This Gladiator Champion[1]’s build focuses on delivering high damage through Power Attack. At level 1, the character boasts superior strength and dexterity, emphasizing both offense and agility. The anthropomorphic lion race provides excellent physical stats, and the choice of a Two-Bladed Sword maximizes the use of Power Attack, vital for this combat-oriented build.
Stat Block Level 1:
Unnamed: male, anthropomorphic lion humanoid 2; CR 2; Medium humanoid; HD 1d8+2; hp 10; Init +5; Spd 30 ft.; AC 15, touch 11, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +1; Grp +5; Atk Two-Bladed Sword +5 melee (1d8+4/19-20) or Claw +5 melee (1d4+4); Full Atk Two-Bladed Sword +5 melee (1d8+4/19-20) or Claws +5 melee (1d4+4); SA Power Attack; SQ None; AL Neutral; SV Fort +4, Ref +5, Will +2; Str 18, Dex 20, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 14.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Craft (Weaponsmithing) +3, Intimidate +4; Power Attack.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Relies on high physical power to outmatch opponents.
Possessions: Two-Bladed Sword, the best armor available within budget.
At level 5, this Sohei build can leverage its strong physical attributes with a two-bladed sword to excel in combat. Capable of using the Two-Weapon Fighting feat with ki-frenzy for extra attacks, the champion becomes a formidable force in melee combat. The build emphasizes quick, multiple strikes, proving efficient in both offensive and defensive maneuvers.
Stat Block Level 5:
Gladiator Champion[1]: male, Anthropomorphic Lion Sohei 4/Fighter 1; CR 6; Medium Humanoid (Lionfolk); HD 2d8+2 + 3d10+6; hp 39; Init +5; Spd 30 ft.; AC 18, touch 11, flat-footed 17; Base Atk +5; Grp +9; Atk Two-Bladed Sword +9 melee (1d8+6/19-20) or +7 melee (1d8+4/19-20); Full Atk Two-Bladed Sword +7/+7 melee (1d8+6/19-20/1d8+4/19-20); SA Ki-Frenzy 2/day; SQ Lion Traits; AL Chaotic Neutral; SV Fort +8, Ref +5, Will +6; Str 18, Dex 20, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 14.
Ki-Frenzy (gains extra attack in a full attack action similar to a Barbarian’s Rage);
Possessions: Two-Bladed Sword, the best armor available.
At level 10, the Gladiator Champion[1] build shines as a powerhouse in sustained melee combat. With a combination of Sohei’s Ki-Frenzy and Gladiator’s fighting prowess, this character can launch multiple attacks with their two-bladed sword, maximizing damage output per turn. The inclusion of Improved Two-Weapon Fighting and complementary feats enhance multiple strike capabilities.
Stat Block Level 10:
Unnamed Character: male, Anthropomorphic Lion Humanoid 2/Sohei 4/Fighter 1/Gladiator 10/Exotic Weapon Master 3; CR 13; Medium Humanoid (Anthropomorphic); HD 10d10+2; hp 66; Init +5; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 15, flat-footed 15; Base Atk +10/+5; Grp +14; Atk Two-Bladed Sword (+11/+6 melee, 1d8+3/1d8+1 dmg) or Bite (+10 melee, 1d6+4 dmg); Full Atk Two-Bladed Sword (+11/+6 melee, 1d8+3/1d8+1 dmg) and Bite (+10 melee, 1d6+4 dmg); SA Flurry of Strikes, Ki-Frenzy; SQ Roar of the Crowd, Study Opponent +1; AL Neutral; SV Fort +8, Ref +9, Will +4; Str 18, Dex 20, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 14.
Flurry of Strikes allows increased attack frequency; Ki-Frenzy grants a temporary boost to combat efficiency; Roar of the Crowd gives morale bonuses.
Possessions: Two-Bladed Sword, custom-fitted armor providing maximum protection within budget.
The level 15 Gladiator Champion[1] build focuses on maximizing attack opportunities and damage output using a two-bladed sword. This character can perform up to nine attacks per round, supplemented by abilities like Ki-Frenzy and Flurry of Strikes. The Gladiator class provides cumulative damage bonuses, bleed damage, and other crowd-influenced boosts. Possessing skills like Craft (Weaponsmithing) and Intimidate, this build thrives in arena combat, making it an exceptional damage dealer without relying on precision or leap charging tactics.
