Knight

Guardian

Guardians are stalwart shields for their teams, using their challenges to protect and inspire others. They have unmatched defenses, but they lack some of the attack power that other knights possess.

• d12 Hit Die (12 + Con HP at 1st level, 7 + Con HP thereafter)

• 4 + Int skill points (x4 at 1st level)

• Class Skills: Climb(Str), Diplomacy(Cha), Handle Animal(Cha), Intimidate(Cha), Jump(Str), Knowledge(Military)(Int), Knowledge(Nobility and Royalty)(Int), Ride(Dex), Swim(Str)

• Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Proficient with all simple and martial weapons and with all armor (heavy, medium, and light) and shields, including tower shields.

Class Features

Knight's Challenge (Ex)

In battle, a knight can use his force of personality to challenge his enemies or rally his allies. The knight does not need to share a language with those he targets with this ability, but any targets must have a language of some sort and an Intelligence score of at least 5 to understand the knight's tone, body language, and intent well enough to be affected. Targets must also be able to either hear or see the knight.

A knight may use this ability a number of times per day equal to 1/2 his class level + his Charisma bonus (minimum once per day).

Several challenges refer to worthy opponents. A worthy opponent is one who is a reasonable threat to the knight, as such opponents can be more easily manipulated into fighting. As a rule of thumb, a worthy opponent is any enemy whose Challenge Rating is at least equal to the knight's level minus 2. However, certain enemies who would not normally fit this definition may be considered worthy anyway - generally those who are abnormally aggressive or arrogant. A knight may make a Sense Motive check (DC 15, or opposed by a bluff check) to determine if an enemy qualifies as a worthy opponent.

As the knight increases in level, he gains the following challenges to use:

Honor Guard (Ex)

The guardian can use a challenge to declare his guardianship of an ally. As a free action on his turn, the knight may select an ally within 10 feet. The ally gains a +1 morale bonus to saving throws and armor class and DR 1/- while within 10 feet of the knight. However, if the ally is slain or knocked unconscious while this challenge is in effect, the knight loses an additional use of Knight's Challenge.

This challenge lasts for a number of rounds equal to 5 + the knight's Charisma bonus and does not end if the knight is killed or knocked unconscious. The knight cannot declare protection of two allies at once. The knight cannot target himself with this ability.

At 5th level and every 4 levels thereafter, the morale bonus and damage reduction increases by 1.

Test of Mettle (Ex)

Starting at 4th level, the knight can shout a challenge to all worthy opponents within 100 feet as a swift action. All affected targets must make a Will save (DC 10 + 1/2 the knight's class level + the knight's Cha modifier). Targets that fail this save are forced to attack the knight with their ranged or melee attacks in preference to other available targets. If a challenged foe attacks with an area of effect attack, the knight must be included in the attack.

An opponent compelled in this manner is not put into a mindless rage and does not have to move to attack if doing so would provoke attacks of opportunity from creatures other than the knight. If anyone other than the knight attacks a challenged opponent, the Test of Mettle ends for that opponent.

If the knight is reduced to 0 or fewer hit points by an opponent under the effects of Test of Mettle, his usage of Knight's Challenge is refunded from the confidence of having successfully proved his willingness to fight overwhelming odds.

This challenge lasts a number of rounds equal to 5 + the knight's Charisma bonus. A creature can only be targeted by this ability once per day.

Protect My Charge (Ex)

Starting at 4th level, the guardian can further inspire those he has chosen to protect. As a swift action, the guardian can grant a number of temporary hit points equal to his guardian level to an ally under the effects of Honor Guard. These temporary hit points last until the end of Honor Guard's duration. The ally does not have to be within 10 feet of the guardian to be targeted by this ability or to benefit from it.

These temporary hit points can stack with the temporary hit points granted by Call to Battle. When this happens, all of the ally's temporary hit points persist for the longer of the two durations.

Call to Battle (Ex)

Starting at 8th level, a knight can rally his allies against a fear effect as a swift action. All allies within 100 feet gain a number of temporary hit points equal to the knight's Charisma bonus for one minute, and any allies who are suffering from a fear effect may attempt another saving throw against it, adding the knight's Charisma bonus to the saving throw. On a successful save, the ally immediately gains the benefits of a successful save against the fear effect.

