Key Takeaways
- The Apatrid Knight build combines the resilience of a Crusader with the tactical prowess of a Knight and the versatility of a Human Paragon.
- At level 20, the build showcases formidable defenses with Steely Resolve 20, allowing the character to delay damage.
- Key abilities such as Furious Counterstrike and Test of Mettle turn the tide of battle, empowering the Apatrid Knight.
- Equipment progression is crucial, focusing on enhancing the character’s capabilities with the best armor and weapons available.
- Roleplaying the Apatrid Knight offers diverse opportunities, from upholding a knight’s code to engaging in diplomatic endeavors.
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Level Distribution of Apatrid Knight build
The build kicks off with a Human Crusader, harnessing the Steely Resolve and Furious Counterstrike features to absorb and retaliate against incoming damage. These early features set the tone for a character who can stand firm in the face of adversity.
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At level 1, the Apatrid Knight, a human Crusader, begins her journey with robust defensive capabilities. Equipped with the Steely Resolve 5 and Furious Counterstrike features, she can absorb damage and strike back with increased ferocity. The primary goal is to develop into a stellar front-line tank, capable of defending allies and withstanding severe attacks.
Stat Block Level 1:
Apatrid-Knight: female, Human Crusader 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d12+2; hp 14; Init +2; Spd 20 ft.; AC 18, touch 12, flat-footed 16; Base Atk +1; Grp +3; Atk +4 melee (1d8+3/19-20, Longsword) or +3 ranged; Full Atk +4 melee (1d8+3/19-20, Longsword) or +3 ranged; SQ Steely Resolve 5, Furious Counterstrike; AL Lawful Good; SV Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +0; Str 16, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 14.
Skills and Feats:
Diplomacy +2, Intimidate +2, Martial Lore +4, Concentration +2, Hide -1; Extra Granted Maneuver, Stone Power. Steely Resolve (Ex): Can delay up to 5 points of damage taken, which is then applied at the end of her next turn. Furious Counterstrike (Ex): Gains a bonus on attack rolls and damage rolls equal to the total delayed damage divided by 5 for this turn.
Possessions: Longsword, heavy shield, best armor affordable (assumed to be chainmail for stat calculation).
By level 5, the Apatrid Knight has begun to embrace her dual nature as both Crusader and Human Paragon, enhancing her combat prowess and ability to survive on the battlefield. Her training in Two-Weapons Fighting signifies her readiness to utilize her sword and shield not just for defense but as coordinated offensive tools. At this stage, she’s more than just a tank, but a versatile fighter initiating into the sophisticated arts of tactical combat.
Stat Block Level 5:
Apatrid-Knight: female, Human Crusader 3/Human Paragon 2; CR 5; Medium humanoid (human); HD 3d10+6 plus 2d8+4; hp 39; Init +2; Spd 20 ft.; AC 20, touch 12, flat-footed 18; Base Atk +4; Grp +7; Atk +9 melee (1d8+4/19-20, Longsword) or +6 ranged; Full Atk +9 melee (1d8+4/19-20, Longsword) or +6 ranged; SA Zealous Surge; SQ Steely Resolve 5, Indomitable Soul, Adaptive Learning, Furious Counterstrike; AL Lawful Good; SV Fort +9, Ref +3, Will +1; Str 16, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 14.
Skills and Feats:
Diplomacy +2, Intimidate +2, Martial Lore +4, Concentration +2, Hide -1; Extra Granted Maneuver, Stone Power, Improved Shield Bash, Two-Weapons Fighting. Steely Resolve (Ex): Can delay up to 5 points of damage taken, which is then applied at the end of her next turn. Indomitable Soul (Ex): Adds Charisma modifier to Will saves. Zealous Surge (Ex): Once per day, when she would normally be disabled or dying, she can make a full attack instead. Furious Counterstrike (Ex): Gains a bonus on attack rolls and damage rolls equal to the total delayed damage divided by 5 for this turn.
Possessions: Longsword, heavy shield, best armor affordable (assumed to be full plate for stat calculation).
Reaching level 10, the Apatrid Knight has solidified her reputation as an impenetrable fortress, bearing not only the Crusader’s zeal but also the strategic discipline of a Knight. With Armor Mastery and Test of Mettle, she dares enemies to challenge her, ready to deflect their blows and protect her allies. Her development into an unyielding defender and a tactical master on the battlefield exemplifies her role as a pivotal frontline leader.
