Phalanx Soldier

The phalanx soldier specializes in defensive tactics, using their shield to guard themselves and their allies and forming a shield wall like an unbreakable anvil against which their enemies break.

Stand Firm (Ex)

At 2nd level, a phalanx soldier gains a +1 bonus to CMD against Bull Rush, Drag, Overrun, and Trip attempts. This bonus also applies on saves against Trample attacks. The bonus increases by +1 for every four levels beyond 2nd.

This ability replaces bravery.

Phalanx Fighting (Ex)

At 3rd level, when a phalanx soldier wields a shield, they can use any polearm or spear of their size as a one-handed weapon.

This ability replaces armor training 1.

Ready Pike (Ex)

At 5th level, a phalanx soldier can, once per day, ready a weapon with the brace property as an Immediate Action, gaining a +1 bonus on attack and damage rolls. For every four levels beyond 5th, this bonus increases by +1, and they can use the ability one additional time per day. They cannot use this ability when Flat-Footed.

This ability replaces weapon training 1.

Deft Shield (Ex)

At 7th level, the armor check penalty from a shield and the attack roll penalty are reduced by –1 for a phalanx soldier using a tower shield. At 11th level, these penalties are reduced by –2.

This ability replaces armor training 2 and 3.

Shield Ally (Ex)

At 9th level, when a phalanx fighter is using a heavy or tower shield, they can, as a Move Action, provide partial cover (+2 cover bonus to AC, +1 bonus on Reflex saves) to themselves and all adjacent allies until the beginning of their next turn.

At 13th level, they can instead provide cover (+4 cover bonus to AC, +2 bonus on Reflex saves) and Evasion (as a rogue) to one adjacent ally until the beginning of their next turn. This cover does not allow Stealth checks.

At 17th level, they can provide cover to themselves and all adjacent allies, or they can provide improved cover (+8 cover bonus to AC, +4 bonus on Reflex saves, improved Evasion) to a single adjacent ally.

This ability replaces weapon training 2, 3, and 4.

Irresistible Advance (Ex)

At 15th level, a phalanx fighter gains a bonus on Bull Rush and Overrun CMB checks. This bonus depends on the type of shield used: +1 with a buckler, +2 with a light shield, +3 with a heavy shield, or +4 with a tower shield.

This ability replaces armor training 4.

Shielded Fortress (Ex)

At 20th level, a phalanx fighter’s shield cannot be disarmed or sundered. They gain Evasion (as a rogue) when using a shield (improved Evasion when using a tower shield). As a Move Action, a phalanx fighter can provide Evasion to all adjacent allies until the beginning of their next turn. As an Immediate Action, they can provide improved Evasion to an adjacent ally against one attack.

This ability replaces weapon mastery.

Parent Class

Fighter