Daunting Challenge (Ex)

Starting at 8th level, the knight can shout a challenge against all enemies within 100 feet as a swift action. Affected targets must make a Will saving throw against fear (DC 10 + 1/2 the knight's class level + the knight's Cha modifier) or be shaken for 2d4 minutes. For every 5 ranks in Intimidate the knight possesses, the DC increases by 2.

Bonds of Loyalty (Ex)

Starting at 12th level, the knight's loyalty to his allies becomes so great that he can shrug off magical compulsion effects. As a free action once per turn, the knight may spend one of his uses of Knight's Challenge to attempt a will saving throw against an enchantment, compulsion, or fear effect. On a successful saving throw, the effect ends. This ability may be used even when the knight has no control over his own actions.

Overbearing Presence (Ex)

Starting at 16th level, a knight's very presence wards away lesser foes. As a swift action, the knight may shout a challenge against all opponents who are either not worthy or are under a fear effect. Such opponents are immediately forced to move at least 10 feet away from the knight if possible and cannot voluntarily move closer to the knight for 1 round. This movement happens immediately on the knight's turn, does not provoke attacks of opportunity, and does not count against the creature's maximum movement per turn.

Loyal Beyond Death (Ex)

Starting at 20th level, the knight's honor and loyalty allows him to persevere through lethal damage. If the knight is disabled, knocked unconscious, or killed by damage or a death effect, he may spend one of his uses of Knight's Challenge as a free action to keep fighting as normal for 1 round. The knight may continue to act as normal as long as he has Knight's Challenge uses remaining, even if his hit points go below -10. If the knight's health is above -10 after this ability's duration expires, he does not die, even if his health dropped below -10 while using it.

This does not protect the knight from effects that completely destroy the body, such as the Disintegrate spell.

Knight's Code

A knight lives by a code of honor that grants him the confidence and integrity to issue his challenges. The knight cannot perform any of the following actions without breaking his code:

• The knight cannot benefit from the +2 bonus on attack rolls against flanked targets. Other characters can benefit from this bonus while flanking with the knight, however.
• The knight cannot attack a flat-footed opponent during the first round of combat and cannot attack an opponent who is unaware of him.
• The knight cannot deal lethal damage to a helpless target. Attacks that deal nonlethal damage are permitted.
• If an opponent has been disarmed and is attempting to retrieve his weapon, the knight cannot attack the opponent until the weapon is retrieved.

If the knight breaks his code, he loses one of his daily uses of Knight's Challenge. If he has no more uses of Knight's Challenge remaining, he instead suffers a -1 penalty to saving throws, skill checks, attack rolls, and damage rolls for the rest of the day.

Bonus Feat (Ex)

At 2nd level, and again at 10th level and 18th level, the knight may select a bonus feat from the feats noted as fighter bonus feats. The knight must meet the prerequisites for the feat as normal.

Armor Mastery (Ex)

Starting at 2nd level, the knight no longer suffers a movement speed penalty from wearing medium armor. If the knight already has this ability from another source, such as by being a dwarf, he instead treats the armor check penalty of medium armor as being 1 lower.

At 7th level, the knight no longer suffers a movement speed penalty from wearing heavy armor. If the knight already has this ability from another source, he instead treats the armor check penalty of heavy armor as being 1 lower.

Bulwark of Defense (Ex)

Starting at 3rd level, any opponent who begins his turn within a space threatened by the knight treats all spaces threated by the knight as difficult terrain. Difficult terrain requires two spaces of movement to leave and prevents 5 foot shifts.

Shield Ally (Ex)

Starting at 6th level, as an immediate action the knight can opt to absorb part of the damage dealt to an adjacent ally from an attack. Each time this ally takes damage from a physical attack before the knight's next turn, the knight may take half of the damage onto himself. This can only be used to redirect damage from melee attacks and physical projectiles, such as swords and arrows, and cannot redirect damage from spells.

The knight must be holding a shield to use this ability.

Improved Bulwark of Defense (Ex)

At 11th level, the knight's Bulwark of Defense ability improves. The spaces the knight threatens are treated as difficult terrain for all opponents, not just those who began their turns within a threatened space. Additionally, opponents attempting to use the Tumble skill to move past the knight without provoking an attack of opportunity add 1/2 the knight's level to the DC for the tumble check.

