Post/Author/DateTime	Post
draustinan 12-08-05, 08:44 PM	concerning the spell awaken (phb page 202) after i found out that i could not cast it on my animal companion in a particular home game i found out that it does not actually prohibit you from taking it as a cohort. and 2 major questions came to mind: first, is this a rule abuse and should i even bother asking my dm if i can? second, if he says yes should it gain exp and levels in animal/magical beast or can it gain class levels? any input welcome, thanks
runestar 12-08-05, 09:19 PM	Just about anything can be a cohort, I think an awakened animal would make a fine cohort for a druid. Just keep in mind its LA, and that a LA of "-" does not mean a LA of 0.
Seeker95 12-09-05, 07:48 AM	Cohort? Yes. Friend? Yes. Hireling? Yes. PC? Yes. (DM dependent) Animal companion? No.
Ovistavin 12-09-05, 10:06 AM	I remember reading somewhere (wish I could find where) that any creature with an Int of at least 3 can take class levels. For an awakened animal you will have to figure out its ECL and how much XP it has and would need to gain before it can take a class. I would think an awaken animal would take levels in either Barbarian, Ranger, Druid (casting spells would be a problem though) or possibly Fighter. I could also see a Sorcerer with the Eschew Materials feat, but the spell options for a creature without hands is very limited. Come to think of it, Psionics sound like it might be a worth while option for this. Hope this helps.
Master of the Wild 12-09-05, 11:06 AM	I would think an awaken animal would take levels in either Barbarian, Ranger, Druid (casting spells would be a problem though) How so? I think they could take Natural spell when they reach level 5 ! :)
farfairer 12-09-05, 12:28 PM	How so? I think they could take Natural spell when they reach level 5 ! :) Not unless the animal is useing Wildshape. PHB page 98 NATURAL SPELL [GENERAL] Prerequisites: Wis 13, wild shape ability. Benefit: You can complete the verbal and somatic components of spells while in a wild shape. You substitute various noises and gestures for the normal verbal and somatic components of a spell. You can also use any material components or focuses you possess, even if such items are melded within your current form. This feat does not permit the use of magic items while you are in a form that could not ordinarily use them, and you do not gain the ability to speak while in a wild shape. emphasis addad
JiCi 12-09-05, 12:49 PM	concerning the spell awaken (phb page 202) after i found out that i could not cast it on my animal companion in a particular home game i found out that it does not actually prohibit you from taking it as a cohort. and 2 major questions came to mind: first, is this a rule abuse and should i even bother asking my dm if i can? second, if he says yes should it gain exp and levels in animal/magical beast or can it gain class levels? any input welcome, thanksYes, it can be a cohort, assuming you have a leadership score that's high enough. You need the awakened animal ECL (animal's original HD + 2 HD gained by awaken + X LA), which will indicate the cohort's level. As for advancement, well it's your choice. Do you want a simple awakened animal companion that "ages" or a awakened animal companion that can cast spells, rage, manifest powers, shape soulmelds, sing, cure, turn undead, wild shape or the like ?
draustinan 12-18-05, 10:42 PM	thanks for the input, my DM said sure and told me that he would get back to me about what level adjustment it would be