Stat Block Level 15:
Unnamed Gladiator Champion[1]: male, anthropomorphic lion humanoid 15; CR 15; Medium humanoid (anthropomorphic lion); HD 15d10+30; hp 115; Init +5; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 15, flat-footed 15; Base Atk +15; Grp +19; Atk Two-Bladed Sword +20 melee (1d8+6/19-20/x2) or roar +20 (special); Full Atk Two-Bladed Sword +20/+20/+15/+15/+10 melee (1d8+6/19-20/x2); SA Ki-Frenzy 2/Day, Flurry of Strikes, Two Weapons Rend; SQ Improved Feint, Study Opponent +2, Roar of the Crowd; AL Chaotic Neutral; SV Fort +12, Ref +10, Will +7; Str 18, Dex 20, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 14.
Ki-Frenzy provides extra attacks and bonuses, increasing overall combat efficacy.
Possessions: Two-Bladed Sword, best available armor.
This highly specialized build centers around dual-wielding double weapons with exceptional proficiency, thanks to a blend of Sohei, Gladiator, and Exotic Weapon Master levels. With the use of Flurry of Strikes, Ki-Frenzy, and numerous Two-Weapon Fighting feats, this build can deliver up to nine high-damage attacks per round, causing bleeding wounds that stack. The Gladiator’s unique abilities, such as Study Opponent and Make them Bleed, ensure every hit punishes opponents.
Stat Block Level 20:
Unnamed Champion: male, Anthropomorphic Lion Humanoid 2/Sohei 4/Fighter 1/Gladiator 10/Exotic Weapon Master 3; CR 20; Large Humanoid (Anthropomorphic); HD 1d8+20, 4d10+20, 1d10+20, 10d10+20; hp 175; Init +5; Spd 40 ft.; AC 22, touch 15, flat-footed 17; Base Atk +20; Grp +29; Atk Two-Bladed Sword +28 melee (1d8+8/19-20/x2) or claw +25 melee (1d6+7); Full Atk Two-Bladed Sword +28/+23/+18/+13 melee (1d8+8/19-20/x2) and +28/+23 melee (1d8+4/19-20/x2) or 2 claws +25 melee (1d6+7); SA Flurry of Strikes, Ki-Frenzy, Make them Bleed; SQ Lion’s Roar, Uncanny Blow; AL N; SV Fort +15, Ref +13, Will +9; Str 26, Dex 20, Con 18, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 14.
Flurry of Strikes allows an additional attack when attacking with the Two-Bladed Sword. Ki-Frenzy grants extra attacks and bonuses. Make them Bleed deals bonus bleed damage on successful hits. Lion’s Roar and Uncanny Blow enhance combat presence and effectiveness.
Possessions: +5 Two-Bladed Sword, +4 Mithral Full Plate, Belt of Giant Strength +6, Cloak of Resistance +5.
Milestones Of Character Development
Levels 1-5: Rapid growth where the Gladiator lays the groundwork for combat prowess. Gains Power Attack, Exotic Weapon Proficiency, and Weapon Focus. Initiates use of Ki-Frenzy for extra attacks.
Levels 6-10: Character transitions to Fighter and Gladiator levels, allowing Two-Weapons Fighting and Improved Feint. Strategic prowess enhances with Combat Reflexes and Study Opponent.
Levels 11-15: The character honed in Gladiator and Exotic Weapon Master classes, unlocking Flurry of Strikes and Double-Weapon Defense. Develops Two Weapons Rend for massive dual damage.
Levels 16-20: Reaches peak power as a Gladiator, manifesting Greater Two Weapons Fighting and the ability to Make them Bleed. Master of arena combat, crowd support boosts his mystique.
Core Abilities & Features of the Gladiator
Ki-Frenzy and Flurry of Strikes
The Sohei’s core ability, Ki-Frenzy, takes center stage in this impressive build. Starting at Sohei level 3, entering a Ki-Frenzy grants an extra attack and an adrenaline-like bonus to Strength and Dexterity. This power couples beautifully with the Exotic Weapon Master’s Flurry of Strikes ability, adding yet another attack to wreak havoc on enemies. The combination means a relentless nine attacks per round, allowing the Gladiator Champion[1] to swing a massive two-bladed sword with unmatched ferocity.
