Article-At-A-Glance
- The Crusader[1] blends light and darkness, merging roles of knight and vigilante.
- Highlights themes of sacrifice, duty, and an internal struggle for the Crusader[1].
- Discusses roleplay tactics like inner monologues and expressions of unwavering resolve.
- Provides insights into managing dual personas effectively in Pathfinder 1E.
Click on the level for more information
At level 1, the build focuses on strong melee attacks and preparation for mounted combat. The Human Paladin, leveraging the Crusader[1] archetype, wields a Longsword with the Weapon Focus feat for enhanced accuracy. The Power Attack feat ensures high damage output. With a focus on Strength, the character can endure and dish out serious damage, all while maintaining a Protective aura suitable for a future defender role.
Level 1 Stat Block
Crusader[1]: male, human paladin 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d10; hp 10; Init 0; Spd 20 ft.; AC 18, touch 10, flat-footed 18; Base Atk +1; Grp +4; Atk Longsword +4 (1d8+3); Full Atk Longsword +4 (1d8+3); SA Smite Evil; SQ Aura of Good, Detect Evil, Armor training (Armor Expert); AL LG; SV Fort +2, Ref 0, Will +2; Str 16, Dex 10, Con 10, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 14.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats
Stealth +0, Ride +4, Knowledge (Religion) +4, Use Magic Device +2, Survival +2; Power Attack, Weapon Focus (Longsword).
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Smite Evil for a Cha bonus to attack, +1 level to damage vs Evil targets. Detect Evil At will, as spell. Armor training reduces armor penalties.
Possessions:
Longsword, best available armor, Shield, Holy Symbol.
At level 5, the Crusader[1] build focuses on mounted combat and maximizing damage with Power Attack and Weapon Focus for the Longsword. Skills enhance survival and religious expertise, while Armor Expert helps with mobility. The character is a human Paladin with Vigilante levels for versatility in battle and uses a high Strength score for effective combat strategies.
Level 5 Stat Block
Crusader[1]: male, human Paladin 5/Vigilante 1; CR 5; Medium humanoid (human); HD 5d10 (Paladin) + 1d8 (Vigilante); hp 40; Init +0; Spd 20 ft.; AC 19, touch 10, flat-footed 19; Base Atk +5; Grp +8; Atk Longsword +8 (1d8+5/19-20) or Shield Bash; Full Atk Longsword +8 (1d8+5/19-20) or Shield Bash; SA Smite Evil 1/day, Lay on Hands 3/day; SQ Aura of Courage, Divine Grace, Divine Health, Detect Evil; AL LG; SV Fort +8, Ref +4, Will +5; Str 16, Dex 10, Con 11, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 14.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats
Stealth +3, Ride +8, Knowledge (Religion) +8, Use Magic Device +5, Survival +3; Power Attack, Weapon Focus (Longsword), Skill Focus (Knowledge: Religion), Iron Will.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Smite Evil for additional attack bonuses against evil aligned creatures.
Possessions:
Longsword, Heavy Steel Shield, Full Plate Armor.
At level 10, the character is a Paladin 5/Vigilante 1/Heritor Knight 4. With strong mounted combat abilities, enhanced smites, and a foundation for special attacks, it’s a master of adaptability against darkness. The primary strategy involves using the mounted combat feats to strike effectively while maintaining a line of defense with smite and specialized feats from Heritor Knight. The emphasis remains heavily on melee combat, with a focus on Strength enhanced attacks to deliver powerful blows using the Longsword and maximizing both offensive and defensive maneuvers.
