Animal Training and Bonds

There are 5 ranks of bonding that a character may have with an animal. A character may increase the bonds rank as part of a Long Rest Primary Activity. Animals start with 3 Hit Dice and gain additional hit dice as they bond with their owner.

Rank 1: Adds one additional HD. 

Rank 2: Adds one additional HD. +1 to Animal Handling with this animal.

Rank 3: Adds one additional HD. +2 to Animal Handling with this animal. Gain Skilled animal property.

Rank 4: Adds one additional HD. +4 to Animal Handling with this animal.

Rank 5: Adds one additional HD. Gain one animal property of your choice.

Animal Properties

Enduring: This animal's needs cost half as much as normal when paying for a journey.

Intrepid: This animal cannot be frightened unless it has the bloodied or exhausted condition.

Flyer: This animal has a flight speed. Not selectable at Rank 5 bonding.

Swimmer: This animal has a swim speed. Not selectable at Rank 5 bonding.

Attacker: You may forgo an attack on your turn to command this animal to make an attack against a target within range.

Grappler: You may forgo an attack on your turn to command this animal to make a grapple attempt against a target within range.

Skilled: Your pet has a bonus equal to your bonding level with a skill.

Favored Terrain: This animal does not suffer from non-magical difficult terrain in their favored terrain.

Tough: This animal gains an additional +2 hit points per bonding level.

Messenger: This animal can deliver a short written message to a distant location in 1/4th the time and may return with a reply.

Armored: Armor worn by this animal may be treated as if it was one size smaller.