# Warlord *Source: Warlord p. 1* > [!tldr] Class and Feature Progression > > <table class="class-progression"> > <thead> > <tr><th colspan='7'></th></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><th class"level">Level</th><th class"pb">PB</th><th class"feature">Features</th><th class="value">Inspiring Word</th><th class="value">Exploits Known</th><th class="value">Exploit Die</th><th class="value">Exploit Dice</th></tr> > </thead><tbody> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">1st</td><td class"pb">+2</td><td class"feature"><a href='#Leadership Style (Level 1)' class='internal-link'>Leadership Style</a>, <a href='#Inspiring Word (Level 1)' class='internal-link'>Inspiring Word</a></td><td class="value">3</td><td class="value">⏤</td><td class="value">⏤</td><td class="value">⏤</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">2nd</td><td class"pb">+2</td><td class"feature"><a href='#Fighting Style (Level 2)' class='internal-link'>Fighting Style</a>, <a href='#Tactical Exploits (Level 2)' class='internal-link'>Tactical Exploits</a></td><td class="value">3</td><td class="value">2</td><td class="value">1d4</td><td class="value">2</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">3rd</td><td class"pb">+2</td><td class"feature"><a href='#Academy of War (Level 3)' class='internal-link'>Academy of War</a></td><td class="value">3</td><td class="value">3</td><td class="value">1d4</td><td class="value">2</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">4th</td><td class"pb">+2</td><td class"feature"><a href='#Ability Score Improvement (Level 4)' class='internal-link'>Ability Score Improvement</a></td><td class="value">4</td><td class="value">3</td><td class="value">1d4</td><td class="value">2</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">5th</td><td class"pb">+3</td><td class"feature"><a href='#Extra Attack (Level 5)' class='internal-link'>Extra Attack</a></td><td class="value">4</td><td class="value">4</td><td class="value">1d6</td><td class="value">3</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">6th</td><td class"pb">+3</td><td class"feature"><a href='#Academy Feature (Level 6)' class='internal-link'>Academy Feature</a></td><td class="value">4</td><td class="value">4</td><td class="value">1d6</td><td class="value">3</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">7th</td><td class"pb">+3</td><td class"feature"><a href='#Valiant Leader (Level 7)' class='internal-link'>Valiant Leader</a></td><td class="value">4</td><td class="value">5</td><td class="value">1d6</td><td class="value">3</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">8th</td><td class"pb">+3</td><td class"feature"><a href='#Ability Score Improvement (Level 8)' class='internal-link'>Ability Score Improvement</a></td><td class="value">5</td><td class="value">5</td><td class="value">1d6</td><td class="value">3</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">9th</td><td class"pb">+4</td><td class"feature"><a href='#Rallying Cry (Level 9)' class='internal-link'>Rallying Cry</a></td><td class="value">5</td><td class="value">6</td><td class="value">1d6</td><td class="value">3</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">10th</td><td class"pb">+4</td><td class"feature"><a href='#Unwavering Will (Level 10)' class='internal-link'>Unwavering Will</a></td><td class="value">5</td><td class="value">6</td><td class="value">1d6</td><td class="value">3</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">11th</td><td class"pb">+4</td><td class"feature"><a href='#Tactical Superiority (Level 11)' class='internal-link'>Tactical Superiority</a></td><td class="value">5</td><td class="value">7</td><td class="value">1d8</td><td class="value">4</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">12th</td><td class"pb">+4</td><td class"feature"><a href='#Ability Score Improvement (Level 12)' class='internal-link'>Ability Score Improvement</a></td><td class="value">5</td><td class="value">7</td><td class="value">1d8</td><td class="value">4</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">13th</td><td class"pb">+5</td><td class"feature"></td><td class="value">6</td><td class="value">8</td><td class="value">1d8</td><td class="value">4</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">14th</td><td class"pb">+5</td><td class"feature"><a href='#Academy Feature (Level 14)' class='internal-link'>Academy Feature</a></td><td class="value">6</td><td class="value">8</td><td class="value">1d8</td><td class="value">4</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">15th</td><td class"pb">+5</td><td class"feature"><a href='#Exalted Leader (Level 15)' class='internal-link'>Exalted Leader</a></td><td class="value">6</td><td class="value">9</td><td class="value">1d8</td><td class="value">4</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">16th</td><td class"pb">+5</td><td class"feature"><a href='#Ability Score Improvement (Level 16)' class='internal-link'>Ability Score Improvement</a></td><td class="value">6</td><td class="value">9</td><td class="value">1d8</td><td class="value">4</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">17th</td><td class"pb">+6</td><td class"feature"></td><td class="value">7</td><td class="value">10</td><td class="value">1d10</td><td class="value">5</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">18th</td><td class"pb">+6</td><td class"feature"><a href='#Academy Feature (Level 18)' class='internal-link'>Academy Feature</a></td><td class="value">7</td><td class="value">10</td><td class="value">1d10</td><td class="value">5</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">19th</td><td class"pb">+6</td><td class"feature"><a href='#Ability Score Improvement (Level 19)' class='internal-link'>Ability Score Improvement</a></td><td class="value">7</td><td class="value">10</td><td class="value">1d10</td><td class="value">5</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">20th</td><td class"pb">+6</td><td class"feature"><a href='#Dauntless (Level 20)' class='internal-link'>Dauntless</a></td><td class="value">7</td><td class="value">10</td><td class="value">1d10</td><td class="value">5</td></tr> > </tbody></table> ^class-progression ## Hit Points - **Hit Dice**: 1d8 per Warlord level - **Hit Points at First Level:** 8 + CON - **Hit Points at Higher Levels:** add 5 OR 1d8 + CON (minimum of 1) ## Starting Warlord - **Saving Throw Proficiencies**: Charisma, Wisdom - **Skill Proficiencies**: *Choose 2:* [Athletics](/3-Content/Rules/skills.md#Athletics), [Deception](/3-Content/Rules/skills.md#Deception), [History](/3-Content/Rules/skills.md#History), [Insight](/3-Content/Rules/skills.md#Insight), [Intimidation](/3-Content/Rules/skills.md#Intimidation), [Investigation](/3-Content/Rules/skills.md#Investigation), or [Persuasion](/3-Content/Rules/skills.md#Persuasion) - **Weapon Proficiencies**: Simple weapons, [longbows](/3-Content/Compendiums/items/longbow.md), [longswords](/3-Content/Compendiums/items/longsword.md), [rapiers](/3-Content/Compendiums/items/rapier.md), [scimitars](/3-Content/Compendiums/items/scimitar.md), [hand crossbows](/3-Content/Compendiums/items/hand-crossbow.md), and [shortswords](/3-Content/Compendiums/items/shortsword.md) - **Tool Proficiencies**: one [gaming set](/3-Content/Compendiums/items/gaming-set-xphb.md) of your choice. - **Armor Training**: [Light armor](/3-Content/Rules/item-types.md#Light%20Armor), [Medium armor](/3-Content/Rules/item-types.md#Medium%20Armor), and [Shields](/3-Content/Compendiums/items/shield-xphb.md) **Starting Equipment:** You start with the following items, plus anything provided by your background. - (a) [scale mail](/3-Content/Compendiums/items/scale-mail.md) or (b) a [leather armor](/3-Content/Compendiums/items/leather-armor.md) - (a) simple weapon or (b) [longsword](/3-Content/Compendiums/items/longsword.md) or (c) a [rapier](/3-Content/Compendiums/items/rapier.md) - (a) [light crossbow](/3-Content/Compendiums/items/light-crossbow.md) and [20 bolts](/3-Content/Compendiums/items/crossbow-bolts-20.md) or (b) five [javelins](/3-Content/Compendiums/items/javelin.md) - (a) a [scholar's pack](/3-Content/Compendiums/items/scholars-pack-xphb.md) or (b) an [explorer's pack](/3-Content/Compendiums/items/explorers-pack-xphb.md) ## Multiclassing Warlord **Ability Score Minimum:** Dexterity 13 or Strength 13 When you gain a level in a class other than your first, you gain only some of that class's starting proficiencies. - **Weapon Proficiencies**: Simple weapons - **Armor Training**: [Light armor](/3-Content/Rules/item-types.md#Light%20Armor), [Medium armor](/3-Content/Rules/item-types.md#Medium%20Armor), [Shields](/3-Content/Compendiums/items/shield-xphb.md) ## The Warlord As the aging man struggled to keep up with his companions, he started to regret his decision to join the young adventurers. His days of glory had long passed, but hearing the poorly devised plan of the aspiring heroes had rekindled something inside his soul that he thought gone forever. The old man couldn't use a sword like he used to, but if his young companions took his advice, they may yet be able to survive the dangerous life an adventure for a few days. A graying dwarf surveyed the enemy camp as the sun began to set. Along with three of her