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Looking to roll up a PFS Cavalier and had a question regarding mount options. I was in a game with another Cavalier recently and he had a very exotic mount that he gained at 4th (?) level. He had a griffon and said there was a feat (maybe it was an archetype) which allowed for more exotic options. He was a dwarf, but Im not sure it was a racial thing.
Can anyone help me with this?
I am very interested in the option of Mounted Combat (in flight) as an Archer based character. What would some nice options be for that as well?
Monstrous Mount and Monstrous Mount Mastery.
If you want a flying mount (like a griffon) you'd need Monstrous Mount Mastery and it would fly half speed while mounted. Not considered a great feat chain. But for simple mount with pounce/other combat options for those with limited animal companion choices, can be worthwhile.
I know that rangers had an archetype, called Sable Company Marines (or whatever it got renamed on D20pfsrd due to copyright) that let them grab hippogriffs (eagle/horse things like griffons; dumb as a brick, but hey, flying mount).
The PFS version of the archetype is from inner sea combat and it adds (and kind of forces you to take) the feats Protoman mentioned as combat style feats (not too bad since a lot of mounted combat is lance based, and that only needs a couple feats). It makes it so that your effective druid level is -1 instead of -3, so you might be able to skip boon companion.
It takes until level 8 (7 with boon companion) to get the thing strong enough to fly with you on it though. Still, it drops a big birdy monster on your lap at level 2. Which can be nice. Its speed isn't even bad, so it could work as a regular grounded mount until you get it up to level.
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There are other ways to achieve mounts with flight.
Taking those feats will do it....but your down feats. As an archer and mounted your feats are going to be spread thin.
I know Ranger has 2 archetypes that can help.
Beastmaster opens the ENTIRE druid list. (I use this one for a giant gecko)
Sky Stalker gives you the option to get a hippogriffe and adds the feats above to the list of your combat styles.
Hunter can pick anything off the druid list. A Roc is amazing.
The big thing you need to figure out is how often your large mount can fit in and fly in small places.
Since you mentioned archer I will highly push the giant gecko. He allows you to climb walls and hang from the ceiling and shoot out of reach of everything. Spider climb is amazing and I have not had issue with my little buddy.
Fruian,
Which class do you prefer as an Archer? (what do you play as with your Gecko). The gecko sounds fantastic actually....would I need a special saddle/harness to prevent falling out?
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Just click my Avatar I need a slight update on his progress but I believe I have up to level 7 completely mapped out in my character description.
I use Ranger for a Lance Charger myself with the Gecko as my mount. Makes dungeon diving super easy. My gecko and the rider support each other. My Ranger has mounted combat and my Gecko has Combat reflexes/Body Guard to help the rider or anyone else near him. Then the rest of my gecko's feats are for pure survival.
As far as saddles an Exotic Military saddle has straps the hold you into the saddle. Even while unconscious/helpless you have a 75% chance to stay in the saddle.
Funny thing is I bought my gecko and saddle after my very first session and when I dinged level 4 I made him my animal companion. Combat trained Geckos cost 150g. I have only equipted him with MW studded leather barding (0% ACP) for an extra +2 ac and put a Amulet of Natural armor +1 on him. (I plan to give him a Mithral chain mail soon tho) So I have not invested much into him cash wise.
As an archer I totally recommend Ranger as it has so much to offer you outside combat with all the skill bonuses. But a Hunter would be pretty nice as well. I just prefer the Full BaB of the ranger and the favored Enemies/Terrains.