Is it fair? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Is it fair? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
howisube
02-25-06, 09:28 PM My DM is a brand new DM and refuses to read the books (not the main problem here). I have read the books and half-way know what i am doing. The DM is my dad. I am playing a druid and have a wolf companion already set-up. He refuses to let me use the wolf simply because he thinks it is not fair for the wolf to gain levels and that really the idea of having a companion itself makes the game unfair. He claims the wolf is a NPC because it is not fair for me to make desicions for it. I cannot convince him that the characters are made equally and taking my wolf is like taking a rogues sneak attack. What should I do to convince him, or should i just let it go?
howisube
02-25-06, 09:37 PM Please, I beg of you!!!
DeadKeepWalking
02-25-06, 09:43 PM You can't force anyone to do anything that they don't want to do.

If you want the extreme answer, find something in the books, and exploit it to the max. If you break the game, you will cause a lot of problems, but the DM will be more inclined to read the books. If you come close to breaking the game, and the DM intervenes, tell him nicely to read the books to see that it is perfectly legal by the rules.

Another idea would be to sit down with the DM, open the book to the Druid page, and physically show him the Animal Companion ability, and have him read it. Use your arguement you have here, "Take away the Animal Companion is the same as taking away Sneak Attack, Familiars, Barbarian Rage, Bardic Knowledge, etc."
Try to have the other players talk to him as well, preferably as a group.

You could add an ultimatium in, but you have to get the other players to agree to this. The Ultimatium, you don't get the Animal Companion, everyone else doesn't get their abilities. But that is the immature, tantrum approach and it isn't likely to work.

But it comes down to, if he doesn't want to, he is not going to unless you can change his mind.
Kresalak
02-25-06, 09:44 PM Tell him that it is quite simply a class feature of the Druid, and it will never be as powerful as any of your other class features, so there should be no problem with letting you have it.

Also, he needs to read the books that he is using in the game. He really, really needs to read the Core books, if he hasn't.
howisube
02-25-06, 09:52 PM I will try to change his mind without upsetting him (if i do, "Suddenly a freak storm approaches and lightning strikes, Rayaw roll a fortitude check. Oh a 19 plus 3, whoops, your dead, the storm dissapates") He will not read the book simply because he is lazy and is only DMing to prove you don't have to put much effort into it. Hopefully he willl learn. He is only doing this because when i am DM i get mad because I feel that I do not get enough effort on there part (they don't pay attention and when they do they take nothing seriously and don't trust a thing i do because it is "unfair".) I may expect a bit much but not by far.
TheChilliGod
02-25-06, 09:53 PM Well, your DM is right in that the wolf would need to be controlled as an NPC, because it's an animal, and might not always listen to you if you have been mean to it recently, and it has 2 intelligence, which means that it's a little stupid to properly follow through on any complicated tactics (I know of a wolf's pack spirit & battle sense and all that, but this wolf isn't with his pack anymore.)

So maybe you can reach a compromise using that as a pivot point.
howisube
02-25-06, 09:58 PM I agree that i do not control the wolf, but he seems to think of it as an animal that doesn't really know my character. He claims i have no influence over what it does in any way, but through things like trainging, I can at least suggest things to it right? And the only real reason for it not to is if its life is in danger, or if i have been mean to it.
Swordhat
02-25-06, 10:39 PM Animal companions do know tricks, and have bonus tricks, so if you ask your animal to do something that in combat that he knows how to do, he should do it. Otherwise, you can attempt to control his behavior through Handle Animal checks, which are covered under that skill's entry in the PHB. Although your control of the wolf is not the same as if you were playing an extra PC, you do have ways to control what he does. If the DM is deciding everything the wolf does, he isn't playing by the rules (which I know was the whole point of your post; just figured I'd chime in).
Verelor
02-25-06, 10:49 PM I feel really sorry for you adn what you have to put up with. Don't despair.
DeadKeepWalking
02-25-06, 11:19 PM Actually, the wolf would consider itself as being a part of the Druid's pack, which is why the wolf would be following the Druid around, and usually not attacking other party members.

