D&D General Want a Zombie Butler? In Pets & Sidekicks You Can Have One!

Unlock your inner necromancer!
Not all heroic companions are cute unicorns or tiger kittens. Some, like the spiders and beetles are creepy; others, like the animated objects and cogs are mechanical; and then of course, there's the undead--skeletons and zombies which are sure to appeal to the necromancers in the party.

Pets & Sidekicks brings you allies, adversaries, pets, and companions who can level up alongside your characters.

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The stat block above shows you the zombie's unique heroic features. However, that's not the full story!
  • Like you, as a heroic companion levels up it gains hit dice, hit points, and proficiency bonuses.
  • At every odd level it gets to choose a combat training option like Attack Enhancement, First Blood, New Combat Maneuver, New Innate Spell, or New Spell Slot.
  • At levels 1, 4, 8, and 10 it gains heroic features which are listed in the stat block and which are unique to the creature.
  • Or it can choose from a menu of about 30 general heroic features like Awe-Inspiring, Dreadful Aspect, Fast Movement, Icky, Thunderous Stomp, and more.
Pets & Sidekicks is on Kickstarter now!
 

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So 1 heroic level is somewhat comparable to +1/2 CR?

Just asking for if/when our A5E Necromancer gets attached to one of his minions and decides to keep them longer.
 


This probably applies to druid wildshapes, too so you don't have to leave behind your favourite/traditional/... shape just because the normal animal doesn't have a higher CR version.
 

Regarding Druid wildshapes that would be great. If you look at what forms a Circle of the Moon Druid, or Skinchanger Druid can take, there are many choices at CR 1 and below. There are much fewer to choose from at CR 2, missing some niches such as a CR 2 Ape-like option. So having a way to make CR 1 options viable, but not overpowered for CR 2, would be good.
 

This probably applies to druid wildshapes, too so you don't have to leave behind your favourite/traditional/... shape just because the normal animal doesn't have a higher CR version.
It applies to any monster (or NPC) stat block, so yes. If it has a stat block it can have heroic levels.
 

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