I'm in a living server using free archetype and since I'm a leaf druid I decided to get an arboreal sapling via the Beastmaster archetype. I haven't played with animal companions first-hand so I'm struggling to figure out the best way to develop the sapling going forward.
The Arboreal Sapling obviously has better strength to start with, however its "Throw Rock" advanced maneuver distinguishes it from other animal companion options, but being a ranged attack it seems like it'd benefit more from going Nimble and then selecting DEX-focused specializations. That said it starts with a pretty paltry DEX mod so it makes me wonder if that's even worth salvaging.
I would consider it to be a back up ranged attack, something a lot of animal companions don't have and not focus on it too much.
That said, I think I've seen analysis before that says Savage animal companions are a trap, because of AC issues and that it's better to almost always go nimble. And that the difference between a a savage vs nimble companion (even one that should be strength based) is negligible offensively but more meaningful defensively.
That said, I think I've seen analysis before that says Savage animal companions are a trap, because of AC issues and that it's better to almost always go nimble.
This was more of a difference before the 3rd printing errata of the CRB. That errata lowered the proficiency and the resulting AC of nimble animal companions. So they are still a bit better AC than an equivalent savage one because of the boosts to DEX, but it isn't by 4 points any more.
Ah, probably for the best. It was kind of bad choice to go savage when you compared the two. Although it sucks the solution was nerfing the good one instead of raising the bad one.
Yeah, you are certainly not the only person who has said that.
Looking at the stats, I think I mostly agree with the idea of going with savage and getting the rock throw as a nice bonus.
For example, if the companion starts getting low on HP, they can withdraw to a safer place and throw things instead of either risking dying or retreating and doing nothing like most other animal companions do.
The Arboreal Sapling obviously has better strength to start with, however its "Throw Rock" advanced maneuver distinguishes it from other animal companion options, but being a ranged attack it seems like it'd benefit more from going Nimble and then selecting DEX-focused specializations. That said it starts with a pretty paltry DEX mod so it makes me wonder if that's even worth salvaging.
If you are taking it for its main ability it quickly becomes non functional. Yes animal companion attacks are say -2 to hit worse than normal PC attacks then they are good value because of the MAP rules. But this starts at the -4 point.
If your GM is kind and allows the attack to scale appropriately as you take extra feats. Then it remains a poor option.
If you are taking it for its main ability it quickly becomes non functional. Yes animal companion attacks are say -2 to hit worse than normal PC attacks then they are good value because of the MAP rules. But this starts at the -4 point.
If you GM is kind and allows the attack to scale appropriately as you take extra feats. Then it remains a poor option.
Well, strictly speaking, I'm taking Arboreal Sapling for flavor reasons. That said I'm still invested in making the most of it.
Savage would definitely benefit in attack and damage compared to nimble, but given animal companions don't have great stats in either offense or defense I'm still not sure that savage is worth taking over nimble, which at least has a chance of keeping them alive a big longer. Or can the specializations close that gap better?
If you are taking it for its main ability it quickly becomes non functional. Yes animal companion attacks are say -2 to hit worse than normal PC attacks then they are good value because of the MAP rules. But this starts at the -4 point.
If you GM is kind and allows the attack to scale appropriately as you take extra feats. Then it remains a poor option.
Well, strictly speaking, I'm taking Arboreal Sapling for flavor reasons. That said I'm still invested in making the most of it.
Savage would definitely benefit in attack and damage compared to nimble, but given animal companions don't have great stats in either offense or defense I'm still not sure that savage is worth taking over nimble, which at least has a chance of keeping them alive a big longer. Or can the specializations close that gap better?
Don't forget you can take Indomitable instead of Nimble or Savage. I know the Druid feat has restrictions but Indomitable opens them up. AC wise it is a better choice, and will allow your sapling to remain viable as a generic animal companion up to about levevl 14.
The specailisations help a little but it is not enough for the Strength based companions.
Isn't indomitable exclusive to megafauna?
Isn't indomitable exclusive to megafauna?
Yes but that is just an option that you can choose with no cost and no real definition.
Isn't indomitable exclusive to megafauna?Yes but that is just an option that you can choose with no cost and no real definition.
That didn't sound right, but upon research appears to be true. It looks like you can just decide that your companion is megafauna (or megaflora in this case).