Warriors
Disciplined Soldiers of Steel and Strategy
When war breaks out, it's not dragons or owlbears who hold the line - it's warriors. These trained professionals earn their keep through disciplined combat. Whether hardened conscripts or elite bodyguards, they rely not on magic or miracles, but on discipline, coordination, and experience. Warriors know how to fight together, how to exploit terrain, and how to execute orders under fire.
They are the backbone of armies, mercenary bands, and noble retinues. Some serve their liege proudly, while others sell their blades to the highest bidder. From shield-bearing infantry to field commanders, warriors exemplify martial discipline honed by battle.
These disciplined military NPCs ideal for building 5E tactical encounters.
Warrior Lore
- Warriors are trained combatants who fight with discipline and tactical awareness
- Unlike berserkers or paladins, they rely on coordination, formations, and skill
- Many serve in armies, mercenary bands, noble households, or as royal bodyguards
- Veteran warriors may become trainers, tacticians, or commanders after their campaigns
Warrior Tactics
Warriors are classic 5E Soldiers, focused on formation, defense, and coordination:
- They fight in squads, using terrain, flanking, and organized attacks to maximum advantage
- They rely on powers like Coordinated Strike, Disciplined, and Phalanx to overcome their foes
- Veterans and commanders read the battlefield and issue orders, boosting allies or punishing enemy weaknesses with powers like Command the Attack or Inspiring Commander
- Warriors excel in mixed-unit combat led by Veterans or a Warrior Commander with supporting auxiliaries like Scouts and Acolytes
Warrior Statblocks
More Martial NPC Statblocks
See Soldiers and Fighters for more martial NPC statblocks.
If you’re running a military or war-themed 5E campaign, these military NPCs cover every rank: from fresh recruits to legendary commanders. They're the perfect martial NPCs for nonmagical encounters.
5E Statblocks for Veterans, Soldiers, and Martial NPCs
Whether you’re running a war campaign, a military encounter, or just need a believable bodyguard for a noble, these statblocks are designed to cover a wide range of martial NPCs in 5E. From frontline soldiers and seasoned Veterans to strategic commanders, each statblock offers flavorful, nonmagical abilities tailored for battlefield use.
These warrior NPCs are ideal stand-ins for:
- 5E Veteran statblocks with more tactical flavor
- Soldiers in organized armies or mercenary bands
- Military NPCs for war-themed D&D campaigns
- Martial commanders and officer roles without spellcasting
If you’re tired of using the bland SRD “Veteran” for every soldier encounter, these variants give you dynamic tools to build more tactical, memorable fights—without breaking 5E balance or requiring homebrew classes.
Shock Infantry
Shock Infantry are trainees or rank-and-file troops. They are skilled at contending with commonplace, nonmagical threats head on.
Shock Infantry
Summoned with Foe FoundryMedium Humanoid (Warrior)
AC 13 (Chain Shirt) Initiative +0 (10)
HP 9 (2d8)
Speed 30 ft.
| Mod | Save | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Str | 12 | +1 | +1 |
| Dex | 10 | +0 | +0 |
| Con | 10 | +0 | +0 |
| Mod | Save | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Int | 8 | -1 | -1 |
| Wis | 11 | +0 | +0 |
| Cha | 8 | -1 | -1 |
Skills Athletics +3
Senses Passive Perception 10
Languages Common
CR 1/8 (25 XP; PB +2)
Actions
Greatsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5ft., one target. Hit 8 (2d6 + 1) slashing damage. If the attack misses, the target still takes 1 slashing damage.
Shortbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, range 80/320ft., one target. Hit 4 (1d6 + 1) piercing damage.
Break Magic (1/day). The warrior ends all spell effects created by a 5th-level or lower spell slot on a creature, object, or point it can see within 30 feet.
Shock Infantry Veteran
Shock Infantry Veterans have survived numerous battles and know when to press the attack, when to fall back, and when to stand firm. They serve as lieutenants in armed forces, leaders of noble retinues, or grizzled mercenaries and adventurers.
