Article-At-A-Glance
- The Battle Herald[1] excels in optimizing support capabilities like ‘Inspiring Command’ with mastery in combats.
- Analyzes how abilities such as ‘Aid Another’ boosts allies, utilizing inspiring commands effectively.
- Details how Cavalier classes can enhance powerful build synergies for optimized support roles.
- Guides using flexible boosting tactics via synergistic blends like Cavalier and Battle Herald combinations.
Click on the level for more information
At level 1, the Halfling Cavalier (Inspiring Commander) focuses on supporting allies through Aid Another. With the Helpful trait, this gives a +4 bonus to allies. The build is mounted on a trained War Dog for mobility, offsetting the lack of a Mount Class Feature. Key abilities focus on Dexterity, with Weapon Finesse enabling Dex based attacks.
Stat Block Level 1:
Cavalier: male, Halfling Cavalier 1; CR 1; Small humanoid (Halfling); HD 1d10; hp 10; Init +3; Spd 20 ft.; AC 15, touch 13, flat-footed 12; Base Atk +1; Grp -1; Atk Rapier (+4, 1d4+2/18-20) or Longbow (+4, 1d6/x3); Full Atk Rapier (+4, 1d4+2/18-20) or Longbow (+4, 1d6/x3); SA None; SQ Halfling traits, Inspiring Commander; AL LG; SV Fort +3, Ref +5, Will +0; Str 10, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 15.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Handle Animal +4, Ride +7, Diplomacy +6; Weapon Finesse, Outflank.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Inspiring Commander allows Perform(Oratory) for Aid Another checks.
Possessions: Rapier, Longbow, armor, trained War Dog.
This build uses the Cavalier (Inspiring Commander) class with a focus on supporting allies through the ability to Aid Another. Exclusively riding a trained War Dog for mobility, the Halfling supports allies with a high degree of effectiveness using buffs and out of the box abilities.
Stat Block Level 5:
Battle Herald: male, Halfling Cavalier (Inspiring Commander) 5; CR 5; Small humanoid (halfling); HD 5d10+5; hp 38; Init +3; Spd 20 ft.; AC 21, touch 15, flat-footed 18; Base Atk +5; Grp +2; Atk rapier +11 (1d4+1/18-20) or longbow +10 (1d6/x3); Full Atk rapier +11 (1d4+1/18-20) or longbow +10/+5 (1d6/x3); SA Aid Another, Swift Aid (swift action); SQ Bardic Performance, Festive Alternative Racial Feature, Order of the Dragon, Tactician; AL CG; SV Fort +5, Ref +6, Will +3; Str 10, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 15.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Diplomacy +10 (5 ranks), Handle Animal +9 (5 ranks), Perform (Oratory) +10 (5 ranks), Profession (Soldier) +4 (2 ranks), Ride +11 (5 ranks); Feats: Weapon Finesse, Outflank, Combat Expertise, Cautious Fighter.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Inspiring Commander Competence Bonuses, Perform for Aid Another, Inspire Courage +1, Aid Another bonus +4, Swift Aid ability allows for aiding allies as a swift action.
Possessions: Rapier, longbow, studded leather armor, trained riding war dog, various personal effects.
This Level 10 Cavalier is a supportive powerhouse leveraging the Inspiring Commander and Battle Herald features. The focus here is on maximizing Aid Another bonuses, allowing allies to perform at peak efficiency, and providing substantial buffs through bard-like abilities. With careful selection of traits and feats, this build excels at battlefield control by diverting attacks and supporting allies both directly and indirectly.
Stat Block Level 10:
Battle Herald: male, halfling Cavalier (Inspiring Commander) 5/Battle Herald 5; CR 10; Small humanoid (halfling); HD 5d10+5d8+10; hp 70; Init +4; Spd 30 ft.; AC 21, touch 14, flat-footed 17; Base Atk +9/+4; Grp +6; Atk Rapier +13 melee (1d6+4/18-20) or Longbow +15 ranged (1d6/×3); Full Atk Rapier +13/+8 melee (1d6+4/18-20) or Longbow +15/+10 ranged (1d6/×3); SA Aid Another +9, Inspiring Command; SQ Order of the Dragon, Inspiring Commander, Battle Herald abilities; AL LG; SV Fort +8, Ref +10, Will +5; Str 10, Dex 18, Con 12, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 15.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Handle Animal +12, Ride +17, Perception +10, Diplomacy +13, Intimidate +5, Perform (Oratory) +12, Profession (Soldier) +2; Weapon Finesse, Outflank, Combat Expertise, Cautious Fighter, Blundering Defense, Swift Aid, Combat Reflexes, Broken Wing Gambit, Archon Style, Archon Diversion.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
The Battle Herald[1] uses Inspiring Commander for never-failing Aid Another rolls, bolstering allied attack rolls or AC by +9.
