Canine Handling I (sage ability)

Canine handling I is an amateur-status sage ability in the study of Dog Training that allows the character to direct companion dogs, working dogs and war dogs in the performance of various tasks and behaviours. The skill set depends upon the type of dog, but in each case the character is able to form a strong bond with the canine and utilise its abilities fully in a range of practical situations.

The presence of a dog allows a set of bonds with the game party that extends beyond its owner. Dogs possess an innate ability to form connections with those in its constant association, with a loyalty and affection that transcends charisma scores. As the party's faithful companion, the dog becomes a source of comfort and protection for all, potentially offering solace and reassurance in times of adversity. Regardless of one's initial relationship with the dog, over time its presence is sure, under a DM's careful guidance, to instigate itself at unexpected moments within the campaign. These associations between dog and others must be considered, as the dog does have it's own capacity to make decisions without its owner. Essentially other members of the party should therefore treat the dog as a "follower" with respect to interactions.

Companion Dogs

If the character possesses this ability at the start of the game, he or she is accompanied by a faithful companion dog that has been by their side for the past 2-5 years. This companion, weighing between 80 and 120 lbs., embodies the sturdy and dependable nature expected of a loyal canine. With an initial 1d8+2 hit points, the dog has already weathered challenges alongside its owner, forging a bond of unwavering loyalty and trust. Morale should be treated as 2. The breed is recommended to be of a local variety to the character's origin, but within those parameters the character may choose this detail.

If a character acquires the canine handling I ability after the start of the game, they have the option to obtain a companion dog of their choosing, of whatever age or available breed desired. Once the dog has matured or has been acquired as a mature dog, the character can establish a strong companionship within just one week. During this time, the dog quickly learns to heel and sit without difficulty, demonstrating its readiness to follow the character's lead. At the outset of this companionship, the dog's morale is set at 9. From then on, the character can teach the dog additional skills, requiring either a day or a week, selecting from a range of abilities that companion dogs are capable of performing. However, as the weeks progress, the dog's morale gradually declines by 1 point per week until it reaches a morale of 5. Afterward, the dog's morale diminishes by 1 point every 6 months, or according to the standard morale rules.

Training "time" requires no more than about 15 to 20 minutes per day, which can be easily managed before or after a day's travel.

Unskilled Companion Dog Owners

Characters without this skill who acquire a companion dog may form a strong companionship after one month of consistent interaction and care. During this time, any character in the party may attempt to teach the dog basic commands such as sit or heel, provided they pass a wisdom check. However, only one check by one character is permitted each month to avoid confusion and inconsistency in training. Subsequent attempts can be made on a monthly basis until all desired commands are successfully learned.

As the dog adapts to its new environment and bonds with its owners, its morale gradually decreases by 1 point per month until it reaches 5 points, reflecting the adjustment period and potential challenges in acclimating to its surroundings. Afterward, the dog's morale diminishes by 1 point per year, or in accordance with the standard morale rules, reflecting the natural progression of its emotional state over time.

Companion Dog Skills

Here is a list of skills that companion dogs can be taught, acknowledging that most of these are quite benign. It is assumed the dog begins sleeping with its owner and and is able to fetch with minimal attention paid.

There are a set of skills that grant a +4 bonus to an unskilled teacher's wisdom, or which may be taught by a skilled character in a single day. These include fetch, stay, speak, roll over or shake a paw. Additional skills, requiring a normal wisdom check per month, or a full week for a skilled character, are as follows:

Play dead: the dog learns to lay down and appear to be deceased, demonstrating its capacity to follow complex commands. The length of time is usually no more than a single round of time. Those with dog handling ability can increase this length of time by one round per week of additional training, to a maximum of 3 full minutes.

Feed: the dog is taught to accept food only from its owner's hand, or from those persons who are also trained to feed the dog, or from a designated container. Thereafter, the dog won't eat until one of these conditions is met. Further, the dog is trained to resist moving forward to feed until specifically commanded to do so.

Hunt: the dog learns to aid the character in hunting, which raises the amount of food that can be obtained in this manner by 50%.