The wolf is going to follow the Druid, and would be considered at least friendly towards the Druid, if not outright helpful.
runestar
02-25-06, 11:31 PM Actually, the wolf would be controlled by the druid as some sort of PC. But it would only obey simple commands, and that in itself would limit what the wolf can and cannot do. But yeah, but part of a druid's prowess assumes that you can maximise their abilities for all they are worth, and an animal companion is 1 of them.
Rhomphaia
02-26-06, 02:48 AM My DM is a brand new DM and refuses to read the books (not the main problem here)...
Sorry to tell you, but this is precicely the biggest problem here.

Now, as a DM, he can houserule that the druid can't have animal companions or that special requirements must be met. However, you do have options.

First, you need to completely read the books. You'll notice a little thing under the sorcerer's description called a familiar. Show this to your DM, then show him the animal companion ability for druid. Ask him about which one is more 'unfair'. If he is halfway sensible, he will either ban both or will allow both.
Suzaku455
02-26-06, 02:51 AM Sorry to tell you, but this is precicely the biggest problem here.

Now, as a DM, he can houserule that the druid can't have animal companions or that special requirements must be met. However, you do have options.

First, you need to completely read the books. You'll notice a little thing under the sorcerer's description called a familiar. Show this to your DM, then show him the animal companion ability for druid. Ask him about which one is more 'unfair'. If he is halfway sensible, he will either ban both or will allow both.
Hey point at wizard not Sorcerer ; ;
Nithendil
02-26-06, 03:01 AM Your DM is going to have a hissy fit once you get wildshape + natural spell.

edit: also show him the recent errata. Tell him of all the things they nerfed, they left animal companion, so it can't be that bad.
howisube
02-26-06, 05:45 PM Thanks, i will try some of these things. He is stubborn (almost as much as I am) so I might not be able to but i will at least try.
DrMorganes
02-26-06, 07:40 PM I think there is more here than a simple rules debate. The DM isn't just some guy, he's howisube's father. Who has taken up the role of DM to . . . prove you don't have to put much effort into it . . . because when I (howisube) am DM i get mad because I feel that I do not get enough effort on there part (they don't pay attention and when they do they take nothing seriously and don't trust a thing i do because it is "unfair".) Speaking as a DM and a father, it sounds to me as though howisube is smack in the middle of a life lesson.

Try this, howisube:
Take an honest look at your behavior when you DM. How do you treat your players (who appear to be comprised in large part by your family)? Have you asked your players what THEY want from the game? Are they playing simply to have a family activity, with no true interest in the activity itself? You may need to lighten up with this troupe. Get loose with the rules, and run something akin to Robert Asprin's Myth (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/14707/ref%3Dpd%5Fsl%5Faw%5Ftops-1%5Fstripbooks%5F8154463%5F2/102-2694336-3101752) series. Or play Monopoly instead.
Try talking with your father. Approach him calmly and have a conversation about the game. Ask him how he feels about it before you try to change the way he plays it. It sounds to me like your dad is trying to play a little role reversal to show you that your family thinks you're being a jerk.
Understand that whatever happens, your father has the power in this relationship. He can make it easy for you to game, or he can make it nearly impossible. Listen - I mean actively LISTEN - when he talks to you about this. Keep your wits about you, and choose your words carefully. In other words, dump some points into Diplomacy and quaff a potion of Eagle's Splendor before making your skill check ;)
Relax. This is, after all is said and done, only a game. You have to live with these people...
Kerri_Evanwood
02-26-06, 07:52 PM If he is DMing for the sole purpose of attempting to <incorrectly> prove that DMing takes little effort, he's being immature. And he's your father, eh?

