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Maybe a stupid question, but can I take a mount class feature and just never ride it? If I just use the mount as either a pack mule NPC, or a combat pet, does that somehow "violate the terms of service" and cause the mount to leave my service?
Seems like the class feature is built around the idea that it is a mount...
Maybe a stupid question, but can I take a mount class feature and just never ride it? If I just use the mount as either a pack mule NPC, or a combat pet, does that somehow "violate the terms of service" and cause the mount to leave my service?
Seems like the class feature is built around the idea that it is a mount...
Most (standard) mounts for medium sized riders are not good at being combat pets (Horse, camel). But a small sized pc could well have a wolf, dog or boar companion and only fight alongside it without ever riding it. If it is a mount it has to be able to carry you. But that's all.
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Consider also playing an archetype which get rids of the mount for maximum efficiency. Guessing you are talking about the cavalier. The daring champion is very good.
More like a lazy player that doesn't want to have to write up a second character...
But, yeah, I was looking at the cavalier. It is a rather annoying class in the respect of not wanting to play with mounted combat. Basically, ditch mount (and a bunch of class abilities), go Musketeer, go Huntmaster, or go with the Daring Champion. Standard Bearer also has the option so long as you don't plan to stay a Cavalier past 4th.
The challenge ability is really cool and they should have an archetype that focuses more on that. I like the tactician and banner abilities too. All the archetypes that drop mount also drop or alter these other abilities.
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Most (standard) mounts for medium sized riders are not good at being combat pets (Horse, camel). But a small sized pc could well have a wolf, dog or boar companion and only fight alongside it without ever riding it. If it is a mount it has to be able to carry you. But that's all.
You can get around this, if you want.
Half orcs have a nifty "beast rider" feat that expands the mount list to include some better ones for a combat pet. Monster codex adds the Gorthek to this list. Humans and half elves can get this via the Racial Heritage feat. 7th level, I think.
Dhamphirs have an "vampire companion" feat, which is actually more impressive on a common animal because it gains a "dominate animals of its kind" ability. Pretty sure 10th level on this one. Again, Racial Heritage here too.
Aasimar have that Celestial Servant feat, which adds a bit of smite action, for even a mundane companion. This one cannot be used via Racial Heritage because Aasimar are not humanoids.
And you've still got the "Evolved Companion" fun, if you want a minor cosmetic difference between your horse and others.
Most (standard) mounts for medium sized riders are not good at being combat pets (Horse, camel). But a small sized pc could well have a wolf, dog or boar companion and only fight alongside it without ever riding it. If it is a mount it has to be able to carry you. But that's all.
I did the math once umbranus, and I forget the tipping points exactly, but early on the horse is a superior combatant to the wolf or dog. Mostly because of the extra attacks. The one real difference that comes into play is how much you value the trip attack that wolfs get. The analysis I did was actually based on having either as a mount for an archer, and obviously trip did not help in the case, so I just kind of threw it out altogether.
Most (standard) mounts for medium sized riders are not good at being combat pets (Horse, camel). But a small sized pc could well have a wolf, dog or boar companion and only fight alongside it without ever riding it. If it is a mount it has to be able to carry you. But that's all.I did the math once umbranus, and I forget the tipping points exactly, but early on the horse is a superior combatant to the wolf or dog. Mostly because of the extra attacks. The one real difference that comes into play is how much you value the trip attack that wolfs get. The analysis I did was actually based on having either as a mount for an archer, and obviously trip did not help in the case, so I just kind of threw it out altogether.
Interesting to know. But without reduce animal a medium fighting partner has other benefits, too. Perhaps that is why I dismiss the horse so easily.
The main thing is that once you have a combat trained mount, the hooves stop being secondary weapons which means their damage goes up. You then have three attacks and a 16 strength. Wolf/dog get one attack with 13 strength. AC works out the same based on natural armor and dex differences. Certain factors can definitely it in one direction over the other. If you expect to be fighting inside often, will the GM have NPCs react to the presence of a wolf, do you benefit from trip and how much, etc. There is more to consider than straight combat output.
Honestly for my group DPR of animal companions is of minimal concern when that companion is a mount. We have a gentleman's agreement not to target an animal companion mount so long as the mount does not actively attack the enemy. Since the mount is usually significantly wekaer than the PC riding it most of us take the mounts as a means of conveyance or a needed facet of a combat style, not as an combatant.