D&D: Five Mounts That Hit Different In The New Monster Manual
Listen here, mounted combat is an underrated part of D&D. You just have to have the right mount—and these five got a level up.
Mounts go hand in hand with D&D adventurers. Usually when you’re crossing from one place to the other in a map. On occasion you may find yourself mounted on a draft or war horse for a single fight; unless your DM is playing a very specific game, you will likely end up not using the mount rules—which is a shame, because heroic adventurers on their mighty steeds is a common fantasy trope.
And especially since in the new Monster Manual, a number of the classic “mounts” got a level up. Horses and non-horses included. Here are five creatures you might consider riding around on!
War Horse
First up, the War Horse. These are the more combat-focused versions of the humble riding horse. And truly both horses are in better shape, but the war horse especially shines through with a 50% increase in hit points over the standard horse, while still also maintaining a 60 foot move speed.
They have a potent hoof attack that can leave enemies trampled to the ground if you direct your mount to make the attack. Of course it’ll take your action, so you might not want to do this every round, but it can be good when making an initial charge in if you want to create an opening.
Giant Elk
Giant Elks really got a glow up in 5.5E, though. Because now, they’re Celestials. They have higher intelligence and can act on their own as a result. Especially since you can speak to them and they can understand what you want – so if you can convince a celestial creature like this to let you be its rider, you can get a lot out of your cool awesome mount.
And the giant elk is pretty tanky with resistance to necrotic and radiant damage and four times the hit points of a horse. They also have darkvision out to 90 feet, and can deal radiant damage (as well as knock creatures prone) with its charging attack.
Axe Beak/Giant Axe Beak
Axe Beaks are a great fantasy mount, because riding atop a riding bird is classic swords and sorcery. And the axe beak on its own hits a little harder and has more hit points. But now, there’s also the giant axe beak, which is a more primeval version of the riding bird.
One of these could potentially hew through multiple enemies with its multiattack. And on top of that, their hit points are way up in the 80s on average. You’ll trade about 10 feet of movement for the ability to make multiattacks and be riding a cool bird, but nothing comes for free.
Pegasus
Of course it’s hard to beat the pegasus for a great fantasy mount. Theare even more mythical in 5.5E, and have to be won over with displays of bravery and/or kindness, often by carrying the right sigil or offering as well. But if you convince one, they are a loyal mount—and one with a fly speed of 90 feet. Which is huge.
They also pack a radiant damage-enhanced punch with their magic hooves. And because their intelligence is 10, they can typically act on their own in combat, allowing them to get in some pretty hefty blows. But even if you control your pegasus directly, that’s still a 90 feet of movement – flying movement—that you get to add to any encounter where there’s enough of a sky.
Giant Owl
But really, the Giant Owl kind of stands out as a champion. Not only are they celestials with higher intelligence, they also are spellcasters. Meaning you can mount up on a Giant Owl and they will find all things magical because they can cast Detect Magic at will.
They can also cast Detect Good and Evil as well as the Clairvoyance spell for those curious about what the future may hold.
Happy adventuring!