Something's wrong here...
FreeTheSlaves
02-27-06, 05:20 AM My DM is a brand new DM and refuses to read the books (not the main problem here).
Wrong, this is the problem. A dm must read the books otherwise I can guarantee their game is rubbish.
DracoPhoenix
02-27-06, 11:15 AM Hm, a dm who says he doesn't need to know the rules?

check the boards for pun pun. if your feeling merciful though, just start making stuff up. If he want's to question it, just open a book at random and start ad-libing.

Why is he DM'ing - is he a usual player trying to mis prove a point or does he actually have an agenda here?

You mention he's your dad. Perhaps he just thinks it's a kids game where the rules are "make belive"?
morganm
02-27-06, 03:56 PM WOW you mean I dont have to ready any books to be a DM? Sign me up; Im a DM guys!

Anything I like will be allowed. Anything I dont like will not be allowed. Sounds super easy to be a DM! :p
howisube
02-27-06, 04:06 PM I have asked them before (when I am DM) if they actually enjoyed playing and if they wanted to, they said yes. I tried to explain to them that if you really wanted to play it, treat it as if you had to leave the house to get there, like Boy Scouts or something. It didn't help much with my dad. I am going to let him have his way for now, the wolf isn't that big a deal, and I don't think he will take wildshape away. Now I just need to get him to read at least the DM book...
Objulen
02-27-06, 06:39 PM He will not read the book simply because he is lazy and is only DMing to prove you don't have to put much effort into it. Hopefully he willl learn. He is only doing this because when i am DM i get mad because I feel that I do not get enough effort on there part (they don't pay attention and when they do they take nothing seriously and don't trust a thing i do because it is "unfair".) I may expect a bit much but not by far.

Break the game. Honestly, break it. Make a DMM: Persistant cleric + Holy Word build (Divine Spell Power + Karma Bead + Good Domain + Orange Ioun Stone; minimum + 5 to caster level for Holy Word, maximum + 9 if you get a good turning check modifier with Divine Spell Power) and butcher the game with Holy Word = Wail of the Banshee at lvl 13.

Either that, or quit the game and/or get new players. Someone who doens't want to be convinced, or who thinks that bludgeoning the players is a good DMing tactic, might be an incurable case.
DracoPhoenix
03-08-06, 04:35 AM I will try to change his mind without upsetting him (if i do, "Suddenly a freak storm approaches and lightning strikes, Rayaw roll a fortitude check. Oh a 19 plus 3, whoops, your dead, the storm dissapates") He will not read the book simply because he is lazy and is only DMing to prove you don't have to put much effort into it. Hopefully he willl learn. He is only doing this because when i am DM i get mad because I feel that I do not get enough effort on there part (they don't pay attention and when they do they take nothing seriously and don't trust a thing i do because it is "unfair".) I may expect a bit much but not by far.
Ok, my standard reaction to problem players / dms is rapidly becoming return the favour.
Something happens call "unfair" and use past examples of when they've called unfair to support the claim.
Or take up dm'ing again and in addition to rule 0, when they shout "unfair" use the line "not as unfair as being reduced to -4 hit points from a bolt of lightening - you are hit by lightening, take (PC hp+4) damage.". (You may need to start keeping track of their hit points and if they refuse to die, simply ignore their actions).
Of course the other one is they all become evil aligned because grave robbing is wrong (tomb raiding, looting corpses, stealing items (they didn't pay for it / get it legitimately from the owner did they?)
The_Unfan
03-08-06, 05:21 AM WOW you mean I dont have to ready any books to be a DM? Sign me up; Im a DM guys!

Anything I like will be allowed. Anything I dont like will not be allowed. Sounds super easy to be a DM! :p
EXACTLY!

This may sound odd, but I'm siding with the dad. Anyone can be a DM. All you have to do is run a game and make **** up. On the other hand, being a good one who runs things smoothly can be a task.

As far as in game: DM wins, always. Might be unfair, but it's how it goes.
Bruunwald
03-08-06, 12:51 PM If you have read the books then you know that animal companions fall under the NPC section of the DMG.