best soldiers, she had made her way to the enemy general's tent with the intent to rout the army or die in the attempt. In a fully pitched battle, the small band of dwarves under her command wouldn't stand a chance against this great host. However, if her group of elite soldiers followed her orders to the letter, they had a chance to cut off the head of the army before it came to battle. For what could be her final mission, she gripped her battleaxe and gave the order to move out. The dwarven lord ordered his soldiers to form ranks as the uncountable horde of horrors poured forth from the tunnel ahead. He positioned his platoon of elite warriors in the final tunnel before the entrance of his clan's great city. His clan had delved too greedily and they had freed something from the depths below. The lord muttered a final prayer and prepared to lead his men to their deaths, hopefully giving the rest of his clan time to escape the unstoppable horde of monstrosities. The flamboyant elven gladiator paused for a brief moment, basking in the cheers of the crowd. He remembered his first gladiatorial match in the underground arena, surrounded by drunken pirates and slavers. Now he performed for the king and queen amidst the bustle of the largest metropolis in the kingdom. After savoring the moment, he whirled about and plunged his gilded spear into his opponent's heart, ending what would be his final fight and earning him his freedom. A lithe wood elf quietly led her hunting party through the underbrush of the great wood. They had tracked their foe, a great two-headed troll, for almost two days. As it rested in a clearing, she gave the signal and her fellow hunters fanned out around the beast, blending in with the natural landscape. On her mark, the hunting party lunged forward with their spears, and the troll was felled before it could react. All of these warriors are considered Warlords, martial leaders who use their knowledge of tactics and warfare to empower their allies and thwart the plans of their foes. ### Decisive Leaders While Warlords are as varied as styles of leadership, they all share one thing in common: a commitment to their decisions. Once a true Warlord decides on a course of action, whether it was their idea or not, they will see the plan through to its end. These natural-born leaders stand as stalwart figures in the face of danger and can rally their allies to overcome whatever obstacles may stand between them and their goals. Though they are not always formally appointed leaders, the presence of a Warlord, both on and off the field of battle, can motivate any who follow them to be the best version of themselves. ### From Many, One Alone, a Warlord is a minor threat, but with loyal companions to organize and command, the greatest Warlords are capable of toppling empires. Known for their keen use of tactics and knowledge of warfare, a Warlord is able to draw out the true potential of their allies. Leaders to their core, a Warlord will make sure to understand the capabilities and weaknesses of their allies so they can help them to reach their true potential. These exceptional strategists are able to step back and allow their allies to excel in combat. Though they are able to hold their own in battle, a warlord's true strength lies in the potent orders they issue to their allies. These insights push their comrades from mundane warriors to true heroes. ### Creating Your Warlord When creating your Warlord, consider where they learned to be a leader. Did they serve as the squire of a world-renowned general? Were they the star pupil of their kingdom's military academy? Or, did they slowly rise through the bloody ranks of a band of mercenaries, learning to lead through necessity? Also, consider why your Warlord would lead others rather than improve their own individual martial skill. Do they see value in teamwork and coordination? Does their age or some other impairment prevent them from fighting on their own? Have they always had a cunning mind from a young age? > [!note] Multiclassing and the Warlord > > If your group uses the optional multiclassing rule, here's what you need to know if you choose to take your first level in the fighter class. > > **Ability Score Minimum.** As a multiclass character, you must have at minimum a 13 in either Strength or Dexterity, and in either Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma in order to take a level in Warlord, or to take a level in another class if you're a Warlord. > > **Proficiencies.** If Warlord isn't your initial class, here are the proficiencies you gain when you take your first level in Warlord: light and medium armor, shields, simple weapons, and one gaming set. > > **Exploits.