Level 10 Stat Block
Crusader[1]: Male, Human Paladin 5/Vigilante 1/Heritor Knight 4; CR 10; Medium humanoid (human); HD 5d10+1d8+4d10; hp 75; Init +0; Spd 20 ft.; AC 23, touch 10, flat-footed 23; Base Atk +9; Grp +12; Atk Longsword +14 (1d8+6/19-20) or melee; Full Atk Longsword +14/+9 (1d8+6/19-20); SA Smite Evil, Vital Strike, Improved Vital Strike; SQ Aura of Good, Divine Grace, Lay on Hands, Aura of Courage, Divine Health, Mercy, Special Mount, Knightly Devotion; AL LG; SV Fort +15, Ref +7, Will +9; Str 18, Dex 10, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 14.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats
Stealth +7 (4 ranks), Ride +12 (10 ranks), Knowledge (Religion) +14 (10 ranks), Use Magic Device +14 (10 ranks), Survival +12 (10 ranks); Power Attack, Weapon Focus (Longsword), Iron Will, Skill Focus (Knowledge: Religion), Mounted Combat, Ride-By Attack, Spirited Charge.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Smite Evil (3/day), Lay on Hands (7/day), Knightly Devotion.
Possessions:
Masterwork Longsword, Heavy Steel Shield, Full Plate Armor, Holy Symbol (Birthmark), Wand of Cure Light Wounds, 350 gp.
At level 15, this build excels at both mounted and ground combat. With key feats like Greater Vital Strike and Greater Weapon Focus (Longsword), the character is deadly against enemies. The Heritor Knight levels empower the character with enhanced smites and miraculous abilties, such as insta killing specific undead and abilities to disrupt aerial foes permanently. Enhanced survivability and offensive capabilities reflect a strong dedication to the righteousness of a paladin, balanced with the Heritor Knight’s exceptional skills.
Level 15 Stat Block
Crusader[1]: male, human Paladin 9/Heritor Knight 10; CR 15; Medium humanoid (human); HD 15d10; hp 105; Init +0; Spd 20 ft.; AC 25, touch 10, flat-footed 25; Base Atk +15; Grp +18; Atk Longsword +20/+15/+10 (1d8+10/19-20) or mounted Longsword +24 (1d8+20/19-20) using Spirited Charge; Full Atk Longsword +20/+15/+10 (1d8+10/19-20) or mounted Longsword +24 (1d8+20/19-20) using Spirited Charge; SA Smites, Vital Strike chain, Mounted Combat; SQ Heritor Knight abilities, permanent Air Walk; AL LG; SV Fort +12, Ref +7, Will +11; Str 18, Dex 12, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 14.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats
Stealth +2, Ride +18, Knowledge (Religion) +15, Use Magic Device +10, Survival +12, Power Attack, Weapon Focus (Longsword), Iron Will, Skill Focus (Knowledge: Religion), Mounted Combat, Ride-By Attack, Spirited Charge, Vital Strike, Improved Vital Strike, Weapon Specialization (Longsword), Greater Weapon Focus (Longsword), Greater Vital Strike, Improved Critical (Longsword).
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Enhanced smites, divine miracles, protection against evils, a great focus on longsword usage and its mastery.
Possessions:
Masterwork Longsword, Heavy Shield, Full Plate Armor, Holy Symbol.
At level 20, this Paladin Crusader[1] build emphasizes resilience, versatility, and striking power. The character specializes in mounted combat and can perform devastating strike chains through Vital Strike feats. The Heritor Knight prestige class adds extra divine-like abilities, such as enhanced Smites and unique powers against undead and flying foes. The Tortured Crusader[1] archetype sacrifices some healing in favor of more offensive and defensive capabilities, while Vigilante adds a layer of adaptability and skills.
Level 20 Stat Block
Crusader[1] 20; CR 20; Medium humanoid (human); HD 20d10; hp 200; Init +1; Spd 20 ft.; AC 30, touch 12, flat-footed 28; Base Atk +20; Grp +28; Atk +30 Longsword (1d8+12/17-20) or +28 Shield Bash (1d4+8); Full Atk +30/+25/+20/+15 Longsword (1d8+12/17-20) or +28 Shield Bash (1d4+8); SA Smite Evil, Mounted Charge; SQ Aura of Good, Divine Grace, Divine Health, Aura of Courage, Code of Conduct, Heritor Knight Abilities, Air Walk; AL Lawful Good; SV Fort +16, Ref +11, Will +13; Str 24, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 14.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats
Stealth 10, Ride 20, Knowledge(Religion) 15, Use Magic Device 10, Survival 15; Power Attack, Weapon Focus(Longsword), Iron Will, Skill Focus(Knowledge: Religion), Mounted Combat, Ride-By Attack, Spirited Charge, Vital Strike, Improved Vital Strike, Weapon Specialization(Longsword), Greater Weapon Focus(Longsword), Greater Vital Strike, Improved Critical(Longsword).
