Professional Template: 300 Spartans: Leonidas

[Hrothgar Rannúlfr]

In the Dungeon Fantasy RPG, which template would be best to represent a character like Leonidas from the movie, 300?

[zuljita]

Barbarian, knight or even swashbuckler could all be built to do it. Knight is probably easiest.

[Hrothgar Rannúlfr]

Thanks, Zuljita.

I was thinking that the heavily armored idea, along with the preference for heavy weapons, of the knight ran a little contrary to the seemingly lightly armored Spartans of the movie. Otherwise, I think it works great.

[zuljita]

The armor thing is mostly flavor. Just don't take armor mastery use the broadsword and shield combo and you'll be pretty close .

[ArchonShiva]

Remember that while you can’t fudge your plate armor’s weight and every opponent will be able to tell its base DR, you can have it *look* like a leather belt with a large buckle, a single shin protector and a pair of shoulder pads.

[Hrothgar Rannúlfr]

That's an interesting idea, ArchonShiva.

I don't know if the others I plan to play DFRPG with would let me get away with that, without it being some sort of magic item. But that is a really great idea.

[Kromm]

It's always an option to invent something, too! Here's an example.

—

Hoplite

You are a lean, bronzed master of shield-and-spear combat (and handy with a sword, when things get too tight). Your resistance to pain and hardship – both physical and mental – are legendary among warriors. So is your ability deploy swiftly, whether over short distances or long. And so is your loyalty to the unit. While you might not be the flashiest of fighters, you are a wonderful ally and probably the best protector your less-capable friends could wish for.

Attributes: ST 13 [30]; DX 14 [80]; IQ 10 [0]; HT 14 [40].
Secondary Characteristics: Damage 1d/2d-1; BL 34 lbs.; HP 13 [0]; Will 12 [10]; Per 10 [0]; FP 14 [0]; Basic Speed 7.00 [0]; Basic Move 7 [0].
Advantages: High Pain Threshold [10]; Sacrificial Block [1]; Shield-Wall Training [1]; and Weapon Master (Shield, Shortsword, and Spear) [30]. • A further 40 points chosen from among:

ST +1 to +4 [10/level]
DX +1 or +2 [20/level]
HT +1 to +4 [10/level]
Will +1 to +8 [5/level]
HP +1 to +4 [2/level]
Basic Speed +1.00 or +2.00 [20/level]
Basic Move +1 to +4 [5/level]
Born War-Leader 1-4 [5/level]
Combat Reflexes [15]
Daredevil [15]
Enhanced Block 1-4 [5/level]
Fearlessness [2/level] or Unfazeable [15]
Fit [5] or Very Fit [15]
Hard to Kill [2/level]
Hard to Subdue [2/level]
Luck [15] or Extraordinary Luck [30]
Penetrating Voice [1]
Rallying Cry [5]
Rapid Healing [5]
Shield Mastery [15]
Signature Gear [1/item]
Striking ST 1-4 [5/level]
Tough Skin 1-3 [3/level]
Trademark Move [1/move]
Weapon Bond [1]

Disadvantages: Code of Honor (Soldier's) [-10] and Sense of Duty (Adventuring Companions) [-5]. • A further -35 points chosen from among:

Bad Temper [-10*]
Bloodlust [-10*]
Callous [-5]
Chummy [-5] or Gregarious [-10]
Honesty [-10*]
No Sense of Humor [-10]
One Eye [-15]
Overconfidence [-5*]
Selfless [-5*]
Stubbornness [-5*]
Vow (Use only hoplite weapons) [-5] or (Never refuse a challenge to combat) [-10] or (Never wear armor) [-15]
Wounded [-5]

Skills: Either Sling-13 [2] or Thrown Weapon (Spear)-15 [2]. • All of these skills:

Brawling-15 [2]
Fast-Draw (Sword)-14 [1]
Hiking-14 [2]
Intimidation-12 [2]
Running-14 [2]
Shield-18 [12]
Shortsword-16 [8]
Spear-18 [16]
Tactics-10 [4]
Wrestling-14 [2]

• Five of these skills:

Armory (Body Armor or Melee Weapons)-9 [1]
Carousing-14 [1]
Climbing-13 [1]
First Aid-10 [1]
Gesture-10 [1]
Heraldry-9 [1]
Jumping-14 [1]
Leadership-9 [1]
Observation-9 [1]
Savoir-Faire-10 [1]
Stealth-13 [1]
Strategy-8 [1]

* Multiplied for self-control number; see Adventurers, p. 55.

Special Hoplite Traits

The hoplite's "special abilities" include the option to buy an impressive four levels apiece of Basic Move, Enhanced Block, and Striking ST, plus some specialized advantages.

Daredevil

15 points

This is identical to the swashbuckler ability of the same name; see Adventurers, p. 37.

Rallying Cry

5 points

This is identical to the knight ability of the same name; see Adventurers, p. 28.

Sacrificial Block

1 point

This is identical to the knight ability of the same name; see Adventurers, p. 28.

Shield Mastery

15 points

This is identical to the knight ability of the same name; see Adventurers, p. 29.

Shield-Wall Training

1 point

This is identical to the knight ability of the same name; see Adventurers, p. 29.

Tough Skin

3 points/level

This is identical to the barbarian ability of the same name; see Adventurers, p. 16.

[Kromm]

My hoplite template could be "maxed out" in lots of different directions. For instance, one could spend advantage points to have ST 15 and Striking ST 4, for a net ST 19. That gives thrust 2d-1. Then use a fine, dwarven long spear ($420) to go around doing 2d+6 imp (with bonuses for a fine weapon and Weapon Master) at reach 3 without giving up your parry.

[tbone]

Originally Posted by Kromm

It's always an option to invent something, too! Here's an example.

One for the bookmarks! (And table, eventually.)

I always like DF/DFRPG characters' "Customization Notes" that go into additional archetypes. Here, "Hoplite" is a fine name for what's a broader "Elite Sword 'n' Sandals Soldier", but are there other specific archetypes that could be derived?

Without fussing over details of historical accuracy, this template looks usable for a Roman Legionnaire (or just Legionnaire, if Empire is as unnamed as Town)... even Elite Viking Warrior with a little more tweaking (Axe/Mace, some armor, maybe Boating/Swimming...)

Does the template suggest any other classic characters to anyone?

[ArchonShiva]

Originally Posted by Hrothgar Rannúlfr

That's an interesting idea, ArchonShiva.

I don't know if the others I plan to play DFRPG with would let me get away with that, without it being some sort of magic item. But that is a really great idea.

It’s actually RAW, if stretching it slightly: As You Like It, DFA109. As long as you’re not trying to fool anyone, or to make your armor suitable for social events, or getting rid of any sort of penalty, this rule is probably how Frank Frazetta’s barbarians stay alive!