That chapter begins by explicitly stating that the DM plays everyone in the game who is not a PC, then goes on to detail what that entails, including, yes, animal companions.
shadowfox628
03-08-06, 08:37 PM The wolf sees you as the pack leader, and will follow your actions and what you say. However, it is true that it will not always listen to you. But, generally, it will. So, if you tell it what to do if it's an NPC, it's a waste of time, because it would be faster it you controled it yourself.
Millennium
03-09-06, 07:23 AM My DM is a brand new DM and refuses to read the books (not the main problem here).
Actually, I'd say it is the main problem. How can you DM if you don't have at least passing familiarity with the rules? Even if you use houserules, you still need to know what the rules you're replacing are.
I am playing a druid and have a wolf companion already set-up. He refuses to let me use the wolf simply because he thinks it is not fair for the wolf to gain levels...
Animal companions don't gain levels. They gain powers based on the druid's level, but they don't gain levels on their own.

Actually, I suppose you could advance an animal companion if it plays a major role, using standard XP tables to give it more Hit Dice per the Monster Manual. But that's not part of the Animal Companion class feature; it's its own separate thing.
...and that really the idea of having a companion itself makes the game unfair. He claims the wolf is a NPC because it is not fair for me to make desicions for it.
Actually, as far as this one goes, he's technically correct. An animal companion isn't the same thing as a familiar or homunculus or bogun. It's still very much its own creature, with its own mind and personality.
I cannot convince him that the characters are made equally and taking my wolf is like taking a rogues sneak attack. What should I do to convince him, or should i just let it go?
Why doesn't your dad want to read the books? Furthermore, what reason does he have to believe that the animal companion class feature is 'unfair'? Has it actually caused any problems in his games, or is this just another case of Rule-0 abuse to fit the DM's personal sense of aesthetics?
Calamity54321
03-09-06, 08:11 AM An animal companion is greatly beneficial to the game:
The companion could become ill and you embark on an adventure to find the cure
If you are stuck somewhere and your life is in danger your companion could save you
You could skin your animal comanion and stay warm in bad weather
If you are hungry, you could eat your animal comanion with beans or potatos. :P

