Do animal companions lose their bonus HD if they're fired?

[Nareau]

I'm a 9th level druid, and I've been traveling with the same stupid badger since 1st level. I decide I want to upgrade, so I hand Mr. Badger his walking papers. Does he keep the +6 HD, Natural armor, etc?

Nareau

 

[Jeff Wilder]

IMO, yes, it loses enhancements. The enhancements are due to the link with the druid, and don't represent the actual physical toughness of the animal. (As support, note that added HD don't advance the size of the companion.) Similarly, a companion might take a hit in power if the druid loses a level.

As an aside, I kinda wish the enhancements would better keep up with the power level of the higher-tier animals. I like the idea of a wolf companion that is a match for a brown bear.

 

[Darklone]

That's simple. Houserule that the additional HD do advance the size.

 

[Jeff Wilder]

That's simple. Houserule that the additional HD do advance the size.

First, that wouldn't be enough to do it. Second, it defeats the purpose ... the reason a wolf being a match for a brown bear is cool is that it's a wolf, not a wannabe-dire. What I have in mind is something more like the legendary animals, except statted out and balanced for each companion "tier."

 

[Darklone]

Awaken him ?

That's a nice step towards giving him even more HD. Now if your DM allows the animal to get class levels, perhaps exchanging animal HD for class levels...

I played an awakened wolf once with rogue and ranger levels. Rocked. Especially since noone except the DM knew it (PbP game).

 

[VonRichthofen]

Nareau, please excuse me for not participating in the discussion - but your thread title was just giving me that big, fat grin. May be childish, but fireing your AC... sweet.

@ Jeff:

What about the legendary wolf? That little critter should get along with a brown bear quite handsomely.

 

[Jeff Wilder]

I played an awakened wolf once with rogue and ranger levels. Rocked. Especially since noone except the DM knew it (PbP game).

That's actually pretty cool. I'm adding that to my "concepts to play" memo in the trusty Treo.

 

[Ambrus]

Do animal companions lose their bonus HD if they're fired?

Depends... Out of what? *rimshot*

 

[frankthedm]

I'm a 9th level druid, and I've been traveling with the same stupid badger since 1st level. I decide I want to upgrade, so I hand Mr. Badger his walking papers. Does he keep the +6 HD, Natural armor, etc?

Nareau

He lived that long? Wow!

If you fire him after a lifelong career of faithful service, it is up to you, his employer, to provide his retirement benefits, your class ability does not.. Awaken and a few magic items can make a fine severance package. A ring of sustenance would be a cheap way to ensure he never starves to death.

 

[Christian]

"After you complete this exit interview, you'll be escorted out of the campaign by security. Please leave your bonus hit dice and natural armor at the security desk."