Soo, I've looked at the rules for mounted combat, and I find the rules inadequate.
Regarding Controlled mounts.
When I'm siting on my horse, that horse is a controlled mount. Does that mean, that I, without using any of my action economy can direct the mount to go where ever I want on the battlefield AND use its actions (dash, disengage & dodge)?
Regarding the disengage action of the horse. If I am riding the horse, and the horse disengages a target, do I count as part of that disengage, or do both me AND my horse need to take the disengage action in order to avoid opportunity attacks.
If I have the Mounted Combatant feat, is there then ANY reason to by barding for the Horse. Since the feat states >>You can force an attack targeted at your mount to target you instead.<< Me as a plate user, with shield will ALWAY have better AC than the horse anyway
When I'm siting on my horse, that horse is a controlled mount. Does that mean, that I, without using any of my action economy can direct the mount to go where ever I want on the battlefield AND use its actions (dash, disengage & dodge)?
Yes your mount moves and take action as you direct it to.
Regarding the disengage action of the horse. If I am riding the horse, and the horse disengages a target, do I count as part of that disengage, or do both me AND my horse need to take the disengage action in order to avoid opportunity attacks.
You don't count as having taken the Disengage action since your mount is the creature taking this action, but you still do not provoke Opportunity Attack since you're being moved without using your movement.
If I have the Mounted Combatant feat, is there then ANY reason to by barding for the Horse. Since the feat states >>You can force an attack targeted at your mount to target you instead.<< Me as a plate user, with shield will ALWAY have better AC than the horse anyway
No reason while mounted but it can improve AC while ynot mounted..
I’d argue there’s really never a reason to buy barding considering the relative costs, you could buy 10 horses and it would still be cheaper. And, of course, the first fireball you run into, the horse dies no matter what. Mounts just really don’t work in this edition.
Barding like your armor signifies your prestige. The better your armor the fancier your armor the more important you are and this is also reflected in you mount.
Or how about this, yes barding is expensive but if your mount dies in the middle of battle your left unmounted vs other mounted enemies. You can not run down your fleeing foes. And you never get a good chance to attack your foes.
Plus barding will fit more than one mount. Just put it on your next mount. You should have a second mount just to carry all your junk. Like clothing, equipment, food including food for your mount,
If you can not afford it do not get it. If your can afford it get it. And hire a squire to do all your dirty daily chores. They are cheap and make you look really good.
And, of course, the first fireball you run into, the horse dies no matter what. Mounts just really don’t work in this edition.
Well that is where Mounted Combatant feat is amazing. It allows your mount to make a save, take no damage on a successful save, and still only half damage on an unsuccessful save.
I find that mounts are highly useful, unless you only play in close quaters encounters where mounts are too large.
And, of course, the first fireball you run into, the horse dies no matter what. Mounts just really don’t work in this edition.
Well that is where Mounted Combatant feat is amazing. It allows your mount to make a save, take no damage on a successful save, and still only half damage on an unsuccessful save.
I find that mounts are highly useful, unless you only play in close quaters encounters where mounts are too large.
A failed save and the mount could well still die. And if there’s a creature with an aura, the mount almost certainly dies.
And the thing about mounted combatant is when you dismount it’s completely unused (campaign dependent, but in most games I’ve played, most encounters end up in places unfriendly to mounts, eg dungeons. Or really, the first time you have to go up a ladder or down a rope). And since most characters are going to get, 3 feats ever, maybe 4-5 if they’re a fighter, it’s pretty tough to argue for a feat to keep your horse alive over one that will come up if you’re on the horse or not.
I think what’s needed is a way to let mounts scale, like a drake warden’s, or something me of the other classes that summon pets. Something that lets them be viable at higher levels when you start running into high damage AoE spells. I guess a friendly DM can homebrew you something, or let you meet a griffin, but it would be nice to not force the DM to do that.
Not bad considering. 3d10+4 for HP's then add in the barding armor numbers and it gets pretty good. They even get their own attacks and bonus actions. Plus even they can receive healing spells and the like.
