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Kick-arse Animal companions

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
andaer
Sep 12, 2008 20:42:16 So, yes, I'm looking for more ways to make Animal Companions better than their druids besides what I've already come across. Right now I'm working with taking one level in beastmaster, and the Focused animal Variant druid and some feats/spells

Beastmaster is a PrC from Complete Adventurer focusing on the animal companion. You later even get more animal companions, and you can take it even if you don't have an animal companion. If you already have one, it gives you a +3 bonus to the companion's effective level. All you need is Skill focus: handle animal.

Focused animal companion variant is from DR347 pg91. Your companion gets +2 to its effective level at first druid level, but you give up wildshaping It's great for a low-level char, or one taking only one or two levels in druid. Can be used to totally tank out the companion, though.

On top of that, the feat Companion spell bond allows you to extend the range of 'spell sharing' up to 30 feet. Great for sharing buffs.

Another thing I usally do is cast a spell called Claws of the Beast on my companion giving it a natural attack of 1D8 for one round per level. Its personal range, but either spell sharing or Companion spell bond (can't remember) lets you cast personal spells on your companion.

I've Done awesome builds for a Chordevoc (halfling domesticated bird) and a camel, but I will put them up later.

I'll be happy to hear any advice you guys have. :D
#2
obtusehobbit
Sep 12, 2008 21:08:16 Aerenal Beastmaster from Races of Eberron Gives you +3 to effective druid level for Baboons. I played a character who took to level 4 and picked up natural bond for the second that with the focused animal compianion gives you 2 buff companion one at druid +8 and the other at druid +5. the build was druid16/beastmaster 4

On a side note this works best with a dm who you can convince to allow you baboons to weild clubs.
#3
blargney_the_second
Sep 12, 2008 21:33:46 Dire Eagles are remarkably good animal companions. They have excellent ability scores, lots of HD for the druid level you can acquire them, great flight, and even 10' reach!
#4
pithica
Sep 12, 2008 23:43:02 If you can pull off Venomfire (3rd Level spell from Serpent Kingdoms) cheese, Fleshraker is the only way to go. You'll probably have trouble sleeping some nights though.

Statistically, Dire Eagle is one of the best companions for someone to take long term. At the end of the day, it ends up with more Hitdice, Natural Armor, Better Ability Scores, than most of the options two levels up, Has Flight, High spot, And Reach, and can be used as a mount for medium (and even, arguably, large) characters. It's large sized, though, so don't expect to pull off dungeon crawls with it.

At 20, you're looking at something like the following...

Mob: Dire Eagle
Level: -3
Abilities @20: STR-26 DEX-24 CON-18 INT-2 WIS-14 CHA-6
BAB/Grapple: +11/23
Natural Armor Bonus: +15 Hit Dice: 15
Feats (7): Alertness (1), Fly-by Attack (3), Multiattack (B)
Movement Rates: 10ft, Fly 60ft (Avg)
Attacks: 2 Talons (1d8), Bite (1d8)
Specials: 10ft Reach, Low-light Vision, +8 Racial Spot, Rideable (medium), Link, Share Spells, Imp Evasion, Devotion, 6 Bonus Tricks
#5
doggieboy
Sep 13, 2008 2:24:47 Try getting your DM to allow the 3rd Edition collars unless he'll let you give them a neck slot (which they should). While inefficient, the Natural Attack +N Enhancement bonus is great for passively boosting the companion because other than that you're going to be pumping a lot of spells into buffing it to get the full effect. Consider advancing the Animal Companion according to its MM entry. While that does drop some of your benefits (1 level per HD), it let's you get feats at the appropriate levels, specifically Improved Natural Weapon.

None of this except maybe the neck slot (collars adjust to the wearer regardless of species) is companion specific so it's just something to keep in mind. I wanted to do something similar to this in the past. Also, if you don't mind being stuck with a certain kind of animal I would consider the Totem Druid variant from Dragon 335 since it includes Natural Spell as a bonus feat and still keeps a form of Wild Shaping. All of that is on top of the two bonus to companions of the type of your totem (eagle is a totem choice and you can still get the dire version).
#6
natenate
Sep 13, 2008 2:52:56 A single-classed PHB Druid with a Fleshraker and spells to buff it is the way to go IMO. Get the feat Natural Bond to offset the -3 adjustment for it and nearly any companion from the 4th level or higher list will be more powerful than the druid at any given level. For the Fleshraker's feats get Ability Focus: Poison and Virulent Poison (SS), which it can have by the time your character is level 9. Buffs like (Rod of Extended) Nature's Favor, Animal Growth, Bull's Strength, and Enrage Animal will turn an already overpowering companion into a cuddly god of carnage.

