Barding for Animals

[Valavien]

Hi all,

There has been a lot of talk about animal companions of late so now I have another thought/question about barding.

I see in the "Animal Type" description an animal is not proficient with armour unless trained for war. How does one train an animal for war?

 

[Hypersmurf]

There has been a lot of talk about animal companions of late so now I have another thought/question about barding.

If you Awaken an animal, it can go Barding by taking class levels and boosting its Perform skill...

... ahem.

But I think war-training is covered under the "trick" rules for animals, isn't it?

-Hyp.

 

[Valavien]

But I think war-training is covered under the "trick" rules for animals, isn't it?

-Hyp.

I don't remember seeing it unless I missed it. Unless attack tricks are considered war training.

 

[Argent Silvermage]

I did it this way. My Elf's companion is a riding dog/War dog. (long story)

As he leveled and gained feats I gave him the Light Armor Prof. feat.

 

[CrimsonTemplar]

I think it was in the expanded tricks rules in MotW. I'd allow it for an animal trained for combat riding as mounts are often trained to accept armor (why else would war horses allow it?) As animal companions have tricks to spare (over time at least) I can see it as being reasonable for animals that you don't intend to ride as well.

 

[AGGEMAM]

My Elf's companion is a riding dog/War dog. (long story)

As he leveled and gained feats I gave him the Light Armor Prof. feat.

Your companion leveled? How did it do that?

You cannot have an awakened animal as an animal companion.

 

[CrimsonTemplar]

The new Animal Companion in 3.5 gains HD as you gain Druid/Ranger levels. They follow the rules in the MM for advancing monsters, so as they gain the requisite HD they gain additional skill points and feats. I don't have the MM SRD handy so I can't quote chapter and verse, but I wouldn't be surprised if someone else can. If not, I'll post from the MM when I get home from work.

 

[AGGEMAM]

True but that is not leveling that is improving.

 

[youspoonybard]

Why bother with the proficiency?

Leather Armor has an ACP of 0, and Hide Armor isn't worth it, really.

Just get some Leather Armor Barding and your Animal Companion has +2 AC, and it's cheap!

I mean, although there's no rules against it, I wouldn't allow a Druid Animal Companion to use restricted armor...although a Ranger one might be ok.

Still, Ranger Animal Companions probably shouldn't be fighting too much...

*edit* They most CERTAINLY do get feats. Check your friendly Animal Companion Sidebar.

 

[AGGEMAM]

Still, Ranger Animal Companions probably shouldn't be fighting too much...

Unless it's used as a mount, in which case you could use your ride skill to avoid it getting hit, once per round though, but still that's after you know whether it's getting hit or not.