Once upon a time, many years ago, a book was published. And within that tome of Unearthed Arcana E. Gary Gygax did write of a new class for D&D: the cavalier. This was the classic Arthurian Knight in Shining Armor, but one not quite so strict in his views as the Paladin. Indeed, there were Evil Cavaliers, and Neutral Cavaliers to go alongside the Good Cavaliers. These Knights were all characterized by their Code, the Code of Chivalry. Powerful horsemen, they exemplified for those long ago games the Mounted Knight.
But the seasons have changed, and many years have passed by. Editions have come and gone, and Gygax’s company is no more. Those who called themselves the Magi by the Sea, provoked many of their loyal fans by once again changing the rules after sucking them dry of their hard-earned gold (well, paper) currency.
But there were others to raise high the standards and Paizo stepped forward with its Pathfinder rules. Once again, we had no cavalier, for such a class wasn’t in the Core Rulebook. But Paizo listened, and they delivered unto to us the first Cavalier since those heady days of Unearthed Arcana.
Unfortunately, their vision—while a good class in its own right—does not meet what I consider to be the core of the Cavalier, that Mounted Knight that rode straight out of the pages of Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur, Tennyson’s Idylls of the King, or White’s The Once and Future King.
So here then, is my own humble attempt to reforge the legend that rose from the fertile mind of Gygax and fit so well into his own world of Knights and Sorcerers and Dragons and terrible, terrible Dungeons.
I hope that you enjoy it.
As always, any criticism, critiques, advice, suggestions, or comments you care to make will be appreciated.
Master Arminas
Alignment: Any. While the Cavalier is expected to abide by the Knight’s Code (see below), that is merely a social convention and an expectation. Some Knights, particularly those miscreants known as Black Knights, routinely ignore the Code and act as they will. Unlike Paladins, who are held to their Code by higher powers, nothing other their own discipline forces a Cavalier to abide by its terms.
BAB: Full.
Hit Die: d12.
Saves: Good fortitude and will.
Class Skills: Appraise (Int), Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Handle Animal (Cha), Intimidate (Cha), Knowledge (History) (Int), Knowledge (Nobility) (Int), Profession (Wis), Ride (Dex), Sense Motive (Wis), and Swim (Str).
Skill points per class level: 4 + Int modifier.
Weapon and Armor Proficiencies: A Cavalier is proficient with all simple and all martial weapons. He is proficient with all types of armor, and with all shields, except tower shields.
The Cavalier’s Code: Cavaliers are taught and expected to live by the Code of Chivalry. However, nothing prevents an individual Cavalier from disregarding the Code—nothing other than the displeasure of his fellows and his liege lord. Such disreputable Cavaliers are often known as ‘Black Knights’.
The Code of the Cavalier is as follows: I shall give oath to fear God and maintain His Church; to serve the liege lord in valor and in faith; to protect the weak and defenseless; to give succor to widows and orphans; to refrain from the wanton giving of offence; to live by honor and for glory; to despise pecuniary reward; to fight for the welfare of all; to obey those placed in authority; to guard the honor of fellow Knights; to eschew unfairness, meanness, and deceit; to keep faith; to at all times to speak the truth; to persevere to the end in any enterprise begun; to respect the honor of women; to never to refuse a challenge from an equal; to never to turn the back upon a foe.
Many commoners know of the Code; they also know that not all Cavaliers follow it. Still, for those who do live by the Code, these Knights find that their reputation quickly passes by word of mouth—and their respect grows throughout the lands.
Challenge (Ex): Once per day, a Cavalier can issue a challenge against a single opponent of his choice. The Cavalier gains a bonus on all weapons damage against that target equal to one-half his level as a Cavalier (to a minimum of +1). This bonus lasts until the target of the challenge is dead, has fled the combat, or the Cavalier is rendered unconscious. Once the Cavalier issues a challenge, he must attempt to engage his target in melee combat each round.
At 4th level, and again at every three levels thereafter, the Cavalier gains one additional daily use of this ability, to a maximum of seven times per day at 19th level.
Courtly Etiquette (Ex): A Cavalier gains a competence bonus equal to one-half his Cavalier level (minimum 1) on all Diplomacy, Intimidate, and Knowledge (Nobility) skill.
Mounted Combat: Cavaliers gain Mounted Combat as a bonus feat at 1st level.