There's no need for a Druid to lose out on powerful class features and levels of spellcasting ability to buff up a companion that's already capable of soloing nearly any encounter you'll run across.
#7
carnon
Sep 14, 2008 15:17:31 Are you set on playing a Druid?

If your GM allows it the best Animal Companion by far is one that has taken a Vow of Poverty.

Something along the lines of Halfling Feat Rogue 2/Paladin 5/Beastmaster 1/Wild Plains Outrider 2/Halfling Outrider 10 (key feats Exalted Companion, Devoted Tracker and Cavalry Charger) can end up with an Animal Companion like this:

Celestial Dragonhawk (huge magical beast; 22 HD)
*Abilities: Str 41 Dex 21 Con 24 Int 9 Wis 16 Cha 6
*Feats: Sacred Vow, VoP, Power Attack, Improved Bull Rush, Knockback, Shock Trooper, Snatch, Improved Flight, Multiattack and a bunch of more or less useless exalted feats (Nymph's Kiss and Touch of Golden Ice are sweet)
*Skills: spot +36, some other skills
*Full attack: 2 claws +34 (1d8+15), bite +32 (2d6+7), 2 wings +32 (1d6+7)
*AC: 53 (-2 size +5 dex +27 natural +10 exalted +3 deflection)
*Saves: +27/+21/+15 with improved evasion and extra bonuses vs spells, enchantments, fear effects etc.
*Movement: 20', fly 130' (good) and +20' when using defensive riding
*Special abilities: DR 10/evil, acid/fire/cold/electricity/sonic resistance 15, freedom of movement, true seeing, blindsense 60', no need to eat, drink, or breathe
#8
pithica
Sep 14, 2008 16:36:28 Collar of Healing from the MIC is nice. Always know how many HP your Animal Companion has and activate as an immediate action for 50hp of healing 1/day, works as long as you're on the same plane. Only works on Familiars/mounts/animal companions.
#9
natzero
Sep 14, 2008 16:54:33 you can always go with a constrictor or a dire weasel for the grapple factor.

perhaps if your dm will allow clever wrestling or other similar feats.

i personally like dire weasel for the drain attk, too bad it got nerfed from con dmg tho in 3.5 ;(
#10
dawnmor
Sep 15, 2008 1:04:59
Are you set on playing a Druid?

If your GM allows it the best Animal Companion by far is one that has taken a Vow of Poverty.

Something along the lines of Halfling Feat Rogue 2/Paladin 5/Beastmaster 1/Wild Plains Outrider 2/Halfling Outrider 10 (key feats Exalted Companion, Devoted Tracker and Cavalry Charger) can end up with an Animal Companion like this:

Celestial Dragonhawk (huge magical beast; 22 HD)
*Abilities: Str 41 Dex 21 Con 24 Int 9 Wis 16 Cha 6
*Feats: Sacred Vow, VoP, Power Attack, Improved Bull Rush, Knockback, Shock Trooper, Snatch, Improved Flight, Multiattack and a bunch of more or less useless exalted feats (Nymph's Kiss and Touch of Golden Ice are sweet)
*Skills: spot +36, some other skills
*Full attack: 2 claws +34 (1d8+15), bite +32 (2d6+7), 2 wings +32 (1d6+7)
*AC: 53 (-2 size +5 dex +27 natural +10 exalted +3 deflection)
*Saves: +27/+21/+15 with improved evasion and extra bonuses vs spells, enchantments, fear effects etc.
*Movement: 20', fly 130' (good) and +20' when using defensive riding
*Special abilities: DR 10/evil, acid/fire/cold/electricity/sonic resistance 15, freedom of movement, true seeing, blindsense 60', no need to eat, drink, or breathe

I always found something wrong with a animal who has a 53 AC has more strength then you and hes able to be more of a flying tank then your actual tank.

As for the best animal companion, Im sorry but im partial to the blink dog.
#11
chrono_nexus
Sep 15, 2008 1:42:58 Boars are hideous (4 cha), but they are very, very hardy. A perfect companion for your half orc druid.
They have a racial feature that lets them act even while dying. It takes alot to kill one, especially at low levels.
#12
jaronk
Sep 15, 2008 2:37:21 You know, you might want to look at the Supermount thread, which dealt with this quite well.

JaronK
#13
carnon
Sep 15, 2008 11:29:07
I always found something wrong with a animal who has a 53 AC has more strength then you and hes able to be more of a flying tank then your actual tank.

Well the OP did ask for "ways to make Animal Companions better than their druids" didn't (s)he?

