Subclass Fighter Cavalier
The Cavalier is a Fighter subclass built around mounted combat and martial marking. Born to the Saddle at Level 3 provides a permanent Find Steed (Intelligence-based) and Hunter's Mark prepared. Unwavering Mark lets you cast Hunter's Mark a Strength-modifier number of times per Long Rest without a spell slot. Warding Maneuver at Level 7 uses a Reaction to add 1d8 to a nearby creature's AC against an attack. Hold the Line at Level 10 extends your Opportunity Attack trigger to any 5-foot movement within reach, and reduces speed to 0 on a hit.
| LEVEL | FEATURE |
|---|---|
| 3 | Bonus Proficiency, Born to the Saddle, Unwavering Mark |
| 7 | Warding Maneuver |
| 10 | Hold the Line |
Bonus Proficiency You gain proficiency in one of the following skills of your choice: Animal Handling, History, Insight, Performance, or Persuasion.
Born to the Saddle You always have the Find Steed spell prepared. With this feature, you can cast it without a spell slot or components, and your spellcasting ability for it is Intelligence. You can do so once per Short or Long Rest.
Unwavering Mark You always have the Hunter's Mark spell prepared. You can cast it a number of times equal to your Strength modifier (minimum of once), and you regain all expended uses when you finish a Long Rest.
Warding Maneuver If you or a creature you can see within 5 feet of you is hit by an attack, you can use your Reaction to roll 1d8 if you're wielding a melee weapon or a Shield. Add the number rolled to the target's AC against that attack, potentially causing it to miss.
Hold the Line Creatures provoke an Opportunity Attack from you when they move 5 feet or more while within your reach, and if you hit a creature with an Opportunity Attack, the target's Speed is reduced to 0 until the end of the current turn.
The Cavalier is the zone control Fighter. Unwavering Mark at Level 3 provides a Strength-modifier pool of free Hunter's Mark casts — with 20 Strength (+5), you get 5 free Hunter's Marks per Long Rest, each adding 1d6 damage per hit on the marked target. Hunter's Mark also keeps the marked target highlighted, enabling tactical information about your priority target.
Born to the Saddle gives permanent mount access (via Find Steed) — in outdoor or large-room environments, mounted Cavaliers gain the mount's movement speed and can use the mount for trampling maneuvers.
Hold the Line at Level 10 is the defining battlefield control feature: you now trigger Opportunity Attacks against any creature that moves even 5 feet while in your reach, rather than the standard "leaving reach" trigger. Against enemies that need to reposition, this turns you into a hard wall — hit them once and their speed drops to 0, preventing any further movement. Pair with Sentinel (if taking a feat) for maximum zone denial.
Warding Maneuver at Level 7 is a reliable reaction: a 1d8 AC roll averages 4.5, which often tips a marginal hit into a miss. It functions on yourself, your mount, or any adjacent creature.