val Holryn wrote:
Yeah the story angle is weird and it's a corner case.
To be clear I am not looking for a second companion (or even really a mechanical benefit beyond eventually getting to to Tier V bloodline ability).
I had the idea that the tier IV bloodline ability might be interpreted that you gain the ability to summon an infernal servant but that a character could choose not to exercise that ability. I agree, as RAW it's currently a barrier.
I guess I'll wait and see what further thoughts develop.
This combo is odd. The other instance I can recall that is sort of similar is Ulfilan Ranger which grants an air elemental as Loyal Companion but that one explicitly says it replaces any already-existing companion.
I like Akira's suggestion of applying an Infernal trait or two to the hound but that's definitely not strictly RAW (no idea if it would fit story-wise).