Saturday Potpourri – The Cataphract (Cavalier Archetype)

Cataphract (Cavalier Archetype)

The heavily armored cataphract blasts holes through the enemy lines and spreads panic across the battlefield. Atop his hulking charger, he is the thunder that follows the storm of arrows.

The cataphract is an archetype of the cavalier class.

Mount

The cataphract must select the Charger archetype for his mount.

This ability alters mount.

Order

It is recommended that the cataphract join the Order of the Thunderous Charge.

Covered Assault (Ex)

At 1st level, the cataphract gains an advantage when attacking an enemy that has been softened up by an aerial assault. He gains +1 to attack and damage on his mounted attacks against enemies that have been the target of at least one ranged attack in the last round. This bonus increases by +1 at 5th level and every five levels beyond 5th, for a maximum of +5 at 20th level.

This ability replaces tactician.

Tempestuous Charge (Ex)

At 3rd level, the cataphract receives a +4 bonus on melee attack rolls on a charge while mounted (instead of the normal +2) as normal. However, he suffers the -2 penalty to his Armor Class. Instead, he adds his Charisma modifier to the damage of his charge.

This ability alters cavalier’s charge.

Coordinated Assault (Ex)

At 9th level, the cataphract gains the benefit of his covered assault bonus when making a mounted attack against an enemy engaged in melee combat with one or more of the cataphract’s allies.

This ability replaces greater tactician.

Relentless Charge (Ex)

At 11th level, the cataphract’s forceful personality empowers his presence on the battlefield. When mounted, he adds his Charisma bonus to overrun attempts and to rolls made to confirm critical hits.

This ability replaces mighty charge.

Order of the Thunderous Charge (Cavalier Order)

Edicts: The Order of the Thunderous Charge are sworn to fearlessly serve as the spear’s point in any engagement. They use terror and steel to clear the battlefield of the enemy, and will only retreat in the face of utter suicide.

Challenge: Whenever an Order of the Thunderous Charge cavalier issues a challenge, he gains a +1 bonus on Intimidate checks against the target of his challenge. This bonus increases by +1 for every four levels the cavalier possesses.

Skills: An Order of the Thunderous Charge cavalier adds Knowledge (nobility) and Perception to his list of class skills. Additionally, an Order of the Thunderous Charge cavalier receives a bonus on Knowledge (nobility) checks equal to 1/2 his cavalier level (minimum +1).

Order Abilities: A cavalier belonging to the Order of the Thunderous Charge gains the following abilities as he increases in level.

Unyielding Attacker

At 2nd level, the cavalier gains Ride-by Attack as a bonus feat.

Fearsome Charge

At 8th level, after delivering a killing blow or critical hit while mounted, the cavalier may, as a free action, make an Intimidate check to demoralize all enemies within 30 feet.

Nightmarish Assault

At 15th level, after delivering a killing blow or critical hit while mounted, the cavalier may, as a free action, make an intimidate check to attempt to frighten a single target within his reach. Upon a successful Intimidate check (DC is equal to 10 + the target’s Hit Dice + the target’s Wisdom modifier), the target is frightened for a number of rounds equal to the cavalier’s Charisma modifier. Each round after the first round, the target may attempt a Will save (DC 10 + cavalier’s level + cavalier’s Charisma modifier) to end the condition.



About mmiller

Mike Miller first discovered RPG’s in the days of TSR. The mention of a beholder or mind flayer still twists his guts with nervous dread, though now with a tinge of nostalgia. He had no publishing experience prior to writing for the OGN, but has long enjoyed creating histories and legends for his homebrewed worlds.

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