Special Mount (Ex): Cavaliers gain the service of a loyal and trusted steed to carry him into battle. This mount functions as a druid’s animal companion, using the Cavalier’s level as his effective druid level. The creature must be one that he is capable of riding and is suitable as a mount. A medium Cavalier can select a camel or a horse. A Small Cavalier can select a pony or riding dog. The DM might approve other animals as suitable mounts.
A Cavalier does not take an armor check penalty on Ride checks while riding his mount. The mount is always considered combat trained and begins play with proficiency in all barding. A Cavalier’s mount does not gain the share spells special ability.
A Cavalier's mount gains the same competence bonus on attacks that its master gains from the Lance Expertise class ability (see below) on its hoofs (horse and pony) or bite (dog).
A Cavalier’s bond with his mount is strong, with the pair learning to anticipate each other’s moods and moves. Should a Cavalier’s mount die, the Cavalier may find another mount after 24 hours have passed.
Bonus Feats: At 2nd level, 6th level, and every three levels gained as a Cavalier thereafter, a Cavalier gains a bonus feat from the following list: Alertness, Animal Affinity, Combat Reflexes, Critical Focus, Dazzling Display, Diehard, Endurance, Improved Critical, Improved Shield Bash, Intimidating Prowess, Ride-By Attack, Shield Focus, Toughness, Trample, Unseat, and Weapon Focus. The Cavalier must meet all the prerequisites of the chosen feat.
Lance Expertise (Ex): Starting at 2nd level, a Cavalier gains a +1 competence bonus on all attack rolls when using a lance (either mounted or dismounted). At 6th level, and every four levels gained thereafter, this bonus increases by +1 to a maximum competence bonus of +5 at 18th level.
Spirited Charge (Ex): Cavaliers gain Spirited Charge as a bonus feat at 3rd level. If the Cavalier already possesses the Spirited Charge feat, they may instead select any feat from their Bonus Feat list (see above).
Sword Expertise (Ex): Starting at 3rd level, a Cavalier gains a +1 competence bonus on all attack rolls when using a one-handed slashing blade, including scimitars and bastard swords if the Cavalier is proficient (either mounted or dismounted). At 7th level, and every four levels gained thereafter, this bonus increases by +1 to a maximum competence bonus of +5 at 19th level.
Armor Mastery (Ex): Cavaliers learn to wear their armor like a second skin, ignoring the discomfort posed by medium and heavy armor and negating some of the penalties they normally bestowed. Starting at 4th level, the cavalier is no longer slowed when wearing medium armor. At 8th level, the Cavalier is no longer slowed by heavy armor.
Mace Expertise (Ex): Starting at 4th level, a Cavalier gains a +1 competence bonus on all attack rolls when using one of the following weapons: flail, light mace, heavy mace, or morningstar (either mounted or dismounted). At 8th level, and every four levels gained thereafter, this bonus increases by +1 to a maximum competence bonus of +5 at 20th level.
Fierce Ride-By (Ex): At 5th level, a Cavalier that performs a Ride-By Attack (as per the feat) deals double damage (triple with a lance).
Shield Block (Ex): Starting at 5th level, a Cavalier can use shields to deflect blows most fighters would find impossible to stop. The Cavalier gains a +1 competence bonus on his Shield bonus. At 9th level, and every four levels gained thereafter, this bonus increases by +1 to maximum competence bonus of +4 at 17th level. This bonus stacks with that granted by the feats Shield Focus and Greater Shield Focus.
Deadly Charge (Ex): At 10th level, a Cavalier can perform exceptionally deadly charge attacks. The Cavalier deals triple damage on a mounted charge (quadruple with a lance). This replaces (does not stack with) the bonuses granted by the Spirited Charge Feat.
Impetuous Ride-By (Ex): At 15th level, a Cavalier that performs a Ride-By Attack (as per the feat) deals triple damage (quadruple with a lance). This replaces (does not stack with) the bonuses granted by the Fierce Ride-By ability.
Unstoppable Charge (Ex): A 20th level Cavalier can almost move mountains with his mounted charge. The Cavalier deals quadruple damage on a mounted charge (quintuple with a lance). This replaces (does not stack with) the bonuses granted by the Spirited Charge feat and the Deadly Charge ability.
Is this Cavalier proficient with bucklers?
I can't believe I forgot bucklers. It has now been fixed. Thank you for pointing that out, Meophist.
