Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Jay_Ibero_911 01-02-07, 09:59 PM	Ok, I have a gnome druid lv10. He has virtually always been mounted on his riding dog, but upon reviewing my option for level 10, a rhino with reduce animal on it would be better in every way except armor class and speed. Thoughts? And while both animals would be medium size, I think there might be a few more objections to a medium sized rhino wandering around town, or in tavers...etc...As far as my play style, I'm bascially an armored turret, with AC 32 while mounted, 36 with barkskin. So Dog/Rhino would be attacking while I throw spells in their face (18 con and maxed concentration), or attack them myself with a brambled quarterstaff and my slam attack from stone form. Also, the benefit of a Rhino, is I can dismiss the reduce animal to let him grow if a good opportunity arises. So what do you think about my Gnome riding the reduced rhino?
clannagh 01-02-07, 11:47 PM	As far as i understand it a small creature can ride any animal medium or larger - if that is correct you can ride either size of rhino. You will need to get an appropriate saddle and train it as a mount investing the appropriate tricks in it. Certianly there are situations such as boats where a size limit is applied to animals but regardless of size a rhino will be somewhat limited by ladders and stairs. If you have reduced it and want it large again it will actually be much more hard core if you animal growth the reduced rhino back to original size. Though of course if the terrain permits dismissing the reduce spell and using animal growth to take it to huge will be better. I am curious as to why choose a rhino? Even with the bumps for being a level 10 druidl, unless you are trying to break a high damage reduction with the big charge, a reduced polar bear is probably a more chunky mount.
RedKnightofKet 01-03-07, 09:42 AM	I use a halfling druid riding a dire wolf, tiger, dire wolverine, or other large creatures. I haven't encountered much in the way of issues, but it is handy to keep that Reduce Animal in memory, when travelling to towns, going through tight spaces, etc. Also take note of the fast dismount rules: you can't dismount off of a mount two or more size categories larger than you. Luckily for me, I rarely ever use my own legs ;)
kenobi65 01-03-07, 11:04 AM	...a rhino will be somewhat limited by ladders and stairs. Now there's your ludicrous mental image of the day: a rhino trying to climb a ladder. :D
LachlarlanIII 01-03-07, 11:07 AM	Now there's your ludicrous mental image of the day: a rhino trying to climb a ladder. :D I hope the rest of the party is already at the top or bottom and out of harm's way ;)
Lupo 01-03-07, 02:07 PM	Now there's your ludicrous mental image of the day: a rhino trying to climb a ladder. :D that is where "fly, swift" is usefull :) "hey, bob, i would swear there was a tiger flying up to the tower top", "butthead, tigers can't fly!" after this the screaming atop the tower starts :P ciao martin m.
Jay_Ibero_911 01-03-07, 08:50 PM	As far as i understand it a small creature can ride any animal medium or larger - if that is correct you can ride either size of rhino. You will need to get an appropriate saddle and train it as a mount investing the appropriate tricks in it. Certianly there are situations such as boats where a size limit is applied to animals but regardless of size a rhino will be somewhat limited by ladders and stairs. If you have reduced it and want it large again it will actually be much more hard core if you animal growth the reduced rhino back to original size. Though of course if the terrain permits dismissing the reduce spell and using animal growth to take it to huge will be better. I am curious as to why choose a rhino? Even with the bumps for being a level 10 druidl, unless you are trying to break a high damage reduction with the big charge, a reduced polar bear is probably a more chunky mount. Well, the main reason I specified reduced rhino, is that the majority of my adventures seem to take plave in relatively close quarters, so a medium sized mount is more convenient. Obviously, I can just let the rhino be large when traveling in the open. And the the powerful charge is pretty sweet with animal growth, greater magic fang, and nature's favor (GMF being all day buff, and nature's favor being swift, so only animal growth would be the only standard action I would need to take, assuming the rhino is not currently reduced) Winding up at 1d20+24 to hit for 6d6+46 damage...As far as reduced rhino vs. reduced polar bear...polar bear is from the 10th level list, whereas rhino is from the 7th level list. So as a 10th level druid, the rhino would have 10HD, as well as having better CON than the polar bear, and better AC. The polar bear does win out on more attacks, and better movement speed though. Improved Grab won't see much mileage though, cause I'd rather not think about trying to ride a grappling mount...a brown bear would actually be superior to a polar bear, as they have the same ability scores, but the brown bear would get 3rd level druid bonuses. In any event, I think a rhino is the most well rounded mount. Maybe I just like the extra HD. Then again, a giant constrictor snake has 11 HD....but is VERY difficult to keep around in most places...
ShinAkuma2 01-03-07, 09:28 PM	Hey, if you're willing to take the Hat of Disguise off your head...You could try to make the mini-rhino look like a dog...
paigeoliver 01-04-07, 12:23 AM	Tunnel Riding really helps out with the large sized mounts, although it is the second feat on a tree, so it really works better for fighters than druids.
Jay_Ibero_911 01-04-07, 08:26 PM	Tunnel Riding really helps out with the large sized mounts, although it is the second feat on a tree, so it really works better for fighters than druids. Exactly, cause druids just make their mounts whatever size they need to be, :)
Jay_Ibero_911 01-04-07, 08:28 PM	Hey, if you're willing to take the Hat of Disguise off your head...You could try to make the mini-rhino look like a dog... I do have access to another hat of disguise...and plenty of excess funds....Though, according to the LGCS, animals don't have a head slot...apparently an animal can wear a necklace, but not a hat, cause that is SOOOOOO unrealistic....
ShinAkuma2 01-04-07, 09:42 PM	Ah, that's a shame... Well, who knows? Maybe someday you'll get access to a Belt of Disguise, or something.