Mounts

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A mount is any creature that has been trained to the purpose of "Riding" or that has received "Combat Training". Both of these purposes can be trained into any creature, via the Handle Animal skill. With the proper training, any creature can be made into a mount (with GM approval). Intelligent creatures will likely require some serious negotiations before allowing anyone to ride them (at least a nice dinner first), but with the proper incentives, it may even be possible to ride a dragon. Of course, staying on a dragon will require at least as much skill as convincing one to let you ride it in the first place.

This page details the rules for creating a mount from any creature, as well as a wide variety of example mounts. The prices listed for the example mounts assume the mount is Combat Trained. A mount which is only trained for the Riding purpose costs half the listed amount.

Mounted CR

Mounts have a Challenge Rating (CR) just like monsters in the Bestiary, but the Mounted CR can vary greatly from a creature's normal CR, depending on the movement speeds and combat benefits granted by the mount. For example, Dire Bats are CR 2 in the Bestiary, but have a (minimum) Mounted CR of 13.

To determine a mount's Mounted CR, look up each of its movement types and speeds provided on the table below, and add these numbers together. If the mount also grants bonus damage to its rider's melee attacks (if combat trained), each point of bonus damage is counted as a +1 modifier to its Mounted CR.

For example, Dire Bats grant their riders a Lesser Flight speed of 60 ft. (a +15 CR modifier), and a Walk speed of 10 ft. (a -2 CR modifier, because it's terrible). The sum of these modifiers (15 - 2 = 13), is the Dire Bat's minimum Mounted CR. If the Dire Bat also grants a +2 bonus to its rider's melee attacks, its Mounted CR would increase to 15.

Move Speed CR Modifier
Walk Vaulting Burrow Tunnel-
ing		 Earth Glide Lesser Climb Greater Climb Brachi-
ating		 Hover Lesser Flight Greater Flight Lesser Swim Greater Swim Jet Lesser Teleport Greater Teleport
10 ft. -2 +3 +7 +11 +16 +4 +12 +2 +23 +10 +15 +1 +5 +3 +16 +22
20 ft. -1 +4 +8 +12 +17 +5 +13 +3 +24 +11 +16 +2 +6 +4 +17 +23
30 ft. 0 +5 +9 +13 +18 +6 +14 +4 +25 +12 +17 +3 +7 +5 +18 +24
40 ft. +1 +6 +10 +14 +19 +7 +15 +5 +26 +13 +18 +4 +8 +6 +19 +25
50 ft. +2 +7 +11 +15 +20 +8 +16 +6 +27 +14 +19 +5 +9 +7 +20 +26
60 ft. +3 +8 +12 +16 +21 +9 +17 +7 +28 +15 +20 +6 +10 +8 +21 +27
75 ft. +4 +9 +13 +17 +22 +10 +18 +8 +29 +16 +21 +7 +11 +9 +22 +28
90 ft. +5 +10 +14 +18 +23 +11 +19 +9 +30 +17 +22 +8 +12 +10 +23 +29
120 ft. +6 +11 +15 +19 +24 +12 +20 +10 +31 +18 +23 +9 +13 +11 +24 +30
150 ft. +7 +12 +16 +20 +25 +13 +21 +11 +32 +19 +24 +10 +14 +12 +25 +31
180 ft. +8 +13 +17 +21 +26 +14 +22 +12 +33 +20 +25 +11 +15 +13 +26 +32
210 ft. +9 +14 +18 +22 +27 +15 +23 +13 +34 +21 +26 +12 +16 +14 +27 +33

Advancing A Mount's Mounted CR

After a mount has been purchased or acquired, a player can choose to advance its CR as high as they wish above its starting CR. The only limit on this is the expenditure of time and money to do so, though players are also cautioned that higher CR mounts are much harder to control in combat (see Mounted Combat for details).

For each additional CR that a mount is advanced, the player must expend the difference in cost on the table below from the current CR to the new CR, as well as spend one full day of working with the mount. Working with a mount uses up a full day each time the CR is advanced by 1. If you spend more than 1 hour doing anything else during a day you are working with the mount (except meals and short rest breaks), that day cannot be counted toward advancing its CR.

Once a mount has advanced its Mounted CR, that 'point' of CR can be spent on one of two things:

  • increasing one of the mount's movement speeds (refer to the table above) by one step, or
  • increasing the mount of bonus melee damage the mount grants to its rider by +1

In most cases, mounts cannot acquire a new movement type than those they already possess. GMs may allow exceptions to this, especially in a case where a beloved mount has served the character faithfully for many levels, and the new movement type is just an improvement over an existing type (for instance, our example Dire Bat might graduate from Lesser Flight to Greater Flight). Such changes ALWAYS require GM approval, and are very rare. It is recommended that players just acquire a new mount with the desired movement type.