Master Arminas
What I wanted to present here is a pure martial character. No spells, no spell-like abilities, even the Challenge can be explained as the Cavalier focusing his strength and finesse on a single opponent. It might be a bit much; it might not. So any critiques or comments you have would be more than welcome to let me know how close to the target I came.
Master Arminas
Next question: Does Shield Block work with Bucklers?
Yes.
What I wanted to present here is a pure martial character. No spells, no spell-like abilities, even the Challenge can be explained as the Cavalier focusing his strength and finesse on a single opponent. It might be a bit much; it might not. So any critiques or comments you have would be more than welcome to let me know how close to the target I came.
Master Arminas
From what I'm seeing... it seems a little powerful, at least compared to the Fighter. You have more HP, more skill points, better saves. You lose out on Bravery, but having a good will seems better than that. As long as you're using a lance, sword, or mace, you're getting weapons training, effectively, but at earlier levels. You get a part of armour training, although worse.
It's not directly comparable, since the Fighter gets many more bonus feats and they're less restricted, as well as Fighter-only feats, but the Cavalier does also get an animal companion. With Challenge, it seems like it'll be a better Fighter than the Fighter in many situations.
I'm not going to quite say this is strictly bad, just comparing the two. That said, it's not quite my only issue, but it does strike out at me.
I tend to start with everything that I want to see in a design and then trim it down. To me that gives a cleaner class than suddenly realizing it is underpowered and adding something that really doesn't fit.
The Lance/Sword/Mace Expertise looks a lot like Weapons Training, and it gives balanced bonuses that Weapon Training does not. But there are differences. First, it is a smaller list of weapons for each class ability. Second the bonus is for attacks only, not damaage. And third, since they are not actually Weapon Training, dueling gloves won't work.
One argument is that the Challenge provides that damage boost. And to a degree it is true. Against a single target, up to seven times per day (at 19th level). Whereas Fighter Weapon Training works on everything, and he adds dueling gloves and Weapon Spec/Greater Weapon Spec to bump up that damage even more.
Now, it is true that the Cavalier is a heck of a damage dealing on Charge/Ride-By Attacks. As he should be.
There are probably some things I need to tone down, but I knew that going in. So don't worry about hurting my feelings: I appreciate open and honest critiques. And thanks again.
Master Arminas
You give them spirited charge for free and then an ability (fierce ride by) that duplicates it. And if impetuous ride by does stack with spirited charge and unstoppable charge doesn't, I don't see how they're any different.
I understand giving a bonus to the lance for mounted combat and then swords for when they dismount and engage in melee (classic imagery) and some knights used flails, but I don't think giving them a bonus to both swords and maces is going to be very effective in practice. First, because maces progression is behind the swords which are already better, and people tend to just pick one style of weapon anyway.
Other than that, it sounds like a knightly retool of fighter, which is a cool way to do it. Except the d12 HD. I'm assuming the old version had that, otherwise I don't see any reason it should have that, or 4 skill points really.
I like the way they get bonuses to hit, and then a bonus to damage only when challenging, to recreate full on weapon training, so I don't think that's overpowered. But a companion and good will save is barely made up for by having lesser armor training. They don't get the same feats as fighter, but they get x lots of damage on a charge. It may be a little much, but just a little.
EDIT: Took me a while to write this, some stuff i said was pointed out.
Spirited charge gives x2 damage on a mounted charge (x3 with lances).
At 10th level, I give them Deadly Charge (x3 damage; x4 with lances).
At 20th level, they get Unstoppable Charge (x4 damage; x5 with lances).
Ride-By Attack is a different animal altogether. You cannot charge on a Ride-By Attack. Basically it is Spring Attack for mounts. Normal damage, one attack, move before and after.
At 5th level, I give the Cavalier a new ability (Fierce Ride-By) that gives them x2 damage on normal weapons, x3 on a lance.
And then at 15th level, they get Impetuous Ride-By, for x3 damage, x4 with a lance.
Two seperate chains, that cannot be used at the same time. Charge gives a +2 bonus to hit; Ride-By Attack doesn't. Charge your movement stops at the target; Ride-By you can keep on going.
Different options that don't stack.
Yeah, the d12 hit die might be a bit much. The Knight class from PHB2 was a d12 class and I can't remember if the Cavalier was d10 or d12 in 1st edition.
