At Level 1, this Paladin character focuses on mounted combat and social interactions. With abilities like Detect Evil and Smite Evil, and feats like Negotiator and Mounted Combat, they are well-equipped for both battle and diplomacy.
Stat Block Level 1:
[Unnamed Character]: male, human paladin 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d10+2; hp 12; Init +0; Spd 20 ft.; AC 19, touch 10, flat-footed 19; Base Atk +1; Grp +4; Atk longsword +4 melee (1d8+3/19-20) or lance +4 melee (1d8+3/x3); Full Atk longsword +4 melee (1d8+3/19-20) or lance +4 melee (1d8+3/x3); SA Smite Evil 1/day; SQ Aura of Good, Detect Evil; AL LG; SV Fort +4, Ref +0, Will +2; Str 16, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 16.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Diplomacy 1, Listen 2, Ride 6, Spot 2, Handle Animal 4, Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty) 4; Negotiator, Mounted Combat. Aura of Good – Detects as a good-aligned creature, Detect Evil – Detects the presence of evil.
Possessions: Longsword, shield, lance, best armor you can afford.
At level 5, this Human Paladin focuses on mounted combat, dealing significant damage with his Smite Evil and special mount abilities. The build also includes enhanced survivability and utility with abilities like Divine Grace, Lay on Hands, and Turn Undead.
Stat Block Level 5:
Human Paladin 5; CR 5; Medium Humanoid (Human); HD 5d10+10; hp 40; Init +0; Spd 20 ft.; AC 18, touch 10, flat-footed 18; Base Atk +5; Grp +8; Atk Longsword +8 melee (1d8+3/19-20) or Lance +5 melee (1d8+3/x3); Full Atk Longsword +8 melee (1d8+3/19-20) or Lance +5 melee (1d8+3/x3); SA Smite Evil 2/Day; SQ Aura of Good, Detect Evil, Divine Grace, Lay on Hands, Aura of Courage, Divine Health, Turn Undead; AL LG; SV Fort +10, Ref +2, Will +3; Str 16, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 20, Wis 10, Cha 16.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Diplomacy +1, Listen +2, Ride +6, Spot +2, Handle Animal +4, Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty) +4; Negotiator, Mounted Combat, Ride-By Attack. Smite Evil: Adds +3 to attack rolls and +5 to damage against evil creature. Divine Grace: Adds Charisma bonus to saving throws. Lay on Hands: Can heal up to 20 hit points per day.
Possessions: Longsword, shield, lance, full plate armor, and the best armor you can afford.
This build focuses on heavy mounted combat and diplomacy. The combination of Paladin and Purple Dragon Knight levels provides a balanced mix of offensive capabilities, leadership skills, and protective spells. The character thrives in battle, dishing out significant damage while riding their special mount.
Stat Block Level 10:
Cavalier[1]: male, human Paladin 5/Purple Dragon Knight 5; CR 10; Medium humanoid (human); HD 5d10+2+5d10+2; hp 70; Init +0; Spd 20 ft; AC 22, touch 10, flat-footed 22; Base Atk +10/+5; Grp +13; Atk longsword (+13 melee, 1d8+3/19–20) or lance (+13 melee, 1d8+6/x3); Full Atk longsword (+13/+8 melee, 1d8+3/19–20) or lance (+13 melee, 1d8+6/x3); SA Smite Evil 2/day, special mount; SQ Aura of Good, Detect Evil, Divine Grace, Lay on Hands, Aura of Courage, Divine Health, Turn Undead, Heroic Shield, Rallying Cry, Inspire Courage 1/day, Fear; AL LG; SV Fort +14, Ref +6, Will +6; Str 16, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 20, Wis 10, Cha 16.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Diplomacy +11, Listen +8, Ride +14, Spot +8, Handle Animal +10, Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty) +10; Negotiator, Mounted Combat, Ride-By Attack, Spirited Charge, Weapon Focus (Lance). Special Attacks and Qualities: Smite Evil (2/day), special mount, Aura of Good, Detect Evil, Divine Grace, Lay on Hands, Aura of Courage, Divine Health, Turn Undead, Heroic Shield, Rallying Cry, Inspire Courage 1/day, Fear.
Possessions: Longsword, shield, lance, best armor available.
This Cavalier[1] build delivers massive damage, primarily via mounted combat. With abilities like Deadly Charge and Full Mounted Attack, it excels at devastating initial strikes. Skills in Diplomacy and leadership further enhance its role as a well-rounded party figure.
