The Sohei Veteran Soldier[1] at Level 1 is built for frontline combat with a focus on controlling the battlefield. Utilizing his reach with a glaive, this human Sohei wields Combat Reflexes and Stand Still to prohibit enemy movement. The Ki-Frenzy ability augments his combat prowess once per day, allowing for a formidable burst of strength.
Stat Block Level 1:
Veteran Soldier[1]: male, human Sohei 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d10+2; hp 12; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 16, touch 12, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +1; Grp +4; Atk glaive +4 melee (1d10+3/x3) or spiked gauntlet +4 melee (1d4+3/x2); Full Atk glaive +4 melee (1d10+3/x3) or spiked gauntlet +4 melee (1d4+3/x2); SA Ki-Frenzy 1/Day; SQ none; AL Lawful Neutral; SV Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +2; Str 16, Dex 15, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Sense Motive +6; Weapon Focus(Glaive), Combat Reflexes, Stand Still.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Ki-Frenzy allows an extra attack action once per day.
Possessions: glaive, spiked gauntlet, scale mail armor.
The Veteran Soldier[1] build at level 5 is focused on maintaining control over the battle using a combination of powerful melee attacks and tactical abilities. The Sohei abilities like Ki-Frenzy help boost combat output. Equipped with a glaive and spiked gauntlet, this character stands ready to dominate the battlefield. Stand Still feat ensures that enemies can’t easily move past their reach.
Stat Block Level 5:
Veteran Soldier[1]: male, human sohei 5; CR 5; Medium humanoid (human); HD 5d10+10; hp 45; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 18, touch 12, flat-footed 16; Base Atk +5; Grp +8; Atk glaive +8 melee (1d10+5/x3) or spiked gauntlet +7 melee (1d4+3); Full Atk glaive +8 melee (1d10+5/x3) and spiked gauntlet +7 melee (1d4+3); SA Ki-Frenzy 2/Day, Stand Still; SQ Strength of Mind, Remain Conscious; AL lawful neutral; SV Fort +6, Ref +4, Will +4; Str 16, Dex 15, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Sense Motive +4; Weapon Focus (Glaive), Combat Reflexes, Power Attack, Deflect Arrow, Stand Still, Cleave.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Ki-Frenzy allows quickened attacks twice a day. Strength of Mind enhances defense against mental effects.
At level 10, the character shows mastery in positioning and attack strategies, with additional skills provided through the Tactical Soldier class. The Sohei veteran is a formidable presence on the battlefield. By using a combination of reach weapons and tactical feats, he locks down opponents, preventing them from moving past and inflicting substantial damage with well-planned strikes.
Stat Block Level 10:
Veteran Soldier[1]: male, Human Sohei 7/Tactical Soldier 3; CR 10; Medium humanoid (Human); HD 10d10+20; hp 75; Init +2; Spd 30 ft; AC 20, touch 12, flat-footed 18; Base Atk +10; Grp +13; Atk Glaive +15 melee (1d10+5/x3) or Spiked Gauntlet +13 melee (1d4+3/20×2); Full Atk Glaive +15/+10 melee (1d10+5/x3) or Spiked Gauntlet +13/+8 melee (1d4+3/20×2); SA Ki-Frenzy 2/day; SQ Flanker, Interpose; AL Lawful Neutral; SV Fort +9, Ref +5, Will +6; Str 18, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Sense Motive +12; Weapon Focus (Glaive), Combat Reflexes, Stand Still, Power Attack, Deflect Arrow, Sidestep, Leap Attack.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Ki-Frenzy allows for a temporary boost to physical prowess; Through Flanker, the character gains tactical advantages when positioning with allies. Interpose allows for stepping into attacker’s path to defend allies.
Possessions: Masterwork Glaive, Spiked Gauntlet, Full Plate Armor.
The Level 15 Sohei/Tactical Soldier build excels in melee combat with a focus on controlling the battlefield using a glaive and Stand Still. With high Strength and feats like Great Cleave and Unbalancing Blow, he becomes a formidable opponent. Robilar’s Gambit and Leap Attack enhance tactical options, making him both a defensive powerhouse and an offensive threat.
