# Companion Modifications File

These files specify the bonuses that "enhanced companions", such as familiars and a Paladin's special mount, receive from associating with the character.

This page is separated into two sections: the Building a Basic Companion Mod and the Companion Mod File Tag Dictionary.

## Building a Basic Companion Mod

The Companion Mod file contains two types of lines. The FOLLOWER line and the MASTERBONUSRACE line. The tags used on each line are listed below.

FOLLOWER line uses the following tags:

FOLLOWER - Begins the line.

COPYMASTERBAB - Replaces the follower's Base Attack Bonus (BAB)

COPYMASTERCHECK - Replaces the follower's check bonuses.

COPYMASTERHP - Replaces the follower's HP total.

FOLLOWERADJUSTMENT

HD - Grants bonus hit dice to the follower of its normal creature type.

RACETYPE - Changes the follower's creature type.

USEMASTERSKILL - Determines whether the follower uses its Master's skill ranks.

Any global tag.

MASTERBONUSRACE line uses the following tags:

MASTERBONUSRACE - Begins the line.

The TYPE tag, any BONUS tag and the global VFEAT and ABILITY tags.

## Companion Mod File Tag Dictionary

Tag Name: COPYMASTERBAB:x

Variables used (x): Number, Variable or Formula (Base Attack Bonus granted)

Variables used (x): MASTER

What it does:

- Substitutes the follower's normal Base Attack Bonus (BAB) with the value specified.
- `MASTER` is a special sub-tag which passes the value of the Master's BAB.

Example:

`COPYMASTERBAB:MASTER`

Uses the Master's BAB

Where it is Used:

FOLLOWER Line

Tag Name: COPYMASTERCHECK:x

Variables used (x): MASTER

What it does:

Gives the creature the same checks as the master.

Example

`COPYMASTERCHECK:MASTER`

Uses the base master checks

Where it is Used:

FOLLOWER Line

Tag Name: COPYMASTERHP:x

Variables used (x): Number, Variable or Formula (Hit Points granted)

Variables used (x): MASTER

What it does:

- Substitutes the follower's normal Hit Points (HP) with the value specified.
- `MASTER` is a special sub-tag which passes the value of the Master's HP.

Example:

`COPYMASTERHP:MASTER/2`

Gives the creature half the master's hit points

`COPYMASTERHP:max(1,MASTER/2)`

Gives the creature half the master's hit points or 1, whichever is higher.

Where it is Used:

FOLLOWER Line

Tag Name: FOLLOWER:x,x=y

Variables Used (x): Text (Class name or Variable)

Variables Used (y): Number (Class level or Variable value)

What it does:

- This is a comma delimited list of classes or variables.
- If the "master" meets the required level or value in the tag, then the companion gains all the benefits as described by the other tags in the line.

Examples:

`FOLLOWER:Paladin=5`

True if PC is a Level 5 or greater "Paladin".

`FOLLOWER:Sorcerer,Wizard=1`

True if PC is a Level 1 or greater "Sorcerer" or "Wizard".

`FOLLOWER:CompanionLevel=5`

True if the CompanionLevel variable is 5 or greater.

Tag Name: HD:x

Variables Used (x): Number (Hit Dice)

What it does:

Gives the companion bonus hit dice of its creature type.

Example:

`HD:2`

Defines the creature having two Hit Dice.

Where it is Used:

FOLLOWER Line

Tag Name: MASTERBONUSRACE:x

Variables used (x): Text (Race Name)

What it does:

- The `MASTERBONUSRACE` tag is the first tag on a MASTERBONUSRACE line.
- The MASTERBONUSRACE line is used to define the advantages that the master gains when having a particular race(s) as the given type of companion.
- The tags following the `MASTERBONUSRACE` tag on the MASTERBONUSRACE line are granted to the master.
- Valid tags on this line are `TYPE`, `BONUS`, `VFEAT` and the `ABILITY` tags.

Example:

`MASTERBONUSRACE:Bat`

Specifies what race the master has chosen (Bat) and the tag(s) following it will give the master the familiar bonuses.

*** Added 5.9.4

Tag Name: RACETYPE:x

Variables Used (x): Text (Creature Type)

What it does:

- Changes the type of the creature from the initial type defined by the RACETYPE tag in the race line to the racetype designated.
- A Creature may only have one racetype at any given time.
- Existing selections from the RSRD Monster List include:
  Aberration, Animal, Beast, Construct, Dragon, Elemental, Fey, Giant, Humanoid, Magical Beast, Monstrous Humanoid, Ooze, Outsider, Plant, Shapechanger, Undead, and Vermin

Example:

`RACETYPE:Undead`

The Creature is now of the "Undead" type.

Where it is Used:

FOLLOWER Line

Tag Name: USEMASTERSKILL:x

Variables Used (x): Boolean (YES or NO)

What it does:

Used to define whether the creature uses the skill ranks of its master or not.

Example:

`USEMASTERSKILL:YES`

Defines the creature as using the skill ranks of its master, including those granted by the `BONUS:SKILLRANK` tag.

Where it is Used:

FOLLOWER Line

Default Value:

`NO`