Of course in reality nothing is better than a Druid so that's quite the challenge, however as far as tanks go I think of this animal companion as decent, an intelligent Supermount.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 andaer Sep 12, 2008 20:42:16	So, yes, I'm looking for more ways to make Animal Companions better than their druids besides what I've already come across. Right now I'm working with taking one level in beastmaster, and the Focused animal Variant druid and some feats/spells Beastmaster is a PrC from Complete Adventurer focusing on the animal companion. You later even get more animal companions, and you can take it even if you don't have an animal companion. If you already have one, it gives you a +3 bonus to the companion's effective level. All you need is Skill focus: handle animal. Focused animal companion variant is from DR347 pg91. Your companion gets +2 to its effective level at first druid level, but you give up wildshaping It's great for a low-level char, or one taking only one or two levels in druid. Can be used to totally tank out the companion, though. On top of that, the feat Companion spell bond allows you to extend the range of 'spell sharing' up to 30 feet. Great for sharing buffs. Another thing I usally do is cast a spell called Claws of the Beast on my companion giving it a natural attack of 1D8 for one round per level. Its personal range, but either spell sharing or Companion spell bond (can't remember) lets you cast personal spells on your companion. I've Done awesome builds for a Chordevoc (halfling domesticated bird) and a camel, but I will put them up later. I'll be happy to hear any advice you guys have. :D
#2 obtusehobbit Sep 12, 2008 21:08:16	Aerenal Beastmaster from Races of Eberron Gives you +3 to effective druid level for Baboons. I played a character who took to level 4 and picked up natural bond for the second that with the focused animal compianion gives you 2 buff companion one at druid +8 and the other at druid +5. the build was druid16/beastmaster 4 On a side note this works best with a dm who you can convince to allow you baboons to weild clubs.
#3 blargney_the_second Sep 12, 2008 21:33:46	Dire Eagles are remarkably good animal companions. They have excellent ability scores, lots of HD for the druid level you can acquire them, great flight, and even 10' reach!
#4 pithica Sep 12, 2008 23:43:02	If you can pull off Venomfire (3rd Level spell from Serpent Kingdoms) cheese, Fleshraker is the only way to go. You'll probably have trouble sleeping some nights though. Statistically, Dire Eagle is one of the best companions for someone to take long term. At the end of the day, it ends up with more Hitdice, Natural Armor, Better Ability Scores, than most of the options two levels up, Has Flight, High spot, And Reach, and can be used as a mount for medium (and even, arguably, large) characters. It's large sized, though, so don't expect to pull off dungeon crawls with it. At 20, you're looking at something like the following... Mob: Dire Eagle Level: -3 Abilities @20: STR-26 DEX-24 CON-18 INT-2 WIS-14 CHA-6 BAB/Grapple: +11/23 Natural Armor Bonus: +15 Hit Dice: 15 Feats (7): Alertness (1), Fly-by Attack (3), Multiattack (B) Movement Rates: 10ft, Fly 60ft (Avg) Attacks: 2 Talons (1d8), Bite (1d8) Specials: 10ft Reach, Low-light Vision, +8 Racial Spot, Rideable (medium), Link, Share Spells, Imp Evasion, Devotion, 6 Bonus Tricks
#5 doggieboy Sep 13, 2008 2:24:47	Try getting your DM to allow the 3rd Edition collars unless he'll let you give them a neck slot (which they should). While inefficient, the Natural Attack +N Enhancement bonus is great for passively boosting the companion because other than that you're going to be pumping a lot of spells into buffing it to get the full effect. Consider advancing the Animal Companion according to its MM entry. While that does drop some of your benefits (1 level per HD), it let's you get feats at the appropriate levels, specifically Improved Natural Weapon. None of this except maybe the neck slot (collars adjust to the wearer regardless of species) is companion specific so it's just something to keep in mind. I wanted to do something similar to this in the past. Also, if you don't mind being stuck with a certain kind of animal I would consider the Totem Druid variant from Dragon 335 since it includes Natural Spell as a bonus feat and still keeps a form of Wild Shaping. All of that is on top of the two bonus to companions of the type of your totem (eagle is a totem choice and you can still get the dire version).
