Having fun with the new sidekicks

[CTurbo]

There's been a lot of talk about the new UA sidekicks, and I think at least most people agree they're probably a bit overpowered.

When I read it, the first thing that came to my mind was the Giant Eagle and how since it has it's own language, it technically qualifies for the Spellcaster and Expert sidekick role.

Base stats, the Giant Eagle has an AC of 13 and 26hp (4d10+4)

16 Str, 17 Dex, 13 Con, 8 Int, 14 Wis, 10 Cha


Well to me that screams Cleric! How awesome would a Giant Eagle Cleric be? lol

First ASI we could add +1 Dex and Con. That would raise AC to 14 and increase hp.
Second ASI we could add +2 Wis
Third ASI we could also add +2 Wis to get that DC up
Forth ASI we could either max Dex or Wis or maybe even put it in Con for better Concentration and hp. Maybe even give it the Mobile feat to increase it's fly speed to 90ft.

So a level 20 Giant Eagle Cleric could easily have 20 Dex, 14 Con, and 20 Wis. Ac of 17 with Studded Leather barding and 160hp and it even gets a couple of Signature spells like Bless, Spiritual Weapon, Prayer of Healing, Mass Healing Word, or even Aid.


I think a Giant Eagle Sorcerer raining down Lightning Bolts and Fireballs would be pretty epic too lol


The Blink Dog also knows a language and has a 10 Int. It would make a hilarious Spellcaster sidekick too. I can see it barking Healing Word at a fallen buddy in combat lol
Send it into combat rocking Spirit Guardians and Spiritual Weapon!

I think a Blink Dog would make an excellent Expert too with it's teleporting ability it would be great at scouting.



Brass and Copper Dragon Wyrmlings are CR1 as well

 

[akr71]

First off I apologize for the thread necro. This thread seemed like a good place to tag a fun 'thought experiment' for the Sidekicks UA.

If you are not a fan of the Sidekicks UA, then you aren't really the intended audience of this thread...

My players recently stumbled upon an 'awoken' bear. He wandered into camp one evening after they caught some fish and asked if they would share. They had a blast talking to 'Beary.' He left the next morning heading for an apple orchard.

It is a small party (3 pcs) and they have had discussions on picking up some NPC help and I have shown them the Sidekick UA... shortly after the bear left them, it dawned on them, that they could have had a talking bear as a sidekick! They fully intend to scour the countryside trying to find Beary again, and I will give them every opportunity to succeed. I've given him his own motivations and goals and what they have to do to keep him with the party.

Beary wants to be a druid. Now, Beastshape... am I going to far to let a bear druid beastshape into a human? I think it would be hilarious and my players would think it amazing.