I'm starting a new campaign as a druid, which will be my first time playing a class with an animal companion. We will be starting at level 3 and it's a slow progression campaign. I've been reading the rules for controlling animal companions and frankly, it strikes me as an overly-complex, clunky system. And while there are plenty of guides for which animals make good companions, I haven't been able to find answers to several questions.
First, there's tricks. As a druid I get a some for free but need to train the rest. If we're starting at level 3, can I come in with extra tricks trained, with the assumption I've spent time working with my companion before the adventure started? What are the most important tricks which will give me full control over my pet in combat?
Second, how important is getting 3 Int on my companion? Since it's a slow progression campaign, animals which grow at level 4 are looking more attractive, and my favorite is the constrictor snake. However, the snake starts with an Int of 1, so I will not be able to raise that to three for the bonus feats, skills, and comprehension of language until level 9. How much, if at all, will that hold my pet back?
Finally, are there any common house rules I could ask my DM about to simplify using an animal companion? Thanks for the advice.
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Most GMs allow an Animal Companion to start fully trained.
The most important tricks are Attack (make sure you take this twice), Down, Defend. At least 1 of Come or Heel. If you're using Animal Archive Flank is great.
The biggest advantage of raising intelligence isn't just extra tricks learned its the opening up of feats. This can be awesome if you have a particular plan in mind or just "meh". I doubt I'd bother for a snake.
Ask the GM how he wants to handle initiative. Many just have the AC go on the characters initiative as it simplifies a lot.
Assuming that the character puts max ranks into handle animal, buys a masterwork tool, and is NOT abusive the handle animal rules ARE gross overkill. A lot of GMs have a house rule something like "Don't abuse the animal and I'm not going to make you roll all the time for things it is trained to do".
One place that GMs differ a lot is on what the animal can "naturally" do. Some GMs allow a cat to climb but not a horse. Some GMs allow a dog to naturally flank but not a tiger.
Assuming that the character puts max ranks into handle animal, buys a masterwork tool, and is NOT abusive the handle animal rules ARE gross overkill.
Materwork tool?
