What does Drizzt use Gwen for?

[dreaded_beast]

my memory may be faulty, but based on gwen's stats from 3rd ed FRCS, she basically has the stats of a regular panther. i don't really remember of the top of my head the role gwen played within the drizzt stories, plus i haven't read too many, but if i remember correctly, and gwen stats are that of a regular panther, game mechanics wise she doesn't appear to powerful.

going of the 3rd ed stats from the FRCS for drizzt and gwen, how do you think drizzt could use gwen?

or in regards to the novels, what did drizzt use gwen for and could it be translated into something feasible in 3rd ed for a ranger character with a similar type of animal companion (granted that novels do many things that are usually not covered by the regular game mechanic)?

 

[dreaded_beast]

i'm confused, why is my thread here?

i thought that the general rpg thread was an appropriate place for this thread since it dealt with RPG topics and settings, drizzt, forgotten realms, 3rd edition etc. and not in the non-RPG specific forum

some reasons for this would be nice so i know what to look for in the future, thanks

 

[Dagger75]

or in regards to the novels, what did drizzt use gwen for and could it be translated into something feasible in 3rd ed for a ranger character with a similar type of animal companion (granted that novels do many things that are usually not covered by the regular game mechanic)?

I believe thats why it is the Book forum. Anywho...

Gwens real purpse was when Drizzt lived in the wilds of underdark for like 10 years that was his only companion. Think of Wilson from the movie Castaway. I am pretty sure his stats weren't that impressive but he kept the character sane, same with Gwen.

Gwen is like your dog in the family, a loyal trust worth friend who sticks by your side all the time.

Another perfect example would be the Beastmaster movies. Sure Dar was a good swordsman and could talk to his animals but other than that they were ordinary panther, ferrets and a hawk.

Its not the stats that make animal companions cool and fun to have, its how you interact with them. Bobo the ferret might not be very useful in a fight against a Balor but if you are using animal companions for extra attacks then you are missing the point of them.

 

[Piratecat]

I shifted it over because it dealt with the Salvatore books.

I think Guenhyvar was a figurine of wondrous power, which means that her stats were not necessarily those of a great cat. She certainly seemed fairly buff. I'd probably consider tacking on some sort of template... celestial, maybe?

She'd certainly have the pounce ability, and maybe improved grapple.

 

[dreaded_beast]

ah, thanks, i can see now how this thread could be put here

in my opinion, drizzt being drizzt and with the stats reflected in the FRCS for both drizzt and gwen, i feel that gwen would probably not be that useful in combat for drizzt, if looked at it from the game mechanic-rules point of view.

although i can totally understand the whole flavor of gwen, but stat and combat wise, i don't think gwen is as powerful as portrayed in the books.

 

[Piratecat]

Well, she's got that unique item thing going for her, so it's really up in the air.

Hey - it's Drizzt's flanking buddy!

 

[Ranger REG]

Considering how dysfunctional the House Do'Urden is (and the rest of Menzoberranzen), you make due with what friend you can find. In Drizzt's case, it is the magical panther.

 

[Dagger75]

Well mechanic wise a normal panther that listens to every command and I am sure she is smarter than the average bear err cat could be very useful.

A freind with the scent ability is pretty handy, the flanking this is useful. Plus Gwen is immortal. She dies, goes back to the Astral and a few days later back to her own self. I guess you could use her for a suicide type attack.

Drizzt: "Uhh Gwen, see that big freaking demon, the one with the black spiked armor dripping with poison and that sharp looking sword. Well go soften it up a bit before I rush in there. I know your to hits and we'll see what his armor class is. Also I should be able to judge his combat worthiness by how easy he umm MIGHT hit you."

Gwen "Rokay Raggy" (Gratuitus Scooby Doo reference)

 

[Welverin]

She's mostly used for scouting/patrolling, but helps out some in combat (mostly hit and run tactics).

 

[Enforcer]

The way Salvatore describes Guen, she's 800 lbs. of ninja-stealthy muscle and claws. She really tears it up! A lot of her attacks seem to be made against people's eyes and throats. Giving a panther some sneak attack dice would probably do the trick stat-wise.