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Here's what I want: a critter that I can take on land, but that won't die if he falls overboard. One that can get to the top of the masts, or can do other fun stuff. I also want the critter to be at least Int 2 so that I can teach him 7 tricks to start and then raise his int to 3 at 4th level.
My build is too feat starved for Eye for Talent, so a croc (my initial first choice) is out.
Here is what I am considering so far.
Giant Snake, Constrictor
Has a climb speed and a swim speed. Slow movement, though.
Ape named Charlie
Because an ape on a ship would be cute. And they can climb. I can also give it swim skill but it is not a natural swimmer.
Tiger
Because tigers can climb (some) and swim. And they are awesome fighting machines. Unfortunately, I'm playing with one already.
Giant Gecko
Spider Climb! Not so much for swimming.
Roc
Okay, it can't swim. But it can fly and that makes up for it.
Got any other suggestions that I am missing here? So far Charlie the Chimp is winning, but I'd love your advice.
Hmm
Flight beats Climb better than 9 times in 10 IME. On the other hand giving an ape magic items is easy, their shape is so close to human.
Snakes and lizards are on the wrong side of both of those factors. I wouldn't rate either as good. Tigers are majestic looking combat machines and get a pass on those grounds.
To me, pirate animal companion just *screams* Parrot. Cliché, but sometimes adhering to clichés sets up some good comedy.
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Best fluff:
A parrot is the only choice, if you are a pirate.
On a fun point of view:
if not, if you spend most of your time at sea, you might want to consider a crocodile and the likes, bringing swimming speed, classic pirate stories of crocodile, able to walk on land too.
Dolphins...in case of most people didn't know Dolphins are the most evil creatures in the sea, just go look up their lifestyle.
Orca, a killer whale is always fun.
Optimization, mostly assuming you spend more times at sea, they are decent, not amazing but decent with the giant frog easily the best option:
Giant Frog
Giant Moray Eel
Squid (Squid has the advantage of bringing fluff/flavor to a pirate lifestyle)
Giant Grab
She is looking to run an Evangelical Cleric of Horus and take the Feather domain.
Constrictor snake still sounds good to me, but I liked the croc.
Elasmosaurus has a land speed, can double as a Lapras if your boat ever gets sunk. int 2
Pternodon is like a Roc, not as good but a huge dex. Quetzalcoatlus is basically better but progresses at 9, very late. int 2
Spinosaurus is a trex that can swim with claws. int 2
Tylosaurus is large and has swim/land and has a grab bite. int 2
if your DM cocks an eyebrow about having a dinosaur, say you found it on a tropical island in the middle of a storm, and you never saw the island again.
Giant Mantis can fly, climb, get large. It's stupid though. int -
Monitor Lizard swims/walks, with a handy poison to go with it. int 2
A Dire Rat can climb and swim, and makes sense being on a pirate ship. Filth Fever is a good amount of con damage. int 2
A Giant Weasel has blood drain and climb. int 2
Touch of the Sea is a 1st level spell, so as long as your animal has enough ranks in Swim to not drown you can fix any movement problems in water pretty easily. Considering that I'd probably rate Climb and Fly as more important that Swim unless you plan to spend a lot of time in the water or just feel that swimming is the right thematic choice (which would make sense to me)
Snake - This is a grapple machine but will have a poor AC unless you have it take the Extra Item Slot feat. It is also dumb as a rock at Int 1, so you’ll have a tough time giving it interesting feats.
Ape - The Ape gets reach, so he could be good for AoOs and or attacking from the second rank. He doesn’t have Grab, Pounce, or Trip, so any combat maneuver ability would have to come from feats. Depending on the campaign it might be interesting to Bull Rush or Grapple people off of the ship.
Tiger - Big Cat is the King of the Animal Companions. With a Belt of Anaconda’s Coils it can probably even match or exceed the Snake’s grapple damage (don’t forget rakes). Why there’s a tiger on a ship and whether people will think you’re obsessed with Life of Pi are questions I can’t answer.
Gecko - This might be an amusing mount if you’re a gnome or halfling, but it looks weak overall
Roc - Having a flying mount seems pretty great...make sure to give it ranks in Swim or take a spell to help it though since you can’t fly through water…
Some additions…
Dire Rat - The rat can move at speed 40 on land and climbs and swims at 20. Unfortunately it pretty much sucks in every other way. It might make an acceptable Bodyguard though.
