D&D General Talking Animals

[Indagare Nogitsune]

Talking Animals (TA) are as much a part of fantasy as Dwarves, Elves, and others. Arguably they are more a part of it, since there are stories of talking animals dating about as far back as records go. Now, it could be argue that species such as the Haregone, Kenku, and similar fit the role while also allowing them to do things like wear armor and manipulate weapons and such.

However, I was wondering if anyone had ever tried actual TA--that is, animals that pretty much stick to regular animal anatomy with the exception of being able to talk. Even more, I was wondering how folks might see that working given the aforementioned anatomical issues. How to keep a TA close enough to be animal while not going too humanoid and still being able to participate in an adventure successfully? Scooby Doo Paws? Some variation of mage hand? Them being able to do weird stuff because they're aware enough of their own anatomy to try things regular animals wouldn't even think to try?

 

[TigerDude]

So you mean talking animals not as animals but as playable races? Plenty of examples of this, we have bunnies, cats, fish, turtles... Use these as a comparison and have a Dog if you want, but you really need hands.

 

[Indagare Nogitsune]

So you mean talking animals not as animals but as playable races? Plenty of examples of this, we have bunnies, cats, fish, turtles... Use these as a comparison and have a Dog if you want, but you really need hands.

I'm trying to be as explicit as possible about separating a literary character like the Cowardly Lion from a lion-based Tabaxi. I understand that there is going to be a hand issue, which is one of the main reasons I'm posting this thread. It's very possible that folks will say the humanoid animals are the same as TA, but I'm not sure that's really the case since the latter tend to move around on all fours or literally have wings for arms or so on.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

I once had a player play as a donkey barbarian for a session. They couldn’t talk though.

 

[bloodtide]

I have done it often with large groups. I don't really like more then five players, so often enough a sith will join as an animal.

I will keep them as 'just an animal" for stats, but then they likely won't do much combat.

It is a great way for a new player to tag along and experience the game, but not play it rules wise.

Though sometimes experienced players like the 'break' of playing an animal.

 

[Twiggly the Gnome]

I use a modified version of of the 5e Blue Rose Rhydan species. I call them Bremyn, after the Bremen Town Musicians.

 

[Tonguez]

I've seen PCs play a Leopard Ranger without issue, mobility and speed outclass humanoid PCs, they get natural weapons (bite 1d6), stealth and pounce (knock prone) is great when working with allies. Hands arent an issue since others in the party are there to open doors and manipulate objects. The biggest issue is AC but that can be covered by declaring animals proficient in natural armor

 

[Indagare Nogitsune]

I've seen PCs play a Leopard Ranger without issue, mobility and speed outclass humanoid PCs, they get natural weapons (bite 1d6), stealth and pounce (knock prone) is great when working with allies. Hands arent an issue since others in the party are there to open doors and manipulate objects. The biggest issue is AC but that can be covered by declaring animals proficient in natural armor

Also, arguably, there would be some magic items specifically designed for TA anatomy if they are prevalent enough. Indeed, if there are a number of animal companions/familiars out there there also ought to be a market for magic trinkets for them.

 

[LuisCarlos17f]

They can't wear clothing or armours like humanoids. This can be an important detail if some times the floor is too dangerous for shoeless feet or paws. Once while walking along the beach I hurt myself by stepping on a sharp stone. Do you remember the first "Die Hard" movie when the terrorists shooted to the crystal windows?

And animals have got better senses. If they can smell or listen a hidden enemy this is important. But if their hear is too good then they also could suffer a shock because strong noises.

If it can fly then it could carry a little runic talisman in the beak and use this to teletransport the complete group to a zone whose path was too dangerous or hard. Gandalf's original plan was to travel toward Mordor by the giant eagles. That is the reason because he cried "Fly, you fools!".

And a squirrel or a cat could to climb to relatively inaccesible zones.

 

[HippyCraig]

I had a talking animal in one game there were 2 female player and 2 male player. One sounded a lot like Casey Kasem and was always hungry. Come to think of it the animal was always hungry too


Lol