Does a Ranger gain access to everything at once?

In a perfect world yes, I know our companions have typically been play with them and as they age they can do more....I suppose I'm good with this knowing they wouldn't potentially just disappear anymore.

Does a Ranger gain access to certain companions by circle?

I would think circle + relevant skill. Similar to mech req for WM's so probably outdoorsmanship?

Is it possible for a Ranger to gain ALL companions, or would they have to choose?

I think to some degree they should have to choose, maybe one of each tier? Not having to worry about my companion running off, this should be doable and perhaps require some thought as to which creature to choose/what fluff and bonus they might provide. Or perhaps you can choose the survival skill bonus and apply it to any of the companions that are available for that tier. I think it would by in large be like the WM guild in that once you have the higher tier pets you really don't utilize the lower tier that much anymore.

What other "specialty" abilities should a companion have based on its type?

Fluff verbs/interaction for RP is good. Probably should teach outdoorsmanship (assuming we are still feeding them) when/if caretaking opportunities arise. Higher tiers don't hide from combat like wolves v. raccoons currently (because if I'm going to have one, I sure want it to be able to hunt with me). I'm sure there should be a difference between flying/grounded in abilities or access to areas...

// Beseech to speak through the companion:

The ability to carry the imbued rocks with messages would make for one way messaging at least. Maybe being able to see what they see in a room even at distances.....could be an ability to the higher tiered one's or perhaps a spell/beseech that allows while active? Shame on me for forgetting the rocks but I hardly ever dust of my wolf these days.


Gross. That's gross. You're gross.

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NaOH+HI