Sapient Mounts as Patrons

AlexanderHowl · 11-14-2017, 05:26 PM

In several fiction series, characters possess sapient mounts who are much more capable than the central character. One such example is Temeraire from the Temeraire series by Naomi Novak. Temeraire is a young dragon of phenomenal intelligence who grows to a mass of around 20 metric tons, making him SM+5 in GURPS. He possess fine manipulators and, since he is capable of carrying dozens of crew, supplies, and armor, he probably possesses the equivalent of ST 200 (giving him a basic lift of 8,000 lbs and costing him 950 points). His strength is not phenomenal for heavyweight dragons (some of which are SM+6 and possess the equivalent of ST 300), but his other abilities make him the equivalent of a 2,000 point character. His companion was probably a 250 point character when he first encountered him.

My question is would you allow a character to purchase a sapient mount as a Patron? Temeraire would probably be a 20 point patron for his companion and would appear on a 15- (he is very attached to his companion), so he would presumably cost 60 points. Of course, the mount would be an NPC of incredible power, so I could understand forbidding it, but it offers fascinating possibilities.

Say, it isn't that bad! · 11-14-2017, 06:35 PM

I seem to remember some sort of fantasy series where divinely-blessed horse-shaped people chose human compatriots as champions for an isolated kingdom.

I think it had a few books.

Spoiler:

sir_pudding · 11-14-2017, 06:41 PM

I would do the Temeraire books troupe-style, with each PC playing a dragon and its crew.

11-14-2017, 05:26 PM	#1
AlexanderHowl Join Date: Feb 2016	Sapient Mounts as Patrons In several fiction series, characters possess sapient mounts who are much more capable than the central character. One such example is Temeraire from the Temeraire series by Naomi Novak. Temeraire is a young dragon of phenomenal intelligence who grows to a mass of around 20 metric tons, making him SM+5 in GURPS. He possess fine manipulators and, since he is capable of carrying dozens of crew, supplies, and armor, he probably possesses the equivalent of ST 200 (giving him a basic lift of 8,000 lbs and costing him 950 points). His strength is not phenomenal for heavyweight dragons (some of which are SM+6 and possess the equivalent of ST 300), but his other abilities make him the equivalent of a 2,000 point character. His companion was probably a 250 point character when he first encountered him. My question is would you allow a character to purchase a sapient mount as a Patron? Temeraire would probably be a 20 point patron for his companion and would appear on a 15- (he is very attached to his companion), so he would presumably cost 60 points. Of course, the mount would be an NPC of incredible power, so I could understand forbidding it, but it offers fascinating possibilities.

11-14-2017, 06:35 PM	#2
Say, it isn't that bad! Join Date: Dec 2013	Re: Sapient Mounts as Patrons I seem to remember some sort of fantasy series where divinely-blessed horse-shaped people chose human compatriots as champions for an isolated kingdom. I think it had a few books. Spoiler: Want a hint? It has more series than some successful writers have books. Spoiler: It's called Heralds of Valdemar, it's pretty much exactly what you're talking about. Spoiler: Mercedes Lackey is pretty solid writer, and unlike some, can finish writing books and series. However, there is a disturbing undertone of "yaayfriendlymindcontrol", but if you're ok with reading X-Men, you probably will be ok with reading this.

11-14-2017, 06:41 PM	#3
sir_pudding Wielder of Smart Pants Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Ventura CA	Re: Sapient Mounts as Patrons I would do the Temeraire books troupe-style, with each PC playing a dragon and its crew.