Some creatures and monsters, generally rarely encounted in the typical dungeon, are
classified as "Cavalry Mounts" or just "Cavalry". Special rules apply to such creatures.
LARGE MONSTERS
Cavalry models are treated as Large Monsters, although they do not actually occupy the
same amount of space. Cavalry models are typically mounted on standard cavalry bases
(25 cm x 50 cm), which occupy two spaces on the dungeon floor plan.
Unlike most Large
Monsters, however, most Cavalry models are not also Fearsome Monsters. (If they happen
to be Fearsome, it should be stated in the monster profile as such. It shouldn't be
assumed.) Thus, most Cavalry models are still subject to Fear tests when in the Death
Zone of a Fearsome Monster.
MOUNTS
Some monsters are listed as "Mounts", without specifying "Cavalry". These creatures are
not necessarily as large as Cavalry models, but nonetheless are often used as mounts for
other models. The rules listed for Riders below would still apply to them.
RIDERS
Cavalry models may carry riders. This may be any normal-sized (or smaller) model, but
not other Cavalry or Large Monsters. A model may spend a full turn to climb onto the back
of a willing Cavalry model from any adjacent space, or to dismount to any unoccupied
adjacent space. The Cavalry model must also spend that same turn standing in position to
allow the rider to mount or dismount.
To represent the rider, an alternate "rider" figure
should be used, placed on the back of the Cavalry model to represent the mounted model.
If no suitable model is available, then remove the rider model from the dungeon layout,
and set it aside, with the understanding that it is actually on the back of the Cavalry
model.
The Cavalry model's movement (as determined by Speed) replaces that of the rider, and in
cases where a Speed test is needed to avoid a trap or other hazard, the Speed of the
Cavalry model is used instead of the rider. Success or failure will affect both the rider
and Cavalry model at the same time.
Close combat attacks may be made against the Cavalry model while the rider is on it, as
normal. In the case of ranged attacks against either the Cavalry model or the rider,
roll to hit them as if they were a single model. If a critical is rolled, the archer may
choose which model is hit. Otherwise, roll 1d12. On a roll of 6 or less, the cavalry model
is hit. On a roll of 7 or more, the rider is hit.
If a Cavalry model is slain or knocked unconscious, the rider is dismounted, and prone.
If anyone attacks the rider while he is prone, he is counted as having a WS of 1 for
purposes of defending himself. The rider must spend a full action to get back up to his
feet.
Close combat attacks may also be made against the rider. Treat the rider as if his WS was
increased by +1 for the purpose of defending against close combat attacks, while on the back
of a Cavalry model.
While a rider is on a Cavalry model, both models act together and move together in the
turn sequence.
CARRYING UNCONSCIOUS MODELS
A Cavalry model may also be used to carry an unconscious Hero (or monster or NPC, for that
matter) by slinging the model over the Cavalry model's back. Some model must spend either
a move or attack action to sling the model over the Cavalry model's back, and the Cavalry
model must spend the turn motionless, as if a rider were mounting. After that, the Cavalry
model can then carry the unconscious model without any penalty to movement.
CHARGING
A Cavalry model with a rider may Charge into close combat by spending a Run action to reach
the model. The Cavalry model must move at least four spaces in a straight line before
encountering the target to get this bonus. The Cavalry model may not make a close combat
attack this turn, but the
rider may make a close combat attack as per normal. Upon a successful hit on this turn
only, and only with the first attack the rider makes that turn (in case he has multiple
attacks), he inflicts +2 damage dice of injury to a single target.
In the case of a Centaur, the "upper body" counts as the "rider" in this case. Rather than
making 2 attacks for the turn, the Centaur makes a single attack with its held weapon (a
sword, et cetera), and if successful, gets +2 damage dice as described above.
CLIMBING
Cavalry models, unless specified otherwise, cannot climb walls, ropes or ladders.
HEROIC LEAP
A Cavalry model may attempt a Heroic Leap by getting a running start, as with a Charge.
The model must move at least four spaces as part of a normal Move action, and then Leap
up to three squares (covering two intervening squares) in a straight line. The Cavalry
model is treated as having +2 to Speed for the sake of determining the success of the
jump, and must pass a Speed test in order to successfully cover the distance. Failure
means that the Cavalry model only leaps two spaces (one intervening space) instead.
DOORWAYS
A Cavalry model with a rider cannot get through a normal dungeon doorway without knocking
the rider off in the process (in which case he is considered prone and vulnerable until he
spends a turn to get up). A riderless Cavalry model, however, may pass through a normal
doorway unhindered.
Of course, depending upon the adventure, there may be doorways large enough for riders on
Cavalry models to pass through, or the adventure may take place in an outdoors area, removing
the necessity for doorways at all. In any case, this accentuates the point that attempting
to ride a horse through a dungeon is generally not advised.
BARDING
In the case of Cavalry models such as horses, it is possible to purchase armor in the form
of horse barding. Such armor costs twice the price of normal armor, but otherwise has the
same benefits and penalties.
MASSIVE WEAPONS
Unlike Large Monsters, Cavalry-sized models (provided they even have hands) are not large
enough to use Massive Weapons.
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