are animal companions integral to a ranger's class ablities?

[blackshirt5]

We bend the rules a bit IMC, and I'm his DM.

However, since he's never expressed an interest in getting a Celestial Dire Hawk, I dunno. Maybe if he'd lemme know what he'd like to do in the game, it might be doable.

 

[Norfleet]

Well, if I had to pick an animal companion, combat would definitely not be a consideration.

Frankly, my idea of an effective combatant is not a critter of a species type you'd probably be able to kill by 3rd level or so, that cannot use any of the loot, cannot wear armor, and cannot use weapons.

That neatly rules out animal companions as a combat aid, and therefore, animal companions are best for scouting and noncombat purposes.

I'd go with some sort of rodent, such as a miniature giant space hamster.

 

[Blacksad]

The +2 flanking bonus isn't the only combat effective way to use an animal, it can aid another and grant a +2AC to the wizards, help in a trip attempt, etc... It's not essential, but it can really help in a combat, if only to cover the retreat of a wounded party member (though the flavor factor is indeed higher than the minmax factor).

 

[Wormwood]

With his companions, the druid is easily the most effective character in my City of the Spider Queen game. Without them, he'd be toast.

He's got a dire lion, and when he wildshapes into a polar bear the two of 'em can deal out boatloads of damage. Scent never hurts either.

It's his bats that get me though. Nothing beats having a bunch of Predator™ drones hovering above the battlespace providing intel on invisible creatures.

 

[blackshirt5]

Hmm, that's a good idea Wormwood. You've just given me an idea for my character once Angcuru starts running his Forgotten Realms campaign.

 

[Angcuru]

I'd go with some sort of rodent, such as a miniature giant space hamster.

Minsc and Boo stand ready.

GO FOR THE EYES BOO! GO FOR THE EYES! RAAAAA!

Ahhh, nightime. Good for sneaking up on evil!

I grow tired of shouting battle cries every time we fight this mage. Boo will finish his eyeballs once and for all. EVIL, MEET MY SWORD. SWORD, MEET EVIL!!!

Baldur's Gate forever!

 

[Angcuru]

Hmm, that's a good idea Wormwood. You've just given me an idea for my character once Angcuru starts running his Forgotten Realms campaign.

be prepared to wait a while