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Beast Rider

Classes Designed by Chapo the Dog • Art by @dashinvaine

About this class

A connection with nature can take many forms, but for the beast rider it manifests as a deep bond with an animal or magical beast that carries them into battle. Drawing on this bond and their own martial training, beast riders make formidable combatants and spellcasters, weaving nature magic and bladework into a deadly dance of steel, hoof, and claw.

This class was heavily inspired by the Call of the Rider warrior subclass by reddit user u/Taffy_GF. Be sure to check the subclass out on the r/daggerbrew subreddit if you want a mounted class that’s more like a knight. If you’re reading this, Taffy_GF, thanks!

Domains

Core domain
Sage
Core domain
Blade

Starting stats

Evasion
11
Hit points
6

Hope feature

Charge
While Mounted, spend 3 Hope to move in a straight line to a location within Very Far range and make an attack roll. On a success, roll your damage twice and take the higher result.

Class features

  • Mount

    Discuss with your GM what type of exceptionally loyal and intelligent mount you have bonded with. Mark a Stress to become Mounted. When not under pressure or in danger, you can become Mounted without marking a Stress. While Mounted, you and your mount are considered the same creature, you gain a bonus to damage rolls equal to your Finesse trait, and you can use your Finesse trait instead of Agility to move while in danger.
    If you take Severe damage while Mounted, make a Finesse Reaction Roll against the Difficulty of the adversary or environment that damaged you. On a failure, you are knocked from your mount. You are no longer Mounted and you are Vulnerable until the next time you act. At level 5, you gain advantage on this roll.

  • Teamwork

    While Mounted, if you make a successful attack against an adversary in Melee range, you can spend a Hope to have your mount attack the same target, making them temporarily Vulnerable.

Class items

  • A signal whistle or
  • A saddlebag with a secret compartment.

Character questions

Background prompts

  1. How did you meet and befriend your bonded mount?
  2. How did you come to be so proficient with weaponry?
  3. You once let your mount down at a crucial moment. What happened and what have you done to make sure it doesn't happen again?

Connection prompts

  1. How does my mount act differently around you?
  2. What common enemy do we share?
  3. What did you share with me that you haven't told anyone else?

Discussion

Be thoughtful and kind.

Remember to be respectful. Comments are moderated and should add to the discussion.