Improved Shield Ally (Ex)

At 14th level, the knight's Shield Ally ability improves. It can be used to absorb all of the damage from a physical attack, or half of the damage from a single-target spell that requires a touch attack.

Knightly Resilience (Ex)

At 15th level, a knight gains one of Great Fortitude, Iron Will, or Lightning Reflexes as a bonus feat. If the knight already has all of these feats, he instead gains a +2 bonus on all saving throws.

Impetuous Endurance (Ex)

Starting at 15th level, whenever the knight rolls a natural 1 on a saving throw, he may roll again. The knight must take the new result, even if it is a 1.

Greater Shield Ally (Ex)

At 19th level, the knight's Shield Ally ability improves further. It can be used to absorb half or all of the damage of any damaging effect that requires a touch attack or a reflex save.

Knight Errant

Where most knights strive to lofty ideals of fair play and chivalry, knights errant believe that idealism can do more harm than good in a fight. While still noble and honest, they refuse to let their personal honor codes get in the way of saving lives. A knight errant's abilities are not as focused as those of other knights, but a lack of restrictions grants the knight errant a far greater degree of flexibility.

• d12 Hit Die (12 + Con HP at 1st level, 7 + Con HP thereafter)

• 4 + Int skill points (x4 at 1st level)

• Class Skills: Climb(Str), Diplomacy(Cha), Handle Animal(Cha), Intimidate(Cha), Jump(Str), Knowledge(Military)(Int), Knowledge(Nobility and Royalty)(Int), Ride(Dex), Swim(Str)

• Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Proficient with all simple and martial weapons and with all armor (heavy, medium, and light) and shields, including tower shields.

Class Features

Knight's Challenge (Ex)

In battle, a knight can use his force of personality to challenge his enemies or rally his allies. The knight does not need to share a language with those he targets with this ability, but any targets must have a language of some sort and an Intelligence score of at least 5 to understand the knight's tone, body language, and intent well enough to be affected. Targets must also be able to either hear or see the knight.

A knight may use this ability a number of times per day equal to 1/2 his class level + his Charisma bonus (minimum once per day).

Several challenges refer to worthy opponents. A worthy opponent is one who is a reasonable threat to the knight, as such opponents can be more easily manipulated into fighting. As a rule of thumb, a worthy opponent is any enemy whose Challenge Rating is at least equal to the knight's level minus 2. However, certain enemies who would not normally fit this definition may be considered worthy anyway - generally those who are abnormally aggressive or arrogant. A knight may make a Sense Motive check (DC 15, or opposed by a bluff check) to determine if an enemy qualifies as a worthy opponent.

As the knight increases in level, he gains the following challenges to use:

Fighting Challenge (Ex)

As a free action, the knight may challenge a single worthy opponent. The knight gains a +1 morale bonus to saving throws, attack rolls, damage rolls, and armor class against the challenged target. However, if the knight is slain or knocked unconscious by the target, the knight loses an additional use of Knight's Challenge.

This challenge lasts for a number of rounds equal to 5 + the knight's Charisma bonus. The knight cannot challenge a second target in a fight if his first target is still fighting.

At 5th level and every 4 levels thereafter, the morale bonus increases by 1.

Test of Mettle (Ex)

Starting at 4th level, the knight can shout a challenge to all worthy opponents within 100 feet as a swift action. All affected targets must make a Will save (DC 10 + 1/2 the knight's class level + the knight's Cha modifier). Targets that fail this save are forced to attack the knight with their ranged or melee attacks in preference to other available targets. If a challenged foe attacks with an area of effect attack, the knight must be included in the attack.

An opponent compelled in this manner is not put into a mindless rage and does not have to move to attack if doing so would provoke attacks of opportunity from creatures other than the knight. If anyone other than the knight attacks a challenged opponent, the Test of Mettle ends for that opponent.

If the knight is reduced to 0 or fewer hit points by an opponent under the effects of Test of Mettle, his usage of Knight's Challenge is refunded from the confidence of having successfully proved his willingness to fight overwhelming odds.

This challenge lasts a number of rounds equal to 5 + the knight's Charisma bonus. A creature can only be targeted by this ability once per day.

