You are wrong. From the PHB page 178: "You also make a Wisdom (Animal Handling) check to control your mount when you attempt a risky maneuver."
"risky maneuver."
Jumping a river?
I think I'm not clear in saying that there is no risky maneuver as the Shadow Sorcerer has
full vision and control it.
Why would the Shadow Sorcerer put Steeds in any risky maneuver since he can fully see everything around him?
"So it is a matter of whether or not the DM thinks taking the dash action and galloping blinded at full speed is a
"risky maneuver". I would opine that most DMs would consider this risky."
I strongly disagree.
If It is an independent mount... I couldn't agree more. It's a Risky Maneuver.
But, It's a
controlled mount that is
controlled by a creature with >
full vision<, It isn't risky maneuver, not even close.
"While I am at it, the rules are also clear that you don't get advantage using scorching ray on a prone enemy that can't see you, but you have conveniently ignored that many times on this thread."
I didn't answer because the answer is objective, the Shadow Sorcerer can attack effectively in many ways, it doesn't depend exclusively on a single combo. Remember, this is a Standard Sorcerer, not just a melee character with a sword.
The prone creature will be devoured by the Hound, the entire melee party will have advantage and you can simply cast a Saving throw spell that the enemy will have a disadvantage (the hound) or simply send a fireball or any spell other than a direct attack. Prone means you are in serious trouble.
That's why I say this is the best build tier 1 and tier 2, high ac, immunity against "you must see" effects, high mobility and best in everything you do.
Melee, excellent or the best.
Metamagic and disadvantage to the enemy. OK?
Reliable and strong ranged damage? OK
A lot of damage and burst? OK
No matter the occasion, this build has many possible ways to resolve it, it's not just a melee with a sword in hand, its a full caster with metamagic and the hound.
With high cha and magical guidance, it's easily the party face