Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Tristan Avon Granvania 01-22-04, 10:37 AM	Hello guys. I am in the midst of putting together a more detailed campaign world than my previous homebrews have been set in. Smaller initial focus. One of the cultures featured in this area inhabits a large expanse of hilly grasslands that eventually shift to desert. Indigenous to this region are ankobe, frilled lizards (stats for which I will be using the deinonychus from the MM). They use the lizards as mounts over horses. However, being as the raptor has abilities above and beyond a horse, there are some who take mastery of their mount to a higher level. Ankobe Rider The grasslanders of Muirrien has domesticated some of the wild lizards known as ankobe for their own use. Faster, strong, and agile, the skill required to ride and ankobe far exceeds that of a horse, yet, for those properly trained, makes a remarkable light cavalryman, or an excellent scout Barbarians and Rangers are the most likely to take this class, as there are more of them in the grasslands than the more "civilized" fighters and paladins. Some druids have been known to become ankobe riders as well. Ankobe Riders of other classes can exist, but most are more than content with simple riding them, rather than mastering them. Requirements BAB: +4 Skills: Handle Animal 6 ranks Ride 6 ranks Feats: Mounted Combat, Track Special: Must have raised an ankobe lizard from hatchling. Level BAB Fort Ref Will Abilities 1 +1 +2 +2 +0 Ankobe Rider 2 +2 +2 +2 +0 Leap 3 +3 +3 +3 +1 Bonus Feat: Spirited Charge 4 +4 +3 +3 +1 Bonus Feat: Trample 5 +5 +4 +4 +1 Ankobe Charge Class Features Weapon and Armor Proficiencies: An Ankobe Rider gains proficiency with Ankobe Spears, both light and heavy (alternate name for Light and Heavy Lances, and all simple weapons. An Ankobe Rider is proficient in light armor. Class Skills: Climb (str), Craft (int), Handle Animal (cha), Knowledge: Geography (int), Knowledge: Nature (int), Ride (dex) Skills points each Level: 4+int modifier Hit Die: d8 Abilities Ankobe Rider: An Ankobe Rider adds his class level to ride checks made while using an ankobe as a mount. Leap: At second level, an Ankobe Rider can use her mount's ranks in jump to determine height and distance when leaping while riding. Bonus Feats: At third level, and Ankobe Rider receives the feat Spirited Charge, even if he does not have all the prerequisite feats, however, he can only use it while mounted on an Ankobe unless he does meet the prerequisites for the feat. At fourth level, the Ankobe Rider receives Trample as a bonus feat. Ankobe Charge: At fifth level, an Ankobe rider has become so comfortable riding the bipedal lizards, that it is as if rider and mount have become one. During a charge attack, if the ankobe and rider leap at the enemy, and come down from at least 10 feet above, the rider can attack with an Ankobe Spear and the ankobe can attack with both its talons. For purposes of spirited charge, this attack does count as a charge. All other conditions for a charge attack must be met. **************************************** ************ I am thinking of perhaps bonding the mount to the rider, with a mount that grows in abilities as the rider does, so as to not leave a character in the dust. Thoughts? Comments? Criticisms? ~Evil DM
Maraxus 01-23-04, 05:08 AM	Nobody wants to answer? Than I'll do... It is probably balanced. Maybe you could add a BAB-requirement, as this class is available at 3rd level without problems. That could be to early for any prestige class. Are these saves usual? ... To the abilitys: Ankobe Rider: Adding a +5 bonus to ride is dangerous. However is is good (and needed), if it is harde to ride an Ankobe then a horse. Just check this in the animals-description. Leap: Good. Bonus feats: I don't like this. It forces the character to make sure he does not get it befor that level. You could add: "If he already has this feat, he can take another feat from the figther feat list." But unique abilitys would be better. Akobe charge: Good but isn't this always allowed?
Tristan Avon Granvania 01-23-04, 11:38 AM	The +5 to ride checks negates the penalties for riding an unusual mount. an Ankobe is a bipedal lizard, and I will be using the statistics for a Deinonychus (MM1 - first dinosaur entry). The Ankobe charge ability allows for the rider to attack with his spear (lance statistics), the raptor to attack with it's talons, claws, and bite.