[E6] [3.5] Optimizing a Druid Animal Companion

[Argent Fatalis]

Currently I'm looking for a bit of help optimizing a Druid animal companion for an E6 game; sure it isn't the most optimal thing I could do with a Druid, even in E6, but its more for flavor and entertainment. The primary concept is that the companion in question is effectively the powerhouse behind the character, who makes it his business to buff his already dangerous pet into an outright killing machine; Audhild, the animal companion, is intentionally bred and honed for combat use and I hope to reflect that.

Thus far the animal in question is a tiger acquired through the Totem Druid variant found in Dragon Magazine 335 and has the current adjustments;

- Gains benefits and special abilities as if the Druid (currently level 4) were +2 levels higher (Totem Druid variant, DR335), and thus an effective 6th level Druid.
- Has the benefit of the Feral Animal Companion feat (Champions of Ruin feat).
- Was trained to be a Warbeast (MM2) by the Druid.

Here are some other things I need to consider and or find out;

- Feats. What feats would readily improve the animal companion presented thus far? Is Companion Spellbond (PHB II) as valuable as it seems to be (reduces some of the annoyance of buffing the animal heavily)?
- Magebred Druid animal companion? Is this legitimate and doable? Can it be used in conjunction with the Warbeast template?
- Spells. Enrage Animal is a solid spell I plan to make frequent use of, but what of others? Are there some "must haves" for this route?

So far, here's what I have to work with;

- Human 4th Level Tiger Totem Druid
-- 2 Bonus Feats (from Flaws)
-- Human Bonus Feat
-- 1st Level Feat
-- 2nd Level Feat

- Tiger Animal Companion

Any suggestions? Thank you.

[Skevvix]

- Feats. What feats would readily improve the animal companion presented thus far? Is Companion Spellbond (PHB II) as valuable as it seems to be (reduces some of the annoyance of buffing the animal heavily)?

If you aren't going to be in melee beside him, yes, spellbond can be a very nice boost.  It's nice even if you are going to be fighting along side him, that way he doesn't lose the buffs when you move to a flanking position.

As for other feats to buff him, I can't think of any, unless your DM is insane and lets you take natural bond. There is Coordinated Strike to give you a buff when attacking the same foe.

You could go with enhancing your spellcasting to buff him better.  Take Spell focus(transmutation) to get Ability Enhancer (+2 to all ability boosts you cast) so you can buff him and others better. 
 

- Magebred Druid animal companion? Is this legitimate and doable? Can it be used in conjunction with the Warbeast template?

AFAIK, this is fine, as long as your DM approves.

- Spells. Enrage Animal is a solid spell I plan to make frequent use of, but what of others? Are there some "must haves" for this route?

Make sure you can bypass DR, Align Fang, Silvered Claws, Metal Fang.

(click to show/hide)

  Magic Fang, Greater
  Animalistic Power(if you took Ability Focus)
  Nature's Favor
 unfortunately Animal Growth is 5th.

So far, here's what I have to work with;

- Human 4th Level Tiger Totem Druid
-- 2 Bonus Feats (from Flaws)  1)Companion Spellbond  2)Spellfocus(Transmutation)
-- Human Bonus Feat   Improved Initiative

-- 1st Level Feat  Natural Bond(or Swap Ability Enhancer to here and INA(claw) next)

-- 2nd Level Feat  Ability Enhancer

- Tiger Animal Companion

Any suggestions? Thank you.

I think this would make a pretty decent AC for ya, and keep your party happy with +6 to their primary stat of choice.

[BearsAreBrown]

• Martial Study feat or items
• Shape Soulmeld feat
• Look through this thread for items/spells for Animals

[awaken_D_M_golem]

ideas:

Hi Welcome (search for it)
Supermount
PLZ has a record build that's hackable

[Argent Fatalis]

Excellent suggestions, thank you for doing so. Much more specialized this character in a positive way as a buffer.