Call to Battle (Ex)

Starting at 8th level, a knight can rally his allies against a fear effect as a swift action. All allies within 100 feet gain a number of temporary hit points equal to the knight's Charisma bonus for one minute, and any allies who are suffering from a fear effect may attempt another saving throw against it, adding the knight's Charisma bonus to the saving throw. On a successful save, the ally immediately gains the benefits of a successful save against the fear effect.

Daunting Challenge (Ex)

Starting at 8th level, the knight can shout a challenge against all enemies within 100 feet as a swift action. Affected targets must make a Will saving throw against fear (DC 10 + 1/2 the knight's class level + the knight's Cha modifier) or be shaken for 2d4 minutes. For every 5 ranks in Intimidate the knight possesses, the DC increases by 2.

Bonds of Loyalty (Ex)

Starting at 12th level, the knight's loyalty to his allies becomes so great that he can shrug off magical compulsion effects. As a free action once per turn, the knight may spend one of his uses of Knight's Challenge to attempt a will saving throw against an enchantment, compulsion, or fear effect. On a successful saving throw, the effect ends. This ability may be used even when the knight has no control over his own actions.

Overbearing Presence (Ex)

Starting at 16th level, a knight's very presence wards away lesser foes. As a swift action, the knight may shout a challenge against all opponents who are either not worthy or are under a fear effect. Such opponents are immediately forced to move at least 10 feet away from the knight if possible and cannot voluntarily move closer to the knight for 1 round. This movement happens immediately on the knight's turn, does not provoke attacks of opportunity, and does not count against the creature's maximum movement per turn.

Loyal Beyond Death (Ex)

Starting at 20th level, the knight's honor and loyalty allows him to persevere through lethal damage. If the knight is disabled, knocked unconscious, or killed by damage or a death effect, he may spend one of his uses of Knight's Challenge as a free action to keep fighting as normal for 1 round. The knight may continue to act as normal as long as he has Knight's Challenge uses remaining, even if his hit points go below -10. If the knight's health is above -10 after this ability's duration expires, he does not die, even if his health dropped below -10 while using it.

This does not protect the knight from effects that completely destroy the body, such as the Disintegrate spell.

Bonus Feat (Ex)

At 2nd level, and again at 10th level and 18th level, the knight may select a bonus feat from the feats noted as fighter bonus feats. The knight must meet the prerequisites for the feat as normal.

Armor Mastery (Ex)

Starting at 2nd level, the knight no longer suffers a movement speed penalty from wearing medium armor. If the knight already has this ability from another source, such as by being a dwarf, he instead treats the armor check penalty of medium armor as being 1 lower.

At 7th level, the knight no longer suffers a movement speed penalty from wearing heavy armor. If the knight already has this ability from another source, he instead treats the armor check penalty of heavy armor as being 1 lower.

Bulwark of Defense (Ex)

Starting at 3rd level, any opponent who begins his turn within a space threatened by the knight treats all spaces threated by the knight as difficult terrain. Difficult terrain requires two spaces of movement to leave and prevents 5 foot shifts.

Shield Ally (Ex)

Starting at 6th level, as an immediate action the knight can opt to absorb part of the damage dealt to an adjacent ally from an attack. Each time this ally takes damage from a physical attack before the knight's next turn, the knight may take half of the damage onto himself. This can only be used to redirect damage from melee attacks and physical projectiles, such as swords and arrows, and cannot redirect damage from spells.

The knight must be holding a shield to use this ability.

Improved Bulwark of Defense (Ex)

At 11th level, the knight's Bulwark of Defense ability improves. The spaces the knight threatens are treated as difficult terrain for all opponents, not just those who began their turns within a threatened space. Additionally, opponents attempting to use the Tumble skill to move past the knight without provoking an attack of opportunity add 1/2 the knight's level to the DC for the tumble check.

Improved Shield Ally (Ex)

At 14th level, the knight's Shield Ally ability improves. It can be used to absorb all of the damage from a physical attack, or half of the damage from a single-target spell that requires a touch attack.

Knightly Resilience (Ex)

At 15th level, a knight gains one of Great Fortitude, Iron Will, or Lightning Reflexes as a bonus feat. If the knight already has all of these feats, he instead gains a +2 bonus on all saving throws.

Impetuous Endurance (Ex)

Starting at 19th level, whenever the knight rolls a natural 1 on a saving throw, he may roll again. The knight must take the new result, even if it is a 1.