varied types of artificer pets - panther, bear, etc

[skarlin16]

DDO store purchaseable artificer pet types with different abilities. Iron Stalker - panther type having different abilities than normal iron defender. Iron ????? Bear type. Just a few examples get creative.

Lestoli 20 bard Khyber

[Edward_Deus]

I'll sign on this. But instead of just making Artis into Mech-loving Rangers, take a bit of content from the PnP modules.

"Magic of Ebberon" as well as The "Ebberon Campaign Setting" introduce a number of good Artificer pets, otherwise known as homunculi. A few examples are:

Iron Defender (Already Implemented)
Expeditious Messenger - Flying non-combat pet that could have an ability to take a targetted soulstone to the nearest/last cleared ressurection shrine.

Arbalester - Ranged only pet, should have the ability to upgrade it with modules made from any crossbow.

Packmate - My personal favorite. This little guy is the ultimate utility pet. Let him have an option where he rides on the character's back or runs alongside. If he is "attached" to his master, he automatically feeds his master heal pots from the pet's inventory. If a comrade is within close proximity, the pet can be trained to feed them heal pots from its invy as well.

I applaud the Devs with the release of many items from "Magic of Ebberon" into the challenge rewards list of U12. Now it's just a matter of getting other things implemented that will improve the game even further. I'm of course talking about the Ranger's Animal Companion ability, as well as the Leadership feat. All of these things would work perfectly well in the online world.

[Talon_Moonshadow]

In your title, you mis-spelled "Druid".

[R0cksteady]

It's depressing that people go right to making their suggestions being DDO store items. especially something like this.

[Talias006]

This is true.

It really should be a player preference that is earned through Artificer AP.
Not Homunculi AP advancement.

Or even maybe a class feat upon creation or leveling as a 1st level Artificer.
Kind of like Helf's Dilettante, Favored Soul's follower, and Monk's Path choices.

[dodger72]

Kind of like Helf's Dilettante, Favored Soul's follower, and Monk's Path choices.

I could see this used based off of race as well (human - dog, elf - panther, halfling - bear, drow - scorpion....whatever, just examples) without even bothering with the DDO store.

[Talias006]

I could see this used based off of race as well (human - dog, elf - panther, halfling - bear, drow - scorpion....whatever, just examples) without even bothering with the DDO store.

I like the direction here, although bears might be more of a horc style than halfling.
Can't really think of what type to use for halflings that the pet wouldn't eventually become twice the size or more of the master.

Perhaps use the same general idea of dog, but put a saddle and reins on them, since they could possibly serve as a mount for a halfling after say, level 8...
Just a thought...

[LrdSlvrhnd]

No, no, no. Halflings get bears 'cause they can RIDE 'em. I don't think even a halfling could ride a mechadog.

And screw bonus pets for artis until rangers get companions, dammit! I was just thinking a couple of hours ago about a similar racial thing. Maybe a standard companion (wolf, perhaps) that any ranger can get, and a specific racial companion. One that you can choose without burning a feat, but with different abilities. Like, a dwarf's racial companion gets bonuses when fighting in caverns, and an elf's gets a bonus fighting outdoors, and a human's gets a bonus in city areas. Halflings and orcs go for strength (one to be the muscle, one 'cause muscle is culturally respected). WF, of course, get the robo-dogs.

[Urist]

I could see this used based off of race as well (human - dog, elf - panther, halfling - bear, drow - scorpion....whatever, just examples) without even bothering with the DDO store.

Human - Dog
Elf - Panther
Drow - Scorpion
Half-Orc - Bear
Half-Elf - Mule
Dwarf - Tortoise
Halfling - Ferret
Warforged - Halfling

[Willibold]

Please , give rangers companions first. Give us some love please.

And halflings should get bears at least.....or umber hulks, or owlbears. Anyone?

[dodger72]

I like the direction here, although bears might be more of a horc style than halfling.
Can't really think of what type to use for halflings that the pet wouldn't eventually become twice the size or more of the master.

Perhaps use the same general idea of dog, but put a saddle and reins on them, since they could possibly serve as a mount for a halfling after say, level 8...
Just a thought...

meh...I put bear just because of the sheer size difference between the now dog/halfling with the current Arti's. My halfling is so bloody short compared to the dog, I thought it would be even more comical, and not just more right, for the halflings to have that larger beast by thier side.

And yes...I do agree that rangers need the love a bit here too for the animal companions. Those should roll out soon, imho, as it only seems....dare I say....the right thing to do.

[Myrddinman]

I want a metal bat to annoy the he ll out of mobs

[skarlin16]

I would rather not pay for it, however I'd like to see it done. I love the idea of race based animals, and think you guys are doing a great job fleshing this one out =)

[Talias006]

Human - Dog
Elf - Panther
Drow - Scorpion
Half-Orc - Bear
Half-Elf - Mule
Dwarf - Tortoise
Halfling - Ferret
Warforged - Halfling

Currently my thoughts on these are on par, except for Half-Elf.
Mule? Is that because you use them as mules for your other characters?

And the one for warforged did make me smile. Not sure what would be better for them, honestly.

Although, I think we need a Bat for the Dwarf, since they're both cave dwellers by nature.

[Urist]

Currently my thoughts on these are on par, except for Half-Elf.
Mule? Is that because you use them as mules for your other characters?

I thought it appropriate, because Mules are also half-breeds which look like ass.

I sorted my suggestions approximately in order of ascending flippancy.

[dunklezhan]

Currently my thoughts on these are on par, except for Half-Elf.
Mule? Is that because you use them as mules for your other characters?

No its as in 'fugly as a...'