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View Full Version : [3.5] Keeping your phantom mount safe



Zaq
2010-07-19, 11:18 PM
So, the spells Phantom Steed (for wizardly types) and Phantom Stag (for druidly types) are pretty cool maneuverability. 20 foot move speed per caster level? Yeah, that'll take you where you need to go... and at higher levels, it can even fly. Pretty sweet.

Of course, a smart GM who tires of a full caster zipping around the battlefield at disgusting speeds will just shoot your mount out from under you, which kind of sucks, and is kind of easy for them to do. The phantom mounts don't really have great AC (ok, they have terrible AC), and don't appear to have any stats for saving throws. The feat Mounted Combat lets you use a Ride check in place of AC, but that's a pretty hefty investment, especially if you're something like a sorcerer (Ride cross-class, low on skill points, etc.)... and we all know that the really big bruisers will hit you anyway, pretty much no matter what your AC is. Plus, it's only once per round. Not the best return for a feat and a bunch of skill points.

So, with that in mind, what other options exist for keeping your mount safe? It doesn't appear to share spells with you (so no simply Mirror Imaging it safe), and it might not even count as a creature (it SHOULD count, but I've been wrong about fiddly things before). What can you do to keep yourself high in the saddle?

Ranos
2010-07-19, 11:23 PM
Say hello to Bottle of Smoke. All the speed of a phantom mount, none of the vulnerability. It dissipates to a gust of wind, but really, how often does the enemy have gust of wind prepared ?

Zaq
2010-07-19, 11:37 PM
Say hello to Bottle of Smoke. All the speed of a phantom mount, none of the vulnerability. It dissipates to a gust of wind, but really, how often does the enemy have gust of wind prepared ?

Bottle of Smoke is my backup plan, yes, hindered only by the fact that it can't fly. Granted, with the Jump check you get from having a 240' move speed, it can ALMOST fly, but it can't stay airborne.

Come to think of it, are there special rules for mounts and four-legged beasties jumping, either with or without riders?

Lysander
2010-07-20, 12:41 AM
Perhaps you could protect it with horse armor (up to its maximum encumbrance)?