Riding measures your ability to control and guide mounts—horses, camels, dire wolves, or any other beast suited for travel and combat. This skill reflects technical know-how, instinctive balance, and steady nerves. Whether galloping across broken terrain or coaxing a panicked mount through chaos, Riding keeps you in the saddle.
When You Use It:
Riding applies when:
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Urging a mount into combat without losing control
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Maintaining balance during high-speed travel or chases
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Coaxing or calming a frightened or unruly animal
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Navigating difficult terrain or obstacles at speed
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Performing advanced maneuvers (vaulting into the saddle, leaping gaps, etc.)
Stat Used:
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Always Dexterity.
Untrained Use:
You may attempt Riding untrained using your full Dexterity %.
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Simple riding (walking, trotting on trained mounts) requires no roll unless conditions are poor.
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Combat riding, high-speed maneuvers, and stunts always require rolls and are difficult or impossible for untrained riders.
Opposed Rolls:
When another creature or force tries to disrupt your control or unseat you—such as a grappling enemy or panicked mount—roll Riding against the opposing skill or effect. Higher margin of success wins.
Mechanical Effects:
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Success: You maintain control and achieve your intended maneuver.
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Critical Success (01): You gain exceptional control, possibly earning bonus movement or advantage (GM discretion).
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Failure: You falter, possibly losing speed, control, or risking dismount.
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Critical Failure (00): You lose control entirely, risking a fall or being thrown.
Situational Modifiers:
Apply the standard Difficulty Ladder (+50% to –50%) based on terrain, mount temperament, and riding demands:
+50% — Walking pace on a calm, trained mount
+40% — Trotting in open, easy ground
+30% — Moderate pace over decent terrain
+20% — Trained mount in calm environment
+10% — Familiar mount and light load
0% — Typical riding conditions
–10% — Rough terrain or mild distractions
–20% — Startling noises, minor injuries to mount
–30% — Galloping through combat or difficult terrain
–40% — Panicked or injured mount in a chaotic environment
–50% — Bareback leap across ravine or combat acrobatics at full gallop
Companion Skills:
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Animal Handling: Calming and bonding with mounts outside active riding.
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Command: Rallying or directing mounted allies during combat or maneuvers.
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Athletics: Vaulting, acrobatics, or transitioning on and off mounts.
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Perception / Vigilance: Noticing hazards and threats while riding at speed.
GM Note:
Casual riding under normal conditions should not require rolls. Riding rolls are only necessary during danger, speed, combat, or extreme maneuvers.
Untrained riders should face serious risks attempting combat or stunt riding. Trained riders are vital for cavalry charges, chase scenes, and dangerous terrain.
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File Created: 05/01/2025 Last Modified: 05/01/2025