Mount Prices By Mounted CR

The prices below reflect the cost of a mount with the listed Mounted CR. All mounts are assumed to be Combat Trained at these prices. Mounts which are merely trained to the purpose of Riding cost half the listed amount. Note that non-combat-trained mounts cannot grant bonuses to a rider's melee attacks while mounted, though they still provide their movement speed to their rider.

Mounted CR Cost Mounted CR Cost Mounted CR Cost Mounted CR Cost
1 50 gp 11 8,100 gp 21 170,900 gp 31 2,873,300 gp
2 100 gp 12 11,100 gp 22 227,500 gp 32 3,787,100 gp
3 200 gp 13 15,200 gp 23 301,600 gp 33 4,996,400 gp
4 500 gp 14 20,800 gp 24 399,200 gp 34 6,621,200 gp
5 900 gp 15 28,400 gp 25 528,400 gp 35 8,821,600 gp
6 1,400 gp 16 38,700 gp 26 697,100 gp 36 11,597,500 gp
7 2,100 gp 17 52,500 gp 27 925,300 gp 37 14,948,900 gp
8 3,000 gp 18 71,000 gp 28 1,233,000 gp 38 18,875,800 gp
9 4,200 gp 19 95,400 gp 29 1,640,200 gp 39 23,378,200 gp
10 5,900 gp 20 127,800 gp 30 2,175,000 gp 40 28,456,200 gp

Mount Size

There is no cost modifier for a mount's size. While it may seem unrealistic that a sized gargantuan woolly mammoth costs the same as a sized-medium battle puma of the same CR, the advantages of a larger mount (you can carry your whole party and all their gear in style) are balanced by their disadvantages (you need reach weapons to attack while mounted, the mount cannot fit into most places, and it will seriously freak out townsfolk).

Similarly, a sized-medium giant gecko bearing a sized-small player character is very convenient — it can be ridden into most dungeons with only a little extra cajoling. However, that sized-medium mount will probably never grant its rider the +1 to-hit bonus for higher ground, it can't haul as much treasure and equipment around as a larger mount, and it will still seriously freak out townsfolk, despite being smaller. (Townsfolk these days. So skittish.)

However, despite there being no cost differences, a mount's size does dictate how much it can carry. Note that the rider's weight must be included in any load the creature is carrying. If a creature's load exceeds the listed weight, all Handle Animal and Ride checks are made with a +10 penalty to the DC until the load is reduced. This penalty increases by an additional +10 for each multiple of the load (so, a medium creature, with a carrying capacity, loaded up with 620 lbs. of stuff would be at a -20 penalty). If a creature is loaded down with triple its listed carrying capacity, it is pinned under the weight unable to move, and will die within 3 rounds unless the weight is removed.

Size Carrying Capacity
Fine 2 lbs.
Diminutive 8 lbs.
Tiny 20 lbs.
Small 60 lbs.
Medium 300 lbs.
Large 1,000 lbs.
Huge 3,500 lbs.
Gargantuan 8,000 lbs.
Colossal 20,000 lbs.
Titanic 50,000 lbs.

Example Mounts

The following mounts are listed as examples of creatures which might be available from a vendor specializing in mounts and exotic mounts. With the proper training, any creature can be made into a mount, however. The prices below are for Combat Trained mounts. If you wish to purchase a mount which is only trained to the Riding purpose, they cost only half the listed amount.

Boar (Mount)   [Boar (Mount)&action=edit edit]

Boar (Mount)

Aurochs (Mount)   [edit]

  • Cost:
  • Weight: 2,400 lbs

Aurochs are an ancient species of cattle, with an appearance somewhere in between a domesticated bull and a buffalo. They can be very territorial when untrained, and their large, hulking size and massive horns can make them formidable opponents.


Axe Beak (Mount)   [edit]

  • Cost:
  • Weight: 220 lbs

This gangly, ostrich-like bird has a long neck and a wicked looking beak (thus the name). It is flightless, like an ostrich, but capable of running on the ground at very high speeds.


Bat, Dire (Mount)   [Bat, Dire (Mount)&action=edit edit]

Bat, Dire (Mount)

Bison (Mount)   [Bison (Mount)&action=edit edit]

Bison (Mount)

Boar (Mount)   [Boar (Mount)&action=edit edit]

Boar (Mount)

Camel (Mount)   [edit]

  • Cost:
  • Weight: 1,000 lbs

These tall beasts are famous for their ability to travel overland through deserts with only minimal care and feeding. Of course, they're also fairly famous for their rather snippy dispositions. Camels are tall, have one or two humps on their backs, and can be found in nearly any warm climate (not just deserts).


