Chapter 1 - Class - Character Kits - Dwarven Kits
Rapid Response Rider
Note: This kit is taken from the book Complete Book of Dwarves.
Rapid Response Riders are the dwarves' equivalent of cavalry. Mounted on suitably
sturdy beasts, they are capable of moving faster than other dwarves, and packing more
punch when they attack. Ponies or mules are commonly used as mounts, but creatures
such as bears, boars, and dire wolves are sometimes used. Flying creatures, griffons,
hippogriffs, or pegasi, may be employed. In such cases, Land Based Riding Proficiency
references should be changed to Airborne Riding.
Rapid Response Riders are found in only a few strongholds. They are not extensively
used and appear chiefly in strongholds that are under constant threat of attack.
They are often quite tall, as dwarves go, and that extra height helps a lot when riding.
Role: They are well trained, but something of an anomaly in a military based on
infantry units. While respected, they are considered odd by other dwarves. They stick
together and consider themselves both elite and superior to other dwarves, whom they see
as lowly foot sloggers.
Secondary Skills: The character should take the Groom (Animal Handling)
secondary skill.
Weapon Proficiencies: Rapid Response Riders must be proficient, and ideally
specialized in, the lance (any, according to mount's size). They may use any other
weapons they see fit.
Bonus Nonweapon Proficiencies: Animal Training, Endurance, Riding (Land
Based). The type of mount must be noted for proficiencies.
Recommended Nonweapon Proficiencies: Animal Handling, Armorer, Blindfighting, Intimidation, Leatherworking, Sign Language, Signalling, Tracking,
Underground Direction Sense, Underground Navigation.
Equipment: They may wear any kind of armor except plate mail. They must start
play with a lance, but otherwise may have any kind of weapon.
Distinctive Appearance: They will usually wear some form of leather trousers to
protect their legs. They tend to select fierce looking armor, with studs, protruding hooks,
or horned helmets.
Special Benefits: A Rapid Response Rider starts with a fully grown mount that has at
least 75% of its possible hit points. Roll hit points normally; if they come to less than
75% of the possible total, increase it to 75%.
Their mounts are highly trained and respond to all commands given by their masters.
They do not have telepathic rapport with their mounts, and if the mount is killed, they
lose only the mount.
Rapid Response Riders gain a +1 to attack and damage rolls when fighting mounted.
Special Hindrances: Because of their close affinity to their mounts, most dwarves
react with a -2 penalty.
Wealth Options: Rapid Response Riders start with 5d4x10 gp.
