View source for Halberdier (3.5e Class)

==Halberdier==

A halberdier is a master of a single weapon, which he believes is the pinnacle of all tools of war. In his hands, a halberd is exceedingly deadly, as his complete mastery of its use allows the halberdier to fight off just about anything.

===Making a Halberdier===

A halberdier is a controller of the battlefield. Boasting large range, adaptability and, when necessary, sheer power, he is capable of limiting his opponents' options while at the same time strategically eliminating certain foes.

'''Abilities:''' [[SRD:Strength|Strength]] and [[SRD:Constitution|Constitution]] allow the halberdier to survive in melee, as well as increasing the chances of a trip working out (at least at lower levels). Since he can't wear heavy armor, a little [[SRD:Dexterity|Dexterity]] couldn't hurt either. As he gains levels, Intelligence becomes gradually more valuable to the halberdier.

'''Races:''' Any race can be a halberdier, but militaristic races are more common. Because Intelligence is so valued, many races that lack that trait may spurn the path of the halberdier for something a little more direct.

'''Alignment:''' Any.

'''Starting Gold:''' 3d6&times;10 gp (105 gp).

'''[[SRD:Race Descriptions#Starting Age|Starting Age]]:''' Simple.

{| class="zebra d20"
|+
<div>{{Anchor|Table: The Halberdier}}</div>
Hit Die: d10
|-
! rowspan="2" | Level
! rowspan="2" | [[BAB|Base<br/>Attack Bonus]]
! colspan="3" | [[SRD:Saving Throw|Saving Throw]]s
! rowspan="2" | Special
|-
! [[SRD:Saving Throw#Fortitude|Fort]] || [[SRD:Saving Throw#Reflex|Ref]] || [[SRD:Saving Throw#Will|Will]]
|- class="{{Odd-Even}}"
|1st|| class="left" | +1 || +2 || +0 || +2
| class="left" | [[#Pikeman|Pikeman]]
|-
|- class="{{Odd-Even}}"
|2nd|| class="left" | +2 || +3 || +1 || +3
| class="left" | [[#Block Arrows|Block Arrows]], [[#Executioner|Executioner]]
|-
|- class="{{Odd-Even}}"
|3rd|| class="left" | +3 || +3 || +1 || +3
| class="left" | [[#Superior Shield|Superior Shield +1]], [[#Improved Trip|Improved Trip]]
|-
|- class="{{Odd-Even}}"
|4th||class="left" | +4 || +4 || +1 || +4
| class="left" | [[#Tip of the Spear|Tip of the Spear (&times;3)]], [[#Intuitive Defender|Intuitive Defender]]
|-
|- class="{{Odd-Even}}"
|5th||class="left" | +5 || +4 || +2 || +4
| class="left" | [[#Combat Experience|Combat Experience]], [[#Hold The Line|Hold The Line]]
|-
|- class="{{Odd-Even}}"
|6th||class="left" | +6/+1 || +5 || +2 || +5
| class="left" | [[#Deep Sweep|Deep Sweep]]
|-
|- class="{{Odd-Even}}"
|7th||class="left" | +7/+2 || +5 || +2 || +5
| class="left" | [[#Shift The Line|Shift The Line]], [[#Superior Shield|Superior Shield +2]]
|- 
|- class="{{Odd-Even}}"
|8th||class="left" | +8/+3 || +6 || +3 || +6
| class="left" | [[#Expert Trip|Expert Trip]]
|-
|- class="{{Odd-Even}}"
|9th||class="left" | +9/+4 || +6 || +3 || +6
| class="left" | [[#Combat Tactician|Combat Tactician (1)]], [[#Kneecapper|Kneecapper (1)]]
|-
|- class="{{Odd-Even}}"
|10th||class="left" | +10/+5 || +7 || +3 || +7
| class="left" | [[#Tip of the Spear|Tip of the Spear (&times;4)]]
|-
|- class="{{Odd-Even}}"
|11th||class="left" | +11/+6/+1 || +7 || +3 || +7
| class="left" | [[#Superior Shield|Superior Shield +3]], [[#Pierce The Line|Pierce The Line]]
|-
|- class="{{Odd-Even}}"
|12th||class="left" | +12/+7/+2 || +8 || +4 || +8
| class="left" | [[#One-Two Trip|One-Two Trip]]
|-
|- class="{{Odd-Even}}"
|13th||class="left" | +13/+8/+3 || +8 || +4 || +8
| class="left" | [[#Kneecapper|Kneecapper (2)]]
|-
|- class="{{Odd-Even}}"
|14th||class="left" | +14/+9/+4 || +9 || +4 || +9
| class="left" | [[#Grizzled Veteran|Grizzled Veteran]]
|-
|- class="{{Odd-Even}}"
|15th||class="left" | +15/+10/+5 || +9 || +5 || +9
| class="left" | [[#Execution Opportunist|Execution Opportunist]], [[#Superior Shield|Superior Shield +4]]
|-
|- class="{{Odd-Even}}"
|16th||class="left" | +16/+11/+6/+1 || +10 || +5 || +10
| class="left" | [[#Tip of the Spear|Tip of the Spear (&times;5)]]
|-
|- class="{{Odd-Even}}"
|17th||class="left" | +17/+12/+7/+2 || +10 || +5 || +10
| class="left" | [[#Kneecapper|Kneecapper (3)]]
|-
|- class="{{Odd-Even}}"
|18th||class="left" | +18/+13/+8/+3 || +11 || +6 || +11
| class="left" | [[#Combat Tactician|Combat Tactician (2)]]
|-
|- class="{{Odd-Even}}"
|19th||class="left" | +19/+14/+9/+4 || +11 || +6 || +11
| class="left" | [[#Superior Shield|Superior Shield +5]]
|-
|- class="{{Odd-Even}}"
|20th||class="left" | +20/+15/+10/+5 || +12 || +6 || +12
| class="left" | [[#Sentinel|Sentinel]]
|- class="noalt"
| colspan="42" class="skill" |
'''Class Skills (4 + [[SRD:Intelligence|Int]] modifier per level, &times;4 at 1st level)'''<br/>
[[Climb]] ([[SRD:Strength|Str]]), [[SRD:Handle Animal Skill|Handle Animal]] ([[SRD:Charisma|Cha]]), [[SRD:Intimidate Skill|Intimidate]] ([[SRD:Charisma|Cha]]), [[SRD:Jump Skill|Jump]] ([[SRD:Strength|Str]]), [[Listen]] ([[SRD:Wisdom|Wis]]), [[SRD:Ride Skill|Ride]] ([[SRD:Dexterity|Dex]]), [[Spot]] ([[SRD:Wisdom|Wis]]), [[SRD:Swim Skill|Swim]] ([[SRD:Strength|Str]]).
|}