Shock Infantry Veteran
Summoned with Foe FoundryMedium Humanoid (Warrior)
AC 17 (Splint Armor) Initiative +3 (13)
HP 65 (10d8 + 20)
Speed 30 ft.
| Mod | Save | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Str | 18 | +4 | +6 |
| Dex | 12 | +1 | +1 |
| Con | 14 | +2 | +2 |
| Mod | Save | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Int | 8 | -1 | -1 |
| Wis | 13 | +1 | +1 |
| Cha | 8 | -1 | -1 |
Skills Athletics +6, Perception +3
Senses Passive Perception 13
Languages Common
CR 3 (700 XP; PB +2)
Traits
Pack Tactics. The warrior has advantage on attack rolls against a target if at least one of the warrior's allies is within 5 feet and isn't incapacitated.
Actions
Multiattack. The warrior makes two Maul or Crossbow attacks.
Maul. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5ft., one target. Hit 10 (1d12 + 4) bludgeoning damage. On a hit, the target is pushed up to 10 feet horizontally.
Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, range 100/400ft., one target. Hit 9 (1d10 + 4) piercing damage.
Bonus Actions
Lunge (1/day). The warrior uses Dash and can make its next attack with advantage and an additional 5 feet of reach.
Line Infantry
Line Infantry are rank-and-file troops that hold the line against commonplace, nonmagical threats. They often form the backbone of armed forces and are usually placed in the center when the battle commences.
Line Infantry
Summoned with Foe FoundryMedium Humanoid (Warrior)
AC 15 (Chain Shirt, Shield) Initiative +0 (10)
HP 9 (2d8)
Speed 30 ft.
| Mod | Save | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Str | 12 | +1 | +1 |
| Dex | 10 | +0 | +0 |
| Con | 10 | +0 | +0 |
| Mod | Save | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Int | 8 | -1 | -1 |
| Wis | 11 | +0 | +0 |
| Cha | 8 | -1 | -1 |
Skills Athletics +3
Senses Passive Perception 10
Languages Common
CR 1/8 (25 XP; PB +2)
Actions
Polearm. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 10ft., one target. Hit 6 (1d10 + 1) slashing damage.
Shortbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, range 80/320ft., one target. Hit 4 (1d6 + 1) piercing damage.
Break Magic (1/day). The warrior ends all spell effects created by a 5th-level or lower spell slot on a creature, object, or point it can see within 30 feet.
Bonus Actions
Shield Slam. The warrior shoves a creature within 5 feet. It must make a DC 11 Strength save or be pushed up to 5 feet and fall Prone.
Line Infantry Veteran
A seasoned Line Infantry Veteran has held their unit together even when defeat seemed inevitable. Their presence steadies their comrades to hold the line.
Line Infantry Veteran
Summoned with Foe FoundryMedium Humanoid (Warrior)
AC 17 (Splint Armor) Initiative +3 (13)
HP 65 (10d8 + 20)
Speed 30 ft.
| Mod | Save | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Str | 18 | +4 | +6 |
| Dex | 12 | +1 | +1 |
| Con | 14 | +2 | +2 |
| Mod | Save | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Int | 8 | -1 | -1 |
| Wis | 13 | +1 | +1 |
| Cha | 8 | -1 | -1 |
Skills Athletics +6, Perception +3
Senses Passive Perception 13
Languages Common
CR 3 (700 XP; PB +2)
Actions
Multiattack. The warrior makes two Polearm or Crossbow attacks.
Polearm. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 10ft., one target. Hit 9 (1d10 + 4) slashing damage.
Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, range 100/400ft., one target. Hit 9 (1d10 + 4) piercing damage.
Bonus Actions
Lunge (1/day). The warrior uses Dash and can make its next attack with advantage and an additional 5 feet of reach.
