jgsugden
Legend
I'm saying they have problems. You're saying, I'm not forced to use them. That overlooks a few things:I think assumption of usage is the point... and the advantage of choosing a Beastmaster... if the DM says no Beastmasters well it's a moot point...Yeah but this sounds like an issue with the overall concept of sidekicks... but they are optional and at the DM's discretion... As a DM if you don't think they would be a good fit for your game... why introduce them at all? On the other hand the fact that they are not a good fit for your game doesn't mean they shouldn't be available for other games.
1.) Once presented as an option, players often feel entitled to the option. It may not be right, but it happens.
2.) A DM may allow it (for whatever reason) for one or more players and it might cause the game to suffer, hurting other players' experiences through no choice of their own.