Reading through the Cavalier's abilities, I noticed wording I do not like: "The cavalier must end his movement adjacent to an enemy" This is from the Protect the Meek ability in Order of the Shield. This means that the Cavalier cannot use a lance, since it has reach, with this ability. This wording already hoses reach characters with Step Up and Stand Still feats, I would hate to see it have unintended consequences here. Perhaps "The cavalier must end his movement threatening an enemy" would work better.
Reading through the Cavalier's abilities, I noticed wording I do not like: "The cavalier must end his movement adjacent to an enemy" This is from the Protect the Meek ability in Order of the Shield. This means that the Cavalier cannot use a lance, since it has reach, with this ability. This wording already hoses reach characters with Step Up and Stand Still feats, I would hate to see it have unintended consequences here. Perhaps "The cavalier must end his movement threatening an enemy" would work better.
+1
I was gonna try to finagle using Ride-by-Attack to circumvent this. However, I do feel I shouldn't have to seeing as how the class is basically meant to be using their lance most of the time.
Anyways, I'd rather see an ability like this pre-5th level or as a feat:
Rearing Strike: The Cavalier gains the ability to rear their mount up and plunge down with their lance. Whenever the Cavalier uses an ability or feat that grants them one single attack action, the Cavalier may use their lance within a 5' reach rather than 10'. The Cavalier may only use this ability in an area with a relatively high ceiling - 10' for small Cavaliers, 15' for medium Cavaliers.
(Sorry for theory-crafting, but I couldn't help myself.)
that still wouldn't work. a Lance is over 10' long, and is gripped at the end, not the middle like a spear might be. rearing up to plunge the tip down might let you poke someone's foot, more likely you'll just plunge the tip into the ground and catapault yoruself out of the saddle.
Kindly note the ability says you have to finish the move there. You can certainly attack with the lance on the charge and then move adjacent. A Lance is not meant to be used in close-quarters at all...do the charge, then drop the lance and switch to sword and shield as is proper for close combat. You don't see two knights next to one another using lances for a good reason.
And note that since you have moved, you can draw the sword without penalty.
==Aelryinth
I dunno, man, I'd say it would depend on what part of their squares either person is in and the rules don't really account for that.