View source for Beastheart (3.5e Class)

===Campaign Information===



====Playing a Beastheart====

'''Religion:''' Typically Beasthearts revere nature, if they revere anything divine at all. They are often cast out by society and find homes in druid circles, shamanic tribes, lycanthropic cults or even as idols for witch covens; So it's not surprising they'd follow some of these paths.

'''Other Classes:''' Typically, the more primally-inclined classes, such as barbarian, druid, ranger, totemist and spirit shaman all view Beasthearts with a sense of kindred; And the more uppity, well-educated sorts, such as Wizards, Paladins or Samurai, tend to look down on them in a manner somewhere between pity and disdain. Beyond that, spellcasters on the whole tend to be uneasy around Beasthearts, worrying that the savage brute they just met will rip them apart if they make a wrong move due to their serious arcanophobia issues..

'''Combat:''' Beasthearts are very versatile melee fighters. They tend to flank opponents with their Packmate, taking out foes one at a time. Most of the time they'll team up with the Rogue, giving him flanking bonuses with which to use his Sneak Attack, as well as helping the group's other fighters on the front line. They can also make effective scouts, depending on what skills they choose.

'''Advancement:''' Some Beasthearts take up the mantle of Ranger or Druid once they overcome part of their fear of magic; Others latch onto their anger and become Barbarians. Those that choose to give up their savage upbringing, leaving the wild (and becoming lawful) sometimes find their natural strength works well as a Monk, and thus begin training as one. A Beastheart's skill at hunting and scouting, and their background, also makes them prime candidates for becoming Rogues later in life, perhaps moving to the city and being an outcast in society because everyone tends to view them as savage and worthless. Some of the more spiritual Beasthearts take up the mantle of Totemist after having an encounter with the spirit of the animal(s) they feel most connected to, and those individuals are powerful indeed.



====Beasthearts in the World====

{{quote|Dirty... Animal? You should watch your tongue. Aren't we all just animals who have been fooled into believing we're not?|orig=Temoryn Nighthowl, Wild Elven Beastheart}}


'''Daily Life:''' It varies from individual to individual, but typically they spend their days hiking through the woods, lazing about, or hunting, just like an animal.

'''Notables:''' None to date, though many have been speculated throughout history and legend.

'''Organizations:''' Typically Beasthearts are loners, with the exception of a few Druidic circles and the occasional lycanthrope-worshiping cult. When they do gather, it's because something is threatening their packmates, and they join together into one large Pack to face the danger as one.

'''NPC Reactions:''' Most end up seeing the Beastheart as a savage, uncivilized heathen; Though those with primal backgrounds or connections to nature (Elves, except Wild Elves, tend to disdain their... Unrefined nature), and those who spend a lot of time with animals, tend to look past first impressions.



====Beastheart Lore====

Characters with ranks in Knowledge (Nature) can research Beasthearts to learn more about them.  When a character makes a skill check, read or paraphrase the following, including information from lower DCs.

{| class="zebra d20"
|+ Knowledge (Nature)
! DC || class="left" | Result
|- 
| 5 || class="left" | Stories are often told of people raised by animals, who gained special talents from the beasts that raised them. These days, there's often called Beasthearts.
|- 
| 10 || class="left" | Beasthearts are known for having a deep connection to animals; Few go anywhere without the companionship of a beast they know and trust. They also fight like wild things, eschewing weapons and armor in favor of tearing the opposition limb from limb by hand
|- 
| 15 || class="left" | Something many do not at first realize about Beasthearts is that they are terrified of magic - Indeed, it is the unknown to them, just as it is to their bestial companions. However, eventually they overcome this fear, and indeed fear of anything else as well.
|- 
| 20 || class="left" | Characters who get this result can know the name and location of a specific Beastheart and any item related to them.
|}



====Beasthearts in the Game====

Typically Beasthearts spend their time on the front line, working in tandem with their Packmate to flank and outmaneuver opponents. However, they tend to avoid getting caught up in combat with anyone who wields anything obviously magical (After all, they're scared of magic). While their fear of magic makes them difficult to play - And play alongside, indeed - They're quite powerful once they can overcome that fear a bit, and typically earn quite a bit of respect among the more "civilized" people. 

'''Adaptation:''' While this class was designed very specifically, I suppose there are many ways this could be adapted; Removing the Packmate and related abilities to create a brawler-esque fighter, or it could be refluffed as a rare breed of savage, nature-loving Monk.

'''Sample Encounter:''' As you wander through the woods, you come across a camp, nestled into a large alcove of rough rock. The camp appears to have recently been abandoned - In fact, the fire is still going. As you look around, a large black wolf, mistaken for a bear at first glance, comes around the corner of the alcove, growling, bristling and baring teeth as he slowly comes closer. As you raise your weapons to attack, deep, musical voice behind you speaks: "Who are you, and why are you stomping through my woods like a bunch of lame hill giants?". As you turn around you see see a muscular elf standing before you, arms crossed and a stern glare on his weathered but boyish face.

''EL 9:'' {{:Temoryn Nighthowl (3.5e NPC)}}


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[[Category:3.5e]]
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Article Balance	High +
Author	Zhenra-Khal +
Base Attack Bonus Progression	Good +
Challenge Rating	9 +
Class Ability	Other +
Class Ability Progression	Other +
Fortitude Save Progression	Good +
Identifier	3.5e Class +
Length	20 +
Minimum Level	1 +
Name	Temoryn Nighthowl + and Temoryn's Packmate: Umbra Nighthowl +
Race	Wild Elf + and Wolf +
Rated By	Ghostwheel +
Rating	Rating Pending +
Reflex Save Progression	Good +
Size	Medium + and Large +
Skill	Balance +, Climb +, Control Shape +, Handle Animal +, Heal +, Hide +, Intimidate +, Jump +, Listen +, Move Silently +, Ride +, Search +, Sense Motive +, Spot +, Survival +, Swim + and Tumble +
Skill Points	6 +
Summary	A feral warrior who fights like an animal, alongside an animal. +, A wild elf raised by wolves, taught to fight like a fearsome beast. + and A large black wolf with electric-green eyes. Companion of Temoryn Nighthowl. +
Title	Beastheart +
Type	Humanoid + and Animal +
Will Save Progression	Poor +