Spinosaurus - speed 30, swim 20, Str 26 at 7th level, 3 natural attacks, decent natural armor - all with Int 2
Giant Frog - These might seem a little weird out at sea, but they have Swim 30 and some grappling abilities. They’re not great, but they’re not quite terrible either…
Tylosaurus - Speed 20, Swim 50, Grab, Int 2 - this is kind of like the crocodile you wanted only smarter, the Str of 18 at 7th level is only OK though, and some DMs might not allow this creature to climb up a mast no matter what the Climb skill modifier is (others might think it is fine)
Giant Mantis - another flying mount - the lack of Int could be a drawback, but it can climb, fly, grapple, and look cool
Pachycephalosaurus - If knocking people off the ship seems amusing this dinosaur can headbutt them off. If your DM is cooperative this could be reskinned as practically any onery animal which might like to headbutt folks. Maybe you'd call it "the Sea Goat"
Monitor Lizard - has a swim speed of 30 though it would need to learn Climb as a skill
A druid player in my SnS game picked up an alligator, which has worked pretty neat for him.
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Sea Otters are the cutest, tiny size with the accompanying Dex bonus to Climb and Swim, have good base speed, grant you a +3 swim bonus, and are definitely the cutest.
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Sea Otters are the cutest, tiny size with the accompanying Dex bonus to Climb and Swim, have good base speed, grant you a +3 swim bonus, and are definitely the cutest.
I really don't find them that cute after witnessing one eat its own feces, but that's just me.
Fair enough, but I grew up with farm animals, so I'm used to the gross things animals do.
Maybe it is easiest to respond with my character. You can see her build so far if you click the avatar. Looking at her, I am going to suck in melee no matter what... I am hoping that my animal will do better.
Hmm
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The roc is one my favorites, and was my original intention until this pirate campaign comes up.
Well, that or an axebeak.
As for why feather domain? It's so much better than fur, both for the powers and the spells.
With it being a pirate themed campaign, I'd like something flavorful to match the theme. Where does one find the reach of animal companions? I thought that Rocs had that quality, but maybe I was misinformed?
As for int... the answer was skill points. I may still reduce it and up strength a little, but I'd like some skills. I figure I can make some adjustments as I see what other people bring to the table.
Hmm
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Combat reflexes is a waste of time if you don't have a positive dex mod. Rocs and pirate themed campaigns are great. Ever heard of Sinbad the sailor?
I would switch combat reflexes for flagbearer, toughness for improved init. Or paired opportunists for improved init. A 10 for str aint getting you anywhere. Any hangover cleric is still a battlefield controller, so you will need to start first. Try to fit in reactionary trait if possible. Besides, doesn't your party want all those awesome buffs before they get to business?
For hangover clerics, you will need improved channel(eventually). I was test running a hangover cleric. You'd be surprised how many things can make a dc 15 will save sucessfully at lv 3.
A few things first. Pirate campaign. Are you owning the ship, or will you be fighting alongside other npcs(your crew). I see from your avatar you have 18 cha. 30 ft burst is extremely large and it is impossible to unselect them all npc crew memners. You could ride your roc, and channel bomb opposing ships into submission, but prepare to be filled with arrows against those who pass their saves.I feel that hangover clerics arw best when you have a static party exploring ancient ruins alone, and not when cluster f*ked around tons of other npcs in the background. If you can enusure no one but your party is on board deck when combat begins, then well and good.
There was once my gm ran for me a game in which he told us we would be leading armies. That game, I told my group I wouldnt take selective channel as there would be no way to unslect every man in the opposing army.
Spinosaurus - speed 30, swim 20, Str 26 at 7th level, 3 natural attacks, decent natural armor - all with Int 2
As a note- that is the highest base strength of any option. It also starts off with a nice 18 STR. Usually not worth more than 1-2 points, but vaguely interesting fact. Camels are the only other animal companion I know of with that base score.
Also note- the predatory dinosaurs are considered 'tall' creatures, rather than 'long' ones. That means they have human like reach (ie- large+ creatures have a reach equal to the area they take up), so it greatly benefits from its large size. It covers a circle 30' across.
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Meanwhile, I've done some research on Horus, and I think that only avian companions will do for the Lord of the Sky. I think that Horus would prefer a flyer, given the kind of stuff he did in legends. So I'm looking at either a Roc, or a critter from the third party world of our campaign, the Haast's Eagle. (We're playing in the Razor Coast from Frog God Games.)
The Haast's Eagle does not have reach, but boy, does it look nice:
Haast's Eagle: Haast's eagles are believed to be the largest of the raptors. Yet despite their immense size, they have one of the smallest wingspans. This lessened wingspan allows the Haast's eagle to soar through light woodlands as it hunts. The bird compensates for this shortened wingspan with an exceptionally long tail, typically 20 inches, which provides additional lift during flight.
