An elven male paladin and his unicorn? [Archive] - Wizards Community

An elven male paladin and his unicorn? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Daehan
06-09-05, 11:14 PM A player in my campaign is a male elven paladin and wants to call a celestial charger (unicorn) as his mount. Technically speaking, I don't know of any rule that says this is not allowed. In the monster manual though, it says unicorns occasionally allow themselves to be tamed and ridden by good humans or elven maidens.

I don't see this as a rule and do not see a problem allowing this. The other players in the group seem to have a problem with it. I would like to avoid having that player mocked and called a "fairy" or whatever clever thing the other players may find amusing.

Basically, is there any lore or example of any males riding a unicorn?
Soulshade
06-09-05, 11:24 PM The Chronicles of Narnia.

King Somethingorother in the Last Battle has a unicorn as his mount and companion.
Daehan
06-09-05, 11:46 PM Thanks, I am sure there are others.

I am going to allow it. In fact, I think a unicorn is one of the cooler mount options.
Niveus Lynx
06-09-05, 11:57 PM A player in my campaign is a male elven paladin and wants to call a celestial charger (unicorn) as his mount. Technically speaking, I don't know of any rule that says this is not allowed. In the monster manual though, it says unicorns occasionally allow themselves to be tamed and ridden by good humans or elven maidens.

I don't see this as a rule and do not see a problem allowing this. The other players in the group seem to have a problem with it. I would like to avoid having that player mocked and called a "fairy" or whatever clever thing the other players may find amusing.

Basically, is there any lore or example of any males riding a unicorn?

I don't think there is, but I wouldn't look up the words "man", "riding", and "unicorn" on google.

(Teeheehee. Male Elf riding Unicorn. I'm soooooo shocked. There are so many gay Elf jokes I could make right now that I think I'm about to cry.)
Daehan
06-10-05, 12:03 AM I don't think there is, but I wouldn't look up the words "man", "riding", and "unicorn" on google.

(Teeheehee. Male Elf riding Unicorn. I'm soooooo shocked. There are so many gay Elf jokes I could make right now that I think I'm about to cry.)

Yup, exactly what I don't want to happen to him. My main concern is that the jokes and whatnot will detract from the gamplay.
Dogurasu_Thanatos
06-10-05, 01:04 AM If that doesn't work, you could always make the mount a very righteous one (as in nonlethally 'smiting' the detractors), or you could just as easily make a similar monster (a winged celestial tiger with a crown of horns or the like) that will serve as such a mount.

Personally, I think that if your players aren't at least moderately mature (sorry, but one or two occasional jokes are going to be inescapable; they just need to be strictly moderated), then they should be kicked out. Just my two cents, mind you.

Also, I like the idea of having a celestial charger mount for a paladin. I'd personally prefer couatl, but I have a thing for snakes...
Manyfist
06-10-05, 01:22 AM Males no matter how pure can't ride a Unicorn Only female. Pegasus are another hand are better. Black Unicorns... the evil type I do belive to be only Male. ;)
Earthcrosser599
06-10-05, 02:13 AM Races of the Wild, page 155.

Elven Paladin racial substitution levels has a unicorn instead of a special mount at level 5.

Pretty much it works the same way but it doesn't get any bonuses until you hit level 11.

It works with almost any other similar creature, such as a pegasus or asperi.
Soulshade
06-10-05, 02:23 AM Males no matter how pure can't ride a Unicorn Only female.
The only possible support you have for that is real-world Medieval superstition that neglected consider the possiblity of Unicorn mares (the way to catch a male of the species was always to bait it with a maiden - also note: maiden, not female). D&D has no rules prohibiting men from riding unicorns.

I would maybe suggest the celestial battle cat instead if your group is particularly puerile or homophobic, but if he wants a unicorn, more power to him.
Manyfist
06-10-05, 02:25 AM The only possible support you have for that is real-world Medieval superstition that neglected consider the possiblity of Unicorn mares (the way to catch a male of the species was always to bait it with a maiden - also note: maiden, not female). D&D has no rules prohibiting men from riding unicorns.

