So, as a newer Pathfinder player, I am having way to much fun reviewing all the classes and determining which class might be best suited to my playstyle. In a nutshell, I seem to enjoy melee damage, assisting party members with buffs etc, and would like to try an Animal Companion. I read up on Cavalier and find it very interesting but it brought up alot of questions for me.
Lets say I chose the Beast Rider Cavalier, following the Order of the Dragon. This gets me the option of more exotic mounts/AC down the road a bit while allowing me to deal damage in melee (or mounted).
Question 1: While mounted can my mount make an attack on a target followed by my Cavalier?
Question 2: I see I can take an Allosaurus (or something exotic) as a mount at 4th level, but it doesnt grow to Large size until level 7. So I can take it at 4th level but have to wait until level 7 to mount? Assuming I will be a medium character.
Question 3: How would Mounted combat generally look? Charge In, attack, attack? Or will the AC function more like a melee character that I would not mount and attack on in most situations?
I don't see an obvious dump stat for the Cavalier other than Int. Cha for Handle Animal and Wis for saves. AM I missing something on stats?
I am somewhat interested in a "sword and board" type sitting atop his mount, hacking enemies to pieces while his mount tears them apart. Any info and tips are appreciated!
1) Yes, you must make a ride check to do that.
2) I think you can't choose it till lv7 if you're a medium. It's an option because you could be a small character and pick it up at lv4.
3) Whichever you want. Mounted combat with a lance does LOTS of damage on a charge. But getting your personal flanking buddy isn't a bad option, especially with the "better" animal companions.
stats) Charisma isn't that important, yes you'll need handle animal, but you get a +4 for an animal companion, and a +3 for favored skill and put a rank into it. Boom, +8 with a 0 charisma, just a few levels away from autopassing. Dex also doesn't have to be that high if you get heavy armor(yes I know beast rider doesn't) or medium and shield. A 12 is probably good enough most of the time. Also you ignore your armor check penalty while riding your mount, so that's a plus.
I suggest getting a Transformative Spear for your main weapon. When fighting without charging it can be a Spear and when charging it can be a Lance.
The Jousting armor enchant gives +5 competence bonus to ride checks for less than 4k. Hosteling would be worthwhile for getting your mount into and out of dungeons and such. Rallying would be great to put on your shield. Rhino hide armor would also be great. ...for both you and your mount.
Have you considered the Flag Bearer feat coupled with Banner of the Ancient Kings? This would be especially good if you took a level of Bard and went for the PrC Battle Herald.
I'd actually suggest saving this idea for a home game.
Cavalier is the LAST class I would play in PFS. Here's why.
1) The Society HQ is a city on an island. Cities are often too crammed to fit a mount, or exotic mounts are illegal.
2) It's a city ON AN ISLAND. We sometimes have to sail places, and many ship captains won't allow exotic mounts on board.
3) The society often sends you to explore exotic locales in far off places. Sometimes you're outside, but sometimes you're in a dungeon. With 10' hallways or possibly 5'.
Since you're likely to have a different judge every time, there will be a certain number of times when you'll hear "yeah, you can't really bring X with you".
If that's the big idea you built your character around, it seems like it would be really frustrating. Maybe it's just me, I won't play an illusionist in PFS either, the table variation angers me. Maybe you don't agree, and if not, have a great time.