Cavalier

Cavaliers were the virtuous warriors of the more civilized Realms who acted as champions of righteousness and just ideology. Quite often they were noble-born individuals who lived their lives in service to one knightly order or another.

Culture
These individuals personified the virtues of camaraderie and exuberance. Cavaliers extolled the deeds of their allies to no one – occasionally to the annoyance of others. They armed themselves with the acclaim and faith of the people in their communities, and upheld that trust in all their deeds. Due to their social standing and the good will they fostered, cavaliers were typically empowered to petition others for aid in times of great need.

Cavaliers were the epitome of chivalry and were bounded to the strictness of its codes. They were required by their code of honor to aid others whenever possible; keep true to their word as it was the law of the land; demonstrate deference to the superior nobility, as well courtesy and gallantry to those of lesser standing; and above all else, defend the folks of the land that they served.

Cavaliers who venerated the god Tempus held the virtue of battle above all others.

Abilities
The bravery of cavaliers knew no bounds and they experienced no fear in battle. They could readily bring out the courage from within others in battle. Cavaliers honed their minds to the extent that they gained a resistance against mind-affects spells and effects that sought to weaken, hypnotise, charm, subjugate, and even compel them under pain of death.

A Cavalier's bravado precluded them from fighting at range or choosing "lesser" opponents on the field of battle. At at all times they charged ahead towards whichever combatant, beast or fiend appeared to be the greatest threat.

Possessions
Due to their proclivity for mounted combat, cavaliers trained extensively in the use of the lance and other mounted weapons, such as a horseman's flail or pick. They were well-versed at wielding one-handed swords in combat.

They protected themselves with the strongest, most expensive armor that was readily available.

Notable Cavaliers

 * Caladorn Cassalanter, the witty young knight who went on to serve as Masked Lord of Waterdeep.
 * Eric the Cavalier, an adventurer and friend to Elminster's apprentice, Presto.
 * Esterelve, a charismatic Sembian noble who fought with the Knights of the North.
 * Gareth Dragonsbane, the legendary king of Damara.
 * Pwyll Daggerford, or "Duke Greatshout", ruler over the small settlement of Daggerford.

Rumors & Legends
While in the court of King Azoun IV, the sage Zeboaster once famously said that chivalrous knights famously lived out their usefulness in the age of adventurers. This statement earned him the nickname of "sage on the run" as he was quickly expelled from the court – likely due to the king's famous career as a cavalier of Cormyr.

Appearances

 * Adventures:
 * The Bloodstone Wars • The Mines of Bloodstone • Under Illefarn


 * Video Games:
 * Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn

Behind the Scenes
Throughout the years, the term cavalier has applied to various character options throughout the various editions of Dungeons & Dragons. A Cavalier was a 1 edition character class, 2 edition warrior character kit, 3 edition prestige class, 4 edition sublass, and 4 edition NPC class.