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?
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?