Start an animated object thread!!!

[dhaga]

The horse comes into physical contact with something everytime it enters an enemies square. Each time it does this it may move the enemy 2 squares back or trample them. There is no save for these effects.

You're talking about the effect of a bull rush, in the first part, pushing an enemy back. While this is a viable tactic, the horse may have a difficult time pushing back a larger opponent. You also state there is no save for this attack. It would not be a save anyway; it would be an opposed check (probably opposed Strength check; I’d have to double-check the Bull Rush rules). If the horse wins, the opponent is pushed; if the opponent wins, they don’t get pushed (the Bull Rush attempt may also provoke an attack of opportunity (AoO) – also not sure on that).

Also, you talk about the horse entering an opponents square; this would provoke an attack of opportunity from the opponent. This attack may be negated when you’re using the horse in conjunction with the Swarm of Toys, but that would be a special case, which should be documented separately.

 

[dhaga]

When a rocking horse attempts to trample someone it rears up and crashes down on top of them

Would probably only affect opponents smaller than the horse (in this case, Tiny or smaller). May want to increase the size of the horse or change the way this ability works (perhaps Trample Toes instead of just Trample ).

 

[Catapilla]

Haha! Good one with the trample toes. However I think you'd be surprised how heavy these horses can be (I used to have one.). Believe me, if one even just slammed into you you'd know about it, let alone with paranormal strength. I'd be surprised if it didn't knock someone over, and then they could trample much more than toes. Just because
something is small doesn't mean that it's not heavy and got a lot of power behind it. Also, I don't like the idea of increasing the size as the next size up is medium which is Human commoner size. I doubt a horse of those proportions is really a good monster to make just because rocking horses are genarally smaller than humans, not larger.
Also about the entering a square thingy, I thought that that would be standard knowledge, and would not have to be documented. I mean I know I'm not experienced but I know about them. Do I have to tell the people that they can use the opportunity attacks? Oh and finally, about the bull rush, the reason I didn't use the fact that the opponent has a chance is because I thought that even if they would try to withstand it, they would get burned, provoking a recoil in which the horse has a chance to knock them flying, without any resistance. Is that unfair??? Oh and also I will change the stat thing because I do agree that probably large or huge things getting trample or knocked backwards does seem slightly unreallistic.

"And suddenly, without warning the rocking horse sprang on the elephant, and knocked it flying across the room, sending crockery and floorbloards splintering into the air"

Although that idea is entertaining, I do agree, it is unreallistic. However, it should be able to trample humanoids!! Anyway, Thanks. I guess I wasn't being specific enough...
I'll change it.

 

[Catapilla]

I've changed it. Please tell me if you strongly disagree with my ideas that the horse is heavy. My old one was...........

Anythin' else?

 

[dhaga]

Also about the entering a square thingy, I thought that that would be standard knowledge, and would not have to be documented. I mean I know I'm not experienced but I know about them.

I included the AoO comment for your benefit, as I know you’re new to the game. If you already know about them, great

If your players are also very new to the game, I have found it is good to remind them of the AoO rules when the come up the first few times. After that, leave it to them. They’ll catch on, especially after they take a few such attacks themselves.

I think it’s fine to keep the horse at the current Small size, make it heavy, and have it be able to knock over Medium opponents. You’ve already stated they can make a save to avoid being knocked down (and subsequently trampled). You may consider allowing a modifier to the save according to the opponents size. Or just leave it as-is, for ease of use.

 

[dhaga]

If it wasn't for the chance of 2d8 fire damage, I'd say the CR would be 1. Though the "time in the fire" is good for flavor, as far as mechanics go, you may consider making the fire damage a flat amount, say 1d4. Others may disagree on this; just my opinion While 1d4 damage isn't much, with the slam it's 2d4, and for any 1st level characters other than a fighter or barbarian, that could drop them into unconsiousness.

I think the maltreated toys are a great idea, by the way. I like having the chance to help you get them more "game-ready"

 

[Catapilla]

But I like it as it is.....I dont wanna change that..... Its special to me....... Is there any other way (looking pleadingly at computer screen, praying silently).
I dont wanna.......
Thanks for your comment on the idea though. Do you think the 2d8 is too high. I think it might well be........

 

[dhaga]

I do think 2d8 is too high for the fire damage. With 15 hp and a slam at +1 melee, you probably would not be using the horse against much higher than a 1st or 2nd level party, right? Say the horse hits a character with its slam: it deals 1d4 damage (average 2) plus 2d8 fire damage (average 9), for an average total of 11 points of damage. That's enough to knock any 1st level non- fighter or barbarian into a "dying" status.

As I look at it, though, you could probably get away with CR 2. It doesn't move very fast, and can be killed with ranged weapons or spells pretty easily. CR 1 with the lowest listed fire damage.

 

[Catapilla]

You are right. The stats just don't add up do they. I've got a CR1 monster with a CR3 or 4 attack, which is easy to use. This won't do...