Running Mounted Combat - Tactics?

[wedgeski]

Hi folks. I'm about to run my first large-scale mounted combat this weekend (PC's vs. several mounted opponents). I'm well versed on the rules of course, but can anyone offer any advice on how to make the most of mounted attacks? Of course you have the obvious extra advantage of charges, overruns, +'s to hit, and so on, but in the same way as there are good ways to run melee, what are good tactics to use if you're controlling combatants on horse-back? How do you make the most of these advantages?

Thanks for any advice!

 

[domino]

Will the PCs be mounted?

If so, the best way to do things is to make sure they don't stay that way.

 

[wedgeski]

Will the PCs be mounted?

If so, the best way to do things is to make sure they don't stay that way.

No, they won't be mounted.

(Although one of them does have several ranks in Ride and, if I know the way he thinks, which after being his DM for 20 years, I do, he will probably try to use one of the enemy's warhorses against them. )

 

[domino]

As I suggested to someone else with mounted combat issues, try to snar/lasso/net one of the characters, then use the horse's strength and size to drag him, prone, to an area where he is now, prone, flanked, and entangled, letting either rogues or other mounted enemies with lances slam him, while they've got a +6 to hit him without his dex bonus.

 

[wedgeski]

As I suggested to someone else with mounted combat issues, try to snar/lasso/net one of the characters, then use the horse's strength and size to drag him, prone, to an area where he is now, prone, flanked, and entangled, letting either rogues or other mounted enemies with lances slam him, while they've got a +6 to hit him without his dex bonus.

That's exactly the kind of thing I'm after - thanks!

Note to potential posters: I don't want to be RBDM about this, but I do want to give the characters real food for thought on going up against mounted enemies in the future (of which there will be many).

 

[Infiniti2000]

Divide and conquer is always good, as is focusing on a single target. Give one of the bad guys (BG) improved trip and have him attack a somewhat-separated PC first by tripping him on a rideby attack. Then, all the subsequent attackers can more easily hit the PC, using that advantage for +4 on power attacks or just easier attacks.

 

[LokiDR]

As I suggested to someone else with mounted combat issues, try to snar/lasso/net one of the characters, then use the horse's strength and size to drag him, prone, to an area where he is now, prone, flanked, and entangled, letting either rogues or other mounted enemies with lances slam him, while they've got a +6 to hit him without his dex bonus.

Actually, that would +8 to hit him (+2 flank, +4 prone, +2 from target's -4 dex). -4 dex is not the same as no dex.

One trick I liked mounted opponents who didn't have ride by was to use a reach weapon, ready action to strike, and guide the horse to move past the target 10 feet away.

I've found horse archers fairly effective. Direct the horse to double move near the target. When you are within 30 feet, take a shot and use your point blank. If the party is weak on ranged attacks, they will have to do a lot of running around and seperating. If the archers focus on the ranged types and have some support from a caster or two, they can be quite dangerous.

 

[Ridley's Cohort]

IRL mounted combatants with a numerical advantage would pepper the opposition with missile fire to punish them for not spreading out, then annihilate the footmen with charging attacks if they actually do break formation.

Of course, those tactics will fail miserably against PCs whom will probably have more firepower at range. But you might add a few disposable horsemen to get killed for trying it, then have the real elites join in... It would add to the fun.

Here is a funky trick to keep them on their toes: Jump over the front line PC and make a charging attack against a spellcaster in the rear. Mounted Combat and a high Ride check can help protect against the AoO.

If the Rider+Mount get a full attack, have the horse Grapple. The horse may not be able to hit for damage against a PC's AC, but with Large size and good Str it has a good chance of screwing someone up. And one in a Grapple the PC's threat zone goes away so other riders can charge in.... Probably will not work, but it is worth a try if the opportunity arises.

 

[domino]

Actually, that would +8 to hit him (+2 flank, +4 prone, +2 from target's -4 dex). -4 dex is not the same as no dex.

Yeah, but I figured the no dex was worse than the -4, if they've got a dex higher than 14, which is farily likely.

Unfortunately, the smashing hammer of a cavalry charge fails in DnD rules, but other ways to take advantage of a higher speed are handy. People have mentioned the ride-by attack and missile weapons.

 

[Stalker0]

Yeah I also agree speed is the key. The horsemen can spread out, avoiding fireballs and the like, and hit the party with bow weapons. The party can never catch them due to the horse's speed, the horsemen can get +4 against the parties bow attacks (use the horse as cover), and they can also do a charge attack if one party member gets isolated.