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
howisube 02-25-06, 09:28 PM	My DM is a brand new DM and refuses to read the books (not the main problem here). I have read the books and half-way know what i am doing. The DM is my dad. I am playing a druid and have a wolf companion already set-up. He refuses to let me use the wolf simply because he thinks it is not fair for the wolf to gain levels and that really the idea of having a companion itself makes the game unfair. He claims the wolf is a NPC because it is not fair for me to make desicions for it. I cannot convince him that the characters are made equally and taking my wolf is like taking a rogues sneak attack. What should I do to convince him, or should i just let it go?
howisube 02-25-06, 09:37 PM	Please, I beg of you!!!
DeadKeepWalking 02-25-06, 09:43 PM	You can't force anyone to do anything that they don't want to do. If you want the extreme answer, find something in the books, and exploit it to the max. If you break the game, you will cause a lot of problems, but the DM will be more inclined to read the books. If you come close to breaking the game, and the DM intervenes, tell him nicely to read the books to see that it is perfectly legal by the rules. Another idea would be to sit down with the DM, open the book to the Druid page, and physically show him the Animal Companion ability, and have him read it. Use your arguement you have here, "Take away the Animal Companion is the same as taking away Sneak Attack, Familiars, Barbarian Rage, Bardic Knowledge, etc." Try to have the other players talk to him as well, preferably as a group. You could add an ultimatium in, but you have to get the other players to agree to this. The Ultimatium, you don't get the Animal Companion, everyone else doesn't get their abilities. But that is the immature, tantrum approach and it isn't likely to work. But it comes down to, if he doesn't want to, he is not going to unless you can change his mind.
Kresalak 02-25-06, 09:44 PM	Tell him that it is quite simply a class feature of the Druid, and it will never be as powerful as any of your other class features, so there should be no problem with letting you have it. Also, he needs to read the books that he is using in the game. He really, really needs to read the Core books, if he hasn't.
howisube 02-25-06, 09:52 PM	I will try to change his mind without upsetting him (if i do, "Suddenly a freak storm approaches and lightning strikes, Rayaw roll a fortitude check. Oh a 19 plus 3, whoops, your dead, the storm dissapates") He will not read the book simply because he is lazy and is only DMing to prove you don't have to put much effort into it. Hopefully he willl learn. He is only doing this because when i am DM i get mad because I feel that I do not get enough effort on there part (they don't pay attention and when they do they take nothing seriously and don't trust a thing i do because it is "unfair".) I may expect a bit much but not by far.
TheChilliGod 02-25-06, 09:53 PM	Well, your DM is right in that the wolf would need to be controlled as an NPC, because it's an animal, and might not always listen to you if you have been mean to it recently, and it has 2 intelligence, which means that it's a little stupid to properly follow through on any complicated tactics (I know of a wolf's pack spirit & battle sense and all that, but this wolf isn't with his pack anymore.) So maybe you can reach a compromise using that as a pivot point.
howisube 02-25-06, 09:58 PM	I agree that i do not control the wolf, but he seems to think of it as an animal that doesn't really know my character. He claims i have no influence over what it does in any way, but through things like trainging, I can at least suggest things to it right? And the only real reason for it not to is if its life is in danger, or if i have been mean to it.
Swordhat 02-25-06, 10:39 PM	Animal companions do know tricks, and have bonus tricks, so if you ask your animal to do something that in combat that he knows how to do, he should do it. Otherwise, you can attempt to control his behavior through Handle Animal checks, which are covered under that skill's entry in the PHB. Although your control of the wolf is not the same as if you were playing an extra PC, you do have ways to control what he does. If the DM is deciding everything the wolf does, he isn't playing by the rules (which I know was the whole point of your post; just figured I'd chime in).
Verelor 02-25-06, 10:49 PM	I feel really sorry for you adn what you have to put up with. Don't despair.
DeadKeepWalking 02-25-06, 11:19 PM	Actually, the wolf would consider itself as being a part of the Druid's pack, which is why the wolf would be following the Druid around, and usually not attacking other party members. The wolf is going to follow the Druid, and would be considered at least friendly towards the Druid, if not outright helpful.
runestar 02-25-06, 11:31 PM	Actually, the wolf would be controlled by the druid as some sort of PC. But it would only obey simple commands, and that in itself would limit what the wolf can and cannot do. But yeah, but part of a druid's prowess assumes that you can maximise their abilities for all they are worth, and an animal companion is 1 of them.
