Value of hit points for a cavalier?

[Ajonos]

So, I've been having some bad luck on my rolls for cavalier. My starting CON was 12 (my best rolls were 16 13 12, and the 16 went into strength) and now at level 4, my hit point rolls on level up have been a 3, a 2, and a 1. Needless to say, this has left my hit points... low.

Fortunately, our GM has been using the downtime training system, which allows us to train our hp up to our maximum possible rolls. Unfortunately, this costs levelx30 gold per hit point.

Basically, I'm broke. I've been spending all my money on training hit points up to max for levels 2 and 3. (my reasoning was that if I was going to train, the earlier the better to save money) If I want to do the same at level 4, I will be even more broke.

So, how concerned should I be about this? I have ride-by attack, so I shouldn't be in range to take any full attacks from melee, and I've grabbed Escape Route for my bonus feat, which I can grant to my mount to make each other immune to attacks of opportunity from movement (cheesy, but the DM okayed it) I'm tempted to say screw hit points, and start saving for magic gear. Then again, if my luck continues...

What do you guys think?

[theshoveller]

You could convince your GM to let you take the average instead of rolling - it's the standard in PFS.

Specifically for the Cavalier - you probably want to invest in either hit points or AC (and hit points are cheaper, frankly). If you're playing up to double-figure levels, you're going to end up in situations where you can't avoid taking the occasional big hit. Ride-by Attack is a decent strategy, but what happens when you're not mounted? When you're Flat Footed in the surprise round? When you get hit with negative channelling (which attacks the Cavalier's weakest save)?

[Erikkerik]

Buying hit points at that price seems like a very good deal. If i'm not misunderstanding (and my math is right), you will have spent less than 700 gold for 15hp at 2nd at 3rd level. 810 gold will give you 9 more hitpoints. Average WBL at lvl4 is 6000 gold. TBH if I were playing with this system, I would probably always buy all the hit points I could (assuming average WBL), though you should be well set now, with well above average HP for your level

[Ajonos]

Ah, thanks. I'll keep buying the hit points and hope my rolls start saving me some cash.

In theory I'd think my monetary income will eventually start accelerating faster than the price of hp.

And yes, I tried to convince him to let me take the average before my first roll at level 2, but no dice. (I also tried to convince him to allow me to point-buy a character, but nope) The added randomness is just something I've got to accept.