Order of the Scythe

A cavalier who belongs to this order seeks to eliminate spellcasters that oppose him or his allies, and works to further their cause. Cavaliers of this order tend to be militant, rigid, and concerned only with destroying those spellcasters deserving of their wrath. This order complements the Aegis Lancer multiclass archetype.

Edicts: The cavalier must remain vigilant against magic and spellcasters who oppose him or his goals above those of all others. He must take every opportunity to increase his own magical power in his pursuit of rival magic and spellcasters. The cavalier should remain conscious of any collateral damage or similar repercussions in his endeavors, though they may be of little concern, depending upon his moral standing.

Challenge: Whenever an order of the scythe cavalier issues a challenge, he receives a +1 morale bonus on all melee damage rolls made against the target of his challenge as long as the target is a spellcaster (arcane or otherwise). This bonus increases by +1 for every four levels the cavalier possesses. Furthermore, should the scythe cavalier confirm a critical hit against the target of his challenge, the target must make a Will save against a DC equal to 10 + 1/2 the cavaliers level or become shaken for 1 round.

Skills: An order of the scythe cavalier adds Knowledge (nobility) (Int) and Knowledge (planes) (Int) to his list of class skills. In addition, an order of the scythe cavalier adds his Intelligence modifier to his CMB and CMD checks when making a combat maneuver against, or defending against a combat maneuver initiated by an enemy spellcaster (in addition to his Strength and/or Dexterity modifier, as normal).

Order Abilities: A cavalier that belongs to the order of the scythe gains the following abilities as he increases in level.

Armor Piercing (Ex)

At 2nd level, whenever an order of the scythe cavalier strikes a spellcaster, it must succeed on a Will save (DC 10 + 1/2 the cavalier’s level + his Intelligence modifier) or suffer a –1 penalty to his caster level for 1d4 rounds. This penalty increases to –2 at 9th level, and –3 at 16th.

Purify the Spirit (Ex)

At 8th level, an order of the scythe cavalier may choose to make a second saving throw against any ongoing spell effect that is targeted him. He can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + his Int modifier.

Eldritch Suppression (Ex)

At 15th level, an order of the scythe cavalier may begin to suppress spells nearby as a full-round action. Once he begins, he must track the number of rounds he has used this ability. While this ability is active, the cavalier can, as an immediate action, attempt to counter any spell he identifies with a spell level equal to or less than the number of rounds his eldritch suppression his been in effect. This ability functions as dispel magic, with a caster level equal to his cavalier level. He can use this ability for a number of rounds per day equal to his cavalier level. These rounds do not need to be consecutive.