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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Voobaha" data-source="post: 50359" data-attributes="member: 2741">- can his animal companion stats be rolled (so he can eventually get a really rocking animal companion from good rolls)? - can his animal companion raise levels? (I'd like to implement this just to offset the first request, so I can "simulate" a bond of friendship between him and his animal.) I'd say no--companions with rolled stats are hirelings and henchmen.  These are sidekicks the pc's acquire later on during the campaign as rewards for fame and accomplishments.  Basically he wants to upgrade his little critter buddy into a full-fledged weapon at his beck and call, something which makes him more powerful than all the other PCs.  Either you have to give the other PCs similar power boosts at the start of the game, or they're going to rightfully complain that the Druid is stealing the limelight from the rest of the party.  You'd better be prepared to roll up a faithful sidekick for the rest of the party members to make up for it.  So if you have five batmen, be prepared for five robins...Besides, even fully statted henchmen don't progress in levels as fast the PCs, are rolled up by the GM--*not* the player, and will leave if mistreated (i.e. used as cannon fodder; not paid a share of the treasure, etc).  Will his animal companion have the same limitations?  If not, then it's unbalancing.- can he make armor other than hide out of critter skins (like plate mail from monster x) (he could use the AC, but is there a reason other than flavor for this restriction)? - can he have weapons outside of his druid weapon restrictions (he reasons that the current restrictions are just flavor, and I worry that some are meant to keep damage low)? This is up to you.  If you're an inexperienced GM, don't tinker with the rules too much until you're more confident what the long term game balance issues will be.  Explain this to the player.  If he's a good player, he should understand.  Personally I'd rule that Druids practice their rituals more than learning the martial arts.   Using heavier armors and martial weapons requires a lot of time and training, and Druids who want to use them should be required to multiclass or use up feats to acquire the proficiencies he wants.  The game is designed so that no one class can do everything and they all have to work together as a party to cover each others' weaknesses.  If he's a spellcasting armored tank, slicing his enemies in two with a greatsword while sicking his ferocious animal sidekick on them, then he's not a druid--he's a munchkin.Just my 2 cents worth</blockquote>

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