Barlow Trandor's page

So here's the question:

Would the bonded mount of a Paladin be the same BAB as that of a Druid's animal companion? That is to say, would the animal companion template apply the same to an animal companion that is granted from another class? This character is going to go 20 levels Paladin, so it's not an issue of multi-classing. It's just an issue of wanting to do the stat block correctly. If anyone needs/wants to know, I'm making a level 17 Halfling Paladin for a module so I'm starting from the ground up on this. The bonded mount would be a dog (with GM approval, of course).

The Divine Bond entry is as follows:

The second type of bond allows a paladin to gain the service of an unusually intelligent, strong, and loyal steed to serve her in her crusade against evil. This mount is usually a heavy horse (for a Medium paladin) or a pony (for a Small paladin), although more exotic mounts, such as a boar, camel, or dog are also suitable. This mount functions as a druid's animal companion, using the paladin's level as her effective druid level. Bonded mounts have an Intelligence of at least 6.

When you go to the animal companion page it explains how to find an animal companion's BAB as follows:

An animal companion's base attack bonus is the same as that of a druid of a level equal to the animal's HD. Animal companions do not gain additional attacks using their natural weapons for a high base attack bonus.

So my question here is, since it is a Paladin, would we be basing the bonded mount's BAB off of the BAB of a Paladin with a level equal to the bonded mount's HD or would we still base it off of a Druid with a level equal to its HD? Would we just interchange Druid/Paladin on the animal companion page?

For example:
A level 17 Druid animal companion:
HD: 14 BAB: +10
Since a level 14 Druid has a +10 BAB
A level 17 Paladin bonded mount:
HD: 14 BAB: +14
Since a level 14 Paladin has a +14 BAB

Also, if that does in fact change, would any other parts of the animal companion stats change? Such as saves, AC bonus, etc? I've never had to delve into animal companion's yet and I seem to have picked the most ridiculous one to start with. Any help and input is appreciated!

Oh, and a last question here - the Divine Bond also mentions this:

At 11th level, the mount gains the celestial creature simple template and becomes a magical beast for the purposes of determining which spells affect it.

This basically means that, while spells may have different interactions with this bonded mount, it does not actually gain the magical beast attributes, right? It's just basically there to interact with spells, nothing else?

Again, any assistance would be great :)

Thanks!

He walks over to the dragon door and stands in front of it, looking at the details. He then calls over to the others.

Let's get a move on, it feels like a good day for tracking.

Barlow stretches when he stands up, his back cracking as he does it. Losing no time, he pulls a few very large pieces of dried jerky from his pack and devours them in seconds. When he is done he makes a loud smacking sound with his lips and looks around the room to make sure it is still secure.

Perception:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

When he finds that the room is secure, he begins looking for further tracks of the people they came down here to search for.

Survival(+1 favored enemy):1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 = 6

Barlow says nothing and slams the door shut, looking around the room for large rocks and other large rubble from the crumbling walls to place in front of the door.

Perception:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

Barlow tosses the Goblin's body off the ledge and looks back to Acidios.

You go first. Now.

He points to the stairs.

Barlow immediately rushes to Acidios, finding the potion in his bag. He uncorks it and feeds it to the unconscious Gnome.

Bloody idiot

After feeding Acidios the potion, he looks through the Goblin's body for anything of use.

Cure Light Wounds:1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Perception:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

You are a fool, Squeaky! Get out of here, you're going to get yourself killed!!

Despite Barlow's words, he tries to intimidate the foe; hoping to make him run off from fear instead of attacking Acidios.

Intimidate:1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9

Barlow waits for Acidios to pass him before rushing down the stairs after him.

Holding until after Acidios.

Barlow holds his ground until he is sure his party has woken up. He keeps yelling for them to wake up and only defends his friends.

Full defensive; +4 to AC.

He keeps yelling, hoping they hear him. Get down the stairs, now!

Barlow rushes over toward the stairs, ready to run down as soon as his friends go down.

Current HP: 4

Barlow roars loudly, hoping to wake the others up, and immediately looks for the source of the attack.

Perception:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Barlow rolls over and grunts, obviously very tired still. He sits up and nods.

Okay, get some sleep Lissie.

Throughout his time awake he keeps a vigil watch.

Perception:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Survival:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Barlow lays down next to the wall and falls asleep quickly.