I would maybe suggest the celestial battle cat instead if your group is particularly puerile or homophobic, but if he wants a unicorn, more power to him.
A magical glowing Unicorn? lol. Every one knows that the reason Unicorns liked Madiens... neehhhh!! **Another Unicorn***
babysamurai
06-10-05, 04:42 AM The best candidate to ride a Unicorn is a female Fey-Touched virgin.
Ithilorien
06-10-05, 04:57 AM The best candidate to ride a Unicorn is a female Fey-Touched virgin.
Or an elven paladin of either sex as they are offered unicorn mounts as a racial substitution feature in Races of the Wild . . .
babysamurai
06-10-05, 06:31 AM Or an elven paladin of either sex as they are offered unicorn mounts as a racial substitution feature in Races of the Wild . . .

Cool, I did not know about that, probably because I don't own that product yet.
But personally, I still think it should be a female stipulation (according to all the mythology/fantasy novels I've read)
Koga:The ninja trick
06-10-05, 11:39 AM The Koga didn't think anything of the elf OR the unicorn, The Koga was more concerned about the alignment differances. Unicorns>Chaotic good. Paladins>Lawful good.
Wolf72
06-10-05, 12:14 PM see if he'll go for a celestial hippogriff or griffon .. or even a half-celestial horse (but with no wings ... if you want that, just go pegasus)
Lana "Silvertongue"
06-10-05, 12:27 PM While RoW allowed it, Book of Exalted didn't. There is a whole prestige class in there devoted to females riding unicorns. I would only allow it if he took the exalted feats. A unicorn is not something to sniff your nose at. An NO celestial charger. Not without paying the level cost again. That would still be muting the awesomeness of a prestige class.
DragonsArt
06-10-05, 01:25 PM Don't think of a the unicorn as a MOUNT, think of it as a very intelligent creature who has its own mind.

It's not letting the paladin "ride" it per se, it's teaming up with an equal and part of it's "share" of the partnership is transportation.

It's not a horse, it's smarter than the average person. It can make up its own mind on who to allow. Obviously, someone dedicated to good, who has proven themselves can be found just as worthy as a pure maiden.
Earthcrosser599
06-10-05, 02:37 PM In Narnia Unicorns were rarely ridden except in times of great need.

I figure a Unicorn in D&D would be more like a cohort or animal companion rather than "just" a mount.
snowlynx
06-10-05, 02:47 PM I would allow a male to ride a unicorn, provided they were willing to stay 'pure.' The celestial charger is a unicorn with class levels, though, and that doesn't quite seem right for a paladin mount. A basic unicorn would be okay, using the adjustments provided in the dungeon master's guide with unusual paladin mounts.
Daehan
06-10-05, 02:52 PM I fully agree that the unicorn is more than just a mount. Since I started looking into this, I kind of like the idea more...once you get past all the gay jokes. He is an 8th level paladin, so getting a celestial charger is no problem. It is going to count as a 7th level mount according to the DMG. Not only does it compliment the paladin in skills, but it has probably the best abilities of any mount options. The other thing I really like about this idea is that when you summon it, you don't have to be summonin it from some other plane. Unicorns defend a forest of their own, and it simply returns to its forest when not "aiding" the paladin. If my player wants a unicorn, and it doesn't violate rules or ruin gameplay...then I'll allow it. Though, I will make him take a celestial charger, rather than just a unicorn. It sounds a little more manly and may not provoke as many jokes.
snowlynx
06-10-05, 02:59 PM Double-check the celestial charger before you allow it...it would be okay to call it that, but I really thought the 'celestial charger' entry was an 8th level cleric or something. That's too powerful for a mount at 8th level. (I'll look it up in a few minutes too.)
Daehan
06-10-05, 03:06 PM I see what you are talking about. Yes, in the monster manual, the celestial charger is a 7th level cleric. Remember, that is just an example of what one could be. Obviously my player's charger won't have levels in cleric. All the celestial charger is, is a celestial unicorn. Simply take the unicorn and apply the celestial template to it. The celestial template only adds +1 level adjustment for determining what a paladin mount's special abilities are. So a unicorn is available at 6th +1 for celestial template and they you are. Though, they have awesome ability scores and could take class levels, this particular one won't.
Niveus Lynx
06-10-05, 03:06 PM Double-check the celestial charger before you allow it...it would be okay to call it that, but I really thought the 'celestial charger' entry was an 8th level cleric or something. That's too powerful for a mount at 8th level. (I'll look it up in a few minutes too.)

