas?
BlackFiend 05-17-07, 11:36 AM	Wouldn't a Spartan be a class than a presitge class. Harking back to the movie 300, the 300 weren't all 8th to 18th level chars.