*While many warriors strive to perfect their art, spending all of their time honing their skill at martial arms, others spend as much effort dedicating themselves to a cause. These warriors, known as cavaliers, swear themselves to a purpose, serving it above all else. Cavaliers are skilled at fighting from horseback, and are often found charging across a battlefield, with the symbol of their order trailing on a long, fluttering banner. The cavalier’s true power comes from the conviction of his ideals, the oaths that he swears, and the challenges he makes.* ![[Pasted image 20241226090618.png]] **Role:** Cavaliers tend to marshal forces on the battlefield, using their mounted talents and challenges to control the flow of the fight. Outside of battle, cavaliers can be found advancing their cause through diplomacy and, if needed, subterfuge. The cavalier is no stranger to courtly intrigue and can hold his own in even the most delicate of social situations. **Unleashed**: Expanded the cavaliers late game functionality and replaced mount with a more flexible option. **Alignment**: Any **Hit Die:** d10. **Starting Wealth:** 5d6 × 10 gp (average 175gp.) In addition, each character begins play with an outfit worth 10 gp or less and armor worth 200gp or less. ### Class Skills The cavalier’s class skills are [Bluff](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/bluff) ([Cha](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/ability-scores#TOC-Charisma-Cha-)), [Climb](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/climb) ([Str](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/ability-scores#TOC-Strength-Str-)), [Craft](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/craft) ([Int](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/ability-scores#TOC-Intelligence-Int-)), [Diplomacy](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/diplomacy) ([Cha](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/ability-scores#TOC-Charisma-Cha-)), [Handle Animal](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/handle-animal) ([Cha](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/ability-scores#TOC-Charisma-Cha-)), [Intimidate](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/intimidate) ([Cha](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/ability-scores#TOC-Charisma-Cha-)), [Profession](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/profession) ([Wis](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/ability-scores#TOC-Wisdom-Wis-)), [Ride](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/ride) ([Dex](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/ability-scores#TOC-Dexterity-Dex-)), [Sense Motive](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/sense-motive) ([Wis](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/ability-scores#TOC-Wisdom-Wis-)), and [Swim](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/swim) ([Str](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/ability-scores#TOC-Strength-Str-)). **Skill Ranks Per Level:** 4 + Int modifier | Level | Base Attack Bonus | Fort Save | Ref Save | Will Save | Special | | ----- | ----------------- | --------- | -------- | --------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | 1st | +1 | +2 | +0 | +0 | [Challenge](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-classes/cavalier/#TOC-Challenge-Ex-) 1/day, Commander's Focus, [order](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-classes/cavalier/#TOC-Order-Ex-), [tactician](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-classes/cavalier/#TOC-Tactician-Ex-), Witness | | 2nd | +2 | +3 | +0 | +0 | [Order ability](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-classes/cavalier/#TOC-Order-Ex-) | | 3rd | +3 | +3 | +1 | +1 | [Cavalier’s charge](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-classes/cavalier/#TOC-Cavalier-s-Charge-Ex-) | | 4th | +4 | +4 | +1 | +1 | [Challenge](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-classes/cavalier/#TOC-Challenge-Ex-) 2/day, [expert trainer](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-classes/cavalier/#TOC-Expert-Trainer-Ex-), Command | | 5th | +5 | +4 | +1 | +1 | [Banner](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-classes/cavalier/#TOC-Banner-Ex-) | | 6th | +6/+1 | +5 | +2 | +2 | [Bonus feat](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-classes/cavalier/#TOC-Bonus-Feat) | | 7th | +7/+2 | +5 | +2 | +2 | [Challenge](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-classes/cavalier/#TOC-Challenge-Ex-) 3/day | | 8th | +8/+3 | +6 | +2 | +2 | [Order ability](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-classes/cavalier/#TOC-Order-Ex-) | | 9th | +9/+4 | +6 | +3 | +3 | [Greater tactician](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-classes/cavalier/#TOC-Greater-Tactician-Ex-) | | 10th | +10/+5 | +7 | +3 | +3 | [Challenge](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-classes/cavalier/#TOC-Challenge-Ex-) 4/day | | 11th | +11/+6/+1 | +7 | +3 | +3 | [Mighty charge](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-classes/cavalier/#TOC-Mighty-Charge-Ex-) | | 12th | +12/+7/+2 | +8 | +4 | +4 | [Bonus feat](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-classes/cavalier/#TOC-Demanding-Challenge-Ex-), [demanding challenge](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-classes/cavalier/#TOC-Demanding-Challenge-Ex-) | | 13th | +13/+8/+3 | +8 | +4 | +4 | [Challenge](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-classes/cavalier/#TOC-Challenge-Ex-) 5/day | | 14th | +14/+9/+4 | +9 | +4 | +4 | [Greater banner](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-classes/cavalier/#TOC-Greater-Banner-Ex-) | | 15th | +15/+10/+5 | +9 | +5 | +5 | [Order ability](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-classes/cavalier/#TOC-Order-Ex-) | | 16th | +16/+11/+6/+1 | +10 | +5 | +5 | [Challenge](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-classes/cavalier/#TOC-Challenge-Ex-) 6/day | | 17th | +17/+12/+7/+2 | +10 | +5 | +5 | [Master tactician](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-classes/cavalier/#TOC-Master-Tactician-Ex-) | | 18th | +18/+13/+8/+3 | +11 | +6 | +6 | [Bonus feat](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-classes/cavalier/#TOC-Bonus-Feat) | | 19th | +19/+14/+9/+4 | +11 | +6 | +6 | [Challenge](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-classes/cavalier/#TOC-Challenge-Ex-) 7/day | | 20th | +20/+15/+10/+5 | +12 | +6 | +6 | [Supreme charge](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/Base-classes/cavalier/#TOC-Supreme-Charge-Ex-) | ### Class Features #### Commander's Focus At 1st level, a cavalier can project a commander’s aura as a [move action](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Move-Actions), this aura extends 30 feet from the cavalier and can be ended as a [free action](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Free-Actions). A cavalier can maintain their commander’s aura for a number of rounds each day equal to 4 + the cavalier’s [Charisma](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/ability-scores#TOC-Charisma-Cha-) modifier; this duration may be divided in whichever fashion the cavalier pleases. At each level after 1st, they can maintain their commander’s aura for an additional 2 round per day. Whenever a cavalier projects their commander’s aura, they can select one of the following aura abilities, providing bonuses to all allies inside the aura. At 3rd level, they can spend a [swift action](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Swift-Actions) to switch the bonus provided by this ability. At 7th level, they can instead use an [immediate action](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Immediate-Actions) to switch the bonus provided by this ability. At 11th level, they can maintain two auras at the same time. - **Armored Adage**: All allies gain [DR](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/rules-for-monsters/universal-monster-rules#TOC-Damage-Reduction-Ex-or-Su-) 1/-. At 5th level and every four levels afterwards, this [damage reduction](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/special-abilities#TOC-Damage-Reduction) increases by 2. - **Buffering Encouragement**: All allies gain [temporary hit points](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Temporary-Hit-Points) equal to the cavalier’s class level which last until the aura ends. - **Defensive Strategum**: All allies gain a +1 [morale bonus](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/glossary#TOC-Morale-Bonus) to their [armor class](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Armor-Class). At 5th level and every four levels afterwards, this [morale bonus](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/glossary#TOC-Morale-Bonus) to their [armor class](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Armor-Class) increases by +1. - **Destructive Counsel**: All allies gain a +1 [morale bonus](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/glossary#TOC-Morale-Bonus) to their weapon damage rolls. At 5th level and every four levels afterwards, this [morale bonus](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/glossary#TOC-Morale-Bonus) to weapon damage rolls increases by +1. - **Resilient Recommendation**: All allies gain 2 points of [energy resistance](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/special-abilities#TOC-Energy-Resistance) against one energy type (acid, cold, electricity, fire, or sonic) chosen when the commander’s aura is projected. At 4th level and every three levels afterwards, this [energy resistance](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/special-abilities#TOC-Energy-Resistance) is increased by 3. - **Tactical Advice**: All allies gain a +1 [morale bonus](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/glossary#TOC-Morale-Bonus) to all attack checks they make. At 5th level and every four levels afterwards, this [morale bonus](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/glossary#TOC-Morale-Bonus) to attacks increases by +1. - **Valiant March**: All allies gain a +5 foot [morale bonus](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/glossary#TOC-Morale-Bonus) to all movement speeds they possess. At 4th level and every three levels afterwards, this [morale bonus](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/glossary#TOC-Morale-Bonus) to movement speed increases by +5 feet. - **Warding Warning**: All allies gain a +1 [morale bonus](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/glossary#TOC-Morale-Bonus) to all saving throws. At 5th level and every four levels thereafter, this [morale bonus](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/glossary#TOC-Morale-Bonus) to saving throws increases by +1. A commander’s aura is a verbal, visual, and [mind-affecting](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic#TOC-Magic-Descriptor-Mind-Affecting) morale effect; creatures which cannot see, hear, or understand the cavalier cannot benefit from it. At 5th level and every four levels afterwards, the area of the commander’s aura extends by 20 feet, to a maximum of 140 feet at 17th level. ==DM NOTES== Cavalier has been provided with a potent defensive buff to help define its new role as a tank-support class. This buff #### Witness (Mount, Companion, Advisor) Every cavalier has a witness to their greatness. These can take shape in many different ways. The cavalier selects one of the following options. Once selected this choice cannot be changed. 