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The Otherworldly Steed

functions as a controlled mount while you ride it.

The restrictions on a Controlled Mount’s actions are explicitly limited to the rider’s turn:

The Initiative of a controlled mount changes to match yours when you mount it. It moves on your turn as you direct it, and it has only three action options during that turn: Dash, Disengage, and Dodge. A controlled mount can move and act even on the turn that you mount it.

[emphasis mine]

However, there are no such restrictions on a mount’s other action economy. For example, a Controlled Mount can still use its Bonus Action or make an Opportunity Attack using its Reaction.

RAW, is it possible to coordinate with a creature such that it Readies an action (e.g. an Attack, triggered by coming within range of a hostile creature) before becoming a Controlled Mount, and then later resolves that readied action as a reaction after it becomes a controlled mount?

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Related (2014): How does a mount from Find Steed act when unmounted? \$\endgroup\$ Commented 22 hours ago
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    \$\begingroup\$ Just curious, but are these mount questions because you are playing a mounted character? There is quite a bit of disagreement on the last question, and I expect there will be here too. Mounted combat rules have always been messy. \$\endgroup\$ Commented 20 hours ago
  • \$\begingroup\$ I have a paladin rolled up that I had to transition from 2014 rules. \$\endgroup\$ Commented 15 hours ago

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Yes. RAW, this is possible.

A creature can Ready an action before becoming a controlled mount, and that readied action can still be triggered later as a reaction, even after the creature becomes a controlled mount.

The key points are:

  • The restrictions on a Controlled Mount’s actions apply only during the shared turn. Therefore, the controlled mount can take an unrestricted Ready action on its own turn.
  • A readied action is resolved as a reaction, even if its trigger occurs during the shared turn.
  • A reaction is not an action and is governed by separate rules.
  • Nothing in the rules cancels or invalidates a readied action when initiative changes or when a creature becomes a controlled mount.

Why this works (RAW)

Using Find Steed as a concrete example:

  • A steed summoned by Find Steed is an ally, not an extension of the rider.
  • The summoned Otherworldly Steed functions as a controlled mount only while you are riding it.
  • When not mounted, it acts normally and has a full action economy.
  • It can communicate with its caster, allowing explicit coordination.
  • Readied actions persist until triggered, until the start of the creature’s next turn, or until lost due to incapacity—none of which occur merely by mounting.

Importantly, even if the readied action’s trigger occurs during the shared turn, the mount is not taking an action during that turn. It is spending a reaction, which controlled mounts are already allowed to do (such as making an Opportunity Attack).

Broader Applicability

Although Find Steed provides a clear, rules-supported example, the same RAW reasoning applies to any intelligent mount capable of understanding commands and taking the Ready action.

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    \$\begingroup\$ I think when an answer has to be described as RAW, you know you are into shenanigans. This might be technically correct, but jumping on and off a horse to let it trigger an attack should not be allowed to fly in any sensible game. \$\endgroup\$ Commented 19 hours ago
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    \$\begingroup\$ @SeriousBri It’s just important to remember that “RAW” is a method of interpretation, not an interpretation itself. There is no standard of RAW interpretation or expectation that any two people claiming to be using a RAW method should arrive at the same conclusion. We’re all just providing our own interpretation according to our own experiences and biases, and terms like RAW and RAI (intended, not interpreted) are just telling us something about how the individual is generally approaching the rules in a particular context. \$\endgroup\$ Commented 15 hours ago
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    \$\begingroup\$ @SeriousBri, “I think when an answer has to be described as RAW, you know you are into shenanigans.” I know what you mean. But, there is often a double standard of using RAW to justify totally illogical (neither verisimilitude nor mechanical soundness) restrictions on player choices. Shenanigans are the other end of the spectrum. A good GM should have a more interesting and sophisticated method of adjudicating than “This is RAW so send it!” \$\endgroup\$ Commented 15 hours ago
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    \$\begingroup\$ As is, this is not terrible when it comes to shenanigans. Not much worse than the steed making an OA. \$\endgroup\$ Commented 15 hours ago
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    \$\begingroup\$ @nonymous honestly I let my mounts attack anyway, so yes this isn't terrible. \$\endgroup\$ Commented 9 hours ago

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