Cleric and Animal Domain

[mireigi]

What rules apply to clerics picking the Animal Domain and thereby gaining an Animal Companion? Same rules as with Rangers, or is everything allowed?

I ask because I saw a cleric on the surface running around with a Gnoll Companion, but the character's race was not an evil one. Told him to ask the DMs if it was allowed, before he risked too many levels.

But for the sake of everyone who pick the Animal Domain, what are the rules?

[DM Narshe]

Same rules as animal companion. If it's a humanoid companion, it can be seen as slavery on the surface.

A cleric in the UD might choose a humanoid companion, as many of the animal choices don't really exist down there. In the UD it's much more tolerated.

[DM Eurydice]

There's a warning note on picking the Monstrous Humanoid that reads thusly:

NOTE1: THIS IS AN ANIMAL COMPANION INTENDED FOR UD PLAYERS. IF YOU ARE A SURFACER AND CAUGHT WITH THESE ANIMAL COMPANIONS YOU ARE KILL ON SIGHT

It is allowed, but the character with the Monstrous Humanoid are Kill on Sight. By picking this option, they have consented to be PvP'd on the surface for simply being seen with this creature in tow.

[NegInfinity]

There's a warning note on picking the Monstrous Humanoid that reads thusly:

NOTE1: THIS IS AN ANIMAL COMPANION INTENDED FOR UD PLAYERS. IF YOU ARE A SURFACER AND CAUGHT WITH THESE ANIMAL COMPANIONS YOU ARE KILL ON SIGHT

It is allowed, but the character with the Monstrous Humanoid are Kill on Sight. By picking this option, they have consented to be PvP'd on the surface for simply being seen with this creature in tow.

That contradicts pvp rules:

Summons can be attacked on sight, but normal PvP rules must be followed for the summoner (the player). The owner of the summons must also follow normal PvP rules in order to attack the killer of his or her summons. (Summons include any creature that can be summoned through a spell or an ability, and that is not a Familiar or an Animal Companion: These include angels, devils, elementals, and undead, among others.

Meaning you need to roleplay hostility and toggle hostile before attacking.

I would assume that pvp rules override whatever it is written within feat/class/companion description.

I believe it might make sense to clarify this matter in the rules (summoners being or not being KoS), because I had some problem playing summoner character, due to similar interpretation.

[DM Eurydice]

If you haven't already, please read the entire
PVP Rules and Guidelines (MUST READ).

Summons and animal companions are treated differently, and the PvP rules are quite specific on this one when it comes to Monstrous humanoids :

Familiars and Animal Companions are considered an extension of the player character. Normal PvP rules must be followed if you wish to attack Familiars and Animal Companions.
However, the owner of a Monstrous Humanoid, Hellhound, or Worg animal companion consents to PvP if s/he is seen on the surface with that animal companion.

[NegInfinity]

If you haven't already, please read the entire
PVP Rules and Guidelines (MUST READ).

Summons and animal companions are treated differently, and the PvP rules are quite specific on this one when it comes to Monstrous humanoids :

Familiars and Animal Companions are considered an extension of the player character. Normal PvP rules must be followed if you wish to attack Familiars and Animal Companions.
However, the owner of a Monstrous Humanoid, Hellhound, or Worg animal companion consents to PvP if s/he is seen on the surface with that animal companion.

Does that mean that if I see anyone with such companion, I can kill that person right away without talking to the person or even confirming whether the animal is actually his/hers through roleplay?

Doesn't sound right to me.

[DM Cradh]

That is exactly what it means.

If you have one of these companions, you are KOS on the surface.