Can Animal Companions Wear Barding?
In the world of fantasy and role-playing games, animal companions are a popular choice for players and DMs alike. These loyal and brave creatures can be a valuable asset on the battlefield, providing support and companionship to their handlers. One question that may arise when it comes to animal companions is whether they can wear barding. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and discuss the implications for players and DMs.
Direct Answer
The short answer is yes, animal companions can wear barding. According to the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook, animals can wear barding just like characters do, but the type and amount of barding that an animal can wear depends on its size, type, and Intelligence score. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the specifics of how barding works for animal companions and what factors need to be considered when equipping them with armor.
Types of Barding
Barding comes in various forms, each with its own characteristics and benefits. The three main types of barding are:
- Leather Barding: Made from leather or hide, leather barding is light and flexible, making it suitable for small or agile animals.
- Chain Barding: Consisting of linked metal plates, chain barding provides better protection than leather barding but is heavier and less flexible.
- Plate Barding: Made from thick metal plates, plate barding offers the most protection but is also the heaviest and most restrictive.
Each type of barding has its own limitations and benefits, which we’ll explore further in the article.
Factors Affecting Barding
When determining whether an animal companion can wear barding, several factors need to be considered:
- Size: Animals of different sizes have different limitations when it comes to barding. Small animals can wear lighter barding, while larger animals require heavier barding to provide adequate protection.
- Type: The type of animal companion also affects the type and amount of barding that can be worn. For example, a giant bear might require plate barding to provide adequate protection, while a small fox might be better suited to leather barding.
- Intelligence: Animals with lower Intelligence scores have limited access to complex barding, such as chain or plate barding, while animals with higher Intelligence scores can wear a wider range of barding options.
Handling Barding
When an animal companion wears barding, its handler needs to consider several things:
- Weight: Barding can add weight to the animal, which may affect its speed, agility, and overall mobility.
- Comfort: Animals may have a limited tolerance for heavy or restrictive barding, which could cause discomfort or stress.
- Protection: While barding provides protection, it is not a guarantee against harm. A well-placed attack could still inflict significant damage.
Tables and Examples
To make it easier to determine what barding is suitable for an animal companion, we can create a table that outlines the factors and limitations for different types of barding and animals. Here’s an example:
| Barding Type | Size Limitations | Intelligence Requirements | Examples of Animals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leather | Small to medium-sized animals | No Intelligence requirements | Fox, raccoon, small dog |
| Chain | Medium-sized animals | Animals with low to moderate Intelligence (1-2) | Medium dog, wolf, coyote |
| Plate | Large animals | Animals with high Intelligence (3-4) | Bear, gorilla, giant ape |
Conclusion
In conclusion, animal companions can indeed wear barding, but the type and amount of barding that they can wear depends on their size, type, and Intelligence score. When equipping an animal companion with barding, handlers need to consider factors such as weight, comfort, and protection to ensure the animal’s well-being and effectiveness in combat. By understanding these limitations and benefits, players and DMs can make informed decisions about how to outfit and role-play their animal companions.