A disciplined defender with strong melee skills and the ability to withstand magical attacks. Uses powerful defensive abilities to control the battlefield.
Stat Block Level 1:
Templar[1]: male, human knight 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d12+2; hp 14; Init +0; Spd 20 ft.; AC 15, touch 10, flat footed 15; Base Atk +1; Grp +4; Atk +4 melee (1d8+3, longsword) or +1 ranged; Full Atk +4 melee (1d8+3, longsword); SA Fighting Challenge +1, Knight’s Challenge, Knight’s Code; SQ none; AL Lawful Good; SV Fort +4, Ref +0, Will +2; Str 16, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 14.
Skills and Feats:
Knowledge (Religion) +4; Weapon Focus (Longsword), True Believer. Fighting Challenge +1: +1 on attack rolls and damage against chosen foes. Possessions: Longsword, Heavy Steel Shield, Holy Symbol, and best affordable armor (chainmail).
Level 5 Brief:
A resilient warrior focused on defense. Uses bulwark tactics and fortitude to control the battlefield.
Stat Block Level 5:
Templar[1]: Male, Human Knight 5; CR 5; Medium Humanoid (Human); HD 5d12+10; hp 45; Init +0; Spd 20 ft.; AC 20, touch 10, flat footed 20; Base Atk +5; Grp +8; Atk +9 melee (1d8+4/19-20, Longsword) or +7 ranged; Full Atk +9 melee (1d8+4/19-20, Longsword) or +7 ranged; SA Fighting Challenge +1; SQ Knight’s Challenge, Knight’s Code, Shield Block +1, Bulwark of Defense, Armor Mastery (Medium), Test of Mettle, Vigilant Defender; AL Lawful Good; SV Fort +8, Ref +1, Will +6; Str 17, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 14.
Skills and Feats:
Knowledge(Religion) 4; Weapon Focus (Longsword), True Believer, Mounted Combat, Power Attack, Great Fortitude. Special Attacks and Qualities: Fighting Challenge +1, +1 moral bonus to attack rolls; Bulwark of Defense – Difficult terrain for 5 ft. around; Test of Mettle – Force opponent to attack. Possessions: Longsword, Heavy Steel Shield, Holy Symbol, Chainmail.
Templar[1]: male, human knight 10; CR 10; Medium humanoid (human); HD 14; hp 91; Init +0; Spd 20 ft.; AC 24, touch 10, flat footed 24; Base Atk +10; Grp +13; Atk Longsword +13 melee (1d8+3/19-20) or Heavy Steel Shield +11 melee (1d4+1); Full Atk Longsword +13/+8 melee (1d8+3/19-20) and Heavy Steel Shield +11 melee (1d4+1); SA Fighting Challenge +1; SQ Knight’s Code, Shield Block +1, Bulwark of Defense, Test of Mettle, Vigilant Defender; AL lawful good; SV Fort +11, Ref +5, Will +11; Str 17, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 14.
Skills and Feats:
Knowledge (Religion) +4; Weapon Focus (Longsword), True Believer, Mounted Combat, Power Attack, Great Fortitude, Stand Still, Improved Shield Bash, Improved Initiative. Special Attacks and Qualities: Immune to fear and charm effects, Mettle (can shrug off magical effects), Test of Mettle (forces enemies to attack), Shield Block (increased AC), Bulwark of Defense (penalizes enemy movement). Possessions: Longsword, Heavy Steel Shield, Full Plate Armor, Holy Symbol.
Level 15 Brief:
This Templar[1] is a defensive powerhouse, focusing on battlefield control and resilience. With a mix of Knight and Templar[1] abilities, he stands firm against any aggressor.