Master Arminas
I'm not really thinking about the mounted charge/ride-by attacks, but just standing on foot with an animal companion beside them just doing attacks. That said, I missed that it didn't give damage bonus. It doesn't seem too bad, but still seems a bit strong. Well, I'm not an expect on these things anyways.
That is a really a problem with the player. In most games I have played in, very seldom will the Cavalier/Knight/Paladin dismount and then he and the horse flank an opponent. The horse usually moves out of harm's way (beasts seem smarter than us humans, eh?). He might have more hit die and actually be war-trained, but a horse is still a horse, and they do not like long pointy objects poking them.
As for other things I noticed, well, this class seems to lack choices. You have your choice of mount, and a few bonus feats, but compared to other Pathfinder classes, that's a bit lacking. Fighters have more feats, as well as weapons training. Spellcasters have their spells, as well as bloodlines/domains/school/etc. Rangers have combat style and favoured enemy/terrains. Even the Pathfinder Cavalier at least has Orders to choose from.
It is a very (very) structured class. And I know a lot of people do not like that; they like their options. Sometimes, I think Pathfinder goes a little far with giving options, though. A class like this is designed to do one thing and I don't like weighing it down with a bunch of minor abilities just so you can pick one. Still, I understand where you are coming from.
There was something else, but I forgot. I'll get back to you when I remember.
Fake edit: Oh right. The wording for the Mace Expertise makes it sound like you have to choose between one of the maces to get a bonus on. It seems a bit odd if unintended.
That should have read ". . . when using any of the following weapons". I'll fix in my master copy.
Master Arminas
I thought Ride By Attack was used as a charge action.
I thought Ride By Attack was used as a charge action.
It is. So Spirited Charge and Fierce Ride By are duplicate class abilities.
My bad. Remove Fierce Ride-by and Impeteous Ride-By then. Have they always been used on a charge, even in 3.5? I thought they were basically a mounted version of Spring Attack?
EDIT: I was wrong. I never realized that RBA was a charge. I will fix.
Master Arminas
The Cavalier, Version 2
Alignment: Any. While the Cavalier is expected to abide by the Knight’s Code (see below), that is merely a social convention and an expectation. Some Knights, particularly those miscreants known as Black Knights, routinely ignore the Code and act as they will. Unlike Paladins, who are held to their Code by higher powers, nothing other their own discipline forces a Cavalier to abide by its terms.
BAB: Full.
Hit Die: d12.
Saves: Good fortitude and will.
Class Skills: Appraise (Int), Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Handle Animal (Cha), Intimidate (Cha), Knowledge (History) (Int), Knowledge (Nobility) (Int), Profession (Wis), Ride (Dex), Sense Motive (Wis), and Swim (Str).
Skill points per class level: 4 + Int modifier.
Weapon and Armor Proficiencies: A Cavalier is proficient with all simple and all martial weapons. He is proficient with all types of armor, and with shields, except for tower shields.
The Cavalier’s Code: Cavaliers are taught and expected to live by the Code of Chivalry. However, nothing prevents an individual Cavalier from disregarding the Code—nothing other than the displeasure of his fellows and his liege lord. Such disreputable Cavaliers are often known as ‘Black Knights’.
The Code of the Cavalier is as follows: I shall give oath to fear God and maintain His Church; to serve the liege lord in valor and in faith; to protect the weak and defenseless; to give succor to widows and orphans; to refrain from the wanton giving of offence; to live by honor and for glory; to despise pecuniary reward; to fight for the welfare of all; to obey those placed in authority; to guard the honor of fellow Knights; to eschew unfairness, meanness, and deceit; to keep faith; to at all times to speak the truth; to persevere to the end in any enterprise begun; to respect the honor of women; to never to refuse a challenge from an equal; to never to turn the back upon a foe.
Many commoners know of the Code; they also know that not all Cavaliers follow it. Still, for those who do live by the Code, these Knights find that their reputation quickly passes by word of mouth—and their respect grows throughout the lands.
Challenge (Ex): Once per day, a Cavalier can issue a challenge against a single opponent of his choice. The Cavalier gains a bonus on all weapons damage against that target equal to one-half his level as a Cavalier (to a minimum of +1). This bonus lasts until the target of the challenge is dead, has fled the combat, or the Cavalier is rendered unconscious. Once the Cavalier issues a challenge, he must attempt to engage his target in melee combat each round.
