Another mistake in Animal Archive: This one's a pretty big deal.


Pathfinder Player Companion

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So, reading the Charger animal archetype (from the new Animal Archive book), it's definitely obvious that it was written with the Cavalier's animal companion in mind (especially since it gives your mount your Challenge bonuses). However, the way it's written, a Cavalier's animal companion can't take this archetype (or any of the others except Totem Guide, for that matter) because of this:

Cavalier Mount rules wrote:

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 Light Armor Proficiency as a bonus feat. A cavalier’s mount does not gain the share spells special ability.

Since the Charger archetype replaces share spells with mounted challenge, a Cavalier's mount can't take the archetype, since they don't have share spells to begin with.

This has been commented on by one of the authors, Jason Nelson, here, where he stated that it was a mistake and Cavalier companions should be able to take the archetype.

I'd like to suggest that an official fix be applied to this archetype similar to how the Winter Witch was handled, because as of right now this archetype is totally useless to the class it was written for, Cavaliers, and this is especially important for PFS play.


Pathfinder Adventure Path, Lost Omens, Rulebook Subscriber

This very topic has come up & been flagged in the Product Discussion thread for the book.


I saw this as well, and asked around I was pointed to this link you had. It would be nice to have a official answer, but until then it may just need to be house ruled. If you or your DM feels you need to give up something for the Archetype Ability, you could drop the Light Armor Proficiency Bonus Feat that Cavalier mounts get.

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