Goodman Games

First significant house rule:

GOLDEN LION RULE: (Named for Jad-Bal-Ja in the Tarzan series): For important pets and animal companions, each time the owner levels, the creature gains a new hit die of the same type. Note that the Judge has final say as to what is a significant animal, but it generally revolves around whether or not the creature is participatory in the game.

I'd make sure the companion has at least one less hit die than the "master" PC. Other than that, I like it. The elf in my group tamed a wolf last night, so I'll be putting it to use.

shadewest wrote:I'd make sure the companion has at least one less hit die than the "master" PC. Other than that, I like it. The elf in my group tamed a wolf last night, so I'll be putting it to use.

That's not a bad idea, but I would increase the hit dice from 0-lvl to 1st lvl in the event that the creature is starting equipment. Remember that increases in hit dice just mean that the thing is going to survive longer; I am not suggesting an increase to damage, attack bonus, etc.

Raven_Crowking wrote:First significant house rule:

GOLDEN LION RULE: (Named for Jad-Bal-Ja in the Tarzan series): For important pets and animal companions, each time the owner levels, the creature gains a new hit die of the same type. Note that the Judge has final say as to what is a significant animal, but it generally revolves around whether or not the creature is participatory in the game.

I like this idea. This subject has been the center of discussion in my play testing group lately, but centered on familiars. How would your rule intersect with the rules for familiars, or would the Golden Lion rule only apply to non-familars? Or, is this something that falls under the 'Judge has final say' category?

Raven_Crowking wrote: That's not a bad idea, but I would increase the hit dice from 0-lvl to 1st lvl in the event that the creature is starting equipment. Remember that increases in hit dice just mean that the thing is going to survive longer; I am not suggesting an increase to damage, attack bonus, etc.

I was wondering at your reasons for not allowing some sort of increase in the saves and attacks? It stands to reason that if you want the critter to survive longer, then it should at least get some kind of advantage to saves. Just curious...

Tortog wrote:How would your rule intersect with the rules for familiars, or would the Golden Lion rule only apply to non-familars? Or, is this something that falls under the 'Judge has final say' category?

Judge has final say.

Tortog wrote:I was wondering at your reasons for not allowing some sort of increase in the saves and attacks? It stands to reason that if you want the critter to survive longer, then it should at least get some kind of advantage to saves. Just curious...

I don't want the dogs to outshine their owners.

Raven_Crowking wrote:First significant house rule:

GOLDEN LION RULE: (Named for Jad-Bal-Ja in the Tarzan series): For important pets and animal companions, each time the owner levels, the creature gains a new hit die of the same type. Note that the Judge has final say as to what is a significant animal, but it generally revolves around whether or not the creature is participatory in the game.

A freakin War Pig! ..... Just like witches at black masses!!!

Dude, I so now want a War Pig! Talk about your most valuable follower. The War Pig takes some damage, you get some strips of bacon!

You guys sure you didn't play in my campaign in the 1970's? I had a player who not only bought an attack pig, but every village he visited he would talk to blacksmiths about making some pig-barding. Armored attack pig? Argh.