Upgrade your account to a Community Supporter account and remove most of the site ads.
Rocket your D&D 5E and Level Up: Advanced 5E games into space! Alpha Star Magazine Is Launching... Right Now!

Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="Sacrosanct" data-source="post: 7545507" data-attributes="member: 15700">I think some folks here are making a critical flaw in their analysis by continuing to evaluate the worth of a pet based on combat DPR. CapnnZapp asked what it brought to the table and then immediately presents the table as only math.  It’s not. It’s 3 equal pillars. That sort of analysis completely ignored factors like having two allies on the battlefield at two completely different locations. I.e, the player essentially affects multiple locations while every other player only impacts the one where their PC is. This enables the BM to maximize flanking, hit and run, and other tactics.  The pet attacking while the ranger uses an item, heals an ally, moves to a different area, etc for example. And it’s an unlimited resource that isn’t limited to a per short or long rest mechanic. These arguments about math and DPR also completely ignore the out of combat benefits. Like scouting, detection, etc. These are all very real and tangible benefits the class brings to the game. And when you bring benefits other classes can’t, then the balance has to come from other areas. Darn right a BM and his or her pet shouldn’t do as much DPR as other classes when they bring other benefits, or the class is OP and imbalanced.  And if people who chooses to play the game as arena combat thinks the class is extra weak, that’s on them for choosing an alternative playstyle different from the base assumption (3 equal pillars) that ignores other benefits. Just because you don’t use those benefits doesn’t mean they aren’t there. On a side related not, I loathe any ability to just summon a new pet automatically or immediately. The pet is a living being, not a spirit animal. If it dies, then the ease on getting a new one should be dictated by in game events and area. Otherwise it’s a huge immersion break for me.  YMMV of course.</blockquote>

Verification