Dual-Wielding Mastery
Key feats like Two-Weapon Fighting, Improved Two-Weapon Fighting, and Greater Two-Weapon Fighting position this build as a dual-wielding force. The Gladiator Champion[1] blends these with the Dual-Wielding Prowess of the Exotic Weapon Master’s Double-Weapon Defense, refining both offense and defense with a single strategy. Notably, Two-Weapons Rend further enhances damage output by delivering a striking blow when both weapons hit in a round. These feats ensure that attacks are both plentiful and devastating.
Intimidation and Crowd Control
Drawing attention in combat, this build excels in both direct confrontation and psychological warfare. The Gladiator class features, such as Roar of the Crowd, allow for awe-inspiring performances that can sway combat outcomes. At higher levels, the ability Make Them Bleed inflicts debilitating bleeding wounds, becoming a game-changer by forcing enemies to focus on healing rather than attacking. This synergy between physical prowess and intimidation keeps foes on the backfoot and helpless before your might.
Equipment Progression
Level Range
Equipment
Details
L1-5
Masterwork Two-Bladed Sword
An upgrade from the standard sword for improved attack rolls.
L6-10
+1 Two-Bladed Sword
Enhanced for attack and damage rolls, crucial for multiple attacks per turn.
Flaming adds 1d6 fire damage, supplementing keen critical for immense damage potential.
Combat Scenarios as a Gladiator
Dungeon Crawls:
In narrow corridors, leverage the Lion’s Intimidate skill to scare off weaker foes. Use the Sohei’s Ki-Frenzy to boost attacks when facing clustered enemies. With two-bladed sword proficiency, attack multiple times to maximize damage and clear paths.
Open Fields:
Use the Gladiator’s ‘Roar of the Crowd’ to boost morale and lower enemy resolve. The open field is ideal for the ‘Exotic Weapon Master’ to perform Flurry of Strikes and Pounce, making it easier to engage enemies from a distance and strike rapidly.
Ambushes:
Employ ‘Improved Feint’ to offset the disadvantage during a surprise situation. Utilize ‘Exotic Weapon Master’s’ Uncanny Blow for targeted devastating attacks, and Ki-Frenzy to rapidly counter-ambush aggressors, turning the tables swiftly.
Defensive Stands:
In tight defenses, ‘Deflect Arrow’ is crucial to keep ranged attackers at bay while the ‘Two-Weapon Rend’ skill rends through any adversaries attempting to breach your defense. Maintain vigilant positioning to maximize Combat Reflexes.
Urban Encounters:
Narrow streets and surprise dangers make ‘Make Them Bleed’ an effective ploy, causing chaos among hostile forces. The ‘Gladiator’s’ Poison Use further adds to debilitating enemies, ensuring control during unpredictable urban skirmishes.
Weaknesses & Counters
Weakness
Counter
Low Hit Points (relevant primarily in the Sohei levels)
Use Barbarian’s Endurance Potion to temporarily boost hit points.
Limited Skill Points (results in fewer skill options)
Focus on skills that maximize combat effectiveness like Intimidate or Iaijutsu Focus for additional damage options.
Requires decent Wis for Ki-Frenzy (creates multiclass ability score dependency)
Equip items that enhance Wisdom, such as a Periapt of Wisdom (+2 to +6), to meet prerequisites without compromising other stats.
Situational Damage Output (relies on hitting multiple times)
Use Weapons of Speed enchantment on the two-bladed sword for extra attacks, ensuring more hits.
High reliance on gear (a lot of character potential tied to equipment quality)
Seek out Mithral Full Plate Armor for a balance of mobility and protection, ensuring the ability to withstand hits while retaining critical offense abilities.
Reputation Dependence (Gladiator abilities tied to arena settings)
Seek DM approval to replicate arena-like reputation effects during typical adventuring.
Roleplaying the Gladiator
Embrace the primal spirit within by channeling the anthropomorphic lion, infusing ferocity and regal demeanor. As a Sohei Gladiator Champion[1], your character holds a powerful presence, with piercing eyes that command attention effortlessly. Engage in narrative moments where intimidation is key—let your roars echo through the arena, asserting dominance while sowing fear among opponents. Your two-bladed sword isn’t just a weapon; it’s an extension of your wild instincts.