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Smite Evil deals extra damage against evil creatures; Mounted Charge deals double damage on a charge; Heritor Knight Abilities grant special powers against undead and flying foes, including potential instant destruction of good aligned undead and permanent Air Walk ability.
Possessions:
Masterwork Longsword, Masterwork Shield, Full Plate Armor, Holy Symbol (Birthmark), Wand of Cure Light Wounds.
Milestones Of Character Development
- Levels 1-5: Begin as a Paladin with a focus on melee combat. Gain essential feats like Power Attack and Weapon Focus (Longsword) to boost attack capabilities. Introduce Vigilante class for unique social abilities.
- Levels 6-10: Further develop Paladin traits, gaining feats such as Iron Will and Skill Focus (Knowledge: Religion). Begin molding your character into a mounted combat powerhouse with Mounted Combat and Ride-By Attack.
- Levels 11-15: Dive into the Heritor Knight Prestige Class, unlocking powerful bonuses against evil. Master mounted combat with feats like Spirited Charge and enhance melee skills with Weapon Specialization (Longsword).
- Levels 16-20: Achieve peak combat efficiency with Greater Weapon Focus and Improved Critical (Longsword). Utilize Heritor Knight’s abilities to dominate foes and protect allies, embodying the ultimate Crusader[1] against darkness.
Crusader’s Core Abilities & Features
The Crusader[1] build takes the best of the Paladin’s capabilities and enhances them with the Tortured Crusader[1] archetype, Vigilante, and Heritor Knight prestige class. The combination crafts a character with focused strength and resilience designed to stand alone in darkness. Structurally, this build uses the progression Paladin 2/Vigilante 1/Paladin +3/Heritor Knight 10/Paladin +4, with a heavy emphasis on high strength, making for a powerful melee-focused, frontline crusader[1] against evil.
The build’s racial choice is Human, allowing for a +2 modifier to Strength, vital in ensuring the maximum potential for melee prowess. This choice aligns well with the focus on a Longsword, the weapon of choice, bolstered by feats like Weapon Focus and Greater Weapon Focus. The build’s cornerstone is the Heritor Knight’s ability to enhance the innate Paladin features. By granting abilities to shut down flying foes and preserve allies, Heritor Knight adds miraculous utilities, like instant destruction of evil undead and Air Walk, ensuring no foe can flee your crusade against evil.
Equipped with combat-focused feats like Power Attack, Mounted Combat, and the Vital Strike chain, this build thrives in both mounted and foot combat scenarios. The selection of traits like Armor Expert reduces armor penalties, enhancing survivability, while Birthmark ensures unwavering faith with an always-present Holy Symbol. While Lay on Hands is sacrificed, equivalent support abilities from Heritor Knight compensate, maintaining the group’s endurance in battle. Throughout, the build underscores the innate narrative of a solitary warrior, stepping from the shadows ready to conquer the next great evil.
Equipment Progression
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Masterwork Longsword | Provides a +1 enhancement bonus to attack rolls. |
| L6-10 | +1 Full Plate | Provides superior defense as you progress. |
| L11-15 | +2 Holy Longsword | Deals extra damage to evil aligned creatures. |
| L16-20 | +3 Armor of Fortification | Gives a chance to negate critical hits or sneak attacks. |
Combat Scenarios
- Dungeon Crawls:
- In the claustrophobic corridors, prioritize the use of Stealth to avoid unnecessary conflicts. When a fight is unavoidable, employ your Longsword to maximize damage with your Weapon Focus and Specialization. Rely on your Knowledge(Religion) for any undead threats you encounter, using your feats from Heritor Knight to astonish foes with divine powers.
