How Many People Can Ride a Mount in D&D? The Comprehensive Guide
The question of how many people can ride a mount in Dungeons & Dragons is surprisingly nuanced. While the rules provide a foundation, they also leave room for Game Master (GM) interpretation and the realities of your campaign world. The short answer is: officially, only one character can directly utilize the mechanics of mounted combat with a given mount at a time, with caveats. However, the game doesn’t explicitly prohibit additional passengers, provided you can justify it in the narrative and within reasonable encumbrance limits. Let’s dive into the specifics.
Official Rules and Limitations
The Core Mechanic: One Rider
The core rules for mounted combat in D&D 5th edition are designed around a single rider. The rules state that to mount a creature, it must be at least one size category larger than the rider, and that mounting or dismounting costs half of your movement speed. These rules inherently focus on the idea of a single character actively controlling the mount in combat, benefitting from its mobility, and using it to enhance their own actions.
Size Matters
The size of the mount is a crucial factor. A Medium-sized character can typically ride a Large-sized mount, such as a horse. A Small-sized character, like a halfling, might ride a Medium-sized mount like a pony or a large dog. However, when considering multiple riders, simply being “larger” isn’t enough; the mount also has to have suitable anatomy.
Encumbrance and Narrative
The rules don’t explicitly ban additional riders, but they strongly imply single rider. However, a GM is always empowered to use their discretion. A large elephant could plausibly carry multiple characters, whereas a wolf almost certainly could not. This is where encumbrance and narrative play crucial roles. If the combined weight of the riders is excessive, the mount might move slower, tire more quickly, or even be unable to move. Similarly, a GM might factor in difficulty based on balance and control. They also might decide to implement penalties to attack rolls for a character on the mount with too much encumbrance, or an additional passenger.
Going Beyond the Rules: Narrative and GM Discretion
Multiple Passengers
While you can’t have multiple characters benefit from the mounted combat rules on a single mount, the narrative allows for creative possibilities. Consider a situation where one character is driving a wagon pulled by a pair of horses while three others are riding in the back. The driver benefits from the rules of riding the horses, while the passengers get all the fun of yelling at the driver to go faster, while not taking any part in the mounted combat.
“Riding Along”
The rules do not prevent a character from simply being a passenger on a mount. They would not gain the combat benefits the main rider does, but they could still be part of the party while mounted. This scenario often occurs in travel or non-combat encounters. A passenger can still do other things as their action or bonus action, like cast spells or use objects, but cannot directly benefit from using the mount as a mobility or combat asset.
The “How Many” is Up to the GM
Ultimately, the question of how many people can ride a mount is largely up to the GM. They consider factors like:
- Mount size and type: A warhorse is very different from an elephant.
- Rider weight: A group of halflings versus a group of goliaths makes a difference.
- Narrative consistency: Does it make sense in the world’s context?
A GM might allow a large dragon to carry several characters (especially if they’re allied) but would likely limit a horse to one primary rider and maybe a smaller passenger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions to clarify further how mounts and multiple riders work in D&D:
1. Can a player mount another player?
The rules do not outright forbid it, but it is entirely up to GM discretion. If the rider and the “mount” have compatible anatomies and a size difference, it’s possible, but they should consider the implications. Also, you might consider the weight limitations on the character that is doing the carrying.
2. How does encumbrance affect mounts?
Encumbrance rules apply to mounts as well. Overloading a mount will likely reduce its speed and might even render it incapable of movement. GMs can also implement penalties to checks and attack rolls for the mounted character if the mount has too much encumbrance.
3. What is the fastest mount in D&D?
The Pegasus is considered one of the fastest mounts with a flying speed of 90 feet. Other flying mounts such as griffons, dragons, and other magical flying creatures may come in at a close second depending on the specific creature.
4. What is the best mounted weapon?
The Lance is often considered the best mounted melee weapon. It only requires one hand to wield when mounted, freeing up your other hand for other actions.
5. Can I share the benefits of mounted combat with another rider?
No, the mounted combat rules are designed for a single rider to control and benefit from the mount’s capabilities. Other characters on the mount do not get to take advantage of the mount for combat purposes, unless it is part of their own individual ability.
6. How do mounting and dismounting work?
Mounting or dismounting a mount costs half of your speed. For instance, if your speed is 30 feet, it will cost 15 feet to mount a horse.
7. What is the size rule for mounts?
A mount must be at least one size larger than its rider. A Medium character needs a Large mount, a Small character needs a Medium mount, and so on.
8. Can a large creature carry multiple medium creatures?
While the rules do not dictate this, it is highly plausible, and many GMs will allow it as long as there are reasonable weight limits. The larger a creature is, the more people it can reasonably carry.
9. Can a player cast spells while mounted?
Yes, unless a specific rule or condition prevents it. The mounted combat rules do not restrict spellcasting while riding.
10. How can I make riding multiple mounts more cinematic?
In addition to the narrative, a GM can introduce skill challenges for controlling a mount under stress. They can also implement a system of “driver” and “passenger” roles with unique benefits and drawbacks. This could make the game feel unique with mounts with multiple passengers.
11. Does mounted combat have its own set of rules?
Yes, mounted combat has a specific set of rules in the Player’s Handbook or other core rulebook. These rules govern how attacks and movement are resolved while mounted.
12. Can you use multiple mounts to pull a large object like a cart or wagon?
Yes, and it is common in D&D. It might even be more sensible for a character to control multiple mounts at once, rather than having one mount with multiple passengers.
13. Does the mount act on its own turn, or do you control it?
The mount takes its turn after the character that is mounted to it. The character that is mounted to it controls the movement of the mount and can direct its attacks and actions.
14. Can smaller creatures be mounted?
Yes, Small creatures can mount Medium creatures, but they do not benefit from all of the mounted combat rules if they’re not large enough. The mount would need to be at least one size larger than the rider.
15. Do you make checks to stay on your mount?
Generally, no. However, a GM may call for a check if the mount takes damage or moves in unexpected ways, especially during situations like being hit by a spell or attacked by multiple creatures.
Conclusion
The question of how many people can ride a mount in D&D is not just a mechanical one; it’s a blend of rules, logic, and narrative. While the core mechanics focus on one active rider benefiting from the rules of mounted combat, a GM’s discretion can open up numerous possibilities for multiple passengers, adding flavor and complexity to your campaigns. By keeping these considerations in mind, you can create a more engaging and enjoyable experience for your party and their mounts.