Animal Companion 3.5 Guide For D&D Players

The world of Dungeons and Dragons is a vast and wondrous place, full of magic, monsters, and majestic creatures. For many players, one of the most exciting aspects of the game is the opportunity to have an animal companion by their side. Whether you're a ranger, a druid, or just a character with a soft spot for furry friends, having an animal companion can add a whole new level of depth and excitement to your gameplay experience.

In this guide, we'll take a closer look at the rules and mechanics surrounding animal companions in D&D 3.5. We'll explore the different types of animal companions, how to acquire and train them, and how to use them effectively in combat and exploration.

What is an Animal Companion?

In D&D 3.5, an animal companion is a creature that is trained to accompany and assist a player character. Animal companions can take many forms, from dogs and horses to more exotic creatures like bears and wolves. They are typically obtained through the use of a feat, spell, or class feature, and can be trained to perform a variety of tasks and abilities.

Types of Animal Companions

There are several types of animal companions in D&D 3.5, each with its own unique abilities and characteristics. Some of the most common types of animal companions include:

Familiars: These are small, magical creatures that are bonded to a player character. Familiars can take many forms, from cats and birds to more exotic creatures like snakes and lizards.
Animal Allies: These are creatures that are trained to assist a player character in combat and exploration. Animal allies can include dogs, horses, and other domesticated animals.
Wild Empathy Companions: These are creatures that are trained through the use of wild empathy, a special ability that allows characters to communicate with and understand animals.

How to Acquire an Animal Companion

There are several ways to acquire an animal companion in D&D 3.5. Some of the most common methods include:

Feats: Certain feats, such as the Animal Companion feat, allow characters to acquire and train an animal companion.
Spells: Certain spells, such as the Summon Nature's Ally spell, allow characters to summon and control animal companions.
Class Features: Certain classes, such as the Ranger and Druid, have class features that allow them to acquire and train animal companions.

Training an Animal Companion

Once you've acquired an animal companion, you'll need to train it. Training an animal companion involves teaching it to obey commands, perform tasks, and respond to threats. The process of training an animal companion is typically governed by the Handle Animal skill.

Handle Animal: This skill allows characters to train and handle animals. The skill is used to teach animals to obey commands, perform tasks, and respond to threats.

Using an Animal Companion in Combat

Animal companions can be very effective in combat, providing additional damage, support, and utility. Here are some tips for using an animal companion in combat:

Positioning: Position your animal companion in a way that maximizes its effectiveness. For example, if your animal companion is a dog, you may want to position it near the front lines to take advantage of its bite attack.
Commands: Use the Handle Animal skill to give your animal companion commands. You can use this skill to order your animal companion to attack, defend, or perform other actions.
Abilities: Many animal companions have special abilities that can be used in combat. For example, a bear may have a powerful swipe attack, while a wolf may have a keen sense of smell.

Animal Companion Statistics

When using an animal companion in combat, you'll need to refer to its statistics. Animal companion statistics can be found in the Monster Manual or other D&D 3.5 sourcebooks. Here are some common animal companion statistics:

Hit Dice: This determines the animal companion's hit points and level.
Attack and Damage: This determines the animal companion's attack and damage capabilities.
Special Abilities: This determines any special abilities the animal companion may have, such as a bear's powerful swipe attack or a wolf's keen sense of smell.

Conclusion

Animal companions can add a whole new level of depth and excitement to your D&D 3.5 gameplay experience. Whether you're a ranger, a druid, or just a character with a soft spot for furry friends, having an animal companion by your side can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this guide, you can learn how to acquire, train, and use an animal companion effectively in combat and exploration.