In the realm of Dungeons & Dragons, the spotlight often shines brightly on the main characters, while their trusty sidekicks linger in the shadows. However, these faithful companions play a crucial role in the party’s success, and their growth and development are essential to the story. But a burning question remains: do sidekicks level up in DND? In this article, we’ll delve into the official rules, explore the possibilities, and examine the implications of sidekick leveling.
Official Rules: Sidekicks and Experience Points
According to the official Dungeon Master’s Guide, sidekicks are creatures that accompany adventurers on their quests. These companions can be animal companions, familiars, or even other creatures bound to the party through magic or loyalty. When it comes to experience points, the DMG states that sidekicks do not earn XP individually. Instead, they share in the XP awarded to their associated character.
This raises an important question: if sidekicks don’t earn XP, do they level up when their associated character does? The answer lies in the DMG‘s description of sidekick advancement. According to the book, a sidekick’s abilities and statistics should improve as their associated character gains levels. However, this improvement is not explicitly tied to the sidekick leveling up.
Sidekick Leveling: The Debate Rages On
Despite the official rules, many players and DMs argue that sidekicks should level up alongside their associated characters. This perspective is rooted in the idea that sidekicks are an integral part of the party and should share in the rewards and growth. After all, a sidekick that remains stagnant while their associated character advances can become less effective in combat and less engaging in role-playing.
On the other hand, some argue that sidekicks should not level up, as this could create an imbalance in the game. With multiple sidekicks leveling up, the party’s overall power could become too great, making encounters too easy and diminishing the sense of accomplishment.
The Pros and Cons of Sidekick Leveling
To better understand the implications of sidekick leveling, let’s weigh the pros and cons of this approach:
Pros:
- Increased realism: As the associated character grows in power, it’s logical that their sidekick would also improve, reflecting their bond and shared experiences.
- Enhanced role-playing: Leveling up sidekicks can add depth to the story, as their abilities and personalities evolve alongside their associated characters.
- Better combat dynamics: A leveling sidekick can contribute more significantly to combat, making encounters more engaging and challenging.
Cons:
- Game imbalance: Allowing sidekicks to level up could create an uneven playing field, making it easier for the party to overcome challenges.
- Overpowered party: With multiple sidekicks leveling up, the party’s overall power could become too great, leading to an unbalanced game.
- Additional complexity: Leveling up sidekicks can add an extra layer of complexity to the game, requiring more bookkeeping and management.
Alternative Solutions: A Middle Ground
So, what’s the solution? One approach is to allow sidekicks to advance in a more limited capacity. For example:
- Ability score improvements: Sidekicks could receive improvements to their ability scores as their associated character levels up, reflecting their growing bond and shared experiences.
- Skill and feature advancements: Sidekicks could gain new skills or features as their associated character advances, but not necessarily level up in the classical sense.
- Create custom progression systems: DMs can create custom progression systems for sidekicks, tailored to the specific needs and balance of their campaign.
By adopting these alternative solutions, DMs can strike a balance between realism, role-playing, and game balance.
Conclusion: The Fate of Sidekicks in DND
In the end, the question of whether sidekicks level up in DND is a matter of interpretation and personal preference. While the official rules may not explicitly state that sidekicks level up, there are compelling arguments for and against this approach.
As DMs and players, we must weigh the pros and cons, considering the unique needs and balance of our campaigns. By embracing the complexity and creativity of DND, we can craft engaging stories, memorable characters, and epic battles that will be remembered for ages to come.
So, do sidekicks level up in DND? The answer lies in the hearts of the players and the wisdom of the DMs.
What is a sidekick in Dungeons and Dragons?
A sidekick in Dungeons and Dragons is a non-player character (NPC) that accompanies a player character on their adventures. Sidekicks can be allies, friends, or even mentors who aid the player character in combat, skill checks, and social interactions. They can also provide comic relief, emotional support, and add depth to the game’s story.
Sidekicks can be created using the official rules outlined in the “Xanathar’s Guide to Everything” or through homebrew methods devised by the Dungeon Master (DM). They typically have their own stat blocks, abilities, and personalities, which can be customized to fit the needs of the game.
Do sidekicks level up in DND?
Yes, sidekicks can level up in DND, but it’s not a straightforward process. According to the official rules, sidekicks gain experience points (XP) when they participate in combat and other activities, but they don’t level up in the same way as player characters. Instead, the DM can choose to advance the sidekick’s abilities and stats at certain milestones or when the party gains a level.
The leveling process for sidekicks is often more narrative-driven than mechanical. The DM may decide to grant the sidekick new abilities or improvements based on their role in the story, their relationship with the player character, or their accomplishments in the game. This approach allows the sidekick to grow and develop alongside the player character without overshadowing them.
How do sidekicks gain experience points?
Sidekicks gain experience points (XP) when they participate in combat, complete quests, and achieve milestones alongside the player character. The DM can award XP to the sidekick based on their contribution to the party’s success, taking into account their abilities, actions, and decisions. The amount of XP awarded can vary depending on the DM’s discretion and the sidekick’s level of involvement.
In general, sidekicks tend to gain XP at a slower rate than player characters, reflecting their supporting role in the game. However, the DM can adjust the XP gain to fit the needs of the story and the sidekick’s importance to the party.
Can sidekicks become player characters?
Yes, sidekicks can become player characters in certain circumstances. If the player character dies or leaves the party, the sidekick can take their place as a new player character. Alternatively, the DM can choose to promote the sidekick to a player character role if the party is in need of an additional member or if the sidekick has become a central figure in the story.
When a sidekick becomes a player character, they typically retain their existing abilities and stats, but the player takes control of their actions and decisions. The DM may need to adjust the sidekick’s abilities to fit the player’s preferences and playstyle, and the player will need to develop the character’s personality, backstory, and motivations.
How do I create a sidekick in DND?
To create a sidekick in DND, you can use the official rules outlined in “Xanathar’s Guide to Everything” or create your own custom sidekick using a combination of existing monsters, NPCs, and character builds. Start by deciding on the sidekick’s role, abilities, and personality, taking into account the needs of the party and the story.
Next, determine the sidekick’s stats, skills, and equipment, using the DM’s discretion to balance their abilities with the player characters. You can also customize the sidekick’s appearance, backstory, and motivations to fit the game’s world and narrative.
What are some popular sidekick options in DND?
Some popular sidekick options in DND include animal companions, such as wolves or horses; humanoid allies, like guards or mercenaries; and even magical constructs, like golems or animated objects. Other options include demons, undead creatures, or other fantastical beings that can serve as companions or allies.
The choice of sidekick often depends on the campaign setting, the party’s needs, and the player character’s personality and backstory. The DM can also create custom sidekicks tailored to the game’s unique narrative and world.
Can sidekicks die in DND?
Yes, sidekicks can die in DND, just like player characters. If a sidekick falls in combat or suffers a fatal injury, they can die or be incapacitated, depending on the circumstances. The DM may choose to have the sidekick die in a dramatic or emotional moment, or they may allow the party to revive or rescue them.
If a sidekick dies, the DM can use the opportunity to advance the story, introduce new plot twists, or explore the emotional impact on the player character and the party. Alternatively, the DM can choose to replace the sidekick with a new ally or companion, introducing a fresh dynamic to the game.