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OK, so here's the deal. Recently, I've been working on a flying city campaign setting, and I've come to realize that traditional land-based mounts might be a little...disadvantaged. As such, I've come to realize that the cavalier is woefully handicapped at dealing with this issue. Originally I thought the Beast Rider archetype would be able to handle it, however after reviewing the list of possible options, I realized that every beast rider option present was terrestrial.
I've scoured the Bestiaries for advice on Hippogriff and Griffon companions but alas, no luck. The Giant Eagle entry also didn't have rules for making one your animal companion. There's always the Roc, but it's not big enough for a cavalier to begin play riding (unless you're small-sized).
I am very aware of the concerns surrounding a flying mounted class. Flying mounts provide an incredible amount of mobility and speed, and are usually difficult to fight against (especially ones with flyby attack). However, I feel that the setting permits it, as otherwise cavaliers would be strongly disadvantaged due to their reliance on their mount companion (the cavalier is a "pet" class, after all).
My working model right now mimics the Beast Rider class, although it restricts the mount selection to Giant Eagle for Medium-sized cavaliers, and I haven't even figured out good mounts for Small-sized characters yet. My idea was to open up options at 4th and 7th level. For medium-sized creatures that would mean Hippogriffs and Griffons, respectively. Again, I haven't a clue what to do for Small cavaliers.
Does anybody have any good suggestions for how to write the winged companion stat blocks? Should I maintain the giant eagle's supernatural intelligence, or should they just be big birds? Also, if anybody has any suggestions on how to tweak the archetype, I'd love to hear them.
This is what I have so far:
Sky-Knight (Cavalier Archetype)
A knight is defined as much by his skill as he is his steed, and the sky-knight knows this well. This is why he has eschewed traditional land-bound mounts for a winged companion, and the freedom of the open skies.
Armor Proficiency: A sky-knight is proficient with light and medium armor, and with shields (with the exception of tower shields)
Winged Mount (Ex): At 1st level, the cavalier forms a bond with a strong, loyal companion that permits him to ride it as a mount. This mount functions as a druid’s animal companion, using the cavalier’s level as his effective druid level.
A Medium-sized cavalier must select a giant bird as his mount. At 4th level, the cavalier can also select a Hippogriff. At 7th level, the cavalier can also select a Griffon.
[Small-sized cavalier details to come]
A cavalier does not take armor check penalties to Ride checks while riding his mount. The mount is always considered combat trained and begins play with Flyby Attack. A cavalier’s mount does not gain the share spells special ability.
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 to serve him after 1 week of mourning. This new mount does not gain the link, evasion, devotion, or improved evasion special abilities until the next time the cavalier gains a level.
Giant Bird (Eagle/Owl)
Starting Statistics: Size: Large; Speed 10 ft., fly 80 ft. (average); AC +2 natural; Attack 2 claws (1d6), bite (1d6); Ability Scores Str 16, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 5, Wis 14, Cha 10; Special Qualities low-light vision
7th-level Advancement: Ability Scores: Str +2, Dex +2, Int +4; Attacks 2 claws (1d8)
[Hippogriff and Griffon blocks to come]
This ability replaces the standard cavalier’s mount and expert trainer abilities.
One last thing to add, and this should go without saying, I'm posting on this board for discussion and advice, so please keep criticism constructive. Anything that's obviously just mean-spirited will be flagged.