Stat Block Level 15:
Cavalier[1]: male, Human Paladin 5/Purple Dragon Knight 5/Cavalier[1] 10; CR 15; Medium humanoid (human); HD 5d10+2 plus 5d10+2 plus 10d10+2; hp 195; Init +4; Spd 20 ft.; AC 26, touch 10, flat-footed 26; Base Atk +15; Grp +19; Atk +21 melee (1d8+5, longsword) or +23 melee (2d8+10, lance); Full Atk +21 melee (1d8+5, longsword) or +23 melee (2d8+10, lance); SA Deadly Charge 3/day, Smite Evil 2/day; SQ Aura of Good, Detect Evil, Divine Grace, Lay on Hands, Aura of Courage, Divine Health, Turn Undead, Special Mount, Heroic Shield, Rallying Cry, Inspire Courage 2/day, Oath of Wrath, Courtly Knowledge, Burst of Speed, Full Mounted Attack; AL LG; SV Fort +19, Ref +10, Will +7; Str 19, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 20, Wis 10, Cha 16.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Diplomacy +10, Listen +10, Ride +21, Spot +10, Handle Animal +11, Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty) +11; Negotiator, Mounted Combat, Ride-By Attack, Spirited Charge, Weapon Focus (Lance), Trample, Cavalry Charger, Improved Initiative. Special Attacks and Qualities: Deadly Charge 3/day (double damage on mounted charge), Smite Evil 2/day (+Charisma to attack and damage).
Possessions: Longsword, lance, shield, full plate armor.
This build excels in mounted combat, dealing massive damage with Lance charges. Exceptional in diplomacy and leading teams, it’s a powerhouse both in and out of battle. Equipped with a longsword, shield, lance, and top-tier armor, the character can dominate any battlefield while inspiring allies.
Stat Block Level 20:
Unnamed Cavalier[1]: Male, Human Paladin 5/Purple Dragon Knight 5/Cavalier[1] 10; CR 20; Medium humanoid; HD 20d10+40; hp 200; Init +4; Spd 30 ft.; AC 30, touch 14, flat-footed 28; Base Atk +20; Grp +24; Atk +26 melee (Longsword +2, 1d8+12) or +26 melee (Lance +3, 1d8+12/x3); Full Atk +26/+21/+16/+11 melee (Longsword +2, 1d8+12) or +26/+21/+16/+11 melee (Lance +3, 1d8+12/x3); SA Smite Evil 2/day, Deadly Charge, Trample; SQ Aura of Good, Detect Evil, Lay on Hands, Divine Grace, Aura of Courage, Divine Health, Turn Undead, Special Mount, Courtly Knowledge, Ride and Mounted Weapon Bonuses, Heroic Shield, Rallying Cry, Inspire Courage, Oath of Wrath, Burst of Speed, Full Mounted Attack, Unstoppable Charge, Final Stand; AL LG; SV Fort +20, Ref +10, Will +8; Str 18 (22), Dex 10, Con 14, Int 20, Wis 10, Cha 16.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Diplomacy +23, Listen +2, Ride +18, Spot +2, Handle Animal +4, Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty) +24; Negotiator, Mounted Combat, Ride-By Attack, Spirited Charge, Weapon Focus (Lance), Trample, Cavalry Charger, Improved Initiative. Special Attacks and Qualities: Deadly Charge (4/day) – Double damage on a successful charge with lance, Trample – Overrun opponent to deal damage, Inspire Courage – Boost allies’ morale and combat abilities, Final Stand – Provide significant temporary hit points to allies within 10 feet. Aura of Good, Detect Evil, Lay on Hands, Divine Grace – Add Charisma bonus to saves, Aura of Courage – Immunity to fear.
Possessions: +2 Longsword, +3 Lance, +3 Full Plate Armor, +3 Shield, various potions and utility items.
Milestones Of Character Development
Levels 1-5: Start as a Paladin, gaining basic combat prowess and divine abilities like Smite Evil, Lay on Hands, and a Special Mount. Essential feats such as Negotiator and Ride-By Attack enhance mounted combat capabilities.
Levels 6-10: Transition into a Purple Dragon Knight, boosting team support with abilities like Rallying Cry and Inspire Courage. Focus on lance combat with feats like Spirited Charge. Begin Cavalier[1] levels, gaining Courtly Knowledge and special mount bonuses.
Levels 11-15: Enhance mounted combat with Deadly Charge and Full Mounted Attack. Gain Trample and Cavalry Charger feats, maximizing your effectiveness in charge attacks. Ride bonuses ensure exceptional mobility on the battlefield.
