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Power up Your Animal Companion
Dear Pathfinders,
No rest for the weekend! One of three new races has been funded, so catfolk, ratfolk, or kitsune will definitely be in the game, we just need to wait until the post-Kickstarter poll to decide who it will be. So what’s next? Oh, that’s an exciting one.
What could be better than riding a bear into battle? Riding an armored bear into battle, that’s what! A bear clad in magic armor and wearing magical jewelry. A bear that knows martial arts, specializing in blind fighting and intimidation, and that can breathe fire. That might sound a little insane, or maybe more than a little. Still, it’s possible in pen-and-paper Pathfinder, and we even caught some flak for not implementing this feature in Pathfinder: Kingmaker. This stretch goal has come to right that wrong, unlocking several levels of animal companion customization.
Animal companions have always been an essential part of many classes in Pathfinder, and we know that some of you are big fans. And now, with the introduction of mounted combat, the role of animal companions has become even more significant. With this stretch goal, we intend to introduce four ways to customize your animal companions. You will be able to name them, equip them, select their feats on level-ups, and select their archetype.
Animal Archive by Paizo, page 13
You will be able to equip accessories on your animal companions — giving them belts of giant strength, rings of protection, and amulets of mighty fists. But your choice won’t be limited to the equipment worn by regular characters. There will be items unique to animal companions: belts, rings, and amulets used only by them, as well as entirely unique item types such magical armored bardings and special magical implements that improve their teeth, claws, and hooves. And some of those items will, of course, be seen on the model of your animal companion in game.
On level-ups, you will be able to select any feats that your animal companion fits the prerequisites for. You will be able to choose Power Attack and Weapon Focus to boost your animal companion’s damage, Dodge and Armor Proficiency (with magical bardings) for defensive bonuses, or maybe combat maneuver feats, or Dazzling Display. Or any other combination. Also, all party members will now select special mythic feats and abilities when the main character gains a mythic level, and animal companions will also be presented with this selection.
But the customization won’t end there — despite lacking a class, animal companions will still have archetypes. The bodyguard is always ready to defend their master and can survive longer thanks to defensive abilities such as uncanny dodge. The charger is trained for war, suffering fewer penalties to mobility from armor and truly shining during charges (hence the name). Draconic animal companions are resistant to the elements of their heritage and can unleash a draconic breath. And that’s just to name a few.
Pathfinder Bestiary 1 by Paizo, page 177
We hope that this will add some much-desired depth to animal companions, strengthen their blows, and brighten your day. Good luck, crusaders. Take care of your pets. Put some armor on them, or something.
Owlcats
