Optimal Mounted Combatant?

[Skead]

Hi there, I'm starting a new campaign with some buddies and the DM has a lot of books.
So I've always liked a paladin type that focused on Mounted Combat, I didn't like paladins lack-luster damage (please correct me if I'm wrong), so was hoping to do something like that.

He allows most humanoid races, so any suggestions on that would be muchly appreciated (im leaning on Aasimar)

Thanks!

 

[nittanytbone]

Are you starting at level 1?

Avoid LA like the plague. A small race often does well when mounted, as their mounts are Medium sized and can thus be brought anywhere. Also note that Power Attack works the same for small critters or medium critters. The trick is to find a class that advances special mount progression. Here's a few that come to mind:

- Any (with Wild Cohort feat)
- Any (with Leadership)
- Druid (great class, only lacks martial weapon proficiency and bonus feats)
- Paladin
- Beastmaster PrC
- Wild Plains Outrider
- Halfling Outrider
- Ranger (but has terrible progression)

The natural bond feat is great with any sort of druid companion.

A goblin could make an interesting mounted combatant, with their racial bonus to ride checks and affinity for worgs. Start with a wolf then upgrade to riding dog when you get a bit of cash. The Beastmaster PrC will keep your mount viable at higher levels. Wild Plains Outrider synergizes great with some rogue or ranger levels to create a very fast, mobile and fairly hard hitting (with the "pounce" like ability of Wild Plains Outrider 3) scout.

Strongheart halflings are great too for the bonus feat.

 

[Klaus]

If you want to make dragons explode, go Paladin -> Cavalier, trading the special mount for the Charging Smite ability (PHBII). Your mount will be mostly disposable (unless you manage to buy a construct mount or something to that effect).

 

[irdeggman]

A goblin could make an interesting mounted combatant, with their racial bonus to ride checks and affinity for worgs. Start with a wolf then upgrade to riding dog when you get a bit of cash. The Beastmaster PrC will keep your mount viable at higher levels. Wild Plains Outrider synergizes great with some rogue or ranger levels to create a very fast, mobile and fairly hard hitting (with the "pounce" like ability of Wild Plains Outrider 3) scout.

Strongheart halflings are great too for the bonus feat.

The problem with small sized races is that their weapons do substantially less damage (and since the OP "complained" about lack-luster damage. . ..)

But other than that I agree that they do make for very interesting (and fun) mounted combatant races.

 

[irdeggman]

Will the game take place such that mounted combat will be fairly common?

This is not always the case - so be careful on focusing on that.

If you are worried about their lack-luster damage then focus on 2 weapon fighting styles and power attack. Tremendous power output in 3.5.

Lances work, but only if you can "charge".

You could try the spell-less paladin variant from Complete Warrior.

At 4th level any weapon wielded is treated as good-aligned for overcoming DR.

11th level - can add +4 bonus to Str, Wisdom or Charisma scores once a day

13th level - get beter at curing mount (via lay on hands)

16th level can use Holy Sword 1/day

 

[frankthedm]

The problem with small sized races is that their weapons do substantially less damage (and since the OP "complained" about lack-luster damage. . ..)

Not once power attack enters the picture. Keep both hands on the lance and the damage becomes obcene once you start multiplying.

Medium mounts also have the benefit of being 5' wide. Horses being 10' fat really hurts mounted combat in D&D. Miniatures Use 1"x2" cavalry bases for a reason. Yes, it is a little more complicated, but at least the rider can charge. but nooo, Mr Ed has to take up twice the space in 3.5 than in most saner systems.

 

[nittanytbone]

Not once power attack enters the picture. Keep both hands on the lance and the damage becomes obcene once you start multiplying.

Agreed.

Interestingly, small sized races have the potential for greater damage output. Sure, their weapons do -1 damage on average (downgrading 1d8 to 1d6 is -1 damage). But they get a +1 size bonus to hit. That can be translated via power attack into +2 damage, or +6 damage on a charging mount with spirited charge!

They do lose out on -2 STR usually, but the added versatility of being able to bring your mount anywhere your medium sized companions can go is well worth it.