View source for Sentinel (3.5e Prestige Class)

{{author
|author_name=Sulacu
|date_created=March 4, 2010
|status=Under construction
|editing=Spelling and grammar only
|balance=Rogue
}}
<div class="blank">
{{#set:Summary=A stalwart defender that shields his allies and can stand his ground against any foe. |Length=10
|Minimum Level=6
|Base Attack Bonus Progression=Moderate
|Fortitude Save Progression=Good
|Reflex Save Progression=Poor
|Will Save Progression=Good
|Class Ability=Other
}}
{{#set:Allowed Alignments=Lawful Good}} {{#set:Allowed Alignments=Lawful Neutral}} {{#set:Allowed Alignments=Lawful Evil}} {{#set:Allowed Alignments=Neutral Good}} {{#set:Allowed Alignments=Neutral}} {{#set:Allowed Alignments=Neutral Evil}}
</div>

[[File:Sentinel.jpg|thumb|right|278px|A [[SRD:Half-Fiend|half-fiend]] sentinel.]]

==Sentinel==

{{quote
|We are the line that must be held.
|orig=Annaeus Daldren, Human Sentinel
|src=an age-old Sentinel motto.
}}

A sentinel is the ultimate defender. Once he assumes a spot on the front of battle, it takes a siege to displace him. He is the first and last line of defense of those who command him, his shield a wall that none may pass. A sentinel's skill lends both to his own defense and that of those next to him, making a line of heavily trained sentinels as formidable a defense as a city wall. Sentinels are persistent and enduring and will never show their backs to their enemy.

===Becoming a Sentinel===

Sentinels focus solely on defensive skills and techniques, mostly relying on being stationary rather than controlling the battlefield with mobility. They do not need to be nimble or dextrous, for their power is greatest when they are standing still. Sentinels usually have military backgrounds and often start as [[SRD:Fighter|fighters]], [[SRD:Paladin|paladins]], crusaders<sup>[[Tome of Battle|ToB]]</sup> or warblades<sup>[[Tome of Battle|ToB]]</sup>. Other martial classes that rely more on agility and quick, precise strikes, like [[SRD:Barbarian|barbarians]], [[SRD:Rogue|rogues]] and [[SRD:Ranger|rangers]] rarely take this prestige class, as a sentinel's diametrically opposed combat philosophy blunts their prowess.

The most important abilities for a sentinel are [[SRD:Constitution|Constitution]] and [[SRD:Strength|Strength]], granting him his great stability and resilience to damage.

{| class="d20 dragon monstats" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"
|+ style="font-size: larger; white-space: nowrap;" | Entry Requirements
|-
! Alignment:
| Any non-[[SRD:Chaotic Neutral|chaotic]]
|-
! Saves:
| [[SRD:Fortitude|Fortitude]] +5.
|-
! Skills:
| [[SRD:Intimidate Skill|Intimidate]] 5 ranks.
|-
! Feats:
| [[SRD:Tower Shield Proficiency|Tower Shield Proficiency]].
|-
! Special:
| <-special requirements->.
|} 

