Dire Lion as a Paladin Mount

[Herremann the Wise]

3.0 interpretation

As described in Defenders of the Faith, a Paladin may find a Dire Lion as their special mount.
However, it is somewhat ambiguous to work out a few things.

The Dire Lion is an animal - receiving good saves for:
Fortitude
Reflex
Will

However, a Paladin's mount is a Magical Beast and not an animal.
Magical Beasts receive good Fortitude and Reflex Saves.

Which set should be used?

In addition, Magical Beasts have a d10 hit die where as Animals only have a d8. This is confused by the fact that the extra HDs a Paladin's mount receives are d8's!?

Again, which way do you go and why?

Best Regards
Herremann the Wise

PS: While I'd prefer a 3.0 ruling, any opinion would be fine. Thanks in advance.

 

[Artoomis]

This is cleared right up in the 3.5 DMG section on special mounts.

EDIT: Also the 3.5 PHB.

 

[Celtavian]

re

Use the original creatures saves, the listing of good Fort and Reflex is stating the common good saves for an animal. If it so happens that your mount has different good saves, then you should use those.

I ride a Half-dragon Dire Lion. The creature itself still gets all the special attacks, abilities and saving throws of a creature of its type.

 

[Brekki]

Use the original saves ... animals have good fort and reflex save ... dire animals and legendary animals have all good saves.