Cavalier archetype

Castellan

A castellan is a cavalier who dedicates himself to the defense of a castle or walled city. Though not as celebrated as the cavaliers who ride forth to take on distant foes, the castellan is no less brave or important, for the castellan and his allies are the last line of defense for those who depend on the fortification for protection.

Prerequisite: Int 13, Combat Expertise. Benefit: If you successfully use the aid another action to give an ally who also has this feat a +2 bonus to AC against an opponent’s next attack, the ally is also not considered flanked or flat-footed against that opponent until the beginning of your next turn.

Prerequisites: Any teamwork feat, base attack bonus +6. Benefit: When you successfully use the aid another action to improve the Armor Class or attack roll of an ally who also has this feat, the benefit from aid another lasts until the beginning of your next turn.

Prerequisites: Int 13, Combat Expertise. Benefit: When you successfully use the aid another action to improve the next attack roll against an opponent by an ally who also has this feat, that attack also ignores any Armor Class bonus granted by the opponent’s shield. This benefit affects only physical shields, not shield bonuses from spells or other sources.

Special: If both you and your ally also have the Harrying Partners teamwork feat, all of your ally’s attacks made before your next turn ignore the opponent’s Armor Class bonus from a shield.

Castle Defender level 1

Replaces Mount.

At 1st level, a castellan gains a +1 bonus to Armor Class and an additional +1 bonus on attack rolls when he is on higher ground. He also gains an additional +1 bonus to Armor Class and on Reflex saves when he has cover other than soft cover from other creatures. At 6th level, a castellan gains evasion (as a rogue) when he has cover (but not soft cover) against the source of the attack. At 11th level, these bonuses increase by 1. At 16th  level, he gains improved evasion instead of evasion. Both the evasion and improved evasion abilities work even when the castellan wears medium or heavy armor. This ability replaces mount.

Castle Lore level 3

This ability replaces cavalier’s charge.

At 3rd level, the castellan gains a +2 bonus on initiative checks and Knowledge (engineering), Knowledge (local), Knowledge (nobility), Perception, and Stealth checks when he is in urban terrain, including fortifications. A castellan in an urban environment can always act in a surprise round, though he remains flat-footed until he acts. At 8th level and every 5 levels thereafter, the castellan’s bonuses on skill and initiative checks increase by 2. This ability replaces cavalier’s charge.

Guard Companion level 4

Replaces Expert Trainer.

At 4th level, the castellan forms a bond with an animal companion that serves as a guard. While most castellans select birds or canines, the castellan can choose any animal companions available to rangers. This ability functions like the druid nature bond ability, except that the castellan’s effective druid level is equal to his cavalier level – 3 and his animal companion doesn’t gain the share spells special ability. This ability replaces expert trainer.

Mighty Defense level 11

Replaces Mighty Charge.

At 11th level, when the castellan readies an action to make a melee attack against a creature that is not yet adjacent to him, he doubles the threat range of any melee weapons wielded during the attack. This increase doesn’t stack with other effects that increase the threat range of his weapons. In addition, the cavalier can attempt a free dirty trick, disarm, sunder, or trip combat maneuver if his readied attack is successful. This free combat maneuver doesn’t provoke an attack of opportunity. This ability replaces mighty charge.

Defending Challenge level 12

Replaces Demanding Challenge.

At 12th level, the castellan takes no penalty to Armor Class when using his challenge ability. This ability replaces demanding challenge.

Supreme Defense level 20

Replaces Supreme Charge.

At 20th level, whenever the castellan readies an action to make a melee attack against a creature that is not yet adjacent to him, his readied attack deals double the normal amount of damage (or triple the damage if using a brace weapon against a charge). In addition, if the cavalier confirms a critical hit on the readied attack, the target is stunned for 1d4 rounds. A successful Will save (DC = 10 + the cavalier’s class level + the cavalier’s Strength modifier) reduces this to being staggered for 1d4 rounds. This ability replaces supreme charge.

Though they may occasionally participate in duels or face off against a single powerful foe, adventurers most often find themselves in skirmishes with multiple combatants on either side. In these situations, you need to be aware not only of yourself and the enemy in front of you, but also of your allies and your enemy’s allies.

GENERAL TACTICS In mass combat, the advantage is held by the side that works together best.