1. Mount A cavalier gains the service of a loyal and trusty steed to carry him into battle. This mount functions as a [druid’s animal companion](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/druid/animal-companions), using the cavalier’s level as his effective [druid level](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/druid#TOC-Class-Level). The creature must be one that he is capable of riding and is suitable as a mount. A cavalier does not take an armor check penalty on [Ride](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/skills/ride) checks while riding his mount. The mount is always considered combat trained and begins play with [Light Armor Proficiency](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/combat-feats/armor-proficiency-light) as a bonus feat. A cavalier’s mount does not gain the share spells special ability. A cavalier’s bond with his mount is strong, with the pair learning to anticipate each other’s moods and moves. Should a cavalier’s mount die, the cavalier may find another mount to serve him after 1 week of mourning. This new mount does not gain the link, evasion, devotion, or improved evasion special abilities until the next time the cavalier gains a level. 2. Companion A cavalier receives the leadership feat or familiar feat for free at level 1. 3. Steel Advisor An advisor is a particular form of intelligent armor gained by a cavalier. There are several ways a cavalier might gain this armor. Sometimes it just appears among the cavalier's possessions, and its origin is a mystery. Other times the cavalier finds a steel advisor during an adventure or event of some kind. Sometimes a steel advisor is passed down generation to generation in an ongoing search for a cavalier who can unlock its true potential. steel advisor is independently conscious but features some personality traits reflecting its wielder. An advisor always has the same [alignment](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/glossary#TOC-Alignment) as its wielder and even changes its [alignment](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/glossary#TOC-Alignment) if its wielder does. The armor typically works toward its wielder’s goals, but not always without argument or backlash. Each steel advisor has a mission, and while sometimes two or more advisors will work in concert, each mission is singular in purpose (the black blade’s mission is usually up to the [GM](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/glossary#TOC-Game-Master-GM-) and the needs of the campaign or the adventure, or a [GM](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/glossary#TOC-Game-Master-GM-) can determine the armor’s purpose randomly using [**Table: Intelligent Item Purpose**](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic-items/intelligent-items#TOC-Table-Intelligent-Item-Purpose)). Some steel advisors are very open about their missions, but most are secretive. Certain sages have speculated that an invisible hand or arcane purpose moves these weapons. ==DM NOTES== One of the largest complaints I receive around Cavalier is the mount class feature. This mechanic has been evolved to become something larger entirely, a witness who is the cavaliers most stalwart companion. Table: Steel Advisor Progression | Cavalier Class Level | Enhancement Bonus | Int | Wis/Cha | Ego | Special | | -------------------- | ----------------- | --- | ------- | --- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | 3rd–4th | +1 | 11 | 7 | 5 | [Alertness](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/Magus/archetypes/paizo-magus-archetypes/bladebound/#TOC-Alertness-Ex-), Sage Advice, [telepathy](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/Magus/archetypes/paizo-magus-archetypes/bladebound/#TOC-Telepathy-Su-), [unbreakable](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/Magus/archetypes/paizo-magus-archetypes/bladebound/#TOC-Unbreakable-Ex-) | | 5th–6th | +2 | 12 | 8 | 8 | [Energy attunement](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/Magus/archetypes/paizo-magus-archetypes/bladebound/#TOC-Energy-Attunement-Su-) | | 7th–8th | +2 | 13 | 9 | 10 | — | | 9th–10th | +3 | 14 | 10 | 12 | Teleport Armor | | 11th–12th | +3 | 15 | 11 | 14 | — | | 13th–14th | +4 | 16 | 12 | 16 | Elder's Vitality | | 15th–16th | +4 | 17 | 13 | 18 | — | | 17th–18th | +5 | 18 | 14 | 22 | [Spell defense](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/Magus/archetypes/paizo-magus-archetypes/bladebound/#TOC-Spell-Defense-Sp-) | | 19th–20th | +5 | 19 | 15 | 24 | [Life drinker](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/Magus/archetypes/paizo-magus-archetypes/bladebound/#TOC-Life-Drinker-Su-) | ##### Steel Advisor Ability Descriptions A steel advisor has special abilities (or imparts abilities to its wielder) depending on the wielder’s cavalier level. The abilities are cumulative. A steel advisor normally refuses to use any of its abilities when wielded by anyone other than its magus, and acts as a masterwork weapon of its type. _Alertness (Ex)_: While a cavalier is wielding his advisor, he gains the [Alertness](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/general-feats/alertness) feat. Sage Advice (Sp): As a [free action](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Free-Actions), the cavalier can spend a point from commander's aura to grant the steel advisor a +1 bonus to AC for 1 round. For every four levels beyond 1st, this ability gives the advisor another +1 on AC. _Telepathy (Su)_: While a cavalier is wielding or carrying his steel advisor, he can communicate telepathically with the armor in a language that the cavalier and the advisor share. _Unbreakable (Ex)_: As long they have at least 1 point in their commander's aura pool, a steel advisor is immune to the [broken](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/conditions#TOC-Broken) condition. If [broken](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/conditions#TOC-Broken), the advisor is [unconscious](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/conditions#TOC-Unconscious) and powerless