War Horses

While we’re discussing some of the good and bad points of knighthood, it’s time someone mentioned the knight’s faithful side-kick, his war horse.

Any knight worth his silver spurs has spent a lot of time choosing, raising, training, and pampering his mount. Whether this is the silver dragon given to you by the elven king, or a real good deal you found at a farm, a mount is often a knight’s only method of travel.

Knights are very close to their mounts. A well-trained war horse can be counted on to drag a fallen knight to safety, defend his master’s body after a staggering blow, or even return a slumped rider to his manor. A good mount is not only an aid to a knight, but a necessity.

From the campaign point of view, a knight’s mount can be a source of drama and personality. Remember that such an animal is known for his unusual intelligence and his loyalty to his master. By giving the war horse a few interesting traits, the DM can add a great deal of color to the knight’s life. Pity the poor thief who is caught going through the master’s pack by his mount…