{| class="zebra d20"
|+ <div>{{Anchor|Table: The Sentinel}}</div>
<p>Hit Die: d12</p>
|-
! 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]]
|- 
| 1st || +0 || +2 || +0 || +2
| class="left" | [[#Bulwark|Bulwark]], [[#Tower Shield Mastery|Tower Shield Mastery]]
|- 
| 2nd || +1 || +3 || +0 || +3
| class="left" | [[#Hold the Line|Hold the Line]]
|- 
| 3rd || +2 || +3 || +1 || +3
| class="left" | [[#Threaten|Threaten]], [[#Never Abandon Your Post|Never Abandon Your Post]]
|- 
| 4th || +3 || +4 || +1 || +4
| class="left" | [[#Protect the Flank|Protect the Flank]]
|- 
| 5th || +3 || +4 || +1 || +4
| class="left" | [[#Spell Shield|Spell Shield]]
|-
| 6th || +4 || +5 || +2 || +5
| class="left" | [[#Guard the Front|Guard the Front]]
|- 
| 7th || +5 || +5 || +2 || +5
| class="left" | [[#Improved Bulwark|Improved Bulwark]]
|- 
| 8th || +6 || +6 || +2 || +6
| class="left" | 
|- 
| 9th || +6 || +6 || +3 || +6
| class="left" | 
|- 
| 10th || +7 || +7 || +3 || +7
| class="left" | [[#Master Bulwark|Master Bulwark]]
|- class="noalt"
| colspan="42" class="skill" |
'''Class Skills ([[Skill Points::2]] + [[SRD:Intelligence|Int]] modifier per level.'''<br/>
{{Property Link|Skill|SRD:Climb Skill|Climb}} ([[SRD:Strength|Str]]), 
{{Property Link|Skill|SRD:Craft Skill|Craft}} ([[SRD:Intelligence|Int]]), 
{{Property Link|Skill|SRD:Heal Skill|Heal}} ([[SRD:Wisdom|Wis]]), 
{{Property Link|Skill|SRD:Intimidate Skill|Intimidate}} ([[SRD:Charisma|Cha]]), 
{{Property Link|Skill|SRD:Jump Skill|Jump}} ([[SRD:Strength|Str]]), 
{{Property Link|Skill|SRD:Profession Skill|Profession}} ([[SRD:Wisdom|Wis]]), 
{{Property Link|Skill|SRD:Spot Skill|Spot}} ([[SRD:Wisdom|Wis]]), 
{{Property Link|Skill|SRD:Swim Skill|Swim}} ([[SRD:Strength|Str]]).
|}

<!-- delete this table if the class has less than 10 pre-epic levels -->
{| class="zebra d20"
|+ {{Anchor|Table: The [[SRD:Epic Level Basics|Epic]] <-class name->}}
|-
! Level || Special
|- 
| 11th|| class="left" | <-any improvements to class features gained at this level, including any bonus feats->
|- 
| 12th|| class="left" | <-any improvements to class features gained at this level, including any bonus feats->
|- 
| 13th|| class="left" | <-any improvements to class features gained at this level, including any bonus feats->
|- 
| 14th|| class="left" | <-any improvements to class features gained at this level, including any bonus feats->
|- 
| 15th|| class="left" | <-any improvements to class features gained at this level, including any bonus feats->
|- 
| 16th|| class="left" | <-any improvements to class features gained at this level, including any bonus feats->
|- 
| 17th|| class="left" | <-any improvements to class features gained at this level, including any bonus feats->
|- 
| 18th|| class="left" | <-any improvements to class features gained at this level, including any bonus feats->
|- 
| 19th|| class="left" | <-any improvements to class features gained at this level, including any bonus feats->
|- 
| 20th|| class="left" | <-any improvements to class features gained at this level, including any bonus feats->
|}

====Class Features====

All of the following are class features of the sentinel.

'''{{Anchor|Bulwark}}:''' A sentinel's guard is almost impervious. As a [[SRD:Standard Actions|standard action]], he can assume a bulwark stance in which he maximizes his defensive capabilities. While in this stance, he adds his sentinel level to his [[SRD:Tower Shield|tower shield]]'s shield bonus to [[SRD:Armor Class|AC]], opposed [[SRD:Grapple|grapple]] checks, and [[SRD:Strength|Strength]] checks and saves made against effects that would move him (like [[SRD:Bull Rush|bull rush]], [[SRD:Trip|trip]] or a ''[[SRD:Telekinesis|telekinesis]]'' spell). The bulwark stance requires the sentinel to be on solid ground. Difficult terrain or low-gravity environments halve the bonuses of the bulwark stance. The bulwark stance cannot be used in places without gravity.

