I took a 3pp archetype of Alchemist that grants me a animal companion instead of bombs. I can only get my companion up to 10 because of a prestige class I'm taking. So the mystery is how do I make him more than a meat shield or mount?
At first I was thinking Gorilla with a large great sword and whenever possible enlarge person on him, but the severe lack of bab worries me.
Right now I'm running a lion who is falling drastically far behind and primarily getting smacked around.
I'm willing to make him a scout or skill monkey if I have to do so. I'd just rather not because my familiar should cover scouting pretty well.
Boon Companion Feat, gives you +4 effective level to determine animal companion capabilities, take it twice and your companion goes from 10th to 18th effective level.
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/general-feats/boon-companion
Edit: It seems I missed the part about it not stacking on a single companion. Still, take it once and your companion atleast gets a bit beefier.
I don't think it can stack on the same companion. The question is would it be worth it for the feat slot? If I can get a decent companion and take that and boost him I will, but otherwise I'd rather have the feat.
Yeah, but on a bab of 6, or possibly 9, is he going to be hitting anything? My other concern is dr is pretty much going to negate that damage. I doubt I'm going to invest in an amulet of mighty fists for the kitty.
Maybe I should just make him a meat shield. I could always go charging into combat on a rhino and try to upgrade the hell out of its powerful charge.