Can Animal Companions Take Monster Feats? The Definitive Guide

Yes, animal companions can take monster feats, but with significant caveats. The feasibility hinges on whether the companion meets the prerequisites of the desired feat. Many monster feats have requirements that are inherently difficult or impossible for typical animal companions to achieve, such as specific creature types, special abilities, or minimum Intelligence scores far exceeding the usual limits. Remember that the GM ultimately has the final say on whether a particular feat is appropriate and balanced for your game.

Understanding Feats and Animal Companions

What are Feats?

In the context of tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons or Pathfinder, feats are special abilities or talents that characters (and sometimes creatures) can acquire. They provide benefits beyond those granted by class features or skills, allowing for customization and specialization. Feats can enhance combat prowess, improve skill proficiency, grant access to spells, or even provide entirely new capabilities.

What is an Animal Companion?

An animal companion is a loyal animal that accompanies and aids a character, often granted through specific class features (like a Druid’s or Ranger’s companion). Animal companions typically gain abilities and improve in power as the character levels up, becoming more effective in combat and as support. Their abilities are usually governed by specific rules outlining their stats, skills, and available feats.

The Crux of the Matter: Prerequisites

The core issue lies in prerequisites. Most feats, especially those designed for monsters, have specific requirements a creature must meet before taking the feat. These can include:

• Ability Scores: A minimum score in Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma.
• Skills: Proficiency in specific skills.
• Special Abilities: Certain innate or learned abilities, such as flight, regeneration, or spellcasting.
• Creature Type: Being of a specific creature type (e.g., Aberration, Undead, Outsider).
• Other Feats: Having already acquired another feat.
• Alignment: Adhering to a certain alignment.
• Level: Being of a certain level.

Animal companions are often limited in their ability scores and the types of abilities they can acquire through their normal progression. This makes it challenging for them to qualify for many monster feats. However, it’s not impossible.

Scenarios Where it Might be Possible

• High Intelligence: If an animal companion somehow achieves a sufficiently high Intelligence score (through magical items, specific class features, or GM fiat), it opens up more feat options. The article excerpt mentioned earlier highlighted this, noting that at Intelligence 3 an animal companion can take feats that it qualifies for.
• Magical Enhancement: Magic items or spells could temporarily or permanently grant an animal companion abilities that would allow it to meet the prerequisites of a monster feat.
• Unusual Animal Companions: Some classes or archetypes might grant access to unusual or more powerful animal companions that have a greater range of capabilities from the outset.
• Generous GM: A GM who is open to homebrew rules or willing to bend the rules a bit might allow an animal companion to take a monster feat, even if it doesn’t strictly meet all the prerequisites. This might require some adjustments to the feat or the companion to maintain game balance.
• Mythic Tiers: In campaigns using mythic rules, mythic tiers can grant characters and their companions additional abilities and feats, potentially opening up access to some monster feats.
• Specific Class Features or Archetypes: Certain class features, feats, or character archetypes may provide additional ways for animal companions to gain feats or meet the requirements for specific feats.

The Importance of GM Approval

Ultimately, the decision of whether an animal companion can take a monster feat rests with the Game Master (GM). They are responsible for ensuring that the game remains balanced and fun for all players.

• Balance Considerations: The GM needs to consider whether granting a monster feat to an animal companion would make it too powerful, disrupting the balance of the game.
• Narrative Consistency: The GM should also think about whether the feat makes sense thematically for the animal companion and the overall story.
• Player Agency: The GM should work with the player to find a solution that is both balanced and satisfying, allowing the player to customize their animal companion in a meaningful way.

FAQs: Animal Companions and Feats

H3 FAQ 1: Can my animal companion take any feat once it reaches Intelligence 3?

Not quite. While reaching Intelligence 3 does unlock the possibility of taking feats, your companion still needs to meet all the prerequisites for the feat in question. Intelligence is only one factor.

H3 FAQ 2: What’s the difference between a feat and a special ability?

A feat is a talent or area of expertise chosen, usually during leveling up. A special ability is an innate or gained characteristic intrinsic to a creature or character, often defined by race, class, or monster type. Some monster feats require special abilities as prerequisites.

H3 FAQ 3: Can an animal companion take a feat that requires spellcasting?

Highly unlikely unless the animal companion has acquired the ability to cast spells through some means (e.g., a magic item or a specific class feature). Most animal companions do not have innate spellcasting abilities.

H3 FAQ 4: Can I use a Wish spell to give my animal companion a monster feat?

Potentially, but this is entirely up to the GM. Wish spells have vast power but are subject to the GM’s interpretation and limitations. Attempting to grant a complex ability like a monster feat could have unintended consequences or simply fail.

H3 FAQ 5: What are some examples of monster feats an animal companion might realistically be able to take?

This depends heavily on the game system and the specific animal companion. However, feats that enhance natural attacks or grant minor defensive bonuses might be more accessible than feats that require complex abilities. The article mentions coordinated defense, shield wall and tandem trip as possible options.

H3 FAQ 6: If my animal companion loses a prerequisite for a feat, does it lose the feat?

Yes. As the article mentioned, if a character or creature loses a feat’s prerequisite, it can’t use that feat until the prerequisite is regained. This applies to animal companions as well.

H3 FAQ 7: Can I multiclass my animal companion to give it access to more feats?

No. Animal companions typically do not gain class levels or multiclass in the same way player characters do. Their progression is usually tied to the character class that grants the companion.

H3 FAQ 8: Are there any official rules that specifically prohibit animal companions from taking monster feats?

Not explicitly. The restriction comes from the inherent difficulty in meeting the prerequisites of monster feats, rather than a specific rule forbidding it.

H3 FAQ 9: Can my familiar take monster feats?

No. The text mentioned that familiars do not gain feats like animal companions do, unless it is stated otherwise in the archetype. Unless it does, they do not gain them.

H3 FAQ 10: If I have a feat that grants me an animal companion, can I use it to get a monster?

No, the feats typically specify what type of animal companion you are granted, the text mentioned that fighter’s get to choose between a cat, a wolf, a snake or a rat.

H3 FAQ 11: Can I create a custom monster feat specifically for my animal companion?

Talk to your GM. Creating a custom feat could be a good solution, so long as it’s balanced and fits thematically within the game world. This allows tailoring to an animal companion’s unique attributes.

H3 FAQ 12: Do feats stack if they have similar effects?

This depends on the specific feat and the game system rules. Some feats with similar effects might stack, while others might not. Check the feat descriptions carefully and consult with your GM.

H3 FAQ 13: What are some resources I can use to find monster feats?

The bestiary or monster manual for your game system is the primary source. Online databases and community forums dedicated to your game system can also be helpful.

H3 FAQ 14: My GM says “no” to my animal companion taking a monster feat. What can I do?

Respect your GM’s decision. Consider discussing alternative options, such as custom feats or magical items that could provide similar benefits. Remember that the GM is responsible for maintaining game balance and ensuring everyone has fun.

H3 FAQ 15: Where can I learn more about game design principles and the impact of these rules?

Consider exploring resources from organizations like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org). Understanding game mechanics and design philosophy can provide a deeper appreciation for the rules and the GM’s role in maintaining a balanced and enjoyable gaming experience.

By understanding the complexities of feats, animal companions, and the crucial role of the GM, you can navigate the world of tabletop role-playing games with greater confidence and create memorable adventures for yourself and your fellow players.