Understanding Mount Actions in D&D 5e: A Comprehensive Guide
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The rules surrounding mounts in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e) can sometimes feel a bit murky, especially when it comes to actions. Let’s cut through the confusion and directly address the core question: What actions can mounts take in 5e?
A controlled mount in D&D 5e has a surprisingly limited set of actions. When you are mounted, your mount’s initiative changes to match yours, and it moves according to your direction. Crucially, a controlled mount is limited to only three action options:
- Dash: This allows the mount to move a distance equal to its speed again. This effectively doubles its movement for the turn.
- Disengage: This action allows the mount to move without provoking opportunity attacks. It’s crucial for maneuvering away from enemies safely.
- Dodge: When taking this action, the mount focuses on evasion, making attack rolls against it have disadvantage, and it gains advantage on Dexterity saving throws.
These are the only actions a controlled mount can take. It cannot attack, use special abilities, or perform other actions typically found in a creature’s stat block. Remember, you are the primary actor when mounted; your mount is essentially your mobile platform.
Controlled vs. Independent Mounts
It’s important to understand the distinction between a controlled mount and an independent mount. When you are mounted, you are usually controlling the mount. However, if you are knocked unconscious or choose not to control it, the mount acts as an independent creature. In this state, the mount has a full range of actions according to its stat block, similar to any other monster.
The Mount’s Movement and Your Turn
A key aspect of mounted combat is how movement works. Your mount has its own speed which is deposited at the beginning of your turn. You direct how, where, and when this movement is spent. The mount can even move and act on the very turn you mount it. You can also direct the mount to use the Dash action without using your action.
Another key detail to remember is that a rider and a controlled mount have the same initiative count. This means that you get to decide which of you goes first, allowing for tactical flexibility.
Benefits of Mounted Combat
Despite the limited actions for the mount itself, mounted combat offers several advantages. Being mounted can provide:
- Faster Overland Travel: Cover more ground more quickly and more efficiently.
- Advantage on Attacks: You gain advantage on attack rolls against smaller creatures.
- Extra Carrying Capacity: Mounts can carry extra equipment, wounded companions, and other essentials.
- Strategic Positioning: Utilize mounts for greater mobility on the battlefield.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mount Actions in 5e
1. Is mounting a horse an action in 5e?
Yes, mounting or dismounting a creature each requires an action. Additionally, each action consumes half of your movement. You cannot both mount and dismount within the same turn. When you mount, the creature’s turn occurs immediately within your own turn.
2. Can a mount take the dash action?
Yes, a mount can take the Dash action as one of its limited action options. You do not need to take an action to direct the mount to dash; you simply direct it to move using its speed.
3. Do mounts get a turn in 5e?
Yes, controlled mounts have their own turn, but it occurs on the same initiative count as the rider’s turn. You decide whether the mount or the rider acts first.
4. Does being mounted give advantage on attack rolls?
Being mounted provides advantage on your attack rolls against creatures smaller than your mount.
5. What are the primary benefits of being mounted in 5e?
The benefits of being mounted include faster overland travel, the ability to carry extra equipment, aiding in transporting wounded or unconscious allies, and gaining advantage on attacks against smaller creatures.
6. What is the best weapon for mounted combat in 5e?
The Lance is often considered the best melee weapon for mounted combat because it can be wielded with one hand while mounted, unlike many other weapons that require two hands.
7. Can two people ride a mount in D&D?
Yes, two people can ride a horse. Larger creatures like elephants can carry four people or even more on dragons or giants. The key considerations are the mount’s carrying capacity and whether it is appropriately saddled.
8. Can you cast spells on a mount?
Yes, you can cast spells normally while mounted. You are not restricted from spellcasting while mounted. Your mount moves before or after your casting.
9. Do command traits affect mounts?
No, command traits and artifacts that affect attacks made by friendly models generally do not affect attacks made by their mounts, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
10. Does Swiftness affect mounts?
The “swiftness” effect, which increases a creature’s movement, does not affect the speed of mounts. It also does not stack with the effects of items like Hermes Boots.
11. Can you be prone on a mount?
Normally, you cannot willingly go prone while mounted. If you become prone, you must make a Dexterity saving throw (DC 10) to avoid falling off.
12. Can a mount use the help action in 5e?
Yes, a mount can technically use the Help action. However, this would be in the rare instance where it was acting as an independent mount, rather than a controlled mount.
13. Can a druid be used as a mount in wildshape?
Yes, a druid can serve as a mount in their Wild Shape form. This is useful for long-distance travel, provided the party is willing to take short rests to replenish Wild Shape charges.
14. Can you misty step with your mount?
No, you cannot bring your mount with you using the Misty Step spell. Misty Step only transports the caster, and does not allow the transportation of companions as spells like Teleport or Dimension Door do.
15. Can a mount be used to double a movement speed?
While mounts can use the dash action to increase their speed, you need to be mindful of the difference between a creature’s movement speed, and travel pace. A Riding Horse can take the Dash action, but that has no bearing on travel pace. Movement speed and travel pace are only sometimes related.