Stat Block Level 15:
Templar[1]: male, human Knight 10/Pious Templar[1] 5; CR 15; Medium humanoid (human); HD 10d12+5d10+30; hp 137; Init +4; Spd 20 ft.; AC 21, touch 10, flat footed 21; Base Atk +15; Grp +20; Atk +20 melee (1d8+4/19-20, longsword) or +15 melee (shield bash); Full Atk +20/+15/+10 melee (1d8+4/19-20, longsword) or +15 melee (shield bash); SA Smite 3/Day, Mettle, Test of Mettle; SQ DR 2/-, Bulwark of Defense, Shield Block +1, Knight’s Challenge, Knight’s Code, Armor Mastery (Medium), Armor Mastery (Heavy), Vigilant Defender, Shield Ally; AL LG; SV Fort +14, Ref +5, Will +11; Str 18, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 14.
Skills and Feats:
Knowledge (Religion) +4; Weapon Focus (Longsword), True Believer, Mounted Combat, Power Attack, Great Fortitude, Stand Still, Weapon Specialization (Longsword), Improved Shield Bash, Improved Initiative, Goad, Improved Bullrush, Shock Trooper, Endurance, Diehard. Possessions: A longsword, a heavy steel shield, a holy symbol, full plate armor.
Level 20 Brief:
A human tank focused on battlefield control, high AC, and resilience. Uses Goad, Stand Still, and Knight abilities to dominate enemies.
Stat Block Level 20:
Templar[1]: male, human Knight 10/Pious Templar[1] 10; CR 20; Medium humanoid (human); HD 10d12+2d10+4d12+64; hp 154; Init +4; Spd 20 ft.; AC 32, touch 11, flat footed 31; Base Atk +18/+13/+8/+3; Grp +21; Atk Longsword +30 melee (1d8+10/19-20) or Power Attack +27 melee (1d8+20/19-20); Full Atk Longsword +30/+25/+20/+15 melee (1d8+10/19-20); SA Smite 3/Day, Test of Mettle; SQ Shield Block +1, Armor Mastery (Heavy), Bulwark of Defense, Mettle, DR 2/-, Diehard; AL LG; SV Fort +20, Ref +9, Will +14; Str 22, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 14.
Skills and Feats:
Knowledge (Religion) +7, Weapon Focus (Longsword), True Believer, Mounted Combat, Power Attack, Great Fortitude, Stand Still, Weapon Specialization (Longsword), Improved Shield Bash, Improved Initiative, Goad, Improved Bullrush, Shock Trooper, Endurance, Diehard. Special Attacks and Qualities: Fighting Challenge +2, Knight’s Challenge, Knight’s Code, Smite, Shield Ally, Call to Battle. Possessions: Longsword, Heavy Steel Shield, Holy Symbol, Full Plate Armor.
Critical Milestones
Levels 1-5: Focus on feats like Toughness and Heavy Armor Proficiency to enhance your durability. Key abilities to acquire include Shield Block for added defense and Vigilant Defender to ensure you remain a strong defensive presence.
Levels 6-10: Bolster your attack potential with feats like Power Attack and Weapon Focus. Begin to integrate your spiritual abilities with feats like Divine Might to add holy damage to your attacks.
Levels 11-15: Develop your role as a leader with skills like Inspire Courage, boosting your allies’ morale and effectiveness in combat. Enhance your Smite Evil ability for more powerful strikes against evil foes.
Levels 16-20: Solidify your Templar[1] as a beacon of hope and strength. Focus on enhancing leadership and aura abilities. Abilities like Call to Battle and Shield Ally ensure that by level 20, your Templar[1] is an unyielding hero.
Equipment Progression
Level Range
Equipment
Details
Levels 1-5
– Longsword – Heavy Steel Shield – Chainmail Armor
– Longsword: 1d8 damage, critical 19-20/x2. – Heavy Steel Shield: +2 AC. – Chainmail Armor: AC +5, Max Dex +2, Check Penalty -5.
Levels 5-10
– Masterwork Longsword – +1 Heavy Steel Shield – +1 Full Plate Armor – Cloak of Resistance +1
– Masterwork Longsword: +1 to attack rolls. – +1 Heavy Steel Shield: +3 AC. – +1 Full Plate Armor: AC +9, Max Dex +1, Check Penalty -5. – Cloak of Resistance +1: +1 to saving throws.
