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Elven Cavalier Character Class

This character class has been culled from a back issue of Dragon(tm) Magazine and details a character classes for use in a 1st Edition AD&D game. It has been modified for our local game use, and nopted as such. All other credit for the creation of the character class and the original article go to the author.

ELVEN CAVALIER PC CLASS

Elves, whether scorned, misinterpreted or eulogized, are a standard component in the AD&D® game multiverse and as such deserve a fuller description of how their culture works. One of the major facets of the elven culture is how they perform in their interpretation of each of the prescribed character classes. The elf’s outlook, although alien, can generally be reduced to feelings of liberality and fraternity, and these traits characterize nearly all aspects of their behavior. In the case in hand, the elven cavalier performs a parallel of the prescribed class functions, while retaining those traits and characterizations that are quintessentially elven. The class should differ when applied to elves simply because it is performed by a completely different race; if you like, the class has altered in the translation.

Ability scores

Elven cavaliers require minimum ability scores of 10 intelligence, 10 wisdom, 15 strength, 15 constitution, and 16 dexterity. A 16 dexterity is required (in contrast to the human minimum of 15) due to the class’s greater reliance on missile weapons and because a dexterity score of 16 is the elven equivalent of the human’s 15 due to the + 1 racial ability modifier. Failure to meet these standards at any time during the character’s career reduces the individuals status to that of a respected fighter.

Exerience

The elf cavaliers, unlike their human counterparts, always begin at one of the 0 class levels; -1500 or -500 experience points, dependent on their initial social status. Upper class individuals start at -500 XP and all others that gain sponsorship start at-1500 XP The elven cavalier starts at below first level because of an elf’s need to be impressed by the actions of any individual to gain their respect; very little such respect is conferred by general background or the deeds performed by forebearers. The cavalier elf is employed in elven society primarily to lead, and without the deference derived from the respect of his fellows this role would be impossible. This period at the start of a character’s life is the most important for those trying to gain the class of cavalier. During this time his abilities, toughness and spiritual mettle are rigorously tested. Failure at any segment of this trial disallows the character from further training as a cavalier. Normally failure at this initiation means that the character is given a free choice of other classes to enter and he retains those hit points gained from their play at zero level.

Weaponry

At the start (zero level) the elf cavalier is taught to use the short bow and gains bonuses to hit and damage for this as the first weapon of choice, as detailed below. The bow is “selected” to start because the individual is expected to support the greater cavaliers with missile fire until he is experienced in handling combat situations and thereby derives some of the respect necessary for his promotion as a cavalier. On attaining the first level of experience, the cavalier is awarded his long sword, and it is this weapon which marks him as a trained warrior. It is the long sword which is the prime weapon of choice, and the elf gains bonuses to hit and damage for it in place of those gained for the lance. Because elves typically reside in woodlands, lances and horses are not normally employed at the start, but can be mastered in the later levels. As is the case for humans, some weapons are preferred over others but they differ in type to those listed in the original class description. These weapons in order of preference are:

As a note of explanation, the bow is listed as the first weapon of preference because it is the first weapon played. At increasing levels the weapon is less commonly used, being primarily reserved for attack preparation, whereby extremely tough or numerous opponents might be softened up, as an “opening gambit.“ Commonly, the middle-level elven cavalier employs his bow only to instruct the characters of lesser level and as a “tracer” shot (the arrow is tied with a brightly colored ribbon or a piece of burning cloth) to guide the arrows of his lesser-ranked fellows.

It is possible for an elven cavalier to fire a bow when mounted, but the following restrictions are applied in almost all cases:

  1. Normal rate of fire is halved (i.e. 2 arrows/round becomes 1/round, 3 arrows/ round becomes 3 arrows/2 rounds, etc.).
  2. Maximum movement rate is reduced by 25% for the duration.
  3. Maneuverability is reduced by 25% or by one class for aerial mounts. The bow is not judged a dishonorable weapon; in fact, most have the attitude that it is the best way to fight, because it is possible to discourage an opponent from attacking with archery (thereby preserving life), whereas when closing to hand-to-hand combat, death is usually the only outcome — either the opponent’s or the characters.