At 4th level, and again at every three levels thereafter, the Cavalier gains one additional daily use of this ability, to a maximum of seven times per day at 19th level.
Courtly Etiquette (Ex): A Cavalier gains a competence bonus equal to one-half his Cavalier level (minimum 1) on all Diplomacy, Intimidate, and Knowledge (Nobility) skill checks.
Mounted Combat: At 1st level, a Cavalier gains Mounted Combat as a bonus feat.
Special Mount (Ex): Cavaliers gain the service of a loyal and trusted steed to carry him into battle. This mount functions as a druid’s animal companion, using the Cavalier’s level as his effective druid level. The creature must be one that he is capable of riding and is suitable as a mount. A medium Cavalier can select a camel or a horse. A Small Cavalier can select a pony or riding dog. The DM might approve other animals as suitable mounts.
A Cavalier does not take an armor check penalty on Ride checks while riding his mount. The mount is always considered combat trained and begins play with proficiency in all barding. A Cavalier’s mount does not gain the share spells special ability.
A Cavalier's mount gains the same competence bonus on attacks that its master gains from the Lance Expertise class ability (see below) on its hoofs (horse and pony) or bite (dog).
A Cavalier’s bond with his mount is strong, with the pair learning to anticipate each other’s moods and moves. Should a Cavalier’s mount die, the Cavalier may find another mount after 24 hours have passed.
Bonus Feats: At 2nd level, 6th level, and every three levels gained as a Cavalier thereafter, a Cavalier gains a bonus feat from the following list: Alertness, Animal Affinity, Combat Reflexes, Critical Focus, Dazzling Display, Diehard, Endurance, Improved Critical, Improved Shield Bash, Intimidating Prowess, Ride-By Attack, Shield Focus, Toughness, Trample, Unseat, and Weapon Focus. The Cavalier must meet all the prerequisites of the chosen feat.
Lance Expertise (Ex): Starting at 2nd level, a Cavalier gains a +1 competence bonus on all attack rolls when using a lance (either mounted or dismounted). At 6th level, and every four levels gained thereafter, this bonus increases by +1 to a maximum competence bonus of +5 at 18th level.
Spirited Charge (Ex): Cavaliers gain Spirited Charge as a bonus feat at 3rd level. If the Cavalier already possesses the Spirited Charge feat, they may instead select any feat from their Bonus Feat list (see above).
Sword Expertise (Ex): Starting at 3rd level, a Cavalier gains a +1 competence bonus on all attack rolls when using a one-handed slashing blade, including scimitars and bastard swords if the Cavalier is proficient (either mounted or dismounted). At 7th level, and every four levels gained thereafter, this bonus increases by +1 to a maximum competence bonus of +5 at 19th level.
Armor Mastery (Ex): Cavaliers learn to wear their armor like a second skin, ignoring the discomfort posed by medium and heavy armor and negating some of the penalties they normally bestowed. Starting at 4th level, the cavalier is no longer slowed when wearing medium armor. At 8th level, the Cavalier is no longer slowed by heavy armor.
Mace Expertise (Ex): Starting at 4th level, a Cavalier gains a +1 competence bonus on all attack rolls when using any of the following weapons: flail, light mace, heavy mace, or morningstar (either mounted or dismounted). At 8th level, and every four levels gained thereafter, this bonus increases by +1 to a maximum competence bonus of +5 at 20th level.
Shield Block (Ex): Starting at 5th level, a Cavalier can use a shield to deflect blows most fighters would find impossible to stop. The Cavalier gains a +1 competence bonus on his Shield bonus. At 9th level, and every four levels gained thereafter, this bonus increases by +1 to maximum competence bonus of +4 at 17th level. This bonus stacks with that granted by the feats Shield Focus and Greater Shield Focus.
Deadly Charge (Ex): At 10th level, a Cavalier can perform exceptionally deadly charge attacks. The Cavalier deals triple damage on a mounted charge (quadruple with a lance). This replaces (does not stack with) the bonuses granted by the Spirited Charge Feat.
Unstoppable Charge (Ex): A 20th level Cavalier can almost move mountains with his mounted charge. The Cavalier deals quadruple damage on a mounted charge (quintuple with a lance). This replaces (does not stack with) the bonuses granted by the Spirited Charge feat and the Deadly Charge ability.