Stat Block Level 15:
Veteran Soldier[1]: male, Human Sohei 7/Tactical Soldier 10; CR 15; Medium humanoid (human); HD 15d10+30; hp 112; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 21, touch 12, flat-footed 19; Base Atk +15; Grp +21; Atk +22 melee (glaive 1d10+9/×3) or +20 melee (spiked gauntlet 1d4+6); Full Atk +22/+17/+12 melee (glaive 1d10+9/×3) or +20/+15/+10 melee (spiked gauntlet 1d4+6); SA Ki-Frenzy 3/day, Cleave, Great Cleave, Leap Attack; SQ Stand Still, Flanker, Interpose, Defensive Strike, Defensive Shield, Unbalancing Blow; AL Lawful Neutral; SV Fort +13, Ref +9, Will +8; Str 20, Dex 15, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Sense Motive +2, Weapon Focus (Glaive), Combat Reflexes, Stand Still, Power Attack, Deflect Arrow, Remain Conscious, Strength of Mind, Cleave, Defensive Strike, Sidestep, Leap Attack, Robilar’s Gambit, Delayed Cleave, Great Cleave, Unbalancing Blow.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Great Cleave allows continued attacks in melee, Unbalancing Blow penalizes foe’s AC, Robilar’s Gambit draws attacks of opportunity when enemies strike.
Possessions: Glaive, spiked gauntlet, heavy armor (best available), standard adventuring gear.
This Sohei build is a lockdown specialist, utilizing a reach weapon and Combat Reflexes to control the battlefield. With Stand Still, opponents struggle to pass him, and his offensive capabilities are amplified by feats such as Great Cleave and Shock Trooper. Defensive abilities like Defensive Shield and Strength of Mind ensure sustainability in prolonged combat.
Stat Block Level 20:
Sohei Veteran: male, Human Sohei 7/Tactical Soldier 10/Human Paragon 3; CR 20; Medium Humanoid (Human); HD 20d10+40; hp 150; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 24, touch 12, flat-footed 22; Base Atk +20; Grp +23; Atk Glaive +25 melee (1d10+10/×3) or Spiked Gauntlet +22 melee (1d4+5); Full Atk Glaive +25/+20/+15/+10 melee (1d10+10/×3) or Spiked Gauntlet +22 melee (1d4+5); SA Ki-Frenzy, Strength of Mind, Defensive Strike, Offensive Strike, Unbalancing Blow, Reciprocal Strike; SQ Flanker, Interpose, Adaptive Learning; AL Lawful Neutral; SV Fort +16, Ref +12, Will +9; Str 22, Dex 15, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 10.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Sense Motive 25 ranks; Weapon Focus (Glaive), Combat Reflexes, Stand Still, Power Attack, Deflect Arrow, Remain Conscious, Cleave, Defensive Strike, Sidestep, Leap Attack, Robilar’s Gambit, Delayed Cleave, Great Cleave, Improved Bullrush, Shock Trooper.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Greatly enhanced reach and battlefield control with a focus on strength and tactical positioning. Defensive and Offensive Strikes allow versatility in both attack and defense.
Levels 1-5: Begin as a Sohei honing your combat reflexes and offensive ability. Weapon Focus with a glaive ensures efficient striking ability. Power Attack boosts damage dealing potential, while Combat Reflexes and Stand Still enable exceptional control over the battlefield. Ki-Frenzy offers a surge of fighting spirit, enhancing your attack capabilities under pressure.
Levels 6-10: Transitioning into a Tactical Soldier strengthens strategic engagement. New feats like Cleave and Defensive Strike increase efficiency in handling multiple foes. Sidestep and Leap Attack amplify maneuverability and offensive prowess. Flanker increases combat effectiveness through positioning, which is crucial during tactical skirmishes, while Interpose allows protection of allies or blocking opponents.
Levels 11-15: Develop into a commanding force on the battlefield with enhanced tactics. Robilar’s Gambit heightens your ability to counter-attack sharply. With moves like Great Cleave, eliminate swathes of foes at once. Defensive Shield allows for a solid defense and Delayed Cleave grants extended offensive momentum.
Levels 16-20: Capstone levels as Human Paragon, gaining unmatched strength and adaptability. Shock Trooper and Improved Bullrush offer aggressive repositioning capabilities on the battlefield, disrupting enemy lines. Adaptive Learning allows customization of skill emphasis, while reciprocal fighting techniques are refined.
Core Abilities & Features of the Veteran
The Sohei Veteran Soldier[1] build is a tour de force of tactical prowess and melee mastery. Starting as a Human Sohei, this build cranks up your battlefield presence with an eye on control, ensuring no enemy slips past your reach. Core to this setup is the combination of Combat Reflexes, Stand Still, and wielding a reach weapon like a glaive, creating an impenetrable zone of threat while dishing out remarkable damage.
