Advanced Dungeons and Dragons Classes

The Cavalier Class

From Unearthed Arcana page 14

The Cavalier class has no prime requisites therefore the cavalier doesn't receive any bonuses to experience for superior abilities. A cavalier must have minimum ability scores of 15 in Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution, and scores of 10 in Intelligence and Wisdom. A cavalier character must initially be of good alignment. The cavalier attacks and makes saving throws as a fighter, but gains additional abilities with certain weapons and modifiers to certain saving throws. Cavaliers are not entitled to weapon specialization.

In order for a character to become a cavalier, he/she must be in service to some diety, noble, order, or some special cause. The DM will determine if this requirement can be met within the limits of the campaign, and if it is properly met by the cavalier character. The cavalier must always place bravery, honor, and personal deeds in the forfront of his or her activity, and must also follow the code of chivalry. A cavalier must be of proper social class, and is usually of noble or aristocratic origin. Only those characters of Upper Class social standing may immediately enter into the cavalier class. Those of lower social standing are generally excluded from becoming cavaliers, but certain members of lower social classes may be so honored. Such a character must be sponsored by a higher authority of greater status, and begins first as a 0-level Horseman (a retainer for a Knight), then a 0-level Lancer, and finally becomes a 1st-level Armiger of the cavalier class. The 0-level Horseman starts at -1500 experience points and has 1d4+1 initial hit points. The Horseman becomes a Lancer at -500 experience points and gains another d4 for cumulative hit points. The Lancer becomes a 1st-level cavalier at 0 experience points and gains another d4 hit points. In contrast, a character whose social standing qualifies him/her for immediate entrance into the cavalier class begins as 1st-level Armiger with 1d10+3 hit points.

Humans, Elves, and 1/2Elves may become cavaliers. However, members of the latter two races cannot qualify unless they are of Gray, Dark, or High Elf stock (or, for 1/2 Elves, descended from such stock) and unless they are from or sponsored by a noble house.

Cavaliers are not limited in their choice of weapons but there are certain weapons that the cavalier will seek out and learn before learning any other. Weapons that deal out damage at a distance (including pole arms, missile weapons, and the 2-handed sword) call into question the cavalier's personal bravery, and such weapons are avoided by all with the exception of the most powerful cavalier. The cavalier may make multiple attacks per round with his/her "Weapon of Choice" as if the character was 5 levels higher. eg. a 3rd level cavalier get 3/2 attacks per round as opposed to 1 attack per round with a normal weapon. The lance is required as a weapon proficiency at first level. The cavalier has a bonus to damage equal to the cavaliers level when using the lance while mounted. A cavaliers expertise with weapons allows the cavalier to parry within weapons of proficiency more effectively than fighters can. Should the cavalier choose to parry, all of the cavalier's "to  hit" bonuses (including those due to strength, magic, and weapon of choice) can be subtracted from one attacker's die rolls. A parrying cavalier may use his/her shield to parry a second opponent's attack; a shield parry reduces the attacker's roll by one, and by a further 1 for every "plus" for the shield if it is magical.

To the cavalier, armor is as much a badge of station as it is a means of protection. Thus, a cavalier will always seek to possess the very best and finest quality armor the cavalier is able to own. In this endeavor, appearance is as important as function, so engraving, inlaying, and decoration of the armor will always be sought. Plate mail is always the cavaliers first choice, leather and the like are the dress of thieves & peasants, and as such are beneath the cavalier's station so he/she will not wear them. The armor preferences even apply to magic armor, the cavalier will not wear chain mail +3 if normal plate mail is available.

As a cavalier attains each higher level, 2d10 are rolled and as a result added to the percentile score for Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution. When the percentile score goes over 100, the main score is raised by 1 and the 100 is discarded. Ability score can be raised as high as 18/00 even if that score violates the race& sex limits. If a cavalier loses a level, he/she also loses the percentile points gained for that level.

To advance in level, the cavalier MUST be trained by another cavalier of at least 4th level or 2 levels higher than the cavalier that intends to go up a level which ever is higher. After attaining 6th level, the cavaliers normal regiment will suffice for training, and the cavalier does not need others to allow an advance in level.

For more info on the Cavalier, pick up Unearthed Arcana