Chameleon, Giant (Mount)   [Chameleon, Giant (Mount)&action=edit edit]

Chameleon, Giant (Mount)

Crocodile (Mount)   [edit]

  • Cost:
  • Weight: 900 lbs

This elongated amphibious reptile has a massive, powerful jaw and a ridged, bumpy back that is patterned to look like a log when floating on the surface of water. Crocodiles are ambush predators that are most at home near the shores of water, leaping onto land to snatch prey that steps too close to the edge.


Dog (Mount)   [Dog (Mount)&action=edit edit]

Dog (Mount)

Dolphin (Mount)   [edit]

  • Cost:
  • Weight: 230 lbs

Dolphins come in a number of varieties, but all are smooth-skinned mammals that slide through the waters like they're being pulled by some invisible force. Dolphins are predominately peaceful creatures who seem to enjoy a good frolic. Dolphins have fins and flippers, but cannot maneuver around on land well enough to be called movement. Dolphins must breathe air, but can hold their breaths for quite a while if they wish.


Donkey (Mount)   [edit]

  • Cost:
  • Weight: 700 lbs

Like a stunted, malformed horse, donkeys have a broader snout and are generally smaller than horses (and even ponies). However, donkeys are quite sure of foot, and can be trained to carry very heavy loads for a creature their size. Donkeys are also known to be quite stubborn when they are ordered to do something they don't want to do. Proper training can overcome this, though.


Eagle, Giant (Mount)   [Eagle, Giant (Mount)&action=edit edit]

Eagle, Giant (Mount)

Elephant (Mount)   [edit]

  • Cost:
  • Weight: 12,000 lbs

This massive pachyderm has grey, wrinkly skin that is very thick and tough. They have trunk-like legs that end in a sort of toe-nailed stump that looks like someone forgot to give them feet. They have large, flappy ears, long trunks, a bristly mane, and the males have long tusks. They are ponderous creatures that appear to move slowly, but can carry a number of people and their gear with no trouble at all.


Elk (Mount)   [edit]

  • Cost:
  • Weight: 1,100 lbs

Elks are akin to moose and deer, featuring massive, powerful antlers. They are taller than you might expect, despite having rather skinny legs. They have thick, shaggy coats of fur, and watery, kind-looking eyes.


Frog, Giant (Mount)   [Frog, Giant (Mount)&action=edit edit]

Frog, Giant (Mount)

Gecko, Giant (Mount)   [Gecko, Giant (Mount)&action=edit edit]

Gecko, Giant (Mount)

Goblin Dog (Mount)   [edit]

  • Cost:
  • Weight: 185 lbs

It's hard to say why, exactly, goblins call these things 'dogs'. In actuality, they are probably some species of mutated rat, or diseased raccoon, or something. In any case, they are quadruped, rangy, hairless things that move with startling speed, and seem just as interested in eating their riders as gnawing on any other nearby enemies. It's possible they're just really freaked out by the fact that someone has the audacity to sit on them and ride them around, but whatever the case, they are not okay with it.


Griffon (Mount)   [edit]

  • Cost:
  • Weight: 850 lbs

These chimeric blends of eagles and lions are widely regarded as beautiful and noble creatures, though they are highly temperamental, and can become quite aggressive if provoked. Furthermore, despite their lack of language skills, they seem quick to understand mood and intent in those around them, sometimes responding to nearby arguments with aggression. They can be very loyal beasts, if well treated, and they make excellent cavalry mounts for those looking to impress their enemies before slaughtering them.


Hippogriff (Mount)   [edit]

  • Cost:
  • Weight: 1,000 lbs

Due to their inevitable comparisons to griffons, hippogriffs tend to be overlooked. However, while griffons are regal creatures that inspire awe in onlookers, hippogriffs are highly intelligent creatures that can be trained to match or even exceed a griffon's ferocity in battle.

Hippogriffs have the head and wings of an eagle, but the body of a horse (as compared to a griffon's body of a lion).


Horse, Heavy (Mount)   [Horse, Heavy (Mount)&action=edit edit]

Horse, Heavy (Mount)

Horse, Light (Mount)   [Horse, Light (Mount)&action=edit edit]

Horse, Light (Mount)

Lion (Mount)   [edit]

  • Cost:
  • Weight: 420 lbs

Lions are great cats. Males have a distinguishing mane of fur around their necks, while females appear sleeker and more closely resemble other great cats. Lions are traditionally tan or beige of color, to blend with tall grasses. They are predators, fully capable of running down prey, but prefer to ambush when possible. Lions as mounts are somewhat unpredictable, sometimes posing a danger to a careless rider.


