Baldur's Gate : The Sword Coast Chronicles : NWN2 Persistent World

Currently the Dragon companion requires the Dragon Shape feat and the Epic Companion Feat. I suggest the dragon shape requirement is removed so that non-dragon druids can also take this feat and get the dragon companion.

There are 2 main reasons why I think this change would be good. First of all, most would agree that the strongest druid is the dragon shaped druid, so out of a fairness/balance perspective it makes little sense to force non-dragon druids to also give up the coolest companion when they give up the best wildshape. Secondly, since the dragon shape is so strong in melee it actually has less use for the dragon companion than other druids. A druid that wants to rely on offensive spells has a greater need for a companion to tank for him/her. One could also use summons (especially with conjuration focus), but relying on the animal companion is a core part of the class.

From a RP perspective, some might say that it makes more sense for a druid that can wildshape into a dragon to have a dragon companion. But a druid can have a boar companion before being able to change into a boar, etc. Druids don’t have to be what they befriend. I think it would make more sense to add a requirement for knowing draconic language instead of having dragon shape, if such a thing is possible.

TLDR: Drop the dragon shape requirement for dragon companion.

Would Dragon Companion become available for Rangers and Spirit Shamans as well?

Moreover, unless something has changed, such spells as: 'Greater Magic Fang, Jagged Tooth, and Nature's Avatar' do not work with the Dragon Companion. Probably same holds true with the custom Ranger spells.

Also, without the Dragonshape requirement, you could potentially get the Dragon Companion at level 23 or something like that.

Edit: I wouldn't mind the change to be honest.

Moreover, unless something has changed, such spells as: 'Greater Magic Fang, Jagged Tooth, and Nature's Avatar' do not work with the Dragon Companion.

They all work, at least in jegs.

Also, without the Dragonshape requirement, you could potentially get the Dragon Companion at level 23 or something like that.

Maybe put in a wisdom requirement. Like wis 25 like epic animal companion originally had.

Would Dragon Companion become available for Rangers and Spirit Shamans as well?

I think from a balance perspective that probably wouldn't be an issue. But it's also a good idea to keep classes unique, and a dragon pet is a big draw for the druid class. I think it would be better to give other classes a different special companion, in that case. But that's a different question.

I don't think that is too bad. Its still eating up 2 epic feats. Its powerful, but its not that big of a powerhouse to fear it being available pre 27 like Hymn or something. Its not exactly "powerbuilder's choice". No need for a WIS requirement to add to that.

It wouldn't be available to spirit shamans, they get a Telthor companion (if you can call it that, and not an "RP companion"). Giving them a dragon spirit (or a choice of spirits as an epic feat) wouldn't be a bad idea though.

Giving rangers it wouldn't hurt either. Again, its taking up 2 epic feat slots. Same with clerics with the animal domain (who went pure cleric anyway to progress their animal, and could stand a reward for it!).

Perhaps a series of epic animal companions could be added. Planar Animal Companion, Dragonic Animal Companion, Magical Beast Animal Companion, etc.

spirit shaman equivalence companion could be a level 26 keening spirit. the problem is that most ghosts/spirits subtypes are evil.

aaron22 wrote:spirit shaman equivalence companion could be a level 26 keening spirit. the problem is that most ghosts/spirits subtypes are evil.

Good spirit shamans could get 'Okku' - while neutrals spirit shamans could get 'Shambling Mound or Treat' with that ghostly visage spell effect attached to it - and evil spirit shamams would get 'One of Many.'

Stat wise, they could be the same.

metaquad4 wrote:Perhaps a series of epic animal companions could be added. Planar Animal Companion, Dragonic Animal Companion, Magical Beast Animal Companion, etc.

Could be fine as well.

okku is neutral and is just a telthor bear. spirit of a rashemi. am unsure what the one of many is but i am pretty darn sure it is evil. thinking it could be a rogue or fighter or warlock maybe? a shambling mound with ghostly visage feels meh.. *cues the anti-climactic sound*

or add this!

http://dnd.arkalseif.info/classes/dracolyte/index.html

aaron22 wrote:okku is neutral and is just a telthor bear. spirit of a rashemi. am unsure what the one of many is but i am pretty darn sure it is evil. thinking it could be a rogue or fighter or warlock maybe? a shambling mound with ghostly visage feels meh.. *cues the anti-climactic sound*

Yes, Okku is a lawful neutral fighter in MotB, but that doesn't mean the model could not be used elsewhere. After all, it is already used in the Xvart village.

One of Many was the alternative companion in MotB, if you killed Okku and gave his hide to the spirits in the furnace. He could be a rogue, a warlock, and a barbarian - based on your dialogue choices with him. Currently Myrkul in Fugue and DMs have used the 'wraith' character model as their character model.

Actually, the Shambling Mound is pretty neat with ghostly visage spell effect. But preferences differ I suppose.