Possessions: Rapier, Longbow, +3 Studded Leather Armor, Amulet of Natural Armor +1, Cloak of Resistance +1, trained Riding Dog.
The Battle Herald[1] focuses on support, capable of providing massive Aid Another bonuses, plus bonuses from feats, Inspiring Command, Inspire Courage, and more. The character wields a Rapier, excels in Dexterity based attacks, and rides a Riding Dog for mobility.
Stat Block Level 15:
Battle Herald: male, Halfling Cavalier 5/Battle Herald 10; CR 15; Small humanoid (halfling); HD 5d10 + 10d8; hp 98; Init +8; Spd 20 ft.; AC 26, touch 17, flat-footed 20; Base Atk +10; Grp +7; Atk Rapier +19/+14/+9 melee (1d6+1/18-20) or Longbow +22 ranged (1d6+1/×3); Full Atk Rapier +19/+14/+9 melee (1d6+1/18-20) or Longbow +22/+17/+12 ranged (1d6+1/×3); SA Inspiring Command, Inspire Courage, Inspire Greatness; SQ Halfling traits, Banner, Festive, Blundering Defense, Swift Aid, Steed (Riding Dog); AL LG; SV Fort +10, Ref +15, Will +10; Str 10, Dex 19, Con 12, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 16.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Handle Animal +20, Ride +22, Perception +15, Diplomacy +20, Bluff +17, Perform (Oratory) +20. Feats: Weapon Finesse, Outflank, Combat Expertise, Cautious Fighter, Blundering Defense, Swift Aid, Combat Reflexes, Broken Wing Gambit, Archon Style, Archon Diversion, Archon Justice, Piranha Strike, Improved Initiative, Escape Route.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Order of the Dragon bonuses, Aid Another (massive bonus), Festive (1/day +2 Luck to ally), aiding other commands and heroics.
Possessions: Rapier, Longbow, Mithral Shirt, Ring of Protection +2, Amulet of Natural Armor +1, Cloak of Resistance +2, Trained Riding Dog.
The Level 20 Battle Herald Cavalier build excels at supporting allies, focusing on Aid Another with massive bonuses. It utilizes the Inspiring Commander archetype and Battle Herald prestige class for unparalleled ally support through Aid Another and inspiring commands. With a small stature Halfling on a trained Riding Dog, it’s agile in combat and benefits from a Dexterity-focused attack strategy.
Stat Block Level 20:
Battle Herald: male, Halfling Cavalier (Inspiring Commander) 5/Battle Herald 10/Cavalier (Inspiring Commander) 5; CR 20; Small humanoid (halfling); HD 20d10+40; hp 180; Init +5; Spd 20 ft.; AC 26, touch 18, flat-footed 23; Base Atk +20; Grp +17; Atk Rapier +25/+20/+15 (1d4+1) or Longbow +25/+20/+15 (1d6+1); Full Atk Rapier +25/+20/+15/+10 (1d4+1) or Longbow +25/+20/+15 (1d6+1); SA Inspiring Command, Inspire Courage, Inspire Greatness; SQ Banner, Festive, Blundering Defense, Order of the Dragon, Swashbuckler Finesse, Teamwork Feats; AL LG; SV Fort +14, Ref +17, Will +13; Str 10, Dex 19, Con 12, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 16.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Handle Animal +23, Ride +25, Perception +23, Diplomacy +25, Intimidate +23, Perform(Oratory) +25; Weapon Finesse, Outflank, Combat Expertise, Cautious Fighter, Blundering Defense, Swift Aid, Combat Reflexes, Broken Wing Gambit, Archon Style, Archon Diversion, Archon Justice, Piranha Strike, Improved Initiative, Escape Route.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Inspiring Command abilities grant significant attack and saving bonuses to allies, Festive provides Luck bonuses, Blundering Defense enhances defensive capabilities.