- Open Fields:
- These vast battlefields are where the mounted capabilities shine. Utilize Mount Combat and Ride-By Attack to outmaneuver enemies. Spirited Charge doubles your impact, allowing you to break through enemy lines. Vital Strike bonuses further enable you to decimate foes before they can retaliate.
- Ambushes:
- When caught off guard, your first move should be to regroup and establish a defensive positioning, using Stealth to reposition if necessary. Use Iron Will to resist any mental attacks launched in the ambush. Once regrouped, unleash a counterattack with Vital Strike to disrupt the ambush efforts.
- Defensive Stands:
- In these scenarios, positioning is key. Use your Shield and best armor to hold the line. With your Longsword, take advantage of Improved Critical and Greater Weapon Focus to punish any advancing attackers. Your Heritor Knight abilities allow you to support allies by rejuvenating them, maintaining morale and stamina.
- Urban Encounters:
- Narrow streets require agile movement; leverage Ride and Use Magic Devices to gain advantages in tight spaces. Use your ability to Air Walk, gained through Heritor Knight, to gain higher ground, attack from unexpected angles, and escape crowded situations where needed. Focus your attacks on high-priority threats using Power Attack to ensure swift resolutions.
Weaknesses & Counters
| Weakness | Counter |
|---|---|
| Low Dexterity | Obtain items like ‘Gloves of Dexterity’ (+2 to +6 bonus to Dexterity). |
| Limited Ranged Attack Options | Invest in Javelins for a decent range option. Obtain Bracers of Archery to improve proficiency with bows. |
| Loses Lay on Hands | Utilize Heritor Knight’s rejuvenating abilities for healing needs. Carry Potions of Cure Light Wounds for emergencies. |
| Vulnerability in Urban Areas | Leverage Stealth and Disguise skills enhanced by Cloak of Elvenkind. Use Disguise Self spell through UMD. |
| High Dependence on Mount | Equip Boots of Striding and Springing for greater mobility on foot. Have a backup mount via ‘Summon Monster’ spells. |
Roleplaying Tips for the Crusader
Delve into the dual nature of the Crusader[1]. You’re not just a knight; you’re the shadow that moves where others dare not tread. You embody the light fighting through personal darkness, a vigilante by night, champion by day. Use this duality to influence your voice and mannerisms. As a paladin with the Vigilante archetype, consider how you switch confidently from your public to private persona, one minute a righteous defender, the next a stealthy pursuer of evil.
The Crusader[1] represents sacrifice. Highlight themes of burden and duty in your roleplaying. Imagine your character’s inner struggle while maintaining a brave front for allies and innocents. Express internal monologues or flashbacks about past failures or loved ones lost to evil, driving your commitment to the crusade. Use interactions to portray an unwavering resolve, motivated by memories and oaths rather than mere glory.
FAQ
What is the Crusader[1]’s Primary Role in Combat?
The Crusader[1] excels as a frontline defender and crowd controller. Their ability to withstand damage while protecting allies is key. Leverage divine spells and smite evil to focus on dangerous enemies. Strategic positioning allows them to hold the line, creating opportunities for others.
How Do the Crusader[1]’s Abilities Enhance Team Play?
The Crusader[1]’s abilities bolster your party’s defense and offense. Divine Grace increases saves, providing crucial protection against spells. Aura of Courage helps in battles against fear inducing foes. Channel Energy heals allies while damaging undead, improving team resilience.
Which Feats Are Essential for a Crusader[1]?
Power Attack boosts damage, crucial for smiting evil foes. Divine Might uses your potent Charisma, adding to damage rolls. Shield Focus enhances your robust defense. Select feats enhancing both offense and survivability. Each feat chosen should support your dual role as protector and avenger.
How Does One Balance the Crusader[1]’s Dual Nature?
