"Leveling" a warhorse.

[Klaus]

The unicorn can take levels, as showcased by the Celestial Charger (unicorn cleric).

As for steed-items, there's the Bornze Griffon (figurine), the Ivory Goats (figurines) and the Stone Horse (not a figurine).

 

[Question]

Then does the unicorn start with equipment appropriate for its level? Seems a bit weird.

 

[brehobit]

Then does the unicorn start with equipment appropriate for its level? Seems a bit weird.

Everything to do with leadership is pretty much the DM's call. But the default would be yes, it would start with the equipment of a Nth level NPC. (if N is total HD or ECL is unclear I think). Many DMs require the NPC stuff to come from the PC (which is mighty reasonable)

Im not sure how i get a unicorn as a mount? 8 hd unicorn with +4 LA = 12th level cohort? Can i stick class levels on the unicorn then?

I'm not sure where the 8HD is coming from. A normal unicorn is 4HD I believe. Then the +4LA then the class levels. Like I said, paladin is probably best, but cleric works well...

I think you just need to ask the DM if any of the options seems reasonable, and how he wants it done (stuff, ECL if an awakened warhorse, stats are the biggies).

Mark

 

[Question]

Well a unicorn is listed as being able to advance to 8HD, and the rules for that are fairly clear cut........

 

[brehobit]

Well a unicorn is listed as being able to advance to 8HD, and the rules for that are fairly clear cut........

I'd argue that for a unicorn, the class level thing is _very_ clear cut. ECL is specified AND there is an example of a (half-celestial) unicorn with class levels in the MM. Pretty clear. And much better than just HD.

In anycase, best of luck with the DM! I don't think any of this is overpowered, or even non-core. So it should be pretty easy.

Mark

 

[Question]

So do you mean that the unicorn would be able to take class levels before maxing out at 8HD?

 

[irdeggman]

Avalanche Press' Noble Steeds includes rules for leveling a mount, essentially siphoning off up to 10% of the rider's XP to the beastie. It even has some steed specific 'character classes'. Rather a nifty book, though not one I have integrated inro my campaigns. (No real reason, just a lack of player interest in having trained mounts.) It is available as a PDF from Drive Thru RPG.

In the Saddle by E. N. Publishing has rules for feat training, but not normal experience if I recall correctly. While I have found it a bit less impressive than Noble Steeds it has been integrated, largely because of the section on horsey spells.

The Auld Grump

Ditto on Noble Steeds. I like the book (although 3.0 it still willl work in 3.5). But then again I'm prejudiced as those people at Avalanche are friends of mine.

But regardless it is a very fine system mechanically. Too bad Q can't use it.

 

[frankthedm]

Handle animal + Advanced Dire wolf.

Advance a griffon to huge?

If you need horseshoes of speed, then Dire boar is your toughest and fastest choice. Sadly, they are a touch suicidal.

Rhino? a tough slow, but thier charge is pretty nice.

Centaur /frenzied beserker?

 

[Klaus]

So do you mean that the unicorn would be able to take class levels before maxing out at 8HD?

Sure. There's no mandate to only take racial HD before getting class levels. A 4HD Unicorn with +4 LA is effectively an 8th-level character. As soon as he reaches 9th-level per the cohort rules, he can take a class level. Paladin (specially Paladin of Freedom) works great, as does Cleric.

As for equipment, he would theoretically be entitled to it. I'd give it a mithral chain barding, an amulet of natural armor and horseshoes of a zephyr.

 

[Seule]

The obvious solution is to take some Paladin levels instead of Fighter levels, as Cavalier will stack with Paladin for the mount abilities. Voila, a levelled heavy warhorse.
Plus, the combination of Smite Evil and Deadly Charge is just sick, particularly with Power Attack. I have a Paladin 8/Cavalier 5 who's getting up there, and it works well. Many fewer feats than a fighter, but you can still get most of the mounted feats and a couple others, and your mount will be tough, with Improved Evasion (and a bunch of other abilities), and you have a couple of spells even.
Death on a stick, basically. I currently get two Deadly Charges and two Smites per day. Coincidence? I think not.

--Seule