until repaired. If destroyed, the advisor can be reforged 1 week later through a special ritual that costs 200 gp per cavalier level. The ritual takes 24 hours to complete. _Energy Attunement (Su)_: At 5th level, as a [free action](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Free-Actions), a cavalier can spend a point of his commander's aura to have it gain resistance to one of the following elements: cold, electricity, or fire, good, evil. He can spend 2 points select sonic or force energy instead. This effect lasts until the start of the cavalier’s next turn. _Teleport Armor (Sp)_: As a [standard action](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Standard-Actions), a cavalier of 9th level or higher can expend a point from his commander's aura, and can call his advisor from as far as 1 mile away, causing it to instantaneously teleport to his hand. _Elder's Vitality (Su)_: At 13th level, once per day, a cavlier can attempt to siphon vitality from his steel advisor. Doing so takes a [full-round action](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Full-Round-Actions) and the cavalier must succeed at a Will [saving throw](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Saving-Throws) with a DC equal to the steel advisor’s ego. If the cavalier succeeds, he regains health equal to the advisors ego. If he fails the [saving throw](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Saving-Throws), the cavalier becomes [fatigued](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/conditions#TOC-Fatigued) (but can try again). If he is [fatigued](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/conditions#TOC-Fatigued), he becomes [exhausted](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/conditions#TOC-Exhausted) instead. He cannot use this ability if he is [exhausted](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/conditions#TOC-Exhausted). _Spell Defense (Sp)_: A magus of 17th level or higher can expend an point from his commanders aura as a [free action](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Free-Actions); he then gains SR equal to his steel advisor's ego until the start of his next turn. _Life Drinker (Su)_: At 19th level, each time the cavalier kills a living creature with the steel advisor worn, he can pick one of the following effects: the advisor restores 2 points to his commander's aura; the cavalier gains a number of [temporary hit points](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Temporary-Hit-Points) equal to the steel advisors's ego (these [temporary hit points](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Temporary-Hit-Points) last until spent or 1 minute, whichever is shorter). The creature killed must have a number of [Hit Dice](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/glossary#TOC-Hit-Dice-HD-) equal to half the cavalier’s character level for this to occur. #### Cavalier's Charge (Ex) At 3rd level, a cavalier learns to make more accurate [charge](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Charge) attacks while in the presence of his witness. The cavalier receives a +4 bonus on melee [attack rolls](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Attack-Roll) on a [charge](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Charge) (instead of the normal +2). The cavalier receives a -4 penalty to AC instead of a -2. ==DM NOTES== Adjusted to take into account the new Witness ability. #### Command At 4th level, a cavalier can let out a mighty shout, allowing an ally affected by their commander’s aura to take additional actions. As an [immediate action](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Immediate-Actions), a cavalier can spend 4 rounds of their commander’s aura to grant an ally an additional [move action](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Move-Actions) on that ally’s turn. A creature can only benefit from this ability once per day even if a different cavalier uses it on them. A creature must be able to hear and understand the cavalier to gain any benefit from this ability. At 10th level, this ability can instead grant an additional [standard action](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Standard-Actions) that cannot be used to cast a spell or use a spell like ability. At 16th level, the [standard action](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Standard-Actions) granted by this ability can be used however the ally wishes. At 20th level, this ability can instead grant a standard and [move action](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Move-Actions) (this can be combined into a full round action) that can be used however the ally wishes. ==DM NOTES== Additional support tank mechanics to help the cavalier feel different then its peers. #### Mighty Charge (Ex) At 11th level, a cavalier learns to make devastating [charge](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Charge) attacks while in the presence of his witness. Double the threat range of any weapons wielded during a [charge](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Charge). This increase does not stack with other effects that increase the threat range of the weapon. In addition, the cavalier can make a free [bull rush](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Bull-Rush), [disarm](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Disarm), [sunder](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Sunder), or [trip](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Trip) combat maneuver if his [charge](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Charge) attack is successful. This free combat maneuver does not provoke an [attack of opportunity](https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Attacks-of-Opportunity). ==DM NOTES== Midgame capstone ability ==TO BE DONE== - Play testing of Steel Advisor & Cavalier