The bulwark stance requires a [[SRD:Tower Shield|tower shield]] to use. The shield must be held personally by the sentinel for the stance to be effective. While the stance is active, the sentinel cannot move more than 5 feet each [[SRD:Round|round]]. If a sentinel moves more than 5 feet in a round, either willfully or by outside influence, his bulwark stance is dropped. For this purpose, [[SRD:Teleportation Subschool|teleportation]] spells or effects do not count as movement as long as the sentinel ends up on the ground in a place that allows him to use his bulwark stance.

'''{{Anchor|Tower Shield Mastery}}:''' A sentinel takes no penalty to attack rolls for equipping a [[SRD:Tower Shield|tower shield]], and the [[SRD:Armor Check Penalty|armor check penalty]] of equipping a tower shield lessens by 6. The sentinel gets a +10 bonus to any checks and rolls defending against [[SRD:Sunder|sunder]] attempts on his shield.

'''{{Anchor|Hold the Line}}:''' While in bulwark mode, a 2nd-level sentinel can protect nearby allies from harm. As a [[SRD:Free Action|free action]] taken during his turn, he may designate up to two allies occupying squares adjacent to him. Any such designated allies cannot be [[SRD:Flanking|flanked]] and gain half the sentinel's [[#Bulwark|bulwark]] bonus as a [[SRD:Dodge|dodge]] bonus to [[SRD:Armor Class|AC]], rounded down. This ability remains active for as long as the sentinel is in bulwark stance and the ally remains in an adjacent square.

'''{{Anchor|Threaten}} ([[SRD:Special Abilities Overview#Extraordinary|Ex]]):''' A 3rd level sentinel can increase an enemy's hostility towards him, forcing that enemy to attack him. The enemy must be within 60 feet of the sentinel and there must be line of sight between them. As a [[SRD:Swift Actions|swift action]], the sentinel forces a [[SRD:Will|Will]] save against a DC of 10 + the sentinel's class level + the sentinel's [[SRD:Strength|Strength]] modifier. If the save fails, the enemy foregoes his current target and focuses all his efforts on the sentinel for one [[SRD:Round|round]]. In this state, an enemy cannot make [[SRD:Attack of Opportunity|attacks of opportunity]] against any creature other than the sentinel. If the sentinel wants to persist this effect, he will have to spend a new [[SRD:Swift Action|swift action]] during his next turn, provoking another [[SRD:Will|Will]] save. Mindless creatures are immune to this ability.

'''{{Anchor|Never Abandon Your Post}}:''' A 3rd level sentinel is immune to any and all [[SRD:Mind-Affecting Effect|mind-affecting]] effects that would compel him to move against his will.

'''{{Anchor|Protect the Flank}}:''' A 4th level sentinel can protect himself and the soldiers beside him from damage. At the start of every turn, he gains a defense pool that contains a total number of points equal to five times his sentinel level. The sentinel can use his defense pool to negate or deflect any attack against himself or any ally currently designated by his [[#Hold the Line|hold the line]] class feature. The damage of such an attack is taken from the defense pool. Any damage exceeding the number of points remaining in the defense pool is dealt to the recipient of the attack.

'''{{Anchor|Spell Shield}}:''' At 5th level, a sentinel's shield also becomes a barrier against spells. When in [[#Bulwark|bulwark]] mode, he gains a [[SRD:Spell Resistance|spell resistance]] of 10 + his shield bonus to [[SRD:Armor Class|AC]]. If using his shield to create [[SRD:Cover#Total Cover|total cover]], it now also deflects targeted spells.

'''{{Anchor|Guard the Front}}:''' At 6th level, a sentinel can hamper the movement of nearby foes. Every square that the sentinel threatens acts as [[SRD:Movement#Table:Hampered Movement|difficult terrain]] to any enemy.

