[PrC] The Imperial Courier [v2.0]

[Neftren]

The Imperial Courier

Taken from the Commoner Class of the Igmarin Empire as a way to allow them to rise in status, these fanatically loyal soldiers represent the elite of the Cavalry Corps. Delivering the decrees of the Emperor and the orders of the military, these resourceful individuals will stop at nothing to get the job done. The more experienced riders have gained an uncanny knack of summoning their personal mount to aid them.

Requirements:
• Must be of the Commoner Class of any house of the Igmarin Empire
• Feats: Mounted Combat, Run
• 8 Ranks in Ride and Handle Animal

Alignment: Any Lawful
Hit Die: d8
Class Skills: The Imperial Courier's class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Balance (Dex), Craft (Int), Decipher Script (Int), Handle Animal (Cha), Knowledge: Geography, Local and Nobility (Int), Ride (Dex) and Survival (Wis).
Skill Points: (2+Int Modifier) (x4 at First Level)

{table="head"]Level|BAB|Fort|Ref|Will|Special

1st|+1|+2|+0|+0|Commoner's Creed, Special Mount
2nd|+2|+3|+0|+0|Evasion, Messenger's Dash
3rd|+3|+3|+1|+1|Ride Bonus, Improved Mount
4th|+4|+4|+1|+1|Military Discipline, Defensive Riding
5th|+5|+4|+1|+1|All Deliberate Speed, Skirmish [1d6]
6th|+6|+5|+2|+2|Improved Evasion, Untraceable Travels
7th|+7|+5|+2|+2|Slip From the Saddle, Skirmish [1d6, +1 AC]
8th|+8|+6|+2|+2|Cavalry Coordination, Skirmish [2d6, +1 AC]
9th|+9|+6|+3|+3|Edict of the Emperor, Skirmish [2d6, +2 AC]
10th|+10|+7|+3|+3|He Stops at Nothing, Skirmish [3d6, +3 AC]
[/table]

Weapon and Armor Proficiency
Imperial Couriers are proficient with all Simple and Martial Weapons. They are proficient with Light and Medium Armor as well as Bucklers and Light Shields.

Commoner's Creed
Taken from the Common class, these individuals are no stranger to hard work. An Imperial Courier gains a bonus to all Disguise and Gather Information checks equal to his class level when dealing with Commoners or those of similar station.

Special Mount
An Imperial Courier has gained the ability to summon a mount to serve him as a devoted and loyal friend. This works exactly like a Paladin's Mount.

Evasion
At second level, an Imperial Courier gains the Evasion Feat as a bonus feat. He does not gain Improved Evasion if he already has it from another class and vice versa. If he already possesses Improved Evasion, he may instead take a feat for which he meets the requirements for.

Messenger's Dash
An Imperial Courier on foot is often used as a layman. An Imperial Courier's base land speed increases by 10 feet.

Ride Bonus
An Imperial Courier gains a bonus to all Ride Checks equal to his class levels. He loses this bonus when he is considered flanked.

Military Discipline
An Imperial Courier has been trained to resist external influence. As a result, he gains a bonus to all Fortitude and Will Saves equal to his class level divided by two, rounded up. This has a minimum of +1.

Defensive Riding
An Imperial Courier of fourth level or higher knows the tricks of defensive riding. If he does nothing else while mounted (he cannot attack when riding defensively), he gains a +2 bonus on Reflex Saves, and a +4 dodge bonus to Armor Class. In addition, his mount gains a 20 feet bonus to speed, a +2 bonus on Will Saves, and a +4 dodge bonus to it's Armor Class.

All Deliberate Speed
As a Swift Action, an Imperial Courier may extend his mount's base land speed by 30 feet. As a Standard Action, an Imperial Courier may take an additional two movement actions (for a maximum of three total).

Skirmish
Having honed their combat on the run, these individuals rely upon mobility to defend themselves in combat, preferring not to take hits. An Imperial Courier gains the Skirmish ability as per the Scout, dealing an additional 1d6 of damage and gaining an additional point of armor class after moving at least 10 feet. This increases each level past seventh. This ability works even while mounted.

Improved Evasion
At eleventh level, an Imperial Courier gains the Improved Evasion Feat as a bonus feat. If he already has Improved Evasion, he may instead select another feat for which he meets the prerequisites for.

Slip From the Saddle
An Imperial Courier under fire may choose to disappear from his mount. An Imperial Courier who is hit in combat may choose to feign death and slide off. He must make a DC 20 Ride Check or take 1d6 Fall Damage. If he makes this check, he is considered hidden for one round.

Untraceable Travels
At fifteenth level, an Imperial Courier cannot be tracked. The DC to track any of his companions increases by 5 on normal terrain and 10 on difficult terrain.

Cavalry Coordination
An Imperial Courier can work with others to a benefit. He may now flank a target from up to ten feet away, so long as another person atop a horse is adjacent to the target.

Edict of the Emperor
An Imperial Courier bearing a seal of the Emperor has the ability to order any Igmarin to perform a task, including those of a higher station (excluding the Emperor). He also gains the Leadership Feat as a bonus feat, but is instead granted two cohorts with a level equal to one half your total levels rounded up.

He Stops at Nothing
An Imperial Courier values his mission over his life. When reduced to zero or negative hitpoints, he may act normally, but when in negative hitpoints, he takes two points of damage unless he has already stabilized. Alternatively, the Imperial Courier may forgo this ability and instead take the Diehard feat as a bonus feat.

Editor's Note:
A Paladin who becomes an Imperial Courier may continue advancing as a Paladin.