D&D 5E (2014) Mounted Combat Question

[Baumi]

If your horse use the Dodge Action (as per mounted combat rules) .. does this count for the rider too?

I think yes, since the rider also profits from Dash or Disengange, but Dodge seems really strong.

 

[Leatherhead]

My gut reaction says no, mostly because it would make it very hard to attack at the same time, and because it would make the mount a more attractive target than the PC, which I feel is the opposite of the intended effect.

The actions are there to keep the mount alive, because it's a punch in the gut to kill someones' horse. The loss of gold resources alone is a bitter pill to swallow, but the loss of character concept and a (possibly) major NPC are even more potentially devastating. The rider benefits from the actions by basically exploiting forced movement and the clause that states opportunity attacks only happen if you use your movement. (Which I am fine with, otherwise mounted combat would be stupid)

However, it does make logical sense, and it would make mounted combat an extremely strong, if brutal to animals, option. You should play test them both a bit to see which one fits more with the themes of the campaign you are trying to run.

 

[Paraxis]

Nothing in the rules state that it would, so I would assume the rider does not benefit from his mount's dodge action. It works out well as it makes the rider a more attractive target than his mount.

 

[miniaturehoarder]

see below...

 

[Paraxis]

Oh that is expressly called out?

Good point. It doesn't say anywhere the rider benefits from the mounts Disengage action. If the mount uses his action to Disengage it doesn't provoke attacks of opportunity, the rider himself would also have to Disengage if he wanted the same benefit.

Now Dash, obviously since the mounts movement is used in place of the riders there is a benefit there.

 

[Baumi]

Good point. It doesn't say anywhere the rider benefits from the mounts Disengage action. If the mount uses his action to Disengage it doesn't provoke attacks of opportunity, the rider himself would also have to Disengage if he wanted the same benefit.

Now Dash, obviously since the mounts movement is used in place of the riders there is a benefit there.

But that would make no sense. How would the Mount be fast enough to Disengage but the Rider, who just sits on top, does not. Also it fits perfectly to a mounted Warrior to ride through enemy hordes while slashing left and right (except if they readied their attacks especially a spear).

 

[Leatherhead]

Good point. It doesn't say anywhere the rider benefits from the mounts Disengage action. If the mount uses his action to Disengage it doesn't provoke attacks of opportunity, the rider himself would also have to Disengage if he wanted the same benefit.

Actually it DOES say that if another creature moves you, you do not provoke opportunity attacks, on page 195 of the PHB. You don't even have to disengage, you simply cannot be OAed if the horse is doing the movement. The disengage action is purely so the horse doesn't get smacked on the way.

 

[miniaturehoarder]

I think yes, since the rider also profits from Dash or Disengange, but Dodge seems really strong.

I say no way. The mount takes the Dodge action. The other two actions benefit the rider by happenstance.

Dash benefits the rider because they are on the mount.

As said abouve, Disengage doesn't 'apply' to the rider; the wording of the OA rules prevents the rider from drawing OAs in the first place while mounted. In fact if someone Disengages on foot, then mounts and the mount dashes out of threatened areas, those OAs can be directed at the disengaging character thanks to the mount rules.

 

[Paraxis]

Actually it DOES say that if another creature moves you, you do not provoke opportunity attacks, on page 195 of the PHB. You don't even have to disengage, you simply cannot be OAed if the horse is doing the movement. The disengage action is purely so the horse doesn't get smacked on the way.

Very good point.

 

[Baumi]

Yes indeed!