'mounted fighting'

This skill complements the riding skill and is the backbone of fighting while riding another creature. Without this skill the number of attacks possible while riding is greatly decreased, as is the damage inflicted and the ability to defend while mounted. Mounted fighting is also needed to make skillful mounts and dismounts while fighting. If someone without this skill wishes to try mounting or dismounting a creature while they are fighting, then they are likely fail in the attempt. The advantages of fighting mounted are: - Increased damage by physical weapon attacks. - Chance to land lucky blows from up high. - Greatly increased shield block ability. - Increased parrying against attacks made up at you. - Injury inflicted on a mounted person is reduced if inflicted by someone not mounted, and the riding person has sufficient riding skills. - Enemies can not parry your downward attacks as easily. - Many skill based attacks can not be used against you unless the opponent is also mounted. - Fleeing from combat on a mount is far easier than on foot. - The mounted creature fights with the rider as if one person. - Some attacks on the rider will fall on the mount to spread injuries. The disadvantages of fighting mounted are: - Greatly decreased dodging ability. - Unable to use many combat specific skills. - Fighting stances and fighting styles can not be used while mounted. - Sometimes an attack on the mounted creature will fall on the rider instead. Note that many advantages and disadvantages are cancelled out if two mounted opponents fight one another. (e.g., if fighting another mounted enemy, both of you have normal parry and damage against one another).