Animal Companion Bodyguard Archetype

[spalding]

So this will probably be one of those 'duh' questions but:

Greater Tenacity wrote:

At 15th level, a bodyguard with fewer than 0 hit points gains a +4 morale bonus on attack rolls, saving throws, and skill checks; immunity to fear effects; and temporary hit points equal to its master's class level (maximum 20). It dies only if its hit points reach a negative total equal to twice its Constitution score + its master's class level.

This ability replaces improved evasion.

How often does an animal companion with the bodyguard archetype gain the temporary hit points? Does he gain them only once each time he goes into the negatives, or do the temporary hit points refresh each round if he is still in the negatives?

Personally I think it's the first, but the second seems really thematic and tasty (even if slightly cheesy).

[Greylurker]

I was initially thinking the Temp HPs were a 1 time shot but The wording on that actually made me rethink.

the words "When it falls below 0 hps" is used previously with the 3rd level version of the power, followed by "while Below 0 hps" when describing the bonuses.

That actually kind of suggests the Temp HPS refresh each round.

[ArmouredMonk13]

Probably won't find a GM that allows this. But it kind of suggests that you should get new Temp HP each round. I will almost bet that if this gets FAQ/Errata'd then it'd be a 1 time thing so to prevent cheese (but I kind of wish it wouldn't be).

[Greylurker]

I don't think Temp HPs stack though, so it's basically a renewing buffer equal to the master's lvl.

That's not too overpowered for 15th+ level.

Probably rule that the -1hp/round happens before the temp HPs refresh.

[spalding]

Yeah the number of hp you are gaining is minimum -- at level 15 that's one swing a round really.

Anyways FAQ if you think it needs it.

[rainsinger]

We play it just how it reads, and at lower levels (currently a 5th level huntmaster has a bodyguard dog) it basically means he is more likely to survive if he has to run from combat to get to a safe spot, but he can't stand there and keep attacking. Given the power creep, I think that's really all it is primarily built to do - bodyguard companions get to survive long enough to survive. :P

[spalding]

But it doesn't start until 15th level with the boost