The long sword is the weapon of choice for the elven cavalier, and it is most commonly with this weapon that the individual chooses to express his or her fighting potential. The long sword defines everything about the class’s attitudes; simplicity, flexibility, quickness and formidability. The character normally possesses one long sword at all times and is bereft of this weapon onIy in the rarest and strangest of circumstances.

The dagger or knife is ranked third in the list of preference because one of these is normally selected as a secondary weapon for two-handed fighting. Cavaliers who can effectively wield a weapon in either hand are highly respected, not only because of the high manual dexterity required, but also because of the attitude that opponents needing to be killed should be dispatched quickly. The knife is included as a preferred weapon because it can easily be concealed and is relatively easy to obtain or manufacture as a contingency. Elves are generally very secretive, and any creature which lives most of its life in the wilderness would find great difficulty in surviving hundreds of years without at least a few contingencies.

The short sword is listed in the fourth rank because of its association with untrained, weak and/or undisciplined “fighters,” and is usually selected as a second choice, or alternative main combat weapon, after the long sword.

Spears and ranseurs are selected with equal preference because of the type of role the cavalier character envisions for himself. If the character feels that a farwandering life would be desirable and best suited to his personality, then the spear would normally be selected, not only because of its general high utility and flexibility, but also because it can double as a light lance (at no penalty) when the character is mounted. If, however, the character tends to insularity and close support of the elf band and its allies, a short ranseur would normally be selected. This weapon still offers the possibility of greater damage versus large creatures (if grounded) and allows the individual the option of disarming and offering surrender to an opponent instead of the usual “kill or be killed” combat scenario. This tactic is acceptable to elven cavaliers because they respect their opponent (and its right to life), they realize their opponent’s weakness of judgement (in some cases) in wanting to combat to the death against the character cavalier, and because of the cavalier’s predilection toward strategy. All plans rely on information, and usually a greater amount of information is to be gained from a vying of tongues rather than swords.

The javelin is included here as preferred because it can be used without penalty by the cavalier when they are mounted, allowing the character full rate of fire, movement allowance, and maneuverability. The relatively common occurrence of specially enchanted javelins, compared to other missile weapons, plays a part also in this choice of weapon and it is pressed to good service, at higher levels, in aerial combat.

As weapons of choice the cavalier gains the following bonuses to hit at each level of advancement:

First level+ 1 to hit when using a short bow
Second level+ 1 to hit with the long sword
Fourth level+ 1 to hit with knife or dagger or any of the other preferred weapons (**)
Sixth level+ 1 to hit with any other preferred weapon (**) +2 to hit with short bow and long sword
Eigth level+2 to hit with dagger or knife or any other pre- erred weapon selected at fourth level
Tenth level+2 to hit with the other preferred weapon selected at sixth level
Twelfth level+3 to hit with short bow and long sword
(**) Bonus applies to one (1) selected weapon and must be designated when level is attained.

From a comparison between elven and human “to hit” bonuses, it can be seen that the elf increases in ability to hit at a slightly quicker rate than its human peer. This is caused by the elf’s attitude as an artist. Humans tend to view combat as a science, in which each action is performed within a close tolerance of error, whereas the elf views the contest as an artform in which each action is reasoned and as near to perfect as possible.

As in the case for humans, elven cavaliers fight as if four levels higher with weapons of choice in regard to the number of attacks mounted per melee round. At 3rd level, for example, the character is allowed three attacks per two rounds with the long sword, at 9th level two attacks per round may be made, and starting at 16th level three attacks per round are possible. In a similar manner the cavalier gains + 1 damage with the long sword and short bow for every three levels above first that the character has attained; for example, + 1 damage at 4th level, + 2 damage at 7th, + 3 damage at 10th, and so forth.

Weapons restrictions

There are no hard and fast rules regarding which weapons the elven cavalier may not employ. There are, however, a number of weapons whose use are excluded through social mores. These are:

Rank

Due to their generally non-elitist viewpoint, elves do not assign titles to each and every level of ability. This situation is in no way extraordinary, however; most individuals are ranked as merely greater or lesser fusing the name level as a datum), with perhaps some mention given to the deeds, accomplishments or place of origin of the character concerned.

