Beast Tamer vs Normal Bard

[Aradon]

So I see that Beast Tamer replaces the bard's basic Inspire Courage with Inspire Ferocity. They appear to have the same effects, except that Inspire Ferocity specifically affects Pet allies. I had assumed that pet allies would be affected by Inspire courage already, until I read this.

If I want to buff an Animal Companion with bard, do I need to go Beast Tamer archetype?

Thanks

[Frozen Dervish]

Inspire Courage effects all allies. Inspire Ferocity specifically ignores human companions. Both from what I've checked effect summons/pets equally.

The advantage from beast tamer is minute long summons with its innate skill, free summon feats, and being able to sac spell slots for continued summoning, and ferocity giving magic fang ability to pets/summons, and adamantine dr bypass.

You lose Dirge and Inspire to companions so it's a toss up on which is better since summons aren't that great and you can magic fang pets via druid.

[Aradon]

Ah, I see. Thanks for the clarification. NOT Beast Tamer then.

[jsaving]

It is not even remotely a toss-up if you lose dirge.