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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Hawk Diesel" data-source="post: 6788960" data-attributes="member: 59848">Well just like with every other class, the economy of actions will always come into play. But IMO, if you are concerned about a TWF build, beastmaster is not really the archetype for you since the Hunter and Deepstalker are much more about the martial aspects of the ranger. But I don't think the CR should be handled by the DM as a reward similar to magic weapons. It just doesn't quite fit in the same way, from my perspective. Strengthening bonds with various creatures is an aspect of the class itself, and should not rely on story rewards to be able to achieve.As for the sacrifice of an attack to command your beast, it just doesn't make sense to me. The creature has a mind and acts on its own. Through your bond and training, it should be able to not only follow your commands, but anticipate your commands to act synergistically with you in the fight. An attack dog doesn't need a command to make an attack when it perceives it's master to be in danger, but through commands it can be directed more efficiently towards a desired effect. As for the balance, IMO it remains balanced mechanically compared to other classes by allowing it a bonus action. It is little different than allowing a bonus action to attack with a second weapon, or other class abilities to use bonus actions for Help, Dodge, Dash, ect (see Monk and Rogue).Here was my write-up with the fixes. I'd be interested to know what you think. ^_^Ranger’s Companion At 3rd level, you gain a beast companion that accompanies you on your adventures and is trained to fight alongside you. Choose a beast that is no larger than Medium and that has a challenge rating of 1/4 or lower (appendix D presents statistics for the hawk, mastiff, and panther as examples). Add your proficiency bonus to the beast’s AC, attack rolls, and damage rolls, as well as to any saving throws and skills it is proficient in. Its hit point maximum equals its normal maximum or four times your ranger level, whichever is higher. The beast obeys your commands as best as it can. It takes its turn on your initiative, though it doesn’t take an action unless you command it to. On your turn, you can verbally command the beast where to move (no action required by you). You can use your bonus action to verbally command it to take the Attack, Dash, Disengage, Dodge, or Help action.Like any creature, the beast can spend Hit Dice during a short rest. If you are incapacitated or absent, the beast acts on its own, focusing on protecting you and itself. It never requires your command to use its reaction, such as when making an opportunity attack. While traveling through your favored terrain with only the beast, you can move stealthily at a normal pace. If the beast dies, you can obtain another one by spending 8 hours magically bonding with another beast that isn’t hostile to you, either the same type of beast as before or a different one.Exceptional Beast Companion You may choose a beast that is no larger than Large and that has a challenge rating of 1 or lower.Bestial FuryStarting at 11th level, when you command you beast to take the Attack action, the beast can attack twice or take the Multiattack action if it has that action.Superior Beast Companion You may choose a beast that is no larger than Huge and that has up to a challenge rating equal to your level divided by 5, rounded down.</blockquote>

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