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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Dire Human" data-source="post: 4568355" data-attributes="member: 57504">While trying to roll up a new concept character (a Goblin monster tamer) I started heavily reading the new Beastmaster Ranger rules, especially the pets.  A few calculations later, I came up with a good comparison chart; I won't put up the entire table here, so allow me to summarize.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Bear: Tied with the Boar for the lowest defenses, but has a health boost that increases with level.  +2 average damage offset by -2 attack rolls.  Slow speed.  Brute.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Boar: Tied with the Bear for the lowest defenses.  Average speed, +2 when charging.  +2 to its average damage when charging, as well.  Skirmisher.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Cat: Average defenses, Stealth training, and high speed.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Lizard: High AC is offset by lower NADs. +2 bonus to attack rolls when making an opportunity attack.  Soldier.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Raptor: Terrific Reflex offset by terrible Fortitude, but average defenses hide a health detriment that gets worse with level.  High fly speed, Perception training, and a +1 to attack.  Lurker.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Serpent: Average speed on land and in water, along with one of the highest total defenses.  +2 bonus to opportunity attack damage that increases with level.  Soldier.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Spider: Average in every way, except for Stealth training and a Spider Climb speed.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Wolf: High speed, surprisingly high defenses, and Perception training.  -1 average damage offset by a +2 boost when it has Combat Advantage.  Skirmisher/Soldier.</li> </ul>Some thoughts:<ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">While the Cat seems the obvious choice for an all-around beast, the Spider shares its average-ness.  Shouldn't the Spider be more of a Lurker?  I wouldn't mind a lower base damage that deals ongoing poison.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Soldier seems an odd role for the Serpent, but it's the only one that seems to fit (high defenses and powerful OAs).  I can't picture a cobra or constrictor as a defensive beast.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">The Wolf seems a little too powerful, especially when so much of being a Beastmaster revolves around flanking options.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Poor Raptor; extracting itself from a melee enemy without getting killed is going to be a nightmare. Terrific against enemy ranged characters, however.</li> </ol></blockquote>

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