Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Arvagor 05-10-06, 03:47 PM	Am I correct in assuming that my druid's animal companion will not gain a stat bump when it reaches 4HD (or 8, 12, etc.)? The LGCS states:Advancing Animal Companions: Animal companions advance using the rules laid out in the PH. They do not gain anything (larger size, etc.) that is not specifically mentioned in the PH.The PHB entry titled "Bonus HD" also states: "An animal companion gains additional skill points and feats for bonus HD as normal for advancing a monster’s Hit Dice" and makes no mention of stat bumps at the 4HD multiples. Just want to make sure...
kenobi65 05-10-06, 08:43 PM	You are correct. The animal companion gets the Str / Dex bumps as listed in the table on p. 36 of the PHB, instead of the standard one for every 4 HD.
Lupo 05-11-06, 06:59 AM	Am I correct in assuming that my druid's animal companion will not gain a stat bump when it reaches 4HD (or 8, 12, etc.)? The LGCS states:The PHB entry titled "Bonus HD" also states: "An animal companion gains additional skill points and feats for bonus HD as normal for advancing a monster’s Hit Dice" and makes no mention of stat bumps at the 4HD multiples. Just want to make sure... yea it is sometimes a pitty, especcially when a critter has an odd con score. and note that animal companions don't increase in size either. overall, with some magic items and good feat choice a druid's animal companion can be usefull at all apls (my druid 9 is riding a dire bat, other druids i have seen use the ape for the 10-ft reach or the wolf/dire wolf for the trip thingy). just remember that your animal companion isn't a speed bump like the conjured critters :-). now with "nature's favor" a swift spell you can boost your animal on the spot, very useful spell. ciao martin m. ps: ranger's animal companions tend to be pathetic, mostly usefull for spotting and search with scent etc.
Arvagor 05-11-06, 09:19 AM	yea it is sometimes a pitty, especcially when a critter has an odd con score. and note that animal companions don't increase in size either.I don't think that's as much of a big deal for me right now, as my druid is only about to hit level 3. I've currently got a medium viper, and I've discovered that advancing him actually makes him a bit hardier and more powerful than switching over to the large viper at level 4 and advancing that. :D
Lupo 05-11-06, 10:31 AM	I don't think that's as much of a big deal for me right now, as my druid is only about to hit level 3. I've currently got a medium viper, and I've discovered that advancing him actually makes him a bit hardier and more powerful than switching over to the large viper at level 4 and advancing that. :D yea some animals are better when advancing, some are better when taken as the higher availbale critter. and often the one or more additional granted special ability makes up for some minor better hd, hp, attack value or similar. even a riding dog or wolf can do quite well, with all the abilities it collects throughout your career (e.g. give a animal companion "lightning reflexes", as it gets evasion as a bonus helps a lot, equipping it with magic items is fun too), sharing spells is always great. ciao martin m.