I had also looked it up. 8 HD, 7 levels or Cleric. I thought it'd be too powerful for a 7th/8th level Paladin, but he is the DM...
kaldrin
06-10-05, 03:34 PM All the cracks about elf males who ride unicorns aside, the paladin's mount isn't specifically the creature of that type, but is supposed to be some sort of physical manifestation of the paladin's holiness that takes that form when the paladin calls it.

Just my two cents. I'm a big fan of silver dragons for paladins in the higher levels though...
Daehan
06-10-05, 03:43 PM I sorta agree with you Kaldrin, but see that kind of thinking being abused. If I said that the paladins mount is just a manifestation of his holiness, then I'd have paladins with good nightmares as mounts...not that I'd allow that.
kaldrin
06-10-05, 03:52 PM I sorta agree with you Kaldrin, but see that kind of thinking being abused. If I said that the paladins mount is just a manifestation of his holiness, then I'd have paladins with good nightmares as mounts...not that I'd allow that.

I had one player try to pull something like that. Basically, my rule for the players has been quite simple: If the paladin could associate with a creature of that type, then it could be a mount... You'll always have someone try to abuse the rules. God knows I've had my share of players trying to do it. I'm generally pretty lenient, but sometimes you've got to put your foot down.
Surreal
06-10-05, 04:47 PM I would maybe suggest the celestial battle cat instead if your group is particularly puerile or homophobic...