** If you learn Exploits from more than one of your class, subclass, or other features, follow the rules and table linked below to determine the total number and size of your Exploit Dice, and the total number of Exploits Known from each feature that grants you Exploits: Alternate Martial Multiclassing (<https://www.gmbinder.com/share/-NGUL51kfZCPlESxL1wq>) ^multiclassing-and-the-warlord #### Quick Build You can make a Warlord quickly by using these suggestions. First, make Dexterity or Strength your highest ability score, followed by Charisma, Wisdom, or Intelligence, depending on your Leadership Style. Second, take the Noble background. ## Class Features ### Leadership Style (Level 1) At 1st level, you choose a Leadership Style from the options below. Each choice grants certain benefits and determines the ability score you will use for your Leadership modifier: - **Captain** You lead from the front with presence. You use Charisma as your Leadership modifier. You also gain proficiency in heavy armor and your choice of either Intimidation or Persuasion. - **Mentor** You counsel others with wise insights. You use Wisdom as your Leadership modifier. Also, whenever a creature within 15 feet misses with an attack or fails an ability check you can use your reaction to roll a d4 and add the result to its roll. - **Strategist** You guide others with cunning and wit. You use Intelligence as your Leadership modifier, and when you roll initiative you can switch places in initiative order with a willing creature. ### Inspiring Word (Level 1) Your words encourage others to fight on. At 1st level, you use a bonus action to shout an inspiring word at another creature that can hear you within 30 feet. It regains hit points equal to one roll of its Hit Die + your Leadership modifier. The target does not expend its Hit Dice as part of this ability. You can use this feature the number of times indicated in the Inspiring Word column on the Warlord table. You regain all expended uses when you finish a short or long rest. ### Fighting Style (Level 2) At 2nd level, you adopt a Fighting Style that best reflects your training. You cannot select a Fighting Style more than once, even if a feature allows you to select another Fighting Style. Whenever you gain a level in this class, you can switch your Fighting Style for another Fighting Style of your choice. ### Tactical Exploits (Level 2) Your knowledge of war allows you to utilize potent strategies in battle. At 2nd level, you learn to employ [Tactical Exploits](/3-Content/Compendiums/lists/list-optfeaturetype-ll-te.md): ### Exploit Dice (Level 2) The Warlord table shows how many Exploit Dice you have to perform the Exploits you know. Some Exploits require you to expend these Dice in order to use them. You can only use one Exploit per attack, ability check, or saving throw. You regain all of your Exploit Dice when you finish a short or long rest. Your Exploit Dice begin as d4s and increase in size as you gain levels in this class, as indicated in the Warlord table. #### Exploits Known You know two [Tactical Exploits](/3-Content/Compendiums/lists/list-optfeaturetype-ll-te.md) of your choice from the list at the end of this class description. The Exploits Known column of the Warlord table shows when you learn more Exploits. To learn an Exploit you must meet any prerequisites it may have, like a minimum Ability Score or Warlord level. Finally, each time you gain a level in this class, you can replace one Exploit you know with another [Tactical Exploit](/3-Content/Compendiums/lists/list-optfeaturetype-ll-te.md) of your choice. #### Saving Throws If one of your Tactical Exploits requires a creature to make a saving throw, your Exploit save DC is calculated as follows: <span class='abilityDc'>**Exploit save DC**: Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma + Proficiency Bonus</span> ### Academy of War (Level 3) At 3rd level, choose the Academy of War that best represents your Warlord: the Academy of Chivalry, Ferocity, Schemes, Skalds, or Tactics, each detailed at the end of this class. Your Academy of War grants you features at 3rd level, and again when you reach 6th, 14th, and 18th levels in this class. #### Academy Exploits Each Academy of War has a list of Academy Exploits that all members of that Academy learn at the Warlord levels in your Academy's description. Your Academy Exploits do not count against your total number of Exploits Known and they can't be switched out when you gain a level. If you don't meet a Signature Exploit's prerequisites, you learn it