Riding ability

Starting at 3rd level, the elven cavalier gains the ability to keep and employ various types of mounts. These skills are acquired in the following order.

LevelSkill gained
3rdRide and handle horses (Ride and Handle Animal (mounts known ONLY) are FREE talents
4thRide and handle unicorns (females only)
5thSpeed bonus (as per UA 5th-level cavalier)
7thRide and handle giant eagles (specially bred mounts)
8thRide and handle pegasi
10thRide and handle griffons and/or hippogriffs
12thRide and handle dragons

Armor and identification

The elven cavalier is marked by his armor —which is not the plate, plate mail or other heavy armor usually worn by this class. Elves, in most situations, prefer armor of a lighter and more flexible sort, for instance leather, studded, ring, scale or chain mail, preferably of elven manufacture and (of even greater preference) in some way enchanted or enhanced. The lowly cavaliers, therefore, wear no particular armor to mark their station but the majority of those of higher rank sport elven mail (enchanted as per UA page 104, if at all possible) and elaborately worked, bejeweled, or englamored. These specially designed suits are both the mark of an elven cavalier’s status and the means of his identification. Some shield design is not uncommon, but most of the information normally found on an escutcheon can be “read” from subtle variations of color, form or embellishment. Indeed, in some cases, the initiated eye can glean a greater volume of information from the elven cavalier’s appearance alone than from that contained within the close parameters of the simple shield face borne by his human counterpart.

Examples of the signs and marks found in a typical elven cavalier’s armor and dress are:

Wings painted or worked on the heels: These denote some great feat of successful strategy or planning that has been acknowledged by a respected noble or high-level cavalier.
Dress/armor design: Specific styles of armor and surcoats, indeed specific armorers are exclusively used by “orders,” bands, families and sects and these distinctive styles usually indicate allegiance to those particular groupings.
Bejewelment: At the simplest level, gives some indication of the character’s level and/or current wealth.
General adornment: The character’s ornamentation lends most to identifying that particular individual and usually the cavalier carries several such distinguishing adornments. Additional embellishments can be used to allow his or her peers to classify fat the least) standing, service, outlook, and origins. The highly adorned cavaliers, it should be noted, lose their ability of full invisibility in vegetation for the duration of this display. To overcome this problem, they sometimes employ enveloping cloaks or magic to mask their glamor, Alternatively, they may simply decide to forego disguise, to divert their opponent‘s attention or for any other reason which the individual views as beneficial to the cause.

The arrow: The arrow is the signature of most elven cavaliers, and consequently most are finely worked and characteristically styled to ease identification. In addition to the character’s normal arrows, he might possess a number of other flights that have been gained through merit. The type of arrow awarded a cavalier range from “normal” magically enchanted shafts, which are usually given in return for service, to the highly prized crystal flights, known as hellic arrows, which are awarded for specific acts of heroism or achievement, A hellic arrow is usually composed of a highly decorated or finely crafted shaft, tipped with a specially worked gemstone head and flighted with the same shade of feather as the head. These special arrows are normally enchanted at varying strengths and the number of different types of arrow produced is restricted only by the limit of the elves’ craft. Examples of the different types of hellic arrows found, and the cause of their award, are as follows:

Ruby Head: Victoriously lead a band of elves against warring enemies (+ 2 “Heart-seeker”).
Opal Head: Good achievement, normally deemed impossible ( + 3 ”Whiteleaf”).
Sapphire Head: Peace pact with a powerful race or tribe (Arrow of Slaying).
Moonstone Head: Extended or exceptional service to a deity ( + 3 “Whisperer”).

These powerful prizes are almost never willingly used by their owners for fear of their destruction or loss. A notable exception to this rule is the sapphire pact-maker’s shaft, which the cavalier is honor bound to use on the leader of the other race or tribe if the pact is broken.

Common class abilities

The unaltered abilities common to the translated cavalier class are:

Class attitudes

Cavaliers, as described in Unearthed Arcana, are required to be honorable, brave, outstanding in personal deeds, and committed to serve some deity, noble, order or special cause. The following describes how these class functions are revised when applied to the cavalier of elven extraction.

