D&D 5E (2014) Animal companions

[Chriscdoa]

I'm aware not all druids have animal companions but i was surprised to not see it as an option. With the rangers beastmaster subclass underwhelming me, is there another way?

i'm thinking either a feat or simply having an npc animal companion. Thoughts?

 

[GameDoc]

I was surprised by that too. The old school method was to cast animal friendship and run it as an NPC creature.

You can use assume a basic level of master-companion control and require Wis (Animal Handling) checks for challenging actions. Also, use speak with animals and beast sense when needed. It forces the druid (or hunter-ranger) to use their magical abilities to maintain one or more companions and use them effectively.

But that might seem a little unfair compared to best master-rangers, paladins, and wizards. Alternatively, you could add find familial to the druid (and possibly ranger) spell list and allow a broader range of animals with the stipulation they are not extraplanar spirits in animal form, but natural animals of their type.

 

[Li Shenron]

There used to be a feat for that in earlier playtest packets. I still think it was a mistake to change the feat into a spell. If you still have older playtest packets, you might want to check that feat out.

There is always also the option for non-magical animal companions, that presumably can be trained for basic tasks. Probably not for combat, although personally I think combat is the most boring use for animal companions.

 

[Falling Icicle]

I'm aware not all druids have animal companions but i was surprised to not see it as an option. With the rangers beastmaster subclass underwhelming me, is there another way?

i'm thinking either a feat or simply having an npc animal companion. Thoughts?

You could just allow the druid to take the beastmaster ranger subclass, replacing circle of the land or moon.

 

[gyor]

You could just allow the druid to take the beastmaster ranger subclass, replacing circle of the land or moon.

That would work well for a house rule.

If you don't want to house rule, just use the conjure animal spell and summon the exact same creature every time.