Lizard, Giant Frilled (Mount)   [Lizard, Giant Frilled (Mount)&action=edit edit]

Lizard, Giant Frilled (Mount)

Octopus, Giant (Mount)   [Octopus, Giant (Mount)&action=edit edit]

Octopus, Giant (Mount)

Owl, Giant (Mount)   [Owl, Giant (Mount)&action=edit edit]

Owl, Giant (Mount)

Pony (Mount)   [edit]

  • Cost:
  • Weight: 550 lbs

Ponies are just small horses, but are distinguished by a tendency toward thicker manes, tails, and coats. Their legs are noticeably shorter than horses, though their body is still trunk-like, like a horse's. To anyone used to looking at horses, they look a bit stunted, like the dwarves of horsedom.


Ram (Mount)   [edit]

  • Cost:
  • Weight: 125 lbs

Rams are male sheep, outfitted with curling horns that they use to butt into the heads of other rams, or to fend off predators. Rams are surprisingly dangerous, given their species, and are also quite capable as mounts for sized-small creatures or smaller.


Rhinoceros (Mount)   [edit]

  • Cost:
  • Weight: 4,500 lbs

Rhinoceroses are thick-skinned herbivores with prominent horns on their noses which can reach over a foot in length, and can be used to gore enemies with great effect. Coupled with the massive animal's remarkable ability to build up to a nigh-unstoppable charge, and rhinoceroses are dangerous animals to mess with, indeed. As mounts, they are quite docile, providing a smooth ride, and a generally gentle disposition.


Roc (Mount)   [edit]

  • Cost:
  • Weight: 15,000 lbs

Rocs are the largest known species of bird, and have been known to prey upon sized-huge animals, such as elephants, as meals, carrying them away to their mountaintop nests for consumption. Rocs have the appearance of truly enormous hawks, with patterned brown feathers, with lines of beige, white, and black mixed into their plumage. They are handsome, terrifying beasts that are always a shock to behold, as your mind tries to wrap around just how truly large these things are.

Rocs are Legend roles, which makes them considerably more difficult to control as a mount than creatures that do not have a role.


Seahorse, Giant (Mount)   [Seahorse, Giant (Mount)&action=edit edit]

Seahorse, Giant (Mount)

Shark (Mount)   [edit]

  • Cost:
  • Weight: 2,100 lbs

Sharks are powerful aquatic predators, amounting mostly to an oversize mouth with fins, which only exist to let the shark get food into its mouth. They swim powerfully and gracefully through the water, moving with surprising speed and grace for something otherwise wholly tailored for killing and eating. As a mount, riding a shark makes a statement that you, like your mount, are a predator, uninterested in dialogues or parley.


Snake, Giant Constrictor (Mount)   [Snake, Giant Constrictor (Mount)&action=edit edit]

Snake, Giant Constrictor (Mount)

Spider, Blade (Mount)   [Spider, Blade (Mount)&action=edit edit]

Spider, Blade (Mount)

Spider, Phase (Mount)   [Spider, Phase (Mount)&action=edit edit]

Spider, Phase (Mount)

Tiger (Mount)   [edit]

  • Cost:
  • Weight: 490 lbs

Tigers are great cats with powerful, thick legs, a sturdy, well-muscled form, and a distinctive striped pattern on their fur designed to vanish in tall grasses and jungles, especially if you are color-blind (like most animals). Unlike Lions, tigers are burst predators, able to move very fast, but only for short periods of time. If their prey senses them before the ambush is sprung, the tiger will mostly let it go, rather than trying to chase it down. However, tigers are monstrously dangerous in melee, once they close on an enemy. Their massive paws feature claws from the fabric of primal nightmares, and their mouths can comfortably close over a humanoid's head, shearing it from its other important bits with little effort.


Turtle, Giant Snapping (Mount)   [Turtle, Giant Snapping (Mount)&action=edit edit]

Turtle, Giant Snapping (Mount)

Vulture, Giant (Mount)   [Vulture, Giant (Mount)&action=edit edit]

Vulture, Giant (Mount)

Whale, Great White (Mount)   [Whale, Great White (Mount)&action=edit edit]

Whale, Great White (Mount)

Whale, Humpback (Mount)   [Whale, Humpback (Mount)&action=edit edit]

Whale, Humpback (Mount)

Whale, Orca (Mount)   [Whale, Orca (Mount)&action=edit edit]

Whale, Orca (Mount)

Woolly Mammoth (Mount)   [edit]

  • Cost:
  • Weight: 36,000 lbs

Massive, elephant-like beasts, these pachyderms are heavily furred, with long, shaggy coats. Their tusks seem to go on forever, curving in odd, asymmetrical directions (though generally forward). They have great, domed foreheads, and the same distinctive flappy ears and elongated trunks of elephants. They appear to plod clumsily along, but move quite fast due to their size and longer gaits.


Woolly Rhinoceros   [Woolly Rhinoceros&action=edit edit]

Woolly Rhinoceros

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