Cavalier/ Ranger

[DreadArtemis]

Hello all,
I was considering making a cavalier with 4 or 5 levels of ranger. This could net me 2 extra favored enemies as well as open up improved power attack. would end with a 29 or 30 pally caster level.
Would be styled as a hunter of evil. Paladin 30 seemed legit but was curious of the merits of adding in the ranger.
Any slam dunk things to add to a cavalier?
Also, was improved initiative removed as a prereq for dire charge?

[Sun Wukong]

This server does not have Kaedrin's two-handed combat style, so ranger levels would just give you some two-weapon fighting or ranged feats, while wearing light armor.

Personally I would just go for a strength based paladin with the cavalier kit. Paladin 30 is a solid option as those three epic bonus feats let you reach very high strength ability score, combined with your paladin spell book for that +8 strength.

As for feats, my strength based "'Cavalier' 20/Dragon Slayer 10" really likes Northlander Hewing. As a cavalier you are most likely going to be fighting sword and board, and with that massive strength modifier Northlander Hewing is in my opinion far superior to Improved Power Attack.

As for getting most out of shield bashing: https://wiki.bgtscc.net/index.php?title=Shield_Bash

You need:
1) https://wiki.bgtscc.net/index.php?title ... ialization
2) https://wiki.bgtscc.net/index.php?title ... ld_Fighter
3) https://wiki.bgtscc.net/index.php?title ... apon_Focus
4) https://wiki.bgtscc.net/index.php?title ... ialization

In this case, a Paladin 26/Fighter 4 with the cavalier kit might be the most ideal build to go for.


Edit: and yeah, I think Dire Charge still requires Improved Initiative.

[DreadArtemis]

Thanks for the ideas.
I was toying with the notions to allow favored power attack to open up, but paladin fighter would probably stronger and get me some more feats as well as weapon spec for the shield.

Now I'm on the fence between making this character or making a hunter I was considering. The kit looks awesome and I considered pairing with assassin for all STR two weapon fighting.

[Sun Wukong]

Perhaps dexterity based 'Hunter 11/Assassin 9/Rogue 10' could be something worth considering? You could easily switch between ranged and melee sneak attacks.

But as for strength based Hunter/Assassin builds... Perhaps Warrior of Darkness or Anointed Knight would be good additions? Unless you are looking at a 'Ranger 21/Asassin 9)

Hunter 11/Assassin 9/Anointed Knight 10 would get those two extra epic feats for Great Strength or something else. The elemental damage helps since you will not get Blades of Fire from ranger spell book. Free Blindfight feat is not a bad deal either, along with high will save progression and spellcraft as a class skill. The little bit of DR will also help with tanking.

In a way, those three classes really come together neatly. Hunter has traps, Assassin brings use of poisons, and Anointed Knight offers alchemical use of oils. The class abilities all operate from a very similar tangent.