alternate paladin mounts...need help..please

[chip079]

ok a character of mine has recently died, and i will be returning as a 6th level dwarven paladin. i want to try the whole mounted combat thing it seems pretty cool, but i do not want the typical knight on a warhorse image. i am looking for something that has to do with caves and or underground enviornment. first of all can a paladin summon different type of mount? and if so what are the guidlines, i have heard that the longer you wait the better the mount you can get...is this true? if it is what is available? i was looking in the Mm and saw a couple low HD and CR creatures. i like the Ankheg(p.18) or the Giant Stag Beetle(p.206). there is also the possibility of a Cave lizard, but i dont think that is too original. i want something different. another question i have involves creature advancement, if the mount reaches the appropriate HD its size increases, does this affect the way in which the paladin can ride it? i know logic isnt encouraged in D&D but how can a medium size character effectively battle on the back of a Huge mount? so my question is does the mount have to increase in size when it reaches the appropriate HD total? if the mount does increas in size, does that mean that the paladin needs a reach weapon? oh ya, and one more thing is it assumed that all paladin mounts are adapted to combat, like say a warhorse? or do you have to make all of those nasty ride DC's for a non combat mount? i know that this is kinda a lot of stuff but i had some questions and needed answers. well any input you guys have will be appreciated, and thanx ahead of time...

 

[Crothian]

DotF touches on this. The HD addition from a Paladin class is different from creature advancement, so it'll never increase the mounts size.

 

[chip079]

ok that is good news thanx for the expediant reply. if anyone else has comments pleas share. thanks again

 

[chip079]

oh yeah and just to double check the bonus natural armor bonus granted a paladins mount stacks with the already existing value right? thanx for the input

 

[Crothian]

THe Nat Armor bonus the mount recieves from tha Paladin does stack

 

[Leopold]

well chip go get the DotF!

 

[Valmur_Dwur]

Reaper has a mini of a dwarf riding on the back of a bear. Don't know if this is your cup o tea but it does make for a cool theme, plus the mini to match the idea

 

[silvertable81]

Oh just try giving a Centaur Paladin a mount.

 

[kreynolds]

Oh just try giving a Centaur Paladin a mount.

No problem. Just give him a female Centaur.

 

[chip079]

well thnx for the input(some of you) i pretty much have a better understanding of the mount system now. so thnx again for the help.