Cavalier: The Knight of Unyielding Valor

“Upon my steed, with lance in hand, I ride the fields of valor, A shield of honor, in gleaming plate, against the coming pallor. For I am bound by chivalry’s grace, to guard the weak and mild, To stand as bulwark, fierce and true, where chaos runs wild.” — The Song of the Unbroken Line

Born to the Saddle

At 3rd level, you are one with your steed, as a river is to the sea. When you make a saving throw to avoid being dismounted, you do so with advantage. Mounting or dismounting requires but a whisper of a thought, taking but 5 feet of your movement.

Unwavering Mark

Your foes shall know your name, for your mark upon them is resolute. At 3rd level, when you hit a creature with a melee weapon attack, you can mark the creature until the end of your next turn. This mark binds the foe’s attention, for any attack they attempt that does not include you as a target will be struck with disadvantage. Should they test your patience, striking another while under your mark, a bonus action grants you the right to retribution, dealing additional damage that echoes the fury of a knight wronged.

Warding Maneuver

At 7th level, as a knight’s shield deflects the arrows of fate, so too can you guard those under your protection. When a creature within 5 feet is attacked, you can use your reaction to interpose your shield or weapon, granting them a bonus to their AC equal to 1d8. Should this act of valor prevent the blow from landing, the attack is thwarted, and you stand tall, a bastion against the storm.

Hold the Line

At 10th level, your presence on the battlefield becomes an impenetrable wall. Should an enemy dare to trespass within your reach and move past you, you may, as a sentinel of steel, strike with opportunity. Your blow halts them in their tracks, reducing their speed to naught.

Ferocious Charger

At 15th level, your charge is the thunder that heralds doom. When you rush into battle with all your might, your enemy feels the full force of your resolve. If you move at least 10 feet in a straight line before striking with a melee weapon, you may force your opponent to test their strength against the momentum of your charge. Should they falter, they are cast down, prone before your might.

Vigilant Defender

At 18th level, you are the stalwart guardian, never ceasing in your watch. You gain the power to strike swiftly in response to every foe that dares to draw near. In the heat of battle, while marked by your presence, your enemies’ movements provoke opportunity attacks, not once, but at every turn, as you stand indefatigable, a paragon of defense and vigilance.