Apex Species (Animal Companion Archetype)
Just as we had the animal exemplar for familiars two weeks ago, now we have an equivalent for companions!
Unlike the familiar archetype, however, this archetype is not limited to actual animals only, but to any an all creature types among companions!
Whether they are exemplary members of their own species, rare phenotypes created by selective breeding, or highly-specialized subspecies, some animals are perfectly adapted to their homeland. They may have little to no predators or competition, or perhaps so much that they had to become paragons to survive.
Either way, such beasts are often highly sought after by companion-having characters that are native to the same environment and who plan to stay in said environment for a long time, making for a companion that not only is better adapted to the rigors of their home, but might even serve as a status symbol among those similarly interested in such animals.
Much like a ranger, these companions select a favored terrain, gaining bonuses while within it, though they are limited to terrestrial terrain.
What’s more, they also develop a natural defense against a common hazard of their favored homeland, ranging from an elemental resistance based on an extreme of that environment, such as cold for arctic and fire for deserts, to increased elusiveness in forest or resistant to poison and disease in urban or swampy environs.
Later on, they also develop another such adaptation based on their favored environment, such as seeing more clearly through snow, piercing illusions in the same way as recognizing mirages for what they are, moving stealthily in forests and cities, expert climbing in tall jungles and mountains, increased speed in vast open plains, increased swimming in oceans and swamps, and burrowing for the subterranean.
This archetype is an interesting way to perhaps cover natural resiliencies and abilities not covered in a companion stat block, or a way to create speculative species that live outside their real-world environment, such as the classic hollow earth “subterranean dinosaur”, or desert-dwelling carnivorous plants, and so on. However, dropping both multiattack and evasion/improved evasion does mean they are not as impressive in combat as other companions unless you really play to their strengths in that environment, such as attacking from stealth with their bonuses. Just remember that you may find yourself at a disadvantage outside of that environment.
I can imagine that this particular archetype is mostly favored by either low-spell classes that want an environmental advantage for their mount or ally, or by archetypes that themselves favor a particular environment. That being said, I can imagine that a chance encounter with one in the wild that leads to a bonding could be a magical epic moment for any character.
Desperate for any support, Mikro the svirfneblin druid must embark on a suicide mission to rescue his sister, who was swallowed by a worm-like creature called a hyaleth. Though his stonecracker centipede companion is with him, he doesn’t stand a chance against the hyaleth queen.
The merfolk of Casuga are famed breeders of sharks, creating bloodlines that are faster than any other and hunt with cunning and lethal efficiency. Chief among them are their “Kelp Devil” tiger sharks, and many an aquatic druid would give their left hand for the chance to bond with one.
Among cultivated plant creatures, there are plenty of impressive cultivars out there, though the rash creepers found in Mulwash Forest are perhaps the most sought-after by mystic botanists or those looking for a natural guardian for their holdings that don’t want to risk less reliable plants like assassin vines. The reason for their popularity lies in the Mulwash strain’s skill at mimicking the native plant life perfectly, looking almost indistinguishable even to experts until it moves.