Overview

At no time while working with animals, is it more evident that the handler must be in tune with the needs, capabilities, mind and very spirit of the animal, than when they are at one in a task with the animal. And the handler is never more at one with an animal than when they are mounted upon it.

Mounting a beast of any kind is a glorious achievement of mortal progress. To have forged enough of a bond of trust and accord with a separate being that the two move as one. With either telllng the other what it needs and expects at a moment in order to foster that bond of dependence for loyalty, obedience for service.

Every animal is different, not only from different kinds of animal, but even within a certain species. Some animals are not suitable to mount, whether it be for the reason of it’s temperament, it’s build, it’s physical shape. As such, a certain degree of awareness of what each animal is capable of is needed in order to design the proper equipment and fittings necessary to direct it’s movements. To know how it will move, and to understand it’s underlying psychology. Not even a master could convince an animal to throw itself directly onto mortal danger, and every animal has a mind and will of its own that must be contended with.

The rider must choose an animal to dedicate their skill to, and rarely will their skill riding that mount translate to one that is radically different. A rider who specializes in equine creatures, for instance, may find it difficult to ride even a well-trained and domesticated large feline, avian, or amphibious mount. Until competency, they are fairly bad at riding anything that isn't well trained, and will fumble in their attempts often before acquiring skill enough to specialize.

Specializations

While Mount skill is just one skill, there are sub-specializations that fall under the umbrella of mastering an animal for the purposes of riding. Similar to how a weapon school works, every animal is potentially a sub-specialization of the overall Mount skill. What this means, is that the rider will be considered of one competency level lower when riding an animal that falls outside of the category of their preferred mount specialization.

Secondary animals can be improved upon by acquiring knowledges in the desired animal mounts. The run down for how these sub-specializations work, will be as thus:

• Novice = 5 Knowledge
• Competent = 10 Knowledge
• Expert = 20 Knowledge
• Mastery = 30 Knowledge
• Grandmaster = 40 Knowledge

Of course, some animals are more or less similar to others. We leave it to the player and mods running plots for them to determine how their skill and knowledge in mounting these different animals succeeds or fails. A player that is specializing in a specific species and not just an animal family is more likely to succeed in their efforts than one who is more of a generalist; e.g. in a matchup between a rider who is proficient in Mount (Tangura) vs a rider equally proficient in Mount (Feline), the rider of the Tangura proficient in its use will achieve a better performance in riding.

As in all things, we encourage playing to your actual skill level and trying to make sense. Remember, success is fine an dandy, but failing can also make for fun stories!

Complimentary Skills

Animal Training: While not strictly necessary, awareness of what a mount is capable of, and how it behaves can contribute some essential insight that translates well to the ability to mount a given animal.

Combat Skills: Essential for those who wish to fight while mounted, against either unmounted opponents to cavalry.

Acrobatics: One of the most deadly pitfalls of riding an animal, are bad spills and botched mounting attempts. Good acrobatic skill can help mitigate this danger. At higher levels of Acrobatics, the rider might even accomplish great feats and tricks while riding. If they're a good rider as well as acrobat, some of that skill can translate to guiding the animal to perform jumps and maneuvers.

Animal Husbandry: This skill helps immensely with treating injuries and just general care of the animal the rider is bonded with. It can improve their awareness of certain tells for the animal, and being able to tell what the source of the problem might be.

Discipline: It is rare to find a person with the courage to charge into battle on the top of a fast steed. Rarer still is it to find an animal willing and able to do the same. Still, animals often enough will have a keen sense of its rider's confidence, and may be more willing to follow them into battle if he shows little to no fear.

Psychology: Being able to discern the motives and needs of one's animal are deeply important to those who would accomplish the ultimate feat of riding them. If one doesn't know an animal's heart, they may be harder pressed to deal with a more difficult or tempestuous mount.

Skill Ranks

Novice (0-25)

The rider can mount and ride an animal under non-stressful conditions. Good for travel at the base mounted speed. Animal will probably buck and dump the rider if it tries to lead it into a dangerous situation that it otherwise wouldn't allow itself into. More temperamental animals may conversely rush into danger when the rider doesn't wish it. By the time they reach competence, they will have learned all of the basics of fitting riding equipment to their chosen animal. They may have competence to fit some barding onto the animal, although they may be prone to mistakes if they don't take their time with these tasks. The rider will require a mount that has at least a good level of training in order to mount and ride it.

Competent (26-75)

Can ride an animal under mildly stressful conditions. Can lead their mount into small scale combat, and can more comfortably ride at a higher speed. Animal will be far less likely to abuse its rider if they have a good relationship. They are capable of fitting an animal with all forms of riding equipment appropriate to their chosen breed of mount. They don't require as well trained a mount as less skilled riders would, and can make do with a mount that has average training and breeding.

Expert (76-150)

Can ride an animal under stressful conditions. Large scale combat, and into noisy situations where their kind would otherwise never enter into. Riding mishaps due to misbehavior by the animal are far less likely here, and more often the result of being caught unprepared. At this level, they can forgo riding equipment and ride bareback, although it comes at the cost of doing it at full competency. The expert rider will be most effective when their mount is kitted out with riding equipment that suits their preferences. They can make do and ride an animal with even basic quality training and breeding.

Master (151-250)

Can ride their chosen animal under almost any circumstance. Large scale combat, sky on fire, noise all around and into certain doom. There's little the fully experienced master can't accomplish while riding a steed that they've bonded to. Riding mishaps are almost unheard of. They can forgo riding equipment entirely at this level, and are as capable of controlling the animal bareback as they are with all the equipment. In fact, the mount will be comfortable enough with its rider that he may even ride better, given the fact that riding equipment is often uncomfortable for the animal. They can even mount a poorly trained, or ill-tempered mount, or wild varieties of their chosen animal type, albiet at a disadvantage depending on its temperament.