Animal Companions
Animal companions and similar creature allies should feel like part of the adventuring team without becoming an extra full character. Their rules value comes from mobility, senses, attacks, and presence, but their table value depends on fast decisions and clear boundaries.
Action timing. Decide when the companion acts and what kind of direction it needs before combat starts.
Reasonable behavior. A trained creature can follow appropriate commands, but it is still a creature with senses, instincts, limits, and risk.
Scene pressure. The companion can scout, carry, threaten, distract, or guard, but the table should avoid letting it solve every problem ahead of the party.
Record its statistics. Use the creature's actual statistics where possible, and keep the important combat and exploration values visible during play.
Commands
Keep commands short and plausible. Complex tactics usually require special rules support, training, or direct table agreement.
Danger
If a companion can meaningfully affect the scene, it can also be threatened by the scene. Make that risk clear before it matters.
Spotlight
A companion should add choices for the player without becoming a second full turn that slows down every encounter.