I have a question/comment relating to the Loyal Companion clarification.
Quote:
When I choose Loyal Companion do I automatically gain an animal companion?
A: No, as the talents states you form a bond with an animal you already own. With the exception of a wolf you can buy a war dog, falcon, or war horse and make that your loyal companion. If at some time you come across a wolf which you may want to train it, having it replace your current loyal companion, as if you had lost your old one.
My question/comment is that there are a lot of ways in the Animism tradition to affect natural animals. For example, the spell "Path of the Wolf" allows you to call wolves (although they are only minion level) to your location Additionally, the spell "Sway Beast" allows you to make an animal more friendly to you.
Quote:
All Natural Beasts that you affect become docile and may actually show you affection (such as rubbing against you or licking your face).
So, my question/comment is that these two spells imply there would be a way to obtain an animal companion from nature, rather than purchasing one, if you have taken these spells. Or even ignoring Path of the Wolf, the Sway Beasts spell should allow you to befriend a wild animal (and if I understand the rules correctly, there is nothing that would stop you from recasting Sway Beasts every scene, to maintain that bond/affection/relationship).
It just seems that this clarification makes it "impossible" to be a Ranger or Druid, as you must "purchase" an animal to be a Loyal Companion. Perhaps that is the intention, but therein lies my question/comment. =)
Thanks!