a question about mounts [Archive] - Wizards Community

a question about mounts [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Praesidium_Supernius
01-21-06, 07:37 PM which of the druid's animal companions can be used as a mount by a halfling? I couldn't find a copy of the monster manual anywhere.
Praesidium_Supernius
01-21-06, 11:25 PM But I am going to several other stores tomorrow to find one. I'm just wondering which animal companions for a level 1 Druid can be used as mounts by a halfling, specifically the eagle and wolf, right now.
Darth Sephiroth
01-22-06, 12:52 AM They should at least be medium sized, and if you have the MM2 you could try to convince your DM to let you train it to gain the Warbeast template...
skywyze
01-22-06, 11:32 AM Technically - any animal that fits the following criteria can serve as a mount:
1) One size category larger than its rider. Since halflings are small, this means the animal must be medium or larger.
2) Animal subtype. Not magical beast for example.
3) Willing to carry you. Usually this means that the animal has to have animal intelligence (a score of 1-2), and the abillity to learn tricks.
4) Able to carry you. Usually this implies having four legs, but it's not a requirement.
5) Not awakened as per the spell. If it is ever awakened, it ceases to be an animal companion, as per the spell description.

Additionally, due to differences in bone structure between herbivores and omnivores/carnivores, a carnivore will be very uncomfortable to ride. Horses and other herbivores require large, heavy stomachs to digest grass and other primary producers so their backs grow hard and rigid to provide extra structural support. Big cats - such as lions, cheetahs and leopards - all have flexible backs to provide added survivability and maneuverability. Because of their flexible back bones, carnivores will tend to sway a lot as they walk, compared to, say, horses. With this in mind, I suggest that a special exotic saddle be made specifically for the creature in question if it's a carnivore.

My personal favorite is a slightly altered cheetah. That 500 foot movement per round thing really comes in handy, and allows for some incredible jumps. Over allies, enemies, walls... Even if it IS just once per hour. And it looks cool, even if it IS used a lot in fiction.

Hope that helps.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Praesidium_Supernius 01-21-06, 07:37 PM	which of the druid's animal companions can be used as a mount by a halfling? I couldn't find a copy of the monster manual anywhere.
Praesidium_Supernius 01-21-06, 11:25 PM	But I am going to several other stores tomorrow to find one. I'm just wondering which animal companions for a level 1 Druid can be used as mounts by a halfling, specifically the eagle and wolf, right now.
Darth Sephiroth 01-22-06, 12:52 AM	They should at least be medium sized, and if you have the MM2 you could try to convince your DM to let you train it to gain the Warbeast template...
skywyze 01-22-06, 11:32 AM	Technically - any animal that fits the following criteria can serve as a mount: 1) One size category larger than its rider. Since halflings are small, this means the animal must be medium or larger. 2) Animal subtype. Not magical beast for example. 3) Willing to carry you. Usually this means that the animal has to have animal intelligence (a score of 1-2), and the abillity to learn tricks. 4) Able to carry you. Usually this implies having four legs, but it's not a requirement. 5) Not awakened as per the spell. If it is ever awakened, it ceases to be an animal companion, as per the spell description. Additionally, due to differences in bone structure between herbivores and omnivores/carnivores, a carnivore will be very uncomfortable to ride. Horses and other herbivores require large, heavy stomachs to digest grass and other primary producers so their backs grow hard and rigid to provide extra structural support. Big cats - such as lions, cheetahs and leopards - all have flexible backs to provide added survivability and maneuverability. Because of their flexible back bones, carnivores will tend to sway a lot as they walk, compared to, say, horses. With this in mind, I suggest that a special exotic saddle be made specifically for the creature in question if it's a carnivore. My personal favorite is a slightly altered cheetah. That 500 foot movement per round thing really comes in handy, and allows for some incredible jumps. Over allies, enemies, walls... Even if it IS just once per hour. And it looks cool, even if it IS used a lot in fiction. Hope that helps.