Levels 16-20: Peak performance as a Cavalier[1], with Unstoppable Charge and improved mounted weapon bonuses making you nearly invincible during charges. Final few levels return to Purple Dragon Knight, offering a powerful final stand ability.
Core Abilities & Features
This Paladin/Cavalier[1] build focuses on mounted combat, leadership, and delivering devastating damage. The core abilities and features for this build highlight a synergy between the Paladin’s divine powers and the Cavalier[1]’s mounted prowess.
Divine Grace & Lay on Hands
The Paladin’s Divine Grace at level 2 adds their Charisma bonus to all saving throws, boosting survivability. Lay on Hands allows the Paladin to heal hit points equal to their Charisma modifier times their level, aiding in battle longevity.
Smite Evil & Special Mount
Smite Evil allows the Paladin to add their Charisma bonus to attack rolls and their class level to damage rolls against evil foes, with usage increasing to 2/day by level 5. The Paladin’s Special Mount, granted at level 5, is a significant companion in mounted combat, improving in strength, intelligence, and capability, making them a formidable force on the battlefield.
Inspire Courage & Oath of Wrath
The Purple Dragon Knight features amplify group dynamics. Inspire Courage boosts allies’ morale in combat; at higher levels, it’s usable twice per day. Oath of Wrath provides a significant bonus to attack rolls, damage rolls, and saving throws against a declared enemy, enhancing focus-fire tactics.
Mighty Charges with Deadly Impact
The Cavalier[1] class brings devastating mounted attack abilities like Deadly Charge. By level 15, Deadly Charge can be performed 3/day, dealing triple damage on a successful attack. The Unstoppable Charge ability at level 19 allows for even more destructive attacks, usable up to 5/day.
Equipment & Mounted Weapon Bonuses
Armed with a lance, a longsword, a shield, and the best armor affordable, the build maximizes the Paladin’s and Cavalier[1]’s capabilities. The build’s progressively growing Mounted Weapon Bonuses, starting at +1 at level 10 and reaching +3 by level 18, ensure significant efficiency in combat while mounted.
Equipment Progression of the Cavalier
Level Range
Equipment
Details
L1-5
Masterwork Longsword
A high-quality sword that gives you a +1 bonus to attack rolls.
Shield of Faith +1
Grants a +1 bonus to your AC, enhancing your defense.
Full Plate Armor
Heavy armor providing excellent protection with an AC bonus of +8.
L6-10
+1 Lance
This magic lance gives a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls.
+1 Shield
Enhances your AC by an additional +1.
+1 Full Plate Armor
Magically enhanced full plate increases the AC bonus to +9.
L11-15
+2 Lance
This magic lance gives a +2 bonus to attack and damage rolls.
+2 Shield
Improves your defense with a +2 bonus to AC.
+2 Full Plate Armor
Further enhances the AC bonus to +10.
Boots of Speed
Grants the ability to use the Haste spell once per day, increasing your speed and number of attacks.
L16-20
+3 Lance
A lance with a +3 bonus to attack and damage rolls, making it exceptionally powerful.
+3 Shield
Provides a +3 bonus to your AC, significantly boosting your defense.
+3 Full Plate Armor
Maximizes your AC bonus to +11, offering ultimate protection.
Ring of Protection +3
Adds a +3 bonus to your AC. This ring stacks with armor bonuses.
Combat Scenarios
Dungeon Crawls:
Utilize your high strength and mounted combat abilities to charge down narrow hallways. The compact space often limits your movement, but your lance can reach enemies from a distance. Always scout ahead with your high Spot skill to avoid traps.
Open Fields:
Your Mounted Weapon Bonuses and Spirited Charge shine here. On open ground, use your superior speed and damage to take down enemies with a powerful charge. Focus on using your lance for the initial contact and switch to your longsword for close combat skirmishes.
Ambushes:
Keep your special mount ready with Burst of Speed. When ambushed, your ability to react quickly with a counter-charge can turn the tide. Use your Ride skill to maneuver and engage the most threatening foes first. Your aura effects provide support to allies in chaotic situations.
Defensive Stands:
When holding a position, use your Fear ability to deter enemies from attacking. Your Divine Grace and Lay on Hands can sustain you and your allies. Position your mounted attacks strategically to protect key areas while using Inspire Courage to bolster your team.
Urban Encounters:
Urban terrain may hinder mounted combat but capitalize on your Diplomacy skill to gather information and preempt conflicts. In battles, use your Courtly Knowledge to exploit local terrain and obstacles, striking with precision where your opponents are at their weakest.
