so I want to create a character that is a Druid who rides on the back of a bear nearly all the time.... do you think I could flavor this or do you think I would need to add a few ranger (beast master) levels into the mix? In my head I’m picturing melee attacks coming from the bear .... but magic coming from the gnome ... if they are separated... the bear would not function ... I’m almost treating the bear like a weapon ... thoughts ?
There's nothing stopping any character having a companion - the Beast Master Ranger allows additional benefits like increasing proficiencies for the beast and so on. Otherwise a beast companion is just the beast that follows your commands (most of the time). It would have it's own inititatives and attacks and on your turns you can cast spells. The beast would only be able to move on it's turn, though, so you wouldn't be able to do much with your own movement on your turns since it will take like half your movement to mount/dismount.
You would also have to keep in mind that a beast companion has no magical bond to you, it can disobey you and teaching it to do things it normally wouldn't like sneaking would require training and even normal interactions can require animal handling checks so I would recommend having proficiency in that. You'd need to discuss with your DM. However, there is nothing in the rules stopping you from having an animal companion regardless of what race/class you are.
I'm not sure what level of character you're thinking of, but if it's 3rd or higher, you could see if your DM would let you have the Find Steed and use it to summon the bear?
I'm not sure what level of character you're thinking of, but if it's 3rd or higher, you could see if your DM would let you have the Find Steed and use it to summon the bear?
Downside is that Find Steed requires multiclassing into Paladin. It would also no longer be classed a beast (as it instead is considered a celestial, fey or fiend) and the Druid spells you have for use with beasts can no longer be used to assist the bear or grant more versatility. If you multiclass you no longer gain access to level 20 Archdruid which should be considered if you plan to stick with the campaign to the high levels.
so I want to create a character that is a Druid who rides on the back of a bear nearly all the time.... do you think I could flavor this or do you think I would need to add a few ranger (beast master) levels into the mix? In my head I’m picturing melee attacks coming from the bear .... but magic coming from the gnome ... if they are separated... the bear would not function ... I’m almost treating the bear like a weapon ... thoughts ?
There's nothing stopping any character having a companion - the Beast Master Ranger allows additional benefits like increasing proficiencies for the beast and so on. Otherwise a beast companion is just the beast that follows your commands (most of the time). It would have it's own inititatives and attacks and on your turns you can cast spells. The beast would only be able to move on it's turn, though, so you wouldn't be able to do much with your own movement on your turns since it will take like half your movement to mount/dismount.
You would also have to keep in mind that a beast companion has no magical bond to you, it can disobey you and teaching it to do things it normally wouldn't like sneaking would require training and even normal interactions can require animal handling checks so I would recommend having proficiency in that. You'd need to discuss with your DM. However, there is nothing in the rules stopping you from having an animal companion regardless of what race/class you are.
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I'm not sure what level of character you're thinking of, but if it's 3rd or higher, you could see if your DM would let you have the Find Steed and use it to summon the bear?
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If you need help with homebrew, please post on the homebrew forums, where multiple staff and moderators can read your post and help you!
"We got this, no problem! I'll take the twenty on the left - you guys handle the one on the right!"🔊
My Homebrew: Races | Subclasses | Backgrounds | Spells | Magic Items | Feats
Need help with Homebrew? Check out this FAQ/Guide thread by IamSposta
See My Youtube Videos for Tips & Tricks using D&D Beyond
Pun-loving nerd | She/Her/Hers | Profile art by Becca Golins
If you need help with homebrew, please post on the homebrew forums, where multiple staff and moderators can read your post and help you!
"We got this, no problem! I'll take the twenty on the left - you guys handle the one on the right!"🔊