Possessions: Rapier, Longbow, best available armor, trained Riding Dog.
Milestones Of Character Development
- Levels 1-5: Start as a Cavalier with the Inspiring Commander archetype. Focus on acquiring core feats like Weapon Finesse for Dexterity-based combat, and Outflank for teamwork benefits. Prioritize boosting Aid Another actions through the Helpful trait.
- Levels 6-10: Enter Battle Herald Prestige Class. Gain Inspiring Command abilities like Inherited Song, boosting team morale and combat effectiveness. Essential feats during this phase include Combat Expertise and Blundering Defense, enhancing defensive capabilities and ally Aid bonuses.
- Levels 11-15: Continue focusing on Battle Herald abilities. Acquire Swift Aid to enhance Aid Another efficiency. Introduce Archon feats to protect allies and redirect attacks. Improve personal offense using Piranha Strike for increased damage output.
- Levels 16-20: Master the Battle Herald[1] class, unlocking powerful abilities like Immortal Dare. Finalize feat selection with Improved Initiative and Escape Route for tactical versatility. Continue optimizing equipment, focusing on peak performance in aiding allies and personal survivability.
Core Abilities & Features
The Battle Herald[1] is the epitome of a Cavalier who has mastered the art of inspiring and leading on the battlefield. By blending the Cavalier class with the Battle Herald[1] Prestige Class, this build focuses on optimizing support capabilities through the ‘Inspiring Commander’ Archetype. What’s most striking here is the transition from a traditional mounted combatant to a dexterous Halfling using a trained Riding Dog, perfectly suited for tight spaces.
One standout ability is ‘Aid Another’, where this build truly shines. With the ‘Helpful’ trait and the Order of the Dragon, we provide a staggering +9 bonus to allies, surpassing even a Bard in rallying the troops. The Pathfinder 1E mechanics for ‘Aid Another’, enhanced by the Battle Herald[1]’s repertoire of commands like ‘Inherited Songs’ and ‘Against All Odds’ to boost attack rolls, grant temporary HP, and even provide an extra saving throw to allies, turning the tides of battle in crucial moments.
The build uses a clever distribution of ability scores, dedicating to Dexterity for finesse in combat and Charisma for powerful leadership abilities. Weapon Finesse allows the Cavalier to use Dex for attack rolls, improving their combat effectiveness. Meanwhile, ‘Swift Aid’ and the Archon Style feats maximize efficiency in skirmishes, ensuring that this Cavalier is ever ready to jump into action. Owning essential gear, such as a rapier and longbow, allows for versatility whether leading the charge or providing ranged support, further reinforcing the Battle Herald[1]’s role as a pivotal support unit on the battlefield.
Equipment Progression
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Trained Riding Dog | Helps with mobility while staying in the theme of the build. |
| L6-10 | +1 Agile Rapier | Further tappers into Dex for damage, not just attack. |
| L11-15 | +2 Mithral Shirt | Provides excellent protection, maintaining lightweight. |
| L16-20 | Cloak of Resistance +3 | Further enhancement to all saving throws. |
Combat Scenarios
- Dungeon Crawls:
- In narrow corridors, the Halfling riding a war dog shines, avoiding cumbersome mounts. Use Aid Another to buff the front line, ensuring your comrades hit and block attacks efficiently.
- Open Fields:
- Leverage Swift Aid for quick response times, allowing an ally to reposition or brace for incoming charges. Coordinate with archers using Inspire Courage for a morale boost.
- Ambushes:
- Immediately seek cover and employ Perform(Oratory) to rally surprised allies. Utilize the Order of the Dragon’s bonuses to rapidly establish defensive advantages and regain control.
- Defensive Stands:
- Use Combat Expertise and Blundering Defense to maximize your defensive posture. Encourage allies through Inspiring Command, maximizing resistance during prolonged confrontations.
- Urban Encounters:
- Navigating bustling streets, your small stature and Riding Dog excel. Use Archon Style to redirect threats away from vulnerable characters in chaotic brawls.
