"From what I understand those tags define what the companion can do in the fiction. For example, a ranger with a burly, adaptable mountain gorilla could have it block off a narrow passage with its bulk, and perform just as well in chilly environments as its native habitat, while a slender, poisonous, cold-blooded snake would have different uses." - Lirsumis on r/Dungeon World
"Also, the way we played, the Ranger controlled his pet when proactive, but the GM controlled it when the animal was reactive. So the ranger could command him to do anything he believed appropriate, but the GM took over briefly when it was defending/fleeing/whatever." - AdamPalma on r/Dungeon World
You have a supernatural connection with a loyal animal. You can’t talk to it per se but it always acts as you wish it to. Name your animal companion and choose a species:
- Wolf, cougar, bear, eagle, dog, hawk, cat, owl, pigeon, rat, mule
Choose a base:
- Ferocity +2, Cunning +1, 1 Armor, Instinct +1
- Ferocity +2, Cunning +2, 0 Armor, Instinct +1
- Ferocity +1, Cunning +2, 1 Armor, Instinct +1
- Ferocity +3, Cunning +1, 1 Armor, Instinct +2
Choose as many strengths as its ferocity:
- Fast, burly, huge, calm, adaptable, quick reflexes, tireless, camouflage, ferocious, intimidating, keen senses, stealthy
Your animal companion is trained to fight humanoids. Choose as many additional trainings as its cunning:
- Hunt, search, scout, guard, fight monsters, perform, labor, travel
Choose as many weaknesses as its instinct:
- Flighty, savage, slow, broken, frightening, forgetful, stubborn, lame
- good forum discussion on Animal Companions
- see also Animal Companion FAQ