Savagekin



The most primal of druids, savagekin bear an ancient but obscure legacy. Whereas some druids seek to command nature or bond with it, the savagekin surrenders himself to the natural world, abandoning much of his humanity to live with the beasts. Those who adopt this role may find they pay a steep price for power.

Savagekin are druids who spend most of their time in animal form. They travel in packs with their fellow beasts. As animals they gain strength and finesse, but come close to becoming irreversibly feral. Savagekin constantly battle the inner beasts that threaten to consume them, clinging to their last vestiges of sentience.

Half-elves, who straddle the world between human and elf, and night elves are the most common savagekin, though hermitic humans who wish to be closer to the animal world occasionally adopt this class. Most people think of savagekin only as "druids who've gone feral." Savagekin hate species that practice cruelty toward animals (particularly ogres, though some humans and orcs qualify), and usually adventure solely to hunt them down and kill them.

The savagekin may remain in animal form indefinitely. In addition, returning to his natural (humanoid) form is difficult; savagekin enjoy their wild shapes and prefer remaining in animal form. The savagekin may speak with animals at will, while in wild shape. While in animal form, the savagekin may fly into a rage. A savagekin can invoke the power of tooth and claw. When in animal form, the savagekin’s natural weapons sharpen and his hide toughens. The savagekin can draw upon the feral forces of nature to increase his physical abilities. The savagekin may adopt the shape of her animal companion, if he has one. The savagekin may use wild shape to assume the shape of any animal with which she is familiar.