Talk:Companion Animal, Dog (sage ability)

My thoughts go toward mimicking the paladin's warhorse, or the druid's or ranger's animal companions. There can't be too much crossover, mechanically speaking, lest the abilities blend too much together; but one key element would be the player's control over the animal, as though it were a henchman or follower.

Those should not be your thoughts. This is a sage ability; we're not handing the character an instantly fanatically loyal follower. We want to regulate what the dog owner is allowed to do, starting at an early level and working the way up. For example, should the player be allowed to order the dog to kill at first level? We don't want that; the player should not be able to buy a dog with their first money, then have that dog added to their fighting ability. At 1st level, we want to represent what a good dog owner can do: feed the dog, give working orders to the dog, gain the dog's trust, loyalty and friendship; and have the dog as a defender. Military dog training should be reserved for Authority level.