But then again a warhorse should just be for those of royal blood and fame. It sets them apart from the rabble.
Not bad considering. 3d10+4 for HP's then add in the barding armor numbers and it gets pretty good. They even get their own attacks and bonus actions. Plus even they can receive healing spells and the like.
But then again a warhorse should just be for those of royal blood and fame. It sets them apart from the rabble.
3d10+4 is about 20 hp 9and I'm seeing 3d10+3, but that's not too big a deal). In lower tiers, sure, it seems solid, but by the time you can afford one, 20 hp isn't going to go very far. And as I said, once you start running into people with larger Aoe spells, they die quickly. And auras, even quicker. And you only get help against Dex AoEs with mounted combatant. Good against fireballs, not so much useful in a cone of cold or a cloudkill -- there's lots of AoE that target things other than dex. Get caught in a fear, and you're being carried away even if you made your save.
They get attacks, but not if you're riding them, per the mounted combat rules. Unless you want to let them just do their own thing, and hope they decide to go to the same place you want them to go. And they can be healed, yes, but do you want the cleric using a spell slot to keep the horse alive, or keep the barbarian alive, or just attack an enemy.
I’d argue there’s really never a reason to buy barding considering the relative costs, you could buy 10 horses and it would still be cheaper. And, of course, the first fireball you run into, the horse dies no matter what. Mounts just really don’t work in this edition.
You can buy 10 horses but you are only riding one at a time. And if the one you are riding goes down, you go down with it.
The logic you are using is like comparing the cost of normal cars to the cost of an armoured car. The normal car is much more cost effective.. until /unless someone starts shooting at you for whatever reason.
Yeah, but then you get up again. The fight is only going to be 3-5 rounds anyway. All you're giving up is advantage on attacks for 2-4 rounds after it dies (and that you only get if you took the feat, otherwise, the only advantage is a bit faster movement speed).
Don't get me wrong, I like the idea of a character riding boldly into battle on their trusty steed. It just doesn't work in D&D. Maybe if you made the horse a sidekick or something, but hp and saves not scaling make them too fragile to use for much beyond transportation once you hit 4-5th level.
If your using them against a spell user or any creature with an AOE weapon your using it wrong. They are best used against archers who are trying to stay at distance and small groups of infantry. And best never used alone but in groups. Use the mounts spead
It may have not been my wisest idea, but my level 5 players are in the middle of a quest that will pay them with war horses and the Mounted Combat feat. Because, why not?
A feat as a reward is wonderful. Even if you rarely use it, it's still a great reason to go on a quest. In fact, that might make it the perfect feat as a reward.
I think what’s needed is a way to let mounts scale, like a drake warden’s, or something me of the other classes that summon pets. Something that lets them be viable at higher levels when you start running into high damage AoE spells. I guess a friendly DM can homebrew you something, or let you meet a griffin, but it would be nice to not force the DM to do that.
As mentioned elsewhere in this thread, you do have the option of giving the mount a sidekick class. Not only does this allows the mount to gain more HP with levels, but it also gains proficiency in one proficiency bonus and some skills, ASIs over the levels, and various class features. No homebrew required.
You could always use the warrior class, and if your mount can speak a language (perhaps it's awaken), the expert is also a nice choice. A DM with some time on their hand could possibly homebrew a dedicated mount sidekick class, which could be fun.