Weaknesses & Counters
| Weakness | Counter |
|---|---|
| Lack of Direct Mount | Purchase an item like a Trained Riding Dog for indoor combat maneuverability. |
| Lower Base Attack Bonus | Equip Weapon Finesse to use Dexterity for attack rolls, boosting accuracy significantly. |
| Limited Damage Output | Use Piranha Strike to leverage Dexterity for extra damage; pair with Archon Style feats. |
| Vulnerability to Debilitating Effects | Utilize Inspiring Command (Shake It Off) for additional saving throws for allies. |
| Rely on Aid Another for Effectiveness | Train high ranks in Diplomacy, Intimidation, and Perform(Oratory) by level 5 for reliable Aid Another boosts. |
Roleplaying
The battle herald[1] is more than just a fighter on the field; he’s a tactician, a leader whose charisma and quick thinking turn the tide of conflict. When roleplaying a halfling battle herald, consider how the character uses their size and charm to rally and inspire allies. Even in tense moments, a well-timed jest or an encouraging word can boost morale and turn allies into a more cohesive unit.
This isn’t just about handing out bonuses, it’s about being the voice in the chaos that cuts through fear and hesitation. Embrace the festivity inherent to the character’s racial traits, not just as a mechanical bonus but as a reflection of his upbeat, infectious personality. Picture him amidst battle, yet radiating positivity, perhaps sharing a moment of levity to lighten the darkness of war.
Opportunities for roleplay also exist around the character’s strategic insights. Often, it’s not merely what they do, but how they guide others to victory through wisdom and experience. Leverage their skill with animal companions to use the bond with the riding dog to demonstrate leadership qualities and a deep sense of loyalty. This symbolizes the herald’s leadership capabilities, not just in leading men, but in forging connections beyond the conventional bonds.
With every battle, the herald weaves stories of bravery and valor. Use these experiences as a narrative tool to build the character’s legendary status as a bard-like tale-spinner who turns his journeys into inspiring sagas. Interact with others by recounting the moments where your character’s presence meant the difference between defeat and triumph, letting those anecdotes deepen connections and enrich the gaming experience.
FAQ
What is a Battle Herald and why should I consider building one?
A Battle Herald is a mix of Cavalier and Bard, perfect for commanding allies and boosting morale mid-battle. If you enjoy rallying your party with inspiring speeches while still wielding a sword, this class is for you. Combining the fervor of a Cavalier with bardic inspiration adds dynamic tactics. This mix allows for powerful enhancements to allies’ capabilities. Your group will often find itself emboldened and more capable in combat thanks to your commands.
Which skills are crucial for a Battle Herald build?
Diplomacy and Perform are key skills that a Battle Herald should prioritize. Diplomacy aids in bolstering party morale and negotiating tricky situations. Perform powers your inspiring commands and fascinate abilities, crucial in mid-battle. Handle Animal and Ride can enhance your mounted combat prowess. These skills synergize well to control the battlefield effectively.
How does the level progression typically look for a Battle Herald?
Start by leveling Cavalier to 5 for the essential “Inspiring Command” ability. Next, switch to Battle Herald to continue developing your command abilities. By level 10, your inspiring presence should turn the tide of battles. Keep investing in components that enhance your spellcasting and command reach. This balancing act makes the Battle-Herald a flexible and valuable team leader.
What are the best feats for enhancing a Battle Herald’s capabilities?
Recommended feats include “Leadership,” “Skill Focus (Perform),” and “Combat Reflexes.” They enhance your ability to lead and inspire allies effectively. “Mounted Combat” can boost your mounted advantages, essential if you have a loyal steed. “Lingering Performance” lets your inspiring orders last longer, adding more impact in combats. Feats significantly bolster your role as an inspiring leader.
Should I focus more on intelligence or charisma for my Battle Herald?
Charisma is your primary attribute for a Battle Herald, boosting your command abilities. It’s crucial for enhancing spells, skills, and abilities tied to Perform and Diplomacy. Intelligence is secondary but helpful, particularly for number of skill points. Charisma will make you a more effective leader, motivating your group to victory.
Join us at Stellar Dragons with the Battle Herald!
Try building a Battle Herald in your next Pathfinder 1E game! Join the conversation on our Stellar Dragons Discord server at https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7 and share your thoughts!
