Fey Mood and Combat Limitation While Riding

[jamesrbrown]

Quick question: In combat, riders may not exceed the rating of their Athletics while using a Weapon skill; this includes any bonus dice gained through a preliminary roll. Does this limitation also affect Fey Mood?

My guess is no; but this is not spelled out and I could be wrong. It would be unquestionable if bonus dice weren't included.

If Fey Mood is also limited, then the advantage of the Cultural blessing is strictly dependent on the Athletics rating of the rider. So, they better make sure to have 4 or 5 levels in the skill to remove the possible restriction. Given that they start with 3 Athletics, it would be a great idea for starting characters to spend points to raise it.

[zedturtle]

I would allow Bonus Dice due to Fey Mood to be used. The limitation by Athletics is specifically called out as affecting Bonus Dice from preliminary rolls, and I believe that to be intentional.

In any case, that means a Rider with Fey Mood active can (at maximum) use one more die than they have skill in Athletics or their Weapon, whichever is lower.

[jamesrbrown]

Thanks Zed. That's how I was leaning and how I'll interpret it for now. I don't know when I'll be able to start a campaign with riders, but I hope it can be soon. There's so much to work with in this supplement in ways that we haven't experienced yet. I'm actually looking forward to an Orc-raid on Helm's Deep, or a trek into Fangorn to meet the Ents. I also think it would be extremely fun to narrate a battle on the plains where riders clash with Wolf-riding Goblins.

[jamesrbrown]

Can't wait to see what a rider can do on a charge, using a Glinting spear in a Fey Mood!

[zedturtle]

Can't wait to see what a rider can do on a charge, using a Glinting spear in a Fey Mood!

It should be most impressive.

[Majestic]

Thanks Zed. That's how I was leaning and how I'll interpret it for now. I don't know when I'll be able to start a campaign with riders, but I hope it can be soon. There's so much to work with in this supplement in ways that we haven't experienced yet. I'm actually looking forward to an Orc-raid on Helm's Deep, or a trek into Fangorn to meet the Ents. I also think it would be extremely fun to narrate a battle on the plains where riders clash with Wolf-riding Goblins.

All right, now you're making me excited to move southward. Fortunately, my players are up for making some new PCs, so we can adventure down in Fangorn/Rohan with their new characters while their other PCs are stopping evil up north.