If the mount goes down (dieing) I would require a Dex check to see if you got off in time or were trapped, prone under the mount ( at least the leg on the side that went down) even if you make the save you may well be down and prone but not trapped. Learning to go off moving objects - land safely rolling back to upright status that calls for at least 1 basic Dex check and at least a second acrobatics check. (BTDT)
I’d argue there’s really never a reason to buy barding considering the relative costs, you could buy 10 horses and it would still be cheaper. And, of course, the first fireball you run into, the horse dies no matter what. Mounts just really don’t work in this edition.
that depends on the mount lol, horse yes but what if its something a lot bigger lol. like a wyvern
this is why I don't like horses as mounts, in my campaign my deep gnome player tamed a displacer beast and halfling tamed a dire worg* (witch is really funny cuz she's like less then a third of the worgs size)
*I home brewed a dire worg, i made it much nicer then normal worgs, I really like it. please feel free to look it up and leave a comment
I’d argue there’s really never a reason to buy barding considering the relative costs, you could buy 10 horses and it would still be cheaper. And, of course, the first fireball you run into, the horse dies no matter what. Mounts just really don’t work in this edition.
that depends on the mount lol, horse yes but what if its something a lot bigger lol. like a wyvern
Well, show me the RAW cost for a wyvern, and we can do that math.
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Soo, I've looked at the rules for mounted combat, and I find the rules inadequate.
Regarding Controlled mounts.
When I'm siting on my horse, that horse is a controlled mount.
Does that mean, that I, without using any of my action economy can direct the mount to go where ever I want on the battlefield AND use its actions (dash, disengage & dodge)?
Regarding the disengage action of the horse.
If I am riding the horse, and the horse disengages a target, do I count as part of that disengage, or do both me AND my horse need to take the disengage action in order to avoid opportunity attacks.
If I have the Mounted Combatant feat, is there then ANY reason to by barding for the Horse.
Since the feat states >>You can force an attack targeted at your mount to target you instead.<<
Me as a plate user, with shield will ALWAY have better AC than the horse anyway
Yes your mount moves and take action as you direct it to.
You don't count as having taken the Disengage action since your mount is the creature taking this action, but you still do not provoke Opportunity Attack since you're being moved without using your movement.
No reason while mounted but it can improve AC while ynot mounted..
If you're interested to hear more on the subject from the Dev, here's a Dragon Talk: Sage Advice on Mounted Combat Podcast
I’d argue there’s really never a reason to buy barding considering the relative costs, you could buy 10 horses and it would still be cheaper. And, of course, the first fireball you run into, the horse dies no matter what.
Mounts just really don’t work in this edition.
some form a bond with their mount and dont want to loose it
Think of it this way.
Barding like your armor signifies your prestige. The better your armor the fancier your armor the more important you are and this is also reflected in you mount.
Or how about this, yes barding is expensive but if your mount dies in the middle of battle your left unmounted vs other mounted enemies. You can not run down your fleeing foes. And you never get a good chance to attack your foes.
Plus barding will fit more than one mount. Just put it on your next mount. You should have a second mount just to carry all your junk. Like clothing, equipment, food including food for your mount,
If you can not afford it do not get it. If your can afford it get it. And hire a squire to do all your dirty daily chores. They are cheap and make you look really good.
Well that is where Mounted Combatant feat is amazing. It allows your mount to make a save, take no damage on a successful save, and still only half damage on an unsuccessful save.
I find that mounts are highly useful, unless you only play in close quaters encounters where mounts are too large.
A failed save and the mount could well still die. And if there’s a creature with an aura, the mount almost certainly dies.
And the thing about mounted combatant is when you dismount it’s completely unused (campaign dependent, but in most games I’ve played, most encounters end up in places unfriendly to mounts, eg dungeons. Or really, the first time you have to go up a ladder or down a rope). And since most characters are going to get, 3 feats ever, maybe 4-5 if they’re a fighter, it’s pretty tough to argue for a feat to keep your horse alive over one that will come up if you’re on the horse or not.
I think what’s needed is a way to let mounts scale, like a drake warden’s, or something me of the other classes that summon pets. Something that lets them be viable at higher levels when you start running into high damage AoE spells. I guess a friendly DM can homebrew you something, or let you meet a griffin, but it would be nice to not force the DM to do that.
i just looked up the war house stats in the PHB.
Not bad considering. 3d10+4 for HP's then add in the barding armor numbers and it gets pretty good.
They even get their own attacks and bonus actions.
