Hoplite

The hoplite is the quintessential Estaklian warrior—shield in one hand, weapon in the other, their bronze panoply gleaming beneath the sun. These champions are more than soldiers; they are symbols of their city’s pride and discipline, trained in both the art of the duel and the chaos of battle. Every polis that can afford them fields hoplites, for their presence on the front line is as much about morale and spectacle as it is about martial prowess.   A hoplite fights not for gold or conquest alone, but for honor — their own and their city’s. In times of peace, they serve as the vanguard of ceremonies, marching in precise formation before cheering crowds. In war, they form the unbreakable wall against which the enemy breaks. To their enemies, a hoplite is a relentless, spear-wielding sentinel; to their allies, they are a rallying banner that inspires courage and unity.   The hoplite tradition is as old as Estaklian warfare itself. Tales are told of duels fought to decide the fate of whole city-states, with hoplites standing as their polis’ champion in the sand of the arena. In some cities, it is customary for the greatest hoplites to be buried in full armor, spear planted upright in the earth, so that their spirit may guard the city even in death.   The training of a hoplite is rigorous and steeped in ritual. Warriors learn to fight shoulder-to-shoulder, maintaining formation under withering assault, and to adapt their spear techniques for close-quarters combat when the enemy closes in. They are drilled in swift footwork, the use of terrain, and the psychology of battle, knowing that a wavering enemy can be defeated without a single blow. Above all, they are taught to stand fast, for their shield is not theirs alone, but a wall that protects the comrade to their left.   While the hoplite tradition is strongest in Estaklyos, its renown has spread far beyond. Mercenary hoplites serve in foreign armies as elite guards and tactical advisors, bringing with them the precision and discipline of their homeland. In distant lands, they may be regarded with a mix of admiration and suspicion, for wherever a hoplite walks, so too walks the spirit of the polis—proud, unyielding, and ready for battle.

Hoplite Exploits

3rd-Level Fighter (Hoplite) Feature

You learn certain Exploits at the Fighter levels noted in the table below. They don't count against your total number of Exploits Known and can't be switched upon gaining a level.

Fighter Level	Exploit
3rd	counter, lunge
5th	defensive stance, hold the line
9th	daring rescue

Phalanx Discipline

3rd-Level Fighter (Hoplite) Feature   You know how to best defend yourself and others near you with your shield. When a friendly creature you can see is hit by an attack while you are wielding a shield, you may use your Reaction to move up to half your speed toward that creature. If you end this movement within 5 feet of that creature, you may add your shield's AC bonus to that creature's AC against the triggering attack. This can be done after the d20 is rolled, but before the DM declares if the attack hit or missed.   If the attack misses, the next melee weapon attack you make against the creature who made the attack before the end of your next turn is made at Advantage.

Stand Your Ground

7th-Level Fighter (Hoplite) Feature   You've mastered how to hold your ground in combat. So long as you are not Incapacitated, you have Advantage on saving throws and ability checks made to resist being knocked Prone or moved against your will.

Unbreakable Line

10th-Level Fighter (Hoplite) Feature   At the start of your turn, so long as you are not Restrained, you may choose to reduce your Speed to 0. This lasts until the start of your next turn. If you do, each creature of your choice within 5 feet of you gains a +2 bonus to their AC and may use their Reaction to add your Strength modifier to a Strength or Dexterity saving throw they are forced to make. Additionally, you have Advantage on the first melee weapon attack you make before the start of your next turn.

Eternal Protector

15th-Level Fighter (Hoplite) Feature   Your martial prowess seems to rub off on your allies. Whenever you use your Second Wind, up to two creatures of your choice within 15 feet of you that can see you regain hit points equal to half the amount you regain.

Legendary Hoplite

18th-Level Fighter (Hoplite) Feature   You are a beacon of defense, able to shrug off even the most fatal of blows. When you or a creature within 5 feet of you is hit by an attack or fails a saving throw while you are wielding a shield, you may use your Reaction to grant that creature Resistance to all damage from the attack or saving throw.   You can use this feature a number of times equal to your Fighter Power Reservoir, regaining all expended uses when you finish a long rest.