Lances

[Verjigorm]

Originally Posted by vicky_molokh

If it does not depend on the horse, why use a charge, or even a horse at all, in the first place?

Because horses are faster than men, they allow the rider to attack from a higher vantage point, they can be used as weapons in their own right and they allow the rider to carry more gear? All of those of plenty of reasons for using horses, other than Lances. Lancing and absorbing the impact should probably be techniques of spear, rather than a skill itself.

Originally Posted by Fred Brackin

However, it would not apear to be the same function as if the rider was a runner with a spear held under his arm.

The rules for using the lance and running and lancing are essentially the same, with the exception that the lance gets to use the mounts st/hp, which I don't really think is applicable. A benefit similar to that given to all melee attacks when moving more than 7yds a second could certainly cover the lance's greater impact due to velocity.

The mechanical aids of the stirrups and saddle aid him at least somewhat. With those, the rider doesn't have to absorb all the force of the impact shock with just his arm strength. He can take some in his torso and legs and transfer it to the horse.

They certainly help him stay on, that's true. But remember, the Lancer is the one striking with his weapon, not the horse. The problem on horseback is that it's very hard to balance atop a horse and hit people with weapons, no matter the weapon. And a successful hit could make you lose you balance and fall off. But you are still providing the motive power of the horse.

The lance has all the advantage it needs in it's reach and impaling. But Lancers predate the stirrup by a long margin, there's no way a gripping his horse with his thighs is acting as some sort of anchor for the lance to use the horse's mass.