Stat Block Level 10:
Apatrid-Knight: female, Human Crusader 4/Knight 5/Human Paragon 1; CR 10; Medium humanoid (human); HD 4d10+8 plus 5d12+10 plus 1d8+2; hp 97; Init +2; Spd 20 ft.; AC 24, touch 12, flat-footed 22; Base Atk +9; Grp +12; Atk +16 melee (1d8+5/19-20, Longsword) or +11 ranged; Full Atk +16/+11 melee (1d8+5/19-20, Longsword) or +11 ranged; SA Armor Mastery (Medium), Test of Mettle; SQ Steely Resolve 10, Bulwark of Defense, Knight’s Challenge, Knight’s Code, Indomitable Soul, Furious Counterstrike; AL Lawful Good; SV Fort +13, Ref +6, Will +5; Str 17, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 14.
Skills and Feats:
Diplomacy +2, Intimidate +2, Martial Lore +4, Concentration +2, Hide -1; Extra Granted Maneuver, Stone Power, Improved Shield Bash, Two-Weapons Fighting, Mounted Combat, Combat Reflexes. Steely Resolve (Ex): Can delay up to 10 points of damage taken, which is then applied at the end of her next turn. Armor Mastery (Ex): Reduced armor check penalty by 1 and increases the armor’s maximum Dexterity bonus by 1. Test of Mettle (Ex): Challenges foes to attack her, increasing their aggression but focusing attacks away from weaker allies. Bulwark of Defense (Ex): Prohibits enemies from moving past her without stopping. Knight’s Challenge (Ex): Impose various tactical disadvantages on opponents who do not comply with the challenge. Furious Counterstrike (Ex): Gains a bonus on attack rolls and damage rolls equal to the total delayed damage divided by 10 for this turn.
Possessions: Longsword, heavy shield, full plate armor.
At level 15, the Apatrid Knight embodies the peak of martial mastery combined with strategic defense tactics. Steely Resolve 15 allows her to delay significant amounts of damage, while Robilar’s Gambit enhances her offensive capabilities, making her a formidable foe in battle. Her stances and maneuvers, fine-tuned through rigorous training and battles, make her an indispensable leader in any combat scenario.
Stat Block Level 15:
Apatrid-Knight: female, Human Crusader 8/Knight 5/Human Paragon 2; CR 15; Medium humanoid (human); HD 8d10+16 plus 5d12+10 plus 2d8+4; hp 137; Init +2; Spd 20 ft.; AC 26, touch 12, flat-footed 24; Base Atk +14; Grp +18; Atk +23 melee (1d8+6/19-20, Longsword) or +16 ranged; Full Atk +23/+18/+13 melee (1d8+6/19-20, Longsword) or +16 ranged; SA Smite 1/Day; SQ Steely Resolve 15, Robilar’s Gambit, Bulwark of Defense, Knight’s Challenge, Knight’s Code, Indomitable Soul, Furious Counterstrike; AL Lawful Good; SV Fort +17, Ref +8, Will +7; Str 18, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 14.
Skills and Feats:
Diplomacy +2, Intimidate +2, Martial Lore +4, Concentration +2, Hide -1; Extra Granted Maneuver, Stone Power, Improved Shield Bash, Two-Weapons Fighting, Mounted Combat, Combat Reflexes, Robilar’s Gambit. Steely Resolve (Ex): Can delay up to 15 points of damage taken, which is then applied at the end of her next turn. Robilar’s Gambit (Ex): Allows an immediate counterattack when an opponent strikes her, but leaves her more vulnerable to attacks. Smite (Su): Once per day, can add Charisma bonus to attack roll and bonus damage equal to her Crusader level against one target. Furious Counterstrike (Ex): Gains a bonus on attack rolls and damage rolls equal to the total delayed damage divided by 15 for this turn.
Possessions: Longsword, heavy shield, full plate armor.
At the zenith of her power at level 20, the Apatrid Knight is a paragon of resilience and offensive capability. Steely Resolve 20 supports her enduring presence in battle, enabling her to delay a massive 20 points of damage. Though armed primarily with her trusty longsword and heavy shield, her true strength lies in her unmatched ability to protect her allies while strategically controlling the battlefield, making her an indomitable force in any encounter.
Stat Block Level 20:
Apatrid-Knight: female, Human Crusader 12/Knight 5/Human Paragon 3; CR 20; Medium humanoid (human); HD 12d10+24 plus 5d12+10 plus 3d8+6; hp 185; Init +2; Spd 20 ft.; AC 28, touch 12, flat-footed 26; Base Atk +18; Grp +22; Atk +27 melee (1d8+7/19-20, Longsword) or +20 ranged; Full Atk +27/+22/+17/+12 melee (1d8+7/19-20, Longsword) or +20 ranged; SQ Steely Resolve 20, Diehard, Shield Specialization (Heavy), Bulwark of Defense, Knight’s Challenge, Knight’s Code, Indomitable Soul, Furious Counterstrike; AL Lawful Good; SV Fort +19, Ref +10, Will +9; Str 20, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 14.
