"Wearing" an animal companion

[Saepiroth]

Get special bracers with a little tunnel in them to house and protect the viper.

Awaken the viper.

 

[Lord Pendragon]

Currently, I am allowing the druid to have items in her hands (with exceptions on large items like shields) while she uses the snakes in this manner. I believe that for balance reasons, I should either make her be empty handed or empty wristed. Any thoughts on which is better, or if either requirement is needed?

Bracers aren't going to interfere with the viper in any real sense. Animal Friendship is an instantaneous effect, so there is no residual magic on the vipers once the spell has been cast. So I wouldn't require that that the PC give up the bracers slot.

However, I would definitely require that at least one hand be free (holding absolutely nothing) in order to make the touch attack. If the druid is holding any kind of weapon at all, that weapon will be an obstruction, in the way of the viper as it tries to strike out at the druid's enemy.