How to create an animal companion for a druid (D&D 3.5)?

Question

I am struggling with creating an animal companion for my levle 1 druid. My entire group that I play with is new at D&D, and no one else really understands how to create my companion. The instructions are kinda confusing so I was wondering if there are any good step by step guides, or good step by step examples anywhere. I've done general google searches, but nothing useful has turned up so far.

Rock On

Answer 1

As the class ability text explains on page 35 of the PHB, a first level druid can choose their companion from about a dozen possibilities (somewhat more choices for a aquatic druid). The stats for the animal are exactly as per standard MM of its type, except that it can learn an extra trick, has an empathic link with the druid and may share spell effects under the conditions decribed. As the druid grows in power, so does the companion as per the table (increased HD/STR/DEX/Natural Armor/Feats or alternatively, expanded choices of animals become available.) The important thing to remember is that, unlike a familiar, an animal companion - even one of a high-level druid - is no more intelligent than a typical creature of its type (altho it may well be a typical specimen of a Dire version of the animal by that point). While the link between the druid and animal make it obedient and help in its training, it's still limited to what a well-trained animal could reasonably be expected to perform.

Answer 2

A good discussion with your dungeon master can be far more valuable than following the miniscule details in the book.

The DM may agree that a creature can attack alongside you or on your behalf.  This means agreeing to a level of health, defense, attacks and any special attacks or defenses.

The DM may also agree to a limited number of tasks that a trained creature can accomplish (i.e. retrieve an item, unlock a door after squeezing through a small opening, etc.).

The flavor will be in your agreement and the role playing effort you place in it!