====Class Features====

All of the following are class features of the halberdier.

'''Weapon & Armor Proficiency:''' A halberdier is proficient with all simple and martial weapons as well as light and medium armor, and [[SRD:Buckler|bucklers]].

'''{{Anchor|Pikeman}} ([[SRD:Special Abilities Overview#Extraordinary|Ex]]):''' As his title implies, a halberdier specializes in the use of the halberd. He gains an extra 5 feet of reach when using a [[SRD:Halberd|halberd]], allowing him to use it either as a reach weapon or a normal melee weapon at his discretion. If he so chooses, he may also use a halberd as a double weapon (with the other end dealing damage like a [[SRD:Quarterstaff|quarterstaff]]), but incurs all normal penalties for doing so. In addition, he must forfeit his extra reach when he chooses to use his halberd as a double weapon. Shifting between these two distinctive styles is a [[SRD:Move Actions|move action]].

'''{{Anchor|Block Arrows}} ([[SRD:Special Abilities Overview#Extraordinary|Ex]]):''' So long as he wears a shield, a halberdier of second level gains the benefits of the [[SRD:Deflect Arrows|Deflect Arrows]] feat (he does not need to have a hand free in order to deflect the projectile).

'''{{Anchor|Executioner}} ([[SRD:Special Abilities Overview#Extraordinary|Ex]]):''' When a halberdier successfully attacks a [[SRD:Prone|prone]] opponent, he deals 1d6 additional damage per halberdier level with each attack. This even applies if the halberdier attacks with a bonus attack acquired through [[SRD:Improved Trip|Improved Trip]]. Creatures immune to [[SRD:Critical Hit|critical hits]] only take half damage from this ability, and the halberdier can only make one execution attack on any one opponent in one round.

'''{{Anchor|Improved Trip}}:''' A halberdier gains [[SRD:Improved Trip|Improved Trip]] as a bonus feat at 3rd level even if he does not meet the prerequisites.

'''{{Anchor|Superior Shield}} ([[SRD:Special Abilities Overview#Extraordinary|Ex]]):''' A halberdier is so skilled in the use of a buckler that he can increase the amount of defensive ability it offers him. If a 3rd level halberdier is wearing a buckler, he gains a +1 non-magical enhancement to the normal shield bonus it offers. This enhancement increases every four levels thereafter and stacks with all other enhancement bonuses the buckler offers.

