Why is the wolf harder to summon than the riding dog?

[Jadeite]

Summon Nature's Ally now lists the riding dog as a creature summonable with SNA1 while the wolf is in the SNA2 list. The creatures are rather similar, with the riding dog having a better strength and the wolf having a better natural armor and a greater speed.
But it would seem, that the riding dog is of greater use as a summon since his greater strength not only increase his chance of hitting but also his damage and his ability to trip his opponent (an ability he didn't have in 3.5).
The riding dog would probably the better choice if the riding dog and the wolf were on the same level. But they aren't. And who would chose one wolf when he could get 1d3 riding dogs?

[Dragonborn3]

I agree with you, riding dogs are better than wolves in most aspects.

A riding dog could be trained for war in 3.5 and be able to make trip attacks. The name changed to war dog or hunting dog.

[Dennis da Ogre]

Can't answer this question until I see the (possibly revised) statblocks in the Bestiary.

[Ross Byers]

Dennis da Ogre wrote:

Can't answer this question until I see the (possibly revised) statblocks in the Bestiary.

Both the riding dog and wolf are in the Bestiary Preview!

[Dennis da Ogre]

Ross Byers wrote:

Dennis da Ogre wrote:

Can't answer this question until I see the (possibly revised) statblocks in the Bestiary.

Both the riding dog and wolf are in the Bestiary Preview!

D'oh!! I still haven't read that.

[Set]

So I just read the Pathfinder Bestiary versions of the 'Riding Dog' (oh, how I HATE that name!) and the Wolf.

I'd still want a Riding Dog *over* a Wolf. Neither is different enough to warrant being on a higher level list, 'though.

Note to self: Have Druid use SNA1 to summon up 'riding dogs,' but reskin them to be hyenas. Looks more wildernessy than calling up a Saint Bernard...

[Wolfthulhu]

I take great offense at this development. A dog better than a wolf? Blasphemous!

scowl

[Dragonborn3]

So use a wolf-dog.

[Dennis da Ogre]

I agree, now that I looked. I want my GM to send wolves against me though since you get twice as much XP for fighting them.

[Dragonborn3]

Dennis da Ogre wrote:

I agree, now that I looked. I want my GM to send wolves against me though since you get twice as much XP for fighting them.

At which point you summon war dogs to take the wolves down!

[Gene 95]

Dragonborn3 wrote:

At which point you summon war dogs to take the wolves down!

I wonder if dogfighting is illegal in Golarian.

[Dragonborn3]

Gene wrote:

Dragonborn3 wrote:

At which point you summon war dogs to take the wolves down!

I wonder if dogfighting is illegal in Golarian.

Check Riddleport's description, it might be explained there..

[Gene 95]

Dragonborn3 wrote:

Check Riddleport's description, it might be explained there..

I dunno, Riddleport isn't exactly the pinnacle of Golarian society. ^_^

[Heathansson]

Summon wolf and summon riding dog is really the same spell; the material component is a poodle in heat.

I guess there's just more riding dogs around, cos Sarah Palin shot all the wolves.

[NOM NOM NOM]

Dragonborn3 wrote:

So use a wolf-dog.

ARE YOU MAD?!?!

Next thing you know, you'll be recommending Hawk-wolves, with guns!

[KaeYoss]

So when are we getting the hawkwolf stats, my gunslinger...

NOM NOM NOM wrote:

Dragonborn3 wrote:

So use a wolf-dog.

ARE YOU MAD?!?!

Next thing you know, you'll be recommending Hawk-wolves, with guns!

... oh. I see, someone asked already.

Let me ask you something: I is it terribly unstylish to have a hawkwolf using a desert eagle?

[hogarth]

My horse summoned with the Mount spell can kick your dog's arse. And it lasts 1,200 times as long, to boot!

(Note that "light horse" as a creature no longer seems to exist, according the Bestiary Preview -- there's just "horse" and "advanced horse".)

[jreyst]

For anyone who hasn't downloaded the Preview Bestiary yet (do it now!):

• Dog
  
• Riding Dog
  
• Wolf
  
• Dire Wolf

You can see those stats (and the stats from every other beastie from the Preview Bestiary, as well as the Bonus Bestiary, on d20pfsrd.com)

[Adelwulf]

You people talk so meanly about us poor wolves *sniff* :`(

Why is the wolf harder to summon than some mangy, wolf-bred-practically-out-of-it dog?

Because we require better treats to summon!

(btw, venison jerky wolf treats really are good if you want to summon us, we dig those! *licks chops*)