Honor: Elves can be honorable, for instance possessing a high reputation, glory and good respect in the eyes of other members of the character’s race. Elves deviate from humans where honor is concerned because they will honor and respect all individuals, not just those of powerful or noble mien.
Bravery: This is also a common trait, but in this case it is more reasoned. Even acts that appear brave usually have an underlying tactical and strategic advantage apparent to the individual involved. No foolhardy heroics are expected of the elven cavalier; in fact, application of good fighting sense and prudence (allied to positive action) are the class requisites in all combative situations. These requisites do not impair the character’s requirement to be outstanding in personal deeds, indeed when it comes to a fight he or she should be the paragon of all those engaged. For example, the cavalier should ideally be the first to engage, the most effective individual in the combat, and the last to disengage, wherever this is practicable.
Service: The elven cavalier differs most greatly from the human where service is concerned, due to his rejection of service for service’s sake and blind obedience to rule. Elves will certainly serve the requirements of their band and its leaders, but will serve no cause to the complete neglect of these duties. Rather, they try to divide their loyalty and most times succeed in serving all of their interests. The type of service a cavalier elf will bear, in addition to that rendered to his clan, is to a “loose cause”: for instance, to serve the cause of the general defense of the elven nation. Service to deities is acceptable, and the clerics of such deities are respected for their wisdom and example. A cleric’s advice is usually followed unless it is considered unreasonable by the individual concerned.

There are no orders or organizations of the classical (human) type in the elven culture, but there are good reasons why the surface elves (like their subterranean relatives, the drow) should form themselves into societies and loose organizations for individuals of like interests. The elven cavalier is principally allied to such organizations and responds to their specific interests, so long as this does not compromise his requirement to maintain the general weal .

All cavaliers must attempt to conform to some form of chivalry, and again these ideals alter in the elven application.

The Elven Chivalric Code

To elaborate on these precepts of chivalry:

Defense of any charge until death: This rule applies only for as long as the charge still lives. If, for instance, the charge is killed, in spite of its defense by the cavalier, this is the point at which the service would end. No grand gestures, impossible heroics, or blind vengeance is called for by the elf, but the error would be noted and action taken to stop a recurrence of such a situation in the future. Courage and enterprise in the cause of worthy goal: Courage and enterprise is ideally displayed in the service of any goal that the character feels is beneficial either to his band or to any other grouping that the cavalier may be allied to. If, however, the elf has not been convinced of the benefit of the goal, or believes that it is only marginally wealful, or even thinks that some other goal is of greater worth, then no honor is lost if the individual doesn’t employ courage or enterprise in order to achieve it.
Respect for all: The cavalier character is obliged to respect all creatures, but this respect may take a number of forms. This respect ranges from granting honor to respecting the subject only as another living creature. Each individual is viewed in a biased manner, but this is a positive bias due to the elf’s ability to empathize with most types of creatures. Simply put, the cavalier sees both the good and ill qualities in a creature but will in most cases ignore the bad and respect it for the good, not forgetting also their right to life as an individual. Respect from others when deserved: Contrary to the above, the cavalier elf should feel that regardless of his strengths or abilities, respect should only be reciprocated for good or worthy acts — not for that which the character is only capable of.
Disdain for those who serve woe: If there is one type for which the good cavalier elf feels the minimum of respect, it is for those who are the creatures of woe. Evil, in all of its forms, is not empathized by the character and contact or cooperation with such is avoided where possible. This tenet does not restrict the individual cavalier from discoursing with evil creatures, but wherever such contact occurs the cavalier should have some benefit to good provisioned as the result. Although most evil entities are disdained, there are a select few that elven cavaliers are particularly biased against. These creatures, in order of greatest to least disapproval, are: the drow and evil elf cavaliers (equally), evil human cavaliers and their ilk, those who set themselves against elves (and their habitat), and all other creatures who knowingly serve woe. Military prowess exercised to good cause: The cavalier elf could easily be described as a martial juggernaut; a formidable opponent, highly gifted with skills and reserves. It is important, therefore, that these skills are not squandered or flaunted for the sake of existence alone. This way leads to selfish and individualistic tendencies, and thence to evil. The cavalier is taught that a skill unknown is one of double worth, and hence does not make open and extensive play of his arts. Rather, he tends to concentrate such activity in those situations where it is expedient to fight and where this will serve ultimate good.
Archery is the finest point of honor: Elves, perhaps because of their different make-up, view honor differently than humans do, and inherent in this code of honor is the use of the bow. No true elf would describe deities such as Corellon Larethian or Solonor Thelandira as dishonorable because they employ bows. The aversion among human cavaliers for missile weapons is institutionalized, but is based on the reasoning that weapons that deliver damage without endangering the wielder are craven and hence dishonorable. Indeed, when the human cavalier is confronted by archers in a typical battle situation, loses his mount, and is peppered with armor piercing arrows to boot, it is easy to understand why such attitudes persist.

