Grimmshade wrote:

The Barbarian, Cataphract, and Paladin have Horsemanship ability which allows them to perform certain maneuvers and attacks from horseback. 
My question is: can other characters train in this? The Saddle Fire action says "trained" on the Advanced Combat Action chart, and in the description it mentions Rangers and Fighters, both of which don't have the Horsemanship ability. 

We have a Ranger (Bossonian archer) in the PC party, and while spending a lot of time in Turan / Hyrkania he asked if he could train in Saddle Fire, which makes perfect sense (and is cool). I'm definitely allowing it, but I just wondered what the official thought was.

Any Fighter subclass can use the saddle fire.  The training aspect, much like that for gaining levels, seems to be left up to the individual Ref.  If that is what he imagines his character to be able to do then let him fire from a galloping horse!  Just my opinion.
 

Grimmshade wrote:

Mabon - I agree! I'm just confused as to what exactly the "Horsemanship" ability of some classes grants that other fighter classes can't do.
One thing I'm finding really awesome about AS&SH in my Hyborian Age campaign is that the PC's grow narratively and mechanically on the character sheet. I like the old school training for level requirements, and things like learning a language just from being in an area long enough, and the Bossonian training in Hyrkanian horse archery. It all builds upon the history of the character really well. 

The Paladin and Cataphract have the same wording for "Horsemanship" and refer to the same section of the rules.  The Barbarian is slightly different.
The Cataphract receives increased damage from a mounted charge but this is a separate class skill.
The Cataphract receives lower modifiers when saddle firing but the Paladin does not.  
All fighter sub-classes can fight on horseback and receive benefit from doing so.
What benefits do those with Horsemanship receive? 
I'm not sure there is a rules / mechanic answer.  If you wanted to do a maneuver with a mount that wasn't specifically addressed in the rules, those with Horsemanship would have an easier time (no neg mod).

sorry for the stream of consciousness talking out loud.....



 

Grimmshade wrote:

Mabon - I suspect you're completely correct about Horsemanship! I'm still getting used to the freedom these rules allow. It's a great mix of GM freedom but still giving enough guidance that you don't have to make up EVERYTHING on the spot.

The difference in the description with the barbarian makes me want to treat it differently.  The barbarian is slightly less skilled in formation combat and "trick" riding but can hop on nearly anything try to make it a mount through force of will.  "Go get those Leaper Camels!"

Blackadder - I'm in agreement about not watering down the Classes by allowing others to gain the same benefits. In the end I allowed the Ranger to learn Saddle Fire, but at a cost of 400 GP and 4 weeks training.