D&D 3E/3.5 3.5 Mounted Combat

[Grumbles]

Hey guys, I'm pretty new to D&D and brand new to these forums, and I had a few questions...
I'm pretty much in love with the flavor of the halfling outrider PrC, but I'm super confused on how mounted combat works.

I was hoping someone could give me a quick rundown on it. Like... Does the PC and the mount take separate combat turns? Do they share an initiative roll?

Overall, I'm just confused, and have no idea how it works.
Any help would appreciated, thanks guys!

 

[Dandu]

I've always seen it done as the rider's initiative and on the rider's turn. Rider gets to maneuver the mount as his move action and attack with his standard, or charge as a full round action.

That may not be what the rules say though; I hear that they can be somewhat complicated.

Also, advice for a mounted character: make sure your mount doesn't get shot out from under you.

 

[Grumbles]

Does the mount get an attack, as well?

So... The mount would move until it threatened the monster, then both the mount and PC get to attack?

 

[Dandu]

No.

 

[Grumbles]

So the mount basically just serves as a way to increase your movement speed/mobility, eh?

As well as making you cooler than the mooks that have to walk...

Thanks!

 

[Vegepygmy]

So... The mount would move until it threatened the monster, then both the mount and PC get to attack?

Yes, actually, with the appropriate Ride check. Dandu doesn't seem to know much about mounted combat, so I'm not sure why's he's posting here and giving you bad information.

I suggest you start here: Rules of the Game: All About Mounts (Part One)

And read the rest of the series, which you can find here: Rules of the Game Archive

 

[Dandu]

Yes, actually, with the appropriate Ride check. Dandu doesn't seem to know much about mounted combat, so I'm not sure why's he's posting here and giving you bad information.

"I'm doing my best."
-Geoffrey Peterson, robot skeleton sidekick

 

[RUMBLETiGER]

What kind of mount are you talking about?

Horse?

Gryphon?

Drakkensteed?

Centaur?

Rust Monster?

 

[Grumbles]

I was thinking about going halfing paladin (to grab up the free mount) then PrC to Halfling Outrider at lv 6 or so. I was probably going to be riding a dog, boar, or hyena.

Any suggestions on weapons/feats? I know the feats needed to PrC into HO, and have a general idea of the weapons...

I'd prefer to do most of the fighting myself, and try to avoid the "ubermount" that I've been reading so much about.

Also, thanks for the help, guys!

 

[Dandu]

Lances are good for charging, especially when combined with Spirited Charge.