We took Cavaliers (and how do you see them as any more disruptive than Paladins?)
Because they're even stupider. Have you read the class recently? It's quite unplayable.
They essentially can't use missile weapons. "Weapons that deal out damage at a distance (including pole arms, missile weapons, and the two-handed sword) call into question the cavalier’s personal bravery, and as such are avoided by all except the most powerful of cavaliers. The cavalier may use these questionable weapons at normal non-proficiency penalties, but their use may violate the character’s chivalric code." You can't even get
proficient in a bow until like 18th level!
Their code of behavior is far, far more rigid. The code of behavior is not like the Paladin's "be just and good". It's "be a massive prick and a self-righteous, noble-born jerk."
Check out the code. I've bolded all the ones that frequently cause party conflict and which didn't exist in the original Paladin:
The code for a feudal campaign may be summed up as follows. The DM may adjust this code to fit his or her own campaign.
- Noble service cheerfully rendered
- Defense of any charge unto death
- Courage and enterprise in obedience to rule
- Respect for all peers and equals
- Honor to all above your station
- Obedience and respect from all beneath your station
- Scorn for those who are lowly and ignoble (this includes knightly limitations on weapons and armor)
- Military prowess exercised in service to your lord
- Courtesy to all ladies (if the cavalier is male)
- War is the flowering of chivalry
- Battle is the test of manhood
- Combat is glory
- Personal glory above all in battle
- Death to all who oppose the cause
- Death before dishonor
In enforcing this code, the DM may reduce or eliminate experience that is gained by the cavalier if its gaining violates the spirit or letter of the code. A cavalier who retreats from battle, even to save fellow party members, would receive half experience for the beasts slain in his or her retreat. Similarly, a cavalier who dons leather armor to infiltrate a thieves guild to effect a rescue will gain no experience, since the rescue would be done in means not approved
of by the code. Note that even neutral and evil cavaliers are bound by this code, but in their cases the obedience is to non-good masters.
That first one, "obedience and respect from all beneath your station," is kind of a significant issue. Since the class all but requires you to be noble-born and highly favored,
everyone else in the party is going to be beneath your station!
And their limitation in battle is even worse (again, with the problematic bits bolded):
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:
- Powerful monsters (dragons, demons, giants, etc.) serving enemy leaders, then the leaders themselves.
- Opponent cavaliers of great renown, enemy flags and standards.
- Opponent cavalry of noble or elite status
- Other opponent cavalry
- Opponent elite footmen
- Opponent camp and headquarters
- Opponent melee troops
- Levies or peasants
The cavalier’s charge will be made at full speed, regardless of army cohesion, intervening friendly troops, or other such considerations.
That last line is particularly irritating because cavaliers like to use warhorses and lances. I honestly don't see how anyone could possibly play this class as written.
All excerpts are from the class description in 1e's Unearthed Arcana.