Improved Companion
Summary
Improved Companion is an advanced ranger move from Perilous Wilds, a supplement for Dungeon World. The move allows a ranger to enhance their animal companion's capabilities by granting it additional tags or moves. It can be taken up to twice as the ranger gains levels, and each time it is selected, the animal companion gains two additional tags or moves of the player's choice. In Session 5 of the campaign, Brad selected this move when leveling Cat to level 3, carefully considering multiple options before choosing Escape from Bind and Deliver a Message as the two new abilities for Cat's companion, Monster.
Details
The Improved Companion move functions as a customization tool that lets rangers tailor their animal companions to better support the party's needs. As the rules state: "each time you take this move up to twice, your animal companion gains two additional tags or moves of your choice." This provides the player with flexibility in selecting from various companion tags and moves available in Perilous Wilds.
When choosing abilities, the player may select any combination: two tags, two moves, or one of each. Tags typically describe physical attributes or capabilities (such as Steed or Hardy), while moves represent specific actions the companion can perform.
During Brad's selection process in Session 5, several options were considered:
- Steed: Would allow the companion to be ridden
- Hardy: Would increase the companion's resilience
- Threaten and Intimidate: A move for social encounters
- Escape from Bind: Allows the companion to free itself from restraints
- Deliver a Message: Enables the companion to carry communications
Brad ultimately chose Escape from Bind and Deliver a Message for Monster, focusing on utility abilities that would provide practical support during adventures. The consideration of Steed and Hardy was noted with the observation that "Monster is going to get bigger eventually," suggesting these options might become relevant if the move is taken a second time at a higher level.
History
Session 5
Brad took the Improved Companion move when [leveling Cat to level 3](timestamp://1c9b2d60-4a63-4d53-98da-8e8c8faf90ef/00:00). After reviewing the options and discussing the mechanical benefits, Brad selected Escape from Bind and Deliver a Message as the two new abilities for Monster. The decision involved weighing several possibilities, including whether tags like Steed or Hardy made sense for Monster's current size and role, with Brad noting that some options might be [more appropriate as Monster grows](timestamp://1c9b2d60-4a63-4d53-98da-8e8c8faf90ef/01:30).