Levels 10-15
– Flaming Longsword +2 – +2 Heavy Steel Shield – +2 Full Plate Armor – Amulet of Natural Armor +2
– Flaming Longsword +2: 1d8+2 damage +1d6 fire damage. – +2 Heavy Steel Shield: +4 AC. – +2 Full Plate Armor: AC +10, Max Dex +1, Check Penalty -5. – Amulet of Natural Armor +2: +2 to AC.
Levels 15-20
– Holy Longsword +3 – +3 Heavy Steel Shield – +3 Full Plate Armor – Ring of Protection +3
– Holy Longsword +3: 1d8+3 damage, +2d6 damage against evil creatures. – +3 Heavy Steel Shield: +5 AC. – +3 Full Plate Armor: AC +11, Max Dex +1, Check Penalty -4. – Ring of Protection +3: +3 to AC.
Combat Scenarios
Dungeon Crawls: Use Knight’s Challenge to taunt enemies into engaging you, then employ Stand Still to block their movement in narrow corridors, preventing them from reaching more vulnerable party members.
Open Field: Utilize your mount to stay mobile and control the flow of battle, combining Power Attack and Smite to deal significant damage to key targets while positioning yourself to protect allies.
Ambushes: Quickly use Test of Mettle to draw attackers’ focus, then counter with Improved Bull Rush and Shield Slam to disrupt their formation and create space for your party to regroup.
Defensive Stands: Fight with your back to a wall or near a cliff edge, using the terrain to prevent being surrounded and to send enemies tumbling with shield bashes, maintaining control over the battlefield.
Urban Encounters: Use alleyways to create choke points, rooftops for high ground advantage, and the city’s bustle to cover your approach or retreat. Combine Knight’s Challenge with strategic positioning to manage enemy focus and movement.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Weakness
Counters
Slow Movement
– Boots of Striding and Springing: Increase base speed by 10 feet, mitigating speed reduction from heavy armor.
Vulnerable to Magic
– Magic Resistance Gear: Equip items like Cloak of Resistance +3 and Spellguard Bracers for increased resistance to spells.
Limited Ranged Options
– Enchanted Javelins or Bows: Use items like Javelin of Lightning or a Composite Longbow +1 to ensure effectiveness at range.
Dependence on Strength
– Belt of Giant Strength +4: Increases Strength score, enhancing melee attack and damage rolls.
Low Initiative
– Improved Initiative Feat: Grants a +4 bonus to initiative rolls, allowing the Templar[1] to act sooner in combat.
Themes & RP Opportunities
Chivalry and Honor: Uphold the knightly virtues in all your dealings, both on and off the battlefield.
Religious Devotion: Engage in prayer, rituals, and services that reflect your Templar’s faith.
Moral Dilemmas: Face situations where the right choice isn’t clear, testing your character’s convictions.
Incorporating Historical Knight Templar Lore into Character Backstory
Draw inspiration from the real world Knights Templar. They were warriors of faith, protecting pilgrims and sacred sites. Your character could be a sworn guardian of a holy relic or a sacred place in the game world. Maybe they’re on a divine quest, seeking redemption or a lost artifact. The history of the Templars is filled with tales of valor and mystery—use these elements to create a backstory that’s as compelling as your combat tactics.
Creating a Compelling Character Arc within the Campaign
Character growth is essential. Begin your journey with a clear goal—perhaps a personal vow or a mission from your order. As you face trials and tribulations, your Templar’s beliefs and motivations might be tested. Embrace these challenges to forge a narrative arc that sees your Templar grow from a mere soldier of faith to a legendary champion of the divine.
Highlighting the Duties and Ethos of the Knight Templar
A Templar[1]’s ethos consists of duty, honor, and sacrifice. These words are more than just words; they represent a lifestyle. Support the vulnerable, protect the innocent, and act as a barrier against wickedness. When playing, make sure your decisions align with these values, whether you’re dealing with rulers or facing a group of zombies by yourself.
Cultural Influence & Traditions
Your Templar[1] is shaped by their cultural background. Perhaps they have ancestors who were knights for generations, or maybe they are pioneering a new order as the first of their kind. Think about the customs that have influenced your personality. Are they adhering to a strict set of rules? Are there any traditions for getting ready for war or paying respects to those who have died in battle? These specifics enhance and provide realism for your roleplaying.
