Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="Dannyalcatraz" data-source="post: 4616093" data-attributes="member: 19675">1) For herbalism, emphasize things that came out of its practice in the RW, like alchemy.  They need to be able to make curatives and poisons from natural sources, so the class should probably have Craft (Alchemy), Craft (Herbalism) in addition to these from the Druid list: Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Handle Animal (Cha), Heal (Wis), Knowledge (nature) (Int), Listen (Wis).In addition, they should probably have Brew Potion as a bonus feat at 3rd level.  Perhaps Alchemy, Herbalism, and potion Brewing are just part of a continuous curve for this class...2) Since, in many cultures, the spirits of the dead, nature spirits and the like were often privy to knowledge beyond mortal ken, perhaps their divination spells are linked to and thus limited by the number and nature of spirits in the area.  They may also be more like rituals than quick & speedy spells of other classes- there might not be a True Strike for them (or there might, redefined as aid from a spirit ally).There are great examples of this- check out the Kalevala and Russian mythos- the heroes are often communicating with wind spirits and the like for info.  Heavily animist religions, such as those of the Far East and those of Native Americans do likewise, and include the spirits of the dead as well.  Its not uncommon for heroic mystics to talk to the dead.Another great example of this is the Hadeshorn in the Shannarra books of Terry Brooks.  The Druids of his fiction go there to seek wisdom from the spirits of dead druids.Similarly, in the 1990s, DC Comics' Swamp thing was revealed to be a Plant Elemental, and began communicating with those plant elementals who preceded him in dominance- the Council of Trees.3) In addition to/in place of speaking with spirits, perhaps they speak with animals.  Give them that as a spell-like ability usable at will at 1st level, or with uses limited by Wis bonus.As they gain levels, they can communicate with more remote intellects.  Perhaps "speak with plants" a few level later, then "speak with stones" later still, and then...Elementals?  Dead?This could also tie back in with the whole divination thing, as the Ovate learns info from his natural friends.  Think of the saying "a little bird told me"- it could be literal for the Ovate.  (Perhaps they have an animal companion(s).)4) Might I also suggest watching the original version of The Wicker Man- a nice take on paganism, cycles of life, etc.</blockquote>

Verification