Unlock the full potential of the Cavalier of the Paw archetype in Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous. Learn about companion choices, unique abilities, and level progression.
Hey there! So you're looking to build a Cavalier of the Paw in Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous? Awesome choice! This archetype is all about protecting the little guys, specifically halfling communities, and you get a fantastic furry friend to help you out. Let's break down what makes this class tick.
First off, to even become a Cavalier of the Paw, your character must be a halfling. No exceptions there! You'll also get to pick between a Dog or a Wolf as your loyal companion, which is a pretty sweet deal. One thing to note is that you won't be choosing a specific Order like other Cavaliers; this archetype has its own unique path.
Here's a look at how your Cavalier of the Paw levels up and what cool abilities you'll pick up along the way:
| Lvl | Feat | Special 1 | Special 2 | Special 3 |
| 0 | - | Cavalier Proficiencies | Tactician | Animal Companion |
| 1 | Feat | Tactician - Bonus Feat | Challenge | - |
| 2 | - | - | - | Danger Ward |
| 3 | Feat | - | Cavalier's Charge | - |
| 4 | - | - | - | - |
| 5 | Feat | - | Banner | - |
| 6 | - | Bonus Feat | - | - |
| 7 | Feat | - | - | - |
| 8 | - | Mounted Combat Feat | - | Canine Ferocity |
| 9 | Feat | Tactician - Bonus Feat | Greater Tactician | - |
| 10 | - | - | - | - |
| 11 | Feat | - | Mighty Charge | - |
| 12 | - | Bonus Feat | Demanding Challenge | - |
| 13 | Feat | - | - | - |
| 14 | - | - | Greater Banner | - |
| 15 | Feat | - | - | Giant Slayer |
| 16 | - | - | - | - |
| 17 | Feat | Tactician - Bonus Feat | - | - |
| 18 | - | Bonus Feat | - | - |
| 19 | Feat | - | - | - |
| 20 | - | - | Supreme Charge | - |
Key Abilities Explained:
- Challenge (Order of the Paw): This is your bread and butter for protecting your allies. When you issue a Challenge, your companion gets a +1 dodge bonus to their Armor Class (AC) as long as they're threatening the target and you're riding them. This bonus gets even better, increasing by +1 every four levels, so your buddy becomes a real defensive powerhouse!
- Animal Companion (Order of the Paw): As mentioned, you get to choose between a Dog and a Wolf. Both are great companions and will stick by your side, ready to fight or protect. Pick the one whose aesthetic or stats you prefer!
- Danger Ward: Starting at level 2, you can use this ability as a standard action to get your allies ready for trouble. If anyone within 30 feet fails a saving throw within the next minute, they can immediately reroll it with a +4 competence bonus. You can use this handy ability three times per day, so use it wisely when you know a tough save is coming up.
- Canine Ferocity: Once you hit level 8, your mount gets a serious boost when you try to bull rush or overrun an enemy. You'll get a +4 bonus to your companion's CMB (Combat Maneuver Bonus) for these actions. Plus, you get a bonus mounted combat feat, but remember you still need to meet any prerequisites for it.
- Giant Slayer: This is a fantastic capstone ability at level 15. When you're challenging a creature that's Large size or bigger, you'll gain a bonus to your damage rolls equal to half your class level. This extra damage even gets multiplied on a critical hit, making you a real threat to the biggest baddies in the game!
So there you have it! The Cavalier of the Paw is a unique and rewarding class for anyone who loves having a loyal animal companion and focusing on protection. Have fun out there!
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