Rules for Mounts


Rules Questions

Grand Lodge

Is there anywhere in the rules where it is defined what rules determine what creatures can serve as mounts for other creatures?

I assume that an ogre could not charge into combat on the back of a goblin, but I haven't been able to find the actual rules that say that a mount has to be larger, have 4 legs, etc.


Many of said rules are described under the Ride Skill (CRB Chapter 4 "Skills), and others are covered under Mounted Combat (CRB Chapter 8 "Combat").


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The mounted combat rules are among the least robust in the game. Once you start treading outside the default assumptions of medium PC/large quadruped mount it can fall apart fast.

What counts as a suitable mount is largely left to the discretion of the GM.

There is a strong inference throughout the rules that a mount should (normally) be at least one size larger than the rider. This is probably most evident in the feat undersized mount.

There is a recent prestige class that permits riding a snake, and I haven't seen anything restricting a mount to being a quadruped. The rules can get a little ropey (more so than usual) with a bipedal mount so be careful with that.


There are penalties associated if the mount possesses an unusual anatomy. But technically speaking I think it's legal for a Halfling to mount a human for example (assuming the human is willing to be subjected to the rules for being mounted).


You can always refer to carrying capacity​ and the weight of potential riders.


Some rules are also covered in the specific creatures Bestiary entry "Elk" is one that comes to mind. But yeah, a Player's companion book that actually codifies some rules on mounts and mounted combat holistically would be nice.

Scarab Sages

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Yeah, a mounted Combat book would be nice. It gets a little tiring when I have to learn a new way to play my Ride-by Attack character with each new PFS GM. I just want it consistent and clear, new ways to run a mount would just be gravy.

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