A “simple” elf would explain that the bow is the weapon of the elves; that all who attempt to threaten or attack his kindred should expect to feel its sting. In fact, it dishonors their opponent if they select any other than their best weapon with which to combat these enemies. If pressed, an elf might even go on to say that human cavaliers are probably more dishonorable in the use of the lance, which is almost guaranteed to kill an opponent and at such a range as to almost negate any chance for the opponent to return this compliment before expiring. The cavalier elf, however, is more mindful of fairness and the fact that archery might be construed as dishonorable by their opponent in certain situations, and hence will not employ the bow except in the following circumstances:

Imbalance: the opponents outnumber or greatly exceed the toughness of the cavalier’s party, or the opponents are grossly weaker and/or fewer in number. The cavalier can use the bow in the latter situation in order to discourage or reprimand the targets and if they are particularly weak. In such cases, the elven cavalier might not even bother to use heads on the arrows (see preferred weapon: bow above).
Similarly armed: Their opponents are similarly armed with missile weapons (e.g., crossbows, slings, javelins or bows).
Lack of fairness: the enemy employs dishonorable tactics, for instance, poison, fire or demons or utilizes overwhelmingly strong magic, for instance, artifacts or relics. No other recourse: this category encompasses situations where the cavalier can only hit the opponent using the bow; for example, if a magical weapon is needed to hit and the cavalier has only magical arrows, or if an impassable ravine divides the combatants and the opponent is able to attack over this divide. Defense is the greatest test: Defense is viewed as the greatest test because of the variety of threats, both open and covert, posed by the forces which intend ill to the silvan men. Not only must a great array of dangers be countered, but also this must be achieved with little or no loss. This is partly due to the fact that any elven band cannot regenerate its numbers, except at the slowest of rates, and partly because of the overbearingly strong forces that might need to be combatted. In such instances, the cavalier is put in a position of tough responsibility and is beholden to produce or implement the strategies to ensure mutual survival.

The knightly virtues

The knightly virtues of Liberality, Honor, Good Faith, Glory, Unselfishness, Pride, Courtesy, Bravery are essentially unchanged in the case of the knight-errant elves. The cavalier class, it can be seen, is altered to a large degree when applied to elves or half-elves raised in the elven society. These changes, however, deal mainly with the presentation, equipment, and tactics employed by such individuals. The class function to protect and promote the character’s society still holds true.

As presented, the class is a powerful variant of the original cavalier, but it is important to bear in mind certain inherent drawbacks to this class with regards to its use by a player character. The foremost consideration for play of the cavalier elf is his or her context and role in the campaign. The character class is a product of elven society, and it is this culture in which the character will almost exclusively be encountered. To realistically allow a player-character elven cavalier, the DM should first establish a working “elf-centric” campaign milieu (as opposed to the humanocentric setting most commonly used) and give the character both place and function in its midst. Admittedly, there are some numbers of cavaliers who, for a variety of reasons, decide to “wander,” but these eccentrics simply tend to travel the ways between one elven community and another, and usually take long sojourns at both. Taking all of this into account, an elven cavalier should have a very good and specific reason to undergo any form of adventure.

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Bob Senkewicz / Howell, New Jersey / senk@optonline.net