'''{{Anchor|Tip of the Spear}} ([[SRD:Special Abilities Overview#Extraordinary|Ex]]):''' The halberdier's weapon deals lethal damage when set against a [[SRD:Charge|charge]]. Starting at 4th level, his halberd deals triple damage when set against a charge. This improves to quadruple damage at level 10 and quintuple damage at level 16.

'''{{Anchor|Intuitive Defender}} ([[SRD:Special Abilities Overview#Extraordinary|Ex]]):''' A halberdier uses his analytical abilities to more effectively counter his foes. Starting at 4th level, he may make a number of [[SRD:Attack of Opportunity|attacks of opportunity]] per round equal to his [[SRD:Intelligence|Intelligence]] modifier.

'''{{Anchor|Combat Experience}} ([[SRD:Special Abilities Overview#Extraordinary|Ex]]):''' Experience is everything, and by level five, the halberdier is no longer green as grass. He has seens his fair share of bloodshed and then some, and struggled mightly against beasts intent on tearing him limb from limb. As a result, he has learned that most things on the battlefield can be dealt with, gaining a bonus on all saving throws equal to his [[SRD:Intelligence|Intelligence]] modifier. 

'''{{Anchor|Hold The Line}} ([[SRD:Special Abilities Overview#Extraordinary|Ex]]):''' One of the best ways to defend against a charging opponent is to put a big, long, pointy thing in his way. The halberdier excels at executing this maneuver and may ready his halberd against a charge as an [[SRD:Immediate Actions|immediate action]]. 

In addition, a halberdier who sets his halberd against a charge automatically stops the charge attack of an opponent if they have equal reach.

'''{{Anchor|Deep Sweep}} ([[SRD:Special Abilities Overview#Extraordinary|Ex]]):''' As a [[SRD:Full-Round Actions|full-round action]], a halberdier may bring his halberd low and make a single attack (as well as a trip attempt) on every opponent within his reach.

'''{{Anchor|Shift The Line}} ([[SRD:Special Abilities Overview#Extraordinary|Ex]]):''' The halberdier can now shift his position before setting his halberd in order to shield an ally, all as part of the same action. He may now move up to one half his base speed before setting his weapon against a charge. This ability may still be used as an [[SRD:Immediate Actions|immediate action]].

'''{{Anchor|Expert Trip}} ([[SRD:Special Abilities Overview#Extraordinary|Ex]]):''' A halberdier values the ability to think quickly and cannily rather than brute strength, and uses his quick wit. Starting at 8th level, he may substitute his [[SRD:Intelligence|Intelligence]] modifier for his [[SRD:Strength|Strength]] modifier on all of his [[SRD:Trip|trip]] checks.

'''{{Anchor|Combat Tactician}} ([[SRD:Special Abilities Overview#Extraordinary|Ex]]):''' A halberdier makes every move in combat count. He may take one additional [[SRD:Swift Actions|swift action]] or [[SRD:Immediate Actions|immediate action]] per [[SRD:Round|round]] starting at ninth level and two such actions per round at 18th level.

'''{{Anchor|Kneecapper}} ([[SRD:Special Abilities Overview#Extraordinary|Ex]]):''' A halberdier is capable of bringing down opponents much larger than himself. At ninth level he make trip attempts on opponents up to two size categories larger than himself (one size larger than normal). This ability is extended by one additional size category at 13th and 17th levels. In addition, when a halberdier trips an opponent larger than himself, their size modifier to their roll to oppose the trip check (if any) is reduced by half.

'''{{Anchor|Pierce The Line}} ([[SRD:Special Abilities Overview#Extraordinary|Ex]]):''' The halberdier has learned to adopt the same principles he uses to stop a charge to his [[SRD:Charge|charge]] attack at 11th level. He now deals the damage indicated by [[#Tip of the Spear|Tip of the Spear]] when he makes a charge attack with a [[SRD:Halberd|halberd]].

'''{{Anchor|One-Two Trip}} ([[SRD:Special Abilities Overview#Extraordinary|Ex]]):''' When a 12th level halberdier hits an opponent with an attack that multiplies its damage due to [[#Tip of the Spear|Tip of the Spear]] or with consecutive attacks in a single round normal melee combat, he may make a trip attempt on that opponent as a [[SRD:Free Actions|free action]]. 