'''{{Anchor|Greater Bulwark}} ([[SRD:Special Abilities Overview#Extraordinary|Ex]]):''' At 7th level, the sentinel's defense can be made so solid that adjacent foes cannot attack properly. By expending a move-equivalent action, the sentinel can stonewall a single enemy within reach, causing that enemy to act as if affected by a ''[[SRD:Slow|slow]]'' effect. This ability allows no save ans can only be used while [[#Bulwark|bulwark]] is active.

'''{{Anchor|Master Bulwark}}:''' At 10th level, the sentinel's defenses render him immune to [[SRD:Critical Hit|critical hits]] for as long as [[#Bulwark|bulwark]] is active.




'''{{Anchor|Bonus Feats}}:''' <- any bonus feats gained in pre-epic levels->.

The epic <-class name-> gains a bonus feat (selected from the list of epic <-class name-> feats) every <-# of levels-> levels after <-usually the last non epic level->.  

''Epic <-class name-> Bonus Feat List:'' <-list of bonus epic feats->

====Ex-<-pluralized class name->====

<-What happens (if anything) if characters of this class lose an entry requirement or violate their code of conduct (if this class has one).  Delete this section if there are no contingencies for continuing in this class->

<!-- REMOVE THIS LINE WHEN YOU HAVE COMPLETED AT LEAST ONE OF THE SECTIONS BELOW
===Campaign Information===
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<!-- REMOVE THIS LINE WHEN YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE "PLAYING A ... " SECTION
====Playing a <-class name->====

'''Combat:''' <-Typical role in combat->

'''Advancement:''' <-Typical advancement options for characters with this class.  Include desirable multiclass options->

'''Resources:''' <-What kind of assistance members of this class can expect from each other including possible organizations->
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<!-- REMOVE THIS LINE WHEN YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE "... IN THE WORLD" SECTION
====<-pluralized class name-> in the World====

{{quote|<-Some quote from a character of this class->|4=<-NPC name->, <-race-> <-class->}}

<-Where characters of this class fit in a d20 world->

'''NPC Reactions:''' <-How NPCs react to characters of this class->
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<!-- REMOVE THIS LINE WHEN YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE "... LORE" SECTION
====<-class name-> Lore====

Characters with ranks in <-the appropriate skills-> can research <-insert prestige class name-> 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"
|+ <-the appropriate skills->
! DC || class="left" | Result
|-
| 11 || class="left" | <-not so common knowledge->.
|-
| 16 || class="left" | <-rare information->.
|-
| 21 || class="left" | <-very rare information->.
|- 
| 26 || class="left" | <-information so obscure that members of this class might not even know it->.
|}
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<!-- REMOVE THIS LINE WHEN YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE "... IN THE GAME" SECTION
====<-pluralized class name-> in the Game====

<-How characters of this class fit in the game (PC and NPC) and what roles they play->

'''Adaptation:''' <-Fitting this class in your campaign->

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

''EL <- whatever ->:'' <-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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<!-- REMOVE THIS LINE BEFORE YOU SAVE! --> <nowiki>
----
{{3.5e Prestige Classes Breadcrumb}}
[[Category:3.5e]]
[[Category:User]]
[[Category:Class]]
[[Category:Prestige Class]]
Allowed Alignments	Lawful Good +, Lawful Neutral +, Lawful Evil +, Neutral Good +, Neutral + and Neutral Evil +
Article Balance	High +
Author	Sulacu +
Base Attack Bonus Progression	Moderate +
Class Ability	Other +
Fortitude Save Progression	Good +
Identifier	3.5e Prestige Class +
Length	10 +
Minimum Level	6 +
Rating	Undiscussed +
Reflex Save Progression	Poor +
Skill	Climb +, Craft +, Heal +, Intimidate +, Jump +, Profession +, Spot + and Swim +
Skill Points	2 +
Summary	A stalwart defender that shields his allies and can stand his ground against any foe. +
Title	Sentinel +
Will Save Progression	Good +