Reactions
Coordinated Strike. Whenever an ally within 5 feet misses an attack and the warrior is within 5 feet of the target, the warrior can use their reaction to make an attack against the target. This ability can only trigger once per round for each such group of allies with this trait.
Parry and Riposte (Recharge 5-6). The warrior adds +3 to their Armor Class against one melee attack that would hit them. If the attack misses, this creature can immediately make a weapon attack against the creature making the parried attack.
Warrior Commander
Warrior Commanders lead by example—directing troops, exploiting enemy errors, and adapting on the fly. They embody the strategy and precision of a well-drilled unit. They serve as leaders of elite units such as the royal guard or mercenary companies.
Warrior Commander
Summoned with Foe FoundryMedium Humanoid (Warrior)
AC 18 (Plate Armor) Initiative +8 (18)
HP 150 (20d8 + 60)
Speed 30 ft.
| Mod | Save | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Str | 20 | +5 | +9 |
| Dex | 18 | +4 | +8 |
| Con | 16 | +3 | +7 |
| Mod | Save | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Int | 14 | +2 | +2 |
| Wis | 17 | +3 | +7 |
| Cha | 14 | +2 | +2 |
Skills Athletics +9, Insight +7, Perception +7, Persuasion +6
Senses Passive Perception 17
Languages Common
CR 10 (5,900 XP; PB +4)
Actions
Multiattack. The warrior makes four Greatsword or Crossbow attacks. It may replace one attack with a use of its Break Magic or Command the Attack.
Greatsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5ft., one target. Hit 15 (3d6 + 5) slashing damage. On a hit, the target is pushed up to 10 feet horizontally.
Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, range 100/400ft., one target. Hit 16 (2d10 + 5) piercing damage.
Break Magic (1/day). The warrior ends all spell effects created by a 5th-level or lower spell slot on a creature, object, or point it can see within 30 feet.
Command the Attack (Recharge 5-6). The warrior issues a command to all allied creatures within 30 feet. Creatures who can see or hear the warrior can use their reaction to make a single weapon attack with advantage.
Reactions
Disciplined. If the warrior misses an attack or fails a saving throw while another friendly creature is within 10 feet, it may use its reaction to re-roll the attack or saving throw.
Legendary Warrior
A Legendary Warrior is a master tactician and duelist whose name inspires both loyalty and fear. With years of battlefield command behind them, they are a force of will as much as weaponry.
Legendary Warrior
Summoned with Foe FoundryMedium Humanoid (Warrior)
AC 19 (Plate Armor +1) Initiative +14 (24)
HP 247 (26d8 + 130)
Speed 30 ft.
| Mod | Save | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Str | 22 | +6 | +11 |
| Dex | 19 | +4 | +9 |
| Con | 20 | +5 | +10 |
| Mod | Save | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Int | 14 | +2 | +2 |
| Wis | 18 | +4 | +9 |
| Cha | 14 | +2 | +2 |
Skills Athletics +11, Insight +9, Perception +9, Persuasion +7
Senses Passive Perception 19
Languages Common
CR 14 (11,500 XP; PB +5)
Traits
Phalanx. The warrior gains a +1 bonus to its AC and d20 tests whenever another ally with this trait is within 5 feet.
Legendary Prowess (3/day). The warrior can choose to succeed on a saving throw or ability check instead of failing. When it does so, it takes 10 force damage.
Actions
Multiattack. The warrior makes three Greatsword or Crossbow attacks. It may replace one attack with a use of its Command the Troops.
Greatsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5ft., one target. Hit 16 (3d6 + 6) slashing damage. If the attack misses, the target still takes 6 slashing damage.
Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, range 100/400ft., one target. Hit 17 (2d10 + 6) piercing damage.
Command the Troops. The warrior commands a willing creature within 30 feet to use its reaction and make an attack at advantage.
Bonus Actions
Action Surge (1/day). The warrior takes another action this round. If it has any recharge abilities, it may roll to refresh these abilities.
Lunge (1/day). The warrior uses Dash and can make its next attack with advantage and an additional 5 feet of reach.