Balancing the Crusader[1]’s dual nature requires tactical discipline. Switch between defender and avenger based on battle conditions. Prioritize protecting allies while smiting high threat enemies. Roleplaying should reflect this duality in battle tactics and interactions. Express your struggle between duty and vengeance both in and out of combat.
Are There Any Challenges Unique to Playing a Crusader[1]?
Managing the balance between lawfulness and personal vendettas is crucial. Your role as a self-guided champion may test party dynamics. The need for constant vigilance may strain relations with more chaotic allies. Embracing the role’s conflicts enriches gameplay but requires sensitive navigation.
Join us at Stellar Dragons with the Crusader!
Consider trying a Crusader[1] in your next campaign. Do you think the Crusader[1] could be the best build in Pathfinder 1E? Join the conversation on our Stellar Dragons Discord server at https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7.
Author
Terms definitions
1. ↑ Paladin – Crusader – Pathfinder 1E ( Crusader )
Crusader
As we have seen with the previous build, evil can be very, very powerful and tempting as a route to take. Evil is ever so present and yet some still chose to be a paladin, not because they are a noble knight and that is righteous and honorable, or because they want to dedicate their lives to healing, or become a great defender of their people. They do it because someone has to. Standing against evil is the hardest thing someone can endeavor themselves to do, a noble sacrifice so that light still prevails despite all odds. This is a build to honor that ideal. Where we start crawling in the darkness, only to achieve a personal light above all others.
We will take the Tortured Crusader Archetype, one level of Vigilante and the Heritor Knight Prestige Class.
Our leveling should look like the following:
Class
Paladin 2/Vigilante 1/Paladin +3/Heritor Knight 10/Paladin +4
Race
We are going for human once again, and put that floating +2 into Strength.
Ability Scores
15Point-Buy
Str 16/Dex 10/Con 10/Int 10/Wis 14/Cha 14 Everything in Strength
20Point-Buy
Str 17/Dex 12/Con 11/Int 10/Wis 14/Cha 14 Everything in Strength
25Point-Buy
Str 18/Dex 12/Con 13/Int 10/Wis 14/Cha 14
Round up Constitution, then everything in Strength.
Traits
Armor Expert for lessened armor penalties, Birthmark to always have our Holy Symbol on us.
Favored Class Bonus
We are standing alone against the darkness, HP.
Skills
Stealth, Ride, Knowledge(Religion), Use Magic Devices, Survival.
Feats by Level
1-Power Attack
Human Bonus-Weapon Focus(Longsword)
3-Iron Will
5-Skill Focus(Knowledge:Religion)
7-Mounted Combat
9-Ride-By Attack
11-Spirited Charge
Bonus 12-Vital Strike
Bonus 12-Improved Vital Strike
13-Weapon Specialization(Longsword)
15-Greater Weapon Focus(Longsword)
17-Greater Vital Strike
19-Improved Critical(Longsword)
We are a fairly powerful mounted combatant via Mounted Combat, Ride-By Attack and Spirited Charge, doubly so via the Vital Strike feats chain. We are still very good on foot with our Longsword as Heritor Knight counts as Fighter for feats, letting us grab Weapon Specialization.
Heritor Knight
We get a bunch of very, very good bonuses against various effects, can achieve downright miracles like insta-killing for good undeads, shut down flying creatures and rejuvenating allies and protecting them against all kinds of evils. And the more time passes, the more our physical features come to resemble The Inheritor’s, eventually letting us Air Walk permanently, meaning no evils can escape our Righteous Crusade.
Equipment
A Longsword, a Shield and the best armor you can get.
Final Thoughts on the Build
This takes everything the Paladin is and cranks it up to eleven. Sure you can no longer Lay on Hands allies but you gain something similar anyway from Heritor Knight, you get more skills, immense bonuses on your Smites, your Mounted Companion is well protected via your feats, and you are everything that a righteous knight should be, yet can still act with modesty, retreating back into anonymity and into the shadows to await the next evil to conquer. This is unironically one of my favorite builds now.
Leave a Reply