Horseman (Character Kit)

Classes: Fighter, Ranger.
Description: Although horses and horse-drawn vehicles were, along with waterborne craft, the primary form of vehicular transport in Dark Ages Britain, the use of cavalry was neglected by all but the Britons after the withdrawal of Rome until about the mid to late eighth century. To the Britons, this represented their best advantage against the Anglo Saxon invaders.
In Briton culture, the Horseman represents the elite of the warrior classes. Not only were they one of the few professional military figures left, they also represented one of the few military tactics that the ancestors of the Britons had taught the Romans. Unfortunately for the Britons, a good cavalry needs to be supported by an effective infantry, and that is something they lost with the Roman legions.
Horsemen must have a Wisdom of at least 12, a Dexterity of 9 or more, and a Charisma of 12 or more. They may not be Chaotic or Evil in alignment.
Role: Horsemen represent the professional military of the Britons. While in the saddle, they lead the desperate fight for freedom against the Germanic invaders. While out of it, they attempt to bolster their people and bring them together into a force that has some chance of success. Horsemen may adventure as representatives of their people, perhaps heading into the hills to gather together those Britons who have fled there or seeking some artifact that may serve as an icon to bring hope to the
beleaguered.
Secondary Skills: Being professional military men, horsemen tend toward those secondary skills that best serve them in this field. Thus, should they take a secondary skill, it should be from the following list: Armorer, Bowyer/ Fletcher, Groom, or Weaponsmith.
Weapon Proficiencies:
* Required: Lance (light or medium) or Spear. As members of the elite military. Horsemen often become adept in using the short sword.
Non weapon Proficiencies: Bonus Proficiency: Riding (horse).
* Recommended: Animal Handling, Animal Training, Etiquette, Armorer, Weaponsmith.
Equipment: All Horsemen begin play with a battle-trained mount (a light warhorse), as well as bit, bridle, riding saddle, saddle blanket, and a pair of small saddle bags. Their initial funds may be spent as they please (probably investing in armor and weaponry).
Special Benefits: A Horseman has a special empathy with his mount. Thus, he performs all Riding proficiency checks pertaining to his mount with a +1 bonus. This bonus Increases by +1 for every four levels attained.
Because of their station within the society of the Britons, they receive a +2 reaction bonus when dealing with any Briton. Additionally, when a Horseman is traveling, any Briton will gladly provide shelter and provisions under normal circumstances.
Special Hindrances: Horsemen are bound by duty to their people. They can never refuse to aid a Briton in peril, losing half their earned experience points for the game session should they do so. Additionally, if word of such neglect spreads, their normal -2 reaction bonus toward Britons is replaced with a +4 penalty.
Wealth Options: Because of their status, Horsemen are well off in both coin and land. Thus, they receive 8d4 x 10 gp for starting funds, and any coin remaining can be translated into land.
Races: Only Britons may take the Horseman kit.
Category:Character Kit
Category:Character Kit Dragon Magazine