Train Dragons and Befriend Unicorns: Discover the New D&D Pets & Sidekicks Guide on Kickstarter!
Get ready to train your very own dragon or play as a unicorn with the new Dungeons & Dragons Pets & Sidekicks book, now live on Kickstarter. Designed by Paul Hughes, the author behind the popular Level Up: Monstrous Menagerie, this guide introduces fresh rules for animal companions and sidekicks that grow and level up alongside your characters, adding a whole new dimension to your D&D adventures.
- Rules for raising and bonding with animal companions like dragons and unicorns
- Sidekick mechanics featuring a bard companion to support your party
- New magic items and treats to enhance your pets’ abilities
- Customizable NPCs for crafting and commanding armies
- Options to create your own companions with unique traits and flaws
Raise a Dragon Wyrmling or Care for a Baby Unicorn
D&D players often find themselves wanting more than just loot from their quests—they want companions. This book answers that call by allowing players to raise creatures like a dragon wyrmling or a baby unicorn that grows alongside their character. Paul Hughes explains, “You’re going to get a baby unicorn, and they’re going to grow up along with you. You’re going to be their caretaker. A unicorn is also sentient, so this isn’t a pet — they’re kind of a kid, and eventually they’re going to make their own decisions.” That means your companion might choose to stay loyal, or strike out on their own, adding emotional depth and unpredictability to your campaign.
Baby dragons are tough to train but prove valuable in combat with bite attacks and breath weapons that increase in power as they level. After about 10 levels, your wyrmling might decide to leave, becoming either a lifelong ally or a potential adversary depending on how you treated it.
Sidekicks That Bring More to the Table
The book also features sidekick rules, including a bard companion previewed by Hughes. This sidekick follows your character around, chronicling achievements and boosting the party with Bardic Inspiration. It’s a simplified bard class that’s easy for the Dungeon Master or even players to manage, perfect for groups with fewer players or newcomers to the game.
Hughes shares, “I play a lot of games with my kids and their friends, and somebody frequently says, ‘I want to be a unicorn,’ and I think ‘What do I do? There [are rules for] a centaur, and I can give you a horn attack. But now you can say ‘Great, we’ve got a unicorn for you.’”
Magic Items and More for Your Furry or Scaly Friends
Beyond companions, the guide offers rules for NPCs who can craft items or lead armies. It also introduces magic items tailored for pets, like a signal whistle to summon your horse, a PokeBall-style item to stow your mount, and an upgraded Bag of Tricks that calls forth stronger critters. Pets can be enhanced with magical weapons, barding, and special treats that improve training and happiness.
Spending downtime with your pet boosts their loyalty, helping them follow orders better and avoid attacking fellow party members. Plus, pets can learn useful tricks, including comforting PCs dealing with mental strain introduced in the Level Up 5th Edition ruleset.
Create Your Own Unique Companions
With rules covering over 200 monsters, Pets & Sidekicks also lets you build custom companions using general abilities sorted by creature types like undead, celestial, or plant. Companions can have quirks and flaws that make them feel more real and relatable.
Hughes notes, “Your skittish animal may be extra-vulnerable to fear, but it is always a little more perceptive than everybody else, always keeping an eye on things. Your creepy eldritch ooze that’s on your shoulder is extra intimidating, but also off-putting. A big part of fantasy is, ‘My horse is skittish, my dog is grumpy, my mule is stubborn. This pet is flawed, but I love them anyway.’”
Support the Kickstarter
If you’re excited to add companions that grow with your party and bring fresh storytelling possibilities, check out the Pets & Sidekicks Kickstarter by EN Publishing. The campaign runs until August 7 at 6 p.m. ET, so don’t miss your chance to get in on the fun!