Rhomphaia 02-26-06, 02:48 AM	My DM is a brand new DM and refuses to read the books (not the main problem here)... Sorry to tell you, but this is precicely the biggest problem here. Now, as a DM, he can houserule that the druid can't have animal companions or that special requirements must be met. However, you do have options. First, you need to completely read the books. You'll notice a little thing under the sorcerer's description called a familiar. Show this to your DM, then show him the animal companion ability for druid. Ask him about which one is more 'unfair'. If he is halfway sensible, he will either ban both or will allow both.
Suzaku455 02-26-06, 02:51 AM	Sorry to tell you, but this is precicely the biggest problem here. Now, as a DM, he can houserule that the druid can't have animal companions or that special requirements must be met. However, you do have options. First, you need to completely read the books. You'll notice a little thing under the sorcerer's description called a familiar. Show this to your DM, then show him the animal companion ability for druid. Ask him about which one is more 'unfair'. If he is halfway sensible, he will either ban both or will allow both. Hey point at wizard not Sorcerer ; ;
Nithendil 02-26-06, 03:01 AM	Your DM is going to have a hissy fit once you get wildshape + natural spell. edit: also show him the recent errata. Tell him of all the things they nerfed, they left animal companion, so it can't be that bad.
howisube 02-26-06, 05:45 PM	Thanks, i will try some of these things. He is stubborn (almost as much as I am) so I might not be able to but i will at least try.
DrMorganes 02-26-06, 07:40 PM	I think there is more here than a simple rules debate. The DM isn't just some guy, he's howisube's father. Who has taken up the role of DM to . . . prove you don't have to put much effort into it . . . because when I (howisube) am DM i get mad because I feel that I do not get enough effort on there part (they don't pay attention and when they do they take nothing seriously and don't trust a thing i do because it is "unfair".) Speaking as a DM and a father, it sounds to me as though howisube is smack in the middle of a life lesson. Try this, howisube: Take an honest look at your behavior when you DM. How do you treat your players (who appear to be comprised in large part by your family)? Have you asked your players what THEY want from the game? Are they playing simply to have a family activity, with no true interest in the activity itself? You may need to lighten up with this troupe. Get loose with the rules, and run something akin to Robert Asprin's Myth (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/14707/ref%3Dpd%5Fsl%5Faw%5Ftops-1%5Fstripbooks%5F8154463%5F2/102-2694336-3101752) series. Or play Monopoly instead. Try talking with your father. Approach him calmly and have a conversation about the game. Ask him how he feels about it before you try to change the way he plays it. It sounds to me like your dad is trying to play a little role reversal to show you that your family thinks you're being a jerk. Understand that whatever happens, your father has the power in this relationship. He can make it easy for you to game, or he can make it nearly impossible. Listen - I mean actively LISTEN - when he talks to you about this. Keep your wits about you, and choose your words carefully. In other words, dump some points into Diplomacy and quaff a potion of Eagle's Splendor before making your skill check ;) Relax. This is, after all is said and done, only a game. You have to live with these people...
Kerri_Evanwood 02-26-06, 07:52 PM	If he is DMing for the sole purpose of attempting to <incorrectly> prove that DMing takes little effort, he's being immature. And he's your father, eh? Something's wrong here...
FreeTheSlaves 02-27-06, 05:20 AM	My DM is a brand new DM and refuses to read the books (not the main problem here). Wrong, this is the problem. A dm must read the books otherwise I can guarantee their game is rubbish.
DracoPhoenix 02-27-06, 11:15 AM	Hm, a dm who says he doesn't need to know the rules? check the boards for pun pun. if your feeling merciful though, just start making stuff up. If he want's to question it, just open a book at random and start ad-libing. Why is he DM'ing - is he a usual player trying to mis prove a point or does he actually have an agenda here? You mention he's your dad. Perhaps he just thinks it's a kids game where the rules are "make belive"?
morganm 02-27-06, 03:56 PM	WOW you mean I dont have to ready any books to be a DM? Sign me up; Im a DM guys! Anything I like will be allowed. Anything I dont like will not be allowed. Sounds super easy to be a DM! :p
howisube 02-27-06, 04:06 PM	I have asked them before (when I am DM) if they actually enjoyed playing and if they wanted to, they said yes. I tried to explain to them that if you really wanted to play it, treat it as if you had to leave the house to get there, like Boy Scouts or something. It didn't help much with my dad. I am going to let him have his way for now, the wolf isn't that big a deal, and I don't think he will take wildshape away. Now I just need to get him to read at least the DM book...