Skills and Feats:
Diplomacy +2, Intimidate +2, Martial Lore +4, Concentration +2, Hide -1; Extra Granted Maneuver, Stone Power, Improved Shield Bash, Two-Weapons Fighting, Mounted Combat, Combat Reflexes, Diehard, Shield Specialization (Heavy). Steely Resolve (Ex): Can delay up to 20 points of damage taken, which is then applied at the end of her next turn. Diehard (Feat): Can continue to act even at negative hit points up to -9 without collapsing. Shield Specialization (Feat): Gains additional AC benefits when using heavy shields. Furious Counterstrike (Ex): Gains a bonus on attack rolls and damage rolls equal to the total delayed damage divided by 20 for this turn.
Possessions: Longsword, heavy shield, full plate armor.
Critical Milestones of Level Distribution
- Level 1: Introduction of Steely Resolve 5 and Furious Counterstrike for early tanking and counterattacking.
- Level 8: Mounted Combat feat, enhancing mobility and battlefield control.
- Level 10: Armor Mastery (Medium) and Test of Mettle, bolstering defense and challenging foes directly.
- Level 12: Increase to Steely Resolve 10 and a Strength boost, solidifying the Knight’s frontline presence.
- Level 16: Steely Resolve increases to 15, further delaying incoming damage and enhancing counterattacks.
- Level 20: The build culminates with Steely Resolve 20 and the full array of abilities, creating a formidable combatant.
Equipment Progression
- Start with a longsword and heavy shield, the bread and butter for any front-line warrior.
- As you progress, invest in the best armor you can afford, prioritizing protection and mobility.
- Upgrade your longsword to a magical variant when possible, enhancing your offensive capabilities.
- Consider acquiring items that boost your resilience, such as rings of protection or amulets of health.
Combat Strategies for an Apatrid Knight Build
You’ll want to position yourself where you can be the most effective. Your Steely Resolve allows you to take hits that would fell lesser warriors, and your Furious Counterstrike gives you the edge to hit back even harder.
- Use your Test of Mettle ability to draw enemies’ attention, controlling the battlefield and protecting your allies.
- Maximize the effectiveness of Steely Resolve by delaying damage and timing your counterstrikes when you’ve accumulated enough delayed damage for a significant boost.
- Implement Combat Reflexes to take advantage of attacks of opportunity, disrupting enemy plans and movements.
- With Robilar’s Gambit, provoke enemies to attack you, then retaliate with greater force, leveraging your damage delay and counterstrike abilities.
Party Synergy
The Apatrid Knight serves as the stalwart defender and strategic combatant. Your ability to absorb damage and control the flow of battle makes you an invaluable asset. Which allows spellcasters and ranged attackers the safety to unleash their full potential.
- Work with spellcasters to set up areas of control spells where you can direct enemies with your Test of Mettle.
- Coordinate with rogues and other melee attackers to flank opponents you’ve engaged, setting them up for devastating sneak attacks.
- Support ranged allies by becoming the unyielding bulwark that keeps adversaries at bay.
Combat Scenarios
The Apatrid Knight excels in a variety of combat scenarios, each requiring a slightly different tactical approach. Whether you’re navigating the tight corridors of a dungeon or standing your ground in an open field, your build provides the tools you need to succeed.
- Dungeon Crawls: Use narrow spaces to your advantage, forcing enemies to engage you one-on-one.
- Open Field: Your Mounted Combat feat allows for swift movement across the battlefield, positioning yourself where you’re needed most.
- Ambushes: Quickly assess the situation and use your Test of Mettle to redirect the enemy’s focus to you.
- Defensive Stands: Hold chokepoints and use Bulwark of Defense to create a near-impenetrable defense.
- Urban Encounters: Utilize your Intimidate skill to defuse potential combat situations or rally allies and bystanders to your cause.