Everything looks clear, we are safe to go up.

Barlow heads up the stairs, ready to assist Acidios should he need it. When the party reaches the top of the stairs and sets up camp for the night, he talks to Lisbeth.

We should set up watch between you and I while Squeaky recoups. If it's alright with you, I'll take second watch so I can get some rest for my watch?

He looks at Lisbeth questioningly.

We took care of the skinnies for you. Let's go get some sleep, do you want a hand?

Barlow offers his hand to Acidios to help him up. After Acidios gets to his feet, Barlow checks the rooms the skeletons and rats came out of before they head up the stairs for the night.

Perception:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

Barlow nods his head up towards the landing at the top of the stairway they just came down. We should camp up there. We won't be able to be snuck up on from more than one direction if we have our backs to a wall and our fronts to a single stairway.

Barlow looks at Lisbeth and winks.

We should let him find it on his own, I think. And yes, small one, I did sit on you. So badly so that I had to use all these potions on you. You sounded like a squeaky toy.

He points to the three bottles on the ground.

Bluff:1d20 - 1 ⇒ (20) - 1 = 19

Barlow searches through Acidios' bags and finds another potion. He grabs the potion and then goes to grab the necklace the Gnome was after in the first place. He brings it back and drapes it on Acidios' neck; hoping it will give him added protection should any other beasts make their way into the room. After that, he feeds the Gnome the new potion.

Cure Light Wounds:1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Alright, alright. Barlow says weakly, all the fight gone from him.

He reaches into his satchel and pulls out 3 potions. Uncorcking them, he drains the contents of two, and forces another down the throat of Acidios.

Barlow:
Cure Light Wounds:1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Cure Light Wounds:1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Acidos:
Cure Light Wounds:1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Current HP: 2

Barlow takes no notice of the rat scurrying away, completely focusing his attention on his unconscious friend.

Constitution Check:1d20 + 2 - 8 ⇒ (16) + 2 - 8 = 10
Current HP:-8

Seeing how well Lisbeth is handling the rat situation, Barlow turns his attention towards his friend's body. Barlow does not know whether he is alive or dead, but feels he has to try to do something to save him. With tremendous effort, he stumbles over to his body only a few feet away and tries to stabilize him.

Heal Check(Hero Point):1d20 + 3 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 8 = 16

Drawing from a cache of healing knowledge he did not know he had the capacity for, Barlow does all he can to help his friend. When he is finished, Acidos begins to breathe again and Barlow feels the tug of his own life ebbing.

Current HP -9

Current HP: -6
Constitution Check:1d20 + 2 - 6 ⇒ (1) + 2 - 6 = -3
New HP: -7

Feeling the drain the last attack took on him, and knowing he was only getting weaker, Barlow staggers; only his Orc blood keeping him from submitting to the darkness. He roars loudly at the skeleton and attacks again.

Attack:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Damage:2d6 + 7 ⇒ (1, 3) + 7 = 11
New HP: -8

Still staggering, Barlow spins around to see if the others are alright. Seeing that the rat is still ripping at Acidios, he knows he must get over there and dispatch it.

Current HP: 4
Sense Motive:1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10

Don't kid yourself, Lissie. Barlow says in a lighthearted voice. Then, seeming more serious, he says I've got this, and that rat may be coming. He'll go right for the dead man on the floor. If there's anything left of Squeaky he'll be gone soon without you helping him.

Barlow gets a very serious look on his face and his protection instinct kicks in. He looks back at the skeletons and lets out a loud roar; showing them they do not stand a chance against him.

He looks at Lisbeth. Leave this to me. With that, he turns back toward the skeletons in front of him and attacks the one to the side of the door to his left.

Power Attack:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Damage:2d6 + 10 ⇒ (3, 4) + 10 = 17

Swinging from the right, he catches the skeleton's skull and crushes it against the inside wall of the room with his Earthbreaker; leaving shattered bones clattering to the ground.

True to his instinct, Barlow does not move away from the door. He opts to protect his party the best he can rather than let them move into a danger he felt he could protect them from.

Barlow, sensing the distress of Lisbeth behind him, tries to hurry along to dispatch the skeletons. As they conveniently came up to him, he grins wickedly again. Still trying to defend and fight at the same time, he aims another blow with his massive spiked hammer at the foe directly in front of him. +2 dodge bonus to AC until start of next turn

Power Attack(-4 Fighting Defensively):1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 5 - 4 = 8

Trying to keep himself safe, Barlow's swing doesn't make it to the skeleton, instead smashing into the door frame; blowing rubble from the wall onto the ground around him. He stands his ground, readying himself for another onslaught from the monsters.

