Mastering the Saddle: A Deep Dive into Controlled Mounts in 5e

The rules for controlled mounts in 5e revolve around a few key concepts. When you mount a creature and designate it as controlled, its initiative changes to match yours. On your turn, you direct its movement and it can only take the Dash, Disengage, or Dodge actions. Crucially, a controlled mount can move and act even on the same turn you mount it. This offers significant tactical advantages, allowing for swift repositioning and maneuverability in combat. However, the restriction on actions is the trade-off for this level of control.

Understanding Controlled vs. Independent Mounts

The core difference lies in the mount’s autonomy. A controlled mount essentially becomes an extension of your own actions during combat. Its initiative syncs with yours, and you dictate its movement and action choices. This grants you precise control over its positioning and defensive capabilities. The downside is the limited action options, primarily focused on movement and evasion.

An independent mount, on the other hand, acts on its own initiative and can take any action available to it. This provides greater flexibility in combat, as the mount can attack, cast spells (if it has that ability), or perform other actions independently. However, you relinquish direct control over its movement and decision-making process. The DM typically decides whether a mount is controlled or independent, though some spells like Find Steed offer flexibility in this area. This choice depends on the mount’s intelligence and your desired level of control. Ultimately, the choice between controlled and independent depends on your character’s strategy and the mount’s capabilities.

Can you switch between Controlled and Independent Mounts?

The rules don’t explicitly address switching between controlled and independent status during combat. Whether this is possible is left to the DM’s discretion. Factors that might influence the DM’s decision include the mount’s intelligence, your relationship with the mount, and any magical effects involved.

Practical Considerations for Riding

Beyond the core rules, several other factors come into play when using a controlled mount:

• Prone Condition: Being prone on a mount is dangerous. If you’re knocked prone while mounted, you must succeed on a DC 10 Dexterity saving throw or fall off. If your mount is knocked prone, you can use your reaction to dismount and land on your feet. Otherwise, you are dismounted and fall prone within 5 feet of the mount.

• Mounting and Dismounting: Mounting or dismounting a creature requires 1/2 of your movement. You can only mount or dismount once per turn. Your mount needs to be within 5 feet regardless of your size, its size, your reach, etc.

• Reactions: A controlled mount can still take reactions, such as opportunity attacks. The action restrictions only apply to its turn.

• Spellcasting: You can cast spells while mounted, provided your mount moves no more than its speed either before or after casting the spell.

• Weapon Choice: Certain weapons are better suited for mounted combat. The lance is often considered the best melee weapon, as it can be wielded one-handed while mounted and deals significant damage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Controlled Mounts

1. What creatures can be used as mounts?

Any willing creature that is at least one size larger than the rider and has the appropriate anatomy for riding can serve as a mount. The mount needs to be within 5 feet of you.

2. Is Find Steed a controlled mount?

Jeremy Crawford has clarified that the mount summoned by Find Steed can be either controlled or independent, depending on the player’s preference and the DM’s interpretation.

3. Can a mount take the Attack action as a controlled mount?

No. A controlled mount is limited to the Dash, Disengage, and Dodge actions.

4. Does a controlled mount have its own hit points?

Yes, a controlled mount retains its own hit points and can be targeted by enemy attacks.

5. What happens if my controlled mount dies?

If your mount dies, you are dismounted and may be vulnerable to attack. The consequences depend on the circumstances of the mount’s death.

6. Does my mount’s speed affect my movement?

Yes, while mounted, you use your mount’s speed for movement. You direct how the mount spends that movement.

7. Can I use ranged attacks while mounted?

Yes, you can use ranged attacks while mounted. However, consider the terrain and your mount’s movement, and remember that cover rules still apply.

8. Are there any feats that enhance mounted combat?

Yes, the Mounted Combatant feat offers several benefits, including giving you advantage on melee attacks against unmounted creatures smaller than your mount and forcing attacks targeting your mount to target you instead.

9. Can a controlled mount use its bonus action?

Yes, the limitations on a controlled mount only apply to its action. It can still use its bonus action.

10. Does the mount’s size affect my AC?

No, your mount’s size does not directly affect your Armor Class. However, a larger mount may provide better cover against certain attacks.

11. Can I command my controlled mount to grapple an enemy?

No, not as a controlled mount. Because the Controlled mount is limited to the Dash, Disengage, and Dodge actions.

12. Can you be prone on a mount?

Normally you can’t go prone while mounted since, if you do, you must make a DC 10 Dexterity save or fall from the mount.

13. Can a controlled mount take reactions?

Yes, it can. The only limitations on a controlled mount are “… It moves as you direct it, and it has only three action options …”. It’s bonus action and reaction (and legendary and lair actions) are not limited so it can use them to do whatever it could normally use them for, like taking opportunity attacks.

14. Can a Steel Defender be a controlled mount?

Yes, it can. If you mount the steel defender, it’ll need to be a controlled mount as it doesn’t have enough intelligence to be an independent mount.

15. Does the Games Learning Society have any resources on mounted combat?

While the Games Learning Society primarily focuses on educational applications of games and simulations, understanding the strategic elements of D&D, like mounted combat, can improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more insights.

By mastering these rules and considerations, you can effectively utilize controlled mounts to enhance your combat prowess and create exciting and dynamic scenarios in your D&D campaigns.