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Sep 6, 2010 -- 10:05AM, SinisterDexter wrote:

Trying to figure out if a beast companion gets a separate attack from the ranger, or do they set up flanks. MP1, page 39 states:

Using your actions in combat, you control yourbeast companion by issuing it commands (see “Commandinga Beast Companion,” page 41. Page 42 also states:

A beast companion acting independently can takea standard action, a move action, and a minor actionon each of its turns, as a character can.

Can the companion only attack with the Ranger if a specific power says so? Does the ranger sacrifice his move, minor, action to allow the companion to do the same?


Too much contradiction.  Looking for professional assistance.

There is no contradiction, you skimmed and put things out of context for yourself. You should have read "Commanding a Beast Companion" before reading "Beast Companion Independant Actions." Do this, and your questions will answer themselves.

When you take a Minor Action, either you or the Beast performs the action. When you take a Move Action, both you and the Beast move (the movement does not need to be the same type or distance), when you take a Standard Action, either you or the Beast performs the action (Some Beastmaster powers allow you and the Beast to both attack as part of the same action). If an enemy would provoke an Opportunity Attack from the Beast, you may have it make an Melee Basic Attack as an Immediate Interrupt (meaning once per round, as opposed to once per creature's turn), this does not affect your own ability to make Opportunity Attacks. The Beast can flank with you and your allies, and benefits from Combat Advantage when an enemy grants it. You can command the Beast, as a Standard Action, to make a Melee Basic Attack or Charge if you are not in position to use another power yourself.

When you are not present or unconscious, the Beast may act independantly, with a full suite of actions.

All of this is to prevent characters that summon or have companions from effectively controlling multiple characters and thereby multiplying their effectiveness.

Sep 6, 2010 -- 11:14AM, SinisterDexter wrote:

Thanks for the clarity. It will help to diffuse the "grey areas" in the text. Any contradiction wasn't on my part, Malak, I just have 2 rules-lawyers saying different things, and am tired of sitting on the fence. Thanks for your input as well.

Setting the fence on fire tends to get people off of it.  8o)

Sep 6, 2010 -- 3:57PM, Rupert_ADnD wrote:

Is it possible for other classes, like fighter, or rogue to get animal companions, btw?

"Beast Companion" is explicitly reserved to Rangers. And only primary Rangers who take "Beast Mastery" as their Fighting Style option, and hybrid Rangers who take it as a Hybrid Talent (and suffer -1 to their beast's attack rolls and defenses).

There are various other options for "pets". A primary, hybrid, or multiclass Shaman has a Spirit Companion. A primary, hybrid, or multiclass of any Arcane class can spend a feat to have a Familiar. Primary, hybrid, or multiclass Wizards, Druids, and a few others have access to powers (mostly dailies) that Summon creatures.