'''{{Anchor|Grizzled Veteran}} ([[SRD:Special Abilities Overview#Extraordinary|Ex]]):''' By level 14, the halberdier is an expert at pinpointing the weaknesses of his foes and hitting them hard. He may now use his [[SRD:Intelligence|Intelligence]] modifier in place of his [[SRD:Strength|Strength]] modifer on all attack and damage rolls.

'''{{Anchor|Execution Opportunist}} ([[SRD:Special Abilities Overview#Extraordinary|Ex]]):''' A halberdier of 15th level can deliver a swift, finishing blow immediately after tripping an opponent. The halberdier may take an immediate action to deliver a single melee attack (to which he may add [[#Executioner|execution]] damage) after he has tripped an opponent when he would normally not get a free attack. If the halberdier can already make a free attack on the opponent, he cannot use this ability to acquire a second attack. 

'''{{Anchor|Sentinel}} ([[SRD:Special Abilities Overview#Extraordinary|Ex]]):''' By level 20, the halberdier is renowned as a master of the execution. His execution attack now deals normal damage (instead of half) to creatures immune to critical hits.

====Epic Halberdier====

{| class="zebra d20"
|+ class="epic" |
<div>{{Anchor|Table: The Epic Halberdier}}</div>
Hit Die: d10
|-
! Level !! Special
|- 
| 21st || class="left" | 
|- 
| 22nd || class="left" | [[#Tip of the Spear|Tip of the Spear (&times;6)]]
|- 
| 23rd || class="left" | [[#Bonus Feats|Bonus Feat]], [[#Superior Shield|Superior Shield +6]]
|- 
| 24th || class="left" | 
|- 
| 25th || class="left" | 
|- 
| 26th || class="left" | [[#Bonus Feats|Bonus Feat]]
|- 
| 27th || class="left" | [[#Superior Shield|Superior Shield +7]]
|- class
| 28th || class="left" | [[#Tip of the Spear|Tip of the Spear (&times;7)]]
|- class
| 29th || class="left" | [[#Bonus Feats|Bonus Feat]]
|- class=
| 30th || class="left" | 
|- class="noalt"
| colspan="42" class="skill" |
4 + [[SRD:Intelligence|Int]] modifier skill points per level.
|}

'''Superior Shield:''' The epic halberdier continues to gain further enhancements to the shield bonus he recieves from wearing a buckler at 23rd and 27th level.

'''Tip of the Spear:''' The epic halberdier deals six times his normal damage when he sets a halberd against a charge at level 22 and seven times his normal damage at 28th level.

'''{{Anchor|Bonus Feats }}:''' The epic halberdier gains a bonus feat (selected from the list of epic halberdier bonus feats) every 3 levels after 20th.

''Epic Halberdier Bonus Feat List:'' [[Armor Skin]], [[Damage Reduction]], [[Energy Resistance]], [[SRD:Epic Endurance|Epic Endurance]], [[Epic Prowess]], [[SRD:Epic Toughness|Epic Toughness]], [[SRD:Epic Weapon Focus|Epic Weapon Focus]], [[SRD:Exceptional Deflection|Exceptional Deflection]], [[SRD:Fast Healing (Feat)|Fast Healing]], [[SRD:Great Constitution|Great Constitution]], [[SRD:Great Strength|Great Strength]], [[SRD:Infinite Deflection|Infinite Deflection]], [[SRD:Perfect Health|Perfect Health]], [[SRD:Reflect Arrows|Reflect Arrows]], [[SRD:Superior Initiative|Superior Initiative]].

====Human Halberdier Starting Package====

'''Weapons:''' [[SRD:Halberd|Halberd]], 5 [[SRD:Javelin|javelins]].

'''Skill Selection:''' Pick a number of skills equal to 4 + [[Int]] modifier.

{| class="zebra d20"
|-
! class="left" | Skill || Ranks || Ability || Armor<br/>Check<br/>Penalty
|- class=
| class="left" | Intimidate || 4 || Cha || &mdash;
|- class=
| class="left" | Listen || 4 || Wis || &mdash;
|- class=
| class="left" | Ride || 4 || Dex || &mdash;
|- class=
| class="left" | Spot || 4 || Wis || &mdash;
|}

'''Feat:''' [[SRD:Improved Initiative|Improved Initiative]].

'''Bonus Feats:''' [[SRD:Power Attack|Power Attack]].

'''Gear:''' [[SRD:Scale Mail|Scale Mail]], [[SRD:Buckler|buckler]], mundane equipment.

'''Gold:''' 25 gp.

