Hello Forumites,
My playgroup has recently decided to play the Skull & Shackles adventure path. While looking over all of the class options, I noticed that most of the classes have a distinct "pirate" archetype like the Ranger freebooter, Fighter has the Corsair, Bard Sea Singer, Rogue Smuggler so on and so forth. However, the Cavalier did not have one that fit the bill.
I was looking for something that got rid of the mount and had a real nautical flavor to it. Something that would make that class playable within the adventure path. I will say that I saw the musketeer, but our GM intends to have firearms still be very rare, and has advised that it may not be the best fit.
So I have attempted to create an Archetype and I would like your feedback. Please let me know if this is "broken" in any way, either mechanically or power wise. I have attempted to keep this balanced, but my system mastery is not absolute.
Mariner
Appraise, Perception, and profession (sailor) are class skills for the Mariner. These replace Handle animal, Profession and Ride as class skills
Sea Worthy (Ex): You have a sailor’s instincts for moving about while aboard seagoing vessels.
A Mariner gains a +2 bonus to Climb ,Swim , and Acrobatics checks while aboard any ship. This bonus increases by +2 at 5th level and every 5 levels thereafter. This replaces the Mount class feature.
Fencing Combat Style (Ex): At 3rd level the cavalier learns to be more effective when using a “dueling” weapon from the following list: Rapier, Shortsword, Cutlass or Basket hilt broadsword. When wielding any of these weapons and wearing light or no armor the Mariner gains the benefits of the Weapon Finesse feat. In addition while fighting defensively the Mariner only takes a -2 to attack rolls.
The benefits of this style apply only when he wears light, or no armor. He loses all benefits of this style when wearing medium or heavy armor.
This ability replaces Cavalier’s charge.
Parry (Ex): At 7th level the Mariner learns to Parry incoming attacks. Whenever you are attacked by a melee weapon attack while you are fighting defensively or taking a total defense action, you may choose to make a combat maneuver check as an immediate action, which, if successful, negates the attack entirely. If you fail the check, the attack against you automatically hits, though the target still rolls an attack roll to determine if the hit is a critical hit. You can attempt to parry an attack made against an adjacent ally at a -4 penalty. The Mariner must declare the use of this ability after the attack is announced, but before the roll is made.
This ability replaces Expert Trainer.
Riposte (Ex): Starting at 11th level, a Mariner can make an attack of opportunity against any creature whose attack she successfully parries, so long as the creature she is attacking is within reach. A Mariner cannot Riposte more than once per round unless they possess the Combat Reflexes Feat.
This ability replaces Mighty Charge
Sea Swordsman(Ex): At 20th level, when a Mariner is using a “dueling” weapon from his fencing style, he is always considered to be fighting defensively gaining the +2 bonus to AC, and does not take a penalty to his attack rolls. In addition, all critical threats with dueling weapons are automatically confirmed.
This ability replaces Supreme Charge.
I will say that I have drawn some of the abilities from various places with a few changes. One in particular is the Duelist prestige class.
In addition our group will be playing with a house-ruled weapon which I referenced in the "fencing style" ability, the Basket Hilted Broadsword or Schiavona. I will include the statistics for this weapon as well.
(Martial) one handed weapon
Basket Hilted Sword (Schiavona) 30gp
Weapon Feature(s): finesse, protective
Benefit: You can use the Weapon Finesse feat to apply your Dexterity modifier instead of your Strength modifier to attack rolls with a Basket Hilted sword sized for you, even though it isn't a light weapon.
Drawback: You can't wield a Basket Hilted sword in two hands in order to apply 1-1/2 times your Strength bonus to damage.
Protective: The ornate hilt on this weapon protects the wielder’s hand in combat and provides a +2 bonus to CMD against Disarm attempts.
Dmg (S) 1d6 Dmg (M)1d8 19-20x2 -- P or S
Feel free to provide feedback on the weapon entry as well.
Thanks for looking!
Take a look at the latest issue of Wayfinder. (#8)
It has a couple of new archetypes in it for Cavalier which have a strong nautical hook, which at the least should either help you in comparing them to your own for balance, or help you to find something you're looking for.
I guess I'll have to check that out at home, as I can't download it at work at the moment. But I really appreciate the suggestion.