Mounts

[armlocks101]

I'm seeking some clarification on mounts. If you do not have the Mounted Combat Feat then the only thing you can do is simply ride the mount? I'm most interested in the Giant Ant (pg 12 of the AV) as I just received him in a LFR mod. So I wouldn't be able to have the Ant bite or Skitter if I didn't have the feat? Riding a mount seems kind of cheesy to me and not really something I'm pumped up about but I don't want to pass something up that's a great benefit. I'm playing a cleric who just made level 2. I've read the PHB, DMG and AV info about mounts but still a little confused. Any info to help me is greatly appreciated.

 

[Mort_Q]

You are correct. Without the feat, you simply are able to ride the mount, not direct it in any overly skilled fashion.

You still get the benefit of a free saving throw to avoid being knocked prone though, so depending on the terrain and the campaign...

 

[borg286]

I'm seeking some clarification on mounts. If you do not have the Mounted Combat Feat then the only thing you can do is simply ride the mount? I'm most interested in the Giant Ant (pg 12 of the AV) as I just received him in a LFR mod. So I wouldn't be able to have the Ant bite or Skitter if I didn't have the feat? Riding a mount seems kind of cheesy to me and not really something I'm pumped up about but I don't want to pass something up that's a great benefit. I'm playing a cleric who just made level 2. I've read the PHB, DMG and AV info about mounts but still a little confused. Any info to help me is greatly appreciated.

You have it. W/o Mounted combat you don't have access to the attacks nor the special abilities/properties a mount offers.

the nice thing is that if you have heavy armor on and thus reduced speed, being mounted alleviates this limitation.
The downside is that the mount is included in blasts and bursts, and, while having no healing surges of its own, must be healed through other means.
Having a constant attack bonus and damage means that they become less awesome as you level.

You being level 2 would still not have access to skitter as it requires level 4.

If you do get mounted combat I recommend a war horse and do some charging. At level 6 get a giant riding lizard because he attacks whenever you do. Impenetrable barding is a must with mounts.

It is arguable that while mounted your bursts are increases based on the size of your mount due to poor wording in the DMG.

 

[Griogre]

That is not entirely correct. Heroic monsters (1st-10th level) have one healing surge, paragon have two and epic have three surges.

 

[borg286]

That is not entirely correct. Heroic monsters (1st-10th level) have one healing surge, paragon have two and epic have three surges.

you learn something every day.

 

[armlocks101]

Riding a mount doesn't seem too beneficial to me. Am I missing something? Wouldn't I rather spend my turn doing "Cleric" things than attacking with a mount?

 

[borg286]

Riding a mount doesn't seem too beneficial to me. Am I missing something? Wouldn't I rather spend my turn doing "Cleric" things than attacking with a mount?

riding a mount doesn't require you to attack with it. You can still do all your clericy things and simply use it to replace your movement and have an extra target to get pelted instead of you.
With the giant riding lizard he attacks when you do, thus you get to do whatever you wanted and the lizard attacks as a free action for free.

 

[armlocks101]

I don't suppose the giant riding lizard is a story award like the giant ant is?

 

[RangerWickett]

The real world use of horses and camels was typically to let you move around faster, not to trample someone to death. An archer with a horse on an open field is a wonder to behold.

 

[Turtlejay]

Plus flavor. It is cool to ride around on a giant ant. Ever seen Honey I Shrunk the Kids?

You sit on it's back and do your clericy things, whether that is casting or smacking, and steer it where you want to go, subbing it's movement for your own. You lose nothing, and gain. . .a giant ant that obeys your whims.

If nothing else, it turns heads when you ride into town and try to board it at the stable.

Jay