Hey. I'm a first time DM for 5e. I want to verify that I have the proper understanding of the rules for Rangers. The Ranger in the party wanted to select a Pseudodragon as their Beast Companion and I said they needed to stick with a beast and the critter they want is described as a tiny dragon.
I want to make things as fun as I can, but I fear crossing the lines and then getting into trouble where I can't reel it back in.
It is true that the description "Beast" is also a requirement just like Medium or smaller and CR 1/4 or less, right?
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Cum catapultae proscriptae erunt tum soli proscript catapultas habebunt
Beast refers to natural animals. You, as DM, can make exceptions. However, I would suggest you stick to RAW since this is your first time. Once you have some experience as a DM, you will have a better idea what rule changes work for your adventures and style of play.
Hey. I'm a first time DM for 5e. I want to verify that I have the proper understanding of the rules for Rangers. The Ranger in the party wanted to select a Pseudodragon as their Beast Companion and I said they needed to stick with a beast and the critter they want is described as a tiny dragon.
I want to make things as fun as I can, but I fear crossing the lines and then getting into trouble where I can't reel it back in.
It is true that the description "Beast" is also a requirement just like Medium or smaller and CR 1/4 or less, right?
I think its a term like implying a "metal" fandom. I think he's basically saying its a "rock and roll" type love for beastsmasters. (sometimes rock and roll people have more passion than quantifiable Justification.) I commend trying to avoid the debate on the power level but I also think healthy discussion is good too. Yes beasts can be underpowered but some really high damage builds are also PHb beastmasters.
That being said I like the idea of dms rangers allowing PHB rangers to take Favored enemy beasts as "Magic item rewards" in campains.
other options would be Tashas beast master or playtest the New drakewarden.(you may need to download a free pdf now that its off dnd beyond until printed.)
I think its a term like implying a "metal" fandom. I think he's basically saying its a "rock and roll" type love for beastsmasters. (sometimes rock and roll people have more passion than quantifiable Justification.) I commend trying to avoid the debate on the power level but I also think healthy discussion is good too. Yes beasts can be underpowered but some really high damage builds are also PHb beastmasters.
THat being said I like the idea of dms rangers allowing PHB rangers to take Favored enemy beasts as "Magic item rewards" in campains.
other options would be Tashas beast master or playtest the New drakewarden.(you may need to download a free pdf now that its off dnd beyond until printed.)
Oh! That must be me! LOL!
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Hey. I'm a first time DM for 5e. I want to verify that I have the proper understanding of the rules for Rangers. The Ranger in the party wanted to select a Pseudodragon as their Beast Companion and I said they needed to stick with a beast and the critter they want is described as a tiny dragon.
I want to make things as fun as I can, but I fear crossing the lines and then getting into trouble where I can't reel it back in.
It is true that the description "Beast" is also a requirement just like Medium or smaller and CR 1/4 or less, right?
Cum catapultae proscriptae erunt tum soli proscript catapultas habebunt
Beast refers to natural animals. You, as DM, can make exceptions. However, I would suggest you stick to RAW since this is your first time. Once you have some experience as a DM, you will have a better idea what rule changes work for your adventures and style of play.
There are only three requirements for a PHB beast companion. The companion does NOT have to be a specific stat block like other situations and many spells. I will tell you this, the beast requirement is one of the three requirements, you can filter NPCs in the monsters section here on D&D Beyond at https://www.dndbeyond.com/monsters?filter-type=2&filter-search=&filter-cr-min=1&filter-cr-max=3&filter-size=2&filter-size=3&filter-size=4&filter-armor-class-min=&filter-armor-class-max=&filter-average-hp-min=&filter-average-hp-max=&filter-is-legendary=&filter-is-mythic=&filter-has-lair=&filter-source=5&sort=cr, but I have let two player take a CR 1/4 or below, medium or smaller companion that is another type of creature. Nothing is game breaking, mechanically. If you want to tie it in some, only allow them to take a type of companion that is one of their favored enemies, like dragon. The big thing is to-hit bonus, damage average, AC, etc. All of the combat stuff. Here are all of the non-beast options that are CR 1/4 or lower and medium or smaller: https://www.dndbeyond.com/monsters?filter-type=1&filter-type=3&filter-type=4&filter-type=6&filter-type=7&filter-type=8&filter-type=9&filter-type=10&filter-type=13&filter-type=14&filter-type=15&filter-type=16&filter-search=&filter-cr-min=1&filter-cr-max=3&filter-size=2&filter-size=3&filter-size=4&filter-armor-class-min=&filter-armor-class-max=&filter-average-hp-min=&filter-average-hp-max=&filter-is-legendary=&filter-is-mythic=&filter-has-lair=&filter-source=5&sort=cr
Thanks.
If anyone else has an opinion on the basic question, "Is 'beast' a requirement for the Beastmasters Animal Companion?" let me know.
Also, if you have any specific insight on allowing a pseudodragon (CR 1/4 & tiny dragon) as an animal companion, let me know.
Cum catapultae proscriptae erunt tum soli proscript catapultas habebunt
just give him the pseudodragon. It is not that strong a familiar/companion to sweat it.
D&D is for fun - and a pseudodragon as pet sounds like fun to me.
Beastmaster Ranger is not overpowered (lets phrase it like that before the "PH BM is the rockzors" crowd steps on my toes)
just be aware that the pseudodragon can talk telepathically (simple ideas etc) with the ranger (maybe important for rp reasons).
Also it can fly of course and has a rather good perception - so it will be a good scout.
What is a rockzors?
I think its a term like implying a "metal" fandom. I think he's basically saying its a "rock and roll" type love for beastsmasters. (sometimes rock and roll people have more passion than quantifiable Justification.) I commend trying to avoid the debate on the power level but I also think healthy discussion is good too. Yes beasts can be underpowered but some really high damage builds are also PHb beastmasters.
That being said I like the idea of dms rangers allowing PHB rangers to take Favored enemy beasts as "Magic item rewards" in campains.
other options would be Tashas beast master or playtest the New drakewarden.(you may need to download a free pdf now that its off dnd beyond until printed.)
Oh! That must be me! LOL!