Druids, companions, and magical beasts

[Dimwhit]

I was reading one of the PrC's in MoW. I forget which one, but it basically raised the intelligence of your animal companions and changes them to magical beasts. Just as Awaken turns your companion to a magical beast. Now Awaken has many other benefits, but my questions is, isn't this lame? As soon as this happens, none of a Druid's spells that target an "animal" will work. Right? Animal Growth comes to mind, but there are a number of spells that target "animals." But as soon as they're magical beasts, those spells will no longer work.

Am I correct in this thinking?

 

[Crothian]

Ya, your correct. But that class also gets 3 caster levels over 10 levels of the prestige class iirc, so it's not really made for spellcasters or with spellcasters in mind. I think the class was more aimed at the Ranger.

 

[Saeviomagy]

I'd suggest NOT changing the type of creatures affected by awaken or that class ability.

The awaken spells effect of transmutation into a magical beast is doubtful at best. The line that states it does so isn't present in the description of awaken or mass awaken, only in the flavour text in MoTW - after all, does your type become 'giant' when someone casts righteous might on you? You're large, and a creature of great strength, so why not?

Also check the faq. I've a vague feeling that the class ability doesn't make the creatures magical beasts for all purposes (although I could be wrong...)