Saddle

A saddle was a seat attached to a creature, either for riding or carrying objects. "Those who think saddles uncomfortable have never ridden a horse bareback."

- Advertisement for saddles in Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue

Description
Saddles were sold all over Faerûn, Maztica, Kara-Tur, and Zakhara Saddles specifically made for camels had different names in Zakhara and were known as kharj, rahla, and terke. The rahla was small, comfortable and lightweight, whilst the terke was cage-like and enabled the rider to control the camel much more easily. Saddles were sold by Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue, and each of them were made from black Ordulan leather.

Saddles were mainly split into two groups: riding saddles and pack saddles. Riding saddles were used by those who rode creatures, whilst pack saddles were frames used to carry equipment.

These seats came in a multitude of varieties, each different depending on the rider's needs or the type of mount used. Types of mounts that used saddles were horses, mules, griffons, hippogriffs, steeders, pegasi, dragons, giant striders, camels

"The following day we finished the ride to Corwell, none too soon for my tastes. I would almost have preferred to travel by coracle, for the saddle sores stung for another week."

- Elminster

Travelling on saddles (particularly poor ones) for long periods, could cause sores.

Keltar was well known for its production of saddles. Their saddles had such a good reputation that they were desired by every Calishite horseman. One of the great crafters of Keltar claimed he could custom-make saddles for dragons.

The mount spell could summon creatures with saddles already attached to them, or even howdahs, should the caster be powerful enough. Even the phantom steed spell summoned a ghostly mount with a saddle and bit and bridle to boot.

Saddle frames were often made of wood or sheepskin.

History
1345 DR was known as the Year of the Saddle. The High Herald of Yartar was known as the Gold Saddle.

Appearances

 * Adventures
 * The Mines of Bloodstone • Swords of the Daimyo • Ochimo: The Spirit Warrior • Mad Monkey vs the Dragon Claw • Ronin Challenge • Test of the Samurai • Secrets of the Lamp • Reunion • City of Gold • Storm Riders
 * Gamebooks
 * Knight of the Living Dead