Animal Companions for Roguish Rangers

[nillic]

So I'm playing in a heavily modified version of the Kingmaker AP set in a fantasy Japan. I have a Ranger 7/ Rogue (Poisoner) 2 character with the Boon Companion feat. I've now gone through 2 animal companions, a tiger and a roc, and I've decided that my next one should be less combat oriented and compliment my stealthier side. Any suggestions?

 

[SteelDraco]

If you want a rogue-ish companion, you need some kind of small, sneaky animal. Rats are good for this, as are ferrets. A snake would make a lot of sense for a poisoner. Snakes can't really manipulate things very well, though, which can be a problem. Raccoon might fit if you steal things regularly. Maybe a bird, like a crow or a magpie? They actually could be useful for snatching things out of people's hands, that could be fun, though it would often get your animal attacked.

The trouble is that most of these animals aren't going to be much good for actually stealing things. You have to have a way to communicate what you want - Handle Animal checks can only go so far. I suppose you're a high enough level ranger to cast Speak with Animals, so that helps.

Rogues like getting someone to flank for them, but as you've probably noticed, this tends to get animals killed a lot (rogues too, for that matter). Most of the animals I'm suggesting won't do you a bit of good in a combat situation; they'd be for flavor and the rare bit of usefulness when they manage to grab something important.

 

[Mr.E_Danger]

I don't know how much your GM would be willing to make some changes or give powers, but if you can get a raccoon, re-flavor it to a Tanuki (Japanese raccoon dog). They are a staple of Japanese myth and lore. They have magical powers like minor shape shifting and turning to stone. plus there are some stories of them turning poop or leaves into money, which i find highly comical.

Otherwise an Inugami, or spirit dog, could be a good choice. not as attack oriented as a tiger, but still has some bite to him.

 

[nillic]

The Tanuki idea sounds awesome! He reskinned the Roc to be an owlbear, so maybe the badger or dog as tanuki might work. Thanks for the suggestions guys