[PF] An Animal Companion by any other class

[Halae]

Hey guys! What I'm looking to do is get into the Mammoth Rider prestige class (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/prestige-classes/other-paizo/i-m/mammoth-rider) for a character build. The problem I have is that I want the character to be a pure warrior type, but I'm having a bit of trouble. See, I want full base attack bonus, which the druid (the obvious entry choice) doesn't get, and I don't want to use cavalier because they can't start off with a mammoth animal companion.

Are there any archetypes for a pure warrior character that get an animal companion? A barbarian maybe?

[Urpriest]

Don't rangers automatically get animal companions at level-3?

[Halae]

Yeah, but I'm trying to avoid spellcasting classes in general, and rangers get divine spellcasting at level 4. I'm also trying to get full animal companion progression. Sorry for not making that clear.

[Dusk Eclipse]

There are several Ranger Archetypes that trade spellcasting for stuff. For example a Beastmaster (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/ranger/archetypes/paizo---ranger-archetypes/beastmaster) Skirimisher (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/ranger/archetypes/paizo---ranger-archetypes/skirmisher) Ranger doesn't get spells and has a better animal companion and can select Mammoth from the get go-

[Andvare]

Yes, rangers can get an animal companion, however they don't get the elephant on their list (which is utter BS, there is no reason why they should not get the same list as the druid, rangers certainly aren't more powerful than druids).

To circumvent this little obstacle, you can get the Skill Focus: Knowledge (nature) and Eldrich Heritage (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/general-feats/eldritch-heritage) (Sylvan) (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/sorcerer/archetypes/paizo---sorcerer-archetypes/wildblooded/sylvan), and get the animal companion you want with any class.
100% RAW.

(Edit: Yes, the Beastmaster ranger archetype do get the full list, and with the Boon Companion feat (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/general-feats/boon-companion), you get full companion progression)

[Dusk Eclipse]

Yes, rangers can get an animal companion, however they don't get the elephant on their list (which is utter BS, there is no reason why they should not get the same list as the druid, rangers certainly aren't more powerful than druids).

To circumvent this little obstacle, you can get the Skill Focus: Knowledge (nature) and Eldrich Heritage (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/general-feats/eldritch-heritage) (Sylvan) (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/sorcerer/archetypes/paizo---sorcerer-archetypes/wildblooded/sylvan), and get the animal companion you want with any class.
100% RAW.

Bestmasters rangers get the full druids list.

[grarrrg]

Hey guys! What I'm looking to do is get into the Mammoth Rider prestige class (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/prestige-classes/other-paizo/i-m/mammoth-rider) for a character build. The problem I have is that I want the character to be a pure warrior type, but I'm having a bit of trouble. See, I want full base attack bonus, which the druid (the obvious entry choice) doesn't get, and I don't want to use cavalier because they can't start off with a mammoth animal companion.

Are there any archetypes for a pure warrior character that get an animal companion? A barbarian maybe?

Beast Rider Cavalier (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/cavalier/archetypes/paizo---cavalier-archetypes/beast-rider), while you must _start_ with a Horse/Camel, at level 4 your list REALLY opens up. Including your Mastodon/Mammoth.
If it helps, you don't "need" a Mammoth to get into the class. ANY Animal will do.

Other options are:
Warrior of the Holy Light Paladin trades away casting, but you still have a 'normal' Horse-like Mount.
Skirmisher and Trapper Ranger archetypes both trade away spells, but leaves the Companion alone.
Mounted Fury Barbarian gets a 'normal' Horse mount, but at a -4 Effective Level Penalty.

I'd go with the Beast Rider Cavalier, you get FULL Effective Level (no need for Boon Companion) and you get a VERY nice list of options.

[Arutema]

There is also the Mad Dog barbarian archetype from animal archive. Delayed rage progression in exchange for getting an animal companion.

[Halae]

There is also the Mad Dog barbarian archetype from animal archive. Delayed rage progression in exchange for getting an animal companion.

This. This right here is pretty much exactly what I wanted, thank you! I can live without rage powers if it means I have an animal companion.

[Simur]

Not sure if this will still be usefull to you, but here is a list of al Pathfinder classes that may get an Animal Companion (or a creature/mount treated by the rules of Animal Companion):

Barbarian (Mounted Fury Archetype, 'Bestial Mount' class feature grants Mount AC)
Cavalier (Mount class feature grants a Mount as AC)
Cleric (Animal Domain grants AC)
Druid (Nature Bond class feature)
Inquisitor (Animal Domain grants AC)
Ranger (Nature Bond class feature)
Oracle (Nature Mystery, choose 'Bonded Mount' Revelation)
Paladin (Divine Bond class feature)
Sorcerer (Wildblooded Archetype, Silvan bloodline grants AC)

Regards

[Hruken]

Saw this on the paizo boards a while back, thought it might be applicable:
10 levels of mounted fury barbarian, grab boon companion. Choose the following rage powers:
Ferocious Mount (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/barbarian/rage-powers/paizo---rage-powers/ferocious-mount-ex)
Lesser Beast Totem (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/barbarian/rage-powers/paizo---rage-powers/beast-totem-lesser-su)
Beast Totem (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/barbarian/rage-powers/paizo---rage-powers/beast-totem-su)
Greater Ferocious Mount (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/barbarian/rage-powers/paizo---rage-powers/ferocious-mount-greater-ex)
Greater Beast Totem (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/barbarian/rage-powers/paizo---rage-powers/beast-totem-greater-su)

Then go into mammoth rider, pick a mammoth for your mount.

When you rage, your mount rages (costs 2 rounds of rage), and gains your rage powers. This grants your raging mammoth a natural armor bonus, a couple of claws, and best of all, pounce.

Having a mammoth mount is nice, but having a raging, pouncing mammoth is amazing.