User:Leziad/Elite Cavalier

Elite Cavalier

Elite Class: An elite version of a base class is meant to be used by player characters or powerful NPCs in a game where third party material such as Path of War or Psionic is widely used. These classes are stronger than their base variants, to narrow downs the power gap between player characters. The elite variant attempts not to change any core mechanics of the class. It is intended that player (or powerful NPCs) pick the elite version of a class as their main class, while the base version is reserved for NPCs and for players who are multiclassing.

A variant of the cavalier, which mostly aim to increase the character overall utilities. The elite cavalier is capable of being a skilled socialite, with her deeds reflecting her reputation. They are specially effective at fighting multiples foes, whether on foot or astride their trusty steeds. Powerful cavalier are able to imbue their legend into their weapons, making them more dangerous than normal. This special archetype is compatible with the cavalier's alternate class, the samurai.

Changes

• Hit Dice: Increases to d12 from d10.
• Saving Throws: An elite cavalier has a good Will save progression.
• Challenge: Applies on both melee and ranged attacks.
• New Class Features: Renown, Social Talent, Horde Battler, Weapon Aptitude, Legendary Boon, Test of Mettle

New Class Features

Renown: At 1st level, an elite cavalier gains a vigilante's renown talent. For the purpose of this talent, she counts as her social identity when unarmored and unarmed, and in her vigilante identity if she is armored or has a weapon drawn.

Social Talent: At 2nd level, 5th level and every 5 levels thereafter, an elite cavalier gains a vigilante social talent. She may not select a vigilante social talents that would require her to be a craftsman or professional. For the purpose of vigilante social talents except renown, an elite cavalier does not have a vigilante identity and is always considered to be in her social identity. An elite cavalier may select Great Renown from 5th level forth, and incredible renown from 10th level forth.

Horde Battler (Ex): A 3rd level, an elite cavalier gains the Cleave feat as a bonus feat, even if she does not meet the prerequisite. If she already has the feat, she may select another [combat] feat she meets the prerequisites of. An elite cavalier does not take a penalty to AC when using the Cleave feat. Furthermore, the elite cavalier may ignore the Power Attack and Strength prerequisites of any feats which has Cleave as a prerequisite.

Weapon Aptitude (Ex): A 3rd level elite cavalier's training with a wide range of weaponry and tactics gives her great skill with particular weapons. She qualifies for feats that usually require a minimum number of fighter levels (such as Weapon Specialization) as if she had a fighter level equal to her cavalier level –2. An elite samurai instead gains the Quick Draw feat as a bonus feat.

Legendary Boon (Su): Starting at 5th level, the elite cavalier can channel her heroism through her weapon. If she wields a non-magical melee weapon, it immediately gains a +1 enhancement bonus. If she wields a magical weapon melee, she grants that weapon a specific bonus, depending on which of her legendary boon is active. If the weapon leaves the cavalier's hands, it loses the special properties granted by her boon. The elite cavalier can switch between the boons available to her an a move action, or suppress the ability as a free action. While an elite cavalier learns her boon at a set time, she may gain new boons through feats and items.

Cleaving Blade: At 5th level, the elite cavalier is able to cut down her foes. This boon grants the Mighty Cleaving enhancement.

Strike True: At 9th level, the elite cavalier is able to strike her foes even when her perception is clouded. This boon grants the Heartseeker enhancement.

Dragonhunt: At 13th level, the elite cavalier can make any weapon she wields the dread of dragonkind. This boon grants the Bane (Dragon) enhancement.

All-Slayer: At 17th level, the elite cavalier is able to effortless slay those who stands in her path. This boon grants the Vorpal^Alt enhancement.

Test of Mettle (Ex): At 6th level, an elite cavalier is capable of calling out for worthy foes. As a swift action, she can expend one use of her challenge ability to make a test of mettle. Upon making a test of mettle she gains temporary hit points equal to twice her class level, these temporary hit points are always lost first and lasts until the test of mettle ends. While test of mettle is active, the cavalier takes a –2 penalty to AC and adds half her cavalier level to damage rolls against any creature who attacked the cavalier or her allies in the last round. Additionally any opponent of the elite cavalier's class level -2 or lower must make a Will save (DC 10 + 1/2 cavalier level + the cavalier's Charisma bonus) when attacking the elite cavalier or her allies, or be unable to attack sanctuary, this is a mind-affecting effect and may be broken as normal.

A test of mettle lasts for a number of rounds equal to the elite cavalier's Charisma bonus. Whenever the elite cavalier successfully bring down an opponent who CR is her class level -1 or higher, she extends her test of mettle by 1 round. Completing a test of mettle counts as defeating a challenged opponent for the purpose of resolve. An elite cavalier cannot have a normal challenge or a test of mettle at the same time. If the elite cavalier uses test of mettle, and all her opponents surrender or flee, she regain a daily use of challenge.

Notes

Test of Mettle (Ex): At 6th level, an elite cavalier is capable of calling out for worthy foes. As a swift action, she can expend one use of her challenge ability to cause all her within 60 feet to make a Will save (DC 10 + 1/2 cavalier level + the cavalier's Charisma bonus). If an opponent fails it Will save, the effect depends on its CR. If its CR is equal or above the elite cavalier, it must attack the cavalier in subsequent rounds. If it is unable to target the cavalier, it may act normally. It is not rendered mindless, and may use whichever tactics it is best suited. If it CR is lower than the cavalier, it become unable to attack the cavalier or her allies as per sanctuary.

Both effects last for a number of rounds equal to the elite cavalier’s Charisma bonus. If an ally of the cavalier attacks a creature under the effect of test of mettle, it may defend itself with no penalty during it subsequent turn. This is a mind-affecting ability.