Legendary Actions (3)
Attack. The warrior makes a Greatsword or Crossbow attack.
Move. The warrior moves up to its speed.
Replenish. The warrior gains 10 temporary hitpoints. It can't take this action again until the start of its next turn.
Warrior Encounter Ideas
These warrior-themed 5E encounters showcase tactical thinking, battlefield roles, and classic martial fantasy NPCs. Each one is easy to drop into your campaign. Veterans and commanders often pair well with Berserkers as shock troops, Priests for morale support, Knights for heavy cavalry, and Scouts as skirmishers.
- The PCs are blocking the way for a procession escorting an arrogant and feckless Noble. The noble halts the procession and calls over their grizzled bodyguard, a Shock Infantry Veteran, to dress the PCs down.
- A young, idealistic mercenary (Shock Infantry) wishes to prove their skill and asks to join up with the PCs on their next adventure.
- A rival adventuring party led by a Warrior Commander interrupts the PCs next job - they've been hired to complete it as well!
- A retired Line Infantry Veteran who had a tough war now guards the gates to a town and is known to ask strange nonsensical questions of those wishing to enter. The villagers love the guard and will not stand any disrespect.
Warrior Adventure Ideas
These warrior-themed adventure hooks feature tactical missions, veteran NPCs, and military conflicts perfect for building out full 5E story arcs or campaign arcs:
- The PCs are hired by a Noble to train the raw recruits (Line Infantry) of her personal guard in preparation for an upcoming battle.
- A disbanded regiment has turned to banditry, led by a bitter Warrior Commander who believes their kingdom betrayed them after not paying the soldier's backpay.
- The PCs have been tasked with relieving the siege, led by a small army of Shock Infantry, of a strategic keep that has been going on for months. The keep guards an ancient cursed relic that cannot fall into the enemy's hands, but the defenders are barely holding on and need assistance immediately.
- The PCs must assassinate a Legendary Warrior of a rival kingdom who is assembling a vast host in preparation for an invasion.
FAQ: Military NPCs and Warriors in 5E
How are Warriors different from Guards or Fighters?
Guards are low-level watchmen. Fighters are PC classes. Warriors are trained NPC combatants with varied roles: infantry, veterans, and commanders.
What’s the CR range for Warrior monsters?
Foe Foundry warriors range from CR 1/8 Shock Infantry to CR 14 Legendary Warriors. Mid-tier play often features CR 3 Veterans and CR 10 Warrior Commanders.
How should I describe warriors in battle?
Emphasize formation, discipline, and cohesion. A warrior squad advances together, covers each other, and follows orders. They're the opposite of chaotic, lone fighters.
Do Warriors use magic?
Rarely. Most warrior abilities are martial in nature—positioning, coordination, tactics—not spells. Some commanders may issue magical orders through enchanted banners or war horns, but this is flavor, not spellcasting.
Can Warriors be used as allies or rivals?
Absolutely. A warrior could be a loyal squire, retired mentor, or bitter rival. Their martial knowledge and history make them compelling, grounded NPCs.
What’s the best encounter size for Warriors?
Warriors shine in formation. A squad of 3-12 Shock Infantry with a single Veteran is a good encounter for levels 3-5. A Warrior Commander or Legendary Warrior with elite Line Infantry Veterans and a Priest suits Tier 2 parties.
What’s the best veteran or soldier statblock for 5E?
Foe Foundry offers several options: use Shock Infantry Veteran for CR 3 skirmishes, or Warrior Commander for CR 10 strategic foes. Each is designed with tactics and war campaigns in mind.
Are there statblocks for military commanders in 5E?
Yes. The Warrior Commander and Legendary Warrior offer flavorful, martial alternatives to spellcasters and are perfect for NPC generals and tacticians.
Can I use these NPCs in a 5E war campaign?
Absolutely. They’re designed for martial encounters and narrative arcs in military-themed 5E campaigns; ideal for sieges, invasions, and battlefield scenes.