Authors
Terms definitions
1. ↑ Cavalier – The Battle Herald – Pathfinder 1E ( The Battle Herald )
The Battle Herald
The Cavalier, while a combat focused class, is also a surprisingly viable support character, and this build’s goal is to showcase this. We will be taking the Inspiring Commander Archetype and getting into the Battle Herald Prestige Class as soon as possible.
Our Leveling should look like this:
Class
Cavalier(Inspiring Commander) 5/Battle Herald 10/Cavalier (Inspiring Commander) +5
Race
We are going for Halfling on this build. Strange for what seems to be a melee focused class, but we will be exploring Aid Another buffs, plus all the other builds so far are mounted on large(r) mounts, making indoor fighting difficult. Being small and riding a war dog gets rid of that difficulty. We will also be taking the Festive Alternative Racial Feature, which allows us once per day as a Free Action to give a +2 Luck bonus to an ally’s Skill Check.
Ability Scores
Round up Charisma if odd, otherwise everything into Dexterity for this build.
15Point-Buy
Str 10/Dex 16/Con 12/Int 13/Wis 10/Cha 15
20Point-Buy
Str 10/Dex 18/Con 12/Int 13/Wis 10/Cha 15
25Point-Buy
Str 10/Dex 19/Con 12/Int 13/Wis 10/Cha 16
Traits
You are taking the Helpful trait, this is not debatable. Your base Aid Another now gives a +4 bonus to allies. Get yourself the Rich Parent one too as this is going to be useful to buy a trained War Dog for the first few levels as you do not have the Mount Class Feature.
Favored Class Bonus
You will need more HP. So HP it is.
Skills
Handle Animal to train Riding Dogs, Ride because of course, Perception becomes a Class skill for you via your Order so of course you are taking it. After that, your Charisma isn’t half bad so Diplomacy and Bluff are good options to look at. Do remember that you need 5 ranks in Diplomacy, Intimidation and Perform(Oratory), and 2 ranks in Profession(Soldier) by lvl 5 to get into Battle Herald, so your early skill points are all but eaten up.
Feats by Level
1-Weapon Finesse
Bonus Feat 1-Outflank
3-Combat Expertise
5-Cautious Fighter
7-Blundering Defense
9-Swift Aid
11-Combat Reflexes
Bonus Feat 11-Broken Wing Gambit
13-Archon Style
15-Archon Diversion
Bonus Feat 16-Archon Justice
17-Piranha Strike
19-Improved Initiative
Bonus Feat 19-Escape Route
Combat Expertise->Blundering Defense allows you to Fight Defensively and grant massive bonuses to your allies, and Swift Aid is just great for the Aid Another, allowing you to do so as a Swift Action, opening up your actions for other things such as shooting at enemies with your bow or some other actions. The Archon Style line of feats allows you to divert attacks against allies towards yourself. Finally, Weapon Finesse and Piranha Strike switch up your Attack to Dex and allow an increase of your (admittedly low) damage.
Order
We are going for the Order of the Dragon because it grants a bonus to Aid Another, making your Aid Another grant a downright massive bonus to whatever you are going for.
Inspiring Commander
So you lose your mount. That sucks. A lot. But you can buy a trained Riding Dog to move around so that’s fine as mounted combat isnt actually our goal here, but extra gravy to our theme. In exchange, you can roll Perform(Oratory) for your Aid Another checks, which means you are never failing that check ever, get Inspire Courage and other Bardic Music bonuses.
Battle Herald
You get even more bonus to help allies, regain the Banner ability but the main attraction here are the Inspiring Command abilities, which you gain at the following levels:
6-Inherited Song(Teamwork)
8-Inherited Song(Sound the Charge)
10-Inherited Song(Shake it Off)
12-Against All Odds
14-Immortal Dare
More Aid Another, bonus to attack and damage, grant feats to allies and even allow them an additional Saving Throw against bad effects.
Equipment
A Rapier, a Longbow, the best armo you can get and a trained Riding Dog.
Final Thoughts on the Build
You can give out so many bonuses to your allies so effectively that the Bard is getting jealous. And for a damned reason. With all those bonuses in place, your Aid Another action gives your allies a massive +9 to…whatever really. Plus your various other bonuses via Inspiring Command, Inspire Courage, Inspire Greatness, Festive and Blundering Defense is just ridiculous at this point.
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