How to make a pet Hellhound last?

[henkslaaf]

Hey all,

I'm currently playing a cleric of Asmodeus and I've aquired a hellhound as part of the adventure path (please do not spoiler the adventure path by naming it). This is madly thematic ofcourse, so I'd like the hellhound to stay with me during the adventures.

We're currently at level 7, the hellhound is CR3, so it is a gimmick power-wise, although its breath weapon, stealth and intelligence have their merits. Also, the dog is perfectly loyal to me (LE).

My GM is flexible, as long as things are balanced and most of all, cool. So as long as the hellhound trails behind for three CR levels, things should be fine. I'd like to explore possibilities to increase the power of the hellhound as I level up, using magic items, feats and possibly other options like existing or new class features.

Any ideas on doing this?

I've considered a couple of things:
[list]

permanent Enlarge Person or ring of such, but an outsider is not a humanoid;

rings or belts of Strength +x, but does not scale very fast;

I could take this creature as a companion or familiar if I had the class for it, but I don't;

an archetype that allows a companion would be great;

Any creative ideas out there?

PS: Dipping into sorcerer or taking arcane heritage feats + Improved Familiar are not very thematic for my character :)

[Gishou]

You could try taking Leadership the next time you can pick a feat and have it be your cohort.

[Zotpox]

Barding that strengthen his weaker resistences maby.

[GM_Solspiral]

Assuming as a cleric you have a 13 or better cha eldricth heritage so you can take a sorc bloodline, specifically if your dm allows wildblooded go silvian now you have an animal companion 3 levels behind a druid. Then take boon companion to up it some more, no class dipping required.

IF the GM finds the silvian choice questionable (it is) then go for arcane bloodline and improved familiar instead.

Is your priest size small by any chance? If yes or if there's a size small in the party that can ride it you can use animal handling + time to give it war trained mount template.

Another option is as this is a monster taking it as a leadership cohort. In which case you could ultimately add class levels.

Equipment wise they could wear a custom fortified helm (negates crits 25% of the time.) A collar could function as a ring (I'd allow it) and you could go with something like ring of prot or ring of resistance. Barding of course for AC bonus. If the critter is smart enough to read (if not awaken spell) the various stat add manuals.

You can by permanent cast spells like enlarge, overland flight, aid ect.

Bottom line if you have a mind to it this beastie can keep up.