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For an upcoming Reign of Winter Adventure Path, I've decided I want to play a Kellid druid who rides around on a Prehistoric creature. I'm thinking of taking the Mammoth Rider PRC at some point, but I've decided to see how the campaign goes before committing to that.
I've narrowed it down to four main contenders, but I'm open to most others. Here's the list in the current (but constantly shifting) order of preferances. Mechanics is a factor in the decision but not the primary factor. I'm looking for any input or suggestions both on mechanics and coolness factor.
Baluchitherium - The original inspiration for the AT-AT walker. I think this is a unique choice that's pretty good mechanically and is currently my top choice. The main downside for this one, is I don't think many people think it's as interesting as I do.
Megatherium - I really, really like the idea of using a giant sloth in battle. The climb speed would be a unique option for a mount and I could see it coming in handy. The problem is that it's stats aren't really good. Starting with a -1 to strength and a claw attack that's not that good. I've already gotten clearance to use this mount with Mammoth Rider if I choose to.
Megaloceros - I think this would be my best choice if I decide to not go Mammoth Rider and instead decide to go Green Faith Druid. I like the image of an Archdruid riding atop a Great Stag. Mechanically, it seems alright. It has less AC than all of them, and less strength then all but the Sloth.
Mastadon - I'm including this one mostly out of obligation. It certainly fits the setting the best, and it's the best out of all of them mechanically, but it seems rather cliche to me and the least interesting choice. Still. I'm considering it.
Again, I'm looking for any kind of feedback. If you were making a character like mine, which animal companion do you think you'd go with? Why? If you think I underrated any of the animal companions, I'd very much like to know that, too!
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Roc - Great damage, nice armor, can fly, and just looks awsome. What more can u want. At 7th level it becomes large so u can use it as a flying mount or if u are of a small race like gnome u can use it as a mount at level 1 since the Roc starts of as a medium size creature.
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/monster-listings/animals/roc
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I like the Megaloceros myself. I agree with you that the "Great Stag" flavor is excellent, and the stats aren't bad at all. Your strength mod and Nat AC bonus are only 1 less than the mastadon and the baluchitherium (though your Nat AC falls another point behind at level 7). The +1 dex evens out the Nat AC (and boosts your probably low touch AC), the +1 wis helps the low will save, and you've got the best land speed and a better attack set than the megatherium and the baluchitherium.
The mastadon does look like the best mechanical choice, but if you find it boring don't take it.
The megatherium is interesting but I agree with you that its combat stats are not impressive - though the 7th level Rend is nice.
The baluchitherium feels a little mediocre to me. It's pretty much identical to the mastodon but with worse attacks and +1 Con. On the other hand, if you personally think it's interesting that should put it up a notch.
No, it has more than one natural attack (gore and slam) and therefor only deals its strength modifier. If it only had a single gore it would deal 1.5, and power attack would be at 1:3 ratio. An example of a creature that would do this is the Arsinotherium
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I had pretty much all decided to go with the Balicutherium, when I was watching Futurama and found some compelling evidence in favor of Giant Sloth.