This level 1 Sohei is designed to withstand intense physical assaults with advanced defensive capabilities. Utilizing a heavy shield and shortsword, this build focuses on keeping foes at bay. Initial feats like Weapon Focus (Shortsword), Endurance, Diehard, and Servant of Heaven enhance survivability and combat skills. With an above-average Strength and solid Constitution, the Sohei proves to be a formidable shield-bearer right from the start.
Stat Block Level 1:
Unnamed: male, human Sohei 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d10+2; hp 15; Init 2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 16, touch 12, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +1; Grp +4; Atk shortsword +4 melee (1d6+3/19-20) or heavy shield bash +4 melee (1d4+3); Full Atk shortsword +4 melee (1d6+3/19-20); SA Ki-Frenzy 1/day; SQ; AL Lawful Good; SV Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +1; Str 16, Dex 14, Con 15, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 10.
Ki-Frenzy 1/day – The Sohei can enter a state of increased combat efficiency. This grants additional attacks, power, or speed for a limited time.
Possessions: heavy shield, shortsword, armor as affordable.
The Sohei build at level 5 is a resilient defender capable of standing firm against strong foes. With a focus on defense and durability, this character excels at holding the line in battle. The addition of Phalanx Fighting enhances teamwork efficacy, while defensive abilities bolster survivability. Despite their drawbacks due to the Shaky and Murky Eyed flaws, their strengths lie in their ability to withstand and counter assaults.
Stat Block Level 5:
Unnamed: male, human Sohei 5; CR 5; Medium Humanoid (Human); HD 5d10+5; hp 42; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 12, flat-footed 18; Base Atk +5; Grp +8; Atk Shortsword +9 melee (1d6+3/19–20) or Javelin +7 ranged (1d6+3); Full Atk Shortsword +9 melee (1d6+3/19–20); SA Ki-Frenzy 3/day; SQ Strength of Mind, Mettle; AL Lawful Neutral; SV Fort +6, Ref +4, Will +3; Str 16, Dex 14, Con 15, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Listen 5; Weapon Focus (Shortsword), Endurance, Diehard, Servant of Heaven, Toughness, Deflect Arrows, Phalanx Fighting, Remain Conscious, Power Attack.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Ki-Frenzy 3/day (allows for extra attacks), Strength of Mind (added focus against mental intrusions), Mettle (reduces damage from effects).
Possessions: Heavy shield, shortsword, javelins, chainmail armor.
The Sohei at level 10 is a defensive powerhouse with the Defender of Sealtiel’s abilities enhancing its battlefield control. Using its shield as both a weapon and a bulwark, combined with feats like Phalanx Fighting, it can absorb significant damage and keep allies safe. Equipped with a heavy shield, shortsword, and the best available armor, it stands immovable in combat.
Stat Block Level 10:
Sohei: male, human Sohei 10; CR 10; Medium humanoid (human); HD 10d10+30; hp 85; Init +2; Spd 20 ft.; AC 23, touch 12, flat-footed 21; Base Atk +10; Grp +13; Atk shortsword +13 melee (1d6+4/19-20) or shield bash +13 melee (1d3+4); Full Atk shortsword +13/+8 melee (1d6+4/19-20) and shield bash +11 melee (1d3+2); SA Ki-Frenzy 3/Day; SQ Endurance, Diehard, Strength of Mind, Mettle; AL Lawful Neutral; SV Fort +10, Ref +7, Will +7; Str 18, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 10.
Ki-Frenzy 3/Day allows extra attacks, Mettle for partial saves, Defensive Strike boosts attack when defending allies.
Possessions: Heavy shield, shortsword, superior armor.
At level 15, this character is a stalwart sentinel, capable of withstanding powerful blows and retaliating effectively. The Sohei Phalanx Leader[1] fuses offensive and defensive prowess. With a combination of physical resilience and tactical strength, aided by the Defender of Sealtiel’s abilities, this build excels in controlling the battlefield. The Defensive Stance allows them to stand unwavering, while feats like Improved Shield Bash and Phalanx Fighting bolster both defense and offense.
