Animal Totem...Smite

[Crothian]

IMC there are Animal Totems, and each one is basically like a feat. First one must determine what totem you have and then use a feat to select it. The abilities granted are usually feats, just with more flavor. One of the characters is going to need Smite for a prestige class she is aiming for. However, the classes that give smite don't fit with what she wants to do. So, I'm thinking opf presenting her with an animal totem that gives her smite. THis way she has the ability she wants, and it fits into the flavor of the game.

So, the final hurdle is: What animal do you feel represents the Smite Ability best??

 

[TheAntiSummit]

I would say cobra, or some other animal with some type of ly poison that could effectivley "smite" something. Find an animal in line with her alignment/goals and then find something close to it with ly venom.

 

[Piratecat]

The scorpion? Smite is a little bit linked thematically to a poisonous tail strike.

 

[Crothian]

I hadn't thought of the venom/sting attack being very smite like, though it actually is. Good suggestions

 

[reapersaurus]

Boy, Smite's tough to characterize an animal with....

Smite implies having a power that is reserved, and then choosing to apply it to someone/thing.
I don't think of a scorpion sting as anything but deadly, and nasty, and that's not a Smite.

I'm not sure, but haven't Gorrilas been known to kind of 'judge' the fate of an individual in their "pack", and then just suddenly (presumably once the decision has been made) just Lay the Smack down on the offender with incredible viciousness?
And then go right back to being sedate and peaceful?

THAT (if my vague recollections are true) seems like a Paladin to ME.

 

[Crothian]

Good point, it actually would fit the character even better. Gorilla's are cool as long as the players don't bring up The Great Grape Ape

 

[Benben]

So, the final hurdle is: What animal do you feel represents the Smite Ability best??

Visually: Rhinocerous

If you view Smite as the judgement aspect of the divine I would suggest:
Owl: Are you familiar with the Movie/Book "I heard the Owl Call My Name."? Owl is often seen as a wise judge.
Crocodile: The eater of corrupted souls was a crocodile in Egyptian myth.
Venemous Creatures: The deadlier the better: tree frogs and snakes.
Crow: As the spirit of retribution.

If you view Smite as an aspect of strength:
Aurochs: The now extinct wild oxen of Europe.
Bear: Classically Strong.
Hippopotamus: Again strong, aggressive and angry.

And a quick googling brought up this: http://www.dreamers-world.com/animal.html

Which might be a good reference for the future.

 

[Kai Lord]

Cool thread. I wouldn't go with a poisonous snake, since venomous snakes actually tend to be more lethal when they're babies since they don't have full venom control, which is the opposite of the Smite mechanic's power progression.

I'd go with alligator or crocodile. A huge power that lies dormant until WHAM it lashes out and snaps the neck of a wildebeast.

 

[Tonguez]

Come on Gotta be:

Eagle - a Swift strike from the Heavens

Lion - Smite = Pounce

Shark - Lunging up from the hidden depths of her soul