Calen
2018-08-12, 03:17 PM
Hello everyone, recently I was inspired to make a subclass for a mounted combatant. The other mounted subclasses I have seen all fixate on the idea of a knight or heavy cavalry. What I am looking to emulate is the light cavalry, the skirmisher or mounted archer. I specifically tried to not overlap with the Mounted Combatant feat so that the player can take it and not feel like part of it is wasted, or alternatly, not take it if they desire. I also tried to ensure that some of the elements gained at each level do not require a mount. Thanks for your critiques if you decide to leave any.
Edit Log 1.1
Added some ribbon elements to Born to the Saddle
Added some sidebar style explanation.
Edit Log 1.2
Reduced damage potential of mounts
Removed lance proficiency
Increased mount survivability.
Reduced the effects of the Level 6 feature
Monastic Tradition: Way of the Parthian
Among some monasteries the mastery of self is coupled with the mastery of cooperation. Some view their mounts as servants, some as friends. Monks of the parthian way are dedicated to mastering how to ride as well as how to fight from the saddle, whatever creature it may be on.
Horse Master: When you choose this tradition at 3rd level you are an expert at fighting as one with your mount. You gain proficiency in Animal Handling if you do not already have it. During a long rest you may bond with a mount, the mount must be with you for the entire duration of the rest. A mount that is bonded with you has 4 x your monk level HP or its own HP, whichever is higher and it gains a bonus to its saving throws equal to half your proficiency bonus.
Two Lives - One Ki: Choosing this tradition at third level allows you to use a bonus action to spend a ki point to have your mount take one of the following actions in addition to its normal action.
Make an attack
Dash
Dodge
Disengage
Lance and Bow: Starting at sixth level your control of spear and bow become superb. When using a spear you have advantage with the first attack that you make on your turn, provided that you move at least 50 feet before the attack. When using a bow you can use a bonus action to make an extra attack with the bow provided that you end your turn farther from the target than when you started.
Born to the Saddle: Starting at sixth level you and your mount are able to perform death-defying feats while you are mounted. You have advantage on ability checks made to show off or perform tricks such as riding while standing, hanging from the saddle or other stunts. In addition you can,
You can Deflect Missiles that are targeted at your mount.
You only require 5 feet of movement to mount or dismount.
Fast and Strong: Starting at 11th level while you are mounted your mount’s AC matches your unarmored defense AC and its speed is increased by an amount equal to your unarmoured movement. When your mount critically strikes a target you can immediately make an unarmed strike. When you critically strike a target your mount can move 10 feet. This movement does not provoke attacks of opportunity.
Horse Whisperer: Starting at 11th level you can use your action to end a charmed or frightened effect on a creature of your choice within 5 feet of you.
Cataphract: Starting at 17th level you have mastered working in cooperation with your mount. As long as you are mounted your mount is protected by your Evasion and Diamond Soul skills.
Prone to Success: Starting at 17th level your time trick riding has taught you to treat lying down as a potential boon instead of a problem.
You have advantage on any saving throw to avoid be knocked prone.
You do not have disadvantage on attacks while prone.
You cannot be knocked prone from your mount unless you are incapacitated.
If you start your turn prone you can make a Unarmed Strike as part of standing up.
Sidebar: The skills of a parthian monk are primarily intended for mounts you are controlling, not intelligent creatures, however if you are riding an intelligent creature you can use the Two Lives - One Ki feature to allow an intelligent creature to use one of the designated actions as a bonus action. Any attacks that require a recharge or consume a resource can not be used as an attack.
Edit Log 1.1
Added some ribbon elements to Born to the Saddle
Added some sidebar style explanation.
Edit Log 1.2
Reduced damage potential of mounts
Removed lance proficiency
Increased mount survivability.
Reduced the effects of the Level 6 feature
Monastic Tradition: Way of the Parthian
Among some monasteries the mastery of self is coupled with the mastery of cooperation. Some view their mounts as servants, some as friends. Monks of the parthian way are dedicated to mastering how to ride as well as how to fight from the saddle, whatever creature it may be on.
Horse Master: When you choose this tradition at 3rd level you are an expert at fighting as one with your mount. You gain proficiency in Animal Handling if you do not already have it. During a long rest you may bond with a mount, the mount must be with you for the entire duration of the rest. A mount that is bonded with you has 4 x your monk level HP or its own HP, whichever is higher and it gains a bonus to its saving throws equal to half your proficiency bonus.
Two Lives - One Ki: Choosing this tradition at third level allows you to use a bonus action to spend a ki point to have your mount take one of the following actions in addition to its normal action.
Make an attack
Dash
Dodge
Disengage
Lance and Bow: Starting at sixth level your control of spear and bow become superb. When using a spear you have advantage with the first attack that you make on your turn, provided that you move at least 50 feet before the attack. When using a bow you can use a bonus action to make an extra attack with the bow provided that you end your turn farther from the target than when you started.
Born to the Saddle: Starting at sixth level you and your mount are able to perform death-defying feats while you are mounted. You have advantage on ability checks made to show off or perform tricks such as riding while standing, hanging from the saddle or other stunts. In addition you can,
You can Deflect Missiles that are targeted at your mount.
You only require 5 feet of movement to mount or dismount.
Fast and Strong: Starting at 11th level while you are mounted your mount’s AC matches your unarmored defense AC and its speed is increased by an amount equal to your unarmoured movement. When your mount critically strikes a target you can immediately make an unarmed strike. When you critically strike a target your mount can move 10 feet. This movement does not provoke attacks of opportunity.
Horse Whisperer: Starting at 11th level you can use your action to end a charmed or frightened effect on a creature of your choice within 5 feet of you.
Cataphract: Starting at 17th level you have mastered working in cooperation with your mount. As long as you are mounted your mount is protected by your Evasion and Diamond Soul skills.
Prone to Success: Starting at 17th level your time trick riding has taught you to treat lying down as a potential boon instead of a problem.
You have advantage on any saving throw to avoid be knocked prone.
You do not have disadvantage on attacks while prone.
You cannot be knocked prone from your mount unless you are incapacitated.
If you start your turn prone you can make a Unarmed Strike as part of standing up.
Sidebar: The skills of a parthian monk are primarily intended for mounts you are controlling, not intelligent creatures, however if you are riding an intelligent creature you can use the Two Lives - One Ki feature to allow an intelligent creature to use one of the designated actions as a bonus action. Any attacks that require a recharge or consume a resource can not be used as an attack.