Hunter animal companion / spell advice

[Gun Dragon]

Can a Pard be an animal companion? It's in the 4th bestiary I believe, if not it's in the 3rd. If not should I go for a floating fungus or a tiger?

And what spells are best? I plan on going human.

[Java Man]

A pard is a magical beast, so no. I don't believe that hunters can take plant companions, so unless your GM houserules otherwise the fu gus is out.

Spell choice will depend wildly on the role you are trying to fill, support, primary damage dealer (melee or range?), control?

[Dafydd]

A Pard can not be an AnC, as it is not listed as an AnC.

Best companion is the Velociraptor (imo). It has 5 attacks, all primary, medium size and pounce. There are other dinos who are up near the top of the list, but I like Velociraptor best.

As for spells, you want Gravity Bow/Lead Blades (depending on melee or ranged) and Cure Light Wounds. Beyond that, the Aspect spells are very nice (Falcon, Bear, Stag and Wolf).

Falcon is for archers mostly. They also have a magic item which grants it, so you do not need to take the spell, or can retrain it later.

Bear is a defensive one. However, removing the AoO for Bull Rush, Grapple and Overrun is nice, especially when you get a +2 to CMB.

Stag is more for provoking attacks. Boost to AC vs AoO and you get to stab with antlers if you are hit. It is also 3rd level for you, thank you ranger.

Wolf is a power house attack aspect. STR and DEX boost, Scent and the swift action trip (with a +2 bonus from the spell). The tripping is also AoO free thanks to the spell. Finally, thank you rangers for making this a 4th level spell.

[Gun Dragon]

The Floating Fungus is called a Puffball. and its on page 26 on the advanced race guide.

[Stockvillain]

Best spells?
FIREBALL ALL THE THINGS!

Although that's not really an option for the hunter class. I would recommend focusing on spells that augment either yourself or your animal companion in some way - you don't have to worry about blowing a spell on an enemy with good saves or spell resistance.
If you go ranged, Abundant Ammunition is my favorite 1st level spell for saving cash and stretching your arrow supply. It works on special material arrows, but I don't think it replicates weapon blanches on arrows.
Aspect of the Falcon is also a good spell for a ranged-focused hunter. Increased threat range for bows & a Perception bonus.
Gravity Bow increases your damage die with ranged weapons.

Really, you've got a lot of good choices. Just figure out what role you want your hunter to play and go from there.

[Dafydd]

The Puffball is also a specific option for a specific archetype of Druid (Treesinger). The archetype is not available to just anyone, and is the only way to gain a plant as your shadow.

It is possible for the Gm to hand wave this restriction, but most people here are gonna give you RAW advice.

[Kefler]

4 th level is animal growth , and if you take the animal soul feat you can use it to

[Gun Dragon]

Is the Divine hunter archetype any good and I plan on being a archer.

[Kefler]

Gun Dragon wrote:

Is the Divine hunter archetype any good and I plan on being a archer.

i would probably go reg hunter if you are playing a archer , the team work feats are to good to pass up.

although having fly from the feather domain would be sweet for and archer

[Josh-o-Lantern]

1st: Lead Blades(melee Hunters are far better than ranged due to the lack of ranged Teamwork feat options) or Gravity bow(if you MUST go range...) & Resist Energy

2nd: Frigid Touch(bonkers with spell storing) & Restoration, Lesser

3rd: Strong Jaw & Magic Fang, Greater

4th: Animal Growth & Freedom of Movement

After that... *shrug*

You're going to want a Wand of Cure Light Wounds ASAP

For Animal Companions, Raptors and big cats for multiattacks, Hippo and T-rex for single big attack... I personally like Verminous Hunter and the Mantis/Scorpion but I also happen to ADORE insects so your milage may vary