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Ok! So I have recently realised that there is a void in my life. A void that can only be filled by giant slugs.
It's a very specific void.
I've been looking at the rules and think I've just about got a first level druid sorted out, but wondered if anyone might know anything about the following questions:
Availability: First up! Is this actually feasible? I've seen that in UM there's a note saying that Druids can take a Verminous companion, but I didn't spot anything about any class/feat pre-reqs for this option. Are squidgy things free for all or do I have to pay to unlock the Acochlidium of my dreams?
Purpose: Now, what's the point in having a giant slug if you can't ride it about? With suitable reinforced waders and realistic expectations about being invited to nice places, naturally. Now they start at Medium so theoretically a small-sized character (let's face it, Gnome. Going to be a gnome) could sit on it... but would it actually go?
I've noted that, to be trained for purpose: Riding, an animal companion has to have three tricks - come, heel, and stay.
Problem is, Vermin start off as mindless with only one base trick and one bonus trick - until you can put a point into its Int, giving it an actual score and the two other tricks Animal Companions start with by default. I'm assuming then it won't serve automatically as a mount until that point but is it possible to Push an animal into performing an unfamiliar role as well as into attempting unfamiliar tricks, or am I being too hasty with the lettuce on a fishing line?
Carrying Capacity: So, if I can't sit on it, can it at least carry my stuff around? Unfortunately, as well as being a (literal) jelly-brain, the slug is also a stone-cold wuss with a starting Strength score of 13. How can it be expected to carry around my character and an exotic military saddle (to compensate for the - 5 on ride checks that comes from it being a beast that was never meant to be sat upon) in style and comfort?
Now, I know quadrupeds have an increased carrying capacity... but this beasty has no legs at all. It -is- a sturdy muscle sausage (never something to google) and nice and low to the ground, so I'm not sure how this factors into its ability to drag things about.
Please help me, oracles of the Paizo Forums! Grant me your insight!
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First, number your questions, makes it easier to respond :)
1. (Availability) No payment neccessary, you just have to find the vermin you want from the list of druid animal companions that are made available in UM.
2. (Purpose) Yes, with the appropriate saddle you can ride your slug, but know that it needs to be able to carry you. You could probably get away with no tricks other than heel, you'd just have to walk to your mount to get on it (It doesn't know "come") and tie it up when your not using it (Doesn't know "stay"). Pushing your animal is perfectly fine to get it to do any trick you need.
As for Carrying Capacity, I'd personally treat it as having four (or more) legs. So, it's light load would be 75 pounds. A gnome (on average) weighs 30-35 pounds, leaving 40-45 pounds for equipment and saddle before it's heavy enough to slow the slug down.
Hope this helps!
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Will make with the numbers in future! As for the help though, that's great news and thanks for taking the time to answer!
I was looking at weight savers (dropping a bit and bridle in favour of grabbing it by the eye-stalks to steer it) but sounds like I'll be well into the comfort zone as is.
And in terms of Stay, a hastily-poured circle of salt will have to suffice. Though it is mindless... I can see that ending poorly.