My DM is allowing me to play an Arcane Hierophant using the Pathfinder convert shown here: http://rpg.divnull.com/wiki/index.php/Arcane_Hierophant_%28Pathfinder%29

I'm envisioning a summoner type hierophant, that utilizes Summon Nature's Ally and Summon Monster, as well as buff spells, to create an arsenal of powerful and useful monsters to use in and out of combat.

I am permitted to use a size small elf. My plan is for him to ride his animal companion leopard for mobility and style.

However, I'm not sure how smart of an idea it is to have a spellcaster on an animal companion that will be in melee. Is there anything I can do to prevent me from getting my butt kicked while mounted on my companion? Also, any build suggestions? I am brand new to the class.

I am allowed to use any material from the Pathfinder books, but nothing from 3.5.

Thank you in advance :)

My DM is allowing me to play an Arcane Hierophant using the Pathfinder convert shown here: http://rpg.divnull.com/wiki/index.php/Arcane_Hierophant_%28Pathfinder%29

I'm envisioning a summoner type hierophant, that utilizes Summon Nature's Ally and Summon Monster, as well as buff spells, to create an arsenal of powerful and useful monsters to use in and out of combat.

I am permitted to use a size small elf. My plan is for him to ride his animal companion leopard for mobility and style.

However, I'm not sure how smart of an idea it is to have a spellcaster on an animal companion that will be in melee. Is there anything I can do to prevent me from getting my butt kicked while mounted on my companion? Also, any build suggestions? I am brand new to the class.

I am allowed to use any material from the Pathfinder books, but nothing from 3.5.

Thank you in advance :)

Being a Druid I would suggest going for something other than mounted combat. Most DM's Ive played with usually target companions as they are easier to replace then a PC. Druids make for strong casters and you can always shift into something with good maneuverability without having to ride your companion. Natural Spell and you can fly over the battle field with wild abandon casting away.

Dire Bat flies.

Use hide/invisibility to be on your mount. Mounted combat, trick riding, indomitable mount.

It is unusual for a squishy to ride a mount, however.

Witch + Druid. Your animal companion will also be your familiar, which will also be your spellbook. It'll have the physical abilities of a companion with the intelligence of a familiar. The obvious thematic similarities are there, too.

Witch + Druid. Your animal companion will also be your familiar, which will also be your spellbook. It'll have the physical abilities of a companion with the intelligence of a familiar. The obvious thematic similarities are there, too.

am I thinking of something else or does anything with an INT over 3 automatically stop being your animal companion ?

e.g. using the awaken spell on your animal companion stops them being your animal companion. they can still be a cohort but not longer an animal companion.

Read the Arcane Hierophant PrC. It's a 3.5 prestige class, and it's intended for wizard/druids. One of the main features is that it combines your familiar and your animal companion.