| Richard Amoroso |
This is something that I originally wrote up as part of a response to a different thread, but then realized that it probably warranted one of its own. I haven't had time (yet) to come up with any sort of specific mechanics, but I wanted to get the idea out there for discussion. If this has already been discussed, please link me to the thread and let this one die.
I'd really like to see some sort of alternate feature to the mount. Druids and rangers and paladins all have alternatives to having an animal follow them around.
A lot of campaigns simply won't have room for a mount. The current adventure path is the perfect example. Most of the path (thus far) takes place in confined areas where the mount would be nearly useless.
A lot of players will want to play a "Knight in shining armor" type who doesn't have to be mounted to make the most out of his features.
In my opinion, more options are nearly always better, and I think that all of the major class features should have choices. Every other class that has an familiar- or animal companion-type feature has an alternative. Druids can take a domain, Paladins can take a bonded weapon, Rangers can bond with the group, wizards can take a bonded item....
The alternative doesn't have to be the best (see Ranger), it just has to be something. The ranger alternative could be a starting point; allow the mount-less Cavalier to give some bonuses to his allies, via extra actions (roleplayed as tactical commands) or bonuses to their actions (tactical advice).
Any suggestions on how this could work mechanically? I'm going to give it some thought, so I'll post any ideas I have within the next few days.