Pack Master (Apath)

Unofficial rules compendium

The master of hounds is often seen as lesser than a normal cavalier of an order, but much needed.

This is a reworking of Hound Master by Cody Coffelt. His writeup is excellent, this is merely a polish.

Class Abilities

This archetype has all normal class abilities, except as noted.

War Hound (Ex)

At 1st level, a hound master gains the service of a loyal war hound to aid him in battle. This hound functions as a druid’s animal companion, using the cavalier’s level as his effective druid level. The creature has the same game stats as a wolf.

The war hound is always considered combat trained and begins play with Light Armor Proficiency as a bonus feat. A hound master’s hound does not gain the share spells special ability. These hounds are not suitable for riding and cannot be trained to carry riders. The war hound can choose teamwork feats when selecting feats gained from additional Hit Die.

A hound master’s bond is strong and if the war hound dies, the cavalier may find another hound to serve him after 1 week of mourning. This new hound does not gain the link, evasion, devotion, or improved evasion special abilities until the next time the cavalier gains a level. This ability replaces mount.

Pack Tactics (Ex)

At 3rd level, a hound master learns greater coordination with his war hound. When a hound master and his hound are flanking the same creature, the hound master’s flanking bonus on attack rolls increases to +4. This ability replaces cavalier’s charge.

Expert Handler (Ex)

Upon reaching 4th level, the hound master has the option to take on a second war hound. All the war hounds of one master hounds have identical game statistics. At level 12 and 20, the master of hounds may take on an additional war hound. A master of housed with 2 or more war hounds reduces his effective druid level for the war hound ability by one; two war hounds reduce the level by 2, three war hounds reduce the level by three and so on. This ability replaces expert trainer.

Go For the Throat (Ex)

At 11th level, a hound master has perfected fighting beside his animals. Whenever an opponent is tripped or overrun by one of his war hounds, the opponent provokes an attack of opportunity from the hound master. The target must be threatened by both the hound master and his war hound. This ability replaces mighty charge.

Kill Command (Ex)

At 20th level, whenever an opponent is threatened by the hound master and both of his hounds, the hound master may issue a kill command. This is a swift action that grants both hounds an attack of opportunity on the target. A creature cannot be the target of this ability more than once per day. This ability replaces supreme charge.

Summary of Changed Class Abilities

These abilities of the original class are lost or modified in this archetype:

• Mount
• Cavalier's Charge
• Expert Trainer
• Mighty Charge
• Supreme Charge