Weaknesses & Counters of the Cavalier
Weakness
Counter
Low Dexterity
Equip Gloves of Dexterity (+2 or higher)
Limited movement in confined spaces
Use Boots of Speed for temporary bursts of increased movement
Reliance on mounted combat
Consider potions of Fly or Winged Boots for mobility without a mount
Vulnerability to spells affecting mounts
Cast Protection from Evil on mount or equip with items like Horseshoes of the Zephyr
Difficulty in dismounted combat
Practice and improve core melee combat skills during downtime
Low Wisdom affecting Will saves
Equip Cloak of Resistance (+2 or higher) to improve saving throws
High equipment costs
Prioritise acquiring wealth and resources through quests and negotiation
Roleplaying
Opportunities: The Cavalier[1] path offers rich roleplaying opportunities. Picture your character as a young and eager squire who has been knighted for their bravery. You’ve trained under one of the King’s elite knights, and now you’re ready to take on greater responsibilities.
As a Cavalier[1], take advantage of your role as a leader. Use your high Charisma to influence others. Be the character who steps up in times of confusion. Rally your allies with inspiring speeches before a critical battle. Engage in courtly politics with nobles, leveraging your Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty) skill.
Themes: The core theme of this build is heroic leadership. You are not just a warrior but a beacon of hope. Your character has a sense of duty and honor that makes them a natural leader on the battlefield and in diplomatic scenarios. Explore the contrast between the ideals of knighthood and the reality of noble politics. Your Paladin background and abilities like Smiting Evil and Turn Undead reinforce your role as a paragon of virtue.
FAQ
What are the primary strengths of the Cavalier[1] build?
This build excels in mounted combat and leadership. It combines the Paladin’s divine abilities with the Cavalier[1]’s mounted prowess. Expect high damage output, especially with lances, and strong support through morale-boosting abilities. Your Special Mount and Smite Evil features add significant power in battles against evil foes.
How do the Paladin’s divine abilities enhance the Cavalier[1]?
The Paladin’s Divine Grace and Lay on Hands offer vital boosts. Divine Grace at level 2 improves all saving throws with your Charisma bonus, enhancing survivability. Lay on Hands helps you heal in combat. These abilities ensure you stay in the fight longer and can support allies.
How should a Cavalier[1] deal with confined spaces or urban encounters?
Confined spaces and urban areas can limit your mounted abilities. In these scenarios, capitalize on your Diplomacy skill to gather intel and preempt conflicts. If combat is unavoidable, use your Courtly Knowledge to exploit terrain. Rely on core melee skills and equipment like Potions of Fly or Winged Boots for mobility.
Are there any significant weaknesses for this Cavalier[1] build?
One major weakness is the reliance on mounted combat. In tight spaces, your abilities are limited. Equip Gloves of Dexterity and Boots of Speed to offset these limitations. Practicing core melee combat skills and using mobility aids like Potions of Fly can also help. Consider diversifying your skill set to handle various combat scenarios.
How do group dynamics affect the Cavalier[1]’s effectiveness?
The Cavalier[1] shines brightly with strong group support. Use Inspire Courage to boost morale in critical battles. Rallying Cry from Purple Dragon Knight levels enhances team coordination. Your leadership skills make you a battlefield linchpin, amplifying the party’s overall effectiveness.
Writer, Editor, GM, Technologist – Andrew’s been playing TTRPGs since as far back as he can recall… at least sometime in the nineties… or was it the early 2000s?
Two years had passed since the orcs invasions. The young man, for the courage he demonstrated, received the right of peerage and became a squire for one of the King’s personal knights. Since that day, the young squire trained everyday with the goal of one day being formally knighted.
But the war wasn’t over yet he thought as he helped his master put on his full plate in the camp. The older man studied his squire intently.
-“You have come a long way, you know. Once, I was like you too. Eager, and inexperienced.” He turned and put his hand on his squire’s shoulder firmly.
-“You will soon learn that the hardest part is not the battle, no, that part is easy. The hardest part is dealing with the nobles that send us to do their dirty work.”
As the young man nodded, the Knight put on his helmet and jumped on his magnificent steed. The squire was in awe, as he saw his master ride towards the battlefield, charging in that ever growing army of darkness. With knights like him protecting the Realm, there was no way they would lose that war.
A longsword, a shield, a lance and the best armor you can afford.
Goal
You make the average Leap Chargers quiver in their boots with the absolutely ridiculous amount of damage you can dish out. You are also an incredible Diplomancer, and an excellent team leader. Useful both in and out of combat, if you can ride your steed, nothing will be able to stand in your way.
Leave a Reply