Barlow moves up right in front of the door, blocking the way for the skeletons to reach his party. He then fights defensively, anticipating an onslaught of attacks from them but not wanting to loose a chance to attack should he get one. +2 dodge bonus to AC until start of next turn

Seeing the skeleton right next to the door, he brings his Earthbreaker down on it.

Power Attack(-4 Fighting Defensively):1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 5 - 4 = 16
Damage(bludgeoning):2d6 + 10 ⇒ (5, 3) + 10 = 18

I don't mean to say I told you so but... I told you so. Get out of the way Squeaky. Let me deal with these fools.

Barlow's grip on his weapon grows more firm and his blood is pulsing faster through his body, his adrenaline spiking at the sight in front of him.

How about I grab the shiny so you don't lose an arm? I have no need for trinkets.

Barlow looks pointedly at Acidos' shoulder where the dart hit him.

This is what happens when you touch things, Squeaky. Leave the touching to me. If I get hurt it doesn't hurt so badly.

He looks at the rat for a moment, weighing his options. He then briskly walks over to Acidios, knowing the rat will follow. He positions his body in a way that he will be the first target if the rat does intend to follow them into the open chamber.

Shiny things... Barlow grumbles these words under his breath to himself and shakes his head. When he reaches the other two, he looks down the hallway to see if there are any more traps in the room.

Perception:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Survival:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Yeah, yeah, Squeaky. I'm sure you found a spoon or something. Barlow waves a hand in the Gnome's direction. They have a serious rat problem in this place. I better be getting paid well to be their exterminator. Squeaky, come say goodbye to your brother before I kill him.

Barlow pulls out his Earthbreaker but holds his ground, not stepping toward the rat he sees at the end of this hallway. He seems to have learned his lesson about rushing into rooms before thoroughly checking them first.

Sense Motive:1d20 - 1 ⇒ (20) - 1 = 19

Don't kid yourself, small one. It's okay to be weak. We need someone to make fun of, don't we Lissie?

He gestures his elbow towards Lisbeth when he says her name and then begins laughing. After Barlow has exhausted his laughter, he goes to check out the next rooms. He goes to a door and opens it, looking inside.

Perception(left door):1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Potions are for the weak, I am hardier than that.

He looks pointedly at Acidios, winking at the Gnome and grinning wolfishly. He then turns around and looks into the next room. He takes a step in to give the other two room to step through as well, but taking care to watch his footing as he moves. He also searches for tracks of his quarry.

Perception:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Survival(favored enemy):1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 1 = 9

Come on you two, let's keep moving.

Barlow looks around, gauging his surroundings.

No, I think I can manage myself, Lissie.

He goes toward the wall nearest the door he was attempting to go through and tries to climb up the wall.

Climb:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

When he gets to the top, he turns toward the party and bows low.

Majesties, would you like to make your way over the pit? You seem a bit standoffish.

Chuckling, Barlow stands up straight again.

Oh, you meant the live rat? I can throw a live rat at you next time.

Barlow chuckles heartily and begins to dust off his hide shirt.

I blame you, Lissie. You distracted me! I can't help but not pay attention when we're making fun of the small one

Seeing the rat readying its attack again, he turns his attention to it instead of the party's goading. He quickly regains his footing and pulls his weapon back, readying a heavy swing with both hands.

Power Attack:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Damage:2d6 + 10 ⇒ (5, 6) + 10 = 21

Having had enough practice killing these rats today, Barlow easily dismisses this new threat. Looking up at Acidios, his face pulls into a wide grin; obviously thinking of something mischievous.

Here you go, small one. I'm keeping my word.

Barlow slings his Earthbreaker to his back again and picks up the Dire Rat corpse from the ground; hoisting it over his head. He takes aim at the Gnome and chucks the body towards him.

Ranged Attack(-4 Improvised Weapon):1d20 - 2 ⇒ (17) - 2 = 15

Fortitude Save:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Current HP: 8

Of course, small one. If you promise to catch it, I will throw it to you.

HAHAHA!
Barlow doubles over with laughter at Lisbeth's comment.

