Training Roles
As part of a beast’s training, it is taught how to perform certain tasks to fulfill a specific function. Humanoids have longed used beasts to assist in completing numerous jobs. A trained beast learns one role and gains a number of commands it can follow.
A beast’s training encompasses its role that grants it one skill proficiency and a number of commands, and any additional commands it learns. All trained beasts know the follow, return, and wait commands. A beast doesn’t require explicit training to support a mounted rider; a domesticated beast will take on a rider provided that rider is smaller than it and both have the necessary build to enable riding the beast.
A training role is a roster of commands a beast learns to fulfill whatever job it intended to do. Most beasts can only learn one or two training roles, but more intelligent beasts can learn more. Replacing a training role with a new one requires fully retraining the beast. The listed roles are the most common roles a beast is trained to perform, but the DM may offer other roles.
Entertainer
Training a beast to entertain is a niche usually restricted to circuses and street performers.
Proficiency. Performance
Commands. Assist (Performance), Hide, Search, Trick
Guard
A beast trained to guard is a welcome addition for most communities, families, and adventuring parties. A guard beast is reliable in defending its wards.
Proficiency. Insight
Commands. Alert, Attack, Protect, Stand Watch
Hunter
A hunter will seek out a beast companion also trained to hunt. Hunter training focuses on stalking, killing, and retrieving game.
Proficiency. Stealth
Commands. Attack, Hide, Retrieve, Shadow
Laborer
It is common for a beast to be used for labor, especially for work requiring greater strength or endurance. A beast trained to labor is often unsuited for adventuring except for pulling a cart or wagon.
Proficiency. Constitution saving throws
Commands. Assist (Work), Endure, Labor, Navigate
Messenger
Messenger training allows a beast to serve as a courier, and is able to travel independent of its master.
Proficiency. Perception
Commands. Hide, Identify Person, Navigate, Remember Location
Tracker
A beast trained in tracking can use its sense to locate creatures and object. It is also trained to aid its master.
Proficiency. Survival
Commands. Assist (Attack, Survival), Seek Target, Track
War Beast
A beast trained in war is capable of fully engaging in combat. A war beast will never retreat from combat as a result of lost hit points.
Proficiency. Athletics
Commands. Alert, Assist (Attack), Attack, Seek Target
Expertise for Beasts
The DM may rule that if a beast has proficiency in a skill already, that any training role that grants the same skill proficiency instead grants the beast expertise in that proficiency, allowing it to add twice its proficiency bonus.
If the beast already has expertise in the skill proficiency, then it gains no added benefit as a result of its training.