Can Animal Companions Wear Armor? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, animal companions can wear armor, often referred to as barding. However, the rules surrounding this are nuanced and depend heavily on the specific game system you’re using, most notably Pathfinder or Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), and potentially even the specific edition of the game. Understanding these nuances is crucial to effectively equipping your loyal companion for combat.

Understanding Barding and Proficiency

The term “barding” specifically refers to armor designed for animals, most commonly horses, but it can be adapted for other creatures as well. Barding is generally treated as equivalent to normal armor, but it is scaled to fit the animal in question.

• Proficiency is Key: Just like player characters, animal companions may or may not be proficient in wearing armor. If an animal companion wears armor they are not proficient in, they typically suffer penalties. This often manifests as an armor check penalty applied to attack rolls, skill checks, or other relevant actions.

• Armor Check Penalty: The armor check penalty can be a significant drawback, especially if it applies to attack rolls. Therefore, it’s often beneficial to choose lighter armor with minimal or no penalty, or find ways to grant your companion proficiency.

• Specific Game Rules: In Pathfinder, for example, an animal companion can wear barding regardless of whether they have armor proficiency. However, if they lack proficiency, they suffer the armor’s armor check penalty on all attack rolls. This encourages players to consider armor types with no penalty like padded armor or leather armor, or to seek out mithral chainmail, which may negate or reduce the penalty.

• Weight and Encumbrance: Consider the weight of the armor. Animals, like characters, can become encumbered if they carry too much weight, which can impact their speed and abilities. Ensure your companion has sufficient strength to comfortably wear the chosen armor.

Feats and Skills Related to Armor

Certain feats or skills can influence an animal companion’s ability to wear armor effectively. Some feats might grant armor proficiency, while others could reduce or negate the penalties associated with wearing armor.

• Limited Feat Selection: Animals typically have a limited selection of feats available to them, especially at lower levels. As their intelligence increases, they gain access to a wider range of feats.

• Choosing the Right Feats: Carefully consider which feats best complement your companion’s role and capabilities. If you plan on having your companion wear armor regularly, a feat that grants armor proficiency might be a worthwhile investment.

Items and Equipment Beyond Armor

While barding is a primary concern, it’s also important to consider what other items an animal companion can use.

• Companion Items: Some games define specific “companion items” that are designed for use by animals. These items might include specialized gear or tools that enhance their abilities.

• GM Discretion: Ultimately, the GM (Game Master) has the final say on what items an animal companion can use. They may allow exceptions based on the specific item, the animal’s intelligence, and the overall narrative.

• Activating Items: Animals generally cannot activate items that require complex commands or understanding. However, there are exceptions. For instance, a character can administer a potion to their animal companion using an action.

Combat and Animal Companion Tactics

Understanding how animal companions function in combat is crucial to utilizing them effectively.

• Independent Action: Animal companions typically act on their own initiative in combat. However, if the companion is being used as a mount, the rider dictates their actions.

• Prioritizing Defense: If a character falls unconscious, their animal companion will generally prioritize defending them from harm.

• Class Synergies: Certain classes, such as the Ranger (especially the Beastmaster subclass), are particularly well-suited to using animal companions. These classes often provide bonuses and abilities that enhance the companion’s effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What exactly is barding?

Barding is armor specifically designed for animals, most commonly horses. It functions similarly to regular armor but is tailored to fit the animal’s anatomy.

2. Does my animal companion automatically know how to wear armor?

No. Just like humanoids, animal companions may need proficiency to avoid penalties when wearing armor.

3. What happens if my animal companion wears armor without proficiency?

They typically suffer an armor check penalty, which can negatively impact their attack rolls, skill checks, and other actions.

4. Can I train my animal companion to become proficient in armor?

Some game systems allow for training or feats that grant armor proficiency. Consult your game’s rules and your GM for guidance.

5. What types of armor are best for animal companions?

It depends on their strength and desired level of protection. Lighter armors like padded or leather are good choices for companions who lack proficiency or have lower strength scores. Heavier armors offer better protection but may impose penalties.

6. Can my animal companion wear magical armor?

Yes, provided the armor is sized appropriately and the animal can handle the weight and any associated penalties.

7. Does barding cost more than regular armor?

Generally, barding is more expensive than regular armor due to the extra material and craftsmanship required.

8. How does encumbrance affect my animal companion?

If your animal companion is encumbered, their speed may be reduced, and they may suffer penalties to certain skills or abilities.

9. Can my animal companion use shields?

This depends on the game system and the animal’s anatomy. Some animals might be able to use shields effectively, while others may not.

10. What about exotic animals? Can a bear wear armor?

Again, this depends on the game system and the GM’s interpretation of the rules. Adapting armor for an unusual animal like a bear might require specialized modifications.

11. Are there any feats specifically designed for animal companions wearing armor?

Some games offer feats that improve an animal companion’s ability to wear armor, such as reducing armor check penalties or increasing their carrying capacity.

12. Can my animal companion use magical items other than armor?

This is largely up to the GM’s discretion. Animals can rarely activate magical items themselves, but they might benefit from items that passively enhance their abilities.

13. How does animal intelligence affect their ability to use armor and items?

Animals with higher intelligence are generally better able to understand and adapt to wearing armor and using items. They may also have access to more feats and skills.

14. Where can I find more resources on animal companions in role-playing games?

Check your game’s core rulebooks, supplemental materials, and online forums dedicated to your game system. Also, organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org often explore how game mechanics, like animal companions, can be used for learning and understanding complex systems.

15. Can my animal companion be abused for wearing armor?

Yes, subjecting an animal companion to unnecessary hardship or discomfort, such as forcing them to wear excessively heavy armor or neglecting their needs while armored, constitutes abuse. Responsible role-playing involves ensuring the well-being of your companion.

Equipping your animal companion with armor can be a significant boon in combat, but it’s essential to understand the rules and considerations involved. By carefully choosing the right armor, managing encumbrance, and selecting appropriate feats, you can transform your loyal companion into an even more formidable ally. Remember to consult your game’s rules and work with your GM to create a realistic and enjoyable experience for both you and your animal companion.