Ranger Animal Companion Variants

[Jallorn]

Yeah, I'm looking for a good variant for the Ranger's Animal Companion class feature. I'm playing a Wild Shaping Ranger (level 16 Gestalt) and Animal Companion doesn't really fit.

So what are some good variants? Other than the one from CC.

[Coidzor]

There's distracting attack, but since you're a wildshaper, you're probably mixing it up in melee anyway.

Distracting attack basically lets something you hit count as flanked, so only good if you have rogue friends and you're ranged or some kind of multi-attacking spring attacker.

...I don't think you can trade out substitution levels out retroactively either, so Shooting Star Ranger substiution levels are a bit iffy.

Some extra spells/SLAs in exchange for your animal companion.

[Jallorn]

I forgot to add that Dragon Mag is banned.

I know distracting attack, but which book is it from?

[ShadowsGrnEyes]

try to talk your DM into the Pathdfinder alternative. . . its pretty good

[lsfreak]

On the plus side for Distracting Attack, it works even if your target moves away or if allies are having trouble getting into flanking position.

[dariathalon]

I forgot to add that Dragon Mag is banned.

I know distracting attack, but which book is it from?

It's in PHB II.

[Chambers]

What race are you? There are some racial substitution levels for Ranger that ditch the animal companion. Actually they just modify the animal companion. Oops.