One thing I wanted to see changed from 3.5 was Ride-use untrained. I tried riding an 'easy' horse once, and it wasn't all that easy. And I certainly wouldn't have been able to stay mounted at speed, AND do something else, like fight. Learning how to do that would require some...doing. I suppose you could argue that denizens of most fantasy worlds have spent more time around horses than most of us in the industrialized west. But in 3.5 and Pathfinder, someone with no experience at all riding would not only be able to ride a horse, but have a good chance of making a Fight with Warhorse check. I just don't think that's reasonable.
I haven't reverted to the skillpoint system of pathfinder rpg yet, I use a homebrew kind though I am interested in some ideas pathfinder brought forth.
every PC (standard races at least) start with 6 hp + con
and (2 + int)x4 skillpoints, all chosen from the commoner list as described in the DMG, this gives them some basic access to some interesting and basic skills, ride, craft, profession, listen, spot and some other basic skills most people in a medieval fantasy setting would logically be able to pick up, so most players actually can ride to some extent. that is 0-level, 1st level isnt multiplied, but they get increased skillpoints every level 3,6,9 or 12 so they will be better for it eventualy.
I'd think you'd get a penalty on untrained skills even though you can try them untrained, a -4 non-proficiency penalty seems reasonable and mirrors the rules for wielding a weapon. It is what I use in most cases, so it is certainly worthwhile taking at least 1 skillpoint in it.
One thing I wanted to see changed from 3.5 was Ride-use untrained. I tried riding an 'easy' horse once, and it wasn't all that easy. And I certainly wouldn't have been able to stay mounted at speed, AND do something else, like fight. Learning how to do that would require some...doing. I suppose you could argue that denizens of most fantasy worlds have spent more time around horses than most of us in the industrialized west. But in 3.5 and Pathfinder, someone with no experience at all riding would not only be able to ride a horse, but have a good chance of making a Fight with Warhorse check. I just don't think that's reasonable.
And really who knew Aragon was such a horseman? He never rode one in the first parts. But when plot necessitated he ride well, he hoped up on there and "oh, of course!" he knew how to ride. That's just fantasy stories for you.
Hmm... The first time I was on a horse (7th grade? -- decades ago, anyway) I didn't have any trouble, nor any of the other (rather infrequent) times I've ridden.
I must have had an easier horse than you each time, or rolled better on my checks.
Hmm... The first time I was on a horse (7th grade? -- decades ago, anyway) I didn't have any trouble, nor any of the other (rather infrequent) times I've ridden.
I must have had an easier horse than you each time, or rolled better on my checks.
note that basic riding does not call for checks though, special manoeuvers do unless it has been changed now...
note that basic riding does not call for checks though, special manoeuvers do unless it has been changed now...
You do have a point. I shouldn't read or post when I'm this tired... I didn't read the OP as well as I thought.
Riding is one of those nuance skills though, like profession. Those ones fighters never spend points on. Anyway, if it was an trained-only skill then the party would have to debate every character creation if they are going to be mounted or walking and not everyone will want to spend points on riding but not everyone wants to walk (happens to me now and it is an use-untrained skill) and just slows things down.
They need to keep it as a seperate skill though to differentiate levels of skill for mounted combat. But just strolling along to get to the dungeon shouldn't require skill points or even checks.
Riding is one of those nuance skills though, like profession. Those ones fighters never spend points on. Anyway, if it was an trained-only skill then the party would have to debate every character creation if they are going to be mounted or walking and not everyone will want to spend points on riding but not everyone wants to walk (happens to me now and it is an use-untrained skill) and just slows things down.
They need to keep it as a seperate skill though to differentiate levels of skill for mounted combat. But just strolling along to get to the dungeon shouldn't require skill points or even checks.
Like I said a bit earlier it doesnt really matter for basic riding since that does not call for a check at all,anyone can ride, however someone untrained getting hit by an attack while mounted has a very good chance to be unsaddled opposed to a trained rider for example.