Ghost Rider clarifications

[halloweenjack]

Hi all,

I am trying to build a Ghost Rider Cavalier and have a few uncertainties that I cannot find clarifications on.

1. I am I correct in thinking that the hit die and saves for the ghost mount is that of a spiritualist's phantom?
2. A small creature may have a wolf - does the ghost wolf still get the trip attack?
3. Does the mount get the phantom's DR?
4. Can I put barding on an ectoplasmic mount? When it goes away, do I need to carry the barding and tack?
5. Do I need to get attack II for the mount? If we have a spiritualist's link, I would think that is not necessary...

Any help or ideas are welcome!

[Chess Pwn]

1) you used the spiritualists phantom as a mount
2) no, it's the same attacks and stats as the normal mount, but you'd look different.
3)yes as it is a phantom
4)no phantoms can't wear armor
5)You don't have any tricks, it's a phantom. Phantom's don't get animal tricks.

[halloweenjack]

Thanks! This is where I am running into trouble. It expressly says that it is combat-trained, so I thought it had that package of tricks.

If phantom's can't wear armor, and this includes tack, this would mean I need to take a penalty on ride checks without a saddle?

Doesn't a normal wolf mount get a trip attack? It is a wolf, and a wolf is specifically called out as a possible mount for a ghost rider. I guess for the ghost rider, the type of animal is just a flavor?

Planning on using this character for a Confirmation game this week, and still working out what he can do and when, and the mount is the oddest part.

[Chess Pwn]

the animal is just flavor as far as I can see since it gives the stat block to use for the companion and doesn't distinguish a different between animals.
Phantom's can wear gear and magic items, just not armor.
"Fully manifested phantoms can wear [magic items] and use items (though not wield weapons) appropriate to their forms." fixed with FAQ.

[Kintrik]

phantom's can use items, they just can't wear armor or wield weapons. So you can still put a saddle and tack on it.

also remember your phantom mount can't attack anyone protected by a "protection from " spell that matches your alignment. They never gave phantoms the same caveat that eidolons got.