Polearm Master

The polearm master is schooled in the ancient Wisdom that enemies are best faced at the end of a long striking pole, lashing like a serpent before clumsy swords and axes can even be brought to bear.

Pole Fighting (Ex)

At 2nd level, as an Immediate Action, a polearm master can shorten the grip on their spear or polearm with reach and use it against adjacent targets. This action results in a –4 penalty on attack rolls with that weapon until they spend another Immediate Action to return to the normal grip. The penalty is reduced by –1 for every four levels beyond 2nd.

This ability replaces bravery.

Steadfast Pike (Ex)

At 3rd level, a polearm master gains a +1 bonus on attack rolls with readied attacks and attacks of opportunity made with a spear or polearm. The bonus increases by +1 for every four levels beyond 3rd.

This ability replaces armor training 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Polearm Training (Ex)

At 5th level, a polearm master gains a +1 bonus on attack and damage rolls with spears and polearms. The bonus increases by +1 for every four levels beyond 5th.

This ability replaces weapon training 1.

Flexible Flanker (Ex)

At 9th level, a polearm master may choose any square adjacent to them and treat that square as their location for determining who they are Flanking, even if that square is occupied by a creature, Object, or solid barrier.

This ability replaces weapon training 2.

Sweeping Fend (Ex)

At 13th level, a polearm master can use any spear or polearm to make Bull Rush maneuvers, though they take a –4 penalty on combat maneuver checks when making such attempts. When using a spear or polearm to make a Trip maneuver, they treat these weapons as if they had the Trip weapon feature.*

This ability replaces weapon training 3.

*Source

Step Aside (Ex)

At 17th level, when a creature threatened by a polearm master takes a 5-foot step into a square adjacent to them, they can take a 5-foot step as an Immediate Action. This 5-foot step must be subtracted from their movement on the next turn. They also gain a +2 Dodge Bonus to their AC against that opponent until the end of their next turn.

This ability replaces weapon training 4.

Polearm Parry (Ex)

At 19th level, when an opponent threatened by a polearm master makes a Melee Attack against an ally, they may take an Immediate Action to grant their ally a +2 Shield Bonus to AC and DR 5/— against that attack. They may use this ability to protect themselves, but only if the attacking creature is not adjacent to them.

This ability replaces armor mastery.

Weapon Mastery (Ex)

A polearm master must choose a spear or polearm for their weapon mastery class feature.

Parent Class

Fighter