I would be interested in your views on a variant to the Cavalier based around a foot soldier. (Noting that a cavalier without a horse would need a different name!)
By way of background, I am playing Kingmaker and have reached the dizzying heights of Fighter 2. As we will apparently be building a kingdom and taking on leadership roles within it, my character is aiming to be a "general" down the track.
Much of the cavalier appeals to me as it seems to be the closest to a military leader in terms of abilities - tactics, banner etc.
My character is modelled roughly on a 15th century European mercenary (sole survivor of a defeated mercenary company [insert random backstory tale of woe here]), such as a Swiss pikeman/halberdier. He wields a halberd and is a "follow me" kind of guy as he launches into battle.
As such I like much of the Cavalier but the riding around on a noble steed doesn't suit (particularly for RP reasons).
I have been chatting with my DM about some modifications, such as....
Charge ability when charging on foot only.
Replace "mount" with man-at-arms. This is the tricky variant. How to make what could effectively be seen as a cohort work when my character is only level 3 (Ftr2/Cav1)? I was thinking of him being more of a standard-bearer who carries my company's banner for me (even if my company is only me, 5 hirelings who guard Oleg's and one (hopefuly) reformed bandit! The rest of the party wouldn't see themselves as part of "my" company) When I get the banner ability at Cav5 (iirc) he would actually have a role rather than just largely be a RP device.
Or could the man-at-arms be more of a "shield-bearer" who covers my flank (ie participates in combat primarily in a defensive role).
Grateful any thoughts or suggestions.
Gallo (aka Joseph Freiherr von Wolfenbuettel, Freikompanie Reislaufer)
I use the following archetype:
Bonus Feat They gain bonus feats at 1st, 2nd, 6th, 10th, 14th and 18th level.
This replaces their mount ability and original bonus feat
progression.
Armor Training (Ex) A Champion gains armor training as a fighter, at 3rd, 7th, 11th, and 15th levels. And gains armor mastery at 19th
level.
This replaces cavalier's charge, expert trainer, mighty charge,
and supreme charge.
==Order of the Sword==
Challenge; as Order of the Lion
Replace Mounted Mastery with Strategy, as Order of the Dragon