Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Toloran 01-30-07, 10:02 PM	I have a few questions regarding the druid animal companion: 1st) As the Animal Companions HD progresses (from leveling up as a druid), does the animal companion get new feats (at all the normal points). And do you just pick whichever feat you want for your companion (assuming it meets the requirements) or is there some other sort of limitation? I assume it does just like all other monsters, but I am not entirely sure considering it is a "special" animal. 2nd) Regarding barding: Can a druids animal companion wear armor fit for a medium sized non-humanoid (using the barding rules for mounts)? And if so, Does barding require the Armor Proficency feat to avoid the penalties or not? Again, I assume they can but need the feat.
pres_man 01-30-07, 11:48 PM	1) They can take any feat they meet the prerequistes for. Though some consideration should be taken not to give them ridiculous feats (wolf with EWP[B.S.] for example). There are some feats in the MM that should be helpful for an animal companion. 2) The general assumption is if they have been trained to fight then they can wear barding without penalty.
Magrus 01-31-07, 12:45 AM	I happen to rule as a DM that animal companions get feats and skills as they gain HD. As well as advance in size if they happen to get enough HD to warrant that. Not everyone does, but I know I do. I also calculate the companion into the party ECL, so it affects XP as a seperate creature to account for this. Not everyone does. I use logic for the animals feats and skills. Obviously, your wolf companion is not going to know K: Arcana, or have Psionic Meditation as a feat. Weapon Focus: Bite, Improved Natural Attack, Power Critical? Sure, why not? Skill focus Jump or Stealthy? Of course. Basically anything that seems possible I accept, within reason. I don't see why others wouldn't either.
runestar 01-31-07, 12:58 AM	Just to point out that it is explicitly stated that animal companions do not become large from the extra HD granted from the druid class. And they do not leech xp, since they are considered a class feature of the druid. They will no more cause the party to lose xp than a barb using rage causes his party's EL to increase.:) 1) They get extra feats from HD. Technically, there would be no limitations so long as they actually meet the prereqs, though your dm is free to rule that certain feats are just not feasible. Though it does not seem impossible for an ape to train to fight with a bastard sword...:cool: 2) I am not sure about whether they automatically get armour prof or not. You could always use barding without any armour check penalty, thus eschewing the problems related with non-proficiency. That gives you leather armour, masterwork studded leather or mithril chainshirt barding to work with.:)
Magrus 01-31-07, 07:44 AM	Just to point out that it is explicitly stated that animal companions do not become large from the extra HD granted from the druid class. And they do not leech xp, since they are considered a class feature of the druid. They will no more cause the party to lose xp than a barb using rage causes his party's EL to increase.:) *nods* Which is why I say "I do, not everyone does." It isn't often my players play druids, but they all agree with the way I do things. It isn't that much of a difference in XP, and they then get to have truly battle effective companions at medium levels. The moniter lizard for example, I allow to change to large at higher HD, which makes it more useful as you progress, if you so wish. Having a combat capable flanker does a lot for a party that plans out the use of the companion for just such a use. However, it is going to cost you XP, at least in my games.
The_Ditto 01-31-07, 08:36 AM	I have a spreadsheet in my sig that helps stat up animal companions ... Including # of feats they get for the HD increase as your Druid levels, as well as skill points and tricks ... :tiphat:
runestar 01-31-07, 09:13 AM	*nods* Which is why I say "I do, not everyone does." I know, I just thought I would clarify it anyways.:)
Toloran 01-31-07, 04:11 PM	Thanks of the help everyone, The answers were basically what I assumed. I was just making sure because randomly the rules and common sense differ :) This was for an allied NPC that would randomly bother the group (since the group managed to throw the balance of nature COMPLETELY out of whack in a certain forest and that kinda miffed her).