In the Players Handbook I noticed Giant Insect spell. I was interested in Spider and Scorpion (I will further mention only the Scorpion), since they can be Beastmaster's pets. It looks like interesting function, but in this case intersect two very unique texts (Giant Insect spell and Ranger's Companion skill), both of which override rules of pets turn and I don't understand how scorpion will eventually act.
Giant Insect
[...]
You transform up to [...] one scorpion within range into giant versions of their natural forms for the duration. [...] a scorpion becomes a giant scorpion.
Each creature obeys your verbal commands, and in combat, they act on your turn each round. The GM has the statistics for these creatures and resolves their actions and movement.
[...]
Ranger's Companion
At 3rd level, you gain a beast companion that accompanies you on your adventures and is trained to fight alongside you. Choose a beast that is no larger than Medium and that has a challenge rating of 1/4 or lower [...].
The beast obeys your commands as best as it can. It takes its turn on your initiative. On your turn, you can verbally command the beast where to move (no action required by you). You can use your action to verbally command it to take the Attack, Dash, Disengage, or Help action. If you don’t issue a command, the beast takes the Dodge action. [...]
What exactly happens if you cast a Giant Insect spell on your Ranger's Companion scorpion? How does he turn?
Im correct that the transorm form isn't "true form" of creature, and the Giant Scorpion still remains Ranger's Companion with all rules and bonuses? In fact, the Scorpion only has replaced Statistics and all other buffs/effects remain?
Logic suggests that the word act is explained here:
...and resolves their actions and movement
But the term itself is very confusing. I do understand correctly that the word "act" in context means "actions", "bonus actions" and "move" together? Or this term completely free for DM interpretations?
Ranger's Companion text and the Giant Insect text contain a unique override rules of acting. These rules are override or mashup with each other? In case of override, then Giant Insect begins to follow the rules of the Ranger's Companion, or vice verse?
Correct my interpretation if I'm wrong. Rules do not contradict each other, and hence mash up. The companion gains the same initiative as the player (Ranger's Companion), but acts on the player's turn (Giant Insect). Both the spell and the companion rules allow me to control the Giant Scorpion, but in case of spell the commands could be interpreted by GM, and now GM's jurisdiction is limited to the need to accurately execute my commands. However, now the Giant Scorpion can not perform any actions except Dodge if I don't order command with my action.
Since the wording of independent mount is almost similar to Ranger's Companion (for turn), I would like to mention it here. Thus we also get independent mounted Giant Scorpion with ALL its actions, but acting on OUR turn with OUR commands.