So I was thinking of getting and training a dire badger for the purpose of making tunnels.
Init +6; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +10
DEFENSE
AC 14, touch 12, flat-footed 12 (+2 Dex, +2 natural)
hp 22 (3d8+9)
Fort +6, Ref +5, Will +2
Defensive Abilites ferocity
OFFENSE
Speed 30 ft., burrow 10 ft.
Melee bite +4 (1d4+2), 2 claws +4 (1d3+2)
Special Attacks blood rage
STATISTICS
Str 14, Dex 15, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 9
Base Atk +2; CMB +4; CMD 16 (20 vs. trip)
Feats Improved Initiative, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Escape Artist +6, Perception +10
ECOLOGY
Environment temperate forests
Organization solitary, pair, or clan (3-5)
Treasure incidental
A relentless predator, the violent and territorial dire badger hunts frequently, killing and devouring a variety of easy prey such as rabbits, deer, and occasionally livestock.
These creatures are unafraid of attacking creatures larger than they are, drawing upon an almost legendary tenacity that has won them honor and respect among many races, particularly forest-dwelling gnomes.
Dire badgers reside in deep burrows and warrens dug with their monstrous claws-but unlike typical badgers, a dire badger's claws are capable of tunneling through solid rock. Dire badgers possess little patience for disturbances or interruptions. Utterly fearless creatures, when confronted they attack brutally, and if injured, they violently erupt into a killing frenzy.
Dire badgers stand 4 feet tall at the shoulder, and weigh 500 pounds.
My party encountered a situation where we knew there were underground tunnels because of an earth elemental but the getting in and out was slightly more than I was comfortable with.
Wondering if having a badger on hand would be a good idea. Potentially carry it around using carry companion
I think it's a good idea but you'd have to check with your GM regarding controlling this animal while its burrowing. If the badger burrows 20 feet into rock and doesn't find an exit, consider a trick that stops him and brings him back to you.
How large the tunnels it makes is a factor. They're only 4 feet high so the tunnels it makes won't allow people to walk through comfortably. This means even when his tunnels do connect you'll still have to crawl through (unless you are Small size). Depending on the type of stone and the length of the tunnel, structural integrity may come into play. Having a Dwarf in the party would be useful here.
Also, have a plan for what happens when your Badger gets attacked (which is highly likely) since he'll be the first one in the room. Dress him up in some armour and consider him locked in combat (as per his fearless temper) the moment he gets hit. This may make your ferocious pet somewhat expendable so don't get too attached to him as he tunnels towards the dragon's lair.
Some GMs may consider some rock too hard for even a Dire Badger's claws. While tunneling through Sandstone wouldn't be too hard, getting through Granite would be very slow going indeed. Check with your GM before investing, especially if your dungeoning in places where the stone is really hard.
Like I said, I think it's a good idea. I play a Druid and while I haven't gone into Dire Badger form yet, I'm waiting for the opportunity where I need to tunnel through something and have my allies follow.
Good advice o: much obliged
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I'd rather just invest in Tunnel Creepers. They are relatively cheap, can noiselessly tunnel on on command, and don't require any upkeep.