I did take the time to look at an SRD for the Cavalier.
Cavaliers have nice toys. I'm less fond of the 'Battle AI', but still, nice toys. If the end result of your objection is switching me to Cavalier, so be it.
...Then again, the more I think about it, the Battle AI...destroys player agency. Now I'm not sure if I am comfortable with that. I can't actually make meaningful combat choices if there's a flow chart that operates the character for me.
If this were around a table with such an AI chart, I could ignore every fight and play games on my phone waiting for combat to be over, because I have no choices.
As a result of the code and desire for battle, cavaliers cannot be controlled in battle situations. They will charge any enemy in sight, with
the following order of preference:
1. Powerful monsters (dragons, demons, giants, etc.) serving enemy leaders, then the leaders themselves.
2. Opponent cavaliers of great renown, enemy flags and standards.
3. Opponent cavalry of noble or elite status
4. Other opponent cavalry
5. Opponent elite footmen
6. Opponent camp and headquarters
7. Opponent melee troops
8. Levies or peasants
The cavalier’s charge will be made at full speed, regardless of army
cohesion, intervening friendly troops, or other such considerations.
...You couldn't be Lord of a City behaving like that. You couldn't be a general either. Ya know what you'd be instead? LEEEEEEEEEEEEROY JEEEEEEEEEEEEENKINS....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usYvefDzOqQ
This message was last edited by the player at 09:52, Thu 08 June 2023.