So I was wondering if there are any rules regarding how a mount must move during combat. Here's the scenario:
One of the players in my campaign has a T Rex as a mount. He is a cavalier and charges all the time. My question is whether or not the dinosaur has to take time to turn around once he has ended around. Can he just do an instant 180 turn like a normal character or are there rules that govern movement kind of like when a character. Is flying? I hppe this question makes sense. Thanks for your help.
He moves like a normal charakter.
My question is whether or not the dinosaur has to take time to turn around once he has ended around. Can he just do an instant 180 turn like a normal character or are there rules that govern movement kind of like when a character.
Facing doesn't matter when you are on the ground. There are no rules governing facing, so whether he could turn around or not is not relevant.
As you noted, facing does matter when you are flying, but only during your move, not before or after.
So I was wondering if there are any rules regarding how a mount must move during combat.
Since you said Cavalier... a couple other notes:
You need to keep your eye on the Cavalier. He gets huge bonuses on charges and so will want to charge all the time. The reason he gets those big bonuses is because it is supposed to be difficult to set up a charge. Make sure you know at least the following:
from Charge:
* Movement During a Charge: You must move at least 10 feet (2 squares) and may move up to double your speed directly toward the designated opponent.
* You must have a clear path toward the opponent, and nothing can hinder your movement (such as difficult terrain or obstacles).
* You must move to the closest space from which you can attack the opponent. If this space is occupied or otherwise blocked, you can't charge.
* If any line from your starting space to the ending space passes through a square that blocks movement, slows movement, or contains a creature (even an ally), you can't charge.
* If you don't have line of sight to the opponent at the start of your turn, you can't charge that opponent.
* If you are able to take only a standard action on your turn, you can still charge, but you are only allowed to move up to your speed (instead of up to double your speed) and you cannot draw a weapon unless you possess the Quick Draw feat. You can't use this option unless you are restricted to taking only a standard action on your turn.
from Mounted Combat:
* If your mount moves more than 5 feet, you can only make a single melee attack (so your mount can't single or double move, then you full round attack)
One thing is except for a specific archetype a cavalier shoukdnt have a trex as a mount. Itsnot like the class needs the assistance from a power point f view.(given he seems to have room to charge)
One thing to realize is if he has room to charge hell hit a point where the lance attack is basically a save or die. Onmy thingslike walls etc will stoop it.
This isnt a good or bad thing just be aware of it as a dm