For the DM's sake I am not pulling rules from the expanded books and using variants. I am keeping my build simpler and more confined to the PHB material. I remember what DMing for the first time is like and not forcing him too look up ten different references is the least I can do while he learns the ropes.

As for my character. Even if I make a druid. Wolves and dogs are boring companions. Too expected and overdone. Rather take a viper or something cool Like a large bat.