The Animal Companion is not that great of an ability. 1st, the ranger does not get an animal companion until they are 4th level, then the animal companion is 3 levels below that of a druids. This basically forces the character to take Nature's Bond. If a player wants to swap out the animal companion for a different feature, here are to authorized alternatives. Distracting Attack A ranger's animal companion isn't nearly as tough as a druid's, and thus works best as a scout or occasional flanker in combat. If your ranger would prefer to avoid the hassle of taking care of an animal companion, you can get some of the same benefit with the distracting attack alternative class feature. Though not as effective as an actual flanker, the ability to spread out your attacks to affect multiple enemies is a nice side effect. Level : Replaces : If you select this class feature, you do not gain an animal companion. Benefit : Beginning at 4th level, whenever you hit an enemy with a weapon attack (whether melee or ranged), that enemy is considered flanked by you for the purpose of adjudicating your allies' attacks. For example, if your rogue ally attacked that enemy, not only would she gain a +2 bonus on her melee attack roll but she could also add her sneak attack damage to a successful melee attack. This flanked condition lasts until either the enemy is attacked by one of your allies or until the start of your next turn, whichever comes first. This is an extraordinary ability. This ability has no effect on creatures that can't be flanked. Solitary Hunting A ranger who loses his faith also loses his most obvious blessing of nature: his animal companion. In return, though, he becomes even more self-reliant. Level : 4th. Replaces : If you select this class feature, you do not gain your animal companion. If you already have an animal companion. it abandons you immediately. Benefit : Your favored enemy bonus also applies to your attack rolls.
