What's an animal companion worth to a ranger?

[SteveC]

I don't think that a ranger's animal companion is very useful. A druid's is good, but a ranger's falls so far behind on progression that it's hardly worthwhile by upper levels.

If the DM's willing to offer a feat, take it; that's probably at least as powerful as the animal.

Well that's a good point, and also what I might say too.

I think I am going to go with the Improved Toughness feat from The Complete Warrior. It isn't a feat I would normally take, and it is of only moderate importance.

 

[CRGreathouse]

Well that's a good point, and also what I might say too.

I think I am going to go with the Improved Toughness feat from The Complete Warrior. It isn't a feat I would normally take, and it is of only moderate importance.

It's a fair choice. I do applaud you for dropping a class ability (though in the end the DM decided to give you something for it) because it fit the character. I've done the same, or at least something similar, with a character of mine, another loner, in the past.