Sno
2018-02-20, 06:29 PM
The knight… I mean… cavalier is such an iconic archetype, and its mechanics seems to support a defender who stands vigilant while protecting his allies. The small little mounted benefits he gets just screams knight… I mean cavalier in shiny armour to me, and thus a fighter archetype I ‘d love to play.
The cavalier seems to have mechanics that works really well with some weapons/feats, more so than other classes. There seems to be some conflicting and synergising mechanics and that makes me unsure what the best weapon of choice is for a cavalier, and I just wonder what’s the opinion of others. Here is my thoughts so far:
Sword and Board: This is Warhammer, battleaxe, longsword and so forth, with a shield. The extra armour from wearing a shield is greatly appreciated for someone standing in the front, and an archetype that has mechanics built to protect its allies. As a Sword and Board users stands within 5 feet of the enemy, and with Hold the Line, and Unwavering mark, he makes it hard to get away from him, and disadvantageous and deadly to attack one of your allies. I feel thou that shield master overlaps quite a bit with ferocious charger later, as they both knock down.
Sword and Board with quarterstaff: Just as the “ordinary” sword and board, but with a quarterstaff and polearm master Instead of Shield Master. Polearm mastery synergises greatly with Hold the Line and really late, vigilant defender. Really great use of your bonus action too, as the extra attacks from Unwavering Mark is only used a limited time per day (3-5). Limited amount of weapon choices if that matters to you (somewhat dependent on DM).
Sword and Board but with a whip. Awesome for a Cavalier as reach works wonders with Hold the Line and Vigilant defender. On top of that, you get to use a shield, which beneficial for a “tank”. Getting a reach weapon while still being able to use a shield is nothing to scoff at. An odd, yet great weapon of choice.
Polearm: Again, reach is awesome for cavalier even though Warding manoeuvre only works while within 5 feet regarding the disadvantage it creates if an enemy attack an ally. Hold the Line and Vigilant defender simply screams reach+polearm master
Great Weapon Fighting: I really don’t like this one. You got abilities that more than likely makes you the target, and except for some eventual bonus attacks, there isn’t much going for this one. Great Weapon Fighting synergies much better with say, battlemaster (precision strike).
The cavalier seems to have mechanics that works really well with some weapons/feats, more so than other classes. There seems to be some conflicting and synergising mechanics and that makes me unsure what the best weapon of choice is for a cavalier, and I just wonder what’s the opinion of others. Here is my thoughts so far:
Sword and Board: This is Warhammer, battleaxe, longsword and so forth, with a shield. The extra armour from wearing a shield is greatly appreciated for someone standing in the front, and an archetype that has mechanics built to protect its allies. As a Sword and Board users stands within 5 feet of the enemy, and with Hold the Line, and Unwavering mark, he makes it hard to get away from him, and disadvantageous and deadly to attack one of your allies. I feel thou that shield master overlaps quite a bit with ferocious charger later, as they both knock down.
Sword and Board with quarterstaff: Just as the “ordinary” sword and board, but with a quarterstaff and polearm master Instead of Shield Master. Polearm mastery synergises greatly with Hold the Line and really late, vigilant defender. Really great use of your bonus action too, as the extra attacks from Unwavering Mark is only used a limited time per day (3-5). Limited amount of weapon choices if that matters to you (somewhat dependent on DM).
Sword and Board but with a whip. Awesome for a Cavalier as reach works wonders with Hold the Line and Vigilant defender. On top of that, you get to use a shield, which beneficial for a “tank”. Getting a reach weapon while still being able to use a shield is nothing to scoff at. An odd, yet great weapon of choice.
Polearm: Again, reach is awesome for cavalier even though Warding manoeuvre only works while within 5 feet regarding the disadvantage it creates if an enemy attack an ally. Hold the Line and Vigilant defender simply screams reach+polearm master
Great Weapon Fighting: I really don’t like this one. You got abilities that more than likely makes you the target, and except for some eventual bonus attacks, there isn’t much going for this one. Great Weapon Fighting synergies much better with say, battlemaster (precision strike).