combat with a Paladin's mount

[Yort]

Since my paladin's mount did more damage than my paladin last gaming session, I've decided to invest some research into properly utilizing my warhorse. So I'm looking for some answers/opinions on a few quick questions about mounts.

Assuming that the warhorse does a full attack of 2 hooves and a bite, is a five-foot step still available for it, or does it have more or less range of movement due to it's large nature?

If the paladin makes his Ride check and makes an attack, does this change the above situation?

After charging with the heavy lance, can the warhorse make any attacks/moves?

Can the paladin make one attack and the mount one hoof attack and then move it's full range?

Basically, does the warhorse attack and move under the same rules as a PC would, depending on its size and speed?

 

[Ridley's Cohort]

In general, one may take a 5' step between the attacks of a full attack sequence. That applies to the warhorse, yes. Size is irrelevant.

By a strict reading of the Ride skill you need to make a DC 10 Ride check for the rider to attack at all. I would allow the Paladin to direct a special mount through his empathic link as a free action in this case, but that is a DM call. But, no, the Ride check does not change the above as far as the horse is concerned.

The warhorse and rider are taking a charge action. Both may make attacks. I do not think they even need to attack the same target. BTW, if you read the rules for charging carefully, you will notice that the rider/horse must stop as soon as either may make an attack. Since the lance has reach that may mean the horse must stop short before having a legal target within threat range. I would ask you DM about this one, too.

Basically, yes. In a nutshell, think of the mount as your special legs, and "align" your actions for simplicity's sake. Yes, on [<paladin attack> + <horse attack>] + [50' move]. No, on <paladin attack> + [50' move] + <horse attack>.

Just wait until you can share Bull's Strength, then your equine friend will really outshine you. I speak from first hand experience.

 

[shilsen]

Assuming that the warhorse does a full attack of 2 hooves and a bite, is a five-foot step still available for it, or does it have more or less range of movement due to it's large nature?

Yes, it can still take a 5-ft step. Size does not preclude use of a 5-ft step.

If the paladin makes his Ride check and makes an attack, does this change the above situation?

No.

After charging with the heavy lance, can the warhorse make any attacks/moves?

No. Since the mount would have to stop as soon as the attack was made and the lance has reach, it would not be able to attack too.

Can the paladin make one attack and the mount one hoof attack and then move it's full range?

Yes. It would be the equivalent of using the attack action and taking a move.

Basically, does the warhorse attack and move under the same rules as a PC would, depending on its size and speed?

Yes, but there are differences when it has a rider. Check PHB pg. 157 (and the Ride skill) for details.

 

[Klaus]

Of course, the current Rules of the Game article series by Skip Williams is All About Mounts, so you're in luck!