I need to brush up on my Mounted Combat rules

[Camarath]

I am not sure what his reasoning was, but it makes sense to me to enforce that restriction for simplicity sake.

I just don't see any rule support for allowing Full Attacks with ranged weapons while not allowing Full Attacks with melee weapons. Is there something in the RAW upon which this based or is this just a house rule presented because it is sensible and reasonable?

 

[jodyjohnson]

I only said that because there is no rule given that prevents a missile user from full attacking while mounted, whereas melee attacks are very specifically restricted to a single melee attack if the mount moves more than 5'.

In the absense of a written restriction the normal action rules apply. I may have missed the specific prohibition against full missile attacks while moving more than 5'. They could have said only one attack rather than one melee attack.

 

[MerakSpielman]

I only said that because there is no rule given that prevents a missile user from full attacking while mounted, whereas melee attacks are very specifically restricted to a single melee attack if the mount moves more than 5'.

It seems that, if it takes a move action on the part of the rider to direct the movement of the mount, that they would only be able to full-attack if the mount didn't move or only took a 5' step, regardless of if they're using a missile or melee weapon.

 

[dcollins]

I just don't see any rule support for allowing Full Attacks with ranged weapons while not allowing Full Attacks with melee weapons. Is there something in the RAW upon which this based or is this just a house rule presented because it is sensible and reasonable?

PHB, Mounted Combat:

If your mount moves more than 5 feet, you can only make a partial melee attack. Essentially, you have to wait until the mount gets to your enemy before attacking, so you can't make a full attack...

You can use ranged weapons... you make the attack roll when your mount has completed half its movement. You can even exercise the full attack action while your mount is moving.

 

[MerakSpielman]

PHB, Mounted Combat:

If your mount moves more than 5 feet, you can only make a partial melee attack. Essentially, you have to wait until the mount gets to your enemy before attacking, so you can't make a full attack...

You can use ranged weapons... you make the attack roll when your mount has completed half its movement. You can even exercise the full attack action while your mount is moving.

Aha! That's why the Mounted Archery feat exists! I see now!

 

[Camarath]

PHB, Mounted Combat:

Ok I missed that thanks.

 

[jodyjohnson]

It seems that, if it takes a move action on the part of the rider to direct the movement of the mount, that they would only be able to full-attack if the mount didn't move or only took a 5' step, regardless of if they're using a missile or melee weapon.

Rereading the Handle Animal section but I think it only takes a move action to direct the animal for specific tricks including attacking a target. General movement was not on the trick list so is probably no action; although it's a Ride check with no hands (Ride DC5).

For Paladins and Sorc/Wiz their empathic link would bypass the Handle Animal skill. For Druids and Rangers with animal companion mounts handling is a free action.

 

[Shadeus]

Aha! That's why the Mounted Archery feat exists! I see now!

Mounted Archery sucks. It just reduces the penalties. But you only get a penalty if your mount makes a double move. So you have your horse move 60 ft (although a light warhorse will likely have a 50 ft. move bearing a rider) and you have no penalty. It's not worth a feat IMO.

 

[MerakSpielman]

Mounted Archery sucks. It just reduces the penalties. But you only get a penalty if your mount makes a double move. So you have your horse move 60 ft (although a light warhorse will likely have a 50 ft. move bearing a rider) and you have no penalty. It's not worth a feat IMO.

Yes, but if you can make a full attack with your bow while moving, it's like getting the Spring Attack feat for free. All-out run toward the enemy 1/2 your movement, let off a full attack, then run back. A penalty of some sort HAD to be imposed.

 

[Shadeus]

Yes, but if you can make a full attack with your bow while moving, it's like getting the Spring Attack feat for free. All-out run toward the enemy 1/2 your movement, let off a full attack, then run back. A penalty of some sort HAD to be imposed.

I guess...but that's only really good for an archer with sneak attack or who REALLY wants to be in range for PBS. Otherwise, why move at all? You've got some bow (likely) right? It has a good range increment, so that extra move doesn't buy you much.

It's only really useful when you are like 400 feet away and need to close in quickly. So you do a double move or a run and close that gap quickly. Other than that, it's only a mediocre feat. Better to save up for ride-by attack or spirited charge.