Animal companions can be acquired and trained to fight alongside characters. They function similarly to retainers but don’t count against retainer limits.
Acquiring animals
Animals must be obtained through:
- Capture in the wild
- Purchase from traders
- Found as orphans/strays
- Received as gifts or rewards
Training
Animal training uses the downtime projects system:
- Minor (1 step): Basic obedience, one simple trick
- Moderate (3 steps): Full companion training, multiple commands
- Major (5 steps): Advanced training for exotic or dangerous creatures
Requirements:
- Only animals with animal intelligence can be trained
- Must genuinely wish to befriend the animal
- Training must begin within 1 month of acquisition
- If left alone for more than a week during training, it may revert to wild behavior
Game statistics
- Use normal animal stats from monster descriptions
- Morale: Starts at +1 due to bond, subject to normal morale rules
- Commands: Follows simple commands, fights alongside the owner
- Maximum HD: Total animal companion HD cannot exceed character level ÷ 2
- Limit: One primary companion at a time
Notes
- Companions won’t perform tasks completely against their nature
- If the character dies, the companion likely flees
- On Planet Karus, many creatures are mutated by the dying sun’s radiation
- Ancient technology might enhance animal communication or control