Objulen 02-27-06, 06:39 PM	He will not read the book simply because he is lazy and is only DMing to prove you don't have to put much effort into it. Hopefully he willl learn. He is only doing this because when i am DM i get mad because I feel that I do not get enough effort on there part (they don't pay attention and when they do they take nothing seriously and don't trust a thing i do because it is "unfair".) I may expect a bit much but not by far. Break the game. Honestly, break it. Make a DMM: Persistant cleric + Holy Word build (Divine Spell Power + Karma Bead + Good Domain + Orange Ioun Stone; minimum + 5 to caster level for Holy Word, maximum + 9 if you get a good turning check modifier with Divine Spell Power) and butcher the game with Holy Word = Wail of the Banshee at lvl 13. Either that, or quit the game and/or get new players. Someone who doens't want to be convinced, or who thinks that bludgeoning the players is a good DMing tactic, might be an incurable case.
DracoPhoenix 03-08-06, 04:35 AM	I will try to change his mind without upsetting him (if i do, "Suddenly a freak storm approaches and lightning strikes, Rayaw roll a fortitude check. Oh a 19 plus 3, whoops, your dead, the storm dissapates") He will not read the book simply because he is lazy and is only DMing to prove you don't have to put much effort into it. Hopefully he willl learn. He is only doing this because when i am DM i get mad because I feel that I do not get enough effort on there part (they don't pay attention and when they do they take nothing seriously and don't trust a thing i do because it is "unfair".) I may expect a bit much but not by far. Ok, my standard reaction to problem players / dms is rapidly becoming return the favour. Something happens call "unfair" and use past examples of when they've called unfair to support the claim. Or take up dm'ing again and in addition to rule 0, when they shout "unfair" use the line "not as unfair as being reduced to -4 hit points from a bolt of lightening - you are hit by lightening, take (PC hp+4) damage.". (You may need to start keeping track of their hit points and if they refuse to die, simply ignore their actions). Of course the other one is they all become evil aligned because grave robbing is wrong (tomb raiding, looting corpses, stealing items (they didn't pay for it / get it legitimately from the owner did they?)
The_Unfan 03-08-06, 05:21 AM	WOW you mean I dont have to ready any books to be a DM? Sign me up; Im a DM guys! Anything I like will be allowed. Anything I dont like will not be allowed. Sounds super easy to be a DM! :p EXACTLY! This may sound odd, but I'm siding with the dad. Anyone can be a DM. All you have to do is run a game and make **** up. On the other hand, being a good one who runs things smoothly can be a task. As far as in game: DM wins, always. Might be unfair, but it's how it goes.
Bruunwald 03-08-06, 12:51 PM	If you have read the books then you know that animal companions fall under the NPC section of the DMG. That chapter begins by explicitly stating that the DM plays everyone in the game who is not a PC, then goes on to detail what that entails, including, yes, animal companions.
shadowfox628 03-08-06, 08:37 PM	The wolf sees you as the pack leader, and will follow your actions and what you say. However, it is true that it will not always listen to you. But, generally, it will. So, if you tell it what to do if it's an NPC, it's a waste of time, because it would be faster it you controled it yourself.
Millennium 03-09-06, 07:23 AM	My DM is a brand new DM and refuses to read the books (not the main problem here). Actually, I'd say it is the main problem. How can you DM if you don't have at least passing familiarity with the rules? Even if you use houserules, you still need to know what the rules you're replacing are. I am playing a druid and have a wolf companion already set-up. He refuses to let me use the wolf simply because he thinks it is not fair for the wolf to gain levels... Animal companions don't gain levels. They gain powers based on the druid's level, but they don't gain levels on their own. Actually, I suppose you could advance an animal companion if it plays a major role, using standard XP tables to give it more Hit Dice per the Monster Manual. But that's not part of the Animal Companion class feature; it's its own separate thing. ...and that really the idea of having a companion itself makes the game unfair. He claims the wolf is a NPC because it is not fair for me to make desicions for it. Actually, as far as this one goes, he's technically correct. An animal companion isn't the same thing as a familiar or homunculus or bogun. It's still very much its own creature, with its own mind and personality. I cannot convince him that the characters are made equally and taking my wolf is like taking a rogues sneak attack. What should I do to convince him, or should i just let it go? Why doesn't your dad want to read the books? Furthermore, what reason does he have to believe that the animal companion class feature is 'unfair'? Has it actually caused any problems in his games, or is this just another case of Rule-0 abuse to fit the DM's personal sense of aesthetics?
Calamity54321 03-09-06, 08:11 AM	An animal companion is greatly beneficial to the game: The companion could become ill and you embark on an adventure to find the cure If you are stuck somewhere and your life is in danger your companion could save you You could skin your animal comanion and stay warm in bad weather If you are hungry, you could eat your animal comanion with beans or potatos. :P