Beast-Riders

Dragonhelm · Mar 19, 2014

One of my favorite concepts from the AD&D 2nd Edition Complete Fighter's Handbook was a kit called the beast-rider. To me, this is a great concept for a number of classes. Pathfinder has a version of it for their cavalier class, but it doesn't totally feel right to me.

How would that concept be represented in 13th Age? Is it just a background, or would there be something more?

Evilhalfling · Mar 19, 2014

Ranger with animal companion talent would be the best way to represent it.
The only way to start with an effective beast ally.

If you just wanted the skill then a background would do it.
Famous Gladiator Beast rider of Axis
Snow serpent rider of the northern wastes

go nuts

Dungeoneer · Mar 19, 2014

I think [MENTION=16991]Evilhalfling[/MENTION] is right: the ranger's animal companion talent shows the way. It's a powerful ability, so it should take up two talent slots. The steed's extra abilities should be strictly defined as to when in the turn they happen.

I think the real trick is how you would represent a rider's increased speed, since speed is not an attribute of the combat system.

Larrin · Mar 20, 2014

Speed would likely be shown by making it harder to intercept them, easier for them to pop-free or become engaged or intercept, and similar impact on things of that nature. (not familiar enough with the system yet to advise specifics). Two mounted people would likely end up being a net-zero effect, 'speed'-wise.

Bishop_ · Mar 21, 2014

Dragonhelm said:
One of my favorite concepts from the AD&D 2nd Edition Complete Fighter's Handbook was a kit called the beast-rider. To me, this is a great concept for a number of classes. Pathfinder has a version of it for their cavalier class, but it doesn't totally feel right to me.

How would that concept be represented in 13th Age? Is it just a background, or would there be something more?

Beast-riding will be a option in the forthcoming 13 True Ways.