Not quite being able to discern one set of tracks from another, Barlow quickly dismisses this area from his interest. He walks forward towards the door in front of him, assuming that is where the party must have gone.

His tracking senses kicking in, he goes into hunt mode. He looks for any sign of the people they were sent here to find.

Survival(favored enemy):1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 3 + 1 = 18

I'm a growing boy, Lissie.

He nudges her shoulder playfully as she walks past him to the head of the stairs, careful to nudge her in the direction of he land, instead of out towards the edge of the ravine.

Let's head down, I want to get back as soon as we can. I think I'm going to get a nice, fat, spit-roasted hog when we get back. Mmmm I can almost taste it already.

His mouth is visibly salivating as he thinks of his future meal. After a moment of day dreaming he shakes his head, clearing it of all the food it could be imagining, and sidesteps past Lisbeth and begins his descent down the stairs; knowing that should something come at them, he should be in the lead to take the brunt of the attack and keep his party safe.

Without the rats to distract him, Barlow looks out from the stairs to see the citadel. He stretches his arms out and then grunts.

Looks like we found it. I'm hungry. Is anyone else hungry?

He looks at the dead rats, eying them curiously; seeming as if he is weighing his options.

Probably not worth the sick stomach later. And not for me, for you two. He points at Acidos and Lisbeth in turn. You would not enjoy the smell I don't think.

With that he readies his Earthbreaker and heads toward the stairway leading down.

Opportunity Attack (-1PA):1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Barlow swings toward the creature but, hearing a high pitched squeal, gets distracted and stumbles.

What the...?!

Laughing at Acidios' outburst, Barlow tries to shake the rat off of his leg.

Get off of me, you disgusting vermin!

He shakes his leg around quickly and, unable to remove the rat, decides to kill the pest.

Power Attack1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Damage:2d6 + 10 ⇒ (4, 1) + 10 = 15

As he feels the skull of the rat yield under his weapon he smiles widely.

No more of that. And little one, you should really take some tips on stress management from me. Just hit things and you'll feel better.

Barlow laughs loudly as he turns toward the next rat in his path.

Are you sure, little one?Barlow laughs loudly at Acidios' anger. You have more in common than you think. You both make the same squeaky noise when you get angry.

After his jab at Acidios, he brings his Earthbreaker above his head and slams it down on the rat that is next to himself and Acidios.

Power Attack:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Damage:2d6 + 10 ⇒ (3, 1) + 10 = 14

After his swing, he also steps five feet forward; so Lisbeth can safely make it to the ground and he will be shielding his friends from further attacks by the beasts.

Keep rolling around, I'm sure that will keep them off of you.

Barlow's booming laughter echoes off the walls as a rock flies past him. With that, he keeps climbing down the rope.

Climb:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

When Barlow reaches the bottom he pulls his Earthbreaker off of his back and roars at the rats in an attempt to grab their attention and allow his small friend to regain his footing.

Intimidate:1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7

I told you your friends were down there, small one. They even kind of look like you.

Barlow chuckles loudly and goes down to assist him.

Surprise Round

Climb:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Acidios! Your friends are down there. They look hungry. Why don't you go say hi?

As he sees Acidios begin to lose his footing on the climb down, Barlow begins laughing heartily. He slowly grabs the rope, readying himself to pull Acidios up should he need it.

Letting out a snort, Barlow walks over to where Acidios is leaning over the edge and peers down the ravine.

Someone didn't want anyone to know they were here. I've always liked to play this game. Can you see anything of interest down there, small one?

Perception:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

Barlow holds out his hand to Lisbeth; silently prompting her to hand over the map. As he waits for her to hand it over he inspects what he can to see if people have been here recently or if there are any clues that lie just beneath the surface of things easily seen.

Survival:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Perception:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Alright, alright.

He takes the bag of coins from Acidios and the potion and stores the potion in his bag. He takes 5 gold pieces from the bag of coins and gives them to Lisbeth then stows it away as well.

He moves the other bodies into the ditch and readjusts the first body he threw to lie with its comrades as well; making sure to put brush over the top of them.

I guess we best be getting on our way... now that our friends are sleeping, I mean.

Barlow gestures with one large hand toward the mass grave he just made.

Two out of three?

You're probably right.

Barlow throws the body towards the ditch with as much force as he can.

Strength:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10