Order of the Thundering Lions

A cavalier of the order of the thundering lions has pledged himself to a duly noted authority; be it a sovereign, city state, or a powerful organization. Cavaliers of this order are brave, stalwart, strong-willed, experts in all forms of combat, and honor-bound to protect those under the rule of the individual or institute he serves. This order complements the Warbound Juggernaut multiclass archetype.

Edicts: The cavalier must be of a nonchaotic alignment, and often prefer lawful good or lawful neutral. Cavaliers of this order seek to expand the power and influence of his realm, employ tactics of intimidation and strength of arms to gain victory over enemies, and strive to dominate those in opposition to those he serves.

Challenge: Whenever an order of the thundering lions cavalier issues a challenge, he receives a +1 dodge bonus to his AC against attacks made by the target of his challenge. This bonus increases by +1 for every four levels the cavalier possesses. Furthermore, the cavalier gains a +2 morale bonus on saves against any fear or compulsion spells or effects used against him by the target of his challenge. At 9th level, this bonus increases to +4.

Skills: An order of the thundering lions cavalier adds Knowledge (local) (Int) and Knowledge (nobility) to his list of class skills. An order of the thundering lion cavalier can make Intimidate skill checks untrained. If he has ranks in the skill, he receives a bonus on the check equal to 1/2 his cavalier level (minimum +1) when making attempts to demoralize his opponents.

Order Abilities: A cavalier belonging to the order of the thundering lions gains the following abilities as he increases in level.

Thundering Lance (Su)

At 2nd level, the cavalier’s weapon creates a cacophonous roar like thunder whenever it strikes a target. The sonic energy does not harm the wielder. Whenever the cavalier makes a successful charge attack, he deals an extra 1d6 points of sonic damage against the target. This sonic damage does not stack with the thundering property. At 8th level, the target of a successful charge must make a Fort saving throw (DC 10 + 1/2 the cavalier’s level + the cavalier’s Charisma modifier) of become deafened for 1d4 rounds. This does not affect the cost or effect of any other abilities of the weapon.

Greater Mount (Ex)

At 8th level, the cavalier’s mount becomes fiercer and more powerful than ordinary creatures of its kind. The mount gains the Advanced simple template and receives Fleet as a bonus feat.

Thunderous Charge (Su)

At 15th level, whenever the cavalier is mounted and charges a foe, his movement does not provoke attacks of opportunity, for either him or his mount. In addition, if his target is also the target of his challenge and the charge attack hits, the target must make a Will save or be panicked for a number of rounds equal to 1/2 the cavalier’s level. The DC of this save is equal to 10 + 1/2 the cavalier’s level + the cavalier’s Charisma modifier.