Post/Author/DateTime	Post
evoken_november 08-20-03, 01:24 PM	I'm putting together a druid for what is destined to be a short lived campaign, and I'd like a little input as to some appropriate animal companions for when he leaves the swamp. I'm playing with 3.0 rules, and the druid is a Lizardfolk (specifically Lizardfolk1/Druid2... only one lizardfolk HD, and no multiattack). Most likely, the druid is Neutral, and while in the swamp he likley uses a crocodile companion to help lay ambushes against ogre war bands who also inhabit the area. My problem is in deciding what would be a good set of companions for when this Druid must inevitably leave the swamp in search of the true cause of his tribe's problems. He'd love to bring his crocodile friend with him, but not only would this stir up even more consternation with townsfolk than his already frightening appearance would, but a crocodile may not survive long out of its natural climate, and may indeed simply go back home and wait for his Druid friend to come back and play with him at his soonest convenience. This being the case, what good companions are there for a reptilian swamp druid who finds himself completely out of his swampy element?
Willie the Duck 08-20-03, 03:07 PM	a komodo dragon might live longer outside of aswamp, but would still scare everyone. a dinosaur (I imagine you could get one of the herbivoous ones at a relatively low level) would be just the same. I can just see a lizardman riding around on a ginat toad:D . Note that mammalian druids (humans et al.) choose birds and even reptiles as animal companions, so a lizardman can choose bird and mammals.
Barrid 08-20-03, 03:11 PM	A large snake might make a good companion. You'll probably have to end up with a mammal, especially if you go to where it is cold. For a lizardman, I think a neat contrast would be a primate of some kind.
Israfel666 08-20-03, 04:01 PM	My suggestion is to stick with small and unimpressive companions, and "upgrade" them to Dire/Legendary as soon as possible. A dire toad (MotW) has only 4 HD, but is still useful with a +6 ranged poisoned tongue attack. If you can make them by yourself, dire/legendary lizards are probably your best bet (although lizardfolk druid with lizard companion is quite obvious and, perhaps, boring)
crunchytroll 08-26-03, 02:43 PM	Baboon. These little guys rock, and can easily be underestimated. I like dogs, and the "man's best friend" could be played up to good effect... I really like the idea of having a primate, though, as it gives a good springboard for a lot of characterization on all counts. In the swamp, every creature needs some specific base characterists to survive. In the unknown lands outside the swamp, you need to have an animal that compliments your abilities and fills in the gaps for you. Plains/forest/mountain-based creatures fit this bill nicely, and would make sense for your druid. A lynx or jaguar/panther is also a good idea, and the latter could easily be found in or near your home swamp. -Scott
ieattrollsforbreakfast 08-27-03, 03:39 PM	How about choosing multiple small swamp beast as minions? I'm thinking something along the lines of a dozen tiny snakes swarming your enemies.
SailorNash 08-27-03, 05:32 PM	Maybe it's just cause I live down near the bayou, but I think a gator would make a nice companion. Pretty mean, and there's not much scarier than thinking about being pulled underwater to drown while those jaws are clamped around you...
Scrag the kobold 08-28-03, 08:54 AM	If it's possible, you could take a large insect or other vermin like a large praying mantis or a large wasp
MrNiceGuy 08-28-03, 12:59 PM	For a Lizardman, I'd go w/ either a snake (possibly poisonous) or an alligator. Paul