There are a number of subclasses in 5E that revolve around having a pet that assists the PC. I'm curious as to what people think is the best option (though I think I can make some guesses). Argueably, the Wildfire Druid doesn't belong on this list since its "pet" is really a temporary summon, but I decided to include it for completeness's sake. Wizards and paladins got left off because their familiars and special mounts are side benefits rather than being central to their classes.
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Find your own truth, choose your enemies carefully, and never deal with a dragon.
"Canon" is what's factual to D&D lore. "Cannon" is what you're going to be shot with if you keep getting the word wrong.
I think the lest is limited to subclasses that get a permanent, always-active pet. Shepherd Druid is great at summoning, but doesn't, by default, have an ally that follows them around 24/7.
As for the poll... I don't have enough experience with all the different options (I've only seen the original Beastmaster in action and never seen any actual play with the Drakewarden), but I've been playing as a Battlesmith artificer for about half a year now and I've been having a blast. Works great for a class that doesn't have a lot of bonus actions of their own, scales well (at least at early levels, maybe it falls off later), and the ability to heal it with a cantrip between battles is a great boon.
I personally played a Pact of the Chain Warlock multiple times and though their isn't really a subclass built around it, it never fails to feel unique and powerful.
What about the artillerist artificer? Granted it’s not exactly a pet, but since we have homunculus as an option I would count it. If you’re creative, your cannon can be as good a pet as any of these. The damage and range is substantial on the force bolt one, the flamethrower is decent at groups, and the healing option is great for some support. You can hold it as a weapons, or have it follow you around. It’s got pretty decent AC and HP, and if you have the mending spell, you can bring it back to full quite easily. It only lasts for an hour, but if you’re prepared to sacrifice a few spell slots, it’ll be there whenever you need it. It increases in power at higher levels, and at the capstone, you can have two of these things. Plus the class itself is pretty fun as well. Shield and thunderwave on top of your other spells. I’d say it’s a solid option. Roleplay your cannon more like an actual familiar that you bring out when needed, and you’re set. Only downside I can see is that it’s your action to summon it, and a bonus action to fire each turn.
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There are a number of subclasses in 5E that revolve around having a pet that assists the PC. I'm curious as to what people think is the best option (though I think I can make some guesses). Argueably, the Wildfire Druid doesn't belong on this list since its "pet" is really a temporary summon, but I decided to include it for completeness's sake. Wizards and paladins got left off because their familiars and special mounts are side benefits rather than being central to their classes.
Find your own truth, choose your enemies carefully, and never deal with a dragon.
"Canon" is what's factual to D&D lore. "Cannon" is what you're going to be shot with if you keep getting the word wrong.
Where's Shepherd Druid?
I think the lest is limited to subclasses that get a permanent, always-active pet. Shepherd Druid is great at summoning, but doesn't, by default, have an ally that follows them around 24/7.
As for the poll... I don't have enough experience with all the different options (I've only seen the original Beastmaster in action and never seen any actual play with the Drakewarden), but I've been playing as a Battlesmith artificer for about half a year now and I've been having a blast. Works great for a class that doesn't have a lot of bonus actions of their own, scales well (at least at early levels, maybe it falls off later), and the ability to heal it with a cantrip between battles is a great boon.
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I personally played a Pact of the Chain Warlock multiple times and though their isn't really a subclass built around it, it never fails to feel unique and powerful.
Sorry for fanboying
I wonder how plummeting hundreds of feet feels
What about the artillerist artificer? Granted it’s not exactly a pet, but since we have homunculus as an option I would count it. If you’re creative, your cannon can be as good a pet as any of these. The damage and range is substantial on the force bolt one, the flamethrower is decent at groups, and the healing option is great for some support. You can hold it as a weapons, or have it follow you around. It’s got pretty decent AC and HP, and if you have the mending spell, you can bring it back to full quite easily. It only lasts for an hour, but if you’re prepared to sacrifice a few spell slots, it’ll be there whenever you need it. It increases in power at higher levels, and at the capstone, you can have two of these things. Plus the class itself is pretty fun as well. Shield and thunderwave on top of your other spells. I’d say it’s a solid option. Roleplay your cannon more like an actual familiar that you bring out when needed, and you’re set. Only downside I can see is that it’s your action to summon it, and a bonus action to fire each turn.