Herald of the March (Cavalier/Bard)

With new battlefield technologies being developed every day, relaying commands to one’s troops has become an arduous task. The fog of war from discharged firearms obscure signal flags, while the blast of cannons and clashing of steel drown out even the loudest voice. Thus enters the herald of the march. With his trusty fife or drum, the herald of the march relays orders from his superiors to his comrades by using specific cadences of his instrument. Not only can the herald of the march induce a surge of energy in the average soldier, his music can rally the troops and bring them back to full fighting speed, often turning the tide of an otherwise lost battle. (Original Concept by mrtaco6)

Primary Class: Cavalier.

Secondary Class: Bard.

Alignment: Any.

Hit Dice: d10.

Bonus Skills and Ranks: The herald of the march may select three bard skills to add to his class skills, in addition to the normal cavalier class skills, one of which must be Perform. The herald of the march gains a number of ranks at each level equal to 4 + Int modifier.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: The herald of the march is proficient with all simple and martial weapons, with light armor, medium armor, and with shields.

Battle March (Ex): At 1st level, a herald of the march land speed is faster than the norm for her race by +5 feet. This improves by +5 feet at 5th level and every four levels thereafter (9th, 13th, and 17th) to a maximum of +25 feet. This benefit applies only when he is wearing no armor, light armor, or medium armor, and not carrying a heavy load. Apply this bonus before modifying the herald of the march's speed because of any load carried or armor worn. This bonus stacks with any other bonuses to the herald of march’s land speed. If the herald of the march is mounted, he loses this bonus to his land speed. However, the distance a herald of the march can travel each day while mounted increases by 20%. This ability and mount replace the cavalier’s normal mount ability.

Fife and Drum: At 1st level, a herald of the march begins play with a masterwork instrument of his choice. This instrument serves as both a symbol and rallying point on the battlefield. This instrument must be a percussion or wind instrument, but is not made of any special material. Whenever the herald of march uses this instrument, her gains a +2 bonus on all Diplomacy and Intimidate skill checks for a number of rounds following its most recent use equal to his Charisma modifier. If a herald of the march uses a different instrument, he does not gain this bonus. If the instrument is lost or destroyed, it can be replaced at a cost of 50 gp per herald of the march level plus the cost of the masterwork item.

In addition, the herald of the march gains the bard’s bardic performance ability, except that it can only be used with the Perform (percussion) or Perform (wind instruments) skills.

The herald of the march gains the following bardic performances.

Demoralize (Ex): At 1st level, a herald of the march can spend 3 continuous rounds of performanc