but doesn't the Paladin spell Find Mount already break that and set a precedent for a smart animal companion, with no increase in xp soaking party members...so it would still be a pc with class feature even if you allow the intelligent companions?
Now I do like hte idea, just worried about what...
Hmm is there any concern with intelligent animal companions as in the Winter Wolf? An intelligent mount is no longer controlled by you, and I believe a Winter Wolf's INT is high enough to qualify. I know Beast Companion isn't the same thing, and I like the idea of the Evil Ranger with a winter...
Well with the Ranger Beastmaster as an exception, that class is just bad. Better I think if you make it a bonus action to have the animal companion attack. but that might might be too much