We can say the mounted combat pathfinder basically the rules are not at all complicated.
The various sort of maneuvers one can perform while on a mount, what amount cannot do as well as one can do in battle, and, most importantly, how exactly charges while on a mount function.
The designers of the game for both the 3rd Edition of Dungeons & Dragons as well as the Pathfinder RPG have attempted some sort of supplemental rule sets for mounted combat( pathfinder),
both sets of designers have agreed to the fact that the mounted combat system simply does not work as written, since, many PCs simply refuse to use mounts in combat, and the rules did not need any modification.
Here we will discuss some rules and such rules represent an amalgamation of some of the various rules published in non-sourcebook locations in both editions of the game, as well as a few house rules, which are mentioned for the purpose of clarification and elaboration.
Such rules are broad rules that are meant to apply to all characters, regardless of whether or not they are trained riders.
Table of Contents
Mounts in Combat (pathfinder)
These rules apply to being mounted on a horse in combat but can also be applied to more unusual steeds, such as a griffon or dragon.
Horses, ponies, as well as riding dogs are meant to serve readily as combat steeds. Mounts that do not possess combat training get afraid of combat.
If one does not dismount, they must make a DC 20 Handle Animal check each round as a move action to control such a mount.
If one succeeded, then he/she can perform a standard action after the move action.
If one fails, the move action becomes a full-round action, and the person cannot do anything else and have to wait till the next turn.
Usually, the combat-trained mounts are always willing to take action.
In absent mitigating circumstances, to control a combat-trained mount battle you do not have to make a Handle Animal check you can simply direct a mount as a move action and it will obey the commanded action.
There is another direction you can give to a combat-trained mount as a free action by succeeding at a Handle Animal check.
Combat while Mounted-
Your mount always does or acts on the initiative you take until and unless it is intelligent. Your mount in order to move uses its action and you move along with it.
One shares one’s mount’s space completely when one is mounted and multiple riders share their mount’s space as well.
If you want to guide your mount you can easily do so with the help of a DC 5 Handle Animal check and which can guide your mount with your knees so that both hands can be used to attack or defend yourself.
Things to know about attacks of Opportunity While Mounted combat pathfinder–
Usually, you are free to make attacks of opportunity as normal while mounted.
But if your mount is war-trained, and possesses the capability of making attacks of opportunity, it can make attacks of opportunity even while you are riding it, if you have succeeded on a Handle Animal check to control your mount in battle.
Whereas if you fail this check, then either you or your mount can make attacks of opportunity against a provoking enemy but not both.
You do not get the chance to decide which one of you will make attacks of opportunity until one of you gets a chance to make the attack of opportunity.
Picking up an Item While Mounted combat pathfinder –
If you want to pick up an item while mounted combat, You can but it is not easy pickup or to grab something off the ground when you are sitting at the top.
In order to do so, you have to succeed on a DC 15 Handle Animal check to swing down and grab an item off the ground without dismounting.
You can grab any item you want during the mount’s movement but ensure you are able to physically reach the object in question in order to grab it.
The DC increases to 25 if the mount runs and to 20 if the mount makes a double move and to 25 if the mount runs.
There is an alternative way, you can try to grab a person on the ground and lift them up onto your mount by just succeeding at a Handle Animal check as well as a special grapple check.
When you succeed on both the above-mentioned checks, your target is hauled up onto your mount, and your mount keeps its move as normal.
If your target is an enemy or unwilling, you need to succeed on a grapple check as normal but in case the target is willing, you do not need to succeed on a grapple check beyond hitting your target’s CMD.
Lastly, your mount now should be capable of carrying the new burden.
If the new burden is too heavy for your mount to carry, your mount will immediately stop its movement along with that its speed gets reduced for remaining moves till it is gotten rid of at least enough weight to put it into its light load.
Mounted Defences –
The attackers can aim at any one of you either your mount or you while you are mounted. Anything that affects many creatures like an area, will affect both of you as long as you are both present in the area.
You will be on an attacker’s radar or reach if any square of your mount falls within reach or range.
This is because our mount is larger than you and you share its space, and since there is lesser cover against attacks targeting you when you are mounted if the mount would be in the way.
Since you will not be able to move your body as freely while you are riding a mount, you can take a –2 circumstance penalty to Reflex saves while mounted combat pathfinder, and the only move action you can use is the Mount action to dismount.
Casting Spells While Mounted –
If you wish to cast a spell, you can normally do that if your mount moves up to a normal move either after or before you cast.
If your mount has moved both before and after you cast a spell, then you understand you are casting the spell while the mount is moving, and you have to make a concentration check due to the rapid motion (DC 10 + spell level) or lose the spell.
Whereas if your mount is moving at quadruple speed, you will be able to cast a spell when your mount has moved up to twice its speed, but your concentration check is harder because of the violent motion (DC 15 + spell level).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Charging on a mount?
Charging on a mount is a special full-round action that allows you to move up to twice your mount’s speed and attack during the action. Both you and your mount must use a full-round action to charge, with the exception that, if your mount is not war-trained, you must attempt a Handle Animal check to spur your mount to charge. Like charging on foot, charging while mounted carries tight restrictions.
How to deal with an attack on charge?
Attacking During a Charge in mounted combat pathfinder at the end of your mount’s movement, it makes a single attack with its primary natural weapon (usually a hoof, for a horse). You can also make a single attack, applying the usual +2 bonus from charging to your attack roll. If there is a reach weapon (such as a lance), you can easily make your attack from the square from which you can legally attack your opponent.
How can I withdraw from combat?
You can simply withdraw action while mounted just by using your mount’s speed rating. The first square you and your mount leave are not considered threatened and neither you nor your mount provokes attacks of opportunity when you leave that square. But remember you cannot attack while making a withdrawal action in this way.
What to do if the mount falls in Battle?
You need to succeed on a DC 15 Ride check to make a soft fall and ensure that there is no damage when your Mount Falls in Battle: If your mount falls, you have to. But in case the check fails, you should take 1d6 points of damage.
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