Animal Companion stats

[Theroc]

Okay, awhile back I asked about druid advice, specifically making an atypical druid racially.

That's all settled now, but after completing my stat block, I realized it'd make things much easier if I created a 'stat block' for my companion as well.

Can anyone help me with regards to setting up an animal companion stat sheet?

My choice was a Wolf, as I think that will be relevant.

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

Does it take so much effort?
Just do a line for Name and what animal it is; line for HP/HD; line for AC values; line for ability scores; saves; BAB/grapple/init/any other relevant combat mods (trip for a wolf) --I put all in one line usually; speed; attack/full attack line; feats; skill(s); tricks known...

And then you can just list the companion benefits, with further explanations below if needed.
Comapanion: +x natural AC; +x HD; +x str/dex; x bonus tricks; Evasion, Devotion, Share spells. (for example)

EDIT: Include "+trip" in the attack line for his bite attack

 

[Theroc]

Does it take so much effort?
Just do a line for Name and what animal it is; line for HP/HD; line for AC values; line for ability scores; saves; BAB/grapple/init/any other relevant combat mods (trip for a wolf) --I put all in one line usually; speed; attack/full attack line; feats; skill(s); tricks known...

And then you can just list the companion benefits, with further explanations below if needed.
Comapanion: +x natural AC; +x HD; +x str/dex; x bonus tricks; Evasion, Devotion, Share spells. (for example)

EDIT: Include "+trip" in the attack line for his bite attack

How are the stats of the animal determined? Does the SRD entries stat block apply to every wolf?

I know these may seem stupid question, but this is my FIRST time having an animal companion, hence the question and me not really knowing exactly how they work.

Imagine the fun I'll have with Wildshape... rofl.

 

[Magesmiley]

Usually what I do is start by copying and pasting the SRD entry for the animal into a new file. I then tweak the numbers for the animal companion modifiers for druid level (and any other equipment or items that apply to the animal). I also copy and paste the descriptions for any extra abilities the animal has. Finally, I usually copy in any relevant rules which pertain to animal companions for easy reference (such as the Handle Animal skill).

Save and print and you're done.

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

Yes, I think all wolves are given the same starting stats. You might try and argue they have the elite array and should be able to re-organize them or something, but that'd be pretty tedious. Just use the wolf entry and add to it as you gain druid levels. One thing you might want to clear up with your DM: Does your companion get +1 ability score every 4 HD?

I typically rule yes, but it can't be spent to increase int. The RAW is probably no. But they get just about everything else from advanced HD: feats, hp, skill points... Just not a size increase, as that's explicitly called out.

As far as wildshape...it can be tough the first time trying to find good forms. Until you find better, the deinonychus works fine (note the SRD has the errata version, in you monster manual it might be listed as size large incorrectly) is decent at level 5. Once you get large animals at level 8, I enjoy the Tiger.

EDIT: Of course, you can choose feats and skills for your wolf, you don't need to take the ones in the stat block. Note track is a racial bonus feat. And you might want to keep the weapon focus anyway. They goofed. Like many animals (the other common offender being Weapon Finesse), the wolf gets a feat from its 1st HD that it technically didn't qualify for (his BAB is +0 at level 1, when you get a feat).

 

[Theroc]

Would my Druid's wolf suffer non-proficiency penalties for wearing leather barding? Or do they count as "Trained for war"?

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

"Trained for war" is a poorly defined term never fully explained. I've always ruled it as meaning that it has the attack trick (twice) to attack any enemy. Alternatively, just limit the companion to armor without an armor check penalty if the DM won't help you out.

 

[Vegepygmy]

Can anyone help me with regards to setting up an animal companion stat sheet?

Here's one I used for a 2nd-level druid:

Animal Companion (Wolf)
N Medium animal
Init +2; Senses low-light vision, scent; Listen +3, Spot +3
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AC 14 (+2 Dex, +2 natural), touch 12, flat-footed 12
hp 13 (2 HD)
Fort +5, Ref +5, Will +1
------------------------------------
Speed 50 ft. (10 squares)
Melee bite +3 (1d6+1 plus trip)
Base Atk +1; Grp +2
------------------------------------
Abilities Str 13, Dex 15, Con 15, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6
SQ link, share spells
Feats Track, Weapon Focus (bite)
Skills (0 ACP) Hide +2, Move Silently +3, Survival +1 (+5 when tracking by scent)
Tricks Known Attack (animals, giants, humanoids, and monstrous humanoids), Defend, Down, Guard, Heel, Stay, Track
Possessions (75/150/225 ~ 0, light)

Trip (Ex):A wolf that hits with a bite attack can attempt to trip the opponent (+1 check modifier) as a free action without making a touch attack or provoking an attack of opportunity. If the attempt fails, the opponent cannot react to trip the wolf.