regardless. ### Ability Score Improvement (Level 4) When you reach 4th level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1. As normal, you can't increase an ability score above 20 using this feature. If your DM allows the use of feats, you may instead take a feat. ### Extra Attack (Level 5) Beginning at 5th level, you can attack twice, instead of once, when you take the Attack action on your turn. ### Academy Feature (Level 6) At 6th level, you gain a feature granted by your Academy of War. ### Valiant Leader (Level 7) You have honed your Leadership Style with practice and study. Starting at 7th level, your Leadership Style grants you further benefits: - **Captain** You can target creatures that are at 0 hit points, but not dead, with an Inspiring Word, even though they can't hear you and normally would not benefit from this feature. - **Mentor** When you use your Mentor reaction its range is 30 feet. Also, the bonus increases to match one roll of the die in the Exploit Die column for your level on the Warlord table. - **Strategist** You, and creatures of your choice within 15 feet of you gain a bonus to initiative rolls equal to your Intelligence modifier, so long as you are not surprised or incapacitated. ### Ability Score Improvement (Level 8) When you reach 8th level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1. As normal, you can't increase an ability score above 20 using this feature. If your DM allows the use of feats, you may instead take a feat. ### Rallying Cry (Level 9) You can encourage allies to find success when they otherwise would fail. Beginning at 9th level, when another creature that can see or hear you within 30 feet fails a saving throw, you can use your reaction to encourage it with a rallying cry. The creature immediately re-rolls its saving throw and adds your Leadership modifier (minimum of +1) to its result. Once you use this feature you must finish a short or long rest before you can use it again. You gain an additional use of this feature when you reach 13th and 17th level in this class. ### Unwavering Will (Level 10) As a leader, you do not have the luxury of succumbing to your base instincts. Beginning at 10th level, you have advantage on saving throws to resist being charmed, frightened, or stunned. ### Tactical Superiority (Level 11) Your leadership skills eclipse even those of other professional commanders. Starting at 11th level, when you roll in initiative you regain one use of both Inspiring Word and Rallying Cry. Also, the range of your Inspiring Word, Rallying Cry, and any Tactical Exploits that you know are doubled. ### Ability Score Improvement (Level 12) When you reach 12th level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1. As normal, you can't increase an ability score above 20 using this feature. If your DM allows the use of feats, you may instead take a feat. ### Academy Feature (Level 14) At 14th level, you gain a feature granted by your Academy of War. ### Exalted Leader (Level 15) You are a true master of your Leadership Style. At 15th level, your Leadership Style grants you the benefits listed below: - **Captain** Whenever you target a creature with Inspiring Word, Rallying Cry, or a Tactical Exploit, you can grant one target temporary hit points equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum of +1) - **Mentor** When you use Inspiring Word on a creature you end one of the following conditions currently affecting it (your choice): blinded, charmed, deafened, frightened, poisoned, or stunned. - **Strategist** When you use Inspiring Word on a creature it can move up to its walking speed without provoking opportunity attacks. ### Ability Score Improvement (Level 16) When you reach 16th level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1. As normal, you can't increase an ability score above 20 using this feature. If your DM allows the use of feats, you may instead take a feat. ### Academy Feature (Level 18) At 18th level, you gain a feature granted by your Academy of War. ### Ability Score Improvement (Level 19) When you reach 19th level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1. As normal, you can't increase an ability score above 20 using this feature. If your DM allows the use of feats, you may instead take a feat. ### Dauntless (Level 20) You rival the great commanders and conquerors of legend. At 20th level, you can use Rallying Cry an unlimited number of times. Moreover, whenever you use Inspiring Word you treat the hit points it restores as the maximum possible result. ## Optional Features > [!example]- Optional Features: Tactical Exploit >  ^list-optfeature-ll-te