At the heart of the Veteran Soldier[1]’s arsenal is Ki-Frenzy, a signature ability that powers up to three times a day by Sohei Level 7. This feature turns any warrior into a whirlwind of destructive potential. Meanwhile, feats like Power Attack and Cleave maximize damage output and swiftly eliminate multiple foes. As you progress through Tactical Soldier levels, features such as Defensive Strike and Robilar’s Gambit further enhance battlefield control, effectively turning enemy offenses against them.
The journey culminates with the Human Paragon levels, adding adaptive learning and tactical manuevers to maximize flexibility and power on the battlefield. Feats like Improved Bull Rush and Shock Trooper turn the Sohei into a dynamic force against any adversary, while strength increases enhance physical prowess perpetually. This build isn’t just about brute force; it’s about creating an indomitable wall that dictates engagement terms, making it a top-tier choice for any strategic melee combatant in D&D 3.5.
Includes equipment progression and combat scenarios enhancing battlefield role versatility.
Equipment Progression
Level Range
Equipment
Details
L1-5
Masterwork Glaive
Provides +1 to attack rolls; essential for the early levels.
L1-5
Chain Shirt
Offers good balance of protection and mobility; +4 AC bonus.
L6-10
+1 Glaive
Enchanted glaive enhances damage capacity; critical for mid-level battles.
L6-10
+1 Spiked Gauntlet
Backup weapon with multifunctional use; useful when engaged in close combat.
L6-10
Breastplate
Superior mobility and protection; +6 AC bonus without hefty movement penalties.
L11-15
+2 Glaive
Further enhancement boosts attack rolls and damage output; critical for higher stakes combat.
L11-15
Mithral Breastplate
Lighter armor with better agility; retains +6 AC bonus with reduced weight.
L16-20
+3 Glaive with Keen
High critical hit potential due to wider critical range; facilitates massive damage output.
L16-20
+3 Spiked Gauntlet
Further improves damage and proficiency in close-quarters combat.
Combat Scenarios as a Veteran
Dungeon Crawls:
Use Standstill and Combat Reflexes with the glaive to control narrow corridors. Maximize the reach to prevent foes from advancing. Exploit Protection against traps and lurking enemies by maintaining a defensive posture through Ki-Frenzy.
Open Fields:
Utilize Leap Attack for increased mobility and Robilar’s Gambit for punishing attacks. Protect ranged allies by drawing foes into your reach-based control area and applying significant pressure on key targets across the battleground.
Ambushes:
React using Sidestep to evade surprise attacks, then engage with quick strikes in Defensive Strike mode. Prioritize any visible leaders or spellcasters, leveraging your spiked gauntlet for close-quarter retribution.
Defensive Stands:
Lock down strategic points using Interpose and Defensive Shield abilities. Maintain vigil over potential chokepoints, ensuring enemies are unable to advance past your fortified position, augmenting allies nearby.
Urban Encounters:
Employ Shock Trooper tactics to navigate crowded environments, harnessing walls and obstacles to your advantage. Use Improved Bullrush to reposition foes, creating operational space for tactical maneuvers.
Weaknesses & Counters
Weakness
Counter
Limited Range Attacks
Equip a composite longbow to benefit from STR modifier bonus.
Low Hit Points
Use a Ring of Protection to improve AC, reducing received damage.
Weak to Magic
Consider a Cloak of Resistance for improved saving throws against spells.
Overwhelmed by Speedy Opponents
Combat Reflexes paired with feats like Stand Still can halt their momentum.
Vulnerable to Status Effects
Carry a Wand of Lesser Restoration for quick recovery from debilitating effects.
Cannot Handle Large Crowds
Use Great Cleave to take down multiple enemies and control the tide of battle.
Low Dexterity
Enhance Dexterity with a Dexterity-boosting Belt for better initiative and AC.
Roleplaying the Veteran
Seize Strategic Opportunities
As a Sohei and Tactical Soldier, you’re a master of battlefield control. You’re the character who anticipates the enemy’s move and counters with precision. Make decisions based on the tactical advantage rather than just brute force. Your ability to use something like Robilar’s Gambit allows you to bait opponents into unfavorable positions. Embrace this by always being one step ahead in your roleplaying, whether negotiating a truce or leading a skirmish.
