Chevalier

AD&D 2e Complete Paladin's Handbook

Classes Allowed	Paladin
Ability Score Requirements	Strength 12 Constitution 12 Wisdom 15
Prime Requisites	Strength, Wisdom
Races Allowed	Human
Alignments Allowed	Lawful Good, Lawful Neutral1

¹This replaces the typical alignment requirement of a paladin so long as the character still follows the rest of the kit. Should a Lawful Neutral Chevalier abandon this kit, they become a fighter, not a paladin.
A gentleman warrior, the Chevalier epitomizes honor, courage, and loyalty. Modeled on the knights of the feudal age, the Chevalier serves his king (or other ruler) as a soldier in the royal military of a powerful kingdom. While primarily a fighting man, the Chevalier also performs ceremonial duties, household chores, and any other functions necessary to promote the liege's interests and secure the welfare of the state.

Role

A Chevalier's training begins at childhood and continues throughout his career. He acquires new duties and responsibilities as he rises through the ranks. Typically, a Chevalier begins as an aide to a more experienced paladin, undertakes missions for his liege as he grows in stature, and eventually aquires a stronghold of his own.
Because Chevaliers of all ranks are considered part of the aristocracy, they command the respect afforded other members of the noble class. Tradition demands that Chevaliers remain apart from society; consequently, Chevaliers seldom socialize with anyone other than paladins. Fully aware of their privileged status, Chevaliers carry themselves with pride. They maintain an immaculate appearance, are unfailingly courteous, and behave with dignity in all situations.
A Chevalier of any level may join an adventuring party, assuming the party's goals agree with those of the state and church. The Chevalier's companions will find him the consummate professional. As a friend, however, he may leave much to be desired; a Chevalier often impresses others as vain and pretentious. More comfortable with taking orders than giving them, a Chevalier rarely volunteers for leadership roles, though he dutifully assumes command if asked or assigned.

Advantages

• Chevaliers adhere to rigid chains of command. Any high-level Chevalier can give commands to lower-level Chevaliers from the same kingdom. The lower-level Chevaliers must follow these orders as if they were given by the liege. Typical commands include loaning weapons and mounts, delivering messages, and securing supplies.
• A Chevalier request sanctuary in any stronghold in his kingdom, or in any kingdom with diplomatic or political ties to the Chevalier's kingdom that also bear the same alignment as the Chevalier. By custom, the owner of the stronghold must provide the Chevalier with shelter, food, and water for up to three days; the offer extends to a number of companions equal to the Chevalier's level (a 4th-level Chevalier may request sanctuary for himself and four others).

Disadvantages

• While also an advantage, each Chevalier is subject to the chain of command and can be commanded by any higher-level Chevalier.
• As part of a complex bureaucracy, the Chevalier has more responsibilities than most other paladins. He must attend state functions, participate in royal festivals, and represent his liege at tournaments. He may be required to train young warriors, file monthly reports of his activities, and officiate at dubbing ceremonies for new Chevaliers. In general, the larger the kingdom, the more demands on the Chevalier.
• A liege makes many enemies over the course of his career. By definition, enemies of the liege are also enemies of his Chevaliers. A Chevalier may be subject to kidnapping and assassination attempts by foes he's never met, who attack the Chevalier to avenge themselves against the liege.

Other Information

Here is a typical career path for the Chevalier. The ranks are for game purposes only and don't necessary correspond to any historical definitions.
Page. At 0 level, a Chevalier candidate becomes a servant on his liege's staff. He lives in the liege's stronghold or the stronghold of a military officer or noble. The page learns academic fundamentals (including history, etiquette, and religion), along with basic hunting and riding skills.
Valet. At 1st level, the page becomes a valet, assigned as an apprentice to a high-ranking paladin (usually, a Chevalier of at least 5th level). The valet acts as personal aide both on the battlefield and at home. He studies combat techniques, advanced riding skills, and theology. Should he decide to permanently assume the role of an aide, he becomes a Squire (see the Squire kit for details).
Stronghold Knight. Also known as a household knight, the valet assumes this position at 2nd level. He works primarily in his liege's stronghold, performing guard duty, custodial chores, and occasional staff supervision. He may go to war or undertake quests and missions on his liege's behalf.
Protector. A Chevalier reaches this rank at 3rd level, when he gains the power to turn undead. The protector may be sent into the field more frequently, though he still lives in his liege's stronghold and his superiors still closely monitor his actions.
Warder. At 4th level, the Chevalier becomes a warder. His liege becomes increasingly comfortable sending him on missions to distant lands. Supervision continues to decrease.
Guardian. At 5th level, the Chevalier becomes a guardian, experienced enough to supervise a valet.
Grand Knight. A Chevalier attains this rank at 6th level and may represent his liege on diplomatic missions. While still technically a member of the liege's stronghold, a grand knight is routinely granted permission to leave the stronghold for long periods of time.
Bachelor. To qualify for this rank, the Chevalier must have reached 7th level and have acquired a plot of land large enough for a stronghold. At this rank, the Chevalier becomes eligible to maintain a small home outside his liege's stronghold. Usually, a Chevalier must be at bachelor level to receive permission to marry.
Banneret. The Chevalier must be at least 9th level and must have established his own stronghold. The stronghold serves as the banneret's home base. He may maintain a small staff of his own by this point.
Lord. This is a royal title awarded by the liege to a Chevalier of at least 10th level who has successfully maintained a stronghold for a long period (typically, 5-10 years). In most cases, the stronghold must be profitable (thus benefiting his liege through taxes or levies), have withstood at least one enemy assault (to demonstrate the Chevalier's leadership skills), and employ at least 10 staff members and soldiers (to demonstrate the Chevalier's management skills).

Notable Chevaliers