Haast's Eagle Companions Starting Statistics: Size Small; Speed 10 ft.., fly 60 ft. (average); AC +1 natural armor; Attack 2 claws (1d4), bite (1d4); Ability Scores Str 17, Dex 15, Con 13, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6; Special Quality low-light vision; Special Ability pounce.
4th Level Advancement: Size Medium; AC +2 nat. armor; Attack 2 claws (1d6), bite (1d6); Ability Scores Str +4, Dex –2, Con +2; Special Ability powerful charge.
At fifth level, it would have STR 22 and a carrying capacity of 173 pounds. Potentially, I would not even need to use Ant Haul to take off in the air with a rider who had undersized mount feat. It could fit anywhere a person does, because it is size medium. It has pounce and charge.
Mechanically, it looks like a flying tiger. If I wasn't thinking about doing paired opportunists with an animal companion using reach tactics, this would be my absolute first choice.
I understand that there is some question of whether a Roc gets reach at 7th level. If a Roc doesn't get reach, maybe I should just abandon paired opportunists and go with undersized mount and this incredibly overpowered little flyer.
Hmm
I understand that there is some question of whether a Roc gets reach at 7th level. If a Roc doesn't get reach, maybe I should just abandon paired opportunists and go with undersized mount and this incredibly...
Nope, it doesn't get reach.
If you look at the regular Roc entry, its takes up 20 ft, but only reaches out to 15 feet.
According to the space and reach tables, , that means it is a 'long' creature. So even if the sizes are different, the fact that the regular gargantuan roc and the large sized animal companion have the same shape means they should have the same reach scaling.
While not very piratey, a giant vulture does seem to fit Horus. Then again, I just seem to have a thing for them. (shrug)
Walrus would be great Pirate pet.
The problem with walrus is that the Razor is a tropical land that seems to be based on the ring of fire.
a Gorilla ..
Name him , Mr.Simian.
Roc flavored as Giant Parrot
While not very piratey, a giant vulture does seem to fit Horus. Then again, I just seem to have a thing for them. (shrug)
This is Hmm's Winged Marauder.
Twitchy says, "Giant Vultures is the best birdies!"
I have to admit that they're fun, but since I'm playing with one already in a goblin campaign, I'm inclined to try something else. Unless they get reach, Lemeres?
Hmm
a gorilla also is useful..can haul ropes..carry a sea-chest...wear a blue and white striped shirt..smoke a pipe.
And if you ever awaken him..he could become captain.
I know the whole bird horus theme seems cool..but seriously..a Ape is useful, and funny :)
If you play a Small race you'll be able to fly around on that 3rd party eagle. Regarding teamwork feats, the valet archetype for familiars grants you familiar all of your teamwork feats. Being able to move while casting might help you stay safe and get summons out.
Your also probably don't need to be very good at mounted archery to do pretty well as a flying mounted archer. A level of Fighter with the Dragoon archetype would make you extra slick, but it probably isn't really necessary. I just figure that composite longbow proficiency in a package with better armor proficiency, free Mounted Combat, free Skill Focus (Ride), and Ride as a class skill might be pretty cool. With a few feats you could eventually get in about as many attacks as you'd be likely to get with AoOs. If forced into melee you could have a buckler and a pretty beefy melee pet. If the bird has Bodyguard you could protect each other.
A human could do most of the same stuff with the Roc at higher levels.
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If you play a Small race you'll be able to fly around on that 3rd party eagle. Regarding teamwork feats, the valet archetype for familiars grants you familiar all of your teamwork feats. Being able to move while casting might help you stay safe and get summons out.
Your also probably don't need to be very good at mounted archery to do pretty well as a flying mounted archer. A level of Fighter with the Dragoon archetype would make you extra slick, but it probably isn't really necessary. I just figure that composite longbow proficiency in a package with better armor proficiency, free Mounted Combat, free Skill Focus (Ride), and Ride as a class skill might be pretty cool. With a few feats you could eventually get in about as many attacks as you'd be likely to get with AoOs. If forced into melee you could have a buckler and a pretty beefy melee pet. If the bird has Bodyguard you could protect each other.
A human could do most of the same stuff with the Roc at higher levels.
We're starting at 5th level, and undersized mount feat exists. I could fly on that 3rd party eagle now, as a human. At 173 pounds carrying capacity, I could even put an exotic saddle on it, and that's without casting ant haul.
I can't multiclass, however tempting that fighter dip is! I'm going to need every dice of channeling I can get.
a gorilla also is useful..can haul ropes..carry a sea-chest...wear a blue and white striped shirt..smoke a pipe.
And if you ever awaken him..he could become captain.
