Animal Companion advancement and size

[Magus Coeruleus]

I thought I remember reading somewhere that when druid/ranger animal companions advance (when the druid/ranger does) that they DO NOT increase in size even if the increase in HD would normally push the animal into a new size category. The point, I believe, was that many druids/rangers may prefer to advance their companion while keeping it at a convenient size (as a mount, to fit in dungeons, etc.). If they want a larger size one, the go with something from the alternative animal companion list(dire this, dinosaur that, etc.) when they have the requisite levels.

Anyway, now I can't seem to find anything talking about this. Granted, the section on animal companion basics (PHB 36) reminds you of changes that occur as a result of HD increase (e.g. skills and feats) and does not mention size increase. Still, I'd feel more comfortable if it specifically said that size does not go up.

Can anyone cite a source or sources that make this clear?

Thanks.

 

[Magus Coeruleus]

bump

Do people generally assume that companions do or that they don't increase in size when they gain HD for druid/ranger level?

 

[Olgar Shiverstone]

As I recall, just before the 3.5 rules were released Andy Collins said on his boards that animal companions did not increase in size (similar to the way familiars do not increase in size). I don't recall the exact resonaing beyond the familiars parallel, but you could probably browse the 3.5 board at andycollins.net and find the thread.

 

[Saeviomagy]

An increase of size on an animal companion would in most cases be a significant upgrading of their abilities. +8 strength is nothing to be sneezed at. Furthermore, advancing a wolf to it's large size would mean that it'd be comparable with a black bear, and would have additional powers over the bear from the extra 'animal companion' abilities chart.

 

[Brekki]

Andy Collins said it on his ezboard, but I can't find it anywhere in the PH druid entry.