Strengths & Weaknesses of Apatrid Knight Build
| Strengths | Weaknesses | Counters |
|---|---|---|
| Unmatched damage delay with Steely Resolve 20. | Vulnerability to enchantments and mind-control effects. | Work with allies to secure magic items or spells that protect against these threats. |
| Superior battlefield control with Test of Mettle and Bulwark of Defense. | Lower mobility due to heavy armor. | Choose feats or magic items that enhance movement, or rely on mounted combat. |
| Ability to absorb and return damage makes you a relentless combatant. | Limited ranged combat options. | Coordinate with ranged allies or use throwing weapons to engage distant foes. |
| Versatility in combat roles, from defender to controller. | Dependency on equipment for maximum effectiveness. | Invest in the maintenance and enhancement of your armor and weapons. |
| Robust saving throws bolstered by Indomitable Soul. | Potentially lower damage output compared to specialized damage dealers. | Focus on your role as a controller and protector, allowing your allies to deal the heavy blows. |
Roleplaying Themes
Embarking on the path of the Apatrid Knight in D&D 3.5 is more than just a series of combat encounters. It’s a rich roleplaying experience full of challenges. Your character is not just a set of stats but a living entity with a code to uphold and a legacy.
- Honor and duty are the pillars of your character’s life, guiding their decisions and actions.
- As a protector of the weak, your knight seeks to defend those who cannot defend themselves.
- Struggling with the balance between the rigid knight’s code and the chaotic nature of adventuring.
- The quest for personal glory versus the greater good of the party and the world at large.
- Diplomatic engagements that test your character’s wit and resolve beyond the battlefield.
Cultural Influence & Traditions
Every knight has a story, and yours is woven from the traditions of the lands you’ve sworn to protect. From the armor you wear to the banner you carry, each element is a reflection of your character’s heritage and the oaths they’ve taken.
- The ceremony of knighthood, a solemn vow of service and sacrifice.
- The sacred rituals that prepare a knight for battle, often tied to the deity they serve.
- Festivals and tournaments that celebrate martial prowess and knightly virtues.
- The forging of alliances and fealty, shaping the political landscape of the realm.
- Ancient relics and heirlooms that carry the legacy of knights past, inspiring the next generation.
FAQ
How does the leveling path of the Apatrid Knight build influence gameplay?
Each level you gain as an Apatrid Knight layers on the strategic depth and staying power your character will wield in the thick of battle. Early on, you’ll learn the ropes of managing your Steely Resolve, an ability that allows you to take hits and keep swinging. As you advance, you’ll add tactical abilities like Test of Mettle, drawing enemies’ focus and controlling the field of engagement.
By the time you reach the pinnacle of your power as an “>Apatrid Knight, you will have transformed into a frontline colossus, a knight whose very presence can turn the tide of battle. You will hold the line where others falter, and strike with a fury that is both calculated and devastating. This progression is not just about becoming stronger; it’s about becoming the cornerstone of your adventuring party.
What are the most effective combat strategies for an Apatrid Knight?
The Apatrid Knight thrives when standing between danger and their allies. Your strategies should center on mitigating damage, controlling enemy movement, and creating opportunities for your party to capitalize on. Use your abilities not just to withstand blows, but to set the rhythm of combat, dictating when and where clashes occur.
In which type of combat scenario does the Apatrid Knight excel?
- In tight dungeon corridors, you become an immovable object, blocking the enemy’s advance and protecting your allies.
- On an open battlefield, your Mounted Combat skills allow you to swiftly engage priority targets and disrupt enemy formations.
- During an ambush, your quick thinking and Test of Mettle can turn a surprise attack into a calculated counteroffensive.
- While making a defensive stand, your Bulwark of Defense and Shield Specialization make you the epicenter of your party’s stronghold.
- In urban encounters, your diplomatic skills and Intimidate can defuse volatile situations or inspire others to your cause.
Can the Apatrid Knight build fulfill different roles within a party?
Absolutely. The Apatrid Knight is not just a frontline fighter; they’re a versatile cornerstone capable of adapting to various party roles. Whether you’re leading a charge, defending a position, or rallying your allies, your build’s combination of combat prowess and leadership qualities makes you indispensable in any group dynamic.
What are the core roleplaying aspects of the Apatrid Knight?
Roleplaying an Apatrid Knight is about embodying the chivalric ideals of bravery, honor, and sacrifice. Your character is a beacon of hope in a world rife with darkness and danger. Uphold your knightly code, defend the innocent, and inspire those around you with acts of valor that will become the stuff of legend.
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Table of Contents
- Level Distribution of Apatrid Knight build
- Combat Strategies for an Apatrid Knight Build
- Strengths & Weaknesses of Apatrid Knight Build
- Roleplaying Themes
- FAQ
- How does the leveling path of the Apatrid Knight build influence gameplay?
- What are the most effective combat strategies for an Apatrid Knight?
- In which type of combat scenario does the Apatrid Knight excel?
- Can the Apatrid Knight build fulfill different roles within a party?
- What are the core roleplaying aspects of the Apatrid Knight?
- Join our Community
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