Invective Marshal (Cavalier/Skald)

Some say sailors are course or that soldiers have no sense of tact or decorum. If so it’s because they have been trained by an Invective Marshal. A more foul string of insults and expletives has not been heard, enough to make a goblin blush or put a ghoul of its lunch. Common among the goblin and orc tribes these rabble-rousers can rouse their comrades to greatness (often from the back). Their common clashes have led some dwarves to take up this route as being surly and dour seems to be a benefit rather than a hindrance. Most Invective marshals belong to the Order of the Lower Ranks but may choose from other orders (if they are allowed in). (Original Concept by Apraham Lincoln)

Primary Class: Cavalier.

Secondary Class: Skald.

Alignment: Any.

Hit Dice: d10.

Bonus Skills and Ranks: The invective marshal selects three skald skills to add to his class skills, in addition to the normal cavalier class skills, one of which must be Perform (oratory). The invective marshal gains a number of ranks at each level equal to 4 + Int modifier.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: The invective marshal is proficient with all simple and martial weapons, with all types of armor (heavy, light, and medium), and with shields (except tower shields).

Order: The invective marshal may choose the Order of the Lower Ranks.

Rousing Cry (Su): At 1st level, an invective marshal learns how to goad his allies to feats of strength and ferocity. He gains the skald’s raging song ability, except his song consists of a diatribe of personal insults and outlandish threats meant to incite his allies to greater heights of physical stamina and might. This ability replaces mount.

An invective marshal gains the following rousing cries.

Invective Challenge (Su): At 1st level, an invective marshal can use his cry to goad and challenge a foe to combat. The invective marshal chooses one target within sight to challenge, and designates a number of allies (including the invective marshal) equal to his Charisma modifier. The melee attacks of the marshal and his allies deal extra damage whenever the attacks are made against the target of the challenge. This extra damage is equal to 1/2 the invective marshal's level. Challenging a foe requires much of the invective marshal’s concentration. The invective marshal takes a –2 penalty to his Armor Class, except against attacks made by the target of the challenge. The challenge remains in effect for as long as the challenge is maintained, or until the target is dead or unconscious, or until the combat ends. The invective marshal must spend 2 rounds of rousing cry per round to maintain his invective challenge. In addition, whenever the invective marshal uses this song, he includes any effect which is listed in the challenge section described in the invective marshal's order. This song replaces challenge 1/day.

Induced Heroism (Su): At 3rd level, an invective marshal gains the skald’s inspired rage song. Affected allies gain a +2 morale bonus to Strength and Constitution and a +1 morale bonus on Will saving throws, but also take a –1 penalty to AC. For every 4 levels beyond 3rd, the song's bonuses on Will saves increase by 1; the penalty to AC doesn't change. At 11th and 13th levels, the song's bonuses to Strength and Constitution increase by 2. (Unlike the barbarian's rage ability, those affected are not fatigued after the song ends.) This song replaces cavalier’s charge, mighty charge, demanding challenge, and challenge 7/day.

Song of Marching (Su): At 4th level, an invective marshal gains the skald’s song of marching song. This song replaces challenge 2/day.

Song of Strength (Su): At 7th level, an invective marshal gains the skald’s song of strength song. This song replaces challenge 3/day.

Dirge of Doom (Su): At 13th level, an invective marshal gains the skald’s dirge of doom song. This song replaces challenge 5/day.

Song of the Fallen (Su): At 16th level, an invective marshal gains the skald’s song of the fallen song. This song replaces challenge 6/day.

Uncanny Dodge (Ex): At 4th level, an invective marshal gains the skald’s uncanny dodge ability. This ability replaces expert trainer.

Tirade (Ex): At 5th level, an invective marshal’s tirade is an inspiration to his allies and companions. As long as the invective marshal's voice is clearly visible, all allies within 60 feet receive a +2 morale bonus on saving throws against fear and a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls made as part of a charge. At 10th level, and every five levels thereafter, these bonuses increase by +1. This ability only functions while the invective marshal’s rousing cry ability is in effect. This ability otherwise functions as and replaces banner.

Bonus Feats: This is exactly like the cavalier ability of the same name, except that whenever the invective marshal could choose a bonus feat, he can select a rage power that he qualifies for instead. In addition, at 6t level or higher, an invective marshal may select the Extra Rage Power feat as a normal feat gained by level advancement.

Improved Uncanny Dodge (Ex): At 10th level, an invective marshal gains the skald’s improved uncanny dodge ability. This ability replaces challenge 4/day.

Greater Tirade (Ex): At 14th level, the invective marshal's tirade becomes a rallying call to his allies. All allies within 60 feet of the invective marshal that can hear his rousing cry (whether or not they are affected by it) receive a +2 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and compulsion spells and effects. In addition, while his rousing cry is in effect, the invective marshal can spend a standard action to unleash a particularly offensive tirade, granting all allies within 60 feet an additional saving throw against any one spell or effect that is targeting them. This save is made at the original DC. Spells and effects that do not allow saving throws are unaffected by this ability. An ally cannot benefit from this ability more than once per day. This ability otherwise functions as and replaces greater banner.

Master Skald (Su): At 20th level, an invective marshal gains the skald’s master skald ability. This ability replaces supreme charge.

Table: Invective Marshal