Stat Block Level 15:
Unnamed Sohei Phalanx: male, human Sohei 10/Defender of Sealtiel 5; CR 15; Medium humanoid; HD 15d10+3d12+45; hp 135; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 25, touch 12, flat-footed 25; Base Atk +15; Grp +18; Atk shortsword +20 melee (1d6+3/19-20) or Heavy Shield Bash +18 melee (1d4+3/19-20); Full Atk shortsword +20/+15/+10 melee (1d6+3/19-20) or Heavy Shield Bash +18/+13/+8 melee (1d4+3/19-20); SA Improved Bullrush, Power Attack; SQ Ki-Frenzy 3/Day, Mettle, Defensive Stance 3/Day; AL Lawful Good; SV Fort +15, Ref +7, Will +10; Str 18, Dex 14, Con 15, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 10.
Possessions: A heavy shield, shortsword, and the best armor you can afford.
The Sohei-Defender of Sealtiel build shines as a defensive powerhouse at level 20. With defensive stances, improved shield techniques, and endurance feats, the character becomes nearly immovable on the battlefield, providing a strong support and protection role to allies. The character embraces a blend of offensive and defensive capabilities, using a shortsword and a heavy shield to hold ground efficiently.
Stat Block Level 20:
Unnamed: male, human Sohei 10/Defender of Sealtiel 10; CR 20; Medium humanoid (human); HD 10d10+10d12+45; hp 206; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 28, touch 15, flat-footed 26; Base Atk +18; Grp +21; Atk +24 melee (shortsword 1d6+4) or +20 ranged; Full Atk +24/+19/+14/+9 melee (shortsword 1d6+4); SA Ki-Frenzy, Defensive Strike, Power Attack; SQ Defensive Stance 5/Day, Shield of Faith, Protective Aura 3/Day, Mettle, Magic Circle, Blood of the Martyr; AL LG; SV Fort +20, Ref +8, Will +10; Str 20, Dex 14, Con 18, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 10.
Possessions: Shortsword, heavy shield, the best armor affordable.
Milestones Of Character Development
Levels 1-5: The character solidifies their foundation with Weapon Focus (Shortsword) and defensive skills like Endurance and Diehard from the start. Mastery in Ki-Frenzy provides a unique edge in combat with extra attacks.
Levels 6-10: The addition of Defensive Strike and Mettle enhances survival abilities. Power Attack increases offensive potential, and Improved Bullrush allows better tactical positioning.
Levels 11-15: Transitioning into a Defender of Sealtiel, gaining Defensive Stance enhances battlefield control. Improved Shield Bash further bolsters defense, while Shock Trooper adds tactical aggression.
Levels 16-20: The capstone powers of the Defender of Sealtiel are achieved, with frequent use of Defensive Stance and Protective Aura. Improved Initiative ensures first strikes, maintaining battlefield dominance.
Core Abilities & Features of the Phalanx
Ki-Frenzy and Phalanx Fighting: At the heart of the Sohei’s martial capabilities is the Ki-Frenzy ability. Allowing multiple attacks in a single round enforces the Sohei’s role as both aggressor and shield-bearer. Phalanx Fighting, taken early in their development, enhances this further by granting powerful support when standing shoulder-to-shoulder with allies. This synergy enables the creation of an indomitable stronghold on the battlefield, making it difficult for opponents to breach their defenses.
Defensive Stance and Special Abilities: Transitioning into the Defender of Sealtiel at higher levels, the character gains Defensive Stance, turning them into a veritable fortress when needed most. Coupled with abilities like Shock Trooper and Improved Bullrush, the Phalanx Leader[1] can stand resiliently amidst chaos while directing the flow of combat in their favor. These skills, combined with the Defender’s tenacity, ensure that no assault can shake their resolve.
Tactical Resource Management: The build’s strategic value is also seen in its utilization of feats like Power Attack and Improved Shield Bash. These feats grant the versatility to engage and repel foes effectively. Meanwhile, defensive spells such as Shield of Faith and Magic Circle underscore the defensive thematic while providing additional layers of protection, enhancing the overall durability of the Phalanx Leader[1].
