Reduce Animal spell for vermin, or other ways to travel in confined spaces?

[Andyr]

I am playing a Druid with a Vermin animal companion (Giant Mantis), and the character is currently at level 6.

At level 7, the companion will become Large-sized. This makes getting around in confined spaces trickier (you have to squeeze). I know that for regular animal companions (i.e. 'animal' creature type), there is the spell Reduce Animal, which is useful for these situations: http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/r/reduce-animal

My reading is that this spell only works on creatures of the type 'animal', not 'vermin'. Is there a similar spell appearing in a Paizo (not 3rd-party) product which will work on vermin? Or do people have any other creative suggestions for how best to deal with a Large-sized creature in confined spaces? (I know there's an option to take a stat boost inside of the size boost at level 7, but I prefer to take the size boost once reaching that level. I also know the Druid can dismiss the companion and choose another, but I don't want to do that right now. Both for story reasons.)

Before anyone asks, I know I can talk to the GM about it and hand-wave something, or the character can research his own spell. But I wanted to know whether there was anything 'official' already out there. I also looked over the 'share spells' class feature of the Druid, in case Reduce Person would work, but I don't think it will (doesn't have a target of 'you' and isn't on the Druid class spell list anyway).

[Markov Spiked Chain]

Belt of the Weasel works alright. You end up with a Dex bonus instead of a Str bonus, though.

Compression is worded a little weird, but clearly works for a Large mount getting through 5' corridors without squeezing.

[Jeff Merola]

You're misunderstanding share spells. "Cast Personal spells on" and "Cast spells that don't normally work on its creature type" are completely separate and independent.

[Andyr]

MKS: Thanks, that item looks like it might work. If the character can find someone in-game to make a belt for a giant mantis. ;)

Jeff: The 'share spells' feature does state that "A druid may cast spells on her animal companion even if the spells normally do not affect creatures of the companion's type." http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/druid/animal-companions#TOC-Sh are-Spells-Ex- But yes, it wouldn't work because it isn't a 'personal' spell and not on the class list anyway.

EDIT: error in my initial reply.

[Link-Bot]

Andyr wrote:

MKS: Thanks, that item looks like it might work. If the character can find someone in-game to make a belt for a giant mantis. ;)

Jeff: The 'share spells' feature does state that "A druid may cast spells on her animal companion even if the spells normally do not affect creatures of the companion's type." >LINK< But yes, it wouldn't work because it isn't a 'personal' spell and not on the class list anyway.

> LINK ADDED FOR CONVENIENCE

[Jeff Merola]

Andyr, you're again misunderstanding Share Spells. Ignore the bit about personal spells for now, it's irrelevant. Share Spells will let you cast Reduce Animal on your vermin companion because "A druid may cast spells on her animal companion even if the spells normally do not affect creatures of the companion's type." It doesn't have to be both Personal AND target the wrong type (in fact, until relatively recently in the scheme of that ability no personal spell had a type limit), Share Spells allows you to ignore either limitation on their own.

[Andyr]

Jeff, ok, I see it now. Thanks!

[Markov Spiked Chain]

It doesn't get around the "Spells cast in this way must come from a class that grants an animal companion." line though.

[Flutter]

http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/general-feats/vermin-heart

Awwwww I love mantises! *bellyrubs it until all the legs twitch*

[Andyr]

Ah, thanks, that seems like a good feat as well! Will have to see whether I can work it in some place (was considering Natural Spell for 7th).