Plus even they can receive healing spells and the like.
But then again a warhorse should just be for those of royal blood and fame. It sets them apart from the rabble.
3d10+4 is about 20 hp 9and I'm seeing 3d10+3, but that's not too big a deal). In lower tiers, sure, it seems solid, but by the time you can afford one, 20 hp isn't going to go very far. And as I said, once you start running into people with larger Aoe spells, they die quickly. And auras, even quicker. And you only get help against Dex AoEs with mounted combatant. Good against fireballs, not so much useful in a cone of cold or a cloudkill -- there's lots of AoE that target things other than dex. Get caught in a fear, and you're being carried away even if you made your save.
They get attacks, but not if you're riding them, per the mounted combat rules. Unless you want to let them just do their own thing, and hope they decide to go to the same place you want them to go. And they can be healed, yes, but do you want the cleric using a spell slot to keep the horse alive, or keep the barbarian alive, or just attack an enemy.
Yeah, but then you get up again. The fight is only going to be 3-5 rounds anyway. All you're giving up is advantage on attacks for 2-4 rounds after it dies (and that you only get if you took the feat, otherwise, the only advantage is a bit faster movement speed).
Don't get me wrong, I like the idea of a character riding boldly into battle on their trusty steed. It just doesn't work in D&D. Maybe if you made the horse a sidekick or something, but hp and saves not scaling make them too fragile to use for much beyond transportation once you hit 4-5th level.
If your using them against a spell user or any creature with an AOE weapon your using it wrong.
They are best used against archers who are trying to stay at distance and small groups of infantry. And best never used alone but in groups. Use the mounts spead
Leave spell users to spell users.
It may have not been my wisest idea, but my level 5 players are in the middle of a quest that will pay them with war horses and the Mounted Combat feat. Because, why not?
A feat as a reward is wonderful. Even if you rarely use it, it's still a great reason to go on a quest. In fact, that might make it the perfect feat as a reward.
"Not all those who wander are lost"
What do you think Squires are for if a Horse isn't supposed to go someplace the retainers aren't either.
Itinerant Deputy Shire-reave Tomas Burrfoot - world walker, Raft-captain, speaker to his dead
Toddy Shelfungus- Rider of the Order of Ill Luck, Speaker to Friends of Friends, and Horribly big nosed
Jarl Archi of Jenisis Glade Fee- Noble Knight of the Dragonborn Goldcrest Clan, Sorcerer of the Noble Investigator;y; Knightly order of the Wolfhound
As mentioned elsewhere in this thread, you do have the option of giving the mount a sidekick class. Not only does this allows the mount to gain more HP with levels, but it also gains proficiency in one proficiency bonus and some skills, ASIs over the levels, and various class features. No homebrew required.
You could always use the warrior class, and if your mount can speak a language (perhaps it's awaken), the expert is also a nice choice. A DM with some time on their hand could possibly homebrew a dedicated mount sidekick class, which could be fun.
If the mount goes down (dieing) I would require a Dex check to see if you got off in time or were trapped, prone under the mount ( at least the leg on the side that went down) even if you make the save you may well be down and prone but not trapped. Learning to go off moving objects - land safely rolling back to upright status that calls for at least 1 basic Dex check and at least a second acrobatics check. (BTDT)
Wisea$$ DM and Player since 1979.
You can use your reaction to avoid falling off if your mount goes down.
if forced off u make a skill check.
My bad I necrod, I saw February and thought we were in the same year.
that depends on the mount lol, horse yes but what if its something a lot bigger lol. like a wyvern
Crazy is the new norm
this is why I don't like horses as mounts, in my campaign my deep gnome player tamed a displacer beast and halfling tamed a dire worg* (witch is really funny cuz she's like less then a third of the worgs size)
*I home brewed a dire worg, i made it much nicer then normal worgs, I really like it. please feel free to look it up and leave a comment
Crazy is the new norm
Well, show me the RAW cost for a wyvern, and we can do that math.