Beastmaster and Boon Companion

[carn]

Beastmaster can split his levels to have several animals, e.g.:
"For example, a beast master with an effective druid level of 4 can have one 4th-level companion, two 2nd-level companions, or one 1st-level and one 3rd-level companion."

Boon companion:
"Benefit: The abilities of your animal companion or familiar are calculated as though your class were four levels higher, to a maximum bonus equal to your character level. If you have more than one animal companion or familiar, choose one to receive this benefit. If you lose or dismiss an animal companion or familiar, you may apply this feat to the replacement creature.

Special: You may select this feat more than once. The effects do not stack. Each time you take the feat, it applies to a different animal companion or familiar.
"

It is not obvious for me from wording, whether a lev 7 ranger (effective druid level for companion 4) could have 2 2nd level companions and use 2 feats to have 2 6 th level companions. Or it is, that his level is treated as 7 (4+4 maxed at 7) and he therefore can have a 4 and a 3 level companion.

Which is it and to deduce from the rules?

[NeverNever]

By the raw, you can take it for each, and each counts your level as being 4 higher. In fact considering it's required you take it separately for each animal companion I don't think you'd be allowed to use it the other way at all.

[Dynn The BeastMaster]

I ran a character similar to this... here is your answer:

You can run 4 1st level animal companions if you wish and have 4 boon companion feats giving you 4 5th level animal companions. Or any BASE Animal Companion Level equal to 4 plus however many Boon Companion feats as you with to take, If you run with 1 companion it will only be EQUAL to your Character level. Keep in mind that at level 12 the -3 penalty to EDL is removed. I had fun with that character I hope you do too.