D&D 5E Is there an ideal way to handle player-controlled summoned creatures/pets in combat?

[Zardnaar]

Sure just don't let the PCs have pets that are combat effective as class features. YOu are level 5 or 6 how is your new pet wolf, level 1 domestic housecat. If the PCs want to buy a pet with $$$$ (mounts, flying mounts, battle elephant named Clive) its easy enough to deal with in game.

 

[Zardnaar]

Sure just don't let the PCs have pets that are combat effective as class features. You are level 5 or 6 how is your new pet wolf, level 1 domestic housecat. If the PCs want to buy a pet with $$$$ (mounts, flying mounts, battle elephant named Clive) its easy enough to deal with in game.

If you have a class with combat effective pets just don't give them extra damage such as extra attacks or sneak attack dice.

 

[Riley37]

Have you tried having a player *other than the summoner* run the pets?

That way, the summoner *PC* gets the benefits of pets, but the PLAYER of the summoner does not get more "it's my turn to roll dice" time. (If that was the summoner player's motive, then next time, they can instead do something which is more based on the PC's motives and benefits.)

If the other player is reasonable, the pets will act with pet-appropriate intelligence and motives, and an honestly less-than-100%-clear understanding of the summoner's intent. If the other player is NOT reasonable, then take that player off pet-control duty.

 

[The Grassy Gnoll]

My party's ranger has a wolf. He needs.to spend an action to command it, but otherwise (as it's a wolf, not a robot) I roll a d6 every round. 1-3 it dodges, 4-5 it helps, 6 it attacks.

 

[FormerlyHemlock]

Have you tried having a player *other than the summoner* run the pets?

That way, the summoner *PC* gets the benefits of pets, but the PLAYER of the summoner does not get more "it's my turn to roll dice" time. (If that was the summoner player's motive, then next time, they can instead do something which is more based on the PC's motives and benefits.)

If the other player is reasonable, the pets will act with pet-appropriate intelligence and motives, and an honestly less-than-100%-clear understanding of the summoner's intent. If the other player is NOT reasonable, then take that player off pet-control duty.

Consider this idea stolen.

 

[Sunseeker]

Have you tried having a player *other than the summoner* run the pets?

That's definitely a good option, especially in a tough fight where a player may go down and the pet/summon is still up.