New D&D 5E Book: Pets & Sidekicks Kickstarter
Jul 08, 2025
For Dungeon Masters who have ever watched their carefully planned loot get upstaged by a player's sudden desire to adopt a dungeon creature, a new resource is on the horizon. EN Publishing's upcoming book, Pets & Sidekicks, provides a comprehensive framework for animal companions and allied characters that grow alongside the party, turning those improvised mascots into balanced parts of the campaign.
Evolving Companions, From Wyrmling to Wonder
The system ensures game balance by having companions scale with the party. A character might start with a unicorn foal, not a majestic, fully-powered creature. This companion matures over the course of the adventure, presenting a narrative of care and mentorship. For sentient beings like unicorns or dragons, this relationship is dynamic. They are not mere pets; they are characters with their own agency who may eventually choose their own path.
This is particularly true for dragon wyrmlings. Rules allow players to raise a dragon hatchling across ten levels, after which the young dragon seeks its independence. The nature of its future relationship—whether it becomes a lifelong ally or a vengeful foe—depends entirely on how it was raised. In combat, these draconic companions contribute with a scaling bite attack and a breath weapon that increases in potency as they gain levels.
Simplified Sidekicks for Story and Support
The book also introduces streamlined sidekick classes, such as the Bard companion. Functioning like a chronicler of the party's deeds, this sidekick uses a simplified version of the Bard class to support allies, primarily through Bardic Inspiration. They gain new spells as they level, but are designed for ease of use. This allows the Dungeon Master to manage them effortlessly or lets a player run the sidekick alongside their main character—a perfect solution for smaller gaming groups.
These scalable companion rules also empower DMs to design encounters at any level with virtually any creature, and provide a welcoming entry point for new or younger players who often wish to embody fantastic creatures.
Beyond Combat: Downtime, Loyalty, and Customization
The rules extend far beyond adventuring. Companions can learn non-combat tricks that provide practical utility, such as foraging or offering comfort to characters suffering from mental strain. Spending downtime with a pet boosts its loyalty, making it more reliable and less likely to act out.
The book also includes new magic items tailored for companions: a summoning whistle for mounts, a device similar to a Poké Ball for stabling creatures in inconvenient places, and enhanced versions of classic items like the Bag of Tricks. Companions can be equipped with magical barding and weapons, and special treats aid in training and morale.
Building Your Unique Companion
With templates for over 200 monsters, Pets & Sidekicks offers immense variety. Beyond that, it provides a modular system for building custom companions. DMs can combine general abilities based on creature type—such as celestial, undead, or plant—with unique traits that function as both flaws and perks.
A skittish animal might be more susceptible to fear effects but also exceptionally perceptive. A strange eldritch ooze perched on a shoulder could grant an intimidation edge while also making social interactions more difficult. These quirks make companions feel like real, beloved partners with distinct personalities.