#6 natenate Sep 13, 2008 2:52:56	A single-classed PHB Druid with a Fleshraker and spells to buff it is the way to go IMO. Get the feat Natural Bond to offset the -3 adjustment for it and nearly any companion from the 4th level or higher list will be more powerful than the druid at any given level. For the Fleshraker's feats get Ability Focus: Poison and Virulent Poison (SS), which it can have by the time your character is level 9. Buffs like (Rod of Extended) Nature's Favor, Animal Growth, Bull's Strength, and Enrage Animal will turn an already overpowering companion into a cuddly god of carnage. There's no need for a Druid to lose out on powerful class features and levels of spellcasting ability to buff up a companion that's already capable of soloing nearly any encounter you'll run across.
#7 carnon Sep 14, 2008 15:17:31	Are you set on playing a Druid? If your GM allows it the best Animal Companion by far is one that has taken a Vow of Poverty. Something along the lines of Halfling Feat Rogue 2/Paladin 5/Beastmaster 1/Wild Plains Outrider 2/Halfling Outrider 10 (key feats Exalted Companion, Devoted Tracker and Cavalry Charger) can end up with an Animal Companion like this: Celestial Dragonhawk (huge magical beast; 22 HD) Abilities: Str 41 Dex 21 Con 24 Int 9 Wis 16 Cha 6 Feats: Sacred Vow, VoP, Power Attack, Improved Bull Rush, Knockback, Shock Trooper, Snatch, Improved Flight, Multiattack and a bunch of more or less useless exalted feats (Nymph's Kiss and Touch of Golden Ice are sweet) Skills: spot +36, some other skills Full attack: 2 claws +34 (1d8+15), bite +32 (2d6+7), 2 wings +32 (1d6+7) AC: 53 (-2 size +5 dex +27 natural +10 exalted +3 deflection) Saves: +27/+21/+15 with improved evasion and extra bonuses vs spells, enchantments, fear effects etc. Movement: 20', fly 130' (good) and +20' when using defensive riding Special abilities: DR 10/evil, acid/fire/cold/electricity/sonic resistance 15, freedom of movement, true seeing, blindsense 60', no need to eat, drink, or breathe
#8 pithica Sep 14, 2008 16:36:28	Collar of Healing from the MIC is nice. Always know how many HP your Animal Companion has and activate as an immediate action for 50hp of healing 1/day, works as long as you're on the same plane. Only works on Familiars/mounts/animal companions.
#9 natzero Sep 14, 2008 16:54:33	you can always go with a constrictor or a dire weasel for the grapple factor. perhaps if your dm will allow clever wrestling or other similar feats. i personally like dire weasel for the drain attk, too bad it got nerfed from con dmg tho in 3.5 ;(
#10 dawnmor Sep 15, 2008 1:04:59	Are you set on playing a Druid? If your GM allows it the best Animal Companion by far is one that has taken a Vow of Poverty. Something along the lines of Halfling Feat Rogue 2/Paladin 5/Beastmaster 1/Wild Plains Outrider 2/Halfling Outrider 10 (key feats Exalted Companion, Devoted Tracker and Cavalry Charger) can end up with an Animal Companion like this: Celestial Dragonhawk (huge magical beast; 22 HD) Abilities: Str 41 Dex 21 Con 24 Int 9 Wis 16 Cha 6 Feats: Sacred Vow, VoP, Power Attack, Improved Bull Rush, Knockback, Shock Trooper, Snatch, Improved Flight, Multiattack and a bunch of more or less useless exalted feats (Nymph's Kiss and Touch of Golden Ice are sweet) Skills: spot +36, some other skills Full attack: 2 claws +34 (1d8+15), bite +32 (2d6+7), 2 wings +32 (1d6+7) AC: 53 (-2 size +5 dex +27 natural +10 exalted +3 deflection) Saves: +27/+21/+15 with improved evasion and extra bonuses vs spells, enchantments, fear effects etc. Movement: 20', fly 130' (good) and +20' when using defensive riding Special abilities: DR 10/evil, acid/fire/cold/electricity/sonic resistance 15, freedom of movement, true seeing, blindsense 60', no need to eat, drink, or breathe I always found something wrong with a animal who has a 53 AC has more strength then you and hes able to be more of a flying tank then your actual tank. As for the best animal companion, Im sorry but im partial to the blink dog.
#11 chrono_nexus Sep 15, 2008 1:42:58	Boars are hideous (4 cha), but they are very, very hardy. A perfect companion for your half orc druid. They have a racial feature that lets them act even while dying. It takes alot to kill one, especially at low levels.
#12 jaronk Sep 15, 2008 2:37:21	You know, you might want to look at the Supermount thread, which dealt with this quite well. JaronK
#13 carnon Sep 15, 2008 11:29:07	I always found something wrong with a animal who has a 53 AC has more strength then you and hes able to be more of a flying tank then your actual tank. Well the OP did ask for "ways to make Animal Companions better than their druids" didn't (s)he? Of course in reality nothing is better than a Druid so that's quite the challenge, however as far as tanks go I think of this animal companion as decent, an intelligent Supermount.