Equipment Progression
Level Range
Equipment
Details
L1-5
Mithral Breastplate
Offers excellent protection with minimal armor check penalties, maintaining decent mobility. Obtain as quickly as resources allow.
L6-10
+1 Heavy Steel Shield
Enhance your shield’s defensive capability. This should be magically enhanced to increase your AC further.
L11-15
+2 Ghost Touch Shortsword
Ensures you’re ready for incorporeal foes. The enhancement bonus boosts your combat efficacy significantly.
L16-20
+3 Full Plate Armor
The pinnacle of protection. Provides maximum AC, perfect for operating as an immovable defender.
Combat Scenarios as a Phalanx
Dungeon Crawls:
In the tight, narrow corridors of a dungeon, this build shines by maximizing defensive capabilities. Utilize the Defensive Stance and Shield of Faith to block enemy paths and protect teammates. Lead with the Ki-Frenzy when necessary to clear obstacles or engage in close-quarters fights.
Open Fields:
Here, the Phalanx build leverages the open space to support allies through tactical positioning. Use Power Attack and Bull Rush to break enemy lines, while the Magic Circle enhances your team’s defenses against ranged threats.
Ambushes:
With the Improved Initiative feat, you react swiftly to unexpected threats. Immediately employ the Defensive Stance to absorb initial hits, allowing your allies to regroup and counterattack. Phalanx Fighting ensures collaborative defense and offense, creating an anchor for your party.
Defensive Stands:
Utilize the Protective Aura and Defensive Stance, literally becoming an immovable wall. With Improved Shield Bash, retaliate effectively while holding the line. This scenario plays to the build’s strength, relying on its resilience to outlast aggressive enemies.
Urban Encounters:
In city streets, use the environment to your advantage. Corner enemies and force tight engagements. Shock Trooper provides mobility, while Glory of the Martyr bolsters allies’ morale and strength. Blend civilian interaction with strategic control of choke points.
Weaknesses & Counters
Weakness
Counters
Low Initiative
Take the Improved Initiative feat to boost initiative by +4.
Limited Skills
Focus on maximizing Listen and possibly invest in equipment like a Circlet of Persuasion to boost skill checks by +3.
Blind Attacks (Murky Eyed Flaw)
Utilize items like Goggles of Night to improve vision in low-light conditions, giving 60 ft of darkvision.
Ranged Vulnerability
Equip with a Ring of Protection +2, which increases AC against ranged attacks.
Mobility Restriction
Use defensive stances strategically to manage positioning and limit vulnerability while stationary.
Shaky (Flaw causes -2 to ranged attacks)
Focus combat techniques on melee proficiency, and avoid reliance on ranged weaponry.
Low Dexterity Impacting AC
Adopt equipment such as Mithral Full Plate Armor to maintain high AC without penalties.
High Dependency on Defensive Stance
Train allies to protect and maintain support while stance is active to optimize efficacy.
Roleplaying as the Sohei Phalanx Leader
The core essence of the Sohei Phalanx Leader[1] lies in their unyielding resolve and strategic acumen on the battlefield. Emphasize your character’s steadfast demeanor and unwavering commitment to protect their allies. Your primary goal should be to embody the impenetrable wall, using your heavy shield as both a defensive bulwark and an offensive tool.
Consider portraying your character as a disciplined and calm individual, someone who values the camaraderie of teamwork and the strength of unity. This build thrives in the collective effort, where your allies can benefit from your Phalanx Fighting feats and defensive tactics. Roleplaying opportunities abound as you deliberate tactics, coordinate defensive stances, and occasionally remind your comrades of the importance of formation during skirmishes.
Themes and Motivations
Themes of honor, loyalty, and sacrifice are integral to this build. Your flaws, such as Shaky and Murky Eyed, illustrate vulnerability and challenge, reflecting personal hurdles that shape your protective nature. Engage with these flaws to add depth to your roleplaying. Your drive could stem from a desire to shield the innocent or perhaps a personal vow to a fallen comrade. Such motivations can ignite captivating narrative arcs, especially in moments when your defensive prowess turns the tide of battle.
