mounts?

[adunephel]

having only the core set to go off of... what effect/mechanics are there for mounts (ie horses, ponies, fell beasts, oliphants, etc...) other than making a journey shorter?

can they be used in combat?
how much of an encumberance/fatigue buffer would they provide?
how much of a lifestyle would you need to be able to get one?

or do i need to wait for the rohirrim to ride north?

[Otaku-sempai]

The Lake-town Sourcebook gives the following Market Prices for mounts:

1 old, or half-starved pony: 3s-4s
1 healthy pony: 8s-10s
1 draught horse: 10s-20s
1 riding horse: 1g
1 war horse: 2g-4g

1 Treasure = 1 gold piece
1 gold piece = 20 silver pennies = 240 copper coins
1 silver penny = 12 copper coins

1 Treasure should be able to get you a good riding horse or a pair of excellent ponies (one to ride and one for freight?). I would think that you would need to have a specially-trained mount to avoid penalties in mounted combat, with either the war horse or an Elven riding horse being the ideal steed for the occasion. I have no reason to think that a war horse couldn't be trained to attack with a hoof-strike, or to defend a downed rider.

One would probably need to keep up at least a Martial standard of living to maintain the upkeep on a war horse. Someone with a Poor standard of living might have to struggle to properly maintain even a pony. However, mine is not an expert opinion.

[Rich H]

... I have some mounted combat rules that were sent to me to read through in view of them to be published in Other Minds, I believe. I'd expect them to be in an upcoming edition.

[Halbarad]

It has been confirmed Rich, they will be in the next issue of Other Minds.

[Rich H]

It has been confirmed Rich, they will be in the next issue of Other Minds.

Cool! I thought I remembered you telling me I couldn't share them. Which is a pity because they are going to be useful - hopefully others won't have too wait much longer for them!

[Halbarad]

Next OM is in layout at the minute, I believe. The Rhovanion article on population and settlements is going to be huge(from what I have seen of it )

[Rich H]

... Sounds like it will be a great issue. Look forward to reading it!

[Stormcrow]

The Rhovanion article on population and settlements is going to be huge

Oooooooooooooooh!

I've always had a hard time comprehending exactly where people live in Wilderland.

[Halbarad]

If you have read Tolwen's previous article on populations and demographics in Eriador, then you should have a fair idea of what's in store.

[LOTR_Nerd]

Just thought to poke my head in and say the only people in Middle Earth that are among the Free Peoples to fight on Horseback are the Men of Rohan.