Somehow I don't think the He-Man comparison will help with the gay jokes.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Daehan 06-09-05, 11:14 PM	A player in my campaign is a male elven paladin and wants to call a celestial charger (unicorn) as his mount. Technically speaking, I don't know of any rule that says this is not allowed. In the monster manual though, it says unicorns occasionally allow themselves to be tamed and ridden by good humans or elven maidens. I don't see this as a rule and do not see a problem allowing this. The other players in the group seem to have a problem with it. I would like to avoid having that player mocked and called a "fairy" or whatever clever thing the other players may find amusing. Basically, is there any lore or example of any males riding a unicorn?
Soulshade 06-09-05, 11:24 PM	The Chronicles of Narnia. King Somethingorother in the Last Battle has a unicorn as his mount and companion.
Daehan 06-09-05, 11:46 PM	Thanks, I am sure there are others. I am going to allow it. In fact, I think a unicorn is one of the cooler mount options.
Niveus Lynx 06-09-05, 11:57 PM	A player in my campaign is a male elven paladin and wants to call a celestial charger (unicorn) as his mount. Technically speaking, I don't know of any rule that says this is not allowed. In the monster manual though, it says unicorns occasionally allow themselves to be tamed and ridden by good humans or elven maidens. I don't see this as a rule and do not see a problem allowing this. The other players in the group seem to have a problem with it. I would like to avoid having that player mocked and called a "fairy" or whatever clever thing the other players may find amusing. Basically, is there any lore or example of any males riding a unicorn? I don't think there is, but I wouldn't look up the words "man", "riding", and "unicorn" on google. (Teeheehee. Male Elf riding Unicorn. I'm soooooo shocked. There are so many gay Elf jokes I could make right now that I think I'm about to cry.)
Daehan 06-10-05, 12:03 AM	I don't think there is, but I wouldn't look up the words "man", "riding", and "unicorn" on google. (Teeheehee. Male Elf riding Unicorn. I'm soooooo shocked. There are so many gay Elf jokes I could make right now that I think I'm about to cry.) Yup, exactly what I don't want to happen to him. My main concern is that the jokes and whatnot will detract from the gamplay.
Dogurasu_Thanatos 06-10-05, 01:04 AM	If that doesn't work, you could always make the mount a very righteous one (as in nonlethally 'smiting' the detractors), or you could just as easily make a similar monster (a winged celestial tiger with a crown of horns or the like) that will serve as such a mount. Personally, I think that if your players aren't at least moderately mature (sorry, but one or two occasional jokes are going to be inescapable; they just need to be strictly moderated), then they should be kicked out. Just my two cents, mind you. Also, I like the idea of having a celestial charger mount for a paladin. I'd personally prefer couatl, but I have a thing for snakes...
Manyfist 06-10-05, 01:22 AM	Males no matter how pure can't ride a Unicorn Only female. Pegasus are another hand are better. Black Unicorns... the evil type I do belive to be only Male. ;)
Earthcrosser599 06-10-05, 02:13 AM	Races of the Wild, page 155. Elven Paladin racial substitution levels has a unicorn instead of a special mount at level 5. Pretty much it works the same way but it doesn't get any bonuses until you hit level 11. It works with almost any other similar creature, such as a pegasus or asperi.
Soulshade 06-10-05, 02:23 AM	Males no matter how pure can't ride a Unicorn Only female. The only possible support you have for that is real-world Medieval superstition that neglected consider the possiblity of Unicorn mares (the way to catch a male of the species was always to bait it with a maiden - also note: maiden, not female). D&D has no rules prohibiting men from riding unicorns. I would maybe suggest the celestial battle cat instead if your group is particularly puerile or homophobic, but if he wants a unicorn, more power to him.
Manyfist 06-10-05, 02:25 AM	The only possible support you have for that is real-world Medieval superstition that neglected consider the possiblity of Unicorn mares (the way to catch a male of the species was always to bait it with a maiden - also note: maiden, not female). D&D has no rules prohibiting men from riding unicorns. I would maybe suggest the celestial battle cat instead if your group is particularly puerile or homophobic, but if he wants a unicorn, more power to him. A magical glowing Unicorn? lol. Every one knows that the reason Unicorns liked Madiens... neehhhh!! Another Unicorn*
babysamurai 06-10-05, 04:42 AM	The best candidate to ride a Unicorn is a female Fey-Touched virgin.
Ithilorien 06-10-05, 04:57 AM	The best candidate to ride a Unicorn is a female Fey-Touched virgin. Or an elven paladin of either sex as they are offered unicorn mounts as a racial substitution feature in Races of the Wild . . .
babysamurai 06-10-05, 06:31 AM	Or an elven paladin of either sex as they are offered unicorn mounts as a racial substitution feature in Races of the Wild . . . Cool, I did not know about that, probably because I don't own that product yet. But personally, I still think it should be a female stipulation (according to all the mythology/fantasy novels I've read)