Explore your character’s past and how their training as a Sohei influenced them. Have they always been inclined to protect, or was it a role thrust upon them by circumstance? Such inquiries help craft a layered persona, providing rich storytelling dynamics. Embrace these themes to enhance interactions with fellow adventurers and any NPCs you might encounter, fostering meaningful connections rooted in your character’s steadfast principles.
FAQ
How does the Sohei’s Ki-Frenzy enhance combat efficiency?
Ki-Frenzy allows multiple attacks per round for aggressive and defensive strategies. The Sohei can shield allies while dealing damage, enhancing tactical presence. This ability shines when opponents threaten to overwhelm your defenses. It’s powerful in close-quarters fights, providing versatility with attack actions. Mastery of Ki-Frenzy turns the Sohei into a force of nature.
What makes Phalanx Fighting crucial for a Sohei build?
Phalanx Fighting offers protective bonuses when adjacent to allies in combat. It transforms the Sohei into an unbreakable wall, vital for team-based tactics. The ability provides support and defense simultaneously. It enables positioning strategies, blocking pathways and securing allies’ flanks. Always be aware of team formation to optimize Phalanx benefits.
How do you choose equipment at different levels for a Sohei Phalanx?
Start with armor like Mithral Breastplate for minimal penalties and good protection. Upgrade to a +1 Heavy Steel Shield by mid-levels for more defensive power. A +2 Ghost Touch Shortsword comes at later stages, increasing efficiency against ghosts. Finish with Full Plate Armor offering pinnacle protection as the ultimate defensive measure.
What role does defensive stance play in combat scenarios?
Defensive Stance anchors the Sohei as an immovable force, securing combat areas. It turns the tide in ambushes, enduring initial barrages for the team. In dungeons, it blocks enemy progression, using corridors to strategic advantage. The stance is also essential for urban encounters, cornering foes efficiently. Rely on it during defensive stands to withstand fierce assaults.
How can roleplaying enhance the experience with a Sohei Phalanx Leader[1]?
Roleplay as a resilient and strategic warrior, reflecting steadfast protection ideals. Develop a backstory emphasizing loyalty, honor, and commitment to allies. Engage with personal flaws, adding depth to interactions and challenges faced. Draw from past experiences, focusing on training as a protective leader. Immerse yourself in themes of camaraderie and teamwork for engaging storytelling.
Join us at Stellar Dragons!
Try playing as an Sohei in your next game. Do you think the Sohei Phalanx could be the best build in D&D 3.5? Share your thoughts with fellow enthusiasts on the Stellar Dragons Discord server at https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7.
Writer, Editor, GM, Technologist – Andrew’s been playing TTRPGs since as far back as he can recall… at least sometime in the nineties… or was it the early 2000s?
It was the last match of the tournament before the finale. The bugbear’s assault was relentless, but the man’s shield would simply not move. The crowd held their collective breaths as they watched the bugbear, as he lost his patience shift into its bear form. After changing form Barebear charged the poor man. Surprisingly, though, the man would not be moved. With a powerful shield bash, he stopped the bear in its tracks. A quick blow from his shortsword, and he sent it rolling back in pain.
The battle was not over, but the man’s determination would not fail.
Race
Human
Class
Sohei 10/Defender of Sealtiel 10
Ability Scores
Str 16/Dex 14/Con 15/Int 10/Wis 12/Cha 10
Skills
Listen 5
Equipment
A heavy shield, a shortsword and the best armor you can afford.
Flaws
Shaky, Murky Eyed
Goal
The sohei strike people usually as a high mobility class, with its Ki-Frenzy ability to deal more attacks, but combine it with Phalanx Fighting(and hopefully your allies also take this feat for truly massive benefits), but the with all the defensive abilities of the Defender of Sealtiel, you can truly turn into an immovable wall, capable of absorbing the worst the battlefield throws at you.
Level
Class
HD
Feat
Special
1
Sohei
15
Weapon Focus(Shortsword), Endurance, Diehard, Servant of Heaven, Toughness
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