Rider of Ergoth

D&D 3e (3.0/3.5) Rules

by A.J. Rittler

The Riders of Ergoth (often called Riders of the Waste or Champions of Ergoth or Defenders of Ergoth) were established shortly after the dragon overlord Gellidus' arrival on Southern Ergoth. They are an organization devoted to the defense of Southern Ergoth, its people and to reestablishing the land to its former state. They will not rest until they have vanquished those that have driven the people from their homes and turned Southern Ergoth into a frozen wasteland.

Each Rider is a master horseman that has perfected many difficult battlefield maneuvers, from the mounted charge to shower shooting and the hit and run. The Riders are the descendants of a long mounted Solamnic tradition, valuing honor, valor and good above evil.

The frozen waste of Southern Ergoth represents one of the harshest regions on Krynn, for in these locations one struggles for warmth, shelter, and food. The Riders of Ergoth have adapted well to these unforgiving conditions.

Any form of difficult terrain reduces a cavalry's effectiveness in battle and movement – over time the Riders have learned to use the terrain to their advantage. In the frozen waste, though, this tactic takes on special importance.

Scouting, skirmishing, and outpost duties are vital to the Riders' ability to conduct operations over long distances in unfamiliar and hostile territory.
Hit Die: d10.

Requirements

To qualify to become a Rider of Ergoth a character must fulfill the following criteria.

Race: Human or half-elf.
Alignment: Any non-evil.
Base Attack Bonus: +6.
Feats: Weapon Focus (light lance or spear), Mounted Combat, Ride-By Attack, Spirited Charge.
Skills: Handle Animal 4 ranks, Knowledge (Southern Ergoth local) 4 ranks, Ride 6 ranks, Survival 2 ranks.
Special: Must have ventured into Gellidus's land and defeated a single enemy with a challenge rating greater or equal to his own level and then petition the Riders for membership or have been appointed directly by an officer of the Riders.

Class Skills

The Rider of Ergoth's class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str), Diplomacy (Cha), Handle Animal (Cha), Intimidate (Cha), Knowledge (geography) (Int), Knowledge (Southern Ergoth local) (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Profession (Wis), Ride (Dex), Search (Int), Sense Motive (Wis), Spot (Wis), and Survival (Wis).
Skill Points at Each Level: 4 + Int modifier.

Class Features

All of the following are class features of the Riders of Ergoth.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Riders of Ergoth are proficient in all light and medium armors, small and medium shields, the Light Horseman's Lance, Spear, Long sword, Saber, Scimitar, Short bow and Javelins.

Sworn Enemy: At 1st level, the Rider of Ergoth declares a sworn enemy. This enemy must be chosen from the following list: ogres, thanoi, or white dragons (including white dragonspawn). The Rider of Ergoth receives a +2 bonus to Bluff, Listen, Sense Motive, Spot, and Survival checks when using these skills against the chosen foe. Furthermore, he receives a +2 bonus on weapon damage rolls against said enemy. These bonuses stack with any similar bonuses, such as those gained from a ranger's favored enemy. This bonus increases by +2 at level 5.

Resistance to Cold: At 1st level, the Rider of Ergoth gains resistance to cold 5. This increases to resistance to cold 10 at 4th level.

Deadly Charge: When mounted and using the charge action, a Rider of Ergoth may declare a "deadly charge" before making his attack roll. If he hits, he deals triple damage with a melee weapon (quadruple with a lance). This does not stack with the Spirited Charge feat.

Resist Dragonfear: Beginning at second level a Rider gains the Resist Dragonfear feat and receives a +4 bonus on Will saving throws against the frightful presence of dragons.

Bonus Feat: At 5th level a Rider of Ergoth gains the benefit of one of the following feats: Weapon Focus, Weapon Specialization, Weapon Finesse, Improved Weapon Focus, Improved Weapon Specialization, Melee Weapon Mastery, Weapon Mastery or Point Blank Shot, Mounted Archery, Improved Mounted Archery. The rider must meet any prerequisites for the ability chosen, and cannot select Weapon Specialization unless he or she already has weapon focus for that particular weapon.

Improved Resist Dragonfear: Also at fifth level, a Rider gains the Improved Resist Dragonfear feat and receives a +8 bonus on Will saving throws against the frightful presence of dragons.

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