Koga:The ninja trick 06-10-05, 11:39 AM	The Koga didn't think anything of the elf OR the unicorn, The Koga was more concerned about the alignment differances. Unicorns>Chaotic good. Paladins>Lawful good.
Wolf72 06-10-05, 12:14 PM	see if he'll go for a celestial hippogriff or griffon .. or even a half-celestial horse (but with no wings ... if you want that, just go pegasus)
Lana "Silvertongue" 06-10-05, 12:27 PM	While RoW allowed it, Book of Exalted didn't. There is a whole prestige class in there devoted to females riding unicorns. I would only allow it if he took the exalted feats. A unicorn is not something to sniff your nose at. An NO celestial charger. Not without paying the level cost again. That would still be muting the awesomeness of a prestige class.
DragonsArt 06-10-05, 01:25 PM	Don't think of a the unicorn as a MOUNT, think of it as a very intelligent creature who has its own mind. It's not letting the paladin "ride" it per se, it's teaming up with an equal and part of it's "share" of the partnership is transportation. It's not a horse, it's smarter than the average person. It can make up its own mind on who to allow. Obviously, someone dedicated to good, who has proven themselves can be found just as worthy as a pure maiden.
Earthcrosser599 06-10-05, 02:37 PM	In Narnia Unicorns were rarely ridden except in times of great need. I figure a Unicorn in D&D would be more like a cohort or animal companion rather than "just" a mount.
snowlynx 06-10-05, 02:47 PM	I would allow a male to ride a unicorn, provided they were willing to stay 'pure.' The celestial charger is a unicorn with class levels, though, and that doesn't quite seem right for a paladin mount. A basic unicorn would be okay, using the adjustments provided in the dungeon master's guide with unusual paladin mounts.
Daehan 06-10-05, 02:52 PM	I fully agree that the unicorn is more than just a mount. Since I started looking into this, I kind of like the idea more...once you get past all the gay jokes. He is an 8th level paladin, so getting a celestial charger is no problem. It is going to count as a 7th level mount according to the DMG. Not only does it compliment the paladin in skills, but it has probably the best abilities of any mount options. The other thing I really like about this idea is that when you summon it, you don't have to be summonin it from some other plane. Unicorns defend a forest of their own, and it simply returns to its forest when not "aiding" the paladin. If my player wants a unicorn, and it doesn't violate rules or ruin gameplay...then I'll allow it. Though, I will make him take a celestial charger, rather than just a unicorn. It sounds a little more manly and may not provoke as many jokes.
snowlynx 06-10-05, 02:59 PM	Double-check the celestial charger before you allow it...it would be okay to call it that, but I really thought the 'celestial charger' entry was an 8th level cleric or something. That's too powerful for a mount at 8th level. (I'll look it up in a few minutes too.)
Daehan 06-10-05, 03:06 PM	I see what you are talking about. Yes, in the monster manual, the celestial charger is a 7th level cleric. Remember, that is just an example of what one could be. Obviously my player's charger won't have levels in cleric. All the celestial charger is, is a celestial unicorn. Simply take the unicorn and apply the celestial template to it. The celestial template only adds +1 level adjustment for determining what a paladin mount's special abilities are. So a unicorn is available at 6th +1 for celestial template and they you are. Though, they have awesome ability scores and could take class levels, this particular one won't.
Niveus Lynx 06-10-05, 03:06 PM	Double-check the celestial charger before you allow it...it would be okay to call it that, but I really thought the 'celestial charger' entry was an 8th level cleric or something. That's too powerful for a mount at 8th level. (I'll look it up in a few minutes too.) I had also looked it up. 8 HD, 7 levels or Cleric. I thought it'd be too powerful for a 7th/8th level Paladin, but he is the DM...
kaldrin 06-10-05, 03:34 PM	All the cracks about elf males who ride unicorns aside, the paladin's mount isn't specifically the creature of that type, but is supposed to be some sort of physical manifestation of the paladin's holiness that takes that form when the paladin calls it. Just my two cents. I'm a big fan of silver dragons for paladins in the higher levels though...
Daehan 06-10-05, 03:43 PM	I sorta agree with you Kaldrin, but see that kind of thinking being abused. If I said that the paladins mount is just a manifestation of his holiness, then I'd have paladins with good nightmares as mounts...not that I'd allow that.
kaldrin 06-10-05, 03:52 PM	I sorta agree with you Kaldrin, but see that kind of thinking being abused. If I said that the paladins mount is just a manifestation of his holiness, then I'd have paladins with good nightmares as mounts...not that I'd allow that. I had one player try to pull something like that. Basically, my rule for the players has been quite simple: If the paladin could associate with a creature of that type, then it could be a mount... You'll always have someone try to abuse the rules. God knows I've had my share of players trying to do it. I'm generally pretty lenient, but sometimes you've got to put your foot down.
Surreal 06-10-05, 04:47 PM	I would maybe suggest the celestial battle cat instead if your group is particularly puerile or homophobic... Somehow I don't think the He-Man comparison will help with the gay jokes.