Alternatives to Animal Companion

[mcgeedis]

Is there a alternate druid class ability if I were to forgo having an animal companion? It is extra paperwork that I don't care for, and when there is already a large party, it can be even more time consuming in combat.

Any books out there that replace this class ability?

 

[joshjurg]

The Shapeshift class feature is wonderful - from phb2. Complete mage has an replaces the animal companion with an elemental companion of any type. That may be easier to keep up with than a monkey or a wolf.

If you are looking for less paperwork, I really suggest shapeshift. It is a lot of fun and super simple but requires you to re-think your standard druid build a little bit.

 

[Man in the Funny Hat]

Is there a alternate druid class ability if I were to forgo having an animal companion?

Plant companion? Mineral companion?

 

[Rhun]

I'm generally not a fan of animal companions, either. As already mentioned, there are several good options to replace the animal companion in some of the books...PHB2 comes to mind. There is also the Druidic Avenger Variant from the SRD, which replaces your animal companion with fast movment and rage...there are a few other changes as well.

 

[drdevoid]

... If you are looking for less paperwork, I really suggest shapeshift. It is a lot of fun and super simple but requires you to re-think your standard druid build a little bit.

I certainly could be wrong and I don't have the book handy, but wasn't the shapeshift variant an alternative to Wild Shape as well as Animal Companion?

I guess the question is, "Does the OP want to lose Wild Shape?" It is easier in terms of paperwork.

edit: I meant want to lose wild shape. D'oh!

 

[joshjurg]

Yeah - I kind of implied that, but did not come right out and say it.

 

[mcgeedis]

drdevoid's got it right.

I like everything about the Druid, other than animal companion. I thought there was some alternative in one of the rule books out there, I just cannot seem to find it.

 

[Thurbane]

I'm generally not a fan of animal companions, either. As already mentioned, there are several good options to replace the animal companion in some of the books...PHB2 comes to mind. There is also the Druidic Avenger Variant from the SRD, which replaces your animal companion with fast movment and rage...there are a few other changes as well.

If your primary concern is less bookkeeping, Druidic Avenger is probably your best bet.

 

[Tetsubo]

If your primary concern is less bookkeeping, Druidic Avenger is probably your best bet.

I think the Shapeshift alternate class ability from the PHB II reduces the book keeping even further... you only have to really deal with a few additional bonuses...

 

[Thurbane]

I think the Shapeshift alternate class ability from the PHB II reduces the book keeping even further... you only have to really deal with a few additional bonuses...

Hmm, I'll have to give it a re-read. I basically never play druids, so I must admit I only skimmed it once or twice.