===Campaign Information===

====Playing a Halberdier====

'''Religion:''' Halberdiers are not universally bound by the tenets of any particular group; their religion is determined by their upbringing, but given their choice of profession their are more likely to favor gods of war (particularly those whose portfolios favor bold tacticians over vicious brutes) and, occasionally, an element of justice.

'''Other Classes:''' Many halberdiers loathe the directness of [[SRD:Barbarian|barbarians]] and their ilk, since such a method requires no wit or strategy, but are pragmatic enough to see their value from a tactical standpoint. This appreciation of certain skills extends to all other companions; so long as they are useful, the halberdier will tolerate their presence if not welcome their comraderie.

'''Combat:''' A halberdier is a zone controller, able to ward away foes with the long reach of his halberd and trip them up when they get to close. In addition, his ability to stop a charge makes enemies think twice before closing in to attack, allowing him to dictate the movements of others on the battlefield through his mere presence.

'''Advancement:''' Many halberdiers find themselves in leadership positions where their ability to think tactically and quickly comes in handy. As a result, many favor the [[Legendary Strategist (3.5e Prestige Class)|Legendary Strategist]] prestige class. They may also take other martially inclined prestige classes to increase their plethora of abilities.

====Halberdiers in the World====

{{quote|''Lay down my weapon? Why don't you come and get it?''}}

Halberdiers are the consummate tacticians that can be found in every military across the globe; they always have a plan, and maybe a few backup plans in case the first one goes awry. It pays to be well-prepared, and never caught off guard. This approach to thinking tends to cross over in every aspect of their life.

'''Daily Life:''' Because most halberdiers hail from a military background, every part of their life is regimented as if it were a military drill. They are extremely mindful of rank and tend to respect the voice of authority, even if they do not always obey.

'''Notables:''' None.

'''Organizations:''' Militaries worldwide count halberdiers across their ranks as officers and leaders, be there is no organization of exclusively colluding halberdiers.

'''NPC Reactions:''' The reaction to a halberdier is entirely dependent on his allegiance, and can range from respect to loathing to complete ambivalence.

====Halberdier Lore====

Characters with ranks in [[SRD:Knowledge Skill|Knowledge (local)]] can research halberdiers to learn more about them.  When a character makes a skill check, read or paraphrase the following, including information from lower DCs.

{| class="zebra d20"
|+ Knowledge (local)
! DC || class="left" | Result
|- 
| 5 || class="left" | The halberdier is a dedicated user of the halberd.
|- 
| 10 || class="left" | He specializes in tripping his foes and finishing them while they're down.
|- 
| 15 || class="left" | Be wary when charging a halberdier; when readied his weapon is capable of lethal damage in an instant.
|- 
| 20 || class="left" | Most halberdiers have ties to a certain military outfit. This level of knowedge also provides information on specific halberdiers and their original units.
|}

====Halberdiers in the Game====

In combat, the halberdier is an excellent zone controller who is also capable of terrorizing foes with swift, efficient death-dealing. They can also serve as the brain trust of a party, using their high level of knowledge to aid in group strategy and the gathering of information. 

'''Adaptation:''' The halberd is a tremendously versatile weapon, and is only made moreso by its wielder's expertise. Similarly adaptable weapons can replace it if the DM and player agree that the class features can still be effectively utilized, or changes can be made to fit the abilities of the other weapon.

'''Sample Encounter:''' <-DM placement for NPCs of this class.->.

''EL <- EL Number ->:'' <-Encounter scenario and character info on sample NPC including stat block.  The CR of the NPC is typically the same as the EL for the encounter.->.

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{{3.5e Base Classes Breadcrumb}}
[[Category:3.5e]]
[[Category:User]]
[[Category:Class]]
[[Category:Base Class]]

{{Navboxes}}
Allowed Alignments	Lawful Good +, Lawful Neutral +, Lawful Evil +, Neutral Good +, Neutral +, Neutral Evil +, Chaotic Good +, Chaotic Neutral + and Chaotic Evil +
Article Balance	High +
Author	ThunderGod Cid +
Base Attack Bonus Progression	Good +
Class Ability	Other +
Class Ability Progression	Other +
Fortitude Save Progression	Good +
Identifier	3.5e Class +
Length	20 +
Rated By	Ghostwheel +
Rating	Rating Pending +
Reflex Save Progression	Poor +
Summary	A zone controller and tactician who speciaqlizes in the many different uses of the halberd. +
Title	Halberdier +
Will Save Progression	Good +