I know the whole bird horus theme seems cool..but seriously..a Ape is useful, and funny :)
I know. I imagined all of that with Charlie the Chimp. But I also have to be faithful to the spirit of Horus, the deity for which I'm an evangelist. That god is seriously focused on birds of prey.
Hmm
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I understand that there is some question of whether a Roc gets reach at 7th level. If a Roc doesn't get reach, maybe I should just abandon paired opportunists and go with undersized mount and this incredibly...Nope, it doesn't get reach.
If you look at the regular Roc entry, its takes up 20 ft, but only reaches out to 15 feet.
According to the space and reach tables, , that means it is a 'long' creature. So even if the sizes are different, the fact that the regular gargantuan roc and the large sized animal companion have the same shape means they should have the same reach scaling.
Lemeres --
Thanks for this response, even though it was not the answer that I was hoping for.
It would have been so much easier if the bestiary just listed reach for the animal companions that got it.
Hmm
Lemeres --
Thanks for this response, even though it was not the answer that I was hoping for.
It would have been so much easier if the bestiary just listed reach for the animal companions that got it.
Hmm
Yeah...shape is one of those things that counts, but it rarely if ever gets stated explicitly.
It is still somewhat unclear if I can wildshape into an humanoid shaped earth elemental and just grab a scimitar (since the elemental subtype goes on about how humanoid shaped elementals get simple weapon proficiency).
For the most part though, it is not hard, since the majority of animal companions seem to be the 'long' type (4 legged animals, snakes, insects?, birds apparently, etc.). Tall usually seems to be for more humanoid creatures like gorillas... and 2 legged dinosaurs. So being bipedal?
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You need to decide if you want to do hangover cleric, or a reach cleric. (Not sure how well they can be combined, hangover cleric = you need to start with 18 cha or so, reach clerics you need at least 14 str, and hopefully some dex)
You'll need to decide if you want the mobility, or the reach. I think if you're exploring the shore, lack of fly/swim speed doesn't matter that much, clerics have airwalk also, feather domain gives fly for domain spells.
If reach cleric, only bird companion with reach is an axebeak that has no flight.
If you want to fly that third party eagle, what would your combat style be like? Do you intend to ride that eagle and attack at the same time? Do mind that dc 10 ride check so you can guide with your knees.
Should you fight while mounted on your animal companion, I suggest improve share spells from advanced class guide so you can get divine favor on both of you at once.
All good comments, Mort.
The more and more that I think about this, the less it looks like my hangover cleric would be any good in melee at all. Given this, I think that I want the mobility. I've come to the conclusion that I should just drop the reach tactics and the whole paired opportunists feat.
I am thinking that sometimes I want to be flying on that 3rd party eagle, but that part of what I want to be doing is channeling, bardic performance and spell support. I'm not sure that I would add much to melee if I flew in with my critter myself into battle. I think that I could occasionally swing my Khopesh at people while my critter attacked them, but there are times when I may want to just hang out on the ground while my bird attacked things for me.
Without paired opportunists, I could take undersized mount feat to ride the eagle.
Alternatively, I could trust to the idea that our campaign would eventually get to 7th level, take the Roc as a companion, and instead of taking undersized mount, go with versatile channeling so that I can help my team as well as hurt the enemy.
Gah! I'm having trouble deciding. Part of my problem is that I really, really want to fly now. Yes, I know I have flight as a domain spell -- but it's only once a day! I want to be able to fly to get great positioning, to scout, and to do other things.
Or maybe, I just want to fly because I want to fly!
Of course, this means investment in handle animal & ride in addition to diplomacy and knowledge religion. That's all my skill points per level if I don't keep the bump in Int.
Am I building something lame, or am I building someone who will really support the team? I personally don't care much if my characters do great in melee if I can help everyone else win.
Hmm
I would definitely go with the eagle, though the roc is pretty good. Pounce is a huge boost for a companion. Honestly, I'd build for just being a hangover cleric, wear the best armor you can with a buckler and khopesh. Focusing on buffing and hangover will make you a solid contributor.
Thanks for your vote on the Eagle. I really like it too.
I don't think I can do a buckler and a khopesh if I am going to be wielding a flag.
Though I suppose I could put the flag away and just hit everyone with bless when I haul out my khopesh...
Hmm
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You know, I'm getting sick of calling the bird "that 3rd party eagle."
Zahra's tiger's personality came alive when I named it Pumpkin. Twitchy's giant vulture got named Fluffer (a name I shamelessly ripped off of someone else with a vulture.)
Help me name my Haast's Eagle!
I am thinking "Wedjat", the Egyptian name for the Eye of Horus symbol. However, I will happily entertain other suggestions from this board! The floor is now open.
Hmm