| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
BenN
Senior Scribe
Japan
382 Posts |
 Posted - 24 Jun 2014 : 01:51:24
|
Are there any rules which could affect (or prevent) casting spells while on horseback?
I'm currently developing a character that is basically a spell-casting knight type; if you can imagine a mounted bladesinger, flinging spells on a galloping charge, switching to attack with sabre after closing with the enemy.
Needing both hands for spellcasting is obviously one factor, but hands-free horsemanship is historically 'a thing' (think of Mongol horseback archery). And I guess the physical extertion of a thundering charge could affect the concentration necessary for casting.
Thoughts? Any other factors/ problems I should consider?
|
|
|
Diffan
Great Reader
USA
4438 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jun 2014 : 02:39:51
|
Depends on edition.
• Dungeons and Dragons Next: There doesn't appear to be any restrictions on casting spells while mounted.
• 4th Edition: there's no restriction on casting spells while mounted.
• Revised 3rd Edition:
quote:
Originally posted in the SRD
Casting Spells while Mounted
You can cast a spell normally if your mount moves up to a normal move (its speed) either before or after you cast. If you have your mount move both before and after you cast a spell, then you’re casting the spell while the mount is moving, and you have to make a Concentration check due to the vigorous motion (DC 10 + spell level) or lose the spell. If the mount is running (quadruple speed), you can cast a spell when your mount has moved up to twice its speed, but your Concentration check is more difficult due to the violent motion (DC 15 + spell level).
|
Edited by - Diffan on 24 Jun 2014 02:40:31 |
 |
|
|
Bladewind
Master of Realmslore
Netherlands
1280 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jun 2014 : 13:05:25
|
Might have a look at the very strong PrC, Zhentarim Skymage (Lords of Darkness). This one makes a flying familiar/mount into a terror in battle through casting a buttload of buffs on yourself and the mount due to shared spells.
Other cool options in 3.5 are the Moonsea Skysentinel (Champions of Valor; good antimage build with spell turning), High-One Warrior-Wizard Alternate Class Feature (Champions of Valor web enhancement; better mount familiar), Aglarondian Griffonrider (Unapprouchable East; for some grat tactical options) and Halfling Outrider (CWar; better at mounted melee and mount durability). These are particularly great when trying to build a sturdy (or even beastly super-)mount.
Remember that most mounts fear alot of magic effects. Wartraining might not remove a warhorses fear for fire when casting a fireball nearby, so expect to invest some skill points into ride, untill you can reliably calm down a horse in battle (dc 20). Also it requires two attack tricks to be able to let the mount attack unnatural enemies such as undead or elementals.
|
My campaign sketches
Druidic Groves
Creature Feature: Giant Spiders |
|
|
|
Diffan
Great Reader
USA
4438 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jun 2014 : 17:03:30
|
| I also created a Prestige Class called the Pegasus Knight of Cormyr which could easily be coupled with spellcasting. A Wizard / Warblade (Tome of Battle) could easily be a powerful character for Cormyr. |
|
|
|
The Masked Mage
Great Reader
USA
2420 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jun 2014 : 02:47:30
|
| If you are the kind that goes back into older editions, there used to be rules about it (can't remember if it dates to 2nd or 1st E), most likely the original source was a dragon mag article. Like most proficiency rules from back then, they were DM optional to add more realism if desired. |
|
|
|
sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11825 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jun 2014 : 04:10:14
|
Just a thought, if you're looking into mounted flying mages for 3rd edition, I did write up these rules for a Thayan Griffin Legionnaire prestige class. It focuses on gaining things like the somatic weaponry feat to help simulate why they learn to cast while mounted and with weapons in hand. Its not the greatest for spellcasting advancement (3 out of 6 levels advance spellcasting), BUT by the end your griffin becomes your familiar and is stronger, you've got the ability to wear light armor (better if you take feats to improve this), and you can take 10 while casting and mounted.
http://forum.candlekeep.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9304 |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
Horseback spellcasting