Delve into themes of honor and spectacle, for a gladiator performs not only to defeat but to captivate. Relish in the admiration of the crowd, spurring you towards ever-increasing daring feats. Highlight your past victories as legends, not just stories, compelling new challengers to tremble before you. Additionally, craft personal relationships where loyalty is paramount, forming bonds with those who train or heal you, deepening your narrative beyond the battlefield. Utilize your Wisdom to ponder the balance between the beast inside and the humanoid exterior, fueling personal quests that explore this duality.
FAQ
How does the Sohei Gladiator Ki-Frenzy work in D&D 3.5?
Ki-Frenzy gives extra attacks and boosts Strength and Dexterity. This ability lets the Sohei swing weapons with more power and speed. It perfectly matches with the Exotic Weapon Master’s Flurry of Strikes. Together, they allow the Gladiator to unleash nine attacks per round. This combo makes the Gladiator a whirlwind of blades. Your enemies will find it hard to withstand such relentless power.
What are the best feats for dual-wielding with a Gladiator?
The key feats of note include Two-Weapon Fighting and it’s Greater variant. These feats ensure you have more chances to hit and damage foes. Mixing them with Two-Weapons Rend increases damage when both weapons strike. The Exotic Weapon Master’s Double-Weapon Defense adds even more utility. You’ll become both an offensive and defensive powerhouse.
How do I counter the Sohei Gladiator low hit points in a campaign?
Consider using a Barbarian’s Endurance Potion for a temporary boost. Equipment enhancing Constitution, like an Amulet of Health, can also help. Roleplay to avoid direct confrontations when low on health. Keep a healer or restorative items nearby for emergencies. Always gauge your combat situations carefully to avoid unnecessary risks. Remember, smart tactics can often make up for low hit points.
What role does intimidation play in a Gladiator’s strategy?
Intimidation keeps enemies unfocused and off-balance. Use Roar of the Crowd to sway the battle in your favor. Intimidation isn’t just about battle, but also controlling scenarios. Enemies might hesitate, giving your party an advantage. In D&D, psychological warfare can be as crucial as physical. A daunting presence often breaks enemy defenses without lifting a sword.
How should the Gladiator handle ambushes and defensive stands?
For ambushes, use Improved Feint to deceive and strike back. Exotic Weapon Master’s abilities can turn tables fast in sudden encounters. In defensive stands, Deflect Arrows keeps ranged foes at bay. Two-Weapon Rend punishes opponents pushing into your defense. Position yourself well to ensure your Combat Reflexes activate when needed. Strategy is vital; let your skills dictate the flow of battle.
Join us at Stellar Dragons!
Consider trying a Gladiator build in your next D&D campaign. Would a dual-wielding Sohei Gladiator dominate your game setting? Join discussions and boast about your achievements 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 victor stood triumphantly in the arena, magical lights illuminated one of the corridors blocked with a metallic gate. The crowd went silent as the heavy gate’s chains slowly lifted up the barricade. A massive lionfolk strode and circled the outer wall of the arena slowly, deliberately. He had his two-bladed sword in one hand and his helmet under his free arm. Not a glance towards his new challenger yet, he roared fiercely as the crowd erupted in joyous celebration.
Truly, no one could defeat the arena’s Champion.
Race
Anthropomorphic Lion
Class
Humanoid 2/Sohei 4/Fighter 1/Gladiator 10/Exotic Weapon Master 3(1 LA Buyback)
Ability Scores
Str 18/Dex 20/Con 14/Int 10/Wis 14/Cha 14
Skills
Craft(Weaponsmithing) 3, Intimidate 4
Equipment
A Two-Bladed Sword, the best armor you can afford.
Goal
Double weapons can benefit from two weapon fighting feats, Flurry of Strikes and ki-frenzy add an additional attack, meaning you can attack nine times per turn. At high level as a Gladiator, each time you hit, you get cumulative damage bonuses and give a bleed damage, forcing the enemy to heal themselves to stop the bleeding. Add to that again Iaijutsu Focus, and suddenly you deal damage so high leap pouncers raise an eyebrow at you. This build is one of the highest damage dealers that doesn’t rely on precision damage, nor on leap charging with a two handed weapon, proving once again that there are ways to stay relevant as a combatant.
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