1 word: DISMOUNT
Everything you do dismount you. Picking up quest = dismount. Do some special actions on quest = dismount. Change channel = dismount. Use goddess statue = dismount. Warp to quest on different map = dismount
Now to the frustration:
- When you mount your companion, you get some HP. So if you sit on bonfire to fully healed, then mount companion, you are no longer at full health. But this is just a small frustration.
- When you change map and you get dismount, while you load the map, some mob might come in and kick the companion’s butt (most of the time the stupid companion just go and aggro the mob). Your companion can only take 2 hits before fainting. You cannot ride a fainted companion. You cannot use skills without riding. You are no longer a cataphract, because you change map …
- Same as above when sitting on bonfire and mob spawn.
Suggestion: make all characters that have the ‘Ride Companion’ attribute receive the bonus of companion, regardless of riding. Also make an option to ensure companion never go and engage enemies.