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Thunderforge · Veteran Joined: 24 Sep 2009 Posts: 930

I don't think I would let a horse advance simply because there's not much for them to do. They only need two skills (no horses using Investigation here!), the attributes would be ridiculously high if they were allowed to advance, and there really aren't any other edges that they could benefit from. No, I think they're best staying at the level they are.

Malcolm Wolter · Novice Joined: 11 Jan 2009 Posts: 89 Location: Texas

While they don't have as many skills as proper characters they could have some: Jumping, Fighting, Endurance Running, Racing, Guts, Dressage, etc. They have even more Edges—I can come up with a dozen pretty easily—and as many Hindrances. But the question is should they be able to improve them—is that meaningful? Obviously, I'm all for specialized steeds and having variation between types of mounts—largely as a story telling opportunity. But advancements is another thing altogether. Still pondering....

M.

GreenTongue · Posted: Mon Nov 30, 2009 7:38 pm Post subject:

Maybe they could gain an additional edge but, it would have to be part of play. So, maybe the owner could "donate" an edge?
=

SlasherEpoch · Posted: Mon Nov 30, 2009 8:55 pm Post subject:

I allow advancement in my games if it's part of a character's schtick. If they have a loyal hawk or pet rat, then you can bet I'll allow that thing to level up. Same with a horse.
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VonDan · Legendary Joined: 08 Jul 2008 Posts: 3306

Now I can use the Destrier stats to RPG my grandfather. He ran away from home at 17 (in 1917) with $12 and a Clydesdale (and he was ridding the horse so the makers of Krull are full of $hit when they say no one rode a clyde for 500 years until they filmed Krull)

Lord Inar · Posted: Mon Nov 30, 2009 9:43 pm Post subject:

I think Pirates handles this pretty well.

Ships have edges and hindrances, and the player can use one of their leveling opportunities to give it an edge.

While I think this is too much to ask (unless the horse is a WC), you could use 1/2 a bump (equivalent to a skill point raise) to give a horse an edge.

Just a thought.

Then again, an even better thought is to hammer it out here and submit it to the soon to be up and running again Shark Bytes!
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Malcolm Wolter · Novice Joined: 11 Jan 2009 Posts: 89 Location: Texas

VonDan, I'm honored that you used your 666th post in my little thread. Great story, too! Your posts are always a hoot. BUT, I've learned during my research that Clydesdales weren't really destriers apparently—they were draft horses that came much later after the Age of Chivalry. Too broad of back to ride comfortably!

Lord Inar, I like the idea of players using their own advancements on their steeds. Good one. That would mean it would only happen if it was really important to the PC. I'll try to advance this more ASAP. My newborn daughter is demanding lots of my time in the evenings so it's not going as quickly as I'd like. But I'll try to make a major post on it this weekend, if not sooner. I have new types and further evolved thinking on Traits and Skills thanks to you all. Trying to find the right FFF balance, because I tend to be a bit pedantic when it comes to these things...

M.

Lord Lance · Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2009 6:56 am Post subject:

Clint · Site Admin Joined: 13 May 2003 Posts: 16264

Cutter XXIII · Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2009 1:45 pm Post subject:

Malcolm Wolter -- please check your Private Messages. Thanks! Smile

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Lord Skudley · Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2010 7:08 pm Post subject:

A player in my DLR game wants a "Smart Horse". Which brought me back to this thread.
Have you done anymore work on this?
How would someone handle the "Smart" Horse, "Strong" Horse etc?

Are your prices based on modern costs?
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Malcolm Wolter · Novice Joined: 11 Jan 2009 Posts: 89 Location: Texas

Thanks for asking! I've done a lot more work on it, but it's not really ready for public consumption. I basically developed a system for horses akin to the ship-building system in Pirates of the Spanish Main—descriptions and base cost for each medieval horse type then modified for Edges and Hindrances. But it's not quite there yet and I haven't worked on it lately due to other writing priorities. But basically, I would handle this as an Edge. A horse with the Tricks Edge could learn up to 1d6 tricks. They have to be something a horse can actually do, eg. come when called, count to ten by stamping his foot, walk on his hind legs, etc. I'd love to finish it someday, but don't have a schedule for completion.

Best,

M.

Lord Skudley · Posted: Tue Sep 14, 2010 12:06 am Post subject:

Exceptional Horses
These horses display an exceptional trait of some sort. Whether it’s smarter, bigger, or just plain better these horses cost double the standard price.
Brave: This horse stands fast even in the face of extreme danger. The animal has a Spirit of d8 and either True Grit or Nerves of Steel.
Fast: Too bad the Pony Express didn’t get a hold of this animal. Add a +2 to the horse’s Pace and a +2 to his running die.
Smart: The animal responds exceptionally well to its master’s commands. The horse gains one of the following edges; Alertness or Danger Sense. Or the horse’s owner can add +2 to her ridin’ rolls.
Strong: Strap this horse to a plow and he’ll make any farmer proud. Huge and burly, the horse the edge Brawny.
Surly: The horse is ill-tempered to those he isn’t used to. He kicks and bites strangers with little provocation.
Tough: The horse is made of tougher stuff than normal, increase its Vigor by one die type and gains Tough as Nails.
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Snate56 · Posted: Tue Sep 14, 2010 2:29 am Post subject:

I'm surprised no one's brought up the Animal Companions chapter in Deadlands Classic's Rascals, Varmints and Critters.
There's all kinds of things for a horse to spend advancements on (dogs too!).
Filching, Dodge, Fighting, Stealth, Notice, Performing Tricks, Guts.
And a passel of Edges, too: Brave, Swift (some horses are even faster than Fleet-Footed), Saddlewise, etc.

Looks like pretty much all the skills, hindrances and edges can be brought over to Savage Worlds.

SteveN
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Lord Skudley · Posted: Tue Sep 14, 2010 2:45 am Post subject:

Lord Skudley · Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2011 12:24 am Post subject:

Thought I'd try to revive this 'un...
By the way, here are the prices fer a Deadlands game:

Horse, War (Destrier, or "Great Horse") Cost: $775 or more
Horse, War (Courser) Cost: $550
Horse, War (Rounsey) Cost: $400
Horse, Riding (Palfrey) Cost: $300
Horse, Riding (Jennet) Cost: $200
Horse, Riding (Hackney) Cost: $150
Horse, Work (Farm, Pack or Driving) Cost: $100
Horse, Pony (Riding, Pack, or Driving) Cost: $75
Nag Cost: $50 or less
Mule Cost $50
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Lord Karick · Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2011 12:47 am Post subject:

While we're at it, it'd be nice to have some more attractive rules for combat from horse. At the moment there's no real advantage to doing so, whereas IRL cavalry had some real advantages over foot soldiers.
(nice work btw).
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jpk · Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2011 3:19 am Post subject:

Lord Karick · Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2011 3:28 am Post subject:

Calden · Novice Joined: 20 May 2010 Posts: 28

Well you would be getting +1 to Fighting rolls due to outnumbering at least surely?