Your style shouldn’t just be about defeating foes, but understanding them. Engage with NPCs and ask probing questions to sense their motives. With tasks assigned by your superior, let your character be the embodiment of a disciplined and strategic mind. Whether you’re in the middle of an arena match or a diplomatic discussion, exude confidence and wisdom befitting your veteran status.
Themes of Honor and Dedication
Your character is more than just a fighter; they are a noble soldier committed to their community’s safety and prosperity. Reflect this in your interactions by showing dedication to your duties and allies. Uphold your promises, and respect even the most formidable foes, which suits a character who’s seen countless battles and learned from them.
Lean into the theme of mentorship. As your build progresses, your character can be seen guiding younger warriors, sharing battle tactics and patiently teaching them the art of war. Through this, your character grows not just in strength but as a beloved figure among peers, building a legacy beyond the battlefield.
FAQ
How does a Sohei Veteran handle fast opponents?
Fast opponents can be tricky for melee-focused builds. Equip your Sohei with Combat Reflexes and Stand Still to intercept their movement. As they advance, these abilities stop them in their tracks, giving allies time to strike. Consider feats that increase your foes’ penalties when moving near threatening spaces.
What is the best weapon choice for early levels as a Veteran?
For a Sohei, a Masterwork Glaive is an excellent choice. It grants +1 to attack rolls, crucial for early battles. This reach weapon lets you control larger areas, making it harder for opponents to bypass. It lays the foundation for future tactics involving increased battlefield dominance.
When is the best moment to use Ki-Frenzy?
Timing Ki-Frenzy effectively maximizes combat advantage. Use it when facing numerous foes or in critical encounters. It’s particularly potent just as you engage the enemy front lines. A precise activation can turn an entire battle’s tide. Remember, the frenzy grants immense offensive power up to three times daily.
How do the Human Paragon levels enhance my Sohei Veteran build?
Human Paragon adds layers of adaptability and learning potential. These levels boost your strength, which enhances physical prowess. They also grant feats like Improved Bull Rush, adding new dimensions to your combat approach. With Shock Trooper, you reposition enemies, interrupting their formations. Strategically, you’re more dynamic and versatile, controlling your battlefield influence.
What sacrifices are made for high defense for the Veteran?
For maximizing defense, the Sohei may sacrifice some mobility. Using heavy armors like Full Plate slows movement but provides immense protection. However, strategic positioning and feats like Interpose mitigate this drawback. Emphasizing defensive maneuvers ensures you’re where you need to be. It’s a trade-off that balances safety with vulnerability on the battlefield.
Join us at Stellar Dragons!
Why not try incorporating a Veteran Sohei in your next session? It could be the ultimate D&D 3.5 build. What do you think? Is the Veteran ultimately the best choice? Join the discussion 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?
As the first few matches roused the crowd’s appetite, one of the competitors watched from the shadows of the corridors that lead to the arena. He was a veteran soldier, a higher up among the city garrison, and one of their best warriors. A natural genius when it came to tactics, the garrison headmaster had tasked him with entering the competition to find great prospects to join the city’s finest. Many of them certainly fit the bill alright, he thought to himself.
As the trumpets signaled his turn in the arena, he slowly walked to the center of the simple sand field, among four other gladiators. After the usual commendations, he turned to the others and simply declared.
-“Let’s wrap this up quickly, I have a report to make, you three versus me.” The others laughed.
-“Old man, against the three of us you don’t stand a minute.”
-“You are correct, it won’t take a minute.”
After the fight, the guard walked slowly back into the shadows with a sigh. Some of the gladiators were fitting the bill to join the guard, but those three certainly weren’t…
Race
Human
Class
Sohei 7/Tactical Soldier 10/Human Paragon
Ability Scores
3 Str 16/Dex 15/Con 14/Int 10/Wis 12/Cha 10
Skills
Sense Motive 2
Equipment
A glaive, a spiked gauntlet, the best armor you can afford.
Goal
Take the previous build, which was already great, and crank it up to eleven. Now you completely lockdown your threatened area, can still dish out ridiculous damage and overall be an excellent melee combatant. And with Standstill, a reach weapon and Combat Reflexes, no one is going past you.
Level
Class
HD
Feat
Special
1
Sohei
12
Weapon Focus(Glaive), Combat Reflexes, Stand Still
Leave a Reply