Dueling Customs and Chivalric Orders
Dueling: Establish a personal code for dueling—will you challenge those who insult your honor, or seek to resolve conflicts peacefully?
Chivalric Orders: Create or join an order with its own heraldry, customs, and hierarchy, each providing new avenues for roleplaying.
Titles and Ranks: Earn titles through your deeds, and take on responsibilities within your order that reflect your growing reputation.
Religious Ceremonies and Holy Quests in Roleplay
Embrace the religious aspects of being a Templar. Participate in ceremonies that honor your deity, and undertake quests that further their cause. Maybe you’re tasked with recovering a sacred text or protecting a prophet. These quests are not just missions—they’re part of your character’s divine duty.
Understanding Heraldry and Its Significance
Heraldry goes beyond just being ornamental; it represents your identity. The symbol on your shield and the colors on your banner should recount the history, accomplishments, and loyalties of your Templar[1]. Raising your banner high signals your strong faith and determination to everyone around you.
FAQ
What are the optimal feats for a Knight Templar build?
Choose feats that improve your tanking skills, such as Toughness and Shield Focus. Remember to utilize abilities that enhance your fighting capabilities, like Weapon Focus and Power Attack. As you are a divine fighter, think about utilizing Divine Might to enhance the power of your attacks.
Lay on Hands is your secret weapon. Utilize it to cure yourself during intense combat, or revive a teammate on the edge of defeat. It should be conserved for crucial moments in battle or emergencies since it is scarce.
What are the best magic items for a Templar at low levels?
Early on, look for items that provide protection and utility. A Ring of Protection or an Amulet of Natural Armor can boost your defenses, while a Wand of Cure Light Wounds can extend your healing capabilities.
How to balance combat prowess with roleplaying narrative?
Your combat abilities and your roleplaying should go hand in hand. Let your character’s background inform their fighting style. Are they a disciplined duelist or a fierce crusader? Let your narrative choices reflect in your combat tactics and vice versa.
Absolutely. As a Templar, you’re a natural leader. Use your Knight’s Challenge to direct the flow of battle, and your aura abilities to bolster your allies. Lead by example, and make decisions that reflect your character’s ethos. With courage and conviction, your Templar can be the heart and soul of any adventuring party.
Join the Stellar Dragons Community
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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?
The Templar stood alone at the gates of the besieged monastery. These foul heretics were coming in waves trying to get past him.
He had swore an oath to stand his vigil against any trespasser to this most holy site. So he stood, wave after wave breaking on his shield.
Their evil sorcerers had tried to curse him, yet his will was unflinching. Through his unwavering faith he rebuked their dark magic.
But as steadfast as he was, he was alone. The heretics were innumerable in their camp – and he would falter eventually at this rate, which would leave bare the innocents to who-knew-what evils. No, the Order would send reinforcements in time…
In a dreamlike moment, he looked beyond the valley where those evildoers had made camp. And on the horizon stood a beautiful woman, he stared warily. She was clad in somber armor, riding a pale horse. As he blinked in disbelief, she was gone.
“No time for daydreaming,” he said to himself loudly.
That’s when he noticed. The camp in the valley was oddly quiet. The waves ceased.
He went down to investigate, it was as if the mists had devoured all the heretics. The camp was still there, but they were gone. Beyond the structures, only the strong smell of roses floated in the air, and black petals laid on the ground.
Those petals were as a soft blanket which muffled the Templar’s footsteps…
A Longsword, a Heavy Steel Shield, a Holy Symbol and the best armor you can afford.
Goal
You are neither a Paladin nor a Blackguard, but you stand strongly somewhere between the two.
Loyal towards your Deity, you can shrug off effects that could end virtually anyone else. Although you can only cast a limited amount of spells, your list is surprisingly good.
Your ability to deal damage is decent, but what you really are is a battlefield controller. Between Goad, Stand Still, your Knight’s Challenges and Bulwark of Defense, you are a tank’s tank.
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