The Charioteer (Cavalier Archetype)
The chariot careened away from the enemies front line, racing for their flank. The charioteer strained against the reins, roaring insults as he drove across the line. He swung around the line’s outer edge and crashed into the exposed infantry. Bodies flew in all directions and the charioteer swept around for another pass.
During the bronze age, the chariot represented the cutting edge of war technology. It could be found on battlefields for over 1,500 years. Even as late as the time of Caesar, the enemies of Rome still employed the chariot. Whether in a bronze age setting, or a game heavy on flare, the charioteer stands ready to wreak havoc on the battlefield.
Mount (Ex)
Instead of a single mount, the charioteer pilots a chariot driven by two mounts. The mounts only function in combat is driving the chariot. Instead, the chariot may function in an offensive capacity. The cavalier’s chariot is armed with two small daggers attached to each of its axle caps, which can be used to execute special attacks. The blades do 2d3 + 1 per 2 cavalier levels slashing damage and can be upgraded to masterworks and enchanted. For the purpose of choosing feats and the cavalier’s expert trainer ability, the companions are considered to have, and benefit from, the same feats and tricks.
Order
The charioteer must belong to the order of the chariot.
Ride-by Attack (Ex)
The charioteer receives Ride-by Attack as a bonus feat. For the purpose of combat, cavalier abilities and all mounted feats, the charioteer is considered mounted when driving a chariot.
This ability replaces tactician.
Thundering Rampage (Ex)
At 5th level, a charioteer’s banner becomes a symbol of doom to his enemies. As long as the cavalier’s banner is clearly visible, all enemies within 60 feet receive a -2 morale penalty on saving throws against fear and a -1 morale penalty on attack rolls. At 10th level, and every five levels thereafter, these penalties increase by -1. The banner must be at least small or larger and must be carried or displayed on the cavalier’s chariot.
This ability alters banner.
Improved Ride-by Attack (Ex)
At 9th level, when making a successful attack against a target during a Drive-by Attack, the charioteer makes one additional attack against the target at his highest BAB, using the chariot’s bladed axle caps. The blades do 2d3 + 1 per 2 cavalier levels slashing damage.
Rolling Thunder (Ex)
At 17th level, the charioteer gains +2 on attack and damage rolls made while performing Drive-by Attacks with a chariot.
Order of the Chariot
Edicts
The charioteer spreads fear across the battlefield, cowing the weak among his enemies in order to separate them from the worthy adversaries. He must engage the worthy without fear and strive to impose the will of his sovereign upon the world.
Challenge: Whenever an order of the charioteer issues a challenge, he receives a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls against the target of his challenge so long as he is driving his chariot. The bonus increases by +1 for every four levels the cavalier possesses.
Skills: Knowledge (engineering). When the charioteer uses Knowledge (engineering) or Craft (carpentry) to repair his chariot, he gains a bonus on the check equal to 1/2 his cavalier level (minimum +1).
Order Abilities: A cavalier belonging to the Order of the Chariot gains the following abilities as he increases in level.
Shocking Turn
At 2nd level, while pperforminga ride-by attack with his chariot, a charioteer may forego his attack in order to demoralize opponents. He makes an Intimidate check to demoralize all foes he threatens during the drive-by movement.
Slashing Turn
At 8th level, while performing a ride-by attack with a chariot, a charioteer can slash opponents with the chariot’s bladed axle caps. He may expend attacks of opportunity to attack additional targets he threatens during the ride-by movement. These additional attacks are made by the bladed axle cap of your chariot, and at the charioteers highest BAB. The blades do 2d3 +1 per 2 cavalier levels slashing damage. The charioteer may perform slashing turn a number of times per day equal to his Charisma modifier. Opponents may avoid these attacks by going prone.
Battlefield Menace
At 15th level, the charioteer inspires his allies with his daring battle tactics. While performing a drive-by attack, the charioteer, as a swift action, shouts a battle cry. This grants the cavalier and his allies a +4 bonus on attack rolls, damage rolls, saving throws and skill